No hero to me is the man who, by easy shedding of his blood, purchases fame: my hero is he who, without death, can win praise.
MartialThe shameless Chloe placed on the tombs of her seven husbands the inscription, "The work of Chloe." How could she have expressed herself more plainly?
MartialService cannot be expected from a friend in service; let him be a freeman who wishes to be my master.
MartialIf my opinion is of any worth, the fieldfare is the greatest delicacy among birds, the hare among quadrupeds.
MartialGifts are like fish-hooks; for who is not aware that the greedy char is deceived by the fly which he swallows?
MartialShort is the life of those who possess great accomplishments, and seldom do they reach a good old age. Whatever thou lovest, pray that thou mayest not set too high a value on it.
MartialSuch are thou and I: but what I am thou canst not be; what thou art any one of the multitude may be.
MartialGenerosity during life is a very different thing from generosity in the hour of death; one proceeds from genuine liberality, and benevolence; the other from pride or fear, or from the fact that you cannot take your money with you to the other world.
MartialI commend you, Postumus, for kissing me with only half your lip; you may, however, if you please, withhold even the half of this half. Are you inclined to grant me a boon still greater, and even inexpressible? Keep this whole half entirely to yourself, Postumus.
MartialThe bee is enclosed, and shines preserved in amber, so that it seems enshrined in its own nectar.
MartialI have granted you much that you asked: and yet you never cease to ask of me. He who refuses nothing, Atticilla, will soon have nothing to refuse.
MartialWhy do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are bald. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are carrotty. Why do I not kiss you, Philaenis? you are one-eyed. He who kisses you, Philaenis, sins against nature.
MartialWhy do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.
MartialIt is not, believe me, the act of a wise man to say, "I will live." To-morrow's life is too late; live to-day.
MartialRed-haired, black-lipped, club-footed, and blink-eyed; if you're a good man, you're a wonder!
Martial