It can mean 'whatever', but really I think its main purpose is solely as a filler word to rhyme with the last word of the next line ('bring') Prince or pauper, beggar man or thing Play the game with ev'ry flower you bring

@Candice: Thanx!

I think it stands for etc.(etcetera) -used at the end of a list to indicate that further, similar items are included. For example, Prince, pauper, beggar man or ( whatever type of class you are in, rich, poor or middle class).