Social Commentaries
Book IV, Epigram 83 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
When you are easy in mind, Naevolus, nothing is more odious than you; again, when you are worried, nothing is more pleasant. Easy in mind, you return no man's greeting, you look down on all men; none to you is a free man, or even a created being: worried, you make presents, give the title of "master" and "lord," ask one to dinner. Naevolus, be worried.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 83 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/713/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 83 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/713/.
Read this poem with the Codex →