Literal translation (trot):

I hate and love. Why I should do that perhaps you ask.

I don't know, but I feel that it is being done and I am tormented

"At once I hate and love as well."

-"In heaven's name, Catullus, how?"

-"God knows! And yet I feel it now

Here in my heart: the whole of hell."

(M.H. Tattersall)

Richard Lovelace (17th century):

I hate and love, wouldst thou the reason know?

I know not, but I burn and feel it so.

Roy Swanson:

I hate while I love; would you ask how I do it?

My pain Proves it's true; and that's all there is to it.

Walter Savage Landor (19th century):

I love and hate. Ah! Never ask why so!

I hate and love- and that is all I know.

I see 'tis folly, but I feel 'tis woe.

Peter Whigham:

I hate and I love. And if you ask me how,

I do not know: I only feel it, and I'm torn in two.

Theodore Martin:

I hate and love- the why I cannot tell,

But by my tortures know the fact too well.

Ezra Pound:

I hate and love. Why? You may ask but

It beats me. I feel it done to me, and ache.

Frank Copley:


I hate and I love

Well, why do I, you probably ask

I don't know, but I know it's happening

And it hurts.

Frank Bidart:

I hate and love. Ignorant fish, who even

Wants the fly while writhing.