Roman Innuendo

Martial: Book I, Epigram 72.

O Fidentinus, when you steal—
My words are chosen and impartial—
My stuff, it is a phony deal
You put across on M. V. Martial.

Thus Aegle thinks the teeth she wears,
So sozodontalish and pearly,
Are hers; thus black Lycoris swears,
Daubed with white lead, she is Some Girlie.

Bard of the Mrs. Harris school,
(This stanza should be double-leaded),
As you’re a poet now, so you’ll
Have lots of hair when you’re bald-headed!