Classic Poem

On Guernsey's Island, huge, alone,
Before a cavern lay a Stone;

Upon its surface carved, a screed
In characters that none could read.

At length a Stranger climbed the cliff,
A Sage, in rune and hieroglyph

Well schooled. He bent his learned head
Above the Stone, and thus he read:

" Come, turn me, turn me, Man of Might,
And see what now is hid from sight! "

They came with lever, jack, and chain;
They heaved and hauled with might and main;

They plied the mass with rope and crow
To find the Treasure hid below.

The great Stone turned. Its mottled, pied
And soil-discolored under side

Another runic legend bore;
And thus the Scholar read once more:

" O Gentle Friend, for many a year
On one poor side I've languished here

" And begged the boon for which I've yearned —
That some one turn me. Thanks. I'm turned. "