Bestiaria Latina: Disticha Latina

O felix mortale genus...

2012-02-29T00:01:00.017-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

O felix mortale genus, si semper haberet
Aeternum prae mente decus mortemque timeret!

Here is the vocabulary:

O - o! oh!
felix - happy, fortunate
mortalis - mortal
genus - race, kind, sort
si - if
semper - always
habeo - have
aeternus - eternal
prae - before, in front of
mens - mind
decus - glory, splendor
mors - death
que - and
timeo - fear

(Photo by Jim Epler)

Cur non mitto meos...

2012-02-29T00:01:00.016-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 7.3:

Cur non mitto meos tibi, Pontiliane, libellos?
Ne mihi tu mittas, Pontiliane, tuos.

You ask me why I have no verses sent?
For fear you should return the compliment.
- Hay

Here is the vocabulary:

cur - why
non - not, no
mitto - send
meus - my, mind
tu - you
Pontilianus - Pontilianus
libellus - book, little book
ne - not, so that not, lest
ego - I, me
tuus - your, yours

(image source)

Contra verbosos...

2012-02-29T00:01:00.015-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), 1.10, with English translations by Duff and Chase.

Contra verbosos noli contendere verbis:
Sermo datur cunctis, animi sapientia paucis.

Try not with words the talker to outdo;
On all is speech bestowed: good sense on few.
(Chase)

To fight the wordy you must words eschew:
Speech is bestowed on all, sound sense on few.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

contra - against, opposite
verbosus - verbose, talkative
nolo - do not want, do not
contendo - stretch, compete, contend
verbum - word
sermo - talk, speech
do - give
cunctus - all, every
animus - spirit, mind
sapientia - wisdom
paucus - few

(image source)

Brevitas

2012-02-29T00:01:00.013-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 7.31. Any distich in praise of brevity offers ipso facto proof!

Brevitas
Perspicua brevitate nihil magis afficit aures;
In verbis, ubi res postulat, esto brevis.

BREVITY
Perspicuous Brevity doth please in chief:
In words, which things concern’d contain, be brief.

Here is the vocabulary:

perspicuus - clear, evident
brevitas - brevity, shortness
nihil - nothing
magis - more
afficio - move, influence, make an impression
auris - ear
in - in, into
verbum - word
ubi - when, where
res - thing
postulo - demand, claim
sum - be, exist
brevis - brief, short

(Poster by Aaron Wood)

Tutius Ut Possit Figi

2012-02-29T00:01:00.011-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.60, with an English rendering by George Wither. The dolphin is the friendly fish that helps men at sea; the dolphin's speed is a paradoxical complement to the anchor's steadiness, as Wither explains in the opening lines of his poem to accompany this emblem:

Ovr Elders, when their meaning was to shew
A native-speedinesse (in Emblem wise)
The picture of a Dolphin-Fish they drew;
Which, through the waters, with great swiftnesse, flies
An Anchor, they did figure, to declare
Hope, stayednesse, or a grave-deliberation:
And therefore when those two, united are,
It giveth us a two-fold Intimation.

You might notice the similarity to the famous emblem of the Aldine Press, with its motto of Festina lente.

Tutius Ut Possit Figi
Tutius ut possit figi maris anchora fundo,
Adiuvat humanam piscis amicus opem.

If Safely, thou desire to goe
Bee nor too swift, nor overslow.

Here is the vocabulary:

tutus - safe, protected
ut - so, so that, in order to
possum - can, be able
figo - fasten, fix, establish
mare - sea
anchora - anchor
fundus - bottom, lower part
adiuvo - help, aid
humanus - human (adj.)
piscis - fish
amicus - friendly, friend
ops - power, help, might

Cunctando Proficit

2012-02-29T00:01:00.010-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 1:15. The emblem shows a mulberry true which, with the wisdom of nature, produces fruit at the right time - not too early, not too late. Camerarius singles the mulberry out for praise in this regard because it is praised by Pliny for not producing shoots until after the very last frost, unlike other plants that might produce shoots to early, only to have them destroyed by the late frost.

Cunctando Proficit
Festinare nocet, nocet et cunctatio saepe:
Tempore quaeque suo qui facit, ille sapit.

Here is the vocabulary:

cunctor - delay, tarry, linger
proficio - accomplish, be effective
festino - hasten, hurry
noceo - do harm, injure
cunctatio - delay, tarrying
saepe - often
tempus - time
quisque - each, every, whoever
suus - reflexive possessive
qui - who, which, that
facio - make, do
ille - that, that one
sapio - taste, be aware, be wise

A servo scis...

2012-02-28T00:01:00.018-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 1.81. Martial is here playing with the fact that in Latin, the word dominus had a wide range of meaning - it meant "master" in the context of master and slave, but it was also used as a respectful term of address outside of the slavery context, as when addressing one's own patron or father. So Sosibianus was hardly alone is using the title dominus when addressing his father, but Martial makes the practice an object of amusement at Sosibianus' expense: Sosibianus calls his father "master," which must mean that Sosibianus is a slave, which must mean he knows himself to be the son of a slave.

A servo scis te genitum blandeque fateris,
cum dicis dominum, Sosibiane, patrem.

That thou'rt son to a slave, thou dost frankly record,
When, Sosibian, thou titlest thy father "My lord."
- Elphinston

Here is the vocabulary:

a - from, by
servus - slave, servant
scio - know
tu - you
gigno - give birth, bear, beget
blandus - pleasant, flattering
que - and
fateor - confess, admit
cum - when
dico - say, tell
dominus - master
Sosibianus - Sosibianus
pater - father

(Roman Slave Mosaic)

Sic fac ut nulla...

2012-02-28T00:01:00.017-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Sic fac ut nulla sine fructu transeat hora:
Sic fit hora brevis et labor ipse levis.

Here is the vocabulary:

sic - thus, as, so
facio - do, make
ut - so, so that, in order to
nullus - not any, none
sine - without
fructus - fruit
transeo - walk by, pass
hora - hour, time
fio - be made, be made to happen
brevis - short, brief
et - and
labor - labor, hard work
ipse - emphatic adj/pronoun
levis - light, slight, trifling

(image source)

Successu indignos...

2012-02-28T00:01:00.015-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), 2.23, with English translations by Duff and Chase.

Successu indignos noli tu ferre moleste:
Indulget Fortuna malis, ut vincere possit.

Vex not thyself when bad men win, for so
Doth fortune go about to lay them low.
(Chase)

Chafe not against men's undeserved success:
To bring it low Luck smiles on wickedness.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

successus - advancement, success
indignus - unworthy, undeserving
nolo - do not want, will not, don't
tu - you
fero - carry, bear, endure
molestus - annoying, vexing; moleste (adv.)
indulgeo - grant, concede
Fortuna - Fortune, Lady Luck
malus - bad, evil
ut - so, so that, in order to
vinco - conquer, win
possum - be able, can

(Bernie Madoff)

Dives

2012-02-28T00:01:00.010-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 3.31. Here Owen plays with the paradoxical sense of repentance - the miser is someone who feels pentitent about every penny he has had to pay out, but he does not feel the spiritual penitence that would get him into heaven!

Dives
In coelum dives cur raro ascendit? Avarum
Poenitet expensi, praeterea nihili.

A RICH MAN
Why are few rich men sav’d? because their bent
Repents Expences, nothing else repent.

Here is the vocabulary:

dives - wealthy, rich; rich man
in - in, into
caelum - sky, heaven
cur - why
raro - rarely
ascendo - go up, ascend
avarus - miserly, greedy
paenitet - it displeases, makes sorry
expensum - expenditure
praetera - besides, in addition
nihilum - nothing

(Albert Finney as Scrooge)

Regio Haud Religio

2012-02-28T00:01:00.009-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Bornitius, 5:15. The Latin poem plays on the similarity between the words regio and religio. The words are not related etymologically, but it is indeed true that the letters r-e-g-i-o are lurking there in the word r-e-l-i-g-i-o.

Regio Haud Religio
Non mihi religio cordi est, sed amor regionis;
Nimirum regio in religione latet.

Here is the vocabulary:

regio - area, region, country
haud - not
religio - religion
non - not, no
ego - I, me
cor - heart
sum - be, exist
sed - but
amor - love
nimirum - surely, without doubt
in - in, into
habeo - have

Pro Gallinis

2012-02-28T00:01:00.008-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.59, with an English rendering by George Wither. You can see the roosters fighting in the foreground; meanwhile, in the background, you can see their human equivalents!

Pro Gallinis
Ut pro gallinis victoriae amore salaces,
Non praedae, galli bella cruenta movent.

To brawle for Gaine, the Cocke doth sleight
But, for his Females, he will fight.

Here is the vocabulary:

pro - for, for the sake of
gallina - hen, chicken
ut - as, so
victoria - victory
amor - love
salax - lusty, lecherous
non - not, no
praeda - spoils, loot, plunder
gallus - rooster
bellum - war
cruentus - bloody, gory
moveo - move, set in motion, agitate

Quid facies, facies Veneris...

