Hezekiah Calvin, Latin mottoes, 1759 November 19, with a note from Eleazar Wheelock

Author Calvin, Hezekiah

AuthorWheelock, Eleazar

Date19 November, 1759

Call Number759619

abstractLatin mottoes copied by Hezekiah Calvin, with a note by Eleazar Wheelock about the writer, pointing out his age as 11 years old.

handwritingCalvin's hand is formal, clear and large. Wheelock's hand is informal yet mostly clear and legible.

paperLarge single sheet is in good-to-fair condition, with light-to-moderate creasing, staining and wear.

inkBrown.

noteworthyCalvin writes out three popular Latin phrases. It is noteworthy that he spells felix (“lucky”) as foelix. Oe for e is a substitution in post-classical Latin (specifically, in medieval Europe, but possibly elsewhere or at other times), and could suggest which text Wheelock’s manuscript was based on, or that Calvin was copying this line from a medieval source which quoted Ovid. “No mortal is wise at all times.” Pliny the Elder, Natural History 7.59 “As long as you are fortunate (or happy), you will count many friends.” Ovid Tristia 1.9, line 5. Alternate form (that is, which adjective is used varies by manuscript) is “Donec eris sospes” (As long as you are wealthy). “No friend will come to those who lack wealth.” (literally, no friend will come to wealth being parted with). Ovid 1.9 line 10. This explains Calvin’s semi-colon: he is quoting a later part of the same poem.

signatureThe exercise is signed “Hezekias” as opposed to “Hezekiah”

Modernized Version Deletions removed; additions added in; modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.

Persistent Identifier
Nemo mortalium omnibus Horis
sapit.
______________________________________
Donec eris foelix multos numerabis Amicos;
Nullus ad amissas ibit Amicus Opes.
______________________________________
Hezekias Calvin Lebanon 19 Novembris Anno 1759

______________________________________
The within is The Writing of a Delaware
aged 11. Years. and is now reading Virgil
and Tully. his father was Interpreter to
Rev. Mr. David Brainerd and now Serves
The Rev. Mr. John Brainerd in that Capacity
This Boy has been with me
Three Years last Spring
Eleazar Wheelock
3
Indian Writing
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