In Preface to the Lyrical Ballads, William Wordsworth explains the importance of showing marginal figures; such as, older people, children and social outcasts in what he refers to as, "incidences and situations from common life" (241). In both Simon Lee and The Beggar's Petition the authors fulfill the requirements of the humanitarian poem through the focus on a solitary character in arousing sympathy for both Simon Lee and the beggar. While Wordsworth's plea for sympathy is similarly displayed in The Beggar's Petition, his approach to morality mocks the stand taken by the author in The Beggar's Petition. Wordsworth's Simon Lee graphically illustrates the principles of the humanitarian poem which are also just as evident in The Beggar's Petition.
In The Beggar's Petition the author follows the requirements of the humanitarian poem by illustrating how assisting another human being will free you from suffering in life. He uses repetition when his last line states; "Oh, give relief, and Heav"n will bless your store!" which is also the opener to his poem; this usage evokes pity from the reader. With this he believes that ultimately when you extend a hand to someone your life will be forever enriched and it releases you from further obligation to the rest of humanity. "Pity the sorrows of a poor old man- this quote serves as the first line and is later repeated as well at the end to give emphasis to the importance of "sheltering" one man from his "misfortunes" in order to ensure immunity for yourself. .
