NOTA A CATULLO 29, 23

Abstract

Convinced that Catullus' poem 29 was written in pure iambic trimeter, the author proposes optimis (or optimi) simul to emend the corrupt reading opulentissime.With optimis / optimi simul Catullus, who was not linked to any political group, may have accused not only Caesar, Pompey and their followers such as Mamurra, but also
the optimates, especially Cicero. This accusation corresponds perfectly to the political reality of Rome after the meeting at Luca (April 56 B.C.): the optimates, because of their lack of activity and obedience to the triumvirs, were responsible as well for the ruin of the respublica.
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