A Greek poet frequently offered little compliments to Augustus, with
hopes of some small reward. His poems were worthless and unnoticed, but
as he persisted in his adulation, Augustus amused himself with writing
an epigram in praise of the poet, and when he received the next
customary panegyric, presented his lines to the bard with surprising
gravity. The poor man took and read them, and with apparent delight
deliberately drew forth two farthings, and gave them to the emperor,
saying, “This is not equal to the demands of your situation, sire; but
’tis all I have: if I had more I would give it to you.” Augustus could
not resist this; he burst into laughter, and made the poet a handsome
present.
* * * * *