Catullus (Caius Quintus Valerius Catullus) Quotes
What a woman says to her ardent lover should be written in wind and running water.
Leave off wishing to deserve any thanks from anyone, thinking that anyone can ever become grateful.
What a woman says to her lover should be written on air or swift water.
There is nothing more foolish than a foolish laugh. Risu inepto res ineptior nulla est
I hate and love. And if you should ask how I can do both, I couldn't say; but I feel it, and it shivers me.
For ever, brother, hail and farewell.
O, what is more sweet than when the mind, set free from care, lays its burden down; and, when spent with distant travel, we come back to our home, and rest our limbs on the wished-for bed? This, this alone, repays such toils as these!
[Lat., O! quid solutis est beatius curis!
Cum mens onus reponit, ac pergrino
Labore fessi venimus larem ad nostrum
Desideratoque acquiescimus lecto.
Hoc est, quod unum est pro laboribus tantis.]
What a woman says to her fond lover should be written on air or the swift water.
[Lat., Mulier cupido quod dicit amanti,
In vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua.]
We see not our own backs.
My Lesbia, let us live and love.
[Lat., Vivamus, mea Lesbia atque amemus.]