Book V, Epigram 6 (Ker)

If it is not a burden, or unduly irksome, ye Muses, make to your own Parthenius this request: "So full late may happy age one day close your course while Caesar is still safe, and you by Envy's favour be fortunate; so may Burrus soon learn his sire's worth— admit this timid and brief volume within the threshold of the hallowed hall. You know the seasons when Jove's brow is unruffled, when he beams with that calm look, all his own, that is wont to deny suppliants nought. You need not fear extravagant petitions; never does a book which, spruce with cedar oil and purple, has fully grown with its black knobs, make a great or troublesome request. Do not protrude that book, but so hold it, as if you offered and intended nothing." If I know the Master of the Sisters Nine, of his own accord he will ask for the little book in its purple.