Catullus 46

As my first post that actually adheres to the mission of this blog, rather than offering a series of clarifications and cautions, I wanted to pick something that I really like. That it should be poetry was a given, and while I must admit a preference to Ovid over practically anyone, Catullus's conveniently bite-sized works made him the more appropriate choice. I have picked Catullus 46 to open my blog with; it differs from most of his poetry, and in context is a welcome relief. The prevalence of neoteric vocabulary also posits a possible reading of the poem as a poetic allegory, which I find rather fun. So, enjoy: my interpretations of Catullus 46.

46
Iam ver egelidos refert tepores,
iam caeli furor aequinoctialis
iucundis Zephyri silescit auris.
Linquantur Phrygii, Catulle, campi
Nicaeaeque ager uber aestuosae:
ad claras Asiae volemus urbes.
Iam mens praetrepidans avet vagari,
iam laeti studio pedes vigescunt.
O dulces comitum valete coetus,
longe quos simul a domo profectos
diversae varie viae reportant.

Meter: Hendecasyllabic
Text from: The Student’s Catullus: Third Edition, ed. Daniel H. Garrison. University of Oklahoma Press, 2004.

Literal Translation
Now spring brings back unchilled warmths,
now the equinoctial passion of the sky
grows silent with the pleasant breezes of the west wind.
Let the Phrygian fields be left behind, Catullus,
and the abundant territory of sweltering Nicaea:
let us fly to the bright cities of Asia.
Now the mind, quivering in anticipation, yearns to wander,
now the happy feet grow strong with eagerness.
O sweet crowds of friends, farewell,
who, having set out far off from home together,
carry back in different way to different paths.

Loose Translation
Now the spring recalls the melting warmth,
now gentle zephyrs of the west
soothe the raging tempest of the sky.
The vast burned plain, the tented field –
Catullus! leave Phyrigian Nicaea!
We shall fly far to the radiant east.
Now my mind trembles for travels,
now desire braces my very feet.
Oh sweet friends, sweet band, farewell!
Together we set out far from home,
but apart return by parted ways.