Social Commentaries
Book XI, Epigram 22 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
That with your hard mouth you rub the soft lips of white-cheeked Galaesus, that you consort with a naked Ganymede, 'tis too much — who denies it? — but let that be enough; at least refrain from waking passions with lascivious hand. Towards beardless boys this is a greater sinner than your yard, and your fingers create and hasten manhood. Thence comes a goatish odour, and quick-springing hair, and a beard, a wonder to mothers, and baths in broad day are displeasing. Nature has separated the male: one part has been produced for girls, one for men. Use your own part.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book XI, Epigram 22 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1281/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book XI, Epigram 22 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/1281/.
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