Heathcote William Garrod, comp. (1878–1960). The Oxford Book of Latin Verse. 1912.

Martial c.A.D. 40–c.A.D. 104

To Silius-Italicus

To lay aside the Punica, and read the light Verses of Martial

SILI, Castalidum decus sororum,

qui periuria barbari furoris

ingenti premis ore perfidosque

astus Hannibalis leuisque Poenos

magnis cedere cogis Africanis:

paulum seposita seueritate,

dum blanda uagus alea December

incertis sonat hinc et hinc fritillis

et ludit tropa nequiore talo,

nostris otia commoda Camenis,

nec torua lege fronte, sed remissa

lasciuis madidos iocis libellos.

sic forsan tener ausus est Catullus

magno mittere passerem Maroni.