Synthesized answer
The fact that Dryden's translation of Virgil's works, specifically "The Works of Virgil containing his Pastorals, Georgics and Æneis," went through a third edition by 1709, after its first publication in 1697, suggests a positive reception and significant impact in late 17th and early 18th-century England [1]. A new edition appearing within thirteen years of the first indicates sustained interest and demand for the translation.
The passages imply that Dryden aimed to please "the best Judges" and the "Judices Natos" (born judges), indicating a desire for approval from learned readers and critics [2]. He also boldly asserted that his English translation "has more of Virgil's Spirit in it, than either the French, or the Italian" and expressed an ambition to be considered an equal to esteemed contemporary poets [5]. The multiple editions therefore suggest he was successful in achieving this goal and that his translation resonated with the audience of the time.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
← The Works of Virgil containing his Pastorals, Georgics and Æneis ( 1709 ) by Virgil , translated by John Dryden → Transcription of the third edition of a work first published in 1697. Some parts of the work, such as the life of Virgil and the Arguments to the different parts, were contributed by other authors. Authorship of these parts has been attributed based on John Dryden: a bibliography of early editions and of Drydeniana (1967), by Hugh Macdonald, pp. 56-59). Virgil 3102267 The Works of Virgil containing his Pastorals, Georgics and Æneis 1709 John Dryden Portrait of John Dryden,…
e the Metaphor, I wou'd say, that Virgil is like the Fame which he describes; Mobilitate viget, viresque acquirit eundo. Such a sort of Reputation is my aim, though in a far inferiour degree, according to my Motto in the Title Page: Sequiturque Patrem, non passibus æquis: and therefore I appeal to the Highest Court of Judicature, like that of the Peers, of which your Lordship is so great an Ornament. Without this Ambition which I own, of desiring to please the Judices Natos , I cou'd never have been able to have done any thing at this Age, when the fire of Poetry is commonly extinguish'd…
I would swell my Preface into a Volume, and make it formidable to your Lordship, when you see so many Pages yet behind. And indeed what I have already written either in Justification or Praise of Virgil , is against my self; for presuming to Copy, in my course English, the Thoughts and Beautiful Expressions of this inimitable Poet: Who flourish'd in an Age when his Language was brought to its last perfection, for which it was particularly owing to him and Horace . I will give your Lordship my Opinion, that those two Friends had consulted each others Judgment, wherein they should endeavour to…
ship's leave, that I might accept them, which he freely granted; and I have his Letter yet to shew, for that permission. He resolv'd to have Printed his Work; which he might have done two Years before I cou'd Publish mine: and had perform'd it, if Death had not prevented him. But having his Manuscript in my hands, I consulted it as often as I doubted of my Author's sense. For no Man understood Virgil better than that Learned Noble Man. His Friends, I hear, have yet another, and more Correct Copy of that Translation by them: which had they pleas'd to have given the Publick, the Judges must…
her Exposition, that he turn'd his Eyes from the Field of Combat, that he might not behold a sight so unpleasing to him. The Word Rejicit I know will admit of both senses; but Jupiter having confess'd that he could not alter Fate, and being griev'd he cou'd not, in consideration of Hercules , it seems to me that he shou'd avert his Eyes, rather than take pleasure in the Spectacle. But of this I am not so confident as the other, though I think I have follow'd Virgil ' s Sense. What I have said, though it has the face of arrogance, yet is intended for the honour of my Country; and therefore…
More questions about this book
- How does the description of *The Georgics*' themes (work, care, moral values) connect with or diverge from the detailed list of contents for Dryden's translation, and what does this suggest about the translator's potential emphasis?
- Explain the implication of "authorship of these parts has been attributed based on John Dryden: a bibliography..." How does this detail challenge a simple understanding of who "authored" *The Works of Virgil* as presented in this 1709 edition?
- What is the significance of the Latin epigraph "Sequiturq; Patrem non passibus Æquis" ("He follows his father with unequal steps") on the title page, and how might it frame a reader's expectations of Dryden's translation?
- How do the various dedications, prefaces, and essays preceding each section (Pastorals, Georgics, Aeneis) function to guide the reader's interpretation, and what does their presence reveal about the period's approach to classical literature?