Tuesday 6 December 2016

Two short translations (as so often, NSFW)






2.25

You never put out, Galla; but when I ask, you always say you will. If you’re going to keep lying, Galla, I’ll start asking you to say ‘no’.
Another poem in the Galla cycle; another of Martial's poems fixating on negare, to say 'no' and turn someone down.



3.96

You're licking my girl, not fucking her, and you make out like you're some fucking player. If I catch hold of you, Gargilius — I'll stop your mouth.
 Martial's usual distaste for men who service others orally (cunnilingus equals penetration by the female). His threat of sexual punishment is Catullan.