Aldhelm Riddle 34: Locusta
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Tue 15 Mar 2022Quamvis agricolis non sim laudabilis hospes,
Fructus agrorum viridi de cespite ruris
Carpo catervatim rodens de stipite libros,
lamdudum celebris spolians Nilotica regna,
Quando decem plagas spurca cum gente luebant.
Cor mihi sub genibus: nam constat carcere saeptum;
Pectora poplitibus subduntur more rubetae.
Although to farmers I may not be a laudable guest,
I pick the fruit of fields from green country’s turf,
Gnawing in groups the bark from tree trunks.
I was celebrated long ago for despoiling kingdoms along the Nile
When they and their foul people suffered the ten plagues.
My heart is under my knees: for it stands enclosed in a prison;
Like a poisonous toad, my chest is set under my knees.
Notes:
This edition is based on Rudolf Ehwald, ed. Aldhelmi Opera Omnia. Monumenta Germaniae Historica, Auctores Antiquissimi, 15. Berlin: Weidmann, 1919, pages 59-150. Available online here.
Tags: riddles latin Aldhelm