Book I, Epigram 117 (Ker)

As often as you run across me, Lupercus, at once you say: "May I send a boy to get from you your book of epigrams? When I have read it I will at once return it." There is no call, Lupercus, to trouble your boy. It is a long way if he sets out for the Pear-tree, and Ilive up three flights of stairs, and high ones; you can look for what you want nearer. Of course you often go down to the Potter's Field. There is a shop opposite Caesar's Forum with its door-posts from top to bottom bearing advertisements, so that you can in a moment read through the list of poets. Look for me in that quarter. No need to ask Atrectus (that is the name of the shopkeeper): out of the first or second pigeon-hole he will offer you Martial smoothed with pumice and smart with purple, for three shillings. "You're not worth it," you say? You are wise, Lupercus.