Quote#Poetry
We may certainly, from the foregoing observations, conclude, that is…
Quote byAlexander Fraser Tytler · 1747–1813
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Essay on the Principles of Translation (1791, 2nd edition 1797, 3rd edition 1813), p. 208.
English (original)
We may certainly, from the foregoing observations, conclude, that is impossible to do complete justice to any species of poetical compositin in a prose translation; in other words, that none but a poet can translate a poet.
— Alexander Fraser Tytler
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An ordinary translator sinks under the energy of his original: the man of genius frequently rises above it.
It is always a fault when the translator adds to the sentiment of the original author, what does not strictly accord with his characteristic mode of thinking, or expressing himself.
I. ... the Translation should give a complete transcript of the ideas of the original work. II. ... the style and manner of writing should be of the same character with that of the original. III. ... the Translation should have all the …
The utility of translations is universally felt, and therefore there is a continual demand for them. But this very circumstance has thrown the practice of translation into mean and mercenary hands.
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