Classic Poem

One summer night, descending through the air,
A host of friendly fairies swiftly crept
From argent clouds and moonbeams, unto where
The child Napoleon in his cradle slept.

They gazed upon the infant's brow serene,
Bathed in soft light, unconscious, calm and grave,
Kissed the closed eyes that yet no pain had seen,
And smiling at his grace, their presents gave.

The first, who read the future's secrets, kneeled,
And in a murmurous tone, thus briefly spake:
" I give the Vator in the camp and field,
Prime of those gifts which gods and heroes make! "

The second said: " By every fairy vow,
I, with kind thoughts intent, and love for thee,
Thy budding youth and manhood do endow
With wondrous Beauty, such as few may see! "

The third approached: " Thou shalt no rival know,
Unto the sword my sister gave, the Pen
I add, and for this transient life below,
I give thee Wisdom, above many men! "

" And I, " with winning voice thus spake the fourth,
" Bequeath to thee of years an envied length,
And in thy mind and body, calm or wroth,
I give thee powerful Will, enduring Strength! "

The dawn was breaking, and the sylph-like host,
Smoothed its white wings to seek the way it came,
When, like a pale and sin-unhallowed ghost,
An uninvited fairy called her name!

" I, too, have gifts, " she hissed, and touched the child,
" A rich, rare gift, and for its sake I come,
For on the brows that ye leave undefiled,
I place the awful crown of Martyrdom ! "