I was known in old Time; and yet, strange to [relate],

’Tis a very few years from my very first [state].

When I travel—’tis seldom—my Way you may trace;

Yet I’m constantly secretly changing my Place;

I’m weak, and I’m wise; I have Praise and have Blame;

Yet at all times my Value and Worth is the same.

I Nobles create; and yet any of these

May consume and abuse me as much as they please.

Though I Millions command, yet the Poorest may gain

And possess me awhile, though they seldom retain. 10 

Tho’ I’ve Equals ten thousand, all over the Land,

Yet One Crown I possess and have four at Command.

One part of my Character All Men may read, }

And that only from such Contradictions is freed: }

Who counterfeits me, stakes his Life on the Deed. }