Poem 5-Catullus Praises a few Noble Romans

I know I have become known for my witty way with words,

But I promise with all that I have that Catullus speaks now with no salt in his voice.

In this time of turmoil and trouble where all the state and senate have a choice

Of which route to take and how to make peace in the senate. The birds

Are quiet. The rivers almost stops for fear of another

Incident of terror. But somehow, someone needs to settle the storm.

For I have heard rumors of fear circulating in the Forum

About which man should be appointed to rule Rome. "For which men were more of a brother

Or a son to the late ruler than Lepidus and Octavius?" they say. For truly both men

Were not given any good fortune with the acta having been read,

Almost as if the acta were written by someone in the living rather than the dead.

Octavius, that young noble Roman who is the heir to Caesar. Lepidus who had been

His second for many years. Who better to lead Rome into the light

Than these two men who can truly bring justice to this republic more so than others who thirst

For power-who can almost taste it. Who have it in their sights. But the state comes first.

And the state needs leaders who will do the republic right.

I urge all you, o senators, to take my words and think them through.

For the fate of the state depends on what you, what I, what we do.