THE TALE OF THE HUMBLE SMITHY TO CALIPH HARUM AL RAS-HID as he told his son

          
                                i

     "Yes, for a lowly slave much daner lies
     In any act that others find too bold
     And certain death awaits the one who tries
     To find the famous hidden caves of old.
     Yet one had dreamt of secrets never told
     And of gem the color of the skies.
     Soon he escaped in stolen garments old
     To journey safely in another's uise.
     Though never seen before the path he knew
     And when within the cave the stone he spied
     He watched as every artful image rew.
     No fear he felt. He knew no dream hadlied.
     He took the gem. This was his only thought"
     'Without a means how is a vision caught?'


                                ii

     "So with this stone a perfect ring he made
     With flawless ease as if it had been planned
     And chance was there had trembling hands betrayed
     His gift to grace the Sultan's mighty hand.
     Wise Sultan made him smithy of his land.
     But first an answer from the man he bade.
     'Though this seems new, it bears and an ancient brand.
     How did it come to you, by theft or trade?'
     'Lord, in a desert pool I saw it glow
     And  as I looked I dreamt a vision true
     Of how your father lost it long ago.
     I knew I must return this ring to you.'
     So son, think not of glory,  love, or grief.
     An artist is a liar and a thief."
 

Reviews

[Sean Thomas]

Indeed, the artist can tell the most epic lie and pull the sharpest con - great pose and resolve in the second one.