Hermes Martia saeculi voluptas, Hermes omnibus eruditus armis, Hermes et gladiator et magister, Hermes turba sui tremorque ludi, Hermes, quem timet Helius, sed unum, Hermes, cui cadit Advolans, sed uni, Hermes vincere nec ferire doctus, Hermes subpositicius sibi ipse, Hermes divitiae locariorum, Hermes cura laborque ludiarum, Hermes belligera superbus hasta, Hermes aequoreo minax tridente, Hermes casside languida timendus, Hermes gloria Martis universi, Hermes omnia solus et ter unus.
“Hermes, the Martial delight of the age; Hermes, skilled in every weapon; Hermes, both gladiator and trainer; Hermes, the disorder and dread of his gladiator school; Hermes, the only one whom Helius fears; Hermes, the only one to whom Advolans falls; Hermes, skilled in defeating without killing; Hermes, himself his own substitute; Hermes, the fortune of ticket sellers; Hermes, the object of care and distress of gladiator-loving women; Hermes, proud with warlike spear; Hermes, menacing with sea trident; Hermes, to be feared with crested helmet; Hermes, the glory of every aspect of Mars; Hermes, alone all things and thrice a man!”
– Martial 5.24
(via ancientpeoples)









