Yes, Decianus, I'd delight
to be with you, by day, by night.
The  miles between us, me and you,
as we both know, are only two.
But if I call in vain, two more
are added on, and that makes four.
Often you are not at home, and when
you are, they tell me "Call again!",
"He's resting," "He's in conference"...
Am I that dumb? Am I that dense?
I'd gladly walk a mile or two
if I could count on seeing you,
but when I have to hoof it four
Not to have seen you...what a bore!


- Martial.