Social Commentaries
Book I, Epigram 12 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
Where runs the road to the heights of cool Tibur, sacred to Hercules, and milky-hued Albula steams with its sulphurous waters, the fourth milestone from the neighbouring city marks a farm and sacred grove, acres dear to the Muses. Here a rustic-portico secured a summer shade; alas, how did that portico all but dare a crime unheard of! For suddenly it fell in ruin when, under that mighty mass, Regulus had but now driven in his two-horse carriage. Assuredly Fortune was fearful of our plaints; she could not brave odium so great. Now even losses please; dangers themselves bring repayment: a standing roof could not witness to the Gods.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book I, Epigram 12 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/348/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book I, Epigram 12 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/348/.
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