Gaius Valerius Catullus

Gaius Valerius Catullus (ca. 84 BC – ca. 54 BC) was a Roman poet of the 1st century BC. His surviving works are still read widely, and continue to influence poetry and other forms of art. Catullus invented the "angry love poem."

“Ille mi par esse deo videturille, si fas est, superare divos,qui sedens adversus identitem tespectat et auditdulce ridentem, misero quod omniseripit sensus mihi: nam simul te,Lesbia, aspexi, nihil est super milingua sed torpet, tenuis sub artusflamma demanat, sonitu suoptetintinant aures gemina, tegunturlumina nocte.otium, Catulle, tibi molestum est;otio exsultas nimiumque gestis;otium et reges prius et beatasperdidit urbes.”

“To whom shall I offer this book, young and sprightly,Neat, polished, wide-margined, and finished politely?To you, my Cornelius, whose learning pedantic,Has dared to set forth in three volumes giganticThe history of ages—ye gods, what a labor!—And still to enjoy the small wit of a neighbor.A man who can be light and learned at once, sir,By life's subtle logic is far from a dunce, sir.So take my small book—if it meet with your favor.The passing of years cannot dull its sweet savor.”

Gaius Valerius Catullus

“Odi et amo. Quare I'd faciam, fortasse requiris. ”

Gaius Valerius Catullus