Classic Poem

Why, you ask, this festive raiment, why the bright regalia?
?Why the smoking censer and the decorated urn?
Why should I, a bachelor, observe the Matronalia?
?Ah, my friend Maecenas, you have something still to learn.
Many years ago to-day, before I was your laureate,
?I lay beneath a branch and thought of nothing much at all;
To be precise, I think I scanned the latest Snappy Storiette,
?When suddenly the senseless tree made up its mind to fall.
Pinned upon the rocky ground I spent a far from jolly day.
?“Help!” I cried, at intervals from one o'clock to eight.
There and then I swore to keep this date a sacred holiday
?If, I added tearfully, I live to celebrate.
So let's keep the oath I made with reverence and piety.
?Here's a cask of Caecuban to nurse me back to health.
Let the city's counselors grow sodden with sobriety;
?Here's a richer business and a greater common wealth.
Come then, my Maecenas, bring the sunshine of your presence here.
?Toast your friend's recovery and wish him many more.
Join me in a happy, not too rapid convalescence here.
? Carpe diem … But you've heard the rest of this before.