Cunning linguists
Any Latinists here?
Dilbertian · 23/08/2022 14:18
Can you translate a couple of inscriptions for me? I can usually get the gist, but am struggling here.
First one, over the door of YHA Wasdale:
Laus uirtutis actio
Second one, found at the centre of a maze. It goes around in a circle, so it's not clear where the inscription begins and ends:
Omnia hospites vidistis. Vobis gratias agimus. Nune fortuito mingite.
KimMG · 23/08/2022 14:25
I just googled it for you .......
The praise of virtue is an action
Laus uirtutis actio
You have seen all the guests. We thank you. Don't let it happen now.
Omnia hospites vidistis. Vobis gratias agimus. Nune fortuito mingite.
Fairislefandango · 23/08/2022 14:25
The first one basically means 'Virtue is its own reward'. Apparently the second one means 'Visitors, you have seen everything. We thank you. Now happily piss off.'
I'm not much of a Latinist any more (did A Level decades ago) but Google obliged!
NomenOmen · 23/08/2022 14:26
the deed is virtue’s praise
Guests, you’ve seen everything, we thank you, now piss off.
Fairislefandango · 23/08/2022 14:27
Cross-posted! The 'Don't let it happen now' version doesn't make any sense! I found the translation on a horticulture website talking about the gardens in Alnwick where the maze is.
Lancelottie · 23/08/2022 14:38
The second one... the final instruction (mingite) literally means to pee.
Did you mean 'nunc' (now) rather than 'nune'?
Lio · 23/08/2022 14:41
Although that may well be linked to the ancient form of the word 'minge' there.
Lio · 23/08/2022 14:42
Sorry that didn't really make sense – failed at making a minge joke, aagh
Lancelottie · 23/08/2022 14:52
Although that may well be linked to the ancient form of the word 'minge' there.
Wouldn't surprise me.
It's linked to the English term micturition, anyway.
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