Albert Ehrenstein

Magic Tales:

"THE EIGHT STATIONS OF SUFFERING

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1. Smyrna. Weakened by the privations of the long sea journey, the poet, before entering the city, dyes the gray hair on his head and beard. Sings for his very bread in the public squares. But the people laugh at him – he had a bad hair job; he ended up with green hair and beard. Exhausted, the poor beggar-musician, followed by children making fun of him, sits on a bench in the city park of Smyrna, falls asleep propped against the bottom of the city wall. Heedless of the sign, 'This area is for public-minded citizens,' a camel reaches over the wall and, attracted by the green color, devours Homer’s hair down to the scalp. After that he wears a wig."