Translation By Sara Volkmann 

I am sucker for raunchy old men (dead or alive) and Latin poet Catullus is one of my all time favorites! According to the powers that be, in this particular poem while Catullus discusses his lover’s pet sparrow he is actually referring to his penis. FUN TIMES! There really is nothing like male genitalia metaphors and veiled references to masturbation to get you going in the morning! Enjoy!

Passer, deliciae meae puellae,
quicum ludere, quem in sinu tenere,
cui primum digitum dare appetenti
et acris solet incitare morsus,
cum desiderio meo nitenti
carum nescio quid lubet iocari
et solaciolum sui doloris,
credo ut tum gravis acquiescat ardor:
tecum ludere sicut ipsa possem
et tristis animi levare curas!

Image

Sparrow, darling of my lady,
With whom [she is accustomed] to play, whom [she is accustomed] to hold in her lap,
To whom [she is accustomed] to give her fingertip to assail
And accustomed to insight sharp bites,   
When glistening with desire of me
Makes some agreeable jest
(A little comfort of her pain,
I believe, so that then [her] heavy flame may come to rest)
If only I could play with you just so
And ease the sad troubles of [your] mind!