Sparrow, the Special Delight of My Girl

　　 by Gaius Valerius Catullus

　　 Translated by David Mulroy

　　 Sparrow， the special delight of my girl，

　　 whom often she teases and holds on her lap

　　 and pokes with the tip of her finger， provoking

　　 counterattacks with your mordant beak，

　　 whenever my luminous love desires

　　 something or other， innocuous fun，

　　 a bit of escape， I suppose， from her pain，

　　 a moment of peace from her turbulent passion，

　　 I wish I could play like she does with you

　　 and lighten the cares of my sorrowful soul.

　　 It thrills me as much as the nimble girl

　　 in the story was thrilled by the gilded apple

　　 that finally uncinched her virginal gown.

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