2012-02-27T00:22:00.000-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs. I love the word play in this little poem! You have facies (you will do) and facies (faces), Veneris (of Venus) and veneris (you come), sedeas (you sit) and sed eas (but go), and pereas (you perish) and per eas (because of them).

Quid facies, facies Veneris cum veneris ante?
Ne sedeas, sed eas, ne pereas per eas.

Here is the vocabulary:

quid - what
facio - do
facies - face
Venus - Venus, goddess of love, love
cum - when
venio - come
ante - before, in front of
ne - so that not, lest, do not
sedeo - sit, take a seat
sed - but
eo - go
pereo - perish, dei
per - through, because of
is - he/she/it

(image source)

Artis Phidiacae...

2012-02-27T00:01:00.016-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 3.35. Phidias was one of the most famous artists of classical Greece. None of his original works seems to have survived, but there are Roman copies of works attributed to Phidias, along with many references to Phidias and his works in the literature of both Greece and Rome, as here in Martial's poem.

Artis Phidiacae toreuma clarum
pisces aspicis: adde aquam, natabunt.

So graved to th' life by Phidias' art, you'ld swear
The fish would swimme, were butt the water there.
- Anon. 16th cent.

Here is the vocabulary:

ars - art, skill
Phidiacus - belonging to Phidias
toreuma - carving, sculpted relief
clarus - clear, illustrious, famous
piscis - fish
aspicio - look upon, behold, consider
addo - add, give in addition
aqua - water
nato - swim

(Gerard van Opstal)

Consilium arcanum...

2012-02-27T00:01:00.015-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called),2.22, with English translations by Duff and Chase.

Consilium arcanum tacito committe sodali,
Corporis auxilium medico committe fideli.

Thy secret thoughts to trusted friend declare;
Thy body trust to wise physician's care.
(Chase)

Trust secret plans to friend who guards his speech,
And bodily treatment to a faithful leech.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

consilium - plan, advice
arcanus - secret, confidential
tacitus - silent, quiet
committo - entrust, commit
sodalis - comrade, associate
corpus - body
auxilium - help, remedy
medicus - physician
fidelis - faithful, trustworthy

(image source)

Post Tentationem, Consolatio

2012-02-27T00:01:00.014-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.58, with an English rendering by George Wither. After a trial by fire, the rains provide a welcome relief!

Post Tentationem, Consolatio
Languescunt flores radiis solaribus usti;
Per pluvias soliti tollere sponte caput.

When wee have greatest Griefes and Feares
Then, Consolation sweet'st appeares.

Here is the vocabulary:

post - after
tentatio - trial, temptation
consolatio - consolation, comfort
languesco - wilt, become weak
flos - flower
radius - ray
solaris - sun (adj.), solar
uro - burn
per - through
pluvia - rain, shower
soleo - be accustomed to, in the habit of
tollo - lift up, raise
sponte - willingly
caput - head

Solus Iam Grandior Errat

2012-02-27T00:01:00.013-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 4:15. I like the way the emblem shows the young tuna who feel a sense of safety in numbers, contrasted with the big fish who knows how to go his own way!

Solus Iam Grandior Errat
Turmatim iuvenes, ast gaudent aequore soli
Maiores Thunni: dic mihi utri sapiant?

Here is the vocabulary:

solus - alone, single, sole
iam - already, now
grandis - large, big
erro - wander
turmatim - in squadrons, in groups
iuvenis - young
ast - but, on the other hand
gaudeo - rejoice, be glad
aequor - smooth, smooth surface, sea
maior - greater, larger
thunnus - tuna fish
dico - say, tell
ego - I, me
uter - which (of two)
sapio - taste, be wise

Prophetae, Poetae

2012-02-27T00:01:00.012-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 1.31. This is another one of Owen's elegant little parallel comparisons: the prophet speaks true things about the future, while the poet speaks falsely about the past!

Prophetae, Poetae
Illi de rebus praedicere vera futuris;
Hi de praeteritis dicere falsa solent.

PROPHETS, POETS
Prophets of Things to come the Truth predict:
But Poets of Things past write false and fict.

Here is the vocabulary:

propheta - prophet
poeta - poet
ille - that, that one
de - about, concerning
res - thing
praedico - say beforehand, foretell
verus - true
futurus - yet to come, future
hic - this, this one
praeteritus - that which has passed by, past
dico - speak
falsus - false, untrue
soleo - be in the habit of, usually do

(Malachi the Prophet)

Si spumet rubra...

2012-02-26T00:01:00.014-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 13.7: a poem in praise of simple fare! That is a philosophy of life that I personally find very congenial myself. :-)

Si spumet rubra conchis tibi pallida testa,
lautorum cenis saepe negare potes.

Here is the vocabulary:

si - if
spumo - froth, foam
ruber - red
conchis - bean
tu - you
pallidus - pale, yellow-green
testa - clay pot
lautus - elegant, luxurious
cena - dinner
saepe - often
nego - say no, deny
possum - can, be able

(image source)

Tunc bene prandetur...

2012-02-26T00:01:00.013-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Tunc bene prandetur, cum Christus adesse videtur:
Si des, ipse dabit, si non des, ipse negabit.

Here is the vocabulary:

tunc - then
bene - well, nicely
prandeo - eat a meal, dine
cum - when
Christus - Christ
adsum - be present, attend
video - see; (passive) seem
si - if
do - give
ipse - emphatic adj/pronoun
non - not, no
nego - deny, refuse, say "no"

(Coptic icon)

Quae potus peccas...

2012-02-26T00:01:00.012-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase.

Quae potus peccas, ignoscere tu tibi noli;
Nam crimen vini nullum est, sed culpa bibentis.

Condone not what thou dost, o'ercome with wine;
'T is not the liquor's fault: the blame is thine.
(Chase)

Your faults in drink should not your pardon win:
The wine is guiltless: 'tis the drinker's sin.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

qui - who, which, that
potus - drunken, intoxicated
pecco - make a mistake, err
ignosco - pardon, forgive
tu - you
nolo - do not, will not
nam - for
crimen - blame, guilt, fault
vinum - wine
nullus - not any, none
sum - be, exist
culpa - fault
bibo - drink

(Conan)

Semper Ardentius

2012-02-26T00:01:00.011-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 3:15. The bite of the dipsas snake supposedly caused a great thirst; the name is Greek (compare the word "dipsomaniac"). Here you can see the dipsas snake attacking the eagle, queen of the birds and a symbol of the mind which likewise can be fatally inflamed by love's ardor.

Semper Ardentius
Reginam volucrum dipsas necat; ardor amoris
Sic animum accendens te dabit exitio.

Here is the vocabulary:

Sequitur Sua Poena Nocentem

2012-02-26T00:01:00.010-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.57, with an English rendering by George Wither. The emblem shows the villainous Ixion, who is famously punished in the Greek underworld by being stretched on a wheel. What was his crime? Ixion was a guest of Zeus on Olympus, seated at the table of the Gods. Even so, Ixion lusted after Zeus' wife, Hera. Zeus was outraged and created a cloud mirage of Hera, which Ixion attempted to rape. Zeus then blasted Ixion with a thunderbolt and ordered Hermes to tie Ixion to a fiery wheel spinning for all eternity. So, whatever crime you commit, punishment is sure to come, limping but lively.

Sequitur Sua Poena Nocentem
Ultio certa manet; sequitur sua poena nocentem;
Ante expectatum, clauda ea viva venit.

By Guiltines, Death entred in
And, Mischiefe still pursueth Sinne.

Here is the vocabulary:

sequor - follow
suus - reflexive possessive
poena - punishment
noceo - do harm, injure
ultio - revenge
certus - certain
maneo - remain, await
ante - before
expecto - expect, anticipate
claudus - limping
is - he/she/it
vivus - alive, living
venio - come

Gerundia et Supina

2012-02-26T00:01:00.009-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 8.31. This witty little poem plays with the grammatical terms gerund and supine, using them to describe the ups and downs of poor Dido's love life.

Gerundia et Supina
Di-do-dum Aeneas aberat, caruisse gerundis
Dicitur, et nullum nosse supina virum.

GERUNDS AND SUPINES
Di-do-dum while Aeneas was away
Did want her Gerunds, and Un-supine lay.

Here is the vocabulary:

gerundium - gerund
et - and
supinum - supine (gram.)
Dido - Dido
dum - while, when
Aeneas - Aeneas
absum - be absent, be away
careo - lack
dico - say
nullus - not any, none
nosco - know
supinus - lying on one's back, face up
vir - man

(Sacchi: Death of Dido)

Permutatio Glauci

2012-02-25T12:34:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 4.30. The title of this epigram makes a comparison between the exchange between Diomedes and Glaucus in Homer's Iliad and the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau.

Permutatio Glauci
Esuriens fratri omni suum ius vendidit Esau,
Iacobus fratri ius dedit omne suum.

