Recent content on Nestor Demeure
This was my favorite dish as a child, oozing with melted butter, cheese, and finely sliced ham. It now lives in a very different, cheeseless (!) iteration, when I can get the pasta… Ingredients (single serving): 80 grams of crozets salt a few cracks of black pepper red chili flakes to taste 1/6th of an onion, finely diced 1 1 spicy sausage, diced 2 1 tablespoon(ish) of butter, finely diced…
This is a great lazy dish. It can be done with pantry ingredients, is done in 15 minutes start to finish, yet tastes of far more work than it takes. It also pairs well with many raw vegetables 1 that you can prep as the pasta cooks. Ingredients (single serving): 80 grams of pasta salt a few cracks of black pepper 1/6th of an onion, finely diced 1 to 2 teaspoons of soy sauce 1 teaspoon of fish…
“This side of the movement in the scholarship has, however, been slow because doing it well requires a lot of language expertise: not just Greek and Latin, but perhaps also Babylonian, Old Persian and Egyptian. Not a lot of scholars have that kind of language expertise, both because it’s hard to learn that many languages, but also because it is hard to learn those eastern languages at all…
I had been delaying the publication 1 of this Political treatise, sent to me by an Italian Prince, due to being overwhelmed with the most pressing matters. Now, under the orders of that same Excellent Prince, I am making it public. The importance of the subject, and the name of Cardinal Mazarin, whose life serves as the model and standard for the ideas presented here, will add significant weight…
December Love As the month gets going, get ready for some tremendous sparks to fly. You may even surprise yourself with the excitement you cause. This is genuinely one of those times when things just seem to click into place, and your good feelings rub off on everyone around you – most of all, the lucky guy or girl who gets to reap the benefits!
Identify your friend’s interests and choose gifts that align with them. Suitable items include mathematics books, optical instruments, microscopes, sundials, various mirrors, and other curiosities, as well as treatises on the secrets of nature, such as those written by Mizauld . Speak with him often, consult him, and ask for his advice, then follow it. But never lay yourself so bare that if…
Are you overcome by anger, fear, rashness, or some other strong emotion? What defects are evident in your conduct during various activities, such as dining, attending church, conversing, playing games, or engaging in other social interactions? Examine all the parts of your body: are your eyes too insolent, foot or head bent too far, forehead wrinkled, lips unkempt, gait too slow or too fast? With…
Scans of several prints of the text can be found online. From them emerge three main editions of the text: an original edition, an expanded edition, and a simplified edition. Original Edition These are print and reprints of the original edition, with only minor tweaks between each other. 1684 Print (original) 1691 Print 1694 Print 1695 Print 1696 Print 1697 Print 1700 Print Expanded Edition This…
“If you wish to translate, not rewrite Beowulf, your language must be literary and traditional: not because it is now a long while since the poem was made, or because it speaks of things that have since become ancient; but because the diction of Beowulf was poetical, archaic, artificial (if you will), in the day that the poem was made.” — J. R. R. Tolkien, Beowulf: The Monsters and the…
Listen well! Let me tell you of the glory of the Spear-Danes’ kings in days long past, and the valorous deeds of those mighty princes. Scyld Scefing, abandoned as a child, rose to seize the mead-benches from many tribes and troops of enemies. From this, he found solace. He grew under the heavens, thriving with honors, until each nation across the whale-road had to obey him and pay tribute.…
From the beginning to the introduction of Grendel. Lo! We have heard of the glory of the Spear-Danes’ kings in days of yore - how those princes did valorous deeds! Often Scyld Scefing seized the mead-benches from many tribes, from troops of enemies, though he had first been found abandoned [this is important, he came from nothing like a lot of our characters]. He experienced solace for that…
If you praise someone and a listener remains silent in response, it indicates that the listener is not truly the praised person’s friend. You can also tell that a person is not another’s friend if they respond to your praise in certain ways. These include diverting the conversation elsewhere, speaking halfheartedly or reluctantly, diminishing the praise, claiming the story is…
Breviarum Politicorum, Secundum Rubricas Mazarinicas Typographus Lectori Quem ad me Princeps Italus tractatum hunc Politicum in lucem edendum miserat, gravissimis districtus negotiis, typis mandare distuleram, nunc ejusdem Excellentissimi Principis jussu publicum facio. Materia dignitas, et Eminentissimi Cardinalis Mazarini nomen, ad cujus vitae modulum et normam adornata sunt et composita quae…
Much can be learned about someone’s true character in situations like sickness, drunkenness, gain or loss of money, games, and travel. When the doors of the mind are relaxed, the wild beasts more readily emerge from their dens. Pay attention to how people behave during times of affliction, especially when they are insulted or facing other challenges. Interact with those you wish to know…
December Love Unfortunately, this is a month looks to be a challenging one for your love life. You’ve been feeling more than a little far away (in many ways), but don’t worry, this won’t last much longer. Keep your chin up, and hold out for when your situation gets better by the end of next month.
