Social Commentaries
Book V, Epigram 18 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
Because in December's month, when napkins fly about, and slender spoons, and wax tapers, and paper, and pointed jars of dried damsons, I have sent you nothing but my home-bred little books, perhaps I may seem stingy or impolite. I abhor the crafty and cursed trickery of presents; gifts are like hooks; for who does not know that the greedy sea-bream is deceived by the fly he has gorged? Every time he gives nothing to a rich friend, O Quintianus, a poor man is generous.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book V, Epigram 18 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/737/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book V, Epigram 18 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/737/.
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