GLAUCUS EXCHANGE
His Birth-right Esau unt' his brother sold:
Jacobs Pottage for it gave, not gold.

Here is the vocabulary:

permutatio - change, exchange
Glaucus - Glaucus
esurio - be hungry, hunger
frater - brother
omnis - all, every, entire
suus - reflexive pronoun
ius - right, claim
vendo - sell
Esau - Esau
Iacobus - Jacob
do - give

(Giotto: Isaac and Esau)

Turbata Delectat

2012-02-25T01:16:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 2:15. According to legend, the camel liked dirty water, so it intentionally stirred up the water before it would drink. Camerarius compares this to the way someone who thirst for war profits purposefully disturbs the peace.

Turbata Delectat
Turbat aquam sitiens cum vult haurire camelus
Sic pacem, ex bellis qui lucra foeda sitit.

Here is the vocabulary:

turbo - stir up, disturb
delecto - please, delight
aqua - water
sitio - thirst, feel thirsty
cum - when
volo - want, wish, will
haurio - drain, swallow, drink
sic - thus
pax - peace
ex - from, out of
bellum -war
qui - who, which, that
lucrum - gain, profit
foedus - filthy, foul, disgusting

Qui Me Alit, Me Extinguit

2012-02-25T01:14:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.56, with an English rendering by George Wither. Here is more of Wither's poem:

The little Sparkes which rak'd in Embers lie,
Are kindly kindled by a gentle blast:
And, brands in which the fire begins to die
Revive by blowing; and, flame out at last.
The selfe same wind, becomming over strong,
Quite bloweth out againe that very flame;
Or, else, consumes away (ere it be long)
That wasting substance, which maintain'd the same.

As you can see, the idea is that the movement of air can both stir the flame into life, but a blast of air can also put the flame out. So too, love, which fosters and stirs us, can also lay us low, even though we might not see it coming.

Qui Me Alit, Me Extinguit
Qui me alit, extinguit; qui me fovet et movet, ille,
Cum minime credo, me necat, hostis amor.

From that, by which I somewhat am
The Cause of my Destruction came.

If you look closely, you can see Cupid causing trouble in the background:

Here is the vocabulary:

qui - who, which, that
ego - I, me
alo - feed, nourish, support
extinguo - extinguish, kill, destroy
foveo - keep warm, maintain, foster
et - and
moveo - move
ille - that, that one
cum - when
minime - least of all, not at all
credo - believe, trust, suppose
neco - slay, kill
hostis - enemy
amor - love

Cur tantum eunuchos...

2012-02-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 6.67. The male priests of Cybele for notorious for castrating themselves, as told dramatically in Catullus 63.

Cur tantum eunuchos habeat tua Caelia, quaeris,
Pannyche? Volt futui Caelia, nec parere.

Pannicus, dost wish to know
Why thy Gellia favours so
The priests of Cybele? To sport
She loves, and pay no suffering for't.
- Anon.

Here is the vocabulary:

cur - why
tantum - only
eunuchus - eunuch
habeo - have
tuus - your
Caelia - Caelia
quaero - ask, inquire
Pannychus - Pannychus
volo - want, wish, will
futuo - have sexual relations
nec - nor; and not
pario - give birth, bear children

(Wisconsin State Capitol Building)

Cum fueris Romae...

2012-02-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Cum fueris Romae, Romano vivito more;
Cum fueris alibi, vivito sic ut ibi.

Here is the vocabulary:

cum - with, when
sum - be, exist
Roma - Rome; loc. Romae
Romanus - Roman
vivo - live
mos - character, habits, behavior
alibi - elsewhere, in another place
sic - thus, so, in this way
ut - as, so, so as to
ibi - there

(image source)

Nolito quaedam referenti...

2012-02-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.20.

Nolito quaedam referenti credere saepe:
Exigua est tribuenda fides, qui multa loquuntur.

Since those who much to thee are wont to tell
Deserve but little faith, distrust them well.
(Chase)

Trust not those who for ever news relate:
Slight faith is due to tongues that glibly prate.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

nolo - do not, wish not
quidam - certain, a, one
refero - bring back, repeat, report
credo - trust, believe
saepe - often
exiguus - small, meager
sum - be, exist
tribuo - assign, present, allot
fides - faith, trust
qui - who, which, that
multus - much, many
loquor - speak

(image source)

Nec Incidi, Nec Evelli

2012-02-24T21:23:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 1:14. The olive tree is a traditional symbol of peace, even today (as in "extending the olive branch"). Peace should be cherished, not cut down with an ax and not rooted out with a hoe; instead, let the tree flourish in endless days of peace.

Nec Incidi, Nec Evelli
Dure facesse ligo, validae procul este bipennes,
Frondeat aeternos pacis alumna dies.

Here is the vocabulary:

nec - neither, nor, and not
incido - cut into, cut open
evello - pull out, root out
durus - hard, rough, tough
facesso - do, perpetrate
ligo - mattock, hoe
validus - strong, mighty
procul - at a distance, far off
sum - be, exist
bipennis - two-edged axe
frondeo - be in leaf, be leafy
aeternus - eternal
pax - peace
alumnus - nourished, native; nourishing
dies - day

Consensu Populi Regnum Subsistit

2012-02-24T21:22:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.55, with an English rendering by George Wither. You will see that Wither was simply baffled by the visual emblem this time:

A Crowned Scepter, here is fixt upright,
Betwixt foure Fowles, whose postures may declare,
They came from Coasts, or Climats opposite,
And, that, they diffring in their natures are.
In which, (as in some others, that we finde
Amongst these Emblems) little care I take
Precisely to unfold our Authors minde;
Or, on his meaning, Comments here to make.
It is the scope of my Intention, rather
From such perplext Inventions (which have nought,
Of Ancient Hieroglyphick) sense, to gather,
Whereby, some usefull Morall may be taught.

I guess maybe the idea is that the birds at least are not attacking one another, being well-behaved in the presence of the crown.

Consensu Populi Regnum Subsistit
Consensu populi regnum subsistit, et urbes
Pace vigent, cives si bene conveniant.

That Kingdome will establish'd bee
Wherein the People well agree.

Here is the vocabulary:

consensus - agreement, consent
populus - people, population
regnum - kingdom
subsisto - stand, abide
et - and
urbs - city
pax - peace
vigeo - be strong
civis - citizen, countryman
si - if
bene - well, nicely
convenio - agree, harmonize

Sanguis

2012-02-24T12:33:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 7.29. The Latin epigram depends on the word play of sanguis and anguis, which is hard indeed to capture in English!

Sanguis
Sum crudus, vocor inde cruor, per corpora curro,
Volvor, et in venis sanguis ut anguis eo.

THE BLOOD
I'm Crude, call'd Blood: A circled course I keep,
And Snake-like through the bodies Veins I creep.

Here is the vocabulary:

sanguis - blood
sum - be, exist
crudus - raw, bleeding, crude
voco - call, name
inde - from there, consequently
cruor - gore, bloodshed
per - through
corpus - body
curro - run, race
volvo - turn, roll
et - and
in - in, into
vena - blood vessel, vein
ut - as, like
anguis - serpent, snake
eo - go

(image source)

Nil in te scripsi...

2012-02-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 12.78. Here Martial makes a witty little threat. Bithynicus has accused Martial of writing against him; Martial denies it and Bithynicus refuses to believe him, so Martial declares that he is now willing to satisfy Bithynicus: he did not write anything negative before, but now he will!

Nil in te scripsi, Bithynice: credere non vis
Et iurare iubes? Malo satis facere.

Here is the vocabulary:

nil - nothing
in - in, into, against
tu - you
scribo - write
Bithynicus - Bithynicus
credo - believe
non - not, no
volo - want, wish, will
et - and
iuro - swear
iubeo - command, order
malo - prefer, would rather
satis - enough, sufficiently
facio - do, make
satis factio - to give satisfaction, satisfy

(image source)

Rusticus est vere...

2012-02-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs. In addition to the rhyme, this one features a nice play on the multiple meanings of the preposition de, which hear means "about a woman" and also "from a woman."

Rusticus est vere, dicens mala de muliere:
Nam scimus vere, sumus omnes de muliere.

Here is the vocabulary:

rusticus - country, rural; farmer, bumpkin
sum - be, exist
verus - true, real; adv. vere
dico - say, talk, tell
malus - bad, evil
de - from; about, concerning
mulier - woman
nam - for, because
omnis - all, every
scio - know

(American Gothic, by Grant Wood)

Insipiens esto...

2012-02-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.18:

Insipiens esto, cum tempus postulat aut res:
Stultitiam simulare loco, prudentia summa est.

To fit th' occasion laughable appear;
'T is sometimes wisdom folly's mask to wear.
(Chase)

Play the fool's part, if time or need advise:
To act the fool at times is truly wise.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

insipiens - unwise, foolish
sum - be, exist
cum - when
tempus - time
postulo - demand, require
aut - or
res - thing, business
stultitia - foolishness
simulo - pretend, feign
locus - place, situation
prudentia - good sense, prudence

(Marc Chagall)

Inlustrem cum tota...

