IN Babylon, some ages since, Death took, one day, the reigning Prince; And so, 't is needless to be said, The heir-apparent reigned instead. (For then as now it was the law, "Le roi est mort!" -- so "Vive le roi!" In the same breath the courtiers sing, "The King is dead!" -- "Long live the King!") The son, on looking round to find What wealth the sire had left behind, With other riches -- more indeed Then e'en a king could fairly need -- A secret chest discovered, where His sordid sire, with anxious care, His golden gains had safely stored, Till now it reached a mighty hoard. "Great God!" he cried, "O, may I spend This ample treasure thou dost lend In charity, and may I live Till not a coin remains to give!" The Vizier, smiling, said, "Good Sire, Your noble aim I much admire; But list, your Majesty, I pray, To what I heard your father say, While gazing on this very chest, Then scarce a quarter full, at best: 'O gracious God! be it thy will,' He cried, 'that I may live to fill This coffer full! Grant, I implore, This one request, -- I ask no more!'" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A REQUIEM FOR SOLDIERS LOST IN OCEAN TRANSPORTS by HERMAN MELVILLE THE DIRGE [FOR FIDELE], FR. CYMBELINE by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE YOUTH WITH RED-GOLD HAIR by EDITH SITWELL THREE SONGS OF LOVE (CHINESE FASHION): 1. THE MANDARIN SPEAKS by WILLIAM A. BEATTY TO THE MOONFLOWER by CRAVEN LANGSTROTH BETTS |