The Life of the Party

Outer Life describes the torment of a shy soul at a party. Social misfits (of which I am one) know from bitter experience how true his description is.

Dennis Mangan expertly translates a fine poem by Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas (1580-1645). Instead of making yourself miserable at a party, follow Quevedo's example:

Retired to the peace of this deserted place
Together with a few but learned books
I live in conversation with those passed away,
And with my eyes listen to the dead.

Update: Dennis now has a revised translation.