THE strange intelligence then reached my ears 
That in the land of Egypt lived a man, 
Who, wise of wit, subjected to his scan 
The dark occurrences of uncome years; 
He judged the stars, and by the moving spheres 
And aspects of the heavens unveiled the dim 
Face of futurity, which then to him 
Appeared, as clear to us the past appears. 
A yearning towards this sage inspired my pen 
And tongue, that instant, with humility 
Descending from my height of majesty; 
Such mastery has a strong desire o'er men; 
My earnest prayers I wrote -- I sent -- with ten 
My noblest envoys, loaded each apart 
With gold and silver, which with all my heart 
I offered him, but the request was vain. 
With much politeness the wise man replied, 
"You, sire, are a great king, and I should be 
Most glad to serve you, but in such a fee 
Of gold and silver gems I take no sort of pride; 
Deign, then, yourself to use them; I abide 
Content in more abundant wealth; and may 
Your treasures profit you in every way 
That I can wish, your servant." I complied; 
But sent the stateliest of my argosies, 
Which reached, and from the Alexandrian port 
Brought safe this cunning master to my court, 
Who greeted me with all kind courtesies; 
I knowing well his great abilities, 
And learning in the movement of the spheres, 
Have highly honored him these many years, 
For honor is the birthright of the wise.