Aldhelm Riddle 70: Tortella
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022De terris orior candenti corpore pelta
Et nive fecunda, Vulcani torre rigescens,
Carior et multo quam cetera scuta duelli;
Nec tamen in medio clipei stat ferreus umbo.
Me sine quid prodest dirorum parma virorum?
Vix artus animaeque carerent tramite mortis,
Ni forsan validis refrager viribus Orco.
From the earth am I born, crescent-shield-shaped with a shining body
And fertile snow, hardening in Vulcan’s heat,
Yet I am much more precious than other war-shields;
And there is nevertheless no iron boss in the middle of this shield.
Without me what good is a shield for fearful warriors?
Limbs and souls would barely be separated from death’s track
If I did not resist Hades with worthy strength.
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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