Difference between revisions of "Waltharius489"

From Waltharius
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Walther makes his camp in a mountainous area and goes to sleep (489–512))
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 9: Line 9:
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS}}
−
|{{Comment|"magnanimus": literally, great-souled, great-hearted. The word implies generosity but also an heroic greatness of spirit beyond mere kindness. Dante frequently uses an Italian cognate of the word to describe figures who, while damned, retain inherent nobility, such as Virgil or Farinata degli Uberti. MCD}}
+
|{{Comment|"magnanimus": literally, great-souled, great-hearted. Beyond mere kindness or generosity, the word implies heroic greatness of spirit. In this vein, Dante frequently uses an Italian cognate of the word to describe figures who, while damned, retain inherent nobility, such as Virgil or Farinata degli Uberti. MCD [The adjective was a Latin calque upon the Greek megathumos and megalopsuchos, as Servius pointed out in his comment on Aeneid 1.260. Attested first in Ennius, it is a fixture in Latin poetry. JZ]}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Venerat]] [[in]] [[saltum]] [[iam]] [[tum]] [[Vosagum]] [[vocitatum]].
 
|[[Venerat]] [[in]] [[saltum]] [[iam]] [[tum]] [[Vosagum]] [[vocitatum]].
Line 18: Line 18:
 
|{{Pictures|[[Image:Europe500.png|center|thumb]]}}
 
|{{Pictures|[[Image:Europe500.png|center|thumb]]}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSSDDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSSDDS}}
−
| {{Comment|The area around Worms falls outside of the defined modern boundaries of the Vosges. Walther and Hildgund had most likely reached only the northernmost peaks of the Vosges, made of sandstone and rising to (comparatively) low heights around 2000 feet. Further south, the Vosges become granite and rise much higher. Throughout, however, they would have been covered by thick forest, resembling the Black Forest in age and density. MCD}}
+
| {{Comment|The area around Worms falls outside of the defined modern boundaries of the Vosges. Walther and Hildgund had most likely reached only the northernmost peaks of the mountain range, which are made of sandstone and rise to (comparatively) low heights around 2000 feet. Further south, the mountains become granite and rise much higher. Throughout, they would have been thickly forested, resembling the Black Forest in age and density. MCD}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Nam]] [[nemus]] [[est]] [[ingens2|ingens]], [[spatiosum]], [[lustra]] [[ferarum]]
 
|[[Nam]] [[nemus]] [[est]] [[ingens2|ingens]], [[spatiosum]], [[lustra]] [[ferarum]]
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Georgics'' 2.471: ''illic saltus ac lustra ferarum.'' ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ ''Aeineid'' 3.646-647.: ''vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. '' ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: ''canibus resonantia saxa. . .'' ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’
+
|{{Parallel|''Georgics'' 2.471: ''illic saltus ac lustra ferarum.'' ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ ''Aeneid'' 3.646-647.: ''vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. '' ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: ''canibus resonantia saxa. . .'' ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
Line 33: Line 33:
 
|{{Commentary|''Suetum canibus resonare tubisque'': i.e., a popular place for hunting.
 
|{{Commentary|''Suetum canibus resonare tubisque'': i.e., a popular place for hunting.
 
}}
 
}}
−
|{{Parallel|''Georgics'' 2.471: ''illic saltus ac lustra ferarum.'' ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ ''Aeineid'' 3.646-647.: ''vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. '' ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: ''canibus resonantia saxa. . .'' ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’
+
|{{Parallel|''Georgics'' 2.471: ''illic saltus ac lustra ferarum.'' ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ ''Aeneid'' 3.646-647.: ''vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. '' ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: ''canibus resonantia saxa. . .'' ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDDDS|elision=plurima habens}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDDDS|elision=plurima habens}}
−
|{{Comment|"suetum canibus resonare tubisque": echoes a Virgilian phrase describing Scylla. This is probably a mere echo of diction rather than any deeper, content-based parallel. This is a good example of the pervading influence of the poet's classical background, of the pages and pages memorized during his education, in his Latin versification. MCD}}
+
|{{Comment|"suetum canibus resonare tubisque": echoes a Virgilian phrase describing Scylla. This is probably a mere echo of diction rather than any deeper, content-based parallel. [Why? Better explain JZ] This is a good example of the pervading influence of the poet's classical background, of the pages and pages memorized during his education, in his Latin versification. MCD}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Sunt]] [[in]] [[secessu]] [[bini]] [[montesque]] [[propinqui]],
 
