Catullus: 'How many kisses?': Verse Set Texts

Question 1

Translate:

quaeris quot mihi basiationes

Answer 1

You ask, my Lesbia, how many of your kisses

Question 2

Translate:

tuae, Lesbia, sint satis superquae.

Answer 2

are enough and more than enough for me.

Question 3

quam magnus numerus Libyssae harenae

Answer 3

As big a number as the Libyan grains of sand

Question 4

lasarpiciferis iacet Cyrenis

Answer 4

that lie at silphium-producing Cyrene

(Cyrene is a city and province in N. Africa)

Question 5

Translate:

oraculum Iovis inter aestuosi

Answer 5

between the oracle of sultry Jupiter

Question 6

Translate:

et Batti veteris sacrum sepulcrum;

Answer 6

and the sacred tomb of old Battus;

(Battus was the founder of Cyrene)

Question 7

Translate:

aut quam sidera multa, cum tacet nox,
furtivos hominum vident amores:

Answer 7

Or as many stars that see the secret love affairs of men,
when the night is silent.

Question 8

Translate:

tam te basia multa basiare

Answer 8

That’s how many kisses are enough

Question 9

Translate:

vesano satis et super Catullo est,

Answer 9

and more than enough for mad Catullus to kiss you,

Question 10

quae nec pernumerare curiosi

Answer 10

these kisses which neither the inquisitive are able to count

Question 11

possint nec mala fascinare lingua.

Answer 11

nor an evil tongue bewitch.