I
Once upon a time in Babylon
Such a cruel Fate would befall
Two lovers dote and linger on
Ear pressed to a crack in the wall
Forbade the two should ever meet
Whispers they exchanged in secret
Their love would have to be discreet
Through fissure in the parapet
II
A bitter feud would prevail
Between two houses connected
Even the Gods themselves would wail
Lovers adversely affected
Planned a clandestine meeting
Under the old mulberry tree
To capture one moment fleeting
To savour one kiss meant to be
III
Thisbe neared the tomb of Ninus
But a lion on the trail
Stood between her and Pyramus
Fleeing Thisbe dropped her veil
The lion chewed and gnawed
The piece of cloth upon the ground
Soaked in blood torn and clawed
By Pyramus the silk was found
IV
Believing his lover was dead
Pyramus cursed cruel reward
After severing the lion’s head
Pyramus fell upon his sword
He died clinging to the veil
His blood staining leaves and fruit
Beneath the mulberry tree impaled
His limbs entwined with mighty root
V
Returning that she might explain
She was horrified by the sight
She killed herself to end the pain
To join Pyramus that night
Thisbe’s lament by the Gods weighed
So memory never be forgotten
Thus the mulberry got its shade
In honor of love verboten
