Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love. Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus
CatullusRead
Godlike the man who_x000D_ sits at her side, who_x000D_ watches and catches_x000D_ that laughter_x000D_ which (softly) tears me_x000D_ to tatters: nothing is left of me, each time_x000D_ I see her.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses deep admiration and emotional vulnerability inspired by another person's laughter.
In this quote, Catullus portrays the profound impact that a beloved has on him, highlighting how their laughter captivates him and simultaneously makes him feel emotionally torn. He admires the person sitting beside him, suggesting that their presence brings him both joy and a sense of being undone, illustrating the complexities of love where beauty and pain often coexist.
Themes
LoveLaughterAdmirationEmotionVulnerability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a wedding to illustrate the beauty of love.
More from Catullus
All quotes βGive me a thousand kisses, then a hundred, then a thousand more.
CatullusRead
It is difficult to suddenly give up a long love. Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem
CatullusRead
Brother, hello and good-bye. Frater, ave atque vale
CatullusRead
To whom do I give my new elegant little book? Cui dono lepidum novum libellum?
CatullusRead
My mind's sunk so low, Claudia, because of you, wrecked itself on your account so bad already, that I couldn't like you if you were the best of women, -or stop loving you, no matter what you do.
CatullusRead
Similar quotes
Matthew,' she said, 'have you ever loved someone and it became yourself?' For a moment he did not answer. Taking up the decanter he held it to the light. 'Robin can go anywhere, do anything,' Nora continued, 'because she forgets, and I nowhere because I remember.' She came toward him. 'Matthew,' she said, 'you think I have always been like this. Once I was remorseless, but this is another love β it goes everywhere; there is no place for it to stop β it rots me away.
Djuna BarnesRead
We had a happy marriage because we were together all the time. We were friends as well as husband and wife. We just had a good time.
Julia ChildRead
To love others you must first love yourself.
Leo BuscagliaRead
O Love! what hours were thine and mine, In lands of palm and southern pine; In lands of palm, of orange-blossom, Of olive, aloe, and maize and vine!
Alfred Lord TennysonRead
Your naked body should only belong to those who fall in love with your naked soul.
Charlie ChaplinRead
Sex appeal is 50% what you've got and 50% what people think you've got.
Sophia LorenRead