Book V, Epigram 92: In Marianum

Who is that Crispulus? (my Marian)
That sticks so to thy wife? what is he man?
I know not what that prattles in her eare?
And leans with his right elboe on her chaire?
Through all whose fingers her light ring doe run?
Whose smoother legs no rough haire growes upon?
Reply'st thou not? he's one thou dost confesse
That doth solicite thy wife's businesse.
A sharp observant lad, that wears the Proctor
Lock'd in his looks, more strict than an old Doctor?
How worthy thou deserv'st stage buffets thus?
Or to succeed old blind Panniclus?
Crispulus doe thy wife's work? he does none;
Tis not thy wife's he does, but 'tis thy own.