Abstract

In this paper I will present textual evidence of a close link between Catullus’ Poems 16 and 5, by exploring a few formal elements that critics have ignored so far. Moreover, after some remarks on the position of Poem 16 inside the libellus, I will discuss the interpretation of this composition, assuming that it refers to 5 (and also 7, by extension) and adding to some scholars’ observations a few of my own.