This article compares two Latin poem dedications which may contain hidden sub-meanings and possible displays of a basic puzzle method called acrostics, each dedicated to the same nobleman. The Latin verse in 1579 by A...This article compares two Latin poem dedications which may contain hidden sub-meanings and possible displays of a basic puzzle method called acrostics, each dedicated to the same nobleman. The Latin verse in 1579 by Anthony Munday follows acrostic English poems and may refer to his patron as ＂a lover of Pallas Athena＂ （the Spear-shaker of Greek mythology）. The Latin verse in Robert Greene＇s 1584 book may contain a Latin acrostic and appears to identify Cupid, the ＂winged Love,＂ as a companion of the same patron as Munday＇s from five years earlier. That Cupid trope appears similar to ＂the little love god＂ allusions to Cupid in several of Shakespeare＇s sonnets （e.g., #s 153 and 154）. More than these discussions, this article explores difficulties of translating from Latin into English, or vice versa, and the pitfalls which can occur.展开更多
文摘This article compares two Latin poem dedications which may contain hidden sub-meanings and possible displays of a basic puzzle method called acrostics, each dedicated to the same nobleman. The Latin verse in 1579 by Anthony Munday follows acrostic English poems and may refer to his patron as ＂a lover of Pallas Athena＂ （the Spear-shaker of Greek mythology）. The Latin verse in Robert Greene＇s 1584 book may contain a Latin acrostic and appears to identify Cupid, the ＂winged Love,＂ as a companion of the same patron as Munday＇s from five years earlier. That Cupid trope appears similar to ＂the little love god＂ allusions to Cupid in several of Shakespeare＇s sonnets （e.g., #s 153 and 154）. More than these discussions, this article explores difficulties of translating from Latin into English, or vice versa, and the pitfalls which can occur.
