I never told the buried gold
Upon the hill — that lies —
I saw the sun — his plunder done
Crouch low to guard his prize.
He stood as near
As stood you here —
A pace had been between —
Did but a snake bisect the brake
My life had forfeit been.
That was a wondrous booty —
I hope 'twas honest gained.
Those were the fairest ingots
That ever kissed the spade!
Whether to keep the secret —
Whether to reveal —
Whether as I ponder
Kidd will sudden sail —
Could a shrewd advise me
We might e'en divide —
Should a shrewd betray me —
Atropos decide!
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