Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

BOOK NINE

PREFACE
Hail, dear Toranilus, brother most beloved. The epigram
which is supertnmierary to im; book I wrote to Stertinizts, a
man of the highest rank who has expressed a w'ish to place a
bust of me in his library. I thought it well to write to you about
him that you might know who this Avitus is-Farezwell and
prepare to act the host.
Fame is your right, 0 noble soul,
Thouggh you reject your diue
Till Death, defying your control,
Shall force the crown on you.
Meantime may this quatrain I send
Beneath my bulst proclaim
'Twas you that chose to set your frienld
With bards of noblest name.
Reader, I gained what I desired,
The palm for lighter verse,
4And if you hold me not inspired
Youi love me none the worse.
Let others claim the epic rage,
The seers of lofty dreams,
IWhile men unwearied con tmy page
That trills onz little themes.

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