Catullus 50

Question 1

Hesterno, Licini, die otiosi multum lusimus in meis tabellis, ut convenerat esse delicatos: scribens versiculos uterque nostrum ludebat numero modo hoc modo illoc, reddens mutua per iocum atque vinum

Answer 1

Yesterday, Licinius, me, much at leisure, played on my tablets as it had been agreed to be self indulgent writing each of us writing little verses, was playing with meter now this way that way returning shared things through the joking and the wine.

Question 2

Atque illinc abii tuo lepore incensus, Licini, facetiisque, ut nec me miserum cibus iuvaret nec somnus tegeret quiete ocellos, sed toto indomitus furore lecto versarer, cupiens videre lucem, ut tecum loquerer simulque ut essem.

Answer 2

And from there having a new friend by your wit and your witty comments, I left so that food does not help miserable me, so that sleep does not cover my little eyes with the rest. But unconquered, I was kept turning by madness in the whole bed in order that I might speak with you and at the same time I might be with you.

Question 3

At defessa labore membra postquam semimortua lectulo iacebant, hoc, iucunde, tibi poema feci, ex quo perspiceres meum dolorem.

Answer 3

But after, my limbs tired by work were lying half dead on the small couch delightful one, I made this poem for you from which you might see my pain.

Question 4

Nunc audax cave sis, precesque nostras, oramus, cave despuas, ocelle, ne poenas Nemesis reposcat a te. Est vemens dea: laedere hanc caveto.

Answer 4

Now, beware that you are bold and we plead, Oh little eye, beware that you spit on our prayers so that Nemesis does not demand punishments from you. She is a regretful goddess, beware to offend this one.