Classic Poem

My little volume is complete,
Fresh pumice-polished , and as neat
As book need wish to be;
And now, what patron shall I choose
For these gay sallies of my Muse?
Cornelius, whom but thee?

For though they are but trifles, thou
Some value didst to them allow,
And that from thee is fame,
Who daredst in thy three volumes' space,
Alone of all Italians, trace
Our history and name.

Great Jove! what lore, what labour there!
Then take this little book, whate'er
Of good or bad it store;
And grant, oh, guardian Muse, that it
May keep the flavour of its wit
A century or more!