Towering mauves
Darkly lowering,
Dawn mist curling
O'er dew cobbled streets.
A tower bell peeling
Lazy mule kneeling,
A flatulent grunt
Marks Trader's repose.

Liquor soaked breath
A taint in the air,
Journey's a'beckoning -
A scramble for wares.
"Get to the bank clerk,
Visit the guild.
Time's a'wastin',
I've coffers to fill!"

Glint in his eye
Belies the great girth,
Merrily waddling
And clutching his purse.
The journey is torment
The sweat and the heat,
Trinkets all jingling
There's clients to meet!