Catullus 101

Catullus

Multas per gentes et multa per aequora vectus 
     advenio has miseras, frater, ad inferias, 
ut te postremo donarem munere mortis      
      et mutam nequiquam alloquerer cinerem. 
quandoquidem fortuna mihi tete abstulit ipsum. 
     heu miser indigne frater adempte mihi, 
nunc tamen interea haec, prisco quae more parentum 
     tradita sunt tristi munere ad inferias, 
accipe fraterno multum manantia fletu,      
atque in perpetuum, frater, ave atque vale.

Catullus 101

Jax Gottschalch

Now I have come through many peopled lands, 
By many seas to serve these wretchèd rites 
My brother! so that I could offer you Death’s decorations.  
You are dead, and I have come 
To speak at your unspeaking ashes. Why? 
 
That Goddess, Fate, has stolen you from me 
O brother, undeservedly from me -  
 
But…however…now… now take them! Take your rites! 
These fossilized rites our fathers handed us  
This sad and pitiful service to the tomb… 
 
God, it’s all soaked now with your brother’s tears.   
 
Brother! always, ‘hail thee, and…’  goodbye.