Carmina

Catullus

Catullus, Gaius Valerius. The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus. Smithers, Leonard Charles, prose translator. London, Printed for the Translators, 1894.

Aufilena, that a bride live content in her husband alone is praise of exceptional praise: but it is preferable to lie beneath any lover you choose, rather than as mother to bring forth brothers [cousins] out of your uncle.

He is a lot of man, Naso, and he who descends with you is not a lot of man: Naso you are a lot—and sexually submissive.

In the first consulate of Pompey, Cinna, two used to frequent Mucilla: now again made consul, the two remain, but to each one has accrued a thousand. The seed of adultery is fruitful.

With his estate not falsely is Mentula of Firmum said to be rich, which has everything in it of such excellence, game preserves of every kind, fish, meadows, plowland and beasts. In vain: the yield is overcome by the expense. Therefore I grant that he is rich, while everything is lacking. Let us praise the estate, while its owner is a needy man.