72. To Paulus -
I HOPE this December will bring you good store:
Not trumpery tablets or napkins galore,
Nor half pounds of incense — and short weight at that;
But may some rich client or millionaire fat
Weigh in with some plate from his family treasure;
Or what will, I know, give you even more pleasure,
May you beat all the experts you tackle at chess,
And when you play ball in your light athlete's dress
May you win the applause of the well-oiled bystanders,
And beat even Polybus with his left-handers.
Then if some low fellow should put down to me
A lampoon all reeking of base jealousy,
Come quick to my aid and protest — " This is spite —
Such rubbish as that Martial never could write."
Not trumpery tablets or napkins galore,
Nor half pounds of incense — and short weight at that;
But may some rich client or millionaire fat
Weigh in with some plate from his family treasure;
Or what will, I know, give you even more pleasure,
May you beat all the experts you tackle at chess,
And when you play ball in your light athlete's dress
May you win the applause of the well-oiled bystanders,
And beat even Polybus with his left-handers.
Then if some low fellow should put down to me
A lampoon all reeking of base jealousy,
Come quick to my aid and protest — " This is spite —
Such rubbish as that Martial never could write."
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