Epistles 1.9 (Creech): Septimius, Claudi

I Think my Friend, my Dear Septimius knew,
How great an Interest, Sir, I have in You;
For He still asks and begs me as a Friend,
He importunes me that I would Commend,
And bring him to your Service; He is fit
For Nero's Train and Love, who does admit
None but good Men, and Men of Sense and Wit.
He thinks me Intimate, my Interest good,
And more than I my self e're understood:
I long deny'd, a thousand tricks I us'd,
And urg'd a thousand things to be excus'd;
But fearing I should seem too shy, to own
My Power with you, kind to my self alone,
And scandals of a worser fault prevent,
I'me turn'd, my Lord, a modest Impudent,
I boldly ask; now if you dare Commend
My boldness in the Service of my Friend,
Accept Septimius, let him fill your Train,
I promise him a stout and honest Man.