Lofty and enduring is the monument I've reared,-- <br /> Come, tempests, with your bitterness assailing; <br />And thou, corrosive blasts of time, by all things mortal feared, <br /> Thy buffets and thy rage are unavailing! <br /> <br />I shall not altogether die; by far my greater part <br /> Shall mock man's common fate in realms infernal; <br />My works shall live as tributes to my genius and my art,-- <br /> My works shall be my monument eternal! <br /> <br />While this great Roman empire stands and gods protect our fanes, <br /> Mankind with grateful hearts shall tell the story, <br />How one most lowly born upon the parched Apulian plains <br /> First raised the native lyric muse to glory. <br /> <br />Assume, revered Melpomene, the proud estate I've won, <br /> And, with thine own dear hand the meed supplying, <br />Bind thou about the forehead of thy celebrated son <br /> The Delphic laurel-wreath of fame undying!<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/horace-to-melpomene/
