Virgil, Aeneid III.56-57
Melphi speaks
Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
auri sacra fames?
The priest translates
«To what do you not drive the hearts of mortals, accursed hunger for gold?»
And interprets
It is no accident that this line came to you: right now, money risks taking up more room than it should in your choices. It may be an inheritance that divides the family, a partner who changes face when money is at stake, or your own temptation to look the other way in order to earn. Melphi does not condemn money, which we need to live; it warns you against the hunger that is never satisfied and that makes people betray bonds and promises. Watch out for anyone who treats you differently now that interests are involved, and watch yourself too. Always put people before the figure.
The historical translations
Annibal Caro (1581)
Ahi de l’oro empia ed essecrabil fame!
E che per te non osa, e che non tenta
Quest’umana ingordigia? Or poi che ’l gielo
Ahi de l’oro empia ed essecrabil fame!
E che per te non osa, e che non tenta
Quest’umana ingordigia? Or poi che ’l gielo
Theodore C. Williams (1910)
on all the gold. O, whither at thy will,
curst greed of gold, may mortal hearts be driven?
on all the gold. O, whither at thy will,
curst greed of gold, may mortal hearts be driven?
Source
Publius Vergilius Maro, Aeneis, ed. J. B. Greenough (1900)
Virgil, Aeneid III.56-57