Aldhelm Riddle 40: Piper
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Tue 15 Mar 2022Original text:
Sum niger exterius rugoso cortice tectus,
Sed tamen interius candentem gesto medullam.
Dilicias, epulas regum luxusque ciborum,
Ius simul et pulpas battutas condo culinae;
Sed me subnixum nulla virtute videbis,
Viscera ni fuerint nitidis quassata medullis.
Translation:
I am black on the outside, covered with a wrinkled shell,
Yet inside I bear a shining core.
Kitchen’s delights, kings’ dishes, and culinary luxuries,
Sauce and also stewed meats I flavour;
But you will see me to be based on no strength
If my innards are not crushed for their gleaming core.
Pepper
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