II. TOLL-GATE

The sign read:

“Paupers may pass untaxed,

The Rich shall pay a penny,

The Poor

Must give all they possess.”

She emptied her pockets bravely and passed through...

They gave her a golden coin in return for her silver,

Bearing on one side the head of a king,

And on the other a worn inscription

Curved like a wreath

And written in a tongue she did not know.