Carmen 8 - “Farewell to a Girl”

Original Latin text by G.V. Catullus

Translated into English by Cassidy Reynolds

Poor Catullus, don’t fool yourself

and see what’s done as done.

The days you’d follow where she led

were days of shining suns.

That girl we loved so dearly–

as no other girl has been–

she didn’t spurn, yet didn’t want

the playful things we did.

Alas, she now has left us

but Catullus! don’t give chase–

keep solid mind and toughen up–

you’d surely lose the race.

Goodbye, my girl,

Catullus now will leave you on your own,

won’t seek or ask for you 

but you’ll be sorry, all alone.

Woe to you, o wicked girl!

What life is left for you?

Whom will you kiss? Whom will you tease?

Whom will you belong to?

To whom will you go now,

and pray, who will your love be for?

Catullus, put it out of mind–

Catullus must endure!