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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: ON A SUICIDE by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS

First Line: POOR FANNIUS, WHO GREATLY FEARED TO DIE
Last Line: MADNESS EXTREME! -- TO DIE FOR FEAR OF DEATH!
Subject(s): SUICIDE;
POOR Fannius, who greatly feared to die,
Embraced the enemy he fain would fly.
Strange contradiction, weary of the strife,
He ceased to live from very love of life;
With his own hand he stops his vital breath;
Madness extreme! -- to die for fear of death!



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