Aldhelm Riddle 81: Lucifer
ALEXANDRAREIDER
Date: Thu 14 Apr 2022Semper ego clarum praecedo lumine lumen
Signifer et Phoebi, lustrat qui limpidus orbem,
Per caelum gradiens obliquo tramite flector;
Eoas partes amo, dum iubar inde meabit
Finibus Indorum, cernunt qui lumina primi.
O felix olim servata lege Tonantis!
Heu! post haec cecidi proterva mente superbus;
Ultio quapropter funestum perculit hostem.
Sex igitur comites mecum super aethera scandunt,
Gnarus quos poterit per biblos pandere lector.
I always precede the clear light with my own light
And am the sign-bearer of Phoebus, who shines brightly over the world,
Advancing through the sky I am turned along an oblique path;
I love the eastern regions, for my brilliance passes thence
To the territories of the Indians, who glimpse the lights first.
O how happy I was once, when the law of the Thunderer was obeyed!
Alas! After this I fell, proud in my reckless intent;
Therefore, punishment overthrew the deadly enemy.
As a result, six fellows ascend through the heavens with me,
Which the knowledgeable reader will be able to explain with books.
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.
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