Aldhelm Riddle 88: Basiliscus
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022Callidior cunctis aura vescentibus aethrae
Late per mundum dispersi semina mortis;
Unde horrenda seges diris succrevit aristis,
Quam metit ad scelera scortator falce maligna;
Cornigeri multum vereor certamina cervi.
Namque senescenti spoliabor pelle vetustus
Atque nova rursus fretus remanebo iuventa.
Craftier than all those who rely on the air in the sky,
I spread the seeds of death widely throughout the world;
Whence grew a dreadful crop with its fearful harvest,
Which the Fornicator reaps to wicked ends with his malign scythe;
I am very much afraid of contests with the antlered stag.
When aged, I will certainly be spoiled of my decaying skin
And I will continue again, strengthened by my new youth.
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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