si quicquam: etc., the phrase is probably not intended as an expression of skepticism which might destroy the effect of the consolation, but to emphasize the apodosis following in v. 5 f.; cf. Catul. 76.17n. Catul. 102.1. For more definite echoes of the prevailing agnosticism among the Romans regarding immortality cf. Sulpicius ap. Cic. Fam. 4.5.6; Tac. Agr. 46.
mutis sepulcris: cf. Catul. 101.4 “mutam cinerem” .
gratum acceptumve: the conjunction of these adjectives is common; cf. also Catul. 90.5 “gratus ut accepto” .
[2] nostro: of men in general, — though Catullus had himself felt the need of similar consolation.
[3-6] desiderio: etc. in apposition with dolore, carrying on the idea with specification; cf. Catul. 2.8 and note.
[4] missas: not here, as frequently, of a thing voluntarily surrendered, but of one given up in obedience to a greater power; cf. Catul. 66.29.
[4] amicitias: of the sentiment rather than the passion of love; cf. Catul. 109.6.