'Signor Luigi,' said the Jew, <br />When the Sicilian's tale was told, <br />'The were-wolf is a legend old, <br />But the were-ass is something new, <br />And yet for one I think it true. <br />The days of wonder have not ceased; <br />If there are beasts in forms of men, <br />As sure it happens now and then, <br />Why may not man become a beast, <br />In way of punishment at least? <br />'But this I will not now discuss, <br />I leave the theme, that we may thus <br />Remain within the realm of song. <br />The story that I told before, <br />Though not acceptable to all, <br />At least you did not find too long. <br />I beg you, let me try again, <br />With something in a different vein, <br />Before you bid the curtain fall. <br />Meanwhile keep watch upon the door, <br />Nor let the Landlord leave his chair, <br />Lest he should vanish into air, <br />And so elude our search once more. <br />Thus saying, from his lips he blew <br />A little cloud of perfumed breath, <br />And then, as if it were a clew <br />To lead his footsteps safely through, <br />Began his tale as followeth.<br /><br />Henry Wadsworth Longfellow<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tales-of-a-wayside-inn-part-3-interlude-v/
