Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

MARTIAL'S EPIGRAMS
LXXII
PRESENTA TION COPIES
You want a copy of my works you say;
I can't supply it-but the bookshops may.
'What? waste your coin on trash? ' you make reply,
'Am I a fool?' No, Quintus; nor am I.
* LXXIII
A NOBLE END
VESTINUS was ill and drew near his last breath,
A traveller bound for the waters beneath,
When he prayed the dark sisters to hold back the thread
And grant him a respite ere he should lie dead.
His words moved the Fates, for it was as a friend
He was thinking of others, not of his own end.
He shared out his wealth as in bed he did lie,
And then was content, like an old man, to die.
* LXXIV
A STRANGE SIGHT IN THE CIRCUS
SEE how the timid deer the strife essay,
What anger stirs them to the deadly fray.
Each doe with brow unhorned her rival wounds;
If you would save them, sire, set on the hounds.
* LXXV
TO NIGRINA
O BLEST in soul and in your husband blest,
Of Latin wives the noblest now confessed,
Content to share the wealth your father gave
And grant your spouse his own due part to have.
Let fair Evadne grace her husband's pyre,
Alcestis to immortal fame aspire;
You have done better, for in life you prove
By certain pledge the sureness of your love.
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