'Twas only an earthen pitcher
She brought, with a cooling draft;
'Twas cracked in a dozen places,
And many who saw it laughed.
The little one's sweet lips quivered,
And her smiling eyes grew sad:
"You wanted a drink of water,
And this pitcher is all I had.
"It wasn't the pitcher you asked for,
And the water is good and cold;
Please, can't you forget the pitcher
Is ugly and cracked and old?
And please, if you'll taste the water, —
It came from a living spring;
It hasn't been long in the pitcher,
'Tis the very best I could bring."
The king bent low from his saddle
And said, as he deeply quaffed:
"Than this, I have never tasted
A more refreshing draft."
