Catullus 53 in Latin & English- Risi nescio quem modo e corona

About

Catullus 53 is a humorous compliment to his friend Licinius Calvus, whose brilliant speech against Vatinius continued to be studied by students of oratory for generations. (Tacitus Dial. 21)

Risi: I laughed

Nescio quem: someone (I don’t know who), somebody

Modo: just now

Corona: a circle of auditors, especially at a trial.

Mirifice: wonderfully, marvellously, causing wonder or admiration.

Vatiniana: of Vatinius, the same corrupt crony of Caesar mentioned in poem 52. He was prosecuted by Calvus three times.

Crimina: crimes, the charges against Vatinius.

Meus: my, my own, my dear

Calvos: = Calvus, in early Latin O was sometimes used instead of U. Calvus, here around twenty-three years old, is Catullus’ friend mentioned in poem 14 and 50.

Vatiniana meus crimina Calvos: note the ABAB word order.

Explicasset: (= explicavisset) had unfolded, set forth, explained; pluperfect subjunctive.

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Credit

David Amster

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