Ancient writer is keen to cut third stanza, offering nothing by way of replacement (4)
I believe the answer is:
ovid
'ancient writer' is the definition.
(Roman poet)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ovid that I've seen before include "Roman poet, d. about AD17" , "Old linesman" , "Void for a Latin poet" , "Roman love poet" , "Classical poet" .)