medieval poetry day 11 (part a)
For lady_razzle, who needs some cheering up.
To Be of Use to the Young Because They Are Young
Godfrey of Winchester (d. 1107)
Whoever looks at you, Grosphus, sees two in one:
From behind he sees a boy; from the front a man.
If you play, you are a boy; give your ass, it's all right.
You are holding up the game. Turn around and you will be free.
Parvis prodesse quod parvi sunt
Qui vidit te, Grosphe, duos deprendit in uno,
a retro puerum videt, ab ante, virum.
Si ludis, puer es; da posteriora, probatur,
ludum defendis; vertere, liber eris.
To Be of Use to the Young Because They Are Young
Godfrey of Winchester (d. 1107)
Whoever looks at you, Grosphus, sees two in one:
From behind he sees a boy; from the front a man.
If you play, you are a boy; give your ass, it's all right.
You are holding up the game. Turn around and you will be free.
Parvis prodesse quod parvi sunt
Qui vidit te, Grosphe, duos deprendit in uno,
a retro puerum videt, ab ante, virum.
Si ludis, puer es; da posteriora, probatur,
ludum defendis; vertere, liber eris.