Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Difficulties of Translation" (also known as "His Apologie") by Gavin Douglas is a poem that reflects on the challenges and complexities of the act of translation. Gavin Douglas, a Scottish poet and translator of the 16th century, addresses the difficulties he faces in attempting to translate the works of renowned poet Virgil into the vernacular Scots language.

The poem begins with a respectful acknowledgment of Virgil as a master poet and praises his eloquence and ingenuity. Douglas expresses his admiration for Virgil's works and his desire to translate them into Scots, acknowledging the limitations and challenges he faces in doing so. He humbly admits his own shortcomings in comparison to Virgil's genius and emphasizes his intention to faithfully follow Virgil's verses and maintain their essence in his translation.

Douglas highlights the complexities of translation, especially when dealing with the limitations of the Scots language compared to Latin. He explains that while he strives to faithfully translate Virgil, he sometimes needs to make linguistic choices that may not have exact equivalents in Scots. He defends his use of certain Latin, French, or English words in his translation, citing the lack of suitable alternatives in Scots at the time.

The poet addresses potential criticisms and objections, urging readers to carefully consider his work and not to judge it too harshly. He asks for understanding and forgiveness if he occasionally diverges from the original text, emphasizing that his intention is to convey the meaning and spirit of Virgil's verses in the best way possible within the limitations of translation.

Douglas also criticizes an English translation of Virgil's Aeneid by William Caxton, asserting that it deviates from the original and fails to capture Virgil's true essence. He warns readers to be discerning in their judgment of translations and to value the genuine work of translators who faithfully follow the source material.

In the final lines, Douglas appeals to the readers to approach his work with fairness and understanding, asking them to consider how they would want to be treated in his position. He concludes with the phrase "And do to me as ye would be done to," emphasizing the importance of empathy and fair judgment.

Poetic Devices:

The poem is written in rhymed couplets, with each pair of lines rhyming together. Douglas employs alliteration and internal rhyme to create musicality and rhythm in the poem. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "Wha may thy versis follow in all degree, In beauty, sentence and in gravity?" and "Wha is attachit ontil a stake, we see, May go no farrer, bot wrele about that tree," adds emphasis and engages the reader. The poem includes biblical and classical references, such as mentions of St. Gregory and Horace, showcasing the poet's erudition and knowledge.

Overall, "The Difficulties of Translation" reflects Douglas's thoughts and challenges as he undertakes the translation of Virgil's works into the Scots language. The poem demonstrates the difficulties faced by translators and their efforts to convey the essence of the original text in a different language.

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