Social Commentaries
Book IV, Epigram 59: De vipera electro inclusa
Translated by R. Fletcher (1656) · From Ex Otio Negotium (1656)
Social Commentaries
Whiles up the Viper climbes the weeping boughs,
The amber drop the strugling beast ore flowes,
Wondring to see himself in rich dew found,
The freezing gemm inclosed him quickly round.
Boast not then Cleopatra of thy Tombe
Since a Snake lyes in a more noble room.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 59: De vipera electro inclusa.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/92/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book IV, Epigram 59: De vipera electro inclusa.” Translated by R. Fletcher. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/92/.
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