Upon the temple dome Of Solomon the wise There paused, returning home, A pair of butterflies. He did the quite blasÉ (Did it rather badly), Wherefore—need I say?— She adored him madly. Enthusiasm she Did not attempt to curb: “Goodness gracious me! Is n’t this superb!” He vouchsafed a smile To indulge her whimsy, Surveyed the lofty pile, And drawled, “Not bad—but flimsy! “Appearances, though fine, Lead to false deduction; This temple, I opine, Is shaky in construction. “Think of it, my dear. All this glittering show Would crumble—disappear— Should I but stamp my toe! “If I should stamp—like this—” His wife cried, “Heavens! don’t!” He answered, with a kiss, “Very well; I won’t.” Now, every blessed word Said by these butterflies, It chanced, was overheard By Solomon the wise. He called in angry tone, And bade a Djinn to hie And summon to his throne That boastful butterfly. The butterfly flew down Upon reluctant wing. Cried Solomon, with a frown, “How dared you say this thing? “How dared you, fly, invent Such blasphemy as this is?” “Oh, king, I only meant To terrify the missis.” The insect was so scared The king could scarce restrain A smile. “Begone! you’re spared; But don’t do it again!” He called in angry tone, And bade a Djinn to hie And summon to his throne That boastful butterfly. The butterfly flew down Upon reluctant wing. Cried Solomon, with a frown, “How dared you say this thing? “How dared you, fly, invent Such blasphemy as this is?” “Oh, king, I only meant To terrify the missis.” The insect was so scared The king could scarce restrain A smile. “Begone! you’re spared; But don’t do it again!” So spake King Solomon. The butterflew away. His wife to meet him ran: “Oh, dear, what did he say?” The butterfly had here A chance to shine, and knew it. Said he: “The king, my dear, Implored me not to do it!” |
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