Catullus 79 Translation
Introduction |
In several of Catullus’s poems, he wrote about his love for Lesbia. In this one, he addresses Lesbia’s brother, who he calls Lesbius. He refers to Lesbius as a pretty boy, and Catullus claims that Lesbia likes her brother better than she likes Catullus.
In lines three and four, Catullus talks about how Lesbius could sell him and all of his family members if three friends would kiss him. But, the final line of the poem leads the readers to believe that Lesbius does not have three friends who would kiss him.
Lesbia’s real name was Clodia and she had a brother named Clodius. He became a politician who was not liked by Cicero. In fact, Cicero’s bodyguards eventually killed him. Clodius was known for being arrogant and moody, so he was not well-loved by many people. So, it would have been difficult to find three acquaintances who would have vouched for him. However, he was an innovative man, so he might have been able to sell someone by using a clever technique.
For Catullus, it was important that Lesbia loved him. It would, therefore, be important that anyone associated with Lesbia should love him too.
He refers to Lesbius twice as a pretty boy. This is often not used as a compliment. This man could be a new lover to Lesbia, which is why he is called a pretty boy. Lesbia would not love someone who is not pretty. He could be a relative if he is not Lesbia’s brother.
In the Latin version of the poem, Catullus calls Lesbius a pulcher. This could be a reference to his name, which is the same last name that Lesbia has. It is also a reference to him being pretty. People shun this man, which is why he is unable to find anyone to vouch for him or kiss him other than his relative.
Carmen 79 |
| Line | Latin text | English translation |
|---|---|---|
1 | LESBIVS est pulcer. quid ni? quem Lesbia malit | LESBIVS is a pretty boy; why not? since Lesbia likes him better |
2 | quam te cum tota gente, Catulle, tua. | than you, Catullus, with all your kin. |
3 | sed tamen hic pulcer uendat cum gente Catullum, | But let this pretty boy sell Catullus and all his kin |
4 | si tria notorum suauia reppererit. | if he can find three acquaintances to vouch for him. |
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Resources |
VRoma Project: http://www.vroma.org/~hwalker/VRomaCatullus/079.html
