Because (and how my friends will chortle!)

I shall be more than just immortal.

Into the clear and boundless air

I shall ascend with sounding pinions.

Shouting a buoyant “I don’t care,”

Laughing at kings and their dominions.

And folks will say (how well you know it!),

“Q. Flaccus? Ah, he was a poet!”

My wings shall sprout,—why, even now

I feel all creepy and absurd-like,—