Now, when the readers of the book had brought
The stories into vogue, all hearts were caught,
At least among the men of parts and thought.

A brilliant youth well skilled in poetry
Arose, of ardent mind and eloquent;
“I will retell these tales in verse,” said he,
And every one rejoiced at his intent;
But vicious habits were his friends, though we
Should hold all vices foes that we should dread,
And death, approaching unexpectedly,
Imposed its gloomy helmet on his head.
He gave his life to vice, and earth ne'er gave
Him true enjoyment for a single day
While fortune quickly turned its face away:
He perished by the hand of his own slave.
Departing thus he left those tales of yore
Untold; their wakened fortune slept once more.
O God! forgive his faults, and in Thy grace
Assign him at the last an honoured place.