Social Commentaries
Book II, Epigram 90 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
Quintilian, illustrious trainer of errant youth; Quintilian, glory of the Roman toga; because, though still poor, yet of an age not worn out, I am quick to enjoy life, pardon me; no man is quick enough to enjoy life. Let him delay who craves to surpass his father's means and crowds beyond measure his hall with busts. My hearth and a roof-tree that disdains not sooty smoke delight me, and a bubbling spring and untrimmed sward. Let me have a plump home-born slave, have a wife not too lettered, have night with sleep, have day without a lawsuit.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book II, Epigram 90 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/537/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book II, Epigram 90 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/537/.
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