Aldhelm Riddle 87: Clipeus
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022Original text:
De salicis trunco, pecoris quoque tergore raso
Componor patiens discrimina cruda duelli.
Semper ego proprio gestantis corpore corpus
Conservabo, viri vitam ne dempserit Orcus.
Quis tantos casus aut quis tam plurima leti
Suscipit in bello crudelis vulnera miles?
Translation:
From the trunk of the willow-tree, also from the cattle’s scraped hide,
Am I composed, awaiting the bloody hazards of war.
I shall always guard the body of my carrier with my own
Body, so that Orcus will not rob the man’s life.
What fierce soldier incurs such losses or so many
Deadly wounds in battle?
Shield
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.
Tags: riddles latin Aldhelm