Classic Poem

What brings you, friend, to Rome? You so upright
So poor and (worse) sincere in word and heart!
How can you play the pimp or parasite,
Or stoop to act the vile informer's part?

Or would you join the foul seducer's tribe,
Betray a friend, court passion-freezing hags,
Feign friendship with the great, to get a bribe,
Roar hired applause when Canus' acting flags?

‘A loyal friend am I and worthy trust,’
You say. Poor honest wretch! no hope is there,
Here such an one shall never earn a crust,
Whilst Philomelus dies a millionaire.