The Walls of PompeiiBYU Comms 351

79 AD

Uncovered starting 1748

“Vesonius Primus urges the election of Gnaeus Helvius as aedile [town officer], a man worthy of public office”

“The goldsmiths unanimously urge the election of Gaius Caspius Pansa as aedile.”

“The petty thieves request the election of Vatia as aedile.”

“The whole company of late drinkers favor Vatia.”

“Nobody is gallant unless he has loved.”“A small problem gets larger if you ignore it.”

“Twenty pairs of gladiators provided by Quintus Monnius Rufus are to fight at Nola May First, Second, and Third, and there will

be a hunt.”

“To rent from the first day of next July, shops with the floors over them, fine upper chambers, and a house, in the arnius Pollio block, owned by Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius

Maius. Prospective lessees may apply to Primus, his slave.”

“Once you have tried Gabinius’s hotel you’ll stay there.”

“Would that you pay for all your tricks, innkeeper. You sell us water and keep the good wine for yourself.”

“At Nuceria, I won 8,552 denarii by gaming---fair play!”“On April 19, I made bread.”

“On April 20, I gave a cloak to be washed. On May 7, a headband, On May 8, two tunics.”

“The man I am having dinner with is a barbarian.”“Atimetus got me pregnant.”

“Virgula to her friend Tertius: you are disgusting!”

“Lucius Istacidius, I regard as a stranger anyone who doesn’t invite me to dinner.”

“Samius to Cornelius: go hang yourself!”

(near where a desk would be placed near a window)

“I would like to be a gemstone [on a signet ring] for not more than an hour, so that I could give kisses to you as you sign your letters.”

“Onesimus greets Secundus, his brother.--Secundus sends very many and perpetual greetings to Onesimus

--Lots of greetings to Secundus, lovingly.”

“Secundus himself sends greetings to his Prima wherever she is. I beg you, lady, to love me.

--Prima sends very many greetings to Secundus.”

“Successes, a weaver, loves the innkeeper’s slave girl named Iris. She, however does not love him. Still, he begs her to have pity on him. His rival wrote this. Bye, loser!

--Envious one, why do you get in the way? Submit to a handsomer man who is being treated very wrongly and is darn good-looking.

--I have spoken. I have written all there is to say. you love Iris, but she does not love you. To Successus, see above. Severus.”

“Oh wall, I am amazed you haven’t fallen down, since you bear the tedious scribblings of so many writers.”

“I sing of launderers and their owl, not arms and the man.”