Book IX, Epigram 31 (Ker)

Velius, what time he looked to join Caesar's Arctic war, for his general's sake vowed this bird to Mars. he moon had not rounded full her orb twice four times over when the god was claiming the vow already due. Of its own accord the goose gladly hasted to the altar, and fell, a humble victim, on the sacred hearth. See you eight coins hanging from the fowl's open beak.? These were but' now hid in its entrails. The victim, Caesar, that for thee gives fair omens with silver, not with blood, teaches us there is now no need for steel.