It chanced upon a winter’s night, Safe sheltered from the weather,
The board was spread for only one, yet four men dined together.
There sat the man I meant to be In glory spurred and booted.
And close beside him to the right The Man I am reputed.
The Man I thought myself to be his seat was occupying,
Hard by the man I really am who to hold his own was trying.

And all beneath one roof we met, yet none called his fellow brother,
No sign of recognition passed … They knew not one another.