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Some are good, some are middling, the most are bad.

Martial

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Martial
Middling
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More quotes by Martial

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I commend you, Postumus, for kissing me with only half your lip you may, however, if you please, withhold even the half of this half. Are you inclined to grant me a boon still greater, and even inexpressible? Keep this whole half entirely to yourself, Postumus.
Martial
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It is feeling and force of imagination that make us eloquent.
Martial
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Non est, crede mihi, sapientis dicere 'Vivam': Sera nimis vita est crastina: vive hodie. Believe me, wise men don't say 'I shall live to do that', tomorrow's life is too late live today. Variant translation: Tomorrow will I live, the fool does say Today itself's too late the wise lived yesterday.
Martial
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If I remember right, Aelia, you had four teeth a cough displaced two, another two more. You can now cough without anxiety all the day long. A third cough can find nothing to do in your mouth.
Martial
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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!
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Every epigram should resemble a bee it should have sting, honey, and brevity.
Martial
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A fisherman's walk: three steps and overboard.
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For life is only life when blessed with health.
Martial
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The shameless Chloe placed on the tombs of her seven husbands the inscription, The work of Chloe. How could she have expressed herself more plainly?
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You crystal break, for fear of breaking it: Careless and careful hands like faults commit.
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There is nothing more revolting than an old busybody.
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She grieves sincerely who grieves unseen.
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You may envy every one, but no one envies you.
Martial
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Service cannot be expected from a friend in service let him be a freeman who wishes to be my master.
Martial
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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
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Such are thou and I: but what I am thou canst not be what thou art any one of the multitude may be.
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When your crowd of attendants so loudly applaud you, Pomponius, it is not you, but your banquet, that is eloquent.
Martial
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Man loves malice, but not against one-eyed men nor the unfortunate, but against the fortunate and proud.
Martial
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Tis easy to write epigrams nicely, but to write a book is hard.
Martial
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Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.
Martial