Classic Poem

A tower of brass, oak doors securely barred,
By surly watch-dogs ever kept in sight,
Imprisoned Danae had sufficed to guard
From paramours by night.

But Jove and Venus mocked with laughter gay
Acrisius her warder's anxious fear,
Knowing the god to gold transformed, a way
Would find both safe and clear.

Though henchmen stand around, gold will go through
Their midst unchecked, and shatter stone-built wall,
Stronger than lightning. To a bribe was due
The Argive augur's fall

Into death's gulf. The Macedonian split
Town gates with gifts, used gifts the power to sap
Of rival kings. Gifts are the nooses fit
Sea captains fierce to trap.

As money grows, 'tis followed aye by care
And greed for more. Well am I justified,
Who shrink before men high my head to bear,
Maecenas, knighthood's pride.

The more man stints his wants, he will receive
The more from heaven. I strip me bare, and gain
The camp of those who covet naught, to leave
The ranks of rich men fain,

Prouder my paltry little farm to own
Than were I famed to have in garners hid
All grain from stout Apulians' tillage grown,
Poor my vast wealth amid.

A limpid brook, of wood a scanty plot,
Crops that ne'er fail me—happier than his,
Who shines forth fertile Afric's lord, my lot,
If he but knew it, is.

Though not for me with honey laden go
Calabrian bees, nor wine of Formiae stands
In jar maturing, nor thick fleeces grow
On Gallic pasture lands,

Yet poverty comes not to disturb my peace,
Nor, if I wished for more, would you refuse.
Narrowing my wants better shall I increase
My slender revenues,

Than if to Mygdon's Alyattes' land
I joined. Ask much, and much beyond you lies.
'Tis well with him to whom with sparing hand
God just enough supplies.