„Senes severiores”. Notes on „too-strict” translations of comparatives (Catul. V 2)

Abstract

The paper includes some examples of the comparative usages within adjectives among Catullus’ poems for the introduction. The main assumption is to present a quite new point of view on the rendition of senes severiores, an expression mostly translated as “too strict / too stern old men”. The new interpretation is to be connected with Roman magistrates – censores. The article shortly examines different backgrounds (language, literature, culture) to prove the possibility, that the poet, saying ‘stern old men’ could have meant something more, than it appears at first sight.