Ad Nebulonem Qui Solus Se Putat (AHD NEB-yuh-LOH-nem KWI SO-lus SAY POO-taht)
To a Trickster Who Thinks He Stands Alone
A Poem
A spirited exchange between two kindred tricksters, this poem sees Gaius Valerius Catullus playfully taunting Robin Goodfellow, questioning whether the mischievous fae is truly without equal. Their rivalry is one of mirth rather than malice, a contest of wit and whimsy between two who delight in bending the rules of the world around them. In Catullus, Puck may well have met his match.
O Robin, O rogue, O shadow’s delight,
fleet as foxfire, swift as night,
your laughter rings, your tricks confound—
but tell me, friend, have you been found?
You think you flit where none can see,
a ghost, a whisper, wild and free,
but I have danced in mischief’s den,
and played these games with better men.
Your riddles twist, your pranks ignite,
your mocking voice is feather-light—
but who will laugh when tricks unwind,
when jesters jest and fools outshine?
Beware, O Robin, for though you flee,
my words take root like ancient tree.
For every riddle, I have two,
and every jest returns to you.
You think to toy, to trip, to play—
but even Puck must learn dismay.
For I am Catullus, and if you dare,
just know, dear sprite… I bite the bear.
fleet as foxfire, swift as night,
your laughter rings, your tricks confound—
but tell me, friend, have you been found?
You think you flit where none can see,
a ghost, a whisper, wild and free,
but I have danced in mischief’s den,
and played these games with better men.
Your riddles twist, your pranks ignite,
your mocking voice is feather-light—
but who will laugh when tricks unwind,
when jesters jest and fools outshine?
Beware, O Robin, for though you flee,
my words take root like ancient tree.
For every riddle, I have two,
and every jest returns to you.
You think to toy, to trip, to play—
but even Puck must learn dismay.
For I am Catullus, and if you dare,
just know, dear sprite… I bite the bear.
