Social Commentaries
Book III, Epigram 62 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
You buy slaves for a hundred thousand, and often for two hundred thousand sesterces apiece; you drink wines laid down in King Numa's reign; no vast amount of furniture stands you in a million; a pound of silver plate runs off with five thousand; a gilt coach is acquired at the price of a farm; you buy a mule for more than a town mansion. Do you think, Quintus, that you acquire these things because you have a great mind? You are deceived. These are what a puny mind buys, Quintus.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book III, Epigram 62 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/600/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book III, Epigram 62 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/600/.
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