Social Commentaries
Book VIII, Epigram 24 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
If I may by chance ask for something in my bashful and slender little volume, if my page be not overbold, do thou grant it. And even if thou shalt not grant it, Caesar, allow the asking: incense and prayers never offend Jove. He who shapes sacred lineaments in gold or marble does not make gods: he makes them who prays.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 24 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1009/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 24 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1009/.
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