Synthesized answer
The Latin epigraph "Sequiturque Patrem, non passibus æquis" ("He follows his father with unequal steps") on the title page signifies the translator's aspiration to emulate Virgil, while acknowledging an inferiority in degree [1]. This motto frames the reader's expectations by suggesting that Dryden, like the son following his father, attempts to follow in Virgil's footsteps but with less equal, or perhaps less accomplished, steps [1].
This humility-laden motto suggests that the reader should anticipate a translation that strives for Virgil's merit but may fall short, implying a potentially imperfect but earnest effort. It also hints that the translation might not be a literal replication, as Dryden states, "I had long since consider'd, that the way to please the best Judges, is not to Translate a Poet literally; and Virgil least of any other" [1]. The passages do not explicitly detail how this frames expectations beyond acknowledging a lesser degree of attainment and a non-literal approach.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
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…
rom Sense; and he who loses the least by it, may be call'd a gainer: it often makes us swerve from an Author's meaning. As if a Mark be set up for an Archer at a great distance, let him aim as exactly as he can, the least wind will take his Arrow, and divert it from the White. I return to our Italian Translator of the Æneis: He is a Foot-Poet, he Lacquies by the side of Virgil at the best, but never mounts behind him. Doctor Morelli , who is no mean Critick in our Poetry, and therefore may be presum'd to be a better in his own Language, has confirm'd me in this Opinion by his Judgment, and…
satisfi'd before-hand, that I cou'd make some small resemblance of him, though I must be content with a worse likeness. A Sixth Pastoral, a Pharmaceutria , a single Orpheus , and some other Features, have been exactly taken: But those Holiday-Authors writ for Pleasure; and only shew'd us what they cou'd have done, if they wou'd have taken pains, to perform the whole. Be pleas'd, My Lord, to accept, with your wonted goodness, this unworthy Present, which I make you. I have taken off one trouble from you, of defending it, by acknowledging its Imperfections: And tho' some part of them are…
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…
ia Grajûm Hæsit; & in decumum vestigia rettulit annum. Ambo animis, ambo insignes præstantibus armis: Hic pietate prior. ————— I give not here my Translation of these Verses; tho' I think I have not ill succeeded in them; because your Lordship is so great a Master of the Original, that I have no reason to desire you shou'd see Virgil and me so near together. But you may please, my Lord, to take notice, that the Latin Author refines upon the Greek; and insinuates, That Homer had done his Heroe Wrong, in giving the advantage of the Duel to his own Countryman; though Diomedes was manifestly the…
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?
- 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?
- The text explicitly states this is "The Third Edition." What can we infer about the reception and impact of Dryden's translation in late 17th and early 18th-century England from the fact that it went through multiple editions so quickly?