Orations and Letters

SECOND PREFACE

When I considered the elegance of expression, the numbers Latin: numeri; referring to the rhythmic patterns and metrical flow of classical prose, and the near-harmonies of Isocrates, in which he himself often takes pride, I was cast into a certain despair. For it is believed that a good translator should in no way diminish the quality and excellence of a Greek writer, but should express it, and come as close as possible to the likeness of the author he has undertaken to explain—indeed, almost becoming that same person. The goal is that one who has previously read the Greek would immediately recognize the author by his style and type of expression, even if the name were hidden. However, I knew well enough that I could by no means provide these things, which require both supreme talent and an abundance of ornate speech.

To these concerns, those whom I consider the instigators of this translation of mine replied: nothing is perfect in every part, and very few translators are found who have fulfilled the requirements I just listed. Indeed, they argued that most of these qualities—due to the different nature of the Latin language and many other causes—cannot be achieved by anyone. Therefore, if I continued with the method I had begun—explaining the genuine meaning original: genuinam sententiam of Isocrates in clear words—it would be useful for studious youths in understanding Greek and pleasing to fair-minded readers.

For these works are not sought for the "flower of speech" (which might be better sought from the many eloquent writers of both languages), but rather for the knowledge of things, which could reach even those unrefined in Greek letters through my translation. The learned will read the Greek more willingly than any translation, however splendid; meanwhile, through my efforts, a path is opened for youths to understand the Greek more easily and successfully.

Led by these reasons, most distinguished men, I attacked this work. I did not stop, laboring strenuously day and night and exerting all my strength—which is indeed tiny—until I had placed the roof on this "edifice" of mine. I have done it if not as I ought to have, yet as I could: and (as I entirely hope) with such industry that good and learned men will approve my fidelity and diligence, for I can promise no more. As for whatever else is found lacking in this writing, I hope they will treat it with fairness and kindness.

Just as I believe no one who understands the matter will be so unfair or malicious as to call these labors of mine superfluous or of little use, so I hope no critic will be so rigid as to think the author's personal fortune should not be considered, rather than just the work itself.

Now, such was my fortune at this time—nor indeed am I ashamed of those accidents which afflicted me at the whim of that blind and powerless mistress Wolf refers here to Lady Fortune, often depicted as a fickle goddess governing the luck of scholars., who is almost always hostile to the best of men—that, wandering with no fixed home, I could not enjoy the tranquility of mind especially necessary for writers. Nor did I always have at hand my library, in which all my treasures and pleasures are placed. In poor health, I was also constrained by the pressures of time (for there were certain reasons why the work had to be hurried). Nor could I apply as much diligence to "licking and shaping" the raw mass A classical metaphor comparing the editing of a book to a mother bear licking her cubs into their proper shape. as perhaps the critics, or Isocrates himself, would demand.

Isocrates is said by some to have spent ten years, and by others fifteen, in composing the single Panegyric oration A famous speech by Isocrates calling for Greek unity against Persia.. The circumstances of my life do not allow me to seek so much time. But if the kindness of some Maecenas A wealthy Roman patron of the arts; here used generally to mean a financial supporter of scholarship were to grant me a full two years, free from all other occupations and cares, for an even greater author than Isocrates (such as the one we have in hand, not only begun but nearly half-finished), I would certainly take care that fair and skilled judges would see that it was not the industry of my talent that was lacking, but rather convenience and freedom.

As it stands, most men of my social station find themselves in such a position that even those who far surpass me in nature and erudition might aptly apply to themselves the elegant verses of Andrea Alciati A famous Italian jurist and author of the first "Emblem" book, which combined poems with moral illustrations.. Alciati places the fortune of the literate before our eyes with a most beautiful image, in this manner:

This is a translation of a famous emblem by Alciati titled "Paupertatem summis ingeniis obesse ne provehantur" (Poverty hinders the greatest talents from advancing).

Therefore, I will not wonder if I satisfy the delicate reader less in some places, since my own style of speech seems to me in many places rather harsh and rough. For although I wished to avoid Grecisms Syntax or idioms that mimic Greek too closely, making Latin sound unnatural and strove for clear Latinity, yet I did not...