in the manner of Lucilius

Ambition to fulfill the austere demands of art,
the mind moving to mighty themes,
Demands discipline, simplicity,
The heart like a mirror.

Disdain the haughty seats of the mighty,
Humiliating invitations to drunken dinners
the ecstasies, the low pleasures,
The mental spark guttering out with the wine.

Refuse theatre seats,
refuse to sell applause
To the actor's empty mouthings.