The brevity of Catullus’ Poem 85 reveals the intensity and despair of love.
Read by Cristina Anason Lewis.
Catullus, Poem 85
Ōdī et amō. quārē id faciam, fortasse requīris.
nescio sed fierī sentiō et excrucior.
I hate and I love. Why I do that, perhaps you ask.
I don’t know, but I feel it happening and I’m in torment.
Music by Bob Bradley, Paul Clarvis and Thomas Balmforth. Translation and recording © The Latin Qvarter 2020