La Limosna

At the door of a palace, a poor child begged
I'm hungry, I'm cold, have mercy on me
It was August, harsh winter, and the rain was drilling
Into his weak little body that was the flesh of orphanhood

That night there was a party and rich men were arriving
With very beautiful women to the splendid feast
And they selfishly passed by without looking at the poor boy
Who was an angel in rags, who was a blond cherub

He nibbled on a piece of hard bread bitterly
Repeating sadly, give me a nickel please
And the music played with strident chords
Like a whip reaching the soul of the child

Then another beggar passed by, an experienced beggar
An old man who knew how to ask and upon seeing the boy
His conscience was moved and with a hoarse voice he was heard saying
Never ask for alms where there are parties and joy

For people who are happy know nothing of pain
In the sad cemeteries and also in the churches
There is always a good soul and a pious heart
Tonight is for men and that's why I advise you

To leave this door where they will give you nothing
Take, son, this alms that the rich deny you today
Take, son, these coins that will be enough for bread