Thursday, September 26

Catullus 55:15-17

You keep such a stand-offish distance
That one needs Hercules' persistence
To track you down these days, my friend.

Catullus, Poems  Translation by James Michie


My enjoyment here is two fold.  First I like the myth of Hercules and the stories about him.  I also fondly remember Kevin Sorbo and Michael Hurst as Hercules and Iolus from the television show Hercules: The Legendary Journeys no matter how far from the original myth they wandered.

Second, I find it hilarious that Catullus is so vexed at not being able to find his friend that he compares the attempt to Hercules' labors.  Hyperbole is fantastic.

AK

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