Catullus 31 Translation
Introduction
In this poem, Catullus wrote about a place that he loved to visit: Sirmio. This is a promontory off of Lake Garda where Catullus seemed to have had a home. There are ruins there that many believe belonged to Catullus. In this poem, it appears that Catullus enjoyed this area as a vacation destination.
In the first quatrain, Catullus wrote about how the land was the bright eye of the islands where Neptune (the god of the sea) washes ashore. In lines four through six, he wrote about how happy he was to visit, especially after being away in Thynia and Bithynia, so now he can visit safely.
In line seven, Catullus explains how fortunate he is to have a place where he can put away his cares. He continues writing about how Sirmio is a place where he can lose his burden and rest after the struggles of traveling for work. He calls Sirmio a place where he can come home and rest on his own bed. Travelers today still say the same thing: how wonderful it is to return home and sleep in a comfortable bed.
In line 11, Catullus says that he works to enjoy his home in Sirmio. This line is also relatable as many working people still work so they can go on vacation. In the final three lines, Catullus greets Sirmio and how he rejoices in being the owner of the home. He appreciates the Lydian waves (gentle waves) that laugh as they wash ashore. Catullus also shares how when the waves are gently laughing this happens in the home, too.
Catullus wrote most of his poems about people he loved or hated. It is refreshing to see him write an ode to a place that he loved. It showcases how similar the ancient people are to the people of today. Who wouldn’t love to have a beautiful, relaxing home on the shores of lake with gentle waves?
Carmen 31
| Line | Latin text | English translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PAENE insularum, Sirmio, insularumque | Sirmio, bright eye of peninsulas and islands, |
| 2 | ocelle, quascumque in liquentibus stagnis | whatever ones either Neptune bears |
| 3 | marique uasto fert uterque Neptunus, | in liquid lakes or in the vast sea. |
| 4 | quam te libenter quamque laetus inuiso, | how willingly and happily I visit you, |
| 5 | uix mi ipse credens Thuniam atque Bithunos | scarecely trusting myself that I have left Thynia and the Bithynian |
| 6 | liquisse campos et uidere te in tuto. | plains, and that I see you in safety. |
| 7 | o quid solutis est beatius curis, | Oh, what is more blessed that to put cares away, |
| 8 | cum mens onus reponit, ac peregrino | when the mind lays down its burden, and tired |
| 9 | labore fessi uenimus larem ad nostrum, | with the labor of travel, we come to our own home |
| 10 | desideratoque acquiescimus lecto? | and rest on the bed we longed for. |
| 11 | hoc est quod unum est pro laboribus tantis. | This is the only thing that is worth such great toils. |
| 12 | salue, o uenusta Sirmio, atque ero gaude | Hello, charming Sirmio, rejoice in your happy master, |
| 13 | gaudente, uosque, o Lydiae lacus undae, | and you, Lydian waves of the lake, |
| 14 | ridete quidquid est domi cachinnorum. | laugh whatever laughter there is in your home. |
