If I may wallow a moment, it is delectable to receive kind words from poets whose work I admire. Thanks all of you for taking time to tell me you approved.
Thank you, Bill, for posting this note and huge thanks to Christine for including me.
Maryann, your memory is excellent, but I took the coward's way out and gave up on using it in the body of the poem. I am indebted to you (and to John and Rick and David) for both elucidation and entertainment.
http://www.ablemuse.com/erato/showthread.php?t=7540&highlight=Sardanapalus
Eratosphere is the place to ask when the reference books don't suffice.