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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPIGRAM: ON A NIGGARDLY FELLOW by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS

First Line: A WEALTHY OLD FOOL WHOSE TABLE WAS BARE
Last Line: "KEEP YOUR ICE IN YOUR KITCHEN -- SHUT UP IN YOUR STOVE!"

A WEALTHY old fellow whose table was bare
Of meats that were less than a week or two old,
One day, when a friend was invited to share
A remnant of mutton both scraggy and cold,
Inquired of his guest how to manage his ice,
And where should he keep it? "Why, keep it, by Jove!"
Retorted the friend, "since you ask my advice, --
Keep your ice in your kitchen -- shut up in your stove!"



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