Reflections on prayer Persius

The offering appropriate to prayer

Satire 2.71–75

Original text

Latin

The ancient words

Quin damus id superis, de magna quod dare lance non possit magni Messalae lippa propago: compositum ius fasque animo sanctosque recessus mentis et incoctum generoso pectus honesto. Haec cedo ut admoveam templis, et farre litabo.

Modern rendering

Close to the words

Literal English · editorial draft

Why do we not give the gods what the bleary offspring of great Messalla could not give from a great platter: justice and divine law composed within the soul; the mind’s holy inner recesses; and a heart steeped in noble honor? Grant that I may bring these to the temples, and I shall sacrifice successfully with meal.

An editorial aid to reading, not a substitute for the original. About this rendering

Historical translation

1841 · Source edition ↗

Give then, what proud Messala's blear-ey'd race Can never on their plenteous table place, A heart where piety and justice rest, Inwardly sound, by generous thoughts imprest. Give me but these to offer at the shrine, And one small cake shall sooth the pow'rs divine.

Text matched to linked transcription; typography normalized.

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Sources & notes

The five Latin lines are Satire 2.71–75. Some verse translations include surrounding lines or paraphrase the image of the offering.

Historical editions may include surrounding context or use different phrasing. Parallel columns compare passages; their lines are not word-for-word alignments.

The source review is selective. Additional prototype transcriptions are preserved in the repository pending verification. Editorial method →