Book XII, Epigram 29 (Ker)

Hermogenes is as great a thief, Ponticus, of napkins as I hardly imagine even Massa was of money. You may watch his right hand and hold his left, he will discover some method of withdrawing a napkin. So a stag's breath sucks up a clammy snake, so Iris plucks up the waters that will afterwards fall from on high. Of late when a discharge was sought for wounded Myrinus, Hermogenes filched four napkins; "when the praetor wanted to throw his white napkin, Hermogenes pilfered his napkin from the praetor. When no one had brought a napkin, in fear of theft, Hermogenes pilfered the table-cloth from off the table. If this, too, is not to be found, Hermogenes is not afraid to strip the valance from round the couches and the feet of the tables. Although the arena is burning under an immoderate sun, the awning is drawn back when Hermogenes arrives. Sailors in a panic hurry to brail up their canvas whenever Hermogenes has appeared at the port. Linen-clad, bald priests and the company with the timbrels fly when Hermogenes has taken his stand among the worshippers. To a dinner Hermogenes has never brought a napkin: from a dinner Hermogenes has always carried a napkin home.