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Gifts are like fish-hooks; for who is not aware that the greedy char is deceived by the fly which he swallows?

Martial

You complain, friend Swift, of the length of my epigrams, but you yourself write nothing. Yours are shorter.
MARTIAL

Friendship Short Writing Yourself
You admire, Vacerra, only the poets of old and praise only those who are dead. Pardon me, I beseech you, Vacerra, if I think death too high a price to pay for your praise.
MARTIAL

Admire Death Old Pay Poet Praise Price Thinking Yourself
He truly sorrows who sorrows unseen.
MARTIAL

Hide One Liner Sorrow True
Can the fish love the fisherman?
MARTIAL

Deep Love One Liner
Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.
MARTIAL

Arms Exercise Man Strong Worthy
The virtuous man is never a novice in worldly things.
MARTIAL

Man Virtue World
Gifts are like hooks.
MARTIAL

Gift One Liner
Be satisfied, and pleased with what thou art, Act cheerfully and well thou allotted part; Enjoy the present hour, be thankful for the past, And neither fear, nor wish, the approaches of the last.
MARTIAL

Cheer Enjoyment Fear Past Satisfaction Thankful
You’re obstinate, pliant, merry, morose, all at once. For me there’s no living with you, or without you.
MARTIAL

Absence Love Myself Togetherness Yourself
They let out on hire their passions and eloquence. [Referring to lawyers.]
MARTIAL

Elegant Hire Passion
You should not fear, nor yet should you wish for your last day.
MARTIAL

Day Fear Yourself
She grieves sincerely who grieves unseen.
MARTIAL

Grief Herself Sincere Unknown
It is not he who forms idols in gold or marble that makes them gods, but he who kneels before them.
MARTIAL

Form God Gold Himself
Life consists not merely in existing, but in enjoying health.
MARTIAL

Enjoyment Existence Health Life
The present joys of life we doubly taste, By looking back with pleasure to the past.
MARTIAL

Doubt Ourselves Pleasure Present Taste
Every epigram should resemble a bee; it should have sting, honey, and brevity.
MARTIAL

Honey Similar

Gifts are like fish-hooks; for who is not aware that the greedy char is deceived by the fly which he swallows?

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Gifts are like fish-hooks; for who is not aware that the greedy char is deceived by the fly which he swallows?

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