|[[Sunt]] [[in]] [[secessu]] [[bini]] [[montesque]] [[propinqui]],
Line 43: Line 43:
 
|{{Commentary|The precise locale being described has been exhaustively sought after (cf. Althof ad loc.), but is probably imaginary; the details given are largely taken from the ''Aeneid'' and are closely tailored to the series of one-on-one combats that will occur there.
 
|{{Commentary|The precise locale being described has been exhaustively sought after (cf. Althof ad loc.), but is probably imaginary; the details given are largely taken from the ''Aeneid'' and are closely tailored to the series of one-on-one combats that will occur there.
 
}}
 
}}
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 1.159-160.: ''est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. '' ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229:'' in secessu longo. . .'' ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598.: ''est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. '' ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523.: ''est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. '' ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 1.159-160.: ''est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. '' ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229:'' in secessu longo. . .'' ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598.: ''est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. '' ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523.: ''est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. '' ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
Line 52: Line 52:
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 1.159-160.: ''est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. '' ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229:'' in secessu longo. . .'' ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598.: ''est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. '' ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523.: ''est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. '' ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 1.159-160: ''est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. '' ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229:'' in secessu longo. . .'' ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598: ''est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. '' ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523: ''est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. '' ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=SDSDDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=SDSDDS}}
−
|{{Comment|Though the view is narrow and the place inhabited by wolves and bears, the poet insists that it is "amoenum," pleasant. Indeed, the poet's depiction of the place is almost schizophrenic, as he continues in the next lines to state that it was created by falling rocks (hardly conducive to safe refuge) and that it was best suited for bloody thieves. Nevertheless, the slight vegetation and Walther's relief at the prospect of rest give the place an air of hope. Possibly this conflicted description emphasizes the sense of relief at the prospect of rest and refuge which he intends Walther and Hildegund to feel. MCD}}
+
|{{Comment|Though the place is narrow and inhabited by wolves and bears, the poet insists that it is "amoenum," pleasant. Indeed, his depiction of the place is almost schizophrenic, as he continues in the next lines to state that it was created by falling rocks (hardly conducive to safe refuge) and that it was best suited for bloody thieves. Nevertheless, the slight vegetation and Walther's relief at the prospect of rest give the place an air of hope. Possibly this conflicted description emphasizes the sense of relief at the prospect of rest and refuge which he intends Walther and Hildegund to feel. MCD}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Non]] [[tellure]] [[cava]] [[factum]], [[sed1|sed]] [[vertice]] [[rupum]]:
 
|[[Non]] [[tellure]] [[cava]] [[factum]], [[sed1|sed]] [[vertice]] [[rupum]]:
Line 69: Line 69:
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 11.522-523.: ''accommoda fraudi/ armorumque dolis''. . . ‘Fit site for the stratagems and deceits of war. . .’  
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 11.522-523: ''accommoda fraudi/ armorumque dolis''. . . ‘Fit site for the stratagems and deceits of war. . .’  
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
Line 82: Line 82:
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DDSSDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DDSSDS}}
−
| {{Comment|The diction in these lines echoes Virgilian formulae in the Georgics. I suggest that this effect emphasizes the barrenness of the land, contrasting it with the arable fields from which Walther and Hildegund have fled.}}
+
| {{Comment|The echoes in these lines of Virgilian formulae in the Georgics may serve to emphasize the barrenness of the land, by contrasting it with the arable fields from which Walther and Hildegund have fled.}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'[[huc]]', [[mox]] [[ut1|ut]] [[vidit1|vidit]] [[iuvenis]], '[[huc]]' [[inquit]] '[[eamus]],
 
