Dispensa I anno Lonati PDF

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Dispensa dei testi da portare all'esame del I semestre...

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BEOWULF1 Chapter XII: Beowulf kills Grendel Not in any wise would the earls'-defence2 suffer that slaughterous stranger to live, useless deeming his days and years to men on earth. Now many an earl of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral, fain the life of their lord to shield, their praised prince, if power were theirs; never they knew, -- as they neared the foe, hardy-hearted heroes of war, aiming their swords on every side the accursed to kill, -- no keenest blade, no farest of falchions fashioned on earth, could harm or hurt that hideous fiend! He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle, from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting on that same day of this our life woeful should be, and his wandering soul far off flit to the fiends' domain. Soon he found, who in former days, harmful in heart and hated of God, on many a man such murder wrought, that the frame of his body failed him now. For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac held in hand; hateful alive was each to other. The outlaw dire took mortal hurt; a mighty wound showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked, and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now the glory was given, and Grendel thence death-sick his den in the dark moor sought, noisome abode: he knew too well that here was the last of life, an end of his days on earth. -- To all the Danes by that bloody battle the boon had come. From ravage had rescued the roving stranger Hrothgar's hall; the hardy and wise one had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him, his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good,

1 Modern English translation. Beowulf is an anonymous work and its date has been debated for almost a century. The quickest and easiest assumption about the origins of the poem is that it was an oral poem that was eventually transcribed and has since been passed down in the form of the manuscript. There is one manuscript in which Beowulf has survived to the present day. The earliest known owner of the manuscript is an early Anglo-Saxon scholar known as Laurence Nowell, Dean of Lichfield. Some time later, it entered into the manuscript collection of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (1571-1631) and was shelved under the bust of Roman Emperor Aulus Vitellius shelf A, position 15; hence the name Cotton Vitellius A. xv. It is a composite manuscript consisting of two codices (the Southwick Codex and the Nowell Codex) and nine different works between them. 2 Kenning for Beowulf, man's shelter.

all their sorrow and ills assuaged, their bale of battle borne so long, and all the dole they erst endured pain a-plenty. -- 'Twas proof of this, when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down, arm and shoulder, -- all, indeed, of Grendel's gripe, -- 'neath the gabled roof. Chapter XLIII: Beowulf's funeral Then fashioned for him the folk of Geats firm on the earth a funeral-pile, and hung it with helmets and harness of war and breastplates bright, as the boon he asked; and they laid amid it the mighty chieftain, heroes mourning their master dear. Then on the hill that hugest of balefires the warriors wakened. Wood-smoke rose black over blaze, and blent was the roar of flame with weeping (the wind was still), till the fire had broken the frame of bones, hot at the heart. In heavy mood their misery moaned they, their master's death. Wailing her woe, the widow old, her hair upbound, for Beowulf's death sung in her sorrow, and said full oft she dreaded the doleful days to come, deaths enow, and doom of battle, and shame. -- The smoke by the sky was devoured. The folk of the Weders fashioned there on the headland a barrow broad and high, by ocean-farers far descried: in ten days' time their toil had raised it, the battle-brave's beacon. Round brands of the pyre a wall they built, the worthiest ever that wit could prompt in their wisest men. They placed in the barrow that precious booty, the rounds and the rings they had reft erewhile, hardy heroes, from hoard in cave, -trusting the ground with treasure of earls, gold in the earth, where ever it lies useless to men as of yore it was. Then about that barrow the battle-keen rode, atheling-born, a band of twelve, lament to make, to mourn their king, chant their dirge, and their chieftain honor. They praised his earlship, his acts of prowess worthily witnessed: and well it is that men their master-friend mightily laud, heartily love, when hence he goes from life in the body forlorn away.

Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland, for their hero's passing his hearth-companions: quoth that of all the kings of earth, of men he was mildest and most beloved, to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise.

Caedmon (658?-680?) CAEDMON'S HYMN3 Now let me praise the keeper of Heaven's kingdom, the might of the Creator, and his thought, the work of the Father of glory, how each of wonders the Eternal Lord established in the beginning. He first created for the sons of men Heaven as a roof, the holy Creator, then Middle-earth the keeper of mankind, the Eternal Lord, afterwards made, the earth for men, the Almighty Lord. Primo cantauit Caedmon istud carmen4.

