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.