|'[[huc]]', [[mox]] [[ut1|ut]] [[vidit1|vidit]] [[iuvenis]], '[[huc]]' [[inquit]] '[[eamus]],
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 11.530: ''huc iuvenis nota fertur regione viarum. '' ‘Hither the warrior hastens by a well-known road.’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 11.530: ''huc iuvenis nota fertur regione viarum. '' ‘Hither the warrior hastens by a well-known road.’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
Line 126: Line 126:
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS}}
−
|{{Comment|Walther's larger-than-life heroism is momentarily humanized with the depiction of his exhaustion. The poet allows the reader or listener an impression of how hard Walther has been working to survive and protect Hildegund. Walther then proceeds to doff his armor and thus his identity as a warrior, delegating power to Hildegund. It is quite a surprising move in an epic poem, as a matter of fact, since Walther does not sleep to receive a prophetic utterance. He sleeps because he has human weaknesses. This could be interpreted as another instance of the poet's ironic view of Germanic heroism, but I actually suspect that the scene simply conveys tenderness and trust in the relationship between Walther and Hildegund. MCD}}
+
|{{Comment|Walther's larger-than-life heroism is momentarily humanized with the depiction of his exhaustion. The poet allows the reader or listener an impression of how hard Walther has been working to survive and to protect Hildegund. Walther then proceeds to doff his armor and thus his identity as a warrior, delegating power to Hildegund. In an epic poem it is surprising that Walther sleeps not to receive a prophetic utterance but to respond to human weaknesses. Although the scene could be interpreted as another instance of the poet's ironic view of Germanic heroism, it could instead convey tenderness and trust in the relationship between Walther and Hildegund. MCD}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Bellica]] [[tum]] [[demum]] [[deponens]] [[pondera]] [[dixit]]
 
|[[Bellica]] [[tum]] [[demum]] [[deponens]] [[pondera]] [[dixit]]
Line 145: Line 145:
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DDSSDS}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DDSSDS}}
−
| {{Comment|"fusus": a challenging word to translate. Kratz translates the phrase, "while resting the virgin's lap," which preserves English idioms admirably. However, the phrase seems to imply more movement, using the word "fundo" (literally, "to pour") and the accusative of place to which ("in gremium." Moreover, variants of the word "fundo" appear later in the poem to describe brains or innards pouring out of a stabbed warrior (ll. 667, 951, 977, 1018, 1052). Lewis & Short suggest that one translation of "fundo" might include "stretch out," or "scatter." I suggest that the poet is trying to convey that Walther has lain down with his head in Hildegund's lap. Perhaps the most idiomatic translation might be, "having relaxed into the virgin's lap." MCD}}
+
| {{Comment|"fusus": a challenging word to translate. Kratz translates the phrase, "while resting the virgin's lap," which preserves English idioms admirably. However, the phrase seems to imply more movement, using the word "fundo" (literally, "to pour") and the accusative of place to which ("in gremium"). Moreover, later in the poem (667, 951, 977, 1018, 1052) variants of the word "fundo" describe the pouring out of brains or innards from stabbed warriors. Lewis & Short suggest that one translation of "fundo" might be "stretch out" or "scatter." The poet may mean to indicate that Walther has lain down with his head in Hildegund's lap. The most idiomatic translation might be "having relaxed into the virgin's lap." MCD}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Hiltgunt1|Hiltgunt]], [[et]] [[nebulam]] [[si]] [[tolli]] [[videris1|videris]] [[atram]],
 
|[[Hiltgunt1|Hiltgunt]], [[et]] [[nebulam]] [[si]] [[tolli]] [[videris1|videris]] [[atram]],
Line 177: Line 177:
 
|{{Commentary|Hiltgunt should not wake Waltharius suddenly and thus startle him; since her eyes (''acies'', line 509) are good, she will be able to see an enemy from far away (and thus still give Waltharius plenty of time to react).
 
|{{Commentary|Hiltgunt should not wake Waltharius suddenly and thus startle him; since her eyes (''acies'', line 509) are good, she will be able to see an enemy from far away (and thus still give Waltharius plenty of time to react).
 
