Catullus 52 in Latin & English- Quid est, Catulle- Quid moraris emori-

About

Catullus is expressing his disgust and despair over the level of corruption in Rome, probably around 55 BC. His attack is aimed at two of Caesar’s political allies.

Quid: what; for what, why?

Moraris: do you delay, put off, hesitate; a deponent verb, passive in form but active in meaning.

Emori: to die, die off; deponent verb.

Sella in curuli: in the curule seat, a folding chair reserved for high-level officials: dictators, consuls, praetors, etc.

Struma: a tumor, especially in the neck. Cicero uses this word several times to describe Vatinius. Catullus is using it here for Nonius, perhaps to emphasize the similarity between the two.

Nonius: a corrupt supporter of Caesar, but we don’t know who he was for sure.

Vatinius: an ally of Caesar, prosecuted by both Cicero and Catullus’ friend Calvus. He was “elected” praetor in 55 BC and promised a consulship by Caesar, which occurred in 47 BC. See Cicero’s “Against Publius Vatinius.”

Per: through, throughout; on account of, for the sake of.

Consulatum: the office of consul, consulship.

Peierat: he swears falsely, perjures himself.

Meter: Iambic Trimeter

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Credit

David Amster

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