Read "The Monument of Q. H. F" by Franklin P. Adams online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
AD MELPOMENEN / Horace: Book III, Ode 30. / _"Exegi monumentum aere perennius. / Regalique situ pyramidum altius"_
Look you, the monument I have erected / High as the pyramids, royal, sublime, / During as brass -- it shall not be affected / E'en by the elements coupled with Time.
Part of me, most of me never shall perish; / I shall be free from Oblivion's curse; / Mine is a name that the future will cherish -- / I shall be known by my excellent verse.
I shall be famous all over this nation / Centuries after myself shall have died; / People will point to my versification -- / I, who was born on the Lower East Side!
Come, then, Melpomene, why not admit me? / I want a wreath that is Delphic and green, / Seven, I think, is the size that will fit me -- / Slip me some laurel to wear on my bean.