Gaius Valerius Catullus, Carmen 61.199-223

Both bride and groom are addressed together and urged to begin their marriage in earnest, producing children — ideally a son like his father Manlius, whose virtue will reflect the honor of his mother, as Telemachus reflects the fame of Penelope.

 

Tier 1

ille qui vult videre amorem inter vos,

 

ille primum numeret numerum harenarum Africae et sidera quae lucent in caelo.

 

amate ut placet, et tempore brevi date infantes.

 

malum est ut tam antiquum nomen sine infantibus sit, sed bonum est infantes ab familia eadem habere.

 

volo parvus Torquatus, tendens manus suas ab matre

 

dulce rideat ad patrem.

 

sit puer similis suo patri Manlio

 

et illi qui eum vident, facile eum cognoscant,

 

et puer indicet pudicitiam suam ore suae matris.

 

talis laus demonstret puerum esse a familia bonae matris,

 

qualis unica fama manet ab optima matre Penelopeo.

Written by Robert Amstutz

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