Poems by Li Qingzhao, Wang Wei, and Du Mu, Translated by Talbot Hook The Society January 24, 2022 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 13 Comments . Mourning the Dead by Li Qingzhao, Southern Song (1084-1155) | from Chinese by Talbot Hook Above in the heavens the star-river flows; Down on the earth the curtains hang low. As the air grows chill, and my...
‘To Tchaikovsky’ by A.N. Apukhtin, Translated by Olga Dumer The Society January 22, 2022 Beauty, Culture, Music, Poetry, Translation 13 Comments . To Tchaikovsky by A.N. Apukhtin (1840-1893) | Translated from Russian by Olga Dumer With my musician friend’s departure A minor key pervades my lines. Yet, like a fugue’s evolving texture, Old...
Two Poems by Friedrich Hebbel, Translated by Sean Thompson The Society January 20, 2022 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 5 Comments . To Sleep, to Sleep by Friedrich Hebbel | translated from German by Sean Thompson To sleep, to sleep and only sleep And never wake and have no dreams! The bitter woes that made me weep but half-remembered...
Poetry by José de Espronceda, Translated by Adam Sedia The Society January 6, 2022 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 5 Comments . Sonnet by José de Espronceda (1808-1842) | translated from Spanish by Adam Sedia Fresh, lush, pure, and perfumed luxuriantly, The blooming garden’s flair and ornament, Coxcomb perched on the stem's...
‘To Saint John the Evangelist’ by Eustache Deschamps, Translated by Margaret Coats The Society December 27, 2021 Beauty, Chant Royal, Culture, Poetry, Translation 14 Comments . To Saint John the Evangelist by Eustache Deschamps (c. 1346–1406) | translated from French by Margaret Coats Young, perfect, just, in all you had to do, Fresh virile flower of virginity, O man of marvels,...
Two Poems by Bécquer, Translated by Cheryl Corey The Society December 18, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Music, Poetry, Translation 10 Comments . The Harp by Gustavo Bécquer | from Spanish by Cheryl Corey Obscured by corner shadows, gathering dust, perhaps forgotten over time—there stands the silent harp. So many hidden notes entombed on muted...
‘A Flower’ by Alceste De Lollis, Translated by Adam Sedia, and a Sonnet The Society December 14, 2021 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 20 Comments . A Flower for Giannina Milli by Alceste De Lollis (1820-1887) | translated from Italian by Adam Sedia A fragile herb, this blooming flower, I planted with my hand one day; Once more I fed refreshing...
‘Passer Mortuus Est’ from Carmen 3, by Catullus, Translated by R.W. Rhodes The Society December 5, 2021 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 4 Comments . Passer Mortuus Est, from Carmen 3 by Catullus (84-54 B.C.)| Translated from Latin by R.W. Rhodes My baby's favored fledgling dropped and died,and caused us both to weep; and when we cried,each Venus and...
Poems by Yevgeny Baratynsky (1800—1844) The Society November 1, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 7 Comments . translated from Russian by Sasha A. Palmer . Prayer God above, King divine! Heal this spirit of mine! Earthly lies drive away Lest they lead me astray— And for Thy heav'nly toll Please give strength to...
‘Ballade for His Lady Deceased’ by Charles d’Orléans, translated by Margaret Coats The Society October 19, 2021 Beauty, Love Poems, Poetry, Translation 26 Comments . Ballade for His Lady Deceased by Charles d’Orléans (1394–1465) Alas, Death, who made you so bold? My noble princess you possess; My life and comfort you enfold, My pleasure, wealth, and...
‘In Love’s Counting House’ by Charles d’Orléans (1394–1465), translated by Margaret Coats The Society October 5, 2021 Chant Royal, Humor, Love Poems, Poetry, Translation 19 Comments . In Love's Counting House by Charles d’Orléans (1394–1465) One day I asked my heart to heed A claim for pay that I commended, And we in secret soon agreed That he would tell, for pains expended In risky...
An Interview With Leading Poet and Petrarch Translator A.M. Juster The Society September 21, 2021 Essays, Interviews, Poetry, Translation 6 Comments A version of this interview originally appeared in The Epoch Times by Evan Mantyk A widely published translator of ancient Latin texts, a former high-ranking government bureaucrat, and an incredible poet who...
2022 Poetry Translation Competition The Society September 1, 2021 From the Society, Poetry, Poetry Contests, Translation “Select, all ye who write, a subject fit, A subject not too mighty for your wit! Before you lay your shoulders to the wheel, Weigh well their strength, and all their weakness feel!” —Horace (65-8...
