ABSTRACT
Gaius Valerius Catullus is considered by many to have been Romes most sophisticated lyric poet. His poems to the woman Lesbia are his most famous productions; they express a heterosexual love that is passionate and stormy, ending in separation. Some of his poems are addressed to scoundrels and thieves, as can be seen in some of the selections which are addressed to rivals for the love of the boy Juventius. Yet the love expressed here is every bit as passionate as that expressed to Lesbia. It is clear that Catullus was bisexual, as were many Romans especially those of the upper class. The selections begin with a marriage hymn written for Manlius Torquatus and Vinia Aurunculeia. It seems almost incredible to those living in a Christian era that such a song would be sung at such an occasion, but the Romans had a humorous vision of life.
