Prevod
(A useful discovery for those whose learning rests entirely on knowing many book titles.) There was a rich man in Madrid (And, they say, he was Even more foolish than rich), Whose splendid house was adorned With exquisite furnishings. "What a pity that so fine a dwelling 5 (A friend said to him) Should lack a library—a handsome ornament, Useful and essential!" "Quite true," the other answered. "How can that idea Never have occurred to me!... 10 There is still time. I shall set aside The north room for that purpose. "Let the cabinetmaker come and build Spacious, polished shelves, Whatever the cost. Then we shall see 15 About buying the books." Now the shelves are ready. "Well, then," The good man said, "Am I to go hunting for twelve thousand volumes? Quite an undertaking! 20 "I shall lose my wits, they will cost a fortune, And the work will take a century... But would it not be better to make them all Of cardboard, mere imitations? "Of course. Why not? For jobs like these 25 I know a little painter Who can write impressive titles and imitate Leather and parchment bindings." To work they went. Rare books, Modern and ancient, 30 He had painted, and besides the printed works, Several manuscripts. The worthy gentleman pored so often Over his counterfeit volumes That, learning the titles of many by heart, 35 He thought himself a scholar. Well, what more do those people want Who study nothing but Book titles, If painted cardboard imitations Serve them just as well? 40
