Catullus 100 Translation
Introduction In Catullus 100, the poet talked about his friend and competition, Caelius. This man had an affair with Catullus’s lover Clodia/Lesbia. Historians believe that Caelius replaced Catullus in Lesbia’s life. But, in poem 100, Lesbia is not the focus. Instead, Caelius and Quintius are “mad” for a pair of siblings, Aufilenius and Aufilena. In this poem, all four names are considered youths of Verona.
In the first line, Caelius wants Aufilenus, the brother. And, Quintius wants Aufilena, the sister. In line two, Catullus calls them fine flowers of Verona. Then in line three, he talks about one for each sibling, which could be a reference to the flowers.
Catullus then pronounces how sweet brotherhood is and he references a proverb. In line five, Catullus asks who he should vote for, but he does not say what his options are. He mentions Caelius and his friendship, but that is it. Presumably, the other option is Quintius. Catullus appreciated the friendship that Caelius showed him and called it unique. Then, in line seven, he talks about how the flame scorched his vitals - which could be a metaphor towards his love for Lesbia. He then wishes Caelius success in the last line of the poem.
If Caelius has success with Aufilenus, then he will no longer be sharing his bed with Lesbia. That could lead her back to Catullus. This could be the ultimate goal in Catullus wishing Caelius success with his new love interest. The big question is in regards to the proverb, as Catullus does not share what it is. The reference to scorched vitals could also be a reference to how Caelius burned Catullus’s chances with Lesbia, since Caelius took her. With a bit more information, the tone and purpose of this poem would be easier to deduce. Otherwise, the poet seems to be grateful that Caelius has a new love interest.
Carmen 100
| Line | Latin text | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAELIVS Aufillenum et Quintius Aufillenam | CAELIUS is mad for Aufilenus and Quintius for Aufilena, |
| 2 | flos Veronensum depereunt iuuenum, | both the fine flower of Veronese youth, |
| 3 | hic fratrem, ille sororem. hoc est, quod dicitur, illud | one for the brother, one for the sister. |
| 4 | fraternum uere dulce sodalicium. | Here’s the sweet brotherhood of the proverb! |
| 5 | cui faueam potius? Caeli, tibi: nam tua nobis | Which shall I vote for? You, Caelius; your friendship to me |
| 6 | perspecta ex igni est unica amicitia, | was excellently shown — it was unique! |
| 7 | cum uesana meas torreret flamma medullas. | when a mad flame scorched my vitals. |
| 8 | sis felix, Caeli, sis in amore potens. | Luck to you, Caelius! success to your loves! |
