Just for Fun
In P. C. Wren’s adventure story “Beau Sabreur” two Americans have risen to
be Emir/Sheikh and Vizier of an Arab tribe in the Sahara. They are discussing
the possible marriage of a friend;
“Don’t stop, Son,” said the Emir. It’s almost
po’try too…I can lend you a bit….Hark:
“ ‘White hands cling where
your wool is thickest:
He
rideth the fastest who rideth the quickest…’”
“Where you get that from, Hank Sheik?”
asked the Vizier suspiciously.
“ ‘Tain’t Q’ran, is it? Sounds more like Shakespeare to
me.”
“No, Son, you’re wrong for once. Bret Harte or
Chaucer…. I had to say it at school. There’s a lot more:
“’Fallin’ down to Gehennum or off of a throne,
He falleth the hardest who falleth alone.’”
“Well, I allow he would”, commented the Vizier. “Because if he
weren’t alone and fell on the other guy, he’d fall softer…..” he
added.
“You’re right, Bud, as usual,” admitted the
Emir. My mistake. I oughta said:
“’Climbin’ down to Gehennum or up on a throne,
He goes by himself who goeth alone!’
“Yes, that’s the poem – and, as I said, it’s by Josh Billings or a
Wop named Dante….I forget …. They did tell me at school when I had to learn
it.”
i hope it amuses you.
- Philip Holberton