Translations From Catullus. Carm. 70

By Thomas Moore

Lyric Poem
dicebas quondam, etc.     To Lesbia.     Thou told'st me, in our days of love,         That I had all that heart of thine;     That, even to share the couch of Jove,         Thou wouldst not, Lesbia, part from mine.     How purely wert thou worshipt then!         Not with the vague and vulgar fires     Which Beauty wakes in soulless men,--         But loved, as children by their sires.     That flattering dream, alas, is o'er;--         I know thee now--and tho' these eyes     Doat on thee wildly as before,         Yet, even in doating, I despise.     Yes, sorceress--mad as it may seem--         With all thy craft, such spells adorn thee,     That passion even outlives esteem.         And I at once adore--and scorn thee.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem is an exploration of the complexities of love, particularly the dichotomy between adoration and disdain. The speaker reflects on a past relationship, evoking a sense of nostalgia, disillusionment, and enduring passion. The recurring theme of love's duality is presented through the speaker's fluctuating emotions towards Lesbia.

The poem's tone oscillates between affectionate reminiscence and bitter realization, reflecting the speaker's internal conflict. Its structure, divided into four stanzas, mirrors the shifts in the speaker's perceptions of Lesbia, progressing from idealization to disillusionment. Noteworthy is the use of juxtaposition, like "adore--and scorn thee", underlining the poem's central theme of love's paradoxical nature.

The poem also employs classic literary devices such as metaphor and personification. For example, Lesbia is depicted as a "sorceress," suggesting her enchanting yet deceiving nature. The phrase "as children by their sires" is a metaphorical comparison of the speaker's love for Lesbia to the pure love of a parent for their child, emphasizing the depth and innocence of the speaker's initial feelings. The contrast between this pure love and the subsequent disdain adds a layer of tragic irony to the poem. This piece, therefore, offers a deeply human exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in love.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.