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Suggest pagesThe Poetry of Gaius Valerius Catullus/113/113A
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Contents |
[edit] Text & Translation
| Line | Latin Text | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consule Pompeio primum duo, Cinna solebant | In Pompey's first consulship, Cinna |
| 2 | Maeciliam: facto consule nunc iterum | two men were alone with Maecilia: now with him consul again |
| 3 | manserunt duo, sed creverunt milia in unum | a thousand rivals are seperate |
| 4 | singula. fecundum semen adulterio. | adultery is made by his semen. |
[edit] Connotations of The Text
[edit] Line 2
- primum duo... solebant Maeciliam - two men... were alone with Maecilius
The reader can guess what sort of activity these men got up to. In Roman times lewd, homosexual affairs were a common part of everyday life.
[edit] Line 3
- milia - thousand
This is an exaggeration by Catullus on just how attractive Maecilius is - and also how many enemies he has made, presumably from stealing all the men in the area. This is intended for humorous effect as well as emphasis.
[edit] Line 4
- fecundum semen adulterio - adultery is made by his semen
This tells the reader that Maecilius is a man that other men seek after, to the point of cheating on their wives, or other sexual partners, both male and female.
[edit] External Links
- Catullus 113 A Translation of Catullus 113
- Catullus 113 Another Translation of Catullus 113
