“It is almost impossible to translate verbally and well at the same time; for the Latin (a most severe and compendious language) often expresses that in one word which either the barbarity or the narrowness of modern tongues cannot supply in more. ...But since every language is so full of its own proprieties that what is beautiful in one is often barbarous, nay, sometimes nonsense, in another, it would be unreasonable to limit a translator to the narrow compass of his author's words; it is enough if he choose out some expression which does not vitiate the sense.”
Quote by John Dryden
Author
John Dryden
John Dryden, born on August 9, 1631, and died on May 12, 1700, was a prominent English poet and dramatist of the 17th century. His works have had a profound impact on English literature, particularly in the field of drama, and he is considered one of the founders of English drama. more
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Source: Selections from the poetry of Dryden, including his plays and translations. [The editor's preface signed: C. B., i.e. Charles Bathurst.]
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“And he, who servilely creeps after sense, Is safe, but ne'er will reach an excellence.”
“Farewell, too little, and too lately known, Whom I began to think and call my own.”
Source: Plutarch's Lives
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