}}
 
}}
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 2.302: ''excutior somno.''’I shake myself from sleep.’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 2.302: ''excutior somno.''’I shake myself from sleep.’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS|elision=ne excutias}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=DSDSDS|elision=ne excutias}}
−
|{{Comment|"caveto:" Walther may be concerned that if he is woken too suddenly, he will react violently. It is certainly a commonplace in many modern action films, for the reason that it is proof that "a hero never sleeps."}}
+
|{{Comment|"caveto:" Walther may be concerned that if he is woken too suddenly, he will react violently. Such vigilance is a commonplace in action films, proof that "a hero never sleeps."
 +
 
 +
'''Walther aptly uses the future imperative as in 506 ("commonitato") because he is referring to a conditional event in the future (cf. the future perfect "videris" in 505) - as opposed to "circumspice" in 504, which Hiltgunt is supposed to do right way. [JJTY]'''}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[nam1|Nam]] [[procul]] [[hinc]] [[acies]] [[potis es]] [[transmittere]] [[puras]].
 
|[[nam1|Nam]] [[procul]] [[hinc]] [[acies]] [[potis es]] [[transmittere]] [[puras]].
Line 197: Line 199:
 
|
 
|
 
|{{Meter|scansion=SSSSDS|elision=circa explora}}
 
|{{Meter|scansion=SSSSDS|elision=circa explora}}
−
| {{Comment|Walther entrusts Hildegund with the duties of a guard and trusts to her prudence about whether he should be woken. Though Hildegund does spend much of the poem in the background, even this small role is unusual for a woman in a heroic poem, and it affirms her value as an agent in the poem, not merely another treasure carried off from the Huns. Ironically, she is the true "gemma" (see note to l. 462), but as such she is not to be classed with the treasure as an object. The Franks will demand "the treasure and the girl," (l. 602) but they, as usual, are in error. For a further discussion, see Ward, in Roman Epic, ed. Boyle, 1993.}}
+
| {{Comment|Walther entrusts Hildegund with the duties of a guard and trusts to her prudence about whether he should be woken. Though Hildegund spends much of the poem in the background, even this small role is unusual for a woman in a heroic poem, and it affirms her value as an agent in the poem, not merely another treasure carried off from the Huns. Ironically, she is the true "gemma" (see note to l. 462), but as such she is not to be classed with the treasure as an object. The Franks will demand "the treasure and the girl," (l. 602) but they, as usual, are in error. For a further discussion, see Ward, in Roman Epic, ed. Boyle, 1993.}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[haec2|Haec]] [[ait1|ait]] [[atque]] [[oculos]] [[concluserat]] [[ipse]] [[nitentes]]
 
|[[haec2|Haec]] [[ait1|ait]] [[atque]] [[oculos]] [[concluserat]] [[ipse]] [[nitentes]]
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 1.297: ''haec ait et. . .'' ‘He speaks these words, and. . .’ 1.228: ''oculos. . .nitentis. . . '' ‘Her bright eyes. . .’ ''Liber Hester'' 15.8: ''nitentibus oculis. . . '' ‘With shining eyes. . .’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 1.297: ''haec ait et. . .'' ‘He speaks these words, and. . .’ 1.228: ''oculos. . .nitentis. . . '' ‘Her bright eyes. . .’ ''Liber Hester'' 15.8: ''nitentibus oculis. . . '' ‘With shining eyes. . .’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|
Line 212: Line 214:
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
−
|{{Parallel|''Aeineid'' 4.619: ''optata luce fruatur.'' ‘May he enjoy the life he longs for.’
+
|{{Parallel|''Aeneid'' 4.619: ''optata luce fruatur.'' ‘May he enjoy the life he longs for.’
 
