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Laugh, if thou art wise.

Martial

He who writes distichs, wishes, I suppose, to please by brevity. But, tell me, of what avail is their brevity, when there is a whose book full of them?
MARTIAL

Book Himself Writing
Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.
MARTIAL

Charm Prize Rare Suit
Gifts are like hooks.
MARTIAL

Gift One Liner
If you have any shame, forbear to pluck the beard of a dead lion.
MARTIAL

Death Shame Yourself
Tis easy to write epigrams nicely, but to write a book is hard.
MARTIAL

Book Easy Hard Writing Yourself
No man is quick enough to enjoy life.
MARTIAL

Enough Life Man Quick
There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.
MARTIAL

Animal Glory
The African lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.
MARTIAL

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

Friendship Short Writing Yourself
There is nothing more revolting than an old busybody.
MARTIAL

Body Old Revolution
She grieves sincerely who grieves unseen.
MARTIAL

Grief Herself Sincere Unknown
Live thy life as it were spoil and pluck the joys that fly.
MARTIAL

Fly Joy Life Live
I am a shell-fish just come from being saturated with the waters of the Lucrine lake, near Baiae; but now I luxuriously thrust for noble pickle.
MARTIAL

Lake Luxury Myself Water
Wish to be what you are, and wish for no other position.
MARTIAL

Original Position Yourself
Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.
MARTIAL

Arms Exercise Man Strong Worthy
It is to live twice when we can enjoy the recollections of our former life.
MARTIAL

Enjoyment Former Life Live

Laugh, if thou art wise.

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Laugh, if thou art wise.

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