Catullus

Catullus

Summary

Portrait of Catullus Catullus,  Catullus 68

“ When he is dead, may he become more and more famous, and may no
spider do her work, weaving a thin web high upon Allius'
lonely name! You know what concern two-faced Venus has given
me, and in what manner she has parched me, for I've been
burning like Etna's Sicilian crag or the waters of Malis in
the hot gates of Mount Oeta, and my hapless eyes have not
stopped wasting away in unremitting tears, and my cheeks
have not stopped being wet with the gloomy tears of rain.
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Catullus Catullus,  Catullus 68

“ That I may rescue one shipwrecked, expelled by the frothing waves
of the sea, and bring him back in health from the threshold of
death, him whom heavenly Venus provides no relief, alone in a
celibate bed, in languid sleep,
nor Muses delight with sweet song of ancient writers
when your mind stays anxiously awake all night,
pleases me because you tell me I'm your friend
and seek the gifts both of the Muses and of Venus.
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Catullus Catullus,  Catullus 68

“ But lest you not know my misfortunes, Manius,
or think I rue my guest's obligation,
listen, lest you further seek from a miserable man the blessed gifts
wherewith I myself am submerged in the waves of Fortune.
At that time when a grown man's toga was first handed down to me,
when the age, rife with flowers, issued a pleasant spring,
I had played much: the goddess is well aware of us,
she who mixes our sweet bitterness with cares.
But my brother's death has taken this eager pasttime
away from me entirely.
”
Source: Wikisource

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