Dear John,
Many thanks for your suggestion, mine is here with, it is "pro"
that makes things so diifficult.
As these stanzas were written on the fly-leaf to C from K it
would seem they are a dedication, in appreciation of the Jungle
Book being so full of good and original ideas, and could possibly be a
quote from a classical writer?
The attachment was sent in case anyone wiith access to original
material could recognise the handwriting, a very neat flowing script
in black ink.
I must confess the copy of the Jungle Book has been in the family for
over sixty years, it was pure chance that they were spotted.
Assuming it is a dedication and in praise of the book I offer a translation,
very freely done, with help from Notre Dame Archives. Latin Aid.
The problem was with "Pro" having so many meanings.
"Pro". before, in front of, for, on behalf of, in favour of, in place of,
as good as." Choosing "In place of"
A Dedication then in praise of The Jungle Book.
C.
Pro res nefandae. In place of the unmentionable.
Proque silentium. In place of keeping silent.
Pro fraus et artes. In place of tricks and artifice.
Pro male conscia. In place of the sharing of bad ideas.
Pro candida concepta mente. In place of poor trains of thought.
Pro miseris male consecuta In place of unhappy endings.
K
How choosing a single different meaning changes the whole outlook
Joining the Society has been such a stimulus to enquiry.
Carmen Sapienthe Servorum
Servos fideles habeo
Probesque sex in numero.
Qui me docent id quod scio;
Sunt nomina, si scire vis,
Quid, Quomodo, Cur,
Ubi, Quis et Quando.
( F. Dale )
Happy daze, Richard.
Ave atque vale!