2012-02-23T22:20:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 14.41. Martial is describing a lucerna polymyxos, a many-wicked lamp.

Inlustrem cum tota meis convivia flammis
Totque geram myxas, una lucerna vocor.

Here is the vocabulary:

illustro - light, illuminate
cum - when
totus - whole, entire
meus - my, mine
convivium - banquet, feast
flamma - flame
tot - so many
que - and
gero - wear, wage, have
myxa - curved part of a lamp, wick
unus - one
lucerna - lamp, oil-lamp

(image source)

De Natura et Gratia

2012-02-23T22:00:00.003-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 3.29. Owen addresses the poem Ad Theodorum Price Theologum, Cognatum Suum. Theodore Price (d. 1631) became prebendary of Winchester. In this poem Owen sets up an equation between two visible symbols, the moon and the sun, to express the contrast between the abstract ideas of nature and grace.

De Natura et Gratia
Natura obscuram lucem ceu luna ministrat,
Sol quasi splendidus gratia lumen habet.

OF NATURE AND GRACE
Nature like to the Moon gives pallid Light:
Grace like the Sun more splendid shines and bright.

Here is the vocabulary:

de - about, concerning
natura - nature
et - and
gratia - grace
obscurus - dark, vague, obscure
lux - light
ceu - like
luna - moon
ministro - supply, furnish, serve
sol - sun
quasi - as if, like
splendidus - glittering, splendid
lumen - light, lamp
habeo - have

(image source)

Sortes Humanae

2012-02-23T21:51:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Bornitius, 5:14. Note the contrast between God and man, not just Deus and homo, but instead Deus and the homuncio, the little manikin. I wish I knew what game was depicted in the emblem here; if anyone has any clues about that, let me know!

Sortes Humanae
Sortes homuncio iacit:
Dei sed ad nutum cadunt.

Here is the vocabulary:

sors - lot, fate, oracular response
humanus - human
homuncio - little man, manikin
iacio - toss, cast
deus - god
sed - but
ad - to, towards
nutus - nod
cado - fall

Discite Iustitiam

2012-02-23T21:43:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.54, with an English rendering by George Wither. Here are the opening lines of Wither's poem:

A Sword unsheathed, and a strangling-Snare,
Is figur'd here; which, in dumbe-shewes, doe preach,
Of what the Malefactor should beware;
And, they doe threaten too, aswell as Teach.

The justice here is divine justice, since it is God who wields these weapons that he has entrusted in the hands of kings. The sword can be a weapon of war, of course, but the hanging rope is not a weapon of war; its use here is for capital punishment.

Discite Iustitiam
Discite iustitiam: laqueus monet illud et ensis,
Quae Deus in regum dirigit arma manu.

Marke, what Rewards, to Sinne, are due
And, learne, uprightnesse to pursue.

Here is the vocabulary:

disco - learn
iustitia - justice
laqueus - noose, snare, gallows
moneo - warn, advise
ille - that, that one
et - and
ensis - sword
qui - who, which, that
deus - god
in - in
rex - king
dirigo - direct, guide
arma - arms, weapons
manus - hand

Tempore felici multi...

2012-02-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Tempore felici multi numerantur amici;
Dum fortuna perit, nullus amicus erit.

Here is the vocabulary:

tempus - time, season, occasion
felix - happy, lucky, successful
multus - much, many
numero - number, count
amicus - friendly; friend
dum - while
fortuna - luck, fortune
pereo - die, perish
nullus - none, not any, no
sum - be, exist

(image source)

Utere quaesitis modice...

2012-02-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.17.

Utere quaesitis modice: cum sumptus abundat,
Labitur exiguo, quod partum est tempore longo.

Spend sparingly thy gains: with wasting vain
Soon wealth is lost that took long time to gain.
(Chase)

Make temperate use of gains: when all is cost,
What took long time to get is quickly lost.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

utor - use
quaero - seek, search, obtain
modicus - moderate, temperate
cum - when
sumptus - charge, cost
abundo - abound, exceed, overflow
labor - slip, slide
exiguus - small, meager, short
qui - who, which, that
pario - give birth to, produce, acquire
tempus - time
longus - long, lengthy

(image source)

Siccus, sobrius est...

2012-02-22T21:19:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 12.30:

Siccus, sobrius est Aper; quid ad me?
Servum sic ego laudo, non amicum.

Here is the vocabulary:

siccus - dry
sobrius - sober, not drunk
sum - be, exist
Aper - Aper
quid - what
ad - to, towards
ego - I, me
servus - slave
sic - thus, in this way
laudo - praise
non - not, no
amicus - friend

(Virtual Drinking Buddy)

Optativus Modus

2012-02-22T21:11:00.003-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 1.29. Although Latin does not use the optative mood (it has only the subjunctive), Greek does! I wasn't sure what image to use for "endless desire," but I thought maybe an "all-you-can-eat buffet" might do the trick. :-)

Optativus Modus
Infinitivo prope par modus optativus:
Optandi finem nam sibi nemo facit.

THE OPTATIVE MOOD
Th’ Infinitive is near th’ Optative Mood,
For Infinite’s the wish of Goods or Good.

Here is the vocabulary:

optativus - optative
modus - mood, mode, measure
infinitivus - infinitive
prope - near, nearly, almost
par - equal
opto - want, wish, choose
finis - end, finish
nam - for, the fact is
se - reflexive pronoun
nemo - nobody, no one
facio - make, do

(image source)

Armis Non Omnia Cedunt

2012-02-22T20:31:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 4:14. The lines of the poem are spoken by the swordfish himself. He knows that the other fish fear him, but he also knows that a tiny enemy is about to destroy him; according to the ancient sources, there was an insect that would attack the swordfish, a kind of sea-gadfly, driving the swordfish to madness, causing it either to leap up on board a ship or to fling itself onto dry land, where it would die a miserable and painful death.

Armis Non Omnia Cedunt
Piscibus ipse aliis formidabilis hostis,
Mox hostis misere me necat exiguus.

Here is the vocabulary:

Musica, Serva Dei

2012-02-22T20:28:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.53, with an English rendering by George Wither. We are presumably looking at King David in the emblem, with the Hebrew letters of the divine, the tetragrammaton, there in the sky!

Musica, Serva Dei
Musica, serva Dei, nobis haec otia fecit:
Illa potest homines, illa movere Deum.

Though Musicke be of some abhor'd
She, is the Handmaid of the Lord.

Here is the vocabulary:

musica - music
servus - servant, slave
deus - god
nos - we, us
hic - this, this one
otium - leisure
ille - that, that one
possum - can, be able
homo - person, man
moveo - move

Quod tibi vis fieri...

2012-02-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Quod tibi vis fieri, mihi fac: quod non tibi, noli;
Sic potes in terris vivere iure poli.

Here is the vocabulary:

qui- who, which, that
tu - you (singular)
volo- will, want
facio - do, make
ego - I, me
non - not, no
nolo - not want, don't
sic - thus, so, in this way
possum - can, be able
in - in, into
terra - earth, land, country
vivo - live
ius - justice, duty, law
polus - pole, sky, heaven

(image source)

Nec te conlaudes...

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.16.

Nec te conlaudes, nec te culpaveris ipse;
Hoc faciunt stulti, quos gloria vexat inanis.

Nor praise nor blame thyself: Fools thus have erred,
When by vain hope of glory they were stirred.
(Chase)

Praise not yourself, nor to yourself take blame:
Fools do so, plagued by love of empty fame.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

nec - nor, and not
tu - you
conlaudo - praise, commend
culpo - blame, find fault
ipse - emphatic adj/pronoun
hic - this, this one
facio - do, make
stultus - foolish, fool
qui - who, which, that
gloria - glory
vexo - toss, trouble, annoy
inanis - empty, meaningless

(image source)

Quid faciet nullos...

2012-02-21T22:54:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 14.25. The Romans made combs out of boxwood in addition to other materials. Here Martial is mocking the poor comb that will not be able to find (great use of future active participle!) any hairs on the owner's head!

Quid faciet nullos hic inventura capillos
Multifido buxus quae tibi dente datur?

Here is the vocabulary:

quid - what
facio - do, make
nullus - not any, none
hic - here
invenio - find
capillus - hair
multifido - many-divided, many-parted
buxus - boxwood
qui - who, which, that
tu - you
dens - tooth
do - give

(ancient Roman comb)

Quod Differtur Non Aufertur

2012-02-21T22:38:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 9.29.

Quod Differtur Non Aufertur
Differt non aufert mortem longissima vita;
Quid differt igitur cras hodieve mori?

WHAT IS DEFERR’D IS NOT AUFERR’D
Long Life deferrs but takes not Death away;
What differs then, to die this, or next day?

