Social Commentaries
Book II, Epigram 40 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
'Tis a false report that Tongilius is being consumed by a semi-tertian fever. I know the tricks of the man: he is hungry and thirsty. Crafty nets are now being stretched for dull-witted thrushes, and the hook is being let down for the mullet and the bass. Let the Caecuban be strained, and the wines Opimius' year ripened; let the dark Falernian be poured in small glasses. All his doctors have ordered Tongilius to take baths. O you fools! Think you this is a fever? 'Tis gluttony.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book II, Epigram 40 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/491/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book II, Epigram 40 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/491/.
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