In Other Words/The Mathematics of Catullus
The Mathematics of Catullus
Ode 7.
“Quaeris quot mihi basiationesTuae, Lesbia, sint satis, superque?”
Lesbia, you would have me state What the number isOf the times to osculate.Let your pote approximate, Namely, t’wit, and viz:
Lesbia, count the sands that lie On the spicy shore;Sum the stars that in the skyCoruscate; and multiply That by thousands more—
That, O sweetest of your sex, Fails the full amount.Let the total number vexAll the jealous rubbernex Trying to keep count!