Here is the vocabulary:

qui - who, which, that
differo - put off, delay; differ
non - not, no
aufero - carry off, take away
mors - death
longus - long
vita - life
quid - what
igitur - therefore
cras - tomorrow
hodie - today
-ve - or (enclitic)
morior - to die

(Playing Chess with Death)

Non Captu Facilis

2012-02-21T22:23:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 3:14. The eagle is indeed not easy to capture; the emblem urges us to claim such spiritual freedom for ourselves!

Non Captu Facilis
Nubibus, ecce, Iovis volat altior omnibus ales;
Tu quoque ad alta animum, si sapis, astra leva.

Here is the vocabulary:

non - not, no
captus - capture, catch
facilis - easy
nubes - cloud
ecce - behold
Iupiter - Jupiter
volo - fly
altus - high
omnis - all, every
ales - bird
tu - you
quoque - also
ad - to, towards
animus - soul
si - if
sapio - taste, be wise
astrum - star
levo - raise, elevate

Ingenii Largitor Venter

2012-02-21T22:12:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.52, with an English rendering by George Wither. The emblem alludes to the famous Aesop's fable about the wise crow who uses little stones to raise the level of water in the jar.

Ingenii Largitor Venter
Me docet ingenii venter largitor et artis,
Calculus impositus quod bene trudat aquam.

When wee by Hunger, Wisdome gaine
Our Guts, are wiser then our Braine.

Here is the vocabulary:

ingenium - talent,
largitor - liberal giver, donor
venter - stomach, belly
ego - I, me
doceo - teach
et - and
ars - art, skill
calculus - small stone
impono - put in, put on
quod - that
bene - well
trudo - shove, force, drive
aqua - water

Litis praeteritae...

2012-02-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.15.

Litis praeteritae noli maledicta referre:
Post inimicitias iram meminisse malorum est.

Revive not memories of former strife;
'T is shame to bring old hatreds back to life.
(Chase)

The quarrel past, its bitter words ignore:
'Tis ill to hink of wrath, when strife is o'er.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

lis: quarrel, dispute, lawsuit
praeteritus: past, bygone
nolo: do not want, refuse
maledictum: insult, reproach
refero: bring back, report, revive
post: after
inimicitia: enmity, hostility
ira: anger, wrath
memini: remember
malus: bad, wicked, evil
sum: be, exist

(image source)

O homo, si scires...

2012-02-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

O homo, si scires, quidnam esses, unde venires,
Nunquam gauderes, sed in omni tempore fleres.

Here is the vocabulary:

O - o, oh (exclamation)
homo - person, man
si - if
scio - know
quisnam - who, what, which
sum - be, exist
unde - from where, whence
venio - come
numquam - never, not ever
gaudeo - be glad, rejoice
sed - but
in - in, into
omnis - all, every, entire
tempus - time, occasion
fleo - weep, cry for

(Hamlet)

Habet Africanus miliens...

2012-02-20T23:05:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 12.10. Here Martial is making fun of someone making money hand over fist (habet miliens, he's got and got a thousand-fold), but still he grasps for more!

Habet Africanus miliens, tamen captat;
Fortuna multis dat nimis, satis nulli.

He fawns for more, though he his thousands touch:
Fortunes gives non enough, but some too much.
- Crowley

Here is the vocabulary:

habeo - have
Africanus - Africanus
miliens - thousand times, thousand-fold
tamen - but, however
capto - grasp, grab
Fortuna - fortune, Lady Luck
multus - much, many
do - give
nimis - too much, excessively
satis - enough
nullus - not any, none, no one

(image source)

Sol et Tempus

2012-02-20T21:03:00.003-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 7.28. Of course, the sun most famously stood still in the Biblical Book of Joshua, 10.13: Stetit itaque sol in medio caeli, et non festinavit occumbere spatio unius diei.

Sol et Tempus
Sol celer est, at sole tamen velocior hora:
Hora stetit nunquam, sol aliquando stetit.

THE SUN, AND TIME
The Sun is swift, but th’ Hour’s more swift: The Sun
Sometime stood still, but th’ Hour that time did run.

Here is the vocabulary:

sol - sun
et - and
tempus - time
celer - swift
sum - be, exist
at - but, on the other hand
tamen - however
velox - swift, fast
hora - hour, time
sto - stand, stop, stand still
numquam - never
aliquando - sometimes

(Bible illustration by Gustave Doré)

Pretiosum Quod Utile

2012-02-20T20:45:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 2:14. The image for this emblem alludes to the discerning power of the unicorn's horn; for another example, see the emblem about the unicorn's horn being able to separate out the poison from the water.

Pretiosum Quod Utile
Commoda quae est usu non fama, res pretiosa est;
Displicet haec paucis, at placet illa magis.

Here is the vocabulary:

pretiosus - costly, valuable, dear
qui - who, which, that
utilis - useful
commodus - convenient, advantageous
sum - be, exist
usus - use, usefulness
non - not, no
fama - reputation
res - thing
displiceo - displease
hic - this, this one
paucus - few
at - but, on the other hand
placeo - please
ille - that, that one
magis - more

Nequeo Compescere Multos

2012-02-20T20:42:00.004-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.51, with an English rendering by George Wither. Although Rollenhagen does not mention the owl in his poem, Wither explains the owl's situation in his lines:

When I observe the Melanchollie Owles,
Considering with what patience, they sustaine
The many clamours, of the greater Fowles;
And, how the little Chirpers, they disdaine:
When I remember, how, their Injuries
They sleight, (who, causeles give them an offence)
Vouchsafing, scarce to cast aside their eyes
To looke upon that foolish Insolence.

You can see the long-suffering owl there in the emblem! I think we all know how that feels. :-)

Nequeo Compescere Multos
Perfero; quid faciam? Nequeo compescere multos;
Si vis cedendo vincere, disce pati.

We best shall quiet clamorous Thronges
When, we our selves, can rule our Tongues.

Here is the vocabulary:

nequeo - cannot, be unable
compesco - restrain, check, curb
multus - much, many
perfero - bear, endure, suffer
quid - what
facio - do, make
si - if
volo - wish, will, want
cedo - yield
vinco - win, defeat
disco - learn
patior - suffer, experience

Nescio quid sit amor...

2012-02-20T00:01:00.006-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Nescio quid sit amor: nec amo, nec amor, nec amavi,
Sed scio, si quis amat, uritur igne gravi.

Here is the vocabulary:

nescio - do not know, be ignorant
quid - what
sum - be, exist
amor - love, affection, devotion
nec - and not, nor
amo - love, like
sed - but
scio - know
si - if
aliquis - someone, something, anything
uro - burn
ignis - fire
gravis - heavy, weighty, serious

(image source)

Esto animo forti...

2012-02-20T00:01:00.005-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.14.

Esto animo forti, cum sis damnatus inique;
Nemo diu gaudet, qui iudice vincit iniquo.

Bear with brave spirit every unjust wrong;
The joy that's won unfairly lasts not long.
(Chase)

When judged unfairly, your own courage trust:
None long has joy who wins through judge unjust.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

sum: be, exist
animus: soul, courage, mind
fortis: strong
cum: when, since
damno: find guilty, condemn
iniquus: unjust, wrong
nemo: no one, nobody
diu: for a long time
gaudeo: rejoice, be joyous
qui: who, which, that
iudex: judge
vinco: conquer, win

(image source)

Me Copia Perdit

2012-02-19T23:59:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 1:13. For an Aesop's fable about a tree undone by its own abundance of fruit, see the story of the apple tree and the olive tree.

Me Copia Perdit
Rumpitur innumeris arbos uberrima pomis,
Et subito nimiae praecipitantur opes.

Here is the vocabulary:

ego - I, me
copia - abundance, plenty
perdo - ruin, lose, destroy
rumpo - burst
innumerus - countless, innumerable
arbor (arbos) - tree
uber - rich, fertile, fruitful
pomum - fruit
et - and
subito - suddenly
nimius - too much, excessive
praecipito - throw headlong, cast down
ops - power, might; resources, wealth (pl.)

De Parvis Grandis Acervus Erit

2012-02-19T23:57:00.005-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.50, with an English rendering by George Wither. Today's emblem is based on one of my very favorite Latin sayings. I consider it to be the motto of blogging: blog bit by bit, post by post... and eventually you end up with a book! I certainly hope to have a nice book of distichs by summer.

De Parvis Grandis Acervus Erit
Adde parum parvo, parvo superadde pusillum,
Tandem de parvis grandis acervus erit.

Of Little-Gaines, let Care be had;
For, of small Eares, great Mowes are made.

Here is the vocabulary:

de - from
parvus - small, tiny
grandis - great, large
acervus - heap, pile
sum - be, exist
addo - add
parum - a little, very little
superaddo - add on top
pusillus - tiny
tandem - finally, at last

Poto ego sextantes...

2012-02-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 12.27.

Poto ego sextantes; tu potas, Cinna, deunces:
Et quereris quod non, Cinna, bibamus idem?

