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Alexander & Diogenes


by XXXX


Alexander, Macedonian Boy-King,
having arrived at conquered Corinth, said:
"I would like to meet that famous madman
this land of wisdom-loving fools has bred."

They met him in the market at high noon
lying in a barrel, dirty and bare.
The Boy-King said: "Stray dog! What is your wish?"
and the philosopher spoke in despair:

     "You do me honor, sire!
     I do indeed have but one.
     Kindly step to the left.
     You are blocking my sun."

In awe at the wisdom
this vegabond possessed,
To Aristotle, his tutor, 
he thus boldly confessed:

     "If I could be
     anyone but me
     I'd rather be
     Diogenes--

     Never to tire
     of lust or desire,
     fearing neither hellfire
     nor the seas."
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