Social Commentaries
Book VII, Epigram 87 (Ker)
Translated by Walter C. A. Ker (1919–20) · From Epigrams (Loeb, 1919–20)
If my Flaccus delights in a long-eared lynx,if Canius appreciates a grim Ethiopian, if Publius is consumed with love for a tiny lapdog, if Cronius loves a long-tailed monkey as ugly as himself; if a mischievous ichneumon is a joy to Marius, if you, Lausus, a talking magpie attracts; if Glaucilla twines a clammy snake round her neck, if Telesilla has set up a monument over her nightingale; why should he who sees such monsters as these please their masters not love the winning face of Labycas/ Cupid's boy?
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Cite this poem
MLA
Martial. “Book VII, Epigram 87 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/973/.
Chicago
Martial. “Book VII, Epigram 87 (Ker).” Translated by Walter C. A. Ker. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/martial/973/.
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