I erect not here a statue to be set up in the market-place of a town, or in a church, or in any other public place:
Non equidem hoc studeo, pullatis ut mihi nugis
Pagina turgescat. (Pers. Sat. v. 19.)
I study not my written leaves should grow
Big-swoln with bubbled toys, which vain breaths blow.
Secrete loquimur. (Pers. Sat. v. 21.)
We speak alone,
Or one to one.
It is for the corner of a library, or to amuse a neighbour, a kinsman, or a friend of mine withal, who by this image may happily take pleasure to renew acquaintance and to reconverse with me.... Notwithstanding if my posterity be of another mind, I shall have wherewith to be avenged, for they cannot make so little accompt of me, as then I shall do of them. All the commerce I have in this with the world is that I borrow the instruments of their writing, as more speedy and more easy; in requital whereof I may peradventure hinder the melting of some piece of butter in the market or a grocer from selling an ounce of pepper.
Ne toga cordylis et paenula desit olivis (Martial).
Lest fish-fry should a fit gown want,
Lest cloaks should be for Olives scant.
Et laxas scombris saepe dabo tunicas (Catullus).
To long-tailed mackerels often I
Will side-wide (paper) coats apply.