Book X, Epigram 58 (Ker)

The calm retreat, Faustinus, of Anxur by the sea, and a nearer J3aiae, and a house by tiie shore, and the wood which the troublesome' cicadas have not discovered when Cancer flames, and the fresh-water canal — while I frequented these I had leisure along with you for allegiance to the learned Muses; now mightiest Rome wears us out. Here when is a day my own? I am tossed on the deep ocean of the city, and life is wasted in sterile toil while I maintain stubborn acres of suburban land and a house near to you, holy Quirinus. But he is not alone a lover who day and night haunts thresholds, and such loss of time ill befits a poet. By the Muses' rites, to be hallowed by me, by all the gods I swear: careless client as I am, I love you yet.