“Everyday Quintus having been woken [awaken] up early, got up and hurried to Academia. He was studying diligently and was (imperfect tense) present for many lectures of Theomnestus and other teachers. Soon he was having (imperfect tense) very many friends amongst the young men who were studying in Academia.”
Lines 5-47 Once he was sitting in the tavern with a friend when the postman gave a letter to him written by his father. He read the letter immediately having been accepted (perfect passive participle) with the greatest joy.
Flaccus and Scintilla give (present tense/they) their dearest son many greetings. We received your letter and rejoiced because you arrived in Athens safely (perfect) and are studying (present progressive) in the Academia. Everyone in Venusia is well. We send the message of great importance to you. The father of Decimus, an old friend of yours, came (perfect) to me lately and said “My son, has fallen in love with your daughter and perishes with love for her, as he says. And so, will you betroth her to Decimus, if she will (future) accept him?” This pleased us very greatly, for he is a rich and respected man by everyone. And so we began to discuss about the dowry; he conducted the matter fairly and soon we had (pluperfect) finished the agreement. Therefore having summoned Horatia I asked her what she felt about this marriage. She got to know Decimus well and was desiring to marry him. A few days after we completed an engagement party. Many friends and relations having been called to the feast were witnesses of the agreement. Decimus gave Horatia a ring which she put in her third finger. Yesterday we completed the wedding. At first light Horatia, woken by her mother, prepared herself. She bade goodbye to her dolls (usually they were very young when married) and other childish things to her mother. Then she put on her wedding clothes, white tunic and yellow robe. Finally she put a flame coloured bridal veil on her head and a garland of flowers, I never saw a more beautiful bride than her. Now Decimus himself was present (imperfect) wearing his new toga with very many friends. Soon the augurs arrived and pronounced (perfect) good auspices (with the protection of something). Horatia and Decimus according to custom, joined (perfect) their right hands. Everyone prayed to Juno and called out together “good luck”. Then we ate the sumptuous meal prepared (perfect passive participle) by your mother. At last the evening star was present. It was time for Horatia to leave behind her own home. She bade goodbye/farewell to her mother, not without many tears. Then Decimus lead her to her new home. The flute players and young men holding torches in their hands in their led the procession. A chorus of boys and girls were singing a customary song. “hymen o hymen. be present o hymen!” When they reached the house of Decimus, Decimus carried Horatia over the threshold and presented her with gifts, fire and water, because now Horatia had become the mistress of the household/family. Thus we had finished everything [all] according to the customs of our ancestors. This* message will affect you without doubt with the greatest joy. Therefore write again and send congratualations to Horatia for/on a very good marriage. Take care to be well.
* hic = here (with macron), hic = this (without macron)