Martial quotes
Martial (40–104): Roman epigrammatist. The library holds 44 quotes by Martial, drawn from Book, Epigram, Hay. The 44 below are the most quoted; search the library in the maker for the rest.
Often about: life, death, time, money, power, health
The best-known Martial quotes
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Neither fear, nor wish for, your last day.
Book x. 47, 13 -
I do not love thee, Sabidius, nor can I say why; this only I can say, I do not love thee.
Epigram i. 32 -
I may not live with him, nor even see him or hear him; in all the city there is no one so near me and so far away.
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He does not make gods who fashions sacred images of gold or marble: he makes them such who prays to them.
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It is the greatest merit of a prince to know those his subjects.
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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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If fame is only to come after death, I am in no hurry for it.
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Every epigram should be like a bee: have a sting like it, honey, and a small body.
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That spot of earth has special charms for me, in which a limited income produces happiness, and moderate wealth abundance.
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Be content to be what you are, and prefer nothing to it, neither fear nor wish for your last day.
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If he had not committed an error, his glory would have been less.
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We who cultivate the graver Muse are not allowed to be diffuse.
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It is easy in misfortune to despise life; but he does bravely who can endure misery.
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Not every man is gifted with a nose, i.e., has the power of keen discernment.
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You should not fear, nor yet should you wish for your last day.
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Be on too intimate terms with no one; if your joy be less, so will your grief.
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The good man prolongs his life; to be able to enjoy one’s past life is to live twice.
Epigram x. 23, 7 -
Fortune gives too much to many, but to none enough.
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We know that these things are nothing—mere trifles.
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Rarity imparts a charm; thus early fruits and winter roses are most prized; thus coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while a door ever open tempts no suitor.
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To be able to enjoy one’s past life is to live twice.
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I ask, is it not madness to die that you may not die?
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They (hours) pass, and are placed to our account.
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If you are poor, Emilian, you will always be poor.
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The labour is foolish that is bestowed on trifles.
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The bee enclosed and through the amber shown Seems buried in the juice which was his own.
Book iv. 32 -
She grieves sincerely who grieves when unseen.
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To what harpy’s will shall this carcass fall?
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To many fortune gives too much, to none enough.
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You say, you nothing owe; and so I say: He only owes, who something hath to pay.
Hay, ), ii., 3 -
I won’t pluck the beard of a dead lion.
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For life is not to live, but to be well.
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Not to live, but to be healthy is life.
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I will not marry a wife to be my master.
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Wealth now-a-days goes all to the rich.
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Cross but easy-minded, pleasant and sour together; I can neither live with thee nor yet without thee.
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Of chaste morals and unblemished modesty.
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Glory comes too late to one in the dust.
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To spare persons, to condemn crimes.
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I do not hate the man, but his vices.
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A good man is always green.
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Do not aim at too much popularity.
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Laugh, if you are wise.
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My pages concern man.
Where these quotes come from
- Book (2 quotes)
- Epigram (2 quotes)
- Hay (1 quote)
Every quote comes from a public-domain edition. How the library was made .