Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN MAXIMUM, by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN MAXIMUM, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Woulds't thou be free? I think it not indeed
Last Line: Then, maximus, then first shalt thou be free.
Alternate Author Name(s): Martial
Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking; Marriage; Rome, Italy; Wine; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


WOULDST thou be free? I think it not, indeed;
But if thou wouldst, attend this simple rede:
When quite contented thou canst dine at home
And drink a small wine of the march of Rome;
When thou canst see unmoved thy neighbour's plate,
And wear thy threadbare toga in the gate;
When thou hast learned to love a small abode,
And not to choose a mistress a la mode:
When thus contained and bridled thou shalt be,
Then, Maximus, then first shalt thou be free.





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