"Among the writers of antiquity, I remember none except Statius who ventures to mention the speedy production of his writings, either as an extenuation of his faults, or a proof of his facility. Nor did Statius, when he considered himself as a candidate for lasting reputation, think a closer attention unnecessary, but amidst all his pride and indigence, the two great hasteners of modern poems, employed twelve years upon the Thebaid, and thinks his claim to renown proportionate to his labour.Thebais, multa cruciata lima, Tentat, audaci fide, Mantuanae Gaudia famae.Polished with endless toil, my lays At length aspire to Mantuan praise."