A Translation of the Peach Garden Oath from Romance of the Three Kingdoms The Society August 31, 2021 Culture, Human Rights in China, Poetry, Translation 14 Comments . The Peach Garden Oath This oath of fellowship is an iconic moment in the first chapter of the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, by Luo Guanzhong (14th century), in which the main heroes of the...
‘Hagi at My Study Window’ and Other Late Summer Poems, by Margaret Coats The Society August 8, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Haiku and Senryu, Poetry, Shape Poems, Translation 24 Comments . Hagi at My Study Window hagi or bush clover, a symbol of poetry, blooms as summer turns to autumn. Paper shapes the future’s surface, Paperweights the present state. Inkstones hold a scholar’s...
Petrarch’s Canzone on a Dream of Laura, Translated by Margaret Coats The Society July 30, 2021 Beauty, Love Poems, Poetry, Translation 21 Comments . When softly my sustaining comfort stirs Herself to offer solace coveted, Advancing toward the left side of my bed With that sweet courtly reasoning of hers, In fearful homage all my being murmurs, “O...
Poetry by Groth and Heine, translated by Julian Woodruff The Society July 27, 2021 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 18 Comments . Rain Song by Klaus Groth (1819-1899) Pour, O rain, pour down to earth, Give my childhood dreams rebirth, When in reverie I roamed Shores where sand with moisture foamed. When the summer sun’s hot...
‘A Girl in Her Own Words’ by Eustache Deschamps (1346-1406), translated by Margaret Coats The Society July 16, 2021 Beauty, Humor, Poetry, Translation 23 Comments . Am I, am I beautiful? Surely my face qualifies: Forehead pearly bright to rise Over sweetest lips cerise. Tell me if I’m beautiful! Cupid’s brows I have, green eyes, Rounded chin, nose small in...
‘Meeting Petrarch’ by Margaret Coats The Society June 15, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 10 Comments . Francesco, is it you? Be confident. Sorgue vineyard pathways never were too dusty __For you—plump face and figure lusty. Come nearer; focus my astonishment. The monks and nuns sleep early after...
‘The Praise of Age’ by Walter Kennedy (1450–1508), Translated by Margaret Coats The Society May 8, 2021 Beauty, Chant Royal, Culture, Poetry, Translation 23 Comments . At Matins’ hour, the middle of the night,I woke, and soon found I was not alone;A man who seemed past sixty to my sightThis sentence said, and sang it in good tone:O threefold God on the eternal throne,To...
A Translation of François Villon’s ‘Ballade of Prayer to Our Lady,’ by Joseph S. Salemi The Society April 5, 2021 Acrostic, Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 11 Comments . Ballade of Prayer to Our Lady (in the voice of the poet’s mother) by François Villon (1431-1463), from French by Joseph S. Salemi Lady of Heaven, who holds earthly sway And reigns as Empress of the...
‘Easter!’: Translation of an Italian Sonnet by Joseph S. Salemi The Society April 4, 2021 Culture, Poetry, Translation 13 Comments . Easter! by Rosario Previti (1882-1967), from Italian by Joseph S. Salemi Why your bitter torment on the cross, Martyr of Golgotha, if the world on which You poured your blood in agony remains Savage and...
Easter Season Sonnets by Anne de Marquets (1533–1588), translated by Margaret Coats The Society April 3, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 21 Comments . Sonnet 181 Jesus had suffered more than we can tell, But when released, His soul at once aspired To save the just, whom their long wait had tired. See Him descend to Limbo’s dreary hell In search of those...
For Valentine’s Day: ‘The Tale of the Rose’ by Christine de Pisan (1364–1431), translated by Margaret Coats The Society February 13, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Love Poems, Poetry, Translation 22 Comments . . The Tale of the Rose (Excerpt) by Christine de Pisan (1364-1431), translated by Margaret Coats . This Tale comes from the Paris home of the Duke of Orleans, brother of the King of France, where on Saint...
Two Poems on Old Age, Adapted by Terry L. Norton The Society February 9, 2021 Children's, Culture, Poetry, Translation 13 Comments . Half a Blanket adapted from “Das Vierte Gebot,” or “The Fourth Commandment,” a folktale from medieval Germany There was an old king once in France Who grew in time too weak to reign. So, he...
Winners of 2021 Poetry Translation Competition Announced The Society February 1, 2021 From the Society, Poetry, Poetry Contests, Translation 4 Comments . Judges Margaret Coats Evan Mantyk . First Place ($100) Francesca Leader, Virginia "The Iroha Poem" by Kūkai (空海) (774–835) . Second Place Steven Monte, New York “Di pensier in pensier, di monte in...
