The Stalling of Q. H. F.
Reading edition
Horace: Epode 14
"Mollis inertia cur tantam diffuderit imis"
Mæcenas, you fret me, you worry me Demanding I turn out a rhyme; Insisting on reasons, you hurry me; You want my iambics on time. You say my ambition's diminishing; You ask why my poem's not done. The god it is keeps me from finishing The stuff I've begun. Be not so persistent, so clamorous. Anacreon burned with a flame Candescently, crescently amorous. You rascal, you're doing the same! Was no fairer the flame that burned Ilium. Cheer up, you're a fortunate scamp, ... Consider avuncular William And Phryne, the vamp.