Well, I think there are some interesting details from a very detached point of view (the little "nod" he talks about, for instance) -- it might really have been more interesting if it were more thoroughly detached -- a completely clinical but funny account might have been very worthwhile.
I seem to recall some poems by Martial that were sort of on this order, but I don't remember them well enough to make the comparison. I like it that Auden gave this subject a shot, but wish it had more drama.
[This message has been edited by ChrisW (edited February 22, 2002).]
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