Singing Horses

Herodotus records that a certain man, earning the displeasure of his king, was sentenced to death. The man proposed that he be given a year's dispensation, and that during this period he would attempt to teach the king's horse to sing. The king, charmed and intrigued, did grant this dispensation, and the man set to his task. Asked one day why he had proposed the impossible, the man explained, "Four things can happen: I may die; the king may die; the horse may die. And the horse might learn to sing."

I hold the gift of your love.

It fits the hand;

it is strong, well-arched, and

will bear me for years.

It is smooth under my fingers;

its peace infects me,

healing my disease.

The ring fits my finger,

holds it,

binds it,

tight to the pulse.

Your love is a dark place

where I live.

It comforts me.

It enlightens my spirit.

Your love is precious.

It is the object of my full regard;

It is the subject of my every motion;

It is my self as well as yours.

If a man stumble on a pearl,

is it less precious to him than

the measured recompense of life's work?

If a man witness a miracle,

is he less worthy

for putting a hand to the wound?

If a man is loved,

there is no justice in it,

only grace.

The result of the man's efforts is not recorded by Herodotus. It is said that one day the horse did sing. The monarch, in recompense for his subject's courage, not his wit, gave him his life and the horse as well.