AD MELPOMENEN
Horace: Book III, Ode 30.
_”Exegi monumentum aere perennius.
Regalique situ pyramidum altius”_
Look you, the monument I have erected
High as the pyramids, royal, sublime,
During as brass–it shall not be affected
E’en by the elements coupled with Time.
Part of me, most of me never shall perish;
I shall be free from Oblivion’s curse;
Mine is a name that the future will cherish–
I shall be known by my excellent verse.
I shall be famous all over this nation
Centuries after myself shall have died;
People will point to my versification–
I, who was born on the Lower East Side!
Come, then, Melpomene, why not admit me?
I want a wreath that is Delphic and green,
Seven, I think, is the size that will fit me–
Slip me some laurel to wear on my bean.
(Franklin Pierce Adams)
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