Martial, : the twelve books of Epigrams,.

MARTIAL'S EPIGRAMS

* LXXXVIII
ON A CRITIC
TONGILIANUS is most keen of scent:
But all his efforts on his nose are spent.
* LXXXIX
TO CHARINUS WHO CONCEALED HIS BALDNESS
WITH BANDAGES
A BAND round your head you continually wear:
It is not your ears that are wrong, but your hair.
XC
INDEMNITY
His friend was old and sick! and Maro made
A vow for him-for he was like to dieAnd said if heaven the burning fever stayed,
A victim should be given to Jove on high;
The crisis passed: the leeches testify
That all is well-the fever's course is runSo Maro makes new vows wherewith to buy
Indemnity against the former one.
* XCI
TO iMA GULLA
SINCE with your husband everything you share,
His bed and board-and eke his minion fairWhy have another page-boy when you sup?
Ah yes, I see: there's danger in the cup.
XCII
RIDDLES
WHAT should I be if great and rich?
That is the sort of question which
One cannot prophesy on;
Apply it to yourself: e.g.,
What sort of lion will you be
If you become a lion?
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