Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

BOOK SIX

But now for naked truth preparc!
So vile the venom you call wit,
That none your cup will ever share,
If once your lips have poisoned it.
XLV
THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS
ENOUGH, you've had your fling, ye wantons gay,
Get married now as law ordains-but stayIf Lygdus weds Laetoria, law, methinks,
But turns a single to a married minx.
* XLVI
TO THE BLUE CHARIOTEER
You lash your nags hard; but they know they're the Blues,
And they won't put on pace: 'tis their glory to lose.
XLVII
THE POET'S VOW
GLIDING through Stella's house, thy waters lave
Thy lord's fair halls and court, thou nymph divine;
Egeria sent thee forth from Trivia's cave
Perchance, or art thou of the heavenly nine?
This victim here I offer at thy shrine,
Since, sick, thy healing draught I took by stealth;
Take thou my quittance, nymph, and be it mine
Freely to quaff henceforth full draughts of health.
* XLVIII
BOUGHT APPLAUSE
THE well-dressed spectators shout loudly ' Bravo 'It's a debt to your eloquent dinner they owe
179