BORN AGAIN

Were he here I would tell my father
That Cesar Borgia's sword was forged
By a converted Jew, born Solomon
But made Hercules through baptism.
In those days one could discover
That one's true self was a pagan half-god
Disguised as a Jewish king and find

An obliging priest to ratify the decision
Perhaps when he left the Quarter old friends
Wondered there'd once been a time
When they and Hercules had together
Thrown breadcrumbs in the river.