lepidissima: like v.2 lepidus, of physical rather than of mental characteristics cf. Catul. 1.1 “lepidum libellum” ; Ter Heaut 1060 “tibi dabo illam lepidam quam tu facile ames” .
[3] bellus: here of the charming politeness of a man of society training and discrimination cf. Catul. 22.9n.
[4] bello bella: synonymous with lepidissima … lepidus above, as the similar conjunction shows.
[4] puella: of a youthful matron; cf. the frequent application of the same word to Lesbia.
[5] Gallus … stultus: an abrupt correction of the commendation in v. 3; instead of having a fine sense of the fitness of things, Gallus has no sense at all.
[6] qui: etc. i. e. in helping his nephew to dishonor another uncle be prompts him to practice upon his teacher. The clause modifies se and not maritum.
