“I Do”: The
Marriage of Callistratus and Afer
|
Name: Martial Date: c. 40 – 100 CE Region: Bilbilis, Hispania [modern Spain] Citation: Epigrams 12.42 |
Bearded Callistratus married uptight Afer
Using the same customs that a lady marries a
man.
Yes, there was a bridal bouquet,
Yes, the bride wore a veil,
Yes, there was even an “I Do.”
There was even a dowry exchange.
Rome, isn't that enough for you?
What are you waiting for, Callistratus to give
birth?
“I Do:” The Marriage fo Callistratus
and Afer
Barbatus rigido nupsit Callistratus
Afro,
Hac qua lege viro nubere virgo solet.
Praeluxere faces, velarunt flammea
vultus,
Nec tua defuerut verba, Talasse, tibi.
Dos etiam dicta est. Nondum tibi,
Roma, videtur
Hoc satis? Expectas numquid ut et
pariat?
Martial [Marcus Valerius Martialis; 38 BCE – 102 CE, modern
Spain] 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 poems provide
valuable insight into the private lives of Romans from all of the city’s social
classes.
