Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love. Vivamus, mea Lesbia, atque amemus
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep emotional conflict, showcasing the struggle between love and the pain caused by the beloved.
In this quote, Catullus articulates the turmoil of intense love intertwined with suffering. He reveals how his feelings for Claudia have caused him so much distress that no matter her actions, he cannot cease to love or regard her positively, illustrating the complexities of love that can lead to both joy and anguish.
Themes
LovePainEmotional ConflictSufferingLonging
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the complexities of relationships, one could use this quote to illustrate the challenges of loving someone despite their flaws.
More from Catullus
All quotes →Give 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
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.
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
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