Translation:Catullus 60
| Literal English Translation | Original Latin | Line |
|---|---|---|
Surely a lioness from the Libystinian mountains |
Num tē leaena montibus Libystīnīs |
60.1 |
"The last poem of the polymetric section, this reproach is addressed probably to Lesbia, describing her cruelty as something of a feral, monstrous nature. Its literary pedigree, going back to Homer and Greek tragedy...makes it more effective than if it had been a purely original and spontaneous outburst. Catullus uses the theme again in Ariadne's poignant apostrophe to Theseus (64.154-57); Virgil paid tribute to Catullus in recasting it as Dido's reproach to Aeneas..." (Garrison, 2004). Going counterclockwise from top left, the first and last letters of each line form the acrostic NĀTŪ CEU AES, i.e., "by birth like bronze." Limping iambics.
| Literal English Translation | Original Latin | Line |
|---|---|---|
Surely a lioness from the Libystinian mountains |
Num tē leaena montibus Libystīnīs |
60.1 |