Aldhelm Riddle 84: Scrofa praegnans
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022Nunc mihi sunt oculi bis seni in corpore solo
Bis ternumque caput, sed cetera membra gubernant.
Nam gradior pedibus suffultus bis duodenis,
Sed decies novem sunt et sex corporis ungues,
Sinzigias numero pariter similabo pedestres.
Populus et taxus, viridi quoque fronde salicta
Sunt invisa mihi, sed fagos glandibus uncas,
Fructiferas itidem florenti vertice quercus
Diligo; sic nemorosa simul non spernitur ilex.
Now I have twice-six eyes in one body
And twice-three heads, but my other limbs are in charge.
For I walk supported by twice-twelve feet,
But my body has ninety-six toenails,
Likewise in this number I resemble the metrical syzygies.
The poplar and the yew-tree, also the green-leafed willow trees
Are hated by me, but the crooked beech-tree with its beechnuts,
As well as the fruitful oak-trees with their flowering top,
I love; in the same way, at the same time, is the leafy holm-oak not spurned.
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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