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Martial Quotes
102–104
Marcus Valerius Martialis (March, between 38 and 41 CE–between 102 and 104 CE) was born at Bilbilis, a small town in the north-east of Spain (Hispania). He is commonly known in the English speaking world as Martial.
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106 quotes
If glory comes after death, I hurry not.
Epigrams (104)
I know all that better than my own name.
You crystal break, for fear of breaking it:
I do not love thee, Sabidius, nor can I say why; this only I can say, I do not love thee.
Epigrams (104)
Though I often salute you, you never salute me first; I shall therefore, Pontilianus, salute you with an eternal farewell.
You praise, in three hundred verses, Sabellus, the baths of Ponticus, who gives such excellent dinners. You wish to dine, Sabellus, not to bathe.
Epigrams (104)
Service cannot be expected from a friend in service; let him be a freeman who wishes to be my master.
If you are poor now, Æmilianus, you will always be poor. Riches are now given to none but the rich.
Never think of leaving perfumes or wine to your heir. Administer these yourself, and let him have your money.
I do not like the man who squanders life for fame; give me the man who living makes a name.
It is not, believe me, the act of a wise man to say, "I will live." To-morrow's life is too late; live to-day.
Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumb-bells? To dig a vineyard is a worthier exercise for men.
You are sad in the midst of every blessing. Take care that Fortune does not observe—or she will call you ungrateful.
Let me have a plump home-born slave, have a wife not too lettered, have night with sleep, have day without a lawsuit.
Epigrams (104)
You complain, Velox, that the epigrams which I write are long. You yourself write nothing; your attempts are shorter.
Although the words run speedily, the hand is swifter than they; the tongue has not yet, the hand has already, completed its work.
Epigrams (104)
'Tis a hard task this, not to sacrifice manners to wealth.
Epigrams (104)
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.
They [the hours] pass by, and are put to our account.
Epigrams (104)
Take while you can; brief is the moment of profit.
Epigrams (104)
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