Satire 9 Summary

Juvenal asks Naevolus why he appears so grim every time that they meet. He has noticed the lines and wrinkles on Naevolus' face. Also, Naevolus' complexion has lost its glow, and he has lost weight. Naevolus was recently working in the temples, but he has changed his way of life. Naevolus insists that though his way of life pays many sufficiently, it has never brought a fair return to him. Fate rules mankind, even the parts that are hidden by clothes. Men are naturally drawn to pansies, which is why Naevolus is paid to have sex with a rich man. He asks his lover, Virro, to bequeath lands for him to retire on since Naevolus saved Virro's marriage bed by causing his wife to conceive a son and daughter, enabling Virro to brag of his manhood since the children kill the gossip about...