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Category Archives: Willett
Hölderlin Ode to Empedocles
Translated by Steven J. Willett Salvator Rosa, The Death of Empedocles, c. 1665~1670 Note: Empedocles, c. 494~c. 434, was a Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and native citizen of Acragas, a Greek city in Sicily. He was extensively influenced by Pythagoras and … Continue reading
Theocritus Idyll VI Singing Contest of Damoetas and Daphnis
Translated by Steven J. Willett This is the head of Polyphemus, either Greek or Roman, Hellenistic or Imperial period, c.150BC or later Note: The singers in the contest are Daphnis the herdsman and Damoetas, whom we do not encounter anywhere … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized, Willett
4 Comments
Giacomo Leopardi Canti XIV Alla Luna (To the Moon)
Translated by Steven J. Willett This is the original manuscript of Alla Luna 1st. ed. 1819 O gracious moon, I can remember that, now as the year turns, how on this hill I came full of anguish to contemplate you: … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Uncategorized, Willett
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Richard Strauss and the Survival of Western Culture
Article by Boyd D. Cathey The author uses Richard Strauss as an example of preserving the best of Western culture as he stands against “the onrushing decline of Western music and art during the first half of the twentieth century.” … Continue reading
Posted in Current Affairs, Fine Art, Music, Willett
12 Comments
Leonidas of Tarentum on Life with a Mouse
Leonidas Elegy on Impoverished Life with a Mouse Anth. Gr. 6.302 (G-P 37) Translated by Steven J. Willett Roman mosaic of remnants thrown on the floor at a wealthy man’s feast. This is what Leonidas would love to enjoy, but … Continue reading
Leonidas of Tarentum Says Lyric Poets are Cicadas
Leonidas of Tarentum Epigram (6.120) G-P 91 on Lyric Poets Translated by Steven J. Willett ἐξ ἡρέων ἡ γὰρ παρθένος αὐλοθέτει. Not only do I know, perching on a lofty tree, how To sing, as I am scorched by midsummer … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Willett
3 Comments
Hölderlin Ode Des Morgens (In the Morning)
Translated by Steven J. Willett Drawing by Louise Keller, 1842 From dew the grass is glistening; more agilely The stream awakened rushes; the beech inclines Her slender head and in the leafage Rustles and shimmers; and … Continue reading
Tibullus Elegy II.4 in Agonizing Love of a Courtesan
Translated by Steven J. Willett This 5th-century red-figure cup image shows a client trying to bribe a courtesan with a bag of coins while she stands back a little doubtful while gazing at her beauty in a mirror. Note: In … Continue reading
Tibullus Elegy II.2 on Love That Gives True Marriage
Translated by Steven J. Willett This is a Roman plaque that depicts a marriage with the husband holding the contract and a representative of each family observing the ceremony. Note: The elegy is a birthday present for Tibullus’ good friend … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Willett
4 Comments
Horace Ode II.14 on Indomitable Death
Translated by Steven J. Willett Hades and Cerebus 2nd-century AD, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete Note: Hades was the eldest male child of Cronus and Rhea. His brothers were Zeus and Poseidon. He was later known to the Greeks as … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Willett
5 Comments