Social Commentaries
Book VI, Epigram 77 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
Although you are poorer than even wretched Irus, younger even than Parthenopaeus, stronger than even Artemidorus when he won in the contest, why do you like to be the load of six Cappadocians? You are laughed at, and are much more a spectacle, Afer, than if you were to walk naked in the midst of the Forum. Similar would be the sight of an Atlas with a small mule to match him, or a black elephant carrying a Libyan of the same hue. Do you want to know how offensive your litter is? Even when dead you ought not to be carried in a litter and six.
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VI, Epigram 77 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/874/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VI, Epigram 77 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/874/.
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