Social Commentaries
Book IV, Epigram 22: De Cleopatra
Translated by R. Fletcher (1656) · From Ex Otio Negotium (1656)
The virgin danger pass'd, the Bride enraged,
Sweet Cleopatra to be disengaged
And, scarce mine armes dives in the baths most cleare:
But the kind waters soon betrayd her there,
For though thus hid her glories did appeare,
Like to soft Lillies in a christal grave,
Or Roses closed in Gemms no cover have;
With that I div'd, and cropd the strugling kisses,
Ye glittering streames forbad the other blisses.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 22: De Cleopatra.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/85/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 22: De Cleopatra.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/85/.
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