I'll trade my honor for wealth, said Kim,
For gold will buy me more.
But thieves have stolen it all from him,
Kim lives dishonored and poor.

I'll trade my honor for fame, said Jing,
And all shall know my name.
But worldly fame is a passsing thing,
Jing lives in dishonor and shame.

I'll trade my honor for power, said Yen,
High office shall I seek.
But that which rises must fall again,
Yen lives dishonored and weak.

My honor is not for sale, said Lee,
For power or wealth beside.
And none can take my honor from me.
Lee lives in honor and pride.

So thing ye well when ye look to sell
Or give your honor in trade.
For no prize on Earth stands at half the worth
Of a price in dishonor paid.