Social Commentaries
Book VIII, Epigram 48 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
Crispinus does not know to whom he gave his Tyrian cloak while he was changing his dress and putting on his toga. Whoever you are who have it, restore to his shoulders their own endowment, we beg you: Crispinus does not ask this of you, but the cloak does. Not everyone sets off a robe steeped in purple: only daintiness that colour suits. If looting attract you, and a mad rage for disgraceful gain, to escape notice the better, select a toga!
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 48 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1033/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 48 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1033/.
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