Breviarum Politicorum A Word from the Publisher I had been delaying the publication 1 of this Political treatise, sent to me by an Italian Prince, due to being overwhelmed with the most pressing matters. Now, under the orders of that same Excellent Prince, I am making it public. The importance of the subject, and the name of Cardinal Mazarin, whose life serves as the model and standard for the…
Never assume that someone will keep a secret if you act or speak too freely or confidently in their presence, even if they are a child or servant. They will judge you by this action and describe you accordingly to others. Never assume that someone will excuse your questionable behavior; in fact, they will likely interpret it in the worst possible way. To prevent this, avoid engaging in any actions…
December Love You’ve been musing about you and a particularly outstanding guy or girl, and lucky you, they’re musing right back. So don’t be shy! Whenever you take charge of the situation and grab the reins, you’re sure to see some of those dreams transform into magnificent real life events. By month’s end you’ll thank yourself for it (and you won’t be the…
At dawn, as day broke, Grendel’s deeds were laid bare. After their feasting, wailing filled the morning air, a great cry of sorrow. The renowned ruler, long good and noble, sat joyless, the strong one suffering for his thanes as they beheld the loathsome foe’s track, the accursed spirit’s trail. That struggle was too strong, too long-lasting and loathsome. After a single night,…
From the description of Grendel’s action to Beowulf being invited to sit in the hall. Then at dawn, with the break of day, Grendel’s deeds were made known to men; then after their feasting was wailing uplifted, a great cry in the morning. The renowned ruler, a noble long good, sat empty of joy; the strong one suffered, sorrowing for his thanes, when they beheld the track of the…
December Love Even if your love life has led to some frustrations lately, these next few weeks will see your situation getting much, much warmer. The positive steps you make will naturally take you (and a very lucky guy or girl!) to whole new places. You know when you’ve got it good, so go out and enjoy yourself and that special friend.
Delegate minor tasks to others. Establish a strict schedule for yourself and adhere to it without deviation. Allocate the smallest amount of time to the smallest tasks, and spend only the time needed to complete each task effectively. When fatigued by work, avoid undertaking anything further. Instead, refresh yourself with honest play and physical activity. Afterward, you will accomplish more,…
Treat any friend as if he may one day become your enemy. It is dangerous for a single individual to become too powerful within any group or organization. When you desire something, let no one notice your intentions until you have obtained it. Stay vigilant and anticipate potential pitfalls to prevent them from occurring. Resolve matters through peaceful means whenever possible, avoiding war or…
In the beer-hall, a bench was cleared for the Geats to sit together, the stout-hearted ones proud in their strength. A thane did his duty, bearing in his hands the decorated ale-cup, pouring out the bright sweet drink. At times, a clear-voiced scop sang in Heorot, and there was joy among the heroes, a great host of Danes and Weders. Unferth, son of Ecglaf, who sat at the feet of the…
From Beowulf’s swimming story to the end of the fight with Grendel. Then a bench was cleared in the beer-hall for the Geats all together; there the stout-hearted ones went to sit, proud in their strength. A thane did his duty, who bore in his hands the decorated ale-cup, poured out the bright sweet drink. At times a scop sang, clear-voiced in Heorot [drinks and music, this is a party]; there…
Undertake occupations suitable to your role: for example, a Prelate should not handle weapons, a Nobleman should not practice chiromancy, a Religious person should not practice medicine, and a Priest should not teach fencing. Avoid making promises or concessions. Laugh sparingly, and when you do, keep it brief. Do not change what has been decided. Avoid staring at others. Do not turn up your nose…
Keep these five things in mind: Simulate. Dissimulate. Trust No One. Praise All. Mind Your Words Simulate, Dissimulate Show yourself as a friend to all and converse even with those you dislike, so that you may learn from their behavior and be cautious in your dealings with them. Control your anger in all situations, as it can damage your reputation more than many virtues will enhance it.
