It was given to me by the Gods－1
When I was a little Girl－
They given us Presents most－you know－
When we are new－and small.
I kept it in my Hand－5
I never put it down－
I did not dare to eat－or sleep－
For fear it would be gone－
I heard such words as "Rich"－9
When hurrying to school－
From lips at Corners of the Streets－
And wrestled with a smile.
Rich! 'Twas Myself－was rich－13
To take the name of Gold－
And Gold to own－in solid Bars－
The Difference－made me bold－
When I was a little Girl－
They given us Presents most－you know－
When we are new－and small.
I kept it in my Hand－5
I never put it down－
I did not dare to eat－or sleep－
For fear it would be gone－
I heard such words as "Rich"－9
When hurrying to school－
From lips at Corners of the Streets－
And wrestled with a smile.
Rich! 'Twas Myself－was rich－13
To take the name of Gold－
And Gold to own－in solid Bars－
The Difference－made me bold－
(F.455/J.454)
[1] It was given:: time was given.
[1, 3] Gods, Presents:: gifts from the gods, talents.
[4] new and small:: fresh and little occupied.
[5] Hand:: writing.
[6] never put it down:: talents within oneself.
[7] eat:: to ravage, devastate (OED 8a, 1594, 1863). sleep:: to be careless, inattentive.
[9–12] Rich, Street:: her dressing as from a rich family.
[13] Myself, rich:: her rich talents.
[14] name of Gold:: fame.