Mæcenas too he let abide in Rome,
As in a foreign country, at his ease;—
Whereof the one had served in all his wars,
The other toiled at home; and each grown rich
With presents answerable to their high deserts.
As for myself, what I have done to merit
Your prodigal favour,—being but a student,
A teacher, a philosopher,—I say not:900
But being enriched, it comforteth my mind
’Twas not for me to strive against your gifts.