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