Josephine Preston Peabody

The Beggar-Man

He only looked like a Beggar-man,
  As ragged, just, as any.
But he might have been an Angel, too.
  So I gave him my penny.

I waited, till I thought I saw
  Him shining through. And when he
Held out his hand, I watched for what
  Would happen to my penny.

He might have been an Angel, too!
  But I know he wasn't any.
For he frowned at me, like that, you see,
  When it wasn't but One penny.

And now that's gone; and I don't care.
  I'd rather not have any,
Than keep it, if an Angel came
  And asked me for my penny.