SULTAN. SINCE you turned Dervish, long ago, By true report your life I know, And high advance in wisdom's lore; And much, believe me, I deplore The day I lost -- by envious Fate -- My good Prime Minister of State. DERVISH. Thanks! gracious Sire! the life I live Has more of peace than power can give; Here, in my cloister, I have learned Contempt of rank; and all I earned Of power and pelf in your employ Would poorly stead my present joy. SULTAN. No doubt! -- and as for power and pelf, I'd like a quiet life myself; And yet your wisdom I would fain Employ to serve my realm again; The truly wise are truly great, And such, alone, should rule the state. DERVISH. 'T is true, your Majesty; and yet, I would not pay the hateful debt: You call me wise; well -- be it so; But being wise, I must forego An office which (am I too bold?) A wise man would not choose to hold! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS COUNTESS LAURA by GEORGE HENRY BOKER A PRAISE OF HIS LOVE by HENRY HOWARD HALSTED STREET CAR by CARL SANDBURG THE POET'S SONG by ALFRED TENNYSON A RECEIPT FOR WRITING A NOVEL by MARY (CUMBERLAND) ALCOCK MONODY ON THE DEATH OF WENDELL PHILLIPS by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |