M/M: Roses for Apollinaris, Martial, Epig. VII.87

The poet Martial uses erotic imagery in addressing his patron.

Go, blessed rose, weave yourself

Into a delicate crown

upon my Apollinaris’ hair.

Remember to crown him

Even when his hair is gray,

(that day will come, but not too soon)

And may Venus love you so forever.

 I, felix rosa, mollibusque sertis

nostri cinge comas Apollinaris.

Quas tu nectere candidas, sed olim,

sic te semper amet Venus, memento.

--Martial, Epig.VII.89

M 

Originally from Bilbilis, Hispania, the poet Martial moved to Rome in the 60s CE to advance his career. His two extant works include de Spectaculis, a collection of poems written to commemorate the opening of the Colosseum, and a fifteen volume collection of epigrams. These epigrams provide valuable insight into the mores and private lives of men and women from all of the city’s social classes.