Social Commentaries
Book IX, Epigram 25 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
As often as we have glanced at your Hyllus while he is serving wine, 'tis with a somewhat troubled eye you regard us, Afer. What, what offence, I ask you, is it to gaze on a gentle cup-bearer? We look upon the sun, stars, temples, gods. Am I to turn away my face as if a Gorgon offered me the cup, and were assaulting my eyes and my face? Fierce was Alcides, and 'twas allowed to gaze on Hylas: Mercury is allowed to sport along with Ganymede. If you do not wish your guest to gaze on your youthful servants, Afer, you should invite Phineuses and Oedipuses.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IX, Epigram 25 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1092/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IX, Epigram 25 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1092/.
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