1. O questioner about our prince,
Listen to the rhymed news:

2. I rode, though I had not breakfasted,
To the prince, as was fated.

3. He called for food, so his servant came
With a chick grown green from age.

4. It had been roasted, but had stayed
Till it turned green from long delay.

5. Its joints quarrelled. "Fetch him cheese!"
Came the order, "well peppered!"

6. So they brought it on a tray
Big enough for Kisra or Caesar.

7. No bigger than a sparrow's kneecap -
Or so I thought; I think the cheese was smaller!

8. Thanks be to God who made
Generosity the best merchandise.