Translation Bakeoff Winners
 

My deep thanks to each and every participant. I enjoyed reading all the entries; not a terrible one appeared in the lot, and I wish I could publicly recognize them all. Rachel Hadas has made the observation that the act of translation is the most selfless act a writer can make, and I believe it. My gratitude to all of you, for sacrificing your time and talents, in someone else's name, and for a cause other than your own. You are, indeed, the saints and martyrs of literature.

First Place: Return of the Diplomat, Joaquim Du Bellay
Second Place: Catullus 39
Third Place: Les Cloches du Soir, by Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

Three virtually flawless transferences. I would like to award my "Honorary Mention" to Scherbakov's "Returning from a Journey." Being a Russian translator myself, I was astonished by the skill on display here, a skill which must be almost wholly organic and original, considering the scarcity of "cribs" in the English language which exist for material such as this.

As Alex mentioned, great personal tragedy struck me, during this contest, and I must devote my time and talents henceforth to that -- its aftermath being of considerable weight, for me. I would be grateful if Alex or a moderator might do the honors of the popular vote and "celebration" now.

Thank you so much, again. May the best of Fortune be yours, in your future interpretations, all.

Sincerely,
DG 007

Herewith my thanks, gratitude and respect. As one who has not guessed your identity I cannot address you directly, but I wish you strength and comfort. Go well.

Thank you, DG, for your constructive and intelligent analyses, and for staying the course in the face of your personal loss. A remarkable effort, given your unhappy circumstances.
Like Ann, I haven't guessed your identity despite the clues that have passed by. My two guesses appear to have been wrong ( I say "appear to be" because Ann may yet prove to be hiding in plain sight).

My very best wishes as you work your way through your plight.

Peter

Yes, thank you, for charitability above and beyond the call of DG duty. Your name will be carved in the roll of honor standing in the magnificent halls which we deck at Yuletide.

I didn't immediately recognize the hot number hiding behind the 007 alias, but I know I know.

Again, thanks from me as well, and best wishes for strength and peace, though I'll wait for Alex to make an official identification.

Thank you for excellent commentary and for going above and beyond the call of duty by providing a crib for the Russian entry. Sincere condolences on your personal loss.

Susan

Yes, thanks DG -- an entertaining bakeoff with some fantastic entries. My sincere condolences on your personal affairs at this time.

A profound thank you for your time, involvement, commentary and guidance.

And likewise, thank you to all the participants for providing their excellent translations, leading to exciting poetic discoveries or a deeper understanding of an old favourite.

Thank you and best wishes.

Martin

Many thanks, Jennifer, (now you've revealed yourself) - a find contest and dispaly of Spherean and DGean talent - and I'm very sorry for your loss.