Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

MARTIAL'S EPIGRAMS
LIII
TO CHLOE
You boast a pretty face and arms,
So fair you think that none can flout them,
A pretty foot and other charms,
But, Chloe, I can do without them;
'Twere empty toil to specify
Each several grace-I wonder whether
I've made it clear to you that I
Could do without you altogether.
* LIV
TO GALLA
You need not consider or make an ado:
I can't pay your price: so of course you'll say no.
* LV
TO GELLIA
WHEN we see you, we think of a perfumer's shop,
Or a cinnamon-jar brimming over the top.
Don't fancy such nonsense attracts men you meet:
My dog, if I scent her, will smell just as sweet.
* LVI
A THIRSTY LAND
AT Ravenna a cistern will vineyards outshine,
For water is here far more precious than wine.
LVII
WATER v. WIVINE
MINE host at Ravenna's a rascally cheat;
I ordered mixed wine and he gave it me neat.
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