Text
| Line | Latin text | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | cui dono lepidum novum libellum | To whom do I dedicate this new, charming little book |
| 2 | arida modo pumice expolitum | just now polished with a dry pumice stone? |
| 3 | Corneli tibi namque tu solebas | To you, Cornelius, for you were accustomed |
| 4 | meas esse aliquid putare nugas | to think that my nonsense was something, |
| 5 | iam tum cum ausus es unus Italorum | then already when you alone of Italians |
| 6 | omne aevum tribus explicare cartis1 | dared to unfold every age in three papyrus rolls, |
| 7 | doctis Iuppiter et laboriosis | learned, Jupiter, and full of labor. |
| 8 | quare habe tibi quidquid hoc libelli | Therefore have for yourself whatever this is of a little book, |
| 9 | qualecumque quod o2 patrona virgo3 | of whatever sort; which, O patron maiden, |
| 10 | plus uno maneat perenne saeclo | may it remain everlasting, more than one lifetime. |
Read more about this topic: Catullus 1
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