I LENT my friend Rufus my barber, a boy
As skilful as Thalamus, once Nero's toy,
Who did the imperial family shave;
For my friend said he wished just one clipping to have.
So the lad at his bidding cut off every hair,
Rufus, mirror in hand, seeing that he took care;
And when he had finished with infinite pain.
Was ordered to do it all over again.
Indeed, that one head he so many times sheared,
That when he came back he himself had a beard.