Social Commentaries
Book V, Epigram 56 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
To what master should you entrust your son, Lupus? This you have long been anxiously considering and asking me. All teachers of grammar and rhetoric I warn you to avoid; let him have nothing to do with the works of Cicero or Maro; leave Tutilius to his own fame. If he make verses, disinherit the bard. Does he wish to learn money-making arts? make him learn to be harper or flutist for the chorus; if the boy seem to be of dull intellect, make him an auctioneer or architect.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book V, Epigram 56 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/775/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book V, Epigram 56 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/775/.
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