Carmina VIII - Poor Catullus

Poor Catullus, 'tis time you should cease your folly, and

account as lost what you see is lost. Once the days shone

bright on you, when you used to go so often where the

maiden led, the maiden loved by me as none will ever be

loved. There were given us then those joys, so many,

so merry, which you desired nor did the maiden not

desire. Bright to you, truly, shone the days. Now she desires

no more—no more should you desire, poor fool, nor follow

her who flies, nor live in misery, but with resolved mind

endure, be firm. Farewell, maiden; now Catullus is

firm; he will not seek you nor ask you against your will. But

you will be sorry, when your favours are no more desired,

ah, poor wretch! what life is left for you? Who now will visit

you? to whom will you seem fair? whom now will you

love? by whose name will you be called? whom will

you kiss? whose lips will you press? But you, Catullus, be

resolved and firm.