Social Commentaries
Book VIII, Epigram 82 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
While the throng offers to you, Augustus, its querulous petitions, the reason why we too offer to our Master a few poems, is because we know that a god can have leisure at once for business and for the Muses, and that even this wreath of song pleases you. Bear with your bards, Augustus: we are your treasured pride, we are your earlier care, and your delight. Not alone does the oak beseem you, or Phoebus' laurel; let there be made a civic crown for you of ivy as well!
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 82 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1067/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VIII, Epigram 82 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1067/.
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