Virgil, Aeneid III.96
Melphi speaks
Antiquam exquirite matrem:
The priest translates
«Seek out your ancient mother:»
And interprets
This line invites you to go back to your origins to find your way. Perhaps you feel disoriented, you have changed too many things too quickly, and you are no longer sure where you are heading. Melphi tells you to seek what you started from: your family’s values, a childhood passion, the place or the people who helped you grow. But be careful, there is a nuance: in the poem the first interpretation is wrong, and a second sign is needed to understand. Do not lose heart if your first attempt is not the right one. It is time to ask questions about your roots, listening also to the answers you do not expect.
The historical translations
Annibal Caro (1581)
Di lei dunque cercate; a lei tornatevi:
Di lei dunque cercate; a lei tornatevi:
Theodore C. Williams (1910)
Seek out your ancient Mother! There at last
Seek out your ancient Mother! There at last
Source
Publius Vergilius Maro, Aeneis, ed. J. B. Greenough (1900)
Virgil, Aeneid III.96