Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

BOOK SIX

LXI
FA1ME
Martial: Pompullus' end is gained, he will be read
And over all the world his fame be spread.
Faustinus: The Tow-haired knaves of Germany, say you.
Share such repute-and other rebels too!
Martial: Yet some account him clever you must own.
Faustinus: Fame cannot follow cleverness alone.
The moth and worm love many a learned book
That no one wants to buy except a cook.
For song needs more than cleverness can give
And, save through genius, it shall not live.
LXII
ON FORTUNE-HUNTERS
Now he has lost his only son
And there is no one to protect him;
Take him a gift, make haste and run,
Now he has lost his only son.
By cruel fate is he undone,
For soon you vultures will detect him,
Now he has lost his only son
And there is no one to protect him.
LXIII
ON THE SAME
HE courts you-of the fact you are aware;
He is a greedy rogue-you know that too;
And yet, poor fool, you name him as your heir,
Content the rascal should succeed to you!
' He sent fat gifts,' you say: so anglers do;
But earn they gratitude from silly fish?
If you would have him mourn with sorrow true,
Then leave him nothing, you will have your wish.
183