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
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