A man revered for his great wit,
he had great truths to tell.
In verse I hope to capture some
with justice done as well.
A Bon Viveur, a man of means,
he liked to be well-dressed.
He boasted he'd the simplest tastes
but always for the best!
He also claimed temptation was
a force that brought him down.
His life was an indulgency
that sparked his wide renown.
He liked himself it must be said,
'twas proven at first glance.
He even said to love oneself
would start a life's romance!
Impressive was his learning too
by which he set great store.
Possessing too much of this gift
would never fail, he swore.
In fact, when landing in New York
and questioned without fuss,
he said he'd nothing to declare
except his genius!
But then his downfall took its toll;
his gayness was a crime!
To Reading Gaol he would be sent
to serve two years of time.
Perhaps his quote so pertinent
as victim of this hunt:
he claimed with some sad ire that true
friends stab you in the front.
For prison was a bitter blow;
same hour each day he'd cry.
He'd look with wistful eye upon
that "tent of blue" called sky.
And later forced to live abroad,
his wealth and fame to cease,
He charmed with fearless words of death
And yearned to be at peace.
He urged those scars in life be seen
Through optimistic eyes -
"What seems to us as bitter trials
Oft blessings in disguise." *
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