Classic Poem

If once your verse to public knowledge came,
You soon would equal or surpass my fame.
But for your friend such love you've ever shown
That you prefer his glory to your own.
So Virgil who might e'en with Pindar vie
Ne'er against Flaccus sung in rivalry,
And though he could have passed him in the race,
In tragedy to Varius gave place.
Full many a friend will give you wealth and fields;
But rare is he who thus in genius yields.