Old English Nu sculon herigean Meotodes meathe weorc Wuldor-Fæder ece Drihten He ærest sceop hèofon to hrofe ða middangeard ece Drihten firum foldan

heofonrices Weard5 and his modgeÞanc6 swa he wundra gehwæs or onstealde ielda bearnum halig Scyppend moncynnes Weard æfter teode Frea ælmihtig

3 Seventeen manuscripts of Bede's Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum (finished in 731), dated from the 8th to the 15th centuries, contain the Anglo-Saxon version of the first poem by the first known English poet, Cædmon. The two earliest of these manuscripts render the poem in a Northumbrian dialect. The Cambridge University Library Moore manuscript appears in an 8th-century hand, and the Leningrad manuscript can be precisely dated in 746. 4 In the beginning Caedmon sang this poem. 5 The Old English alliterative line contains 4 main stresses, and is divided into two half-lines of two stresse each by a strong medial caesura, or pause. These two half-lines are linked to each other by the alliteration: at least one of the two stressed words in the first half-line, and often both of them, begin with the same sound as the first stressed word of the second half-line. 6 Þ is a runic symbol with the value of modern th.

THE DREAM OF THE ROOD7 Hear while I tell about the best of dreams Which came to me the middle of one night While humankind were sleeping in their beds. It was as though I saw a wondrous tree Towering in the sky suffused with light, Brightest of beams; and all that beacon was Covered with gold. The corners of the earth Gleamed with fair jewels, just as there were five Upon the cross-beam. Many bands of angels, Fair throughout all eternity, looked on. No felon's gallows that, but holy spirits, Mankind, and all this marvellous creation, Gazed on the glorious tree of victory. And I with sins was stained, wounded with guilt. I saw the tree of glory brightly shine In gorgeous clothing, all bedecked with gold. The Ruler's tree was worthily adorned With gems; yet I could see beyond that gold The ancient strife of wretched men, when first Upon its right side it began to bleed. I was all moved with sorrows, and afraid At the fair sight. I saw that lively beacon Changing its clothes and hues; sometimes it was Bedewed with blood and drenched with flowing gore, At other times it was bedecked with treasure. So I lay watching there the Saviour's tree, Grieving in spirit for a long, long while, Until I heard it utter sounds, the best Of woods began to speak these words to me: "It was long past - I still remember it That I was cut down at the copse's end, Moved from my root. Strong enemies there took me, Told me to hold aloft their criminals, Made me a spectacle. Men carried me Upon their shoulders, set me on a hill, A host of enemies there fastened me. And then I saw the Lord of all mankind Hasten with eager zeal that He might mount Upon me. I durst not against God's word Bend down or break, when I saw tremble all The surface of the earth. Although I might Have struck down all the foes, yet stood I fast. (OE 39) Then the young hero (who was God almighty) Got ready, resolute and strong in heart. He climbed onto the lofty gallows-tree, Bold in the sight of many watching men, When He intended to redeem mankind. I trembled as the warrior embraced me. 7 Modern English Translation, vv. 1-49. Manuscript contained in the Vercelli Book (Codex Vercellensis, X sec.). Part of the poem was found inscribed on the VIII century Ruthwell Cross.

But still I dared not bend down to the earth, Fall to the ground. Upright I had to stand. (OE 44) A rood I was raised up; and I held high The noble King, the Lord of heaven above. I dared not stoop. They pierced me with dark nails; The scars can still be clearly seen on me, The open wounds of malice. yet might I Not harm them. They reviled us both together. I was made wet all over with the blood Which poured out from his side, after He had Sent forth His spirit.

SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT8 I, 1 (Mythological frame) Soon as the siege and assault had ceased at Troy, the burg broken and burnt to brands and ashes, the traitor9 who trammels of treason there wrought was tried for his treachery, the foulest on earth. It was Aeneas the noble and his high kin who then subdued provinces, lords they became, well-nigh of all the wealth in the Western Isles: forth rich Romulus to Rome rapidly came, with great business that burg he builds up first, and names it with his name, as now it has; Ticius to Tuscany, and townships begins; Langobard in Lombardy lifts up homes; and fared over the French flood Felix Brutus on many banks all broad Britain he settles then, where war and wreck and wonder betimes have worked within, and oft both bliss and blunder have held sway swiftly since. I, 2 (Britain and King Arthur) And when this Britain was built by this baron rich, bold men were bred therein, of battle beloved, in many a troubled time turmoil that wrought. More flames on this fold have fallen here oft than any other I know of, since that same time. But of all that here built, of Britain the kings, ever was Arthur highest, as I have heard tell. And so of earnest adventure I aim to show, 8 Modern English translation. 9 Probably Antenor. A minor character in Homer's Iliad, Antenor is considered a traitor by many classical and medieval writers having given the Palladium, a talismanic effigies of Athena on which the safety of Troy depended, to Odysseus and Diomedes. Thanks to that act of treason, his life was spared and he later fled from Troy and founded the city of Padua.

