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Chapter 3 - Urban walkers on display

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2011

Timothy M. O'Sullivan
Timothy M. O'Sullivan
Affiliation:
Trinity University, Texas
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Summary

The poet Martial often takes aim at his fellow citizens as they go about their lives in the city, hunting for dinner invitations, relaxing in the baths, or, as here, strolling through streets and colonnades (Ep. 2.57):

  1. hic quem videtis gressibus vagis lentum,

  2. amethystinatus media qui secat Saepta,

  3. quem non lacernis Publius meus vincit,

  4. non ipse Cordus alpha paenulatorum,

  5. quem grex togatus sequitur et capillatus

  6. recensque sella linteisque lorisque:

  7. oppigneravit modo modo ad Cladi mensam

  8. vix octo nummis anulum, unde cenaret.

That man you see – the one walking slowly here and there; the one who makes his way through the Saepta Iulia dressed in amethyst; the one who in mantle-wearing surpasses my dear Publius and even Cordus himself, numero uno of the cloak-wearers; the one who is followed by a flock of toga-wearing clients and long-haired slaves and a litter with brand new linen curtains and leather straps – just a second ago at Cladius’ counter he pawned his ring for barely eight cents, so that he could eat dinner.

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Walking in Roman Culture , pp. 51 - 76
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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