Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/143

The Mussulman chief had the duke, at that time,
As already was said, he was in his youth's prime;
Since he seemed to be strong, muleteer he was made,
And soon he was highly improved by that trade.
His nerves, which by sloth and by ease weak were grown,
Inured to hard labor, acquired a new tone;
His sloth, by adversity taught, he subdued,
And valor in him sprung from mean servitude.
Valor, when without power, makes the state of man worse,
His impotence then is the heavier curse.
Abdallah to pleasure began to resign
His soul, and in spite of his prophet drank wine.
The court and townladies, all prone to adore him,
Were by the black eunuch each night brought before him;
By beauties attended he prepares for repose,
And she's happy to whom he the handkerchief throws.
Whilst the chief led a life of unceasing delight,
Whilst joy winged each hour, and love triumphed at night,
In the stable much hardship and woe the prince bore,
Those his comrades were now who were subjects before.
His mules all his care and attention required,
He combed them each day till his hands were quite tired.
His woe to complete, and to make him quite rave,
He beheld fair Amida led by the black slave