Social Commentaries
Book IV, Epigram 22 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
New to the marriage-bed, and yet unreconciled to her husband, Cleopatra had plunged into the gleaming pool, seeking to escape embrace. But the wave betrayed the lurking dame; brightly she showed, though covered by the o'erlapping water. So, shut in pellucid glass, lilies may be counted, so crystal forbids tender roses to lurk hidden. I leapt in, and, plunged in the waters, plucked reluctant kisses: ye, O transparent waters, forbad aught beyond!
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 22 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/654/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 22 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/654/.
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