Classic Poem

When Suleiman the Glorious was judge of them that sinned
The frail Mosquitoes brought to him a charge against the Wind;

" O mighty King! whene'er we hold our harmless dance, " said they,
" The Wind comes down from Scanderoon and sweeps us all away! "

Then Suleiman the Glorious gave word to sky and sea:
" Oh, bid the gipsy Wind appear to controvert the plea! "

Across the hills, across the waves, across the deserts blown,
The Wind came down from Scanderoon to plead before the throne.

The Wind came down from Scanderoon and bent the cedar mast;
The frail Mosquitoes whirled away like chaff upon the blast.

Again they strove to urge their suit before the palace bar;
Again the band, like thistledown, was scattered wide and far.

But yet again to Suleiman they plied the gauzy wing:
" Behold! " the spiteful chorus jeered, " the justice of the King! "

" The King of Men protects by craft the Wind who grieves us sore;
The Sons of Men shall pay the fine — and pay it o'er and o'er! "

And since that long-remembered day, the shrewd, revengeful clan
With treble shrill and poisoned bill have wreaked their wrath on Man.