Friday, February 3, 2012

396 Advice to an Unknown Assassin (Poems of Exile)




396      Advice to an Unknown Assassin

  
I will slice the throat of anyone who terrorises my friends

Don’t think my pity is enough to let me forgive

When the unjust victor stabs even the forsaken dead – beware!

Often the dead hand thrusts the fatal wound.




Translated from the Latin of pseudo-Seneca, by Isabel Doyle.  It seems particularly apt given the slaughter next door.

x

8 comments:

Elisabeth said...

Powerful words, Isabel, and as you say very apt given the behaviour of your neighbours and even perhaps some of your commenters, though they may not be genuine bloggers.

hyperCRYPTICal said...

Wise and powerful words indeed - I shall endevour to visit your fine blog more often as I do not understand Elizabeths' words above re the behaviour of some of your commenters.

(It is the limits of awailable time that prevent me visiting favourite bloggers more often).

Be safe and kind regards

Anna :o]

hyperCRYPTICal said...

Thanks for the pointers Isabel and Elisabeth - I now understand.

It is sometimes difficult via comments to articulate opposing views as cues and inferences are not visible - I always ensure that if having a difference of opinion, I do so kindly and will always add that it is not a 'troll' comment - merely an opportunity and desire to discuss.

It would appear Al (amd others) has/have troll tendencies!

Kind regards

Anna :o]

Trellissimo said...

A warning to strike a chill into the heart of the unwary! There's nothing like sticking up for your friends...

Friko said...

It wasn't me, honest! Please don't beat me and please put that knife away.


Marriages of the Fowles? i don't understand. (a Fowles quote, maybe?)

jabblog said...

Heartfelt, Isabel.

Anonymous said...

St Valentine's Day was believed to be the day birds chose their mates, at least in Chaucer's day. Isabel

ds said...

Yes. Thank you.