Aldhelm Riddle 65: Muriceps
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022Fida satis custos conservans pervigil aedes
Noctibus in furvis caecas lustrabo latebras
Atris haud perdens oculorum lumen in antris.
Furibus invisis, vastant qui farris acervos,
Insidiis tacite dispono scandala mortis.
Et vaga venatrix rimabor lustra ferarum,
Nec volo cum canibus turmas agitare fugaces,
Qui mihi latrantes crudelia bella ciebunt.
Gens exosa mihi tradebat nomen habendum.
A sufficiently dependable protector, ever-vigilant, guarding the house,
I roam shadowy recesses on black nights,
By no means losing the light of my eyes in dark caves.
For the unseen thieves, who ravage the treasures of grain,
I quietly set traps of deadly snares.
And I, a roving huntress, search out the lairs of wild animals,
But I do not wish to stir up fierce throngs with dogs,
Who, barking at me, provoke merciless battles.
A race hateful to me bestowed the name I was to have.
Notes:
This edition is based on Rudolf Ehwald, ed. Aldhelmi Opera Omnia. Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Auctores Antiquissimi, 15. Berlin: Weidmann, 1919, pages 59-150. Available online here.
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