Aladdin

When I was a beggarly boy,

And lived in a cellar damp,

I had not a friend nor a toy

But I had Aladdin's lamp.

When I could not sleep for the cold,

I had fire enough in my brain,

And builded with roofs of gold,

My beautiful castles in Spain!

Since then I have toiled day and night,

I have money and power good store,

But I 'd give all my lamps of silver bright

For the one that is mine no more.

Take, Fortune, whatever you choose,

You gave and may snatch again,

I have nothing 't would pain me to lose,

For I own no more castles in Spain!

—James Russell Lowell.