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What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

Martial

Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are bald. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are carrotty. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are one-eyed. He who kisses you, Philaenis, sins against nature.
MARTIAL

Bald Kiss Myself Nature Sin Yourself
Whoever makes great presents, expects great presents in return.
MARTIAL

Greatness Present Return
A good man enlarges the term of his own existence.
MARTIAL

Existence Goodness Himself Man Term
A good man doubles the length of his existence; to have lived so as to look back with pleasure on our past existence is to live twice.
MARTIAL

Doubt Existence Goodness Live Man
If fame comes after death, I’m in no hurry for it.
MARTIAL

Death Fame Hurry Myself
He who thinks that the lives of Priam and of Nestor were long is much deceived and mistaken. Life consists not in living, but in enjoying health.
MARTIAL

Enjoyment Health Mistake Thinking
I would not miss your face, your neck, your hands, your limbs, your bosom and certain other of your charms. Indeed, not to become boring by naming them all, I could do without you, Chloe, altogether.
MARTIAL

Boredom Face Love Missing Myself Togetherness
The African lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.
MARTIAL

Advice Attack Deep Lion Rush
Make it a point not to be over-fascinating.
MARTIAL

Fascination One Liner Point
Too late is tomorrow’s life; live for today.
MARTIAL

Day Life Present
You puff the poets of other days, The living you deplore. Spare me the accolade: your praise Is not worth dying for.
MARTIAL

Death Live Poet Praise Worth
I have granted you much that you asked: and yet you never cease to ask of me. He who refuses nothing, Atticilla, will soon have nothing to refuse.
MARTIAL

Gratitude Greedy Myself Refusal
They let out on hire their passions and eloquence. [Referring to lawyers.]
MARTIAL

Elegant Hire Passion
The face that cannot smile is never fair.
MARTIAL

Face Fair Happiness Smile
If your slave commits a fault, do not smash his teeth with your fists; give him some of the (hard) biscuit which famous Rhodes has sent you.
MARTIAL

Biscuit Commitment Mistake Slave Yourself
No hero to me is the man who, by easy shedding of his blood, purchases fame: my hero is he who, without death, can win praise.
MARTIAL

Blood Death Easy Fame Hero Himself Man Purchase

What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

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What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

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