Poetic-Verses from ATHANASE
Catullus (English)
When all's sad, my Prince, and your heart is pale
as a refined word bruised by evening,
close your emerald eyes and throw back into the deepest dark
Catullus's crystal-clear lines!
Translated into English by Norton Hodges
Notes:
Caius Valerius Catullus (circa 84 B.C. – circa 54 B.C.): one of the greatest lyric Latin poets of all time, born in Verona (Italy). He went circa 62 B.C. to Rome where he fell deeply in love with Clodia, sister of Cicero's opponent Publius Clodius Pulcher. Catullus wrote poems addressed to Clodia under the name of Lesbia (to recall Sappho of Lesbos). He is the author of a few long poems, notably “Attis” and a nuptial poem honouring Thetis and Peleus. His satire is vigorous and flexible, his light poems joyful and full-bodied. He was influenced by the Alexandrians
and drew much on the Greeks for form and meter, but his genius outran all models.
One of his most beautiful poems is “On the Death of Lesbia's Sparrow”. Catullus composed also many little pieces to his beloved young friend Juventius.
Comment On This Poem --- Vote for this poem
Catullus (English)
Catullus (English)
