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Veneres: the plural is to be explained partly, perhaps, as an instance of a sort of attraction to the number of Cupidines, as Ellis and Schulze think (cf. Catul. 13.12 with Catul. 36.3), but more as resulting from the conception of the character of Venus and of Lesbia. In the type of Venus were summed up all graces and charms of mind and body. Lesbia was attractive for mental as well as for physical endowments (cf. Catul. 36.1ff. and Catul. 86.1ff.); she therefore possessed omnes Veneres (Catul. 86.6); and Catullus calls upon all to share her sorrow who by the possession of similar characteristics (quantum est hom. ven.) can sympathize with her loss. Cf. Mart. 9.11.9; Mart. 11.13.6Veneres Cupidinesque.


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