In working on the revised study notes for Plutarch's Life of Philopoemen, I came across a funny example of why North's translation is sometimes easier to understand than Dryden's. Imagine this scene: Philopoemen is in the midst of a battle, and someone shoots a javelin through his leg. He is not so much reeling in pain as annoyed by the fact that he can't fight, because things are just getting interesting.
Dryden says that " he was transported with the desire of partaking in [the battle]."
North says "it spited him to the guts."
Dryden says that " he was transported with the desire of partaking in [the battle]."
North says "it spited him to the guts."
LOL... go North. We are enjoying your guides based on North's text, Anne. I never dreamed a girl of 10 would love the lives of these men (not as much as their mom). We even relish the battles, the strategies, details... yeap.
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Ha. North definitely captures the emotion better here. Thanks for sharing!
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