A prince am I of ancestry renowned,Illustrious name my royal sire hath found.When Sirius d
id in spring its light display,A child was born, and Tiger marked the day.When first upon
my face my lord's eye glanced,For me auspicious names he straight advanced,Denoting that i
n me Heaven's marks divineShould with the virtues of the earth combine.With lavished innat
e qualities indued,By art and skill my talents I renewed;Angelic herbs and sweet selineas
too,And orchids late that by the water grew,I wove for ornament; till creeping Time,Like w
ater flowing, stole away my prime.Magnolias of the glade I plucked at dawn,At eve beside t
he stream took winter-thorn.Without delay the sun and moon sped fast,In swift succession s
pring and autumn passed;The fallen flowers lay scattered on the ground,The dusk might fall
before my dream was found.Had I not loved my prime and spurned the vile,Why should I not
have changed my former style?My chariot drawn by steeds of race divineI urged; to guide th
e king my sole design.Three ancient kings there were so pure and trueThat round them every
fragrant flower grew;Cassia and pepper of the mountain-sideWith melilotus white in cluste
rs vied.Two monarchs then, who high renown received,Followed the kingly way, their goal ac
hieved.Two princes proud by lust their reign abused,Sought easier path, and their own step
s confused.The faction for illict pleasure longed;Dreadful their way where hidden perils t
hronged.Danger against myself could not appal,But feared I lest my sovereign's sceptre fal
l.Forward and back I hastened in my quest,Followed the former kings, and took no rest.The
prince my true integrity defamed,Gave ear to slander, high his anger flamed;Integrity I kn
ew could not avail,Yet still endured; my lord I would not fail.Celestial spheres my witnes
s be on high,I strove but for his sacred majesty.Twas first to me he gave his plighted wor
d,But soon repenting other counsel heard.