I drink a pint; a gallon you: for shame!
Can you complain, the wine is not the same?
-Hay

Here is the vocabulary:

poto - drink, drink heavily
ego - I
sextans - one-sixth
tu - you
Cinna - Cinna
deunces - eleven-twelfths
et - and
queror - complain
quod - that, because
non - not, no
bibo - drink
idem - the same

(image source)

Epitaphium Athei

2012-02-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 1.28. While I am an atheist myself, I have to say I am very impressed by Owen's deft use of the Latin future participles here! :-)

Epitaphium Athei
Mortuus est, quasi victurus post funera non sit:
Sic vixit, tanquam non moriturus erat.

THE ATHEIST'S EPITAPH
He died, as if dead, no Life There were:
As if There were no Death, He lived Here.

Here is the vocabulary:

epitaphium - epitaph
atheus - atheist
morior - die
quasi - juast as, as if
vivo - live
post - after (time)
funus - burial, funeral
non - not, no
sum - be, exist
sic - thus, so, in this way
tamquam - like, as if

(image source)

Quanto dignior es...

2012-02-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Quanto dignior es, aut per genus aut per honores,
In te tanto res vitiosae sunt graviores.

Here is the vocabulary:

quantus - how much, as much
dignus - worthy, suitable
sum - be, exist
aut - or; aut...aut... either...or...
per - through, by means of
genus - origin, race, sort, variety
honor - honor, esteem, public office
in - in, into
res - thing, business, affair
tu - you (singular)
tantus - as great, as much
vitiosus - faulty, full of vice, defective
gravis - heavy, weighty, serious

("the most famous philanderer in the GOP race")

Invidiam nimio cultu...

2012-02-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2:13.

Invidiam nimio cultu vitare memento:
Quae si non laedit, tamen hanc sufferre molestum est.

Though envy roused by pomp doth not destroy,
Forbear to stir it, for it doth annoy.
(Chase)

Proud pomp will rouse men's jealousy, be sure:
Though it mayn't hurt, it's irksome to endure.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

invidia - envy
nimius - too much, excessive
cultus - care, refinement, polish
vito - evade, avoid
memini - remember
qui - who, which, that
si - if
non - not, no
laedo - wound, injure
tamen - but, however
hic - this, this one
suffero - bear, endure, suffer
molestus - annoying, tiresome
sum - be, exist

(Gold Porsche)

Has cum gemina compede...

2012-02-18T23:40:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 3.29. As Martial makes clear here, Zoilus had been a slave but then acquired his freedom and a certain amount of social status. He might wear expensive rings on his fingers now as a result, but he was once a slave and thus had dedicated his first rings to Saturn; those first rings were, indeed, the fetters and chains of a slave. The joke alludes to the practice that newly free slaves would dedicate their fetters to Saturn (note likewise the special privileges slaves enjoyed during the festival of Saturnalia).

Has cum gemina compede dedicat catenas,
Saturne, tibi Zoilus, anulos priores.

Here is the vocabulary:

hic - this, this one
cum - with, together with
gemina - double
compes - shackles, fetters
dedico - dedicate, consecrate
catena - chain
Saturnus - the god Saturn
tu - you
Zoilus - Zoilus
anulus - ring
prior - earlier, prior, first

(image source)

Rex Regum Reges Regit

2012-02-18T21:31:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Bornitius, 13. The image shows the heart of the king with rings, but it is nevertheless being turned where the hand of God wills - since he is the king of kings, after all, rex regum.

Rex Regum Reges Regit
Cor regis in manu Dei est;
Is flectit illo, quo velit.

Here is the vocabulary:

rex - king
rego - guide, rule, direct
cor - heart
in - in, into
manus - hand
deus - god
sum - be, exist
is - he/she/it
flecto - turn, bend, curve
ille - that, that one
qui - who, which, that
volo - want, wish, will

Paulatim, Non Impetu

2012-02-18T21:09:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.49, with an English rendering by George Wither. As you can see in the emblem, the tiny bit of sand - harenula - in the poem is the sand of the hourglass. The sand runs down in a slow but steady stream, not all in a rush.

Paulatim, Non Impetu
Paulatim leni decurrit arenula lapsu,
Non impetu delabitur.

What cannot be by Force attain'd,
By Leisure, and Degrees, is gain'd.

Here is the vocabulary:

paulatim - slowly, bit by bit
non - not, no
impetus - attack, assault, charge
lenis - gentle, light
decurro - run down, race to
harena - sand
delabor - slip, slide down

Quid Deus intendat

2012-02-18T20:44:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.12:

Quid Deus intendat, noli perquirere sorte:
Quid statuat de te, sine te deliberat ille.

Ask not the lot what doth the god intend;
Without thy help he will decide thy end.
(Chase)

What God intendeth seek not to:
His plans for thee require no aid of thine.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

quid - what
deus - got
intendo - hold out, intend
nolo - do not, want not
perquiro - search for, seek
sors - fate, lot
statuo - establish, set, decide
de - about, concerning
tu - you
sine - without
delibero - consider, ponder, think
ille - that, that one

(image source)

Castor et Pollux

2012-02-18T11:27:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 9.28. The quarrels of brothers (earthly brothers, in any case) are proverbial in Latin, e.g. Fratrum inter irae sunt acerbissimae.

Castor et Pollux
Concordes duo sunt in caelo sidera fratres;
In terra unanimes vix reor esse duos.

CASTOR AND POLLUX
In Heaven the two Brother-Stars agree;
In Earth, I doubt, scarce two such Brothers be.

Here is the vocabulary:

Castor - Castor
et - and
Pollux - Pollux
concors - in agreement, likeminded
duo - two
sum - be, exist
in - in, into
caelum - sky
sidus - star
frater - brother
terra - land, earth
unanimis - acting in accord, harmonious
vix - scarcely
reor - I think

(Castor and Pollux)

O dives, dives...

2012-02-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

O dives, dives! non omni tempore vives!
Fac bene, dum vivis, post mortem vivere si vis.

Here is the vocabulary:

O - o, oh (exclamation)
dives - rich, a rich man, wealthy
non - not, no
omnis - all, every, entire
tempus - time, season, occasion
vivo - live
facio - do, make
bene - well, rightly, right, good
dum - while, as long as, until
post - after (time), behind (space)
mors - death
si - if
volo - will, want, be willing

(image source)

Iurat capillos esse...

2012-02-17T23:58:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 6.12. This poem plays nicely with the idea of just what is "your own" and what is not. Is it yours because you have bought it...? Indeed!

Iurat capillos esse, quos emit, suos
Fabulla: numquid illa, Paule, peierat?

The golden hair that Galla wears
Is hers; who would have thought it?
She swears 'tis hers, and true she swears
For I know where she bought it.
-Sir John Harrington

Here is the vocabulary:

iuro - swear, attest
capillus - hair
sum - be, exist
qui - who, which, that
emo - buy
suus - reflexive pornoun
Fabulla - Fabulla
numquid - question word; expects negative answer
ille - that, that one
Paulus - Paulus
peiero - swear falsely, lie

(image source)

De Virginitate et Coniugio

2012-02-17T23:04:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 8.27. I like the way that Owen plays with the metaphorical and literal senses of a narrow way or a wide way. The way of virginity is a narrow way metaphorically - and that is why there are so few people who embark upon it: there's not room for more!

De Virginitate et Coniugio
Virginitas angusta via est. Via latior autem
Coniugis. Hinc plures ingrediuntur eam.

OF VIRGINITY AND WEDLOCK
Virginity’s a narrow way; a broad
Is Wedlock: Hence most People ride this road.

Here is the vocabulary:

de - about, concerning
virginitas - maidenhood, virginity
et - and
coniugium - marriage, wedlock
angustus - narrow
via - way, path, road
latus - wide
autem - but, however
coniunx - spouse
hinc - from here, from this cause
plus - more
ingredior - enter into, go in
is - he/she/it

(image source)

Bis Pereo

2012-02-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 3:13. What a great illustration of the eagle pierced by its own feather! This is also an Aesop's fable; here is a Latin version.

Bis Pereo
Ipsa suis pennis aquila interit icta: refertur
Scilicet haec hodie gratia promeritis.

Here is the vocabulary:

bis - twice
pereo - perish, die
ipse - intensive adj/pronoun
suus - reflexive possessive
penna - feather
aquila - eagle
intereo - die
icio - hit, strick, smite
refero - carry back, report, refer
scilicet - of course, certainly
hic - this
hodie - today
gratia - thanks, favor
promereo - deserve, merit, gain

Mors Sceptra Ligonibus Aequat

2012-02-17T21:10:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.48, with an English rendering by George Wither. In the emblem you can see the sceptre and the mattock presided over by the skull. In the background is the palace and the dead king lying in state, while there is a funeral procession bearing a man from the village into the cemetery.

Mors Sceptra Ligonibus Aequat
Pallida mors aequo pede sceptra ligonibus aequat,
Et regum ante aulas pulsat, et ante casam.

