Classic Poem

Quoth Saadi, when I stood before
Hassan the camel-driver's door,
I scorned the fame of Timour brave, —
Timour to Hassan was a slave.
In every glance of Hassan's eye
I read great years of victory;
And I, who cower mean and small
In the frequent interval
When Wisdom not with me resides,
Worship toil's wisdom that abides;
I shunned his eye, — the faithful man's,
I shunned the toiling Hassan's glance.