Book IV, Epigram 5 (Ker)

A good man and poor, true in tongue and heart, what is your aim, Fabianus, you who come to Rome? You who cannot endure to be counted a pandar, or boon-companion, or with ominous tone to cite trembling defendants, nor endure to seduce the wife of a dear friend, or to lecher after bloodless old women, or to sell about the palace empty smoke, or to applaud Canus, or applaud Glaphyrus, whence, wretched man, will you get your living? "A man trustworthy, a loyal friend —" That is nothing: never in this way will you be a Philomelus.