Copley Latin Day honors Frank O. Copley, Professor of Latin in the Classical Studies Department at the University of Michigan from 1934 to 1977. A beloved teacher, translator, and scholar, Copley published on Roman literature, especially Latin poetry.
Copley was well-known for a translation of Catullus that was characterized by a fellow classicist as “brash” and “witty.” These qualities can be seen from Copley’s treatment of the opening line to poem 93 (nil nimium studio, Caesar, tibi velle placere). A close translation might go like this: “I’m not too eager, Caesar, to aim to please you.” Copley took some liberties, with great effect:
JULIUS CAESAR
YOU’RE A SNOT
I DON’T GIVE A DAMN
IF YOU LIKE ME OR NOT
The Department of Classical Studies awards an annual prize in Copley’s name to a graduating senior for excellence in Latin.
