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Description
Alladin's genie kept no count of wishes,
   Serenely granting all his liege would name,
But I, a learned man, not superstitious,
   Cannot waste time on fairy tales or blame
The stubborn fates for what my life is wanting,
   The eager touch of one whose company
Would end the fear that still my nights is haunting,
   To pass alone what years remain to me.

But what old lamp have I assayed to burnish,
   Whose tenant has emerged and straightway sought
With graces numberless my world to furnish
   And beauty to surpass my fondest thought?

She lacks but my assent, my life to bless;
   Why do I dither?  Yes, my lady, yes!