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

You are the best orator, Marcus Tullius,
there is or ever was among the Romans,
the best orator they ever will have.
Catullus tenders you his warmest thanks,
Catullus, who is the worst of all poets
-As much the worst of all poets
as you are the best of all orators