}}
 
}}
 
|
 
|

Latest revision as of 15:12, 17 December 2009

Walther makes his camp in a mountainous area and goes to sleep (489–512)

Interea vir magnanimus de flumine pergens  Vir magnanimus: Waltharius

 

 DSDSDS   "magnanimus": literally, great-souled, great-hearted. Beyond mere kindness or generosity, the word implies heroic greatness of spirit. In this vein, Dante frequently uses an Italian cognate of the word to describe figures who, while damned, retain inherent nobility, such as Virgil or Farinata degli Uberti. MCD [The adjective was a Latin calque upon the Greek megathumos and megalopsuchos, as Servius pointed out in his comment on Aeneid 1.260. Attested first in Ennius, it is a fixture in Latin poetry. JZ] 
Venerat in saltum iam tum Vosagum vocitatum. 490  Vosagum: the name properly belongs not just to a saltus but to the region of the Vosges Mountains, now in north-eastern France.

 

 
Europe500.png
  		 DSSDDS   The area around Worms falls outside of the defined modern boundaries of the Vosges. Walther and Hildgund had most likely reached only the northernmost peaks of the mountain range, which are made of sandstone and rise to (comparatively) low heights around 2000 feet. Further south, the mountains become granite and rise much higher. Throughout, they would have been thickly forested, resembling the Black Forest in age and density. MCD 
Nam nemus est ingens, spatiosum, lustra ferarum  Georgics 2.471: illic saltus ac lustra ferarum. ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ Aeneid 3.646-647.: vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: canibus resonantia saxa. . . ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’

 

 DSDSDS   The Waltharius-poet creates an odd variant of the classical locus amoenus, in which a beautiful place is described. Indeed, the use of the word "nemus," often associated with sacred groves, would lead us to expect a peaceful or beautiful place. However, this nemus is "ingens," and home to wild beasts. As a place of apparent but deceptive refuge, it has more in common with Virgil's island of the Cyclops, which also is home to "lustra ferarum." MCD 
Plurima habens, suetum canibus resonare tubisque.  Suetum canibus resonare tubisque: i.e., a popular place for hunting.

 

 Georgics 2.471: illic saltus ac lustra ferarum. ‘They have woodland glades and haunts of game.’ Aeneid 3.646-647.: vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum/ lustra domosque traho. ‘I began to drag out my life in the woods among the lonely lairs and haunts of wild beasts.’ 3.432: canibus resonantia saxa. . . ‘Rocks that echo with her hounds. . .’

 

 DSDDDS
Elision: plurima habens  		 "suetum canibus resonare tubisque": echoes a Virgilian phrase describing Scylla. This is probably a mere echo of diction rather than any deeper, content-based parallel. [Why? Better explain JZ] This is a good example of the pervading influence of the poet's classical background, of the pages and pages memorized during his education, in his Latin versification. MCD 
Sunt in secessu bini montesque propinqui,  The precise locale being described has been exhaustively sought after (cf. Althof ad loc.), but is probably imaginary; the details given are largely taken from the Aeneid and are closely tailored to the series of one-on-one combats that will occur there.

 

 Aeneid 1.159-160.: est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229: in secessu longo. . . ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598.: est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523.: est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’

 

 SSSSDS 
Inter quos licet angustum specus extat amoenum,  Aeneid 1.159-160: est in secessu longo locus. . .hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur/ in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late Aequora tuta silent. . .huc. . .Aeneas. . .subit. ‘There in a deep inlet lies a spot. On either side loom heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of sheltered water. HereAeneas takes shelter.’ 3.229: in secessu longo. . . ‘In a deep recess. . .’ 8.597-598: est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem. . .undique colles/ inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt. ‘Near Caere’s cold stream there stands a vast grove; on all sides curving hills enclose it and girdle the woodland with dark fir trees.’ 11.522-523: est curvo anfractu valles. . .quam densis frondibus atrum/ urget utrimque latus. ‘There is a valley with sweeping curve, hemmed in on either side by a wall black with dense foliage.’

