Social Commentaries
Book I, Epigram 4 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
If perchance, Caesar, you shall come upon my books, lay aside the frown that rules the world. Your triumphs too have been wont to endure jests, and no shame is it to a commander to be matter for wit. With the air that views Thymele and the mime Latinus, therewith I pray you to read my verses. A censor can permit harmless trifling: wanton is my page; my life is good.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book I, Epigram 4 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/340/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book I, Epigram 4 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/340/.
Read this poem with the Codex →