Arctic paws

A translation of Epigram V.9 by Martial (c. AD38 – c. 103)
Under the weather, I was:
Languishing on level six.
You were quick to come by, Prof Symmachus.
Poke your head round the curtain to check I don't mind
Before a hundred disciples pour in behind.
(A hundred drizzles of alcohol gel)
Didn't feel all that bright as the first took my wrist;
By the last I was septic as well.

Epigram V.9
Martial
Languebam: sed tu comitatus protinus ad me
 uenisti centum, Symmache, discipulis.
Centum me tetigere manus aquilone gelatae:
 non habui febrem, Symmache, nunc habeo.

Competing interestsNone declared.

Provenance and peer reviewNot commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

Source: Medical Humanities - May 30, 2017 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Hodson, N. Tags: Poetry and Prose Source Type: research