Wretched Catullus, put an end to this madness!

Wretched Catullus, put an end to this madness!

That which is over and lost,

you must count lost forever:

Those radiant days that once shone upon you

When you hastened to follow the girl

wherever she led you

That same girl whom you loved as no

other woman will ever be loved --

(Wretched Catullus, put an end to this madness!)

The countless delights in the sports of love,

When what you desired, she desired

and desired just as much.

(Wretched Catullus!)

O, radiant indeed were the days

that once shone upon you!

Now suddenly she no longer wants your love,

and you, being helpless must

Give up this longing, cease to pursue her,

Put an end to this torment and madness!

(Wretched Catullus!)

O immortal gods, if you truly have pity,

Tear out from my heart this pestilence,

this plague

Whose insidious gnawing has driven

all joy from my breast.

I no longer ask that this woman should love me.

Nor do I ask the impossible, that she be chaste;

My only wish now is that I be healed, and this

Terrible pain be assuaged.