Social Commentaries

Book II, Epigram 34 (Ker)

by Martial c. 40–c. 104

Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)

Social Commentaries

While Phileros, whom with your whole dowry you have redeemed from slavery, is your favourite, you allow your three sons, Galla, to perish of hunger. Your hoary carcass is assured such indulgence as this, although riot even chaste love can any longer become it. For ever may the gods make you the mistress of Phileros, O mother, than whom not even Pontia I was viler!

This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.

MLA

Martial. “Book II, Epigram 34 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/488/.

Chicago

Martial. “Book II, Epigram 34 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/488/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Martial