Cum patuit lecto: A Double Entendre at Propertius 4.4.42

Abstract

I argue that a first-time reader of Propertius 4.4 has every reason to suspect that the hemiepes cum patuit lecto (42) sets the stage for a lascivious conclusion. Within the works of Propertius, every other instance of lect- with a compatible second-declension masculine termination indicates the noun “bed” rather than the perfect passive participle “gathered.” The reading of “bed” is further corroborated by a close-up on Scylla’s groin (inguina, 40) in the previous pentameter and Ariadne’s (alleged) sexual availability elsewhere in Propertius (1.3.1–2, 2.14.7–8).