Classic Poem

No common household serf, no purchased slave,
But worthy Melior's pure love was he,
Long ere he knew the boon his patron gave
In just reward, already he was free,
For who so good and dear, so fair to see,
Dowered with a beauty that a God might wear?
If aught be priceless, short its life must be;
May naught thou lovest be over dear or fair!