Social Commentaries
Book XI, Epigram 105: In Wxorem
Translated by R. Fletcher (1656) · From Ex Otio Negotium (1656)
Sweet heart begon: Or use our wayes with us,
I am no Curius, Numa, Tatius.
Nights spent in pleasant Cups best please my sense,
Thou to drink water cann'st rise and dispence.
Thou joy'st in darkness, I by light to sport,
Or else by day to loose my Breeches for't.
Swathes or Coats cover thee, or obscure stuff,
No Wench to me can lye displayd enough.
Such kisses please like Doves that are a billing,
Thou smackst me like thy Grandam so unwilling,
Nor towards the work dost voyce or motion bring,
Nor hand: But makest it as some Offering.
The Phrygian Boyes in secret spent their Seed
As oft as Hector's wife rid on his Steed,
Whiles her Sire slept, Penelope though chast
Was wont to play her hand below her wast.
Thou'lt not be buggerd: Although Gracchus wife
Pompey's and others did it without strife.
And when the Boy not present was tis said
To fill Wine: Juno was Jove's Ganimede.
If gravity by day doth thee delight,
Lucretia be: I'le have thee Lais by night.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book XI, Epigram 105: In Wxorem.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/267/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book XI, Epigram 105: In Wxorem.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/267/.
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