Venice masks

Monday 25 February 2019

De Spectaculis.VI (That warring Mars) - Marcus Valerius Martialis

That warring Mars
served thee in arms
unconquered
suffices not, Caesar;
Venus herself too serves.

Of the lion laid low
in Nemea's vasty vale,
a deed renowned and worthy of Hercules,
Fame used to sing.

Dumb be ancient witness!
for after thy shows, O Caesar,
we declare that such things
are wrought by woman's prowess now.

Marcus Valerius Martialis (c. 40 - 104) Ancient Rome (Italy), born in Hispania (Spain)
Translated by Walter C. A Ker
Source: Martial epigrams, Volume 1, Translated by Walter C. A Ker, Heinemann, 1919-1920

Note: women sometimes fought in the amphitheatre!

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