| |
| “SIGNOR LUIGI,” said the Jew, | |
| When the Sicilian’s tale was told, | |
| “The were-wolf is a legend old, | |
| But the were-ass is something new, | |
| And yet for one I think it true. | 5 |
| The days of wonder have not ceased; | |
| If there are beasts in forms of men, | |
| As sure it happens now and then, | |
| Why may not man become a beast, | |
| In way of punishment at least? | 10 |
| |
| “But this I will not now discuss; | |
| I leave the theme, that we may thus | |
| Remain within the realm of song. | |
| The story that I told before, | |
| Though not acceptable to all, | 15 |
| At least you did not find too long. | |
| I beg you, let me try again, | |
| With something in a different vein, | |
| Before you bid the curtain fall. | |
| Meanwhile keep watch upon the door, | 20 |
| Nor let the Landlord leave his chair, | |
| Lest he should vanish into air, | |
| And so elude our search once more.” | |
| |
| Thus saying, from his lips he blew | |
| A little cloud of perfumed breath, | 25 |
| And then, as if it were a clew | |
| To lead his footsteps safely through, | |
| Began his tale as followeth. | |
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