Social Commentaries
On the Spectacles, 28 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
It was Augustus' work here to embattle fleets, and to wake the seas with the trump of naval war. How small a part of our Caesar's task! Thetis and Galatea both saw on the wave beasts unknown; Triton saw on that seafloor chariots in hot rivalry, and deemed his Master's steeds had sped; and Nereus, what time he set abroach fierce battle for the hostile ships, shuddered to tread a-foot amid the liquid waters. Whatever is viewed in Circus and in Amphitheatre, that have Caesar's waters, rich in sights, made sure to thee. Let not the Fucine lake and the mere of dreadful Nero be told of: of this sea-fight alone let the ages know!
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “On the Spectacles, 28 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/332/.
Chicago
Martial. “On the Spectacles, 28 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/332/.
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