1. A clever, poetic soul, a writer free
Yet arrogant with knowledge, grace's hubris be

2. Among brethren he would act so proud and mean
Nor would his wandering and pride diminish or demean

3. Yet glory was his advocate, indeed
And signs of patience brethren saw in his every deed

4. If shunned but for an hour, their love for him would thrive
Returning with excuses, their bond revived

5. If left, independent of his friendship ties
His cloying ways would earn him apt reprise

6. Believing no peer on earth compared to him
None but his name earned any fame or whim

7. Till his conceit made him deride his father in jest
Mocking his ignorance, propriety he transgressed

8. Lording opinions, commanding, all control
In their home, his word was law by vote and poll

9. Not satisfied, ambitious, hoping still
For journeys to lift him higher up the hill

10. "I've tried", said he "Egypt and all its folk
Yet nothing here has pleased me in its scope"

11. "To Paris now I yearn, perhaps to gain
Comfort unfound here for all the age's pain"

12. His father replied "Have I not, my son
Given you enough, whence this urge to run?

13. If chasing glory, then provision yourself
With money and goods to achieve your wealth"

14. "If you refuse funds, we shall separate
And enmity between us cultivate"

15. His father sold some land, opposed at heart
Grief choking him, blessings torn apart

16. "Go now", he said "with my curse upon your head"
"Farewell", said he "crud old man" and fled

17. His father called "I hope you fail to find
What lures you so, false hope makes blind"

18. The boy walked on, his rival's town ahead
Dawn had arrived, he rushed with harried tread

19. A holiday prayer was held, he hurried in
Nomad and settled folk to begin

20. A preacher spewed myths, the boy showed his pique
"Silence! This nonsense is blasphemy"

21. Mistaken for a judge, he was admired
Forgetting his foe, he retired

22. The people's preacher was his enemy in disguise
Loth to ruin his chance, the favor he denies

23. "People!", he cried "will you not contest
My Uncle's lies? The truth manifests!"

24. "If you will hear our arguments unfold
No boon I ask if I him best and scold"

25. With filthy clay his rival appeared
"Respond if you desire, acclaim guaranteed"

26. "Matter or illusion? Which might you see?"
"No doubt, substance it is, plain as can be"

27. "Marvel, folk, at your guest so wise
Whence judgment falters and sight lies"

28. Pelted with stones, a raging throng closed in
As warriors descend on war's great din

29. Injured in leg and face, his pride a bitter sting
Robbed of clothes and money, shame wringing

30. To kin he stumbled, poverty's resigned helot
By critics tamed, he lived as hoped, auspicious the lot