Quaeris quot (Catullus 7)
Often in Greek drama a messenger
arrives for the final denouncement. True to this tradition, a
messenger arrives here as well, as a sort of deus ex machina, bearing a letter from
Lesbia, apologizing for her cruel behavior, and asking how many
kisses would be enough (and then some) to make it up to him.
Lifted from the downward spiral by this jolt out of the blue,
Catullus’ head clears. We hear him once more in control,
composing verse and leading his thoughts in joyful response to
Lesbia’s letter.
