I 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.
CATULLUSGive up wanting to deserve any thanks from anyone, or thinking anybody can be grateful.
More Catullus Quotes
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To whom do I give my new elegant little book? Cui dono lepidum novum libellum?
CATULLUS -
There is nothing more foolish than a foolish laugh.
CATULLUS -
Now Spring restores the balmy heat, now Zephyr’s sweet breezes calm the rage of the equinoctial sky.
CATULLUS -
It is difficult to lay aside a confirmed passion.
CATULLUS -
The confounding of all right and wrong, in wild fury, has averted from us the gracious favor of the gods.
CATULLUS -
Godlike the man who sits at her side, who watches and catches that laughter which (softly) tears me to tatters: nothing is left of me, each time I see her.
CATULLUS -
Better a sparrow, living or dead, than no birdsong at all.
CATULLUS -
We see not our own backs.
CATULLUS -
I write of youth, of love, and have access by these to sing of cleanly wantonness.
CATULLUS -
There is nothing more silly than a silly laugh.
CATULLUS -
Away with you, water, destruction of wine!
CATULLUS -
I hate and love. You ask, perhaps, how can that be? I know not, but I feel the agony.
CATULLUS -
I hate and I love. Perchance you ask why I do that. I know not, but I feel that I do and I am tortured. [Lat., Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, fortasse requiris. Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.]
CATULLUS -
Away with you, water, destruction of wine!
CATULLUS -
What women say to lovers, you’ll agree, One writes on running water or on air.
CATULLUS