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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
I do not like the man who squanders life for fame; give me the man who living makes a name.
MARTIAL

Fame Life Man Name Yourself
If fame comes after death, I’m in no hurry for it.
MARTIAL

Death Fame Hurry Myself
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
You give me nothing during your life, but you promise to provide for me at your death. If you are not a fool, you know what I wish for!
MARTIAL

Death Fools Life Promise Yourself
For life is only life when blessed with health.
MARTIAL

Blessing Health Life
Epigrams need no crier, but are content with their own tongue.
MARTIAL

Content Language Need
What quick wit is found in sudden straits!
MARTIAL

Finding Quick Sudden
It is to live twice when we can enjoy the recollections of our former life.
MARTIAL

Enjoyment Former Life Live
Whoever makes great presents, expects great presents in return.
MARTIAL

Greatness Present Return
From no place can you exclude the fates.
MARTIAL

Fate Place Yourself
Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings.
MARTIAL

Animal Bird Wings
The swan murmurs sweet strains with a flattering tongue, itself the singer of its own dirge.
MARTIAL

Swan Tongue
Some things are good, some middling, more bad.
MARTIAL

Bad Goodness
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
If you want him to mourn, you had best leave him nothing.
MARTIAL

Himself Leaving Mourn

What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

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What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

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