A xenia epigram is an epigram commemorating hospitality or attached to a gift, sometimes represented in a mosaic. Originally found in Latin literature, it was revived in the nineteenth century. The 13th book of Martial's epigrams is entitled Xenia, and catalogs the foods that might be given to a departing guest at the Saturnalia. A Xenia epigram :Accept and wear this constant flower, ::Thus copied out by art. :It blooms in Nature but its hour,-- ::For ever in the heart. :Affections into habits grown,-- ::Lives fastened in one lot,-- :The flower has strengthened into stone ::We name "Forget me not."
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