Classic Poem

Exacting patrons claim the first two hours,
The third doth show the raucous pleader's powers,
The fourth and fifth in business Rome doth spend,
The sixth gives pause, the seventh brings labour's end;
The eighth to manly sports and baths assign,
And at the ninth take cushioned ease and dine;
The tenth should be the season for my books,
When by your care, Euphemus, and the cook's,
On food ambrosial god-like Caesar sups
And drains the nectar from but modest cups;
Then usher in my little jests I pray—
Jove is too busy earlier in the day.