Catullus 31 - Ad Sirmionem insulam
Catullus 31 - To the island of Sirmione
Catullo 31 - All'isola di Sirmione
Paene insularum, Sirmio, insúlarumque
Peninsulas and islands, peninsulas and islands
ocelle, quascumque in liquentibus stagnis
tints in liquid pools
marique vasto fert uterque Neptunus,
each Neptune carries a vast sea
quam te libenter quamque laetus inviso
how gladly and how happy to look at you
vix mi ipse credens Thyniam atque Bithynos
I scarcely believed Thynia and Bithynia
liquisse campos et videre te in tuto !
to leave the plains and see you in safety !
O quid solutis est beatius curis,
Oh, what is happier when you are free?
cum mens onus reponit, ac peregrino
when the mind is burdened, and the stranger
labore fessi venimus Larem ad nostrum
tired with labor we came to our home
desideratoque adquiescimus lecto?
do we get the desired rest in bed?
Hoc est, quod unum est pro laboribus tantis.
This is one thing that is worth the effort.
Salve, o venusta Sirmio, atque ero gaude !
Hail, O beautiful Sirmius, and I will rejoice!
gaudete vosque, o Lydiae lacus undae,
Rejoice, O waters of Lydia's lake,
ridete, quidquid est domi cachinnorum !
laugh, whatever is the house of laughter !