In the morning, as I have heard, many a warrior gathered around the gift-hall. Tribal chiefs came from far and wide over distant paths to behold the wonder, the tracks of the enemy. His parting from life did not seem grievous to any of the men who saw the splendor of the inglorious one’s footprints, how he, weary in spirit and overcome in the fight, doomed and driven out, bore his…
From Grendel’s arm cut on the floor to telling us about his mother’s existence. In the morning, as I have heard [hinting that the narrator might have heard the story from a direct eye witness], there was many a warrior around the gift-hall. Tribal chiefs came from far and wide over distant paths to behold the wonder, the tracks of the enemy. His parting from life did not seem grievous…
December Love If you detect a whiff of something sweet in the air, it’s because romance is in full bloom for you this month. Your charms have been working, and someone special is really taking notice of you. You feel like you deserve a little sweetness in your life, and you know what? You’re right! So enjoy it for all it’s worth.
If you are writing in a public place, pretend to be copying from another document. Hold up a sheet of paper so others can see it, while keeping your actual writing hidden. Cover your work with a book or another sheet of paper, or position the raised paper so that only the line you appear to be copying is visible to anyone who approaches. If someone approaches while you are reading, quickly turn to…
She came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes slept throughout the hall. Misfortune befell the nobles when Grendel’s mother burst in upon them. The terror was less only by so much as the strength of women, the war-terror of a wife, is less than an armed man’s, when the bound sword, hammer-forged and stained with blood, the keen blade with its edge, cuts the boar on the helmet of the…
From telling us about Grendel’s mother to ending with Grendel’s head in the hall. She came then to Heorot, where the Ring-Danes slept throughout the hall. Then there came misfortune to the nobles when Grendel’s mother burst in upon them. The terror was less just by so much as the strength of women, the war-terror of a wife, is less than an armed man’s, when the bound sword,…
December Love Unfortunately, you can expect some pot holes on the road to love this month. While keeping your eyes peeled will naturally help you dodge a few of them, you’re bound to hit some of them head on. While this is sure to be frustrating, remember it’s up to you to change your circumstances if things aren’t going the way you know you deserve.
Be generous in giving what you know others will not ask for, or what they will never use, such as privileges. A teacher should not teach his student everything he knows, in order to maintain the student’s desire to learn more. Similarly, a parent should not give their child so much that the child no longer needs or hopes for anything more from the parent. The same principle applies to a…
December Love Lucky for you, it seems like there’s romance everywhere you turn this month. Someone is going out of their way to make you feel special, beautiful, and all-around fabulous – and they’re doing a darn good job of it! Let them know you appreciate it; a little positive reinforcement can go a long way!
