Catullus 8, also known as "Catullus 8: Ad Lesbiam," is a poem written by the Roman poet Catullus in the 1st century BC. The poem is a love letter addressed to a woman named Lesbia, who is believed to be the poet's mistress. The poem is written in the form of a conversation between the poet and Lesbia, in which the poet expresses his deep love for her and his desire to be with her.
In the first stanza of the poem, Catullus addresses Lesbia and tells her that he cannot sleep because he is so deeply in love with her. He says that he wishes he could be with her all the time, and that he longs to be able to hold her in his arms and kiss her.
In the second stanza, Catullus tells Lesbia that he is not afraid of death, and that he would rather die than be separated from her. He says that he would rather die a thousand times than be without her, and that he would rather be tortured and punished than be away from her.
In the third stanza, Catullus speaks of the fleeting nature of life and how quickly it passes by. He says that he wants to live each day to the fullest, and that he wants to spend every moment with Lesbia. He tells her that he wants to be with her always, and that he wants to be able to share every moment of his life with her.
In the fourth stanza, Catullus speaks of the power of love and how it can bring people together. He says that love is stronger than death, and that it can conquer even the most formidable obstacles. He tells Lesbia that he loves her with all his heart, and that he will always be there for her, no matter what happens.
Overall, Catullus 8 is a beautiful and poignant love letter that speaks to the depth and intensity of the poet's feelings for Lesbia. It is a testament to the power of love to bring people together, and to the enduring nature of the bond that exists between two people who are deeply in love.
