At the time of the Megalesian games (193), early in April, Iuv. invites his friend Persicus to a frugal dinner.

The rich epicure is admired; the poor, derided: our housekeeping and our whole plan of life should be in just proportion to our means (1–38). Many, it is true, neglect this golden rule; they riot for a while at Rome, and then retire to Baiae, to avoid their creditors (38–55).

To-day, my friend, you may judge whether I practise the frugality which I preach; whether I live like the worthies of those good old times when heaven itself guarded our city (56–119), or, like their pampered descendants, can relish no meal but such as is served on the costliest tables, by the most expert and elegant slaves (120–161). Let richer men enliven their feasts by voluptuous songs and dances: here you may listen, if you will, to Homer or his rival Virgil (162–182).

Leave then all care behind you; leave to younger men the dissipation of the Circus, and spend the festival with me in enjoyments better suited to our years (183–208).

Whether Persicus is a real or fictitious character does not appear; it is not certain that Iuvenal would have hesitated to address a living friend in such verses as 186 seq.

Cf. Hor. s. ii 2. ep. i 5. Mart, v 78. x 48. xi 52. Plin. ep. i 15; on luxurious furniture Clem. Al. paed. ii c. 3; and on the frugal life of the old Romans VM. iv 4.