Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/139



the bright God of Day, in the course of his race, In Aquarius resides with a sorrowful face, Since tempests so loudly on our high mountains blow, And our meadows are all covered over with snow, By the fire I'll a new story tell in new style, Amusements the time that hangs heavy beguile. I am old, I must own it, and will therefore descend To the pleasures of children, since near my life's end. A prince erst reigned at Beneventum, 'tis said, Quite mad with his power, and in luxury bred, To knowledge a stranger, and not ill-educated, By his neighbors despised, by his own subjects hated. This small state to govern two arch-knaves combined, They exerted themselves their young master to blind ; In this project they were by his confessor aided, They by turns succeeded, he by all was persuaded That his talents, his virtues, and his great reputation, Could insure perfect bliss to the mightiest nation; That when once their duke had to manhood attained, He was dreaded and loved, and in all men's hearts reigned: