When dawn's first cymbals¹ beat upon the sky, Rousing the world to labour's various cry, To tend the flock, to bind² the mellowing³ grain, From ardent⁴ toil⁵ to forge a little gain, And fasting men go forth⁶ on hurrying feet, BUY BREAD, BUY BREAD, rings down the eager street.

    When the earth falters⁷ and the waters swoon With the implacable radiance of noon, And in dim shelters koils hush⁸ their notes, And the faint, thirsting blood in languid throats Craves⁹ liquid succour from the cruel heat, BUY FRUIT, BUY FRUIT, steals down the panting street.

    When twilight¹⁰ twinkling o'er the gay bazaars¹¹, Unfurls a sudden canopy¹² of stars, When lutes are strung and fragrant¹³ torches lit On white roof-terraces where lovers sit Drinking together of life's poignant¹⁴ sweet, BUY FLOWERS, BUY FLOWERS, floats down the singing street.