Social Commentaries
Book IX, Epigram 55 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
On Kinsmen's Day, when many a fowl is despatched, while I was preparing to send fieldfares to Stella, while also to you, Fiaccus, there came to my mind a big and burdensome crowd, of which each one thinks himself the chief, and my particular friend. To oblige two is my wish; to offend more is hardly safe; to despatch gifts to many is a heavy charge. In the only way I can I will earn their pardon: neither to Stella, nor to you, Flaccus, will I give fieldfares,
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IX, Epigram 55 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1120/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IX, Epigram 55 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1120/.
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