THE TREASURY

by: Alfonso X (1221-1284)

HE strange intelligence then reached my ears

That in the land of Egypt lived a man,

Who, wise of wit, subjected to his scan

The dark occurrences of uncome years;

He judged the stars, and by the moving spheres

And aspects of the heavens unveiled the dim

Face of futurity, which then to him

Appeared, as clear to us the past appears.

A yearning towards this sage inspired my pen

And tongue, that instant, with humility

Descending from my height of majesty;

Such mastery has a strong desire o'er men;

My earnest prayers I wrote -- I sent -- with ten

My noblest envoys, loaded each apart

With gold and silver, which with all my heart

I offered him, but the request was vain.

With much politeness the wise man replied,

"You, sire, are a great king, and I should be

Most glad to serve you, but in such a fee

Of gold and silver gems I take no sort of pride;

Deign, then, yourself to use them; I abide

Content in more abundant wealth; and may

Your treasures profit you in every way

That I can wish, your servant." I complied;

But sent the stateliest of my argosies,

Which reached, and from the Alexandrian port

Brought safe this cunning master to my court,

Who greeted me with all kind courtesies;

I knowing well his great abilities,

And learning in the movement of the spheres,

Have highly honored him these many years,

For honor is the birthright of the wise.