That Solomon grew wise

While talking with his queens.

Yet never could, although

They say he counted grass,

Count all the praises due

[42]

When Sheba was his lass,

When she the iron wrought, or

When from the smithy fire

It shuddered in the water:

Harshness of their desire

That made them stretch and yawn,

Pleasure that comes with sleep,

Shudder that made them one.

What else He give or keep

God grant me—no, not here,

For I am not so bold

To hope a thing so dear

Now I am growing old,

But when if the tale's true

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