Classic Poem

You would not plead my cause with Balbus, lest
You might offend and lose his interest:
Against Licinus next I brought a suit;
You thought him far too great to prosecute:
Though Patrobas should trespass on my field,
He's Nero's freedman, so you bid me yield:
Or if Laronia keep the slaves I lend her,
A rich old widow, you will not offend her.
To serve a servant is a lot abhorred;
Let him be free who is my overlord.