Classic Poem

Mamurra many hours does vagrant tell
I' th' shops, where Rome her richest wares does sell.
Beholds fair slaves, devours them with his eyes —
Not those of common note one first espies,
But which in inner rooms they closely mew,
Removed from mine and from the people's view.
Glutted with these, choice tables he uncases,
Others of ivory, set high, displaces.
Rich tortoise beds he measures four times o'er,
Sighs they fit not, and leaves them on that score.
Consults the statues of Corinthian brass
By the scent; and not without blame lets pass
Thy pieces, Polyclet. He next complains
Of crystals mixt with glass, and them disdains.
Marks porcelain cups, sets ten of them apart;
Weighs antique plate (of Mentor's noble art
If any be); counts, i' the enamelled gold,
The gems that stand. Rich pendants does behold;
For the sardonyx makes a search most nice,
And of the biggest jaspers beats the price.
Tired now at last, after eleven hours' stay,
Two farthing pots he buys and bears himself away!