 

 SDSDDS   Though the place is narrow and inhabited by wolves and bears, the poet insists that it is "amoenum," pleasant. Indeed, his depiction of the place is almost schizophrenic, as he continues in the next lines to state that it was created by falling rocks (hardly conducive to safe refuge) and that it was best suited for bloody thieves. Nevertheless, the slight vegetation and Walther's relief at the prospect of rest give the place an air of hope. Possibly this conflicted description emphasizes the sense of relief at the prospect of rest and refuge which he intends Walther and Hildegund to feel. MCD 
Non tellure cava factum, sed vertice rupum: 495  SDSSDS 
Apta quidem statio latronibus illa cruentis.  Aeneid 11.522-523: accommoda fraudi/ armorumque dolis. . . ‘Fit site for the stratagems and deceits of war. . .’

 

 DDSDDS 
Angulus hic virides ac vescas gesserat herbas.  Georgics 3.174-175.: non gramina tantum/ nec vescas salicum frondes. . . ‘Not grass alone or poor willow leaves. . .’ 4.131: vescumque papaver. . . ‘Fine-seeded poppy. . .’

 

 DDSSDS   The echoes in these lines of Virgilian formulae in the Georgics may serve to emphasize the barrenness of the land, by contrasting it with the arable fields from which Walther and Hildegund have fled. 
'huc', mox ut vidit iuvenis, 'huc' inquit 'eamus,  Aeneid 11.530: huc iuvenis nota fertur regione viarum. ‘Hither the warrior hastens by a well-known road.’

 

 SSDSDS   Despite the obvious dangers of the place, the fallen rocks do offer some possibilities for defense and shelter. Throughout their journey, Walther and Hildegund have traveled through hidden places (see l. 420: "Atque die saltus arbustaque densa requirens"). MCD 
His iuvat in castris fessum componere corpus.'  Georgics 4.438: defessa. . .componere membra. . . ‘To settle his weary limbs. . .’ 4.189: ubi iam thalamis se composuere. . . ‘When they have laid themselves to rest in their chambers. . .’

 

 DSSSDS 
Nam postquam fugiens Avarum discesserat oris, 500  Avarum…oris: i.e., Attila’s city

 

 
Europe500.png
  		 SDDSDS 
Non aliter somni requiem gustaverat idem  DSDSDS 
Quam super innixus clipeo; vix clauserat orbes.  Orbes equiv. to oculos

 

 DSDSDS   Walther's larger-than-life heroism is momentarily humanized with the depiction of his exhaustion. The poet allows the reader or listener an impression of how hard Walther has been working to survive and to protect Hildegund. Walther then proceeds to doff his armor and thus his identity as a warrior, delegating power to Hildegund. In an epic poem it is surprising that Walther sleeps not to receive a prophetic utterance but to respond to human weaknesses. Although the scene could be interpreted as another instance of the poet's ironic view of Germanic heroism, it could instead convey tenderness and trust in the relationship between Walther and Hildegund. MCD 
Bellica tum demum deponens pondera dixit  Bellica…pondera equiv. to arma

 

 Aeineid 10.496: rapiens immania pondera baltei. . . ‘Tearing away the belt’s huge weight. . .’

 

 DSSSDS 
Virginis in gremium fusus: 'circumspice caute,  Aeineid 8.406: coniugis infusus gremio. . . ‘Melting in his wife’s arms. . .’

