To His Valet

I want three days to read the Iliad through!
So, Corydon, close fast my chamber door.
If anything should bother me before
I've done, I swear you'll have somewhat to rue!

No! not the servant, nor your mate, nor you
Shall come to make the bed or clean the floor.
I must have three good quiet days — or four.
Then I'll make merry for a week or two.

Ah! but — if any one should come from HER,
— Admit him quickly! Be no literer,
But come and make me brave for his receiving.

But no one else! — not friends or nearest kin!
Though an Olympian God should seek me, leaving
His Heaven, shut fast the door! Don't let him in!