The Lace-Makers

Near a lace-weaver, lived
A man who made silver and gold galloons.
"Now, who would have believed,
Neighbor," said he, "that, even for more doubloons,
Three yards of your light lace are sold
Than ten of mine, though wrought in heavy gold!"

"That my articles exceed
In value, sir, so very much your own,
Is not strange; although, indeed,
You work in gold, and I in thread alone.
For skill is known to all
To be of greater worth than raw material."

* * * * *

Let those, at style who sneer,
And, to regard the matter only, condescend,
Note that--as here
A simple thread doth precious gold transcend--
So elegance and finish give
That form to thought, by which great works shall live.