“I am the poet of the poor, because I was poor when I loved; since I could not give gifts, I gave words.”

“I got nervous at bulls and eagles,Trying to figure what shape Zeus might take for sexWhen it could be your turn next. But now I don't care any longer,I've come to my senses, your profile leaves me cold.Why am I different? you ask. I'll tell you. Because you keep naggingFor presents. That's what turns me off.”

“Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.”

“Thus I am not able to exist either with you or without you; and I seem not to know my own wishes.”

“I am a shipwrecked man who fears every sea.”

“I am dragged along by a strange new force. Desire and reason are pulling in different directions. I see the right way and approve it, but follow the wrong.”

“For such a career I lacked both endurance and inclination:the stress of ambition left me cold,while the Muse, the creative spirit, was forever urging on methat haven of leisure to which I'd always leaned.The poets of those days I cultivated and cherished:for me, bards were so many gods.”