Epigrams against a Detractor of Augustine
The whole work on one page. Select a passage number to open that passage with its notes, Scripture references, and citation.
Chapter 1
1PL 51
Quidam dictiloqui libros senis Augustini / Carpere, et adversum condere fertur opus. / Usque adeone bonum ingenium, et facundia dives, / Ostentare artem non aliter potuit; / In nova prostratas acies nisi bella cieret, / Impiaque exstinctis hostibus arma daret. / Hæc pugna, incentor, mors est tua, te stylus iste / Conficit, et verbis perderis ipse tuis. / Dumque doces quantum valeat mens libera, monstras / Velle tuum tibimet sufficere ut pereas. / Verte gradum, fuge perniciem; stratosque rebelles / Oris apostolici fulmine ubique vide. / Nec te mutato defendi nomine credas. / Si pastorem ovium lædere vis, lupus es.
A certain wordy man is said to be picking at the books of old Augustine and composing a work against them. Could so good a talent and so rich an eloquence show off its art in no other way than by stirring the routed ranks to new wars and giving impious arms to enemies already dead? This fight, instigator, is your death; that pen of yours destroys you, and you perish by your own words. And while you teach how much the free mind can do, you show that your own will is enough for you to perish. Turn your step, flee destruction; and see the rebels laid low everywhere by the lightning of the apostolic mouth. And do not think yourself defended by a change of name: if you wish to hurt the shepherd of the sheep, you are a wolf.
Chapter 15
15PL 51:151
Contra Augustinum narratur serpere quidam / Scriptor, quem dudum livor adussit edax: / Qui captum obscuris contectum utcumque cavernis / Tollere humo miserum perpulit anguiculum. / Aut hunc fruge sua æquorei pavere Britanni, / Aut huic Campano gramine corda tument. Quæ concepta fovet promat, quæ parturit edat; Seu vetere armatur dogmate, sive novo. / In quoscumque sinus spirarum torqueat orbes, / Et fallax multa contegat arte caput; / Currentem attritos super aspidas et basiliscos / Declinare senem vipera non poterit.
A certain writer is said to be creeping against Augustine, one whom devouring envy has long since scorched; who drove the wretched little snake, hidden somehow in dark caves, to lift itself from the ground. Either the Britons of the sea fed this man with their crop, or his heart swells with Campanian grass. Let him bring out what he has conceived and cherishes, give birth to what he is in labor with, whether he arms himself with an old dogma or a new one. Into whatever folds he twists the coils of his body, and however much art he uses to cover his deceitful head, the viper will not be able to turn aside the old man as he runs over trampled asps and basilisks.