In Death, no Difference is made,
Betweene the Scepter, and the Spade.

Here is the vocabulary:

mors - death
sceptrum - scepter
ligo - mattock, hoe
aequo - make even, equal
pallidus - pale, yellow-green
pes - foot
et - and
rex - king
ante - before
aula - hall, court
pulso - knock, beat, strike
casa - cottage, shack

Adversum notum noli contendere...

2012-02-17T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here is today's distich by Cato (so-called), with English translations by Duff and Chase, 2.11.

Adversum notum noli contendere verbis;
Lis minimis verbis interdum maxima crescit.

Dispute not with thy friend, for often so
From trifling words most serious discords grow.
(Chase)

In wordy war do not engage thy friend;
For trivial words in mighty strife may end.
(Duff)

Here is the vocabulary:

adversum: against
notus: familiar, well-known
nolo: do not want, refuse
contendo: strive, contest with
verbum: word
lis: lawsuit, quarrel, dispute
minimus: smallest
interdum: sometimes
maximus: greatest, biggest
cresco: grow

(The Zax - Dr. Seuss)

Quando placet Christo...

2012-02-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Quando placet Christo, de mundo tollimur isto;
Nemo potest scire, quis primo debet abire.

Here is the vocabulary:

quando - when
placeo - please, give pleasure to, satisfy
Christus - Christ
de - from, down from, about
mundus - world, universe
tollo - lift up, take away, remove
iste - that, that one
nemo - nobody, no one
possum - can, be able
scio - know
quis - who, which, that
primus - first, foremost, best
debeo - owe, be indebted, ought, must
abeo - go away, depart

(Michelangelo: Last Judgment)

Homo Solaris

2012-02-16T20:03:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 10.27. Here Owen imagines the sun moving in the opposite direction of the swiftly spinning earth, and he then urges us to do likewise, going our spiritual way, contrary to the way of the earth.

Homo Solaris
Sol semper rapido currit contrarius orbi.
In cursu vitae solem imitetur homo.

MAN SOLAR
The Sun contrary to the Globe doth run:
Let then mans course of Life be like the Sun.

Here is the vocabulary:

homo - person, man
solaris - solar, sun (adj.)
sol - sun
semper - always
rapidus - quick, rapid
curro - run
contrarius - opposite, contrary, reversed
orbis - circle
in - in, into
cursus - running, race
vita - life
imitor - imitate, copy

(image source)

Hoc Virtutis Amor

2012-02-16T20:01:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 2:13. This emblem shows the way that a chaste virgin is overcome the unicorn. In the ancient legend, this was a trick that the hunters used to catch the unicorn: the woman would lure the unicorn and then the hunters would be able to kill the captivated beast. In this emblem, Camerarius leaves out the hunters and instead presents the power of virginal love in a positive light, as an emblem for the power of virtue to overcome anyone and everyone, no matter how wild.

Hoc Virtutis Amor
Quem non vincat amor castae virtutis et ardor?
Virtus tanta potest, vincat ut illa feram.

Here is the vocabulary:

Superata Cruce Coronor

2012-02-16T20:00:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.47, with an English rendering by George Wither. There are additional letters which appear in the emblem and if you interweave them with the surrounding letters, you can find SAPIENTIA and PATIENTIA.

Superata Cruce Coronor
Rebus in adversis superata sorte coronor:
Sic sapiens patiens sub cruce laetus ovat.

When we above the Crosse can rise,
A Crowne, for us, prepared lies.

Here is the vocabulary:

supero - overcome, be above
crux - cross
corono - crown, deck with garlands
res - thing
in - in, into
adversus - opposed, adverse, hostile
sors - lot, fate
sic - thus, in this way
sapiens - wise
patior - undergo, suffer, endure
sub - under
laetus - happy
ovo - rejoice

Sexte, nihil debes...

2012-02-16T00:05:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by Martial, 2.3. This is another one of Martial's little paradoxes: Sextus does not owe anything, not because he has no debts, but simply because he cannot pay them. Only someone who can pay (solvere potest) can be in debt. Ah, if only!

Sexte, nihil debes, nil debes, Sexte, fatemur:
debet enim, si quis solvere, Sexte, potest.

Sextus owes nought, nor fears his quarter-day;
'Tis true; he owes most truly that can pay.
- Fletcher

Here is the vocabulary:

Sextus - Sextus
nihil - nothing
debeo - owe, ought
nil - nothiner
fateor - confess, admit
enim - for, as a matter of fact
si - if
aliquis - somebody, anybody
solvo - untie, free, pay off
possum - can, be able

(image source)

Non mihi sit durum...

2012-02-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Non mihi sit durum, quod novi me moriturum,
Non mortem flebo, quia tecum, Christe, manebo.

Here is the vocabulary:

non - not, no
ego - I, me
sum - be, exist
durus - hard, difficult
Christus - Christ
qui - who, which, that
nosco - know, find out, know how to
morior - die
mors - death
fleo - weep, cry for
quia - because
tu - you (singular)
cum - with, when
maneo - remain, stay, await, last

(Raphael: Transfiguration)

Coniuges Duo in Carne Una

2012-02-15T20:48:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 10.26.

Coniuges Duo in Carne Una
Corpore mixtorum nisi cor amor uniat, ambo
Non fiunt unus, sed sit uterque duo.

OF HUSBAND AND WIFE. TWO IN ONE FLESH
If Love unite not Hearts, espous’d together,
Both of them are not one, but two are either.

Here is the vocabulary:

coniunx - spouse, partner
duo - two
in - in, into
caro - flesh
unus - one
corpus - body
misceo - mix
nisi - unless, if not
cor - heart
amor - love
unio - unite, bring together
ambo - both (of two)
non - not, no
fio - become, be
sed - but
sum - be, exist
uterque - each (of two)

(image source)

Haec Cura Parentum

2012-02-15T20:41:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 4:12. The theme of this emblem is based on the reported love between a dolphin mother and her offspring, as attested in Oppian and other ancient writers. If a dolphin were hunted, the mother would give up her life in order to let her offspring escape, as you can see illustrated in the emblem.

Haec Cura Parentum
Mirus amor sobolis: mater quod comprobat ecce
Delphini, capta quae soboli immoritur.

Here is the vocabulary:

Tandem Fit Arbor

2012-02-15T20:35:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.46, with an English rendering by George Wither. I really like the way the emblem shows the stripling side by side with the great tree that is next to it - and luckily for the little stripling, it is receiving the full beams of the sun which will allow it to grow big and tall.

Tandem Fit Arbor
Exiguus tandem grandis fit surculus arbor;
abiectusque puer saepe peritus homo.

Though very small, at first, it be,
A Sprout, at length, becomes a Tree.

Here is the vocabulary:

tandem - at last, finally
fio - become
arbor - tree
exiguus - slight, slender, small
grandis - large, great, grand
surculus - shoot, sprout
abiicio - cast away, abandon
puer - boy
saepe - often
peritus - experienced, accomplished
homo - person, man

Hoc est nescire...

2012-02-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Hoc est nescire: sine Christo plurima scire;
Si Christum bene scis, satis est, si cetera nescis.

Here is the vocabulary:

hic - this, this one
sum - be, exist
nescio - do not know, be ignorant
sine - without
Christus - Christ
plurimus - very many, the most
scio - know
si - if
bene - well, rightly, right, good
satis - enough, adequate, sufficient
ceterus - other, rest, remaining

(image source)

Navis

2012-02-14T20:02:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 7.25. This lovely comparison between the movement of a ship and the movement of a bird is reinforced in Latin by the word play: navis and avis.

Navis
Puppis cauda, carinaque venter, proraque rostrum,
Velaque sunt alae, totaque navis avis.

A SHIP
The Stern’s the Train, Bulk Belly, Bill the Prore;
The Sayls are Wings; Ships sayl, as Birds do soar.

Here is the vocabulary:

navis - ship
puppis - stern
cauda - tail
carina - keel
que - and
venter - stomach, belly,
prora - prow
rostrum - beak
velum - sail
sum - be, exist
ala - wing
totus - all, entire, whole
avis - bird

(image source)

Tuta Silentio Merces

2012-02-14T19:53:00.004-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 3:12. In this emblem, Camerarius sets up a parallel between the cranes who supposedly carry stones in their mouths and talkative human beings who should keep quiet in the same way. You can read about the cranes and their ballast, saburra, in Pliny's Natural History, Book 10.

Tuta Silentio Merces
Ne pareant clangore grues lapide ora saburrant;
Obstrue sic linguam, garrule, ne pereas.

