The Latin text of Catullus poem 27

Minister vetuli puer Falerni
inger mi calices amariores,
ut lex Postumiae iubet magistrae
ebriosa acina ebriosioris.
At vos quo lubet hinc abite,
lymphae vini pernicies,
et ad severos migrate.
Hic merus est Thyonianus.

The english translation of Catullus poem 27

Young man, let slide the goblets
more bitter than old Falernian wine,
just as it is the order of Postumia the teacher
that she is drunker than a drunken grape.
And then you, get out of the way, wherever you like,
waters, ruin of wine,
and get away from the most curmudgeons.
Here is authentic Bacchus.

Comment and analysis

Catullus argues with the young cupbearer: he wants stronger and less watered wine, wishing to distinguish himself from the more prudent or sober drinkers, leaving them the task of drinking the water.

When kept in the long season, the wine takes on a pleasant bitterness, probably Catullus refers to the more aged wines.

A small note: “Thyonianus”, translated into Italian as “Tioniano”, is probably to be understood as “wine of Bacchus” or in any case a high-quality wine that is easily intoxicated.

Metro del poem 27: “Endecasyllable falecio“