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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: THE TRUTHFUL PRETENDER by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS

First Line: CINNA, WHO LIVES IN SUCH A SPLENDID STYLE
Last Line: WHO KNOW FULL WELL HE IS WHAT HE PRETENDS!
Subject(s): TRUTH;
CINNA, who lives in such a splendid style
That many deem him rich, still wears a smile
Of mock humility, which says, "Be sure,
Whatever folks may fancy, I am poor."
Ah! vain pretense to cheat familiar friends,
Who know full well he is what he pretends!



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