EPIGRAM OF MARTIAL. 333 



From a biting epigram of Martial we are able to 

 gather b^' what particular perfume, among other pecu- 

 liarities, a popular boon-companion might be known at 

 the time of Domitian — towards the end of the first 

 centur\' "A. D. 



"They tell me Cotilus that you're a beau: 

 What this is, Cotilus, I wish to know". 

 '■A beau is one, \\-ho with the nicest care, 

 In parted locks divides his curling hair; 

 One who with balm and cinnamon smells sweet, 

 Whose humming lips some Spanish air repeat ; 

 Whose naked arms are smoothed with pumice stone, 

 And tossed about with graces all his o\\'n ; 

 A beau is one who takes his constant seat, 

 From morn to evening where the ladies meet; 

 And ever, on some sofa hovering near, 

 Whispers some nothing in some fair one's ear; 

 Wlio scrilibles thousand billets-doux a da\' ; 

 Still reads and scribbles, reads, and sends away: 

 A beau is one who shrinks, if nearh' pressed 

 By the coarse garment of a neighbour guest ; 

 Who knows who flirts with whom, and still is found 

 At each good table in successive round : 

 A beau is one — none better knows than he 

 A race horse, and his noble pedigree". 

 "Indeed ■: Wh)-, Cotilus, if this be so. 

 What teasinp, trifiinp" thino- is called a beau !" 

 (Translation by Elton). 

 Never since those ancient da^'s have perfumes been 

 so extravaganth" used, though at the courts of France 



14 



