In Other Words/Horace to Maecenas

Horace to Maecenas

THE BARD ASKED HIS PATRON FOR BASEBALL TICKETS

Maecenas, in many an ode
I’ve jollied and flattered and praised you,
  In metre Glyconic, alcaic, adonic,
   I’ve mentioned you dozens of times.
The virtues that I have bestowed
On you! and the heights where I’ve raised you!
  You pander and pet me, but what does it get me?
   I want some reward for my rhymes.

I’ve called you a great little guy
Right n. p. r. m., top o’ colyum;
  I’ve pinned some verbenas on you, Bill Maecenas,
   And all that I got was a drink—
A pint of Old Caecuban Rye!
My verses to you’d fill a volume.
  You used to command me, but now, y’understand me,
   I’ve quit being Marcus O’Gink.

Maecenas, you get me, I hope.
I want a reply to my queries;
  They’re plain and vocalic, in 8-point italic,
   And clear as a midsummer sky
This, then, is the drift of my dope:
Do I get a seat for The Series?
  Am I to be present next Sat. if it’s pleasant?
   Maecenas, I pause for reply.