Social Commentaries
Book VIII, Epigram 73 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
IsTANTius, than whom none other is held more true of heart, before whom is none in pure sincerity, if thou wouldst give strength and spirit to my Muse, and lookest for poems that shall live, give me something to love. 'Twas Cynthia made thee a poet, wanton Propertius; of Gallus the inspiration was fair Lycoris; tuneful Tibullus' renown sprang from lovely Nemesis; Lesbia prompted thee, learned Catullus. The Pelignians will not spurn me, nor Mantua, as a bard, if some Corinna, if some Alexis be my own.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 73 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1058/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 73 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1058/.
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