with the exception of an official journey to Bithynia, 57 B.C. to better
his fortunes: cf. _Iam ver egelidos refert tepores ... Linquantur
Phrygii, Catulle, campi_ (C. 46). After a life of poetic culture and
free social enjoyment he died at the early age of thirty, ‘the young
Catullus,’ _hedera iuvenilia tempora cinctus_ (Ovid, _Am._ III. ix. 61).
2. Works.
116 poems written in various metres and on various subjects, Lyric,
Elegiac, Epic.
‘The event which first revealed the full power of his genius, and which
made both the supreme happiness and supreme misery of his life, was his
love for Lesbia (Clodia).’--Sellar.
‘Catullus is one of the great poets of the world, not so much through
vividness of imagination as through his singleness of nature, his vivid
impressibility, and his keen perception. He received the gifts of the
passing hour so happily that to produce pure and lasting poetry it was
enough for him to utter in natural words something of the fulness of his
heart. He says on every occasion exactly what he wanted to say, in
clear, forcible, spontaneous language.’ --Sellar.
‘The most attractive feature in the character of Catullus is the warmth
of his affection. If to love warmly, constantly, and unselfishly be the
best title to the love of others, few poets in any age or country
deserve a kindlier place in the hearts of men than “the young
Catullus.”’--Sellar.
MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO, 106-43 B.C.
1. Important Events in Cicero’s Life, and chief Works.
[Sidenote: CICERO.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account