Classic Poem

HIS BOYHOOD

His eldest son, Arradas' heir,
Toussaint L'Overture, who there
Was given birth,
In seventeen hundred forty-three,
Was destined by the gods to be
A man of worth.

A slender boy, he grew apace;
A Prince-apparent of his race!
Most eagerly
He sat him down at Learning's feast,
His teacher, pious Pierre Baptiste
Exultingly

Taught him to read and write and pray,
Some Latin, French, Geometry;
To meditate,
Upon the precious word of God,
His name to magnify, and laud
His high estate.
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