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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AD OLUM by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS

First Line: CALL ME NOT REBEL THOUGH IN WHAT I SING
Last Line: SET FREE THY SLAVE; THOU SETTEST FREE THYSELF.
Subject(s): REVOLUTIONS; SLAVERY; TYRANNY & TYRANTS; SERFS;
CALL me not rebel, though in what I sing
If I no longer hail thee Lord and King
I have redeemed myself with all I had,
And now possess my fortunes poor but glad.
With all I had I have redeemed myself,
And escaped at once from slavery and pelf.
The unruly wishes must a ruler take,
Our high desires do our low fortunes make:
Those only who desire palatial things
Do bear the fetters and the frowns of Kings;
Set free thy slave; thou settest free thyself.



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