CATULLUS TRANSLATIONS

CATULLUS TRANSLATIONS Catullus LXXXV: 'Odi et Amo' loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. I hate. I love. You ask, 'Why not refrain?' I wish I could explain. I can't, but feel the pain. 2. I hate. I love. Why? Heavens above! I wish I could explain. I can't, but feel the pain. 3. I hate. I love. How can that be, turtledove? I wish I could explain. I can't, but feel the pain. Catullus CVI: 'That Boy' loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch See that young boy, by the auctioneer? He's so pretty he sells himself, I fear! Catullus LI: 'That Man' This is Catullus's translation of a poem by Sappho of Lesbos loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I'd call that man the equal of the gods, or, could it be forgiven in heaven, their superior, because to him space is given to bask in your divine presence, to gaze upon you, smile, and listen to your ambrosial laughter which leaves men senseless here and hereafter. Meanwhile, in my misery, I'm left speechless. Lesbia, there's nothing left of me but a voiceless tongue grown thick in my mouth and a thin flame running south... My limbs tingle, my ears ring, my eyes water till they swim in darkness. Call it leisure, Catullus, or call it idleness, whatever it is that incapacitates you. By any other name it's the nemesis fallen kings, empires and cities rue. Catullus 1 ('cui dono lepidum novum libellum') loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch To whom do I dedicate this novel book polished drily with a pumice stone? To you, Cornelius, for you would look content, as if my scribblings took the cake, when in truth you alone unfolded Italian history in three scrolls, as learned as Jupiter in your labors. Therefore, this little book is yours, whatever it is, which, O patron Maiden, I pray will last more than my lifetime! Catullus XLIX: 'A Toast to Cicero' loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Cicero, please confess: You're drunk on your success! All men of good taste attest That you're the very best— At making speeches, first class! While I'm the dregs of the glass. Keywords/Tags: Catullus, Latin, English Translation, Rome, Roman, hate, love, pain, man, boy, Cicero, novel, book, books, god, gods, heaven