Division of Property
Some sailors were starving at sea
On a raft where they happened to be,
When one of the crew
Who was hidden from view
Was found to be feasting most free.
Then they cursed him in language profane,
Because there on the pitiless main
While the others did starve,
He could ladle and carve,
Eating food which they could not obtain.
“But,” said he, “’tis my own little store!
To feed all of you would take more!
If I shared, ’twould be found
That it would not go round;
And you all would starve on as before!
“It would only prolong your distress
To distribute this one little mess!
The supply is so small
I had best eat it all,
For me it will comfort and bless!”
This reasoning sounded most fair,
But the men had large appetites there,
And while he explained
They ate all that remained,
Forgetting to leave out his share!