The vows that woman makes to her fond lover are only fit to be written on air or on the swiftly passing stream.
CATULLUSThe vows that woman makes to her fond lover are only fit to be written on air or on the swiftly passing stream.
CATULLUSSo a maiden, whilst she remains untouched, so long is she dear to her own; when she has lost her chaste flower with sullied body, she remains neither lovely to boys nor dear to girls.
CATULLUSI can imagine no greater misfortune for a cultured people than to see in the hands of the rulers not only the civil, but also the religious power.
CATULLUSEvery one has his faults: but we do not see the wallet on our own backs.
CATULLUSAway with you, water, destruction of wine!
CATULLUSFor the godly poet must be chaste himself, but there is no need for his verses to be so.
CATULLUSTo whom do I give my new elegant little book? Cui dono lepidum novum libellum?
CATULLUSWho now travels that dark path from whose bourne they say no one returns. [Lat., Qui nunc it per iter tenebricosum Illue unde negant redire quemquam.]
CATULLUSGive me a thousand kisses, then a hundred, then a thousand more.
CATULLUSWe see not our own backs.
CATULLUSI write of youth, of love, and have access by these to sing of cleanly wantonness.
CATULLUSOh, this age! How tasteless and ill bred it is!
CATULLUSWhat woman says to fond lover should be written on air or the swift water. [Lat., Mulier cupido quod dicit amanti, In vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua.]
CATULLUSThe confounding of all right and wrong, in wild fury, has averted from us the gracious favor of the gods.
CATULLUSThere is nothing more foolish than a foolish laugh.
CATULLUSI hate and love. And why, perhaps you’ll ask. I don’t know: but I feel, and I’m tormented.
CATULLUS