I was really grateful for this fascinating poem's inclusion - one of which I was, inexcusably, ignorant!
However, having pondered it and its original, I'm afraid I am also a little underwhelmed by this version. Not only does it not entirely 'fit' with some of the details of the original, as already noted (to which I would add the seriously distorting "pride of precedent" - not only wrong but quite unnecessary when "glory of our laws" could have been used), but it does not allow for the potentially sniping double meanings in relation, for example, to "vulturque" or "fama". In addition there are, for me, a number of awkward 'notes' hit, where more sympathetic phrases were available, e.g. "don't be too bold", when "be not so bold". beckoned. Given Marlowe's skill, I also felt that the uneven lines 7 and 12 could have been handled, all issues of meaning - apparent or implied - aside, with more precise rhythm.
Despite all this, I am still grateful to both translator and DG for this addition to my own deficient education.
Last edited by Nigel Mace; 10-08-2013 at 05:23 PM.
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