From Catullus: I

For whom this pretty pamphlet, polished new
With pumice-stone ? Cornelius, for you :
For you were never unprepared to deem
My simple verses worthy of esteem,
Though you yourself — who else in Rome so bold ?—
In volumes three have laboured to unfold
A " Universal History of Man "—
Dear Jove ! A learned and laborious plan !

Wherefore to you, my friend, I dedicate
This so indifferent bookling ; yet I pray,
Poor as it is — O goddess of my fate,
Let it outlive the writer's transient day !