Here is the vocabulary:

tutus - safe, secure
silentio - silence
merces - pay, reward, price
ne - so that not, lest
pareo - appear, be visible
clangor - noise, blare, clamor
grus - crane
lapis - stone
os - mouth
saburro - to fill with ballast
obstruo - block up, obstruct
sic - thus, in this way
lingua - tongue
garrulus - talkative, gabby
pereo - perish, be ruined, pass away

Finis Ab Origine Pendet

2012-02-14T19:48:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.45, with an English rendering by George Wither. I love the symbols used in this emblem - the baby together with the skull to represent birth and death, and then the ouroboros, caught up in its paradoxical cycle of eating and being eaten!

Finis Ab Origine Pendet
Nascentes morimur; finisque ab origine pendet;
De vita ad mortem mors rediviva trahit.

As soone, as wee to bee, begunne;
We did beginne, to be Vndone.

Here is the vocabulary:

Here is the vocabulary:

finis - end
ab - by, from
origo - beginning, origin
pendeo - hang, depend
nascor - be born
morior - die
que - and
de - off, away from, from
vita - life
ad - to, towards
mors - death
redivivus - renewed, reborn, recycled

Qui bene vult agere nil...

2012-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Qui bene vult agere nil, quamvis praecipietur,
Omnia vult facere, cum nil sibi praecipietur.

Here is the vocabulary:

qui- who, which, that
bene - well, rightly, right, good
volo- will, want, be willing
ago - drive, act, do
nil - nothing
quamvis - although, however much
praecipio - instruct, teach, warn
omnis - all, every, entire
facio - do, make
cum - with, when
se - -self, reflexive pronoun

(image source)

Verbum Domini

2012-02-13T20:30:00.003-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 3.24. This is another one of those contrasting parallels: man sees but a few things and speaks often, while God sees all things and needs speak but once. Thank to "The Poor Blogger" (comment below) for the wonderful image to illustrate this distich!

Verbum Domini
Pauca vident homines, Deus omnia praevidet, inde
Vanus homo loquitur saepe, Deusque semel.

GOD’S WORD
Men few things see, God all things sees-foresees:
Hence men speak often, God but once decrees.

Here is the vocabulary:

verbum - word
dominus - lord, master
paucus - few
video - see
homo - person, man
Deus - god
omnis - all, every
praevideo - see in advance, foresee
inde - thence, from that cause
loquor - speak
saepe - often
que - and
semel - once

(image source)

Nil Inexplorato

2012-02-13T20:13:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 2:12. The "te quoque" of the poem means that you along with the unicorn are the object of the savage serpents' attentions! Camerarius reports that the horn of the unicorn was able to act as an antidote to the venom of snakes, as you can see in the emblem, where the unicorn is lowering its horn into the waters where the snakes have spit their venom. This allows the unicorn to safely drink from the waters, exploring all places while avoiding the poisons that lurk there.

Nil Inexplorato
Te quoque serpentum sitiunt mala saecla ferarum;
Explora et cautus taetra venena fuge.

Here is the vocabulary:

nil - nothing
inexploratus - unexplored
tu - you
quoque - also
serpens - serpent, snake
sitio - thirst after, covet, be greedy
malus - bad, evil
saeculum - age, time, generation
fera - wild creature, beast
exploro - search out, investigate
et - and
cautus - cautious, secure, wary
taeter - foul, ugly, disgraceful
venenum - poison
fugio - flee, run away from

Flavescent

2012-02-13T20:06:00.002-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.44, with an English rendering by George Wither. Wither's poem emphasizes how this notion can make us optimistic in all our labors:

And, from this Emblem, let each Lab'ring-Swaine
(In whatsoever course of life it be)
Take heart, and hope, amidst his daily paine,
That, of his Travailes, he good fruits shall see.

I like the way that the sun is smiling down on the ripened crops in the emblem.

Flavescent
Flavescent segetes cum sol volet; mala iusto
In melius rediget tempore longa dies.

Those Fields, which yet appeare not so,
When Harvest comes, will yellow grow.

Here is the vocabulary:

flavesco - turn yellow
seges - crop, field of grain
cum - when
sol - sun
volo - fly
malus - bad
iustus - right, just, fair
in - in, into
melior - better
redigo - render, reduce
tempus - time
longus - long
dies - day

Qui dare vult aliis...

2012-02-13T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here is today's Rhyming Distich, and here are some more posts with Rhyming Distichs.

Qui dare vult aliis non debet dicere: Vultis?
Sed dicat plene: Dulcis amice, tene!

Here is the vocabulary:

qui- who, which, that
do - give, grant
volo - will, want, be willing
alius - other, another
non - not, no
debeo - owe, ought, must
dico - say, talk, tell
sed - but
plenus - full, abundant, satisfied; adv. plene
dulcis - sweet, pleasant
amicus - friendly; friend
teneo - hold, keep, possess

(image source)

Aurum Ex Stercore

2012-02-12T20:55:00.001-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 6.24. This epigram is a bit like the answer to a riddle: what do a sewer director, a physician and a farmer all have in common...? They all make money from manure.

Aurum Ex Stercore
Conductor foricarum ex stercore colligit aurum,
Et duo praeterea: rusticus et medicus.

GOLD FROM THE DUNG
The Scavenger from Dung doth Gold extract:
The like Physicians and Rusticks act.

Here is the vocabulary:

aurum - gold
ex - from, out of
stercus - manure, dung
conductor - employer, director
forica - public privy
colligo - gather, collect
et - and
duo - two
praeterea - besides
rusticus - farmer
medicus - doctor, physician

(stercus)

Sanctitas, Santitas

2012-02-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

Here is today's distich by John Owen, with an English translation by Thomas Harvey, 7.23. The contrast is between what nobody can do of their own will (live long) and what everybody can do if they choose (live well). Owen's advice is that if you want to live long, the best thing you can do is to live well! In the words of the title: if you can commit yourself to sanctitas, the sanitas will come.

Sanctitas, Sanitas
Nemo diu, bene quisque potest, at vult bene nemo,
Vivere. Visne diu vivere? Vive bene.

HOLINESS, HEALTHFULNESS
All with long Life, few to live well endeavour:
Wouldst thou live long? Live well, and live forever.

Here is the vocabulary:

sanctitas - holiness
sanitas - health, sanity, reason
nemo - no one, nobody
diu - for a long time
bene - well
quisque - anybody, everybody
possum - can, be able
at - but
volo - want, wish, will
vivo - live
ne - question particle

(image source)

Concussa Uberior

2012-02-12T20:50:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Joachim Camerarius, 1:11. The story goes that the myrrh tree would secrete more of its aromatic gum when the winds blew against it. For Camerarius, this is a symbol of the way that true glory emerges in adversity.

Concussa Uberior
Maior in adversis virtutis gloria vera est:
Uberior ventis Myrrha agitata fluit.

Here is the vocabulary:

concutio - shake, agitate, hit
uber - fertile, rich, abundant
maior - greater, larger
in - in, into
adversus - opposed, hostile
virtus - excellence, virtue
gloria - glory
verus - true
sum - be, exit
ventus - wind
Myrrha - Myrrha, the myrrh tree
agito - shake, move about
fluo - flow

Sic Portare Suos Deus Adsolet

2012-02-12T20:48:00.003-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Bornitius, 5:11. This emblem is based on the story of Ganymede, whom Zeus carried into heaven, having disguised himself as an eagle. The eagle flies safely in the highest heights of the sky, and God himself is able to carry aloft his beloved on the wings of that eagle.

Sic Portare Suos Deus Adsolet
Quisne aquilam excelso fore credat in aethere tutam?
Et tutum, quem alis fert Deus ipse aquilae?

Here is the vocabulary:

sic - thus, in this way
porto - carry
suus - reflexive possessive
deus - god
adsoleo - be accustomed, be in the habit
quis - who
ne - question particle
aquila - eagle
excelsus - high, lofty
sum - be, exist
credo - believe
in - in, into
aether - upper air, sky, heaven
tutus - safe
et - and
qui - who, which, that
ala - wing
fero - carry, bear
ipse - intensifying adj/pronoun

Lingua Quo Tendis

2012-02-12T20:47:00.001-05:00

Here is today's emblem and distich by Gabriel Rollenhagen, Book 1.42, with an English rendering by George Wither. Here is a bit more of Wither's poem:

For, if we let it loose, it getteth Wings,
And, flies with wanton Carelesnesse, about;
It prateth in all places, of All things;
Tells Truth and Lyes, and babbleth Secrets out.

Rollenhagen has depicted that tongue in motion by giving it wings! Instead of wings that let the tongue fly, we need lips instead, to keep the tongue under control.

Lingua Quo Tendis
Garrula, quo tendis? Quo te furor, impia lingua,
abripit? Ah, presso, disce tacere, labro.

No Heart can thinke, to what strange ends,
The Tongues unruely Motion tends.

Here is the vocabulary:

lingua - tongue, language
quo - where, to where, to what purpose
tendo - stretch, strive, exert oneself
garrulus - talkative
tu - you
furor - madness, rage
impius - wicked, irreverent
abripio - drag away, snatch, kidnap
premo - press, press hard, oppress
disco - learn
taceo - be silent, be quiet
labrum - lip