Beowulf spoke, the son of Ecgtheow: “Lo, son of Healfdene, prince of the Scyldings, we have joyfully brought you this sea-booty, which you gaze on here, as a token of glory. I hardly survived it, hazarded an undersea battle, engaged in a risky task. The fight would soon have been finished if fate had not protected me. I could not accomplish anything with Hrunting in the conflict, though that…
From telling us about Grendel’s head in the hall to telling us about the existence of the dragon. Beowulf spoke, the son of Ecgtheow: “Lo, son of Healfdene, prince of the Scyldings, we have joyfully brought you this sea-booty, which you gaze on here, as a token of glory. I hardly survived it, hazarded an undersea battle, engaged in a risky task. The fight would soon have been finished…
When asking a friend for a favor, make sure your request doesn’t require too much money or effort. Instead of directly asking, letting them know that you need help should suffice. If your friend does not provide the favor voluntarily, he will not do so even if you ask directly. However, express gratitude for all help provided, as this will subtly convey your desire for further assistance. If…
December Love Some frustrations are in the picture for you in the romance department this month. You’ll probably find yourself feeling like you’re having trouble connecting with someone. While this is bound to be dissatisfying, remember that not everything is in your control, and this too is temporary. Money Your financial dealings will really click into place this month, and with a…
The dragon guarded a hoard in the high heath, a stone-barrow; a path ran beneath, unknown to men. Inside, a certain man had entered who seized a cup, a gold-plated treasure; he did not give it back, though he had tricked the sleeping guardian with thievish craft. The king found out that his rage was provoked. It was not by his own desire that the man sought out the dragon’s hoard, bringing…
From telling us about the dragon to Beowulf being deadly wounded. The dragon guarded a hoard in the high heath, a stone-barrow; a path ran beneath, unknown to men. Inside a certain man had entered who seized a cup, a treasure plated with gold [this one is plated, not even real gold]; he did not give it back, though he had tricked the sleeping guardian with thievish craft. The king found out that…
To reprimand someone without them realizing it, begin by discussing unrelated topics. Then, subtly exaggerate and criticize the actions you want to address. To obscure the fact that you are reprimanding them, add other details to the conversation. Additionally, frequently encourage them to be positive and cheerful, and include some jokes to lighten the mood. If they become sad, inquire about the…
Then the prince went and sat on a seat by the wall, thoughtfully gazing on the work of giants, how the stone-arches held up the eternal earth-hall from within. His thane, glorious in his victory, washed the blood-stained hand of his lord abundantly with water, the great-hearted man, weary from his battle-wounds, and loosened his helmet. Beowulf spoke in spite of his injuries, his mortal wound; he…
The End. Then the prince went and sat on a seat by the wall, thoughtfully gazed on the work of giants, how the stone-arches held up the eternal earth-hall from within. His thane, glorious in his victory, washed the blood-stained hand of his lord abundantly with water, the great-hearted man, weary from his battle-wounds, and loosened his helmet. Beowulf spoke in spite of his injuries, his mortal…
December Romance Has your romance cup just not been running over lately? If not, don’t dwell on the negative. Instead, take this opportunity to think about what you really want out of your love life, and consider what you can do to make it happen – and bring this unlucky streak to an end!
Be cautious when trusting prudent men. They may minimize issues related to their own duties and be too generous when judging the reputations of others. They will not reveal if anyone has spoken badly about you in their presence, nor whom you should be wary of, or what vices they themselves struggle with. The same is true of priests when they praise their penitents, because they can say nothing but…
December Romance Whether your love life has been warm or cold lately, the coming month will see things heating up for you. You’ve made some personal progress lately, and it will pay off for you and a very lucky guy or girl! You know when you’ve got it good, so enjoy yourself with that special friend.
“Like any interpretive work, a translation is the result of a volatile hermeneutic process. Its readers should be wary of accepting it as a record of “what the text says,” for the text says many things, some of them enigmatically.” — John D. Niles, Rewriting Beowulf: The Task of Translation The bulk of the translation work was done using Artificial Intelligence (and in particular…
“The more the poem is read, the less it is read except in translation” — John D. Niles, Rewriting Beowulf: The Task of Translation Beowulf has been translated and adapted many times (you will find a handy comparison of various translations here ). I believe this stems from the impossibility of producing a perfect translation —a translation that would both preserve the form (…