Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

MARTIAL'S EPIGRAMS
A fine arrangement as you found,
When Caesar's festal gifts went round;
You got three baskets I am told.
Methinks that Geryon of old
Looked just like you-pray do not go
Too near Philippus' portico;
If Hercules should see your head,
All's over, you're as good as dead.
L
THE IMPORTUNATE GUEST
W HENE'ER I dine at home I know that you
Will surely take offence if not invited;
I verily believe you'd run me through
Did you perceive my kitchen fire was lighted;
Pray let me off this once, this once eschew
Your greed, 'tis truly dreadful when excited;
No longer at my kitchen chimney spy,
But let my cook elude your eagle eye.
* LI
THE SURLY ADVOCATE
THAT fellow who holds all those books in his hand,
Surrounded by clerks in a chattering band,
Who at every long brief and full note-book looks dully,
A Cato forsooth or a Brutus or Tully;
Though you tortured him hard you could not make him speak,
Or give you 'good morning' in Latin or Greek.
Do you think that with truth I am rather too free?Well, let's go and greet him, and then you will see.
LII
SELF-PRAISE
CAN I forget your many favours? Nay.
Why don't I mention them? Because you do.
If I begin, some one is sure to say
' Your patron told me all he did for you ';
Friend there are tasks cannot be done by two
Shall this be yours or mine? for I submit
However great a gift, there nothing due
To any giver who shall boast of it.
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