Perspectives of Roman Culture in Poetry Passages - AP Latin

Card 1 of 24

0
Didn't Know
Knew It
0
1 of 2019 left
Question

Vivamus mea Lesbia, atque amemus,
rumoresque senum severiorum
omnes unius aestimemus assis!
soles occidere et redire possunt:
nobis cum semel occidit brevis lux, 5
nox est perpetua una dormienda.
da mi basia mille, deinde centum,
dein mille altera, dein secunda centum,
deinde usque altera mille, deinde centum.
dein, cum milia multa fecerimus, 10
conturbabimus illa, ne sciamus,
aut ne quis malus invidere possit,
cum tantum sciat esse basiorum.

Why does the author use the phrase "rumoresque . . . aestimemus assis"?

Tap to reveal answer

Answer

The word "assis"(from "as,""assis") refers to a denomination of currency equal to a penny or less. When the author uses the phrase "rumoresque . . . aestimemus assis," he is indicating that his companion should consider the rumors as worthless. He thinks the opinions of those who make the rumors are worthless.

Passage adapted from "Catullus 5," ln.1-13

← Didn't Know|Knew It →