 

 DDSSDS   "fusus": a challenging word to translate. Kratz translates the phrase, "while resting the virgin's lap," which preserves English idioms admirably. However, the phrase seems to imply more movement, using the word "fundo" (literally, "to pour") and the accusative of place to which ("in gremium"). Moreover, later in the poem (667, 951, 977, 1018, 1052) variants of the word "fundo" describe the pouring out of brains or innards from stabbed warriors. Lewis & Short suggest that one translation of "fundo" might be "stretch out" or "scatter." The poet may mean to indicate that Walther has lain down with his head in Hildegund's lap. The most idiomatic translation might be "having relaxed into the virgin's lap." MCD 
Hiltgunt, et nebulam si tolli videris atram, 505  Nebulam: i.e., of dust from an approaching army

 

 Aeineid 2.355-356.: lupi ceu/ raptores atra in nebula. . . ‘Like ravening wolves in a black mist. . .’ 8.258: nebulaque ingens specus aestuat atra. ‘Through the mighty cave the mist surges black.’

 

 SDSSDS 
Attactu blando me surgere commonitato,  SSSDDS 
Et licet ingentem conspexeris ire catervam,  DSSDDS 
Ne excutias somno subito, mi cara, caveto,  Hiltgunt should not wake Waltharius suddenly and thus startle him; since her eyes (acies, line 509) are good, she will be able to see an enemy from far away (and thus still give Waltharius plenty of time to react).

 

 Aeneid 2.302: excutior somno.’I shake myself from sleep.’

 

 DSDSDS
Elision: ne excutias  		 "caveto:" Walther may be concerned that if he is woken too suddenly, he will react violently. Such vigilance is a commonplace in action films, proof that "a hero never sleeps."

Walther aptly uses the future imperative as in 506 ("commonitato") because he is referring to a conditional event in the future (cf. the future perfect "videris" in 505) - as opposed to "circumspice" in 504, which Hiltgunt is supposed to do right way. [JJTY] 

Nam procul hinc acies potis es transmittere puras.  DDDSDS 
Instanter cunctam circa explora regionem.' 510  SSSSDS
Elision: circa explora  		 Walther entrusts Hildegund with the duties of a guard and trusts to her prudence about whether he should be woken. Though Hildegund spends much of the poem in the background, even this small role is unusual for a woman in a heroic poem, and it affirms her value as an agent in the poem, not merely another treasure carried off from the Huns. Ironically, she is the true "gemma" (see note to l. 462), but as such she is not to be classed with the treasure as an object. The Franks will demand "the treasure and the girl," (l. 602) but they, as usual, are in error. For a further discussion, see Ward, in Roman Epic, ed. Boyle, 1993. 
Haec ait atque oculos concluserat ipse nitentes  Aeneid 1.297: haec ait et. . . ‘He speaks these words, and. . .’ 1.228: oculos. . .nitentis. . . ‘Her bright eyes. . .’ Liber Hester 15.8: nitentibus oculis. . . ‘With shining eyes. . .’

 

 DDSDDS
Elision: atque oculos  		 "oculos nitentes": See note to l. 453.

See also Matthew 6:22-24: "The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome. But if thy eye be evil thy whole body shall be darksome. If then the light that is in thee, be darkness: the darkness itself how great shall it be! No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" (Douay-Rheims translation. In Latin, the verses are: "lucerna corporis est oculus si fuerit oculus tuus simplex totum corpus tuum lucidum erit / si autem oculus tuus nequam fuerit totum corpus tuum tenebrosum erit si ergo lumen quod in te est tenebrae sunt tenebrae quantae erunt / nemo potest duobus dominis servire aut enim unum odio habebit et alterum diliget aut unum sustinebit et alterum contemnet non potestis Deo servire et mamonae") Walther's eyes shine, as indeed his "great soul" does. He is contrasted to Gunther's greed. MCD 

Iamque diu satis optata fruitur requiete.  Aeneid 4.619: optata luce fruatur. ‘May he enjoy the life he longs for.’

 

 DDSDDS 
« previous   next » English
Retrieved from "https://waltharius.fas.harvard.edu/?title=Waltharius489&oldid=13589"