‘Meditation’ by Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867), Translated by Joshua Mincio The Society January 18, 2021 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 6 Comments . Be good, my Sorrow. You may rest assured; The Evening whom you called descends; Behold; The fall of dusk leaves some in towns obscured With newfound peace, yet some with cares untold. Through gauntlet...
‘Portrait of God’ by Chateaubriand, and Other Translations by Adam Sedia The Society January 15, 2021 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 7 Comments . Portrait of God drawn from Scripture by François-René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), translated by Adam Sedia Know you the jealous God, who dare engage In sin, whose impious deeds ignite his rage? His...
‘Humility’ and Other Poetry and Translation by Alexandra Guo The Society January 11, 2021 Beauty, Culture, High School Submissions, Humor, Poetry, Translation 12 Comments . Humility Lo, I have seen the Muses plain. What need Have I to go on living?—’Twas in Rome: I touched the flesh (it was a holy deed) That Michelangelo shaped out of stone. O what a great and glorious...
Petrarch’s Canzone 129, translated by Steven Monte The Society January 7, 2021 Beauty, Love Poems, Poetry, Translation 5 Comments . “Di pensier in pensier, di monte in monte” by Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) __From thought to thought, from mountain to mountain, Love guides me, and every path in which I’ve strayed is hostile to a...
‘The Iroha Poem’ by Kūkai (空海) (774–835), Translated by Francesca Leader The Society December 27, 2020 Beauty, Poetry, Translation 18 Comments . The leaves may shine with colored gloss, But they will fall, forever lost. In this false world, what soul, I ask, May hope in timelessness to last? Today I cross these mountain depths With no vain dreams or...
Poem Found on Our Lady of Guadalupe Painting, Translated by Margaret Coats The Society December 9, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Found Poem, Poetry, Translation 26 Comments The Painting of the Virgin God, seeing in America a child Embracing Faith with jubilation meet, Took up His paints, and on a flowered sheet By His own hand a portrait deftly styled, For He intended...
‘King Horn’ Middle English Romance, Translation by Russell Spera The Society December 3, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 6 Comments Gather round everyone, come near! My story is for all to hear. A song for you I now shall sing, A song about Murry the King. Murry was the King of the West And ruled till he was laid to...
Three Translations of Goethe and an Original Musical Setting for One of Them, by James A. Tweedie The Society November 15, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Music, Poetry, Readings, Translation 16 Comments Introductory Note These paraphrased translations represent three short poems composed by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a person so well-known that I will pass on offering a biography and only note that he...
The Aeneid, Book I, Lines 1-50: A Rhyming Translation by Len Krisak The Society November 8, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Epic, Poetry, Translation 3 Comments The complete new translation can found from Hackett Publishing here. My poem sings of one man forced from Troy by war. Fate harried him to find a home on Latium’s shore— On some Lavinian littoral. By...
Chant Royal on Urban Disturbances by Margaret Coats after Eustache Deschamps (c.1346–1406) The Society October 25, 2020 Chant Royal, Culture, Deconstructing Communism, Poetry, Translation 32 Comments Renowned but wayward Troy, vain Babylon, Harsh Nineveh, and languid Rome were felled; Long ago they exercised dominion, But since from their own lands have been expelled, Or kept small plots, where...
On Troublemakers: Two Translations from Phaedrus, by Terry L. Norton The Society September 24, 2020 Children's, Culture, Essays, Poetry, Translation 9 Comments On Troublemakers: Two Translations* from the Latin Poet Phaedrus, Freedman of Augustus (first century A.D.) Translator’s Prologue These little tales from ancient Rome Concern those who would foment...
2021 Poetry Translation Competition The Society September 1, 2020 From the Society, Poetry, Poetry Contests, Translation 2 Comments "Poetry ... is a more philosophical and a higher thing than history: for poetry tends to express the universal, history the particular." —Aristotle (384-322 BC), Poetics First Prize: $100. Publication on...
‘Verses on the Death of His Father’ (‘Coplas por la muerte de su padre’) by Jorge Manrique The Society August 2, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 9 Comments translated by Alan Steinle. Introduction and translation copyright ©2020 by Alan Steinle. Skip Introduction and go to poem. Introduction Poetry is that which is worth translating. The poem dies...
Translations of John Gower Poems on Marriage, by Margaret Coats The Society June 18, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Translation 10 Comments Translator's Note: John Gower (c.1330–1408) wrote his Traitié de Matrimoine in French (with Latin notes throughout) to reach the widest possible audience. Seventeen ballades supply instructive examples from...
