Classic Poem

Sura , 'mid learned men most famed of all,
Whose tongue our ancient grandsires did recall,
Oh by what grace did Fate to us restore
Thy life which near had come to Lethe's shore!
Our fears were past: at ease we wept and sighed
And in our thoughts at least our friend had died.

But death's dark king that odium could not brave,
And to the fates again their distaff gave.
Thou knowest now what grief thy false death brought
And canst enjoy posthumous fame unsought.
Live as on booty then: pluck joy in haste:
Life thus restored has not one day to waste.