Classic Poem

The lover under burthen of his love--
Which like to Etna did his heart oppress--
Did give such piteous groans, that he did move
The heavens at length to pity his distress:
But for the fates in their high court above
Forbade to make the grievous burthen less,
The gracious powers did all conspire to prove
If miracle this mischief might redress.
Therefore, regarding that the load was such
As no man might with one man's might sustain,
And that mild patïence imported much
To him that should endure an endless pain,
By their decree he soon transformëd was
Into a patient burden-bearing Ass.