“The Genius and the Jester, Crossed paths by chance one day. They knew each other from the court, But never had parleyed.” Four lines, two rhymes, that introduce, By way of a quatrain, Two characters who asked of me, Just who on earth were they? And what was it that they should do? What was their history? Where would they go, who would they meet? They seemed to say to me. So, if you have the interest, And then a little time, Their unexpected adventure, You’ll find here told in rhyme. For the world a new history, Which I commend to you; Hoping it is interesting Enough to see it through.