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To-day, Corvinus, I keep holy to the gods, who have delivered Catullus; nor, were my means equal to my affection, would I withhold the costliest offerings (1–16). For, after encountering all the perils of a storm, and cheerfully sacrificing his treasures to lighten the ship, he has reached in safety our new harbour (17–92). Wonder not then at my rejoicing, nor question its sincerity: he, for whom I raise so many altars, is no orbus, that a fortune-hunter should pay him court: even those who would offer their own children on the altar to propitiate the childless rich, would think any the smallest attention thrown away upon the father of three sons (93–130). With 1–92 cf. Catull. 9. Hor. c. i 36. ii 7. iii 14. Stat. s. ii 7. Mart, x 87. Gell. xix 9. With 93–130 Hor. s. ii 5. Luc. dial. mort. 5–9. Obbar on Hor. ep. i 1 78.
1–16 To-day, Corvinus, is sweeter to me than a birthday. To-day I perform the promised vow to the three gods of the Capitol, snow white lambs to Iuno and Minerva, to Iuppiter a calf just weaned; if my fortune were as my love, a fat bull from the Clitumnus should prove my gratitude for my friend's deliverance.
1 natalixi 84 n. Hor. c. iv 11 17 18 iure sollemnis mihi sanctiorque | paene natali proprio. Mart, ix 53.
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- Thirteen Satires of JuvenalWith a Commentary, pp. 223 - 246Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010