61. Martial (Epigram iii. 56, 57) plays on the trick of the
knave who had sold him wine instead of water; but he
seriously declares that a cistern at Ravenna is more
valuable than a vineyard. Sidonius complains that the town
is destitute of fountains and aqueducts, and ranks the want
of fresh water among the local evils, such as the croaking
of frogs, the stinging of gnats, etc.