Phonurgia Nova (1673) - Page 30

If Triton did not blow his cerulean conch-shell through the waters,

It would deceive the wandering ships.

original: "Cœruleam... concham". In mythology, the sea-god Triton used a conch shell like a trumpet to calm or raise the waves; here, the poet suggests that without this sound, sailors would be lost. Soldier Mars, you also are set ablaze by the horrific-sounding bronze,

But only as often as that Trumpet sounds for a dreadful death.

This belongs to our Caesar, these are his Deeds, these his Weapons,

Whatever the Buccina A curved brass instrument used by the Roman army to communicate orders or celebrate victories. sounds, it shall be Caesar.

Anthony Widdrington, Englishman.

FATHER ATHANASIUS KIRCHER.

By what means the Trumpet carries voices enclosed from here through the void,

Even far away from us, you yourself explain the method.

Indeed, you pass on wonders, for what Nature has denied

Until now, you—diligent as you are—teach how it may be done through art.

original: "artem". In the 17th century, 'art' often referred to technical skill, technology, or scientific ingenuity that improves upon the natural world. You amplify Nature; the barriers she greedily imposes

On things, you make more spacious.

Should she be envious or should she love you? For you adorn her kingdom;

From every side, you are said to be greater than her in Genius.

Let her be envious or love; for she will not only learn to love,

Or to hate, this Noble Work of your mind.

Having been taught by you before you could instruct us in speech,

Fame has learned better how to give life to trumpets.

For the trumpet which you depict sounds nearby; yet it spreads

Your name, granted to these pages, everywhere.

Unless you perchance teach these same things, you yourself will teach less

Than that which the trumpet, having been made learned by your methods, shall do.

Father Joseph Pinus.