Disertissime Romuli nepotum,
quot sunt quotque fuere, Marce Tulli,
quotque post aliis erunt in annis,
gratias tibi maximas Catullus
agit pessimus omnium poeta,
tanto pessimus omnium poeta,
quanto tu optimus omnium patronus.

Most eloquent of the descendants of Romulus,
As many as there are and however many there have been, Marcus Tullius,
And however many there will be in the years to come
Catullus drives the greatest thanks to you
The least poet of all gives
As much the least poet of all,
As you are the best patron of all.