that astonishes sight as some men do hold it, an outstanding action of Arthur’s wonders. If you will list to this lay but a little while, I’ll tell it straight, as I in town heard it, with tongue; as it was said and spoken in story staunch and strong, with linked letters loaded, as in this land so long. I, 3 (Camelot court) This king lay at Camelot nigh on Christmas with many lovely lords, of leaders the best, reckoning of the Round Table all the rich brethren, with right ripe revel and reckless mirth. There tourneyed tykes by times full many, jousted full jollily these gentle knights, then carried to court, their carols to make. For there the feast was alike full fifteen days, with all the meat and mirth men could devise: such clamour and glee glorious to hear, dear din in the daylight, dancing of nights; all was happiness high in halls and chambers with lords and ladies, as liked them all best. With all that’s well in the world were they together, the knights best known under the Christ Himself, and the loveliest ladies that ever life honoured, and he the comeliest king that the court rules. For all were fair folk and in their first age still, the happiest under heaven, king noblest in his will; that it were hard to reckon so hardy a host on hill. I, 7 (The Green Knight) Now will I of their service say you no more, for each man may well know no want was there another noise full new neared with speed, that would give the lord leave to take meat. For scarce was the noise not a while ceased, and the first course in the court duly served, there hales in at the hall door a dreadful man, the most in the world’s mould of measure high, from the nape to the waist so swart and so thick, and his loins and his limbs so long and so great half giant on earth I think now that he was; but the most of man anyway I mean him to be, and that the finest in his greatness that might ride, for of back and breast though his body was strong,

both his belly and waist were worthily small, and his features all followed his form made and clean. Wonder at his hue men displayed, set in his semblance seen; he fared as a giant were made, and over all deepest green. I, 13 (The test) ‘Nay, follow I no fight, in faith I thee tell. About on these benches are but beardless children; if I were clasped in armour on a high steed, here is no man to match me, his might so weak. From thee I crave in this court a Christmas gift, for it is Yule10 and New Year, and here many young men. If any so hardy in this house holds himself, is so bold of blood, hot-brained in his head, that dare staunchly strike a stroke for another, I shall give him as gift this weapon so rich, this blade, that is heavy enough to handle as he likes, and I will bear the first blow, as bare as I sit. If any friend be so fell as to fare as I say, Leap lightly to me; latch on to this weapon – I quit claim for ever, he keeps it, his own. And I will stand his stroke straight, on this floor, if you will grant me the gift to give him another, again; and yet give him respite a twelvemonth and a day. Now hurry, let’s see aright dare any herein aught say.’ I, 15 (Gawain takes up the challenge) And [the king] said: ‘Horseman, by heaven you ask as a fool, and as a folly you fain, to find it me behoves. I know no guest that’s aghast at your great words. Give me now your weapon, upon God’s name, and I shall bear you the boon you’d be having.’ lightly he leaped to him and caught at his hand; then fiercely the other fellow on foot alighted. Now has Arthur his axe, and the helm grips, and strongly stirs it about, to strike with a thought. The man before him drew himself to full height, higher than any in the house by a head and more. With stern face where he stood he stroked his beard, and with fixed countenance tugged at his coat, no more moved or dismayed by mighty blows than if any man to the bench had brought him a drink 10 Christmas.

of wine. Gawain, that sat by the queen, to the king he did incline: ‘I beseech in plain speech that this mêlée be mine’ II, 6 (The pentangle) Then they showed him the shield that was of shining gules, with the pentangle painted there in pure gold hues. He brandishes it by the baldric, casts it about his neck, that suited the wearer seemly and fair. And why the pentangle applies to that prince noble, I intend to tell, though I tarry more than I should. It is a sign Solomon settled on some while back, in token of truth, by the title that it has, for it is a figure that has five points, and each line overlaps and locks with another, and everywhere it is endless, and English call it over all the land, as I here, the Endless Knot. For so it accords with this knight and his bright arms, forever faithful in five ways, and five times so, Gawain was for good known, and, as purified gold, void of every villainy, with virtues adorned all, so. And thus the pentangle new he bore on shield and coat, as title of trust most true and gentlest knight of note. II, 7 (The virtues of a knight) First he was found faultless in his five senses, and then failed never the knight in his five fingers, and all his trust in the field was in the five wounds that Christ caught on the cross, as the creed tells. And wheresoever this man in mêlée was stood, his first thought was that, over all other things, all his force in fight he found in the five joys that holy Heaven’s Queen had of her child11; for this cause the knight fittingly had on the inner half of his shield her image painted, that when he beheld her his boldness never failed. The fifth five that I find the knight used was Free-handedness and Friendship above all things; his Continence and Courtesy corrupted were never, and Piety, that surpasses all points – these pure five were firmer founded in his form than another. Now all these five-folds, forsooth, were fused in this knight, and each one joined to another that none end had, 11 Originally, there were five joys of the Virgin (Annunciation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, Coronation). Later, that number gradually increased to even fifteen in medieval literature.

and fixed upon five points that failed never, never confused on one side, nor sundered neither, without end at any angle anywhere, I find, wherever its guise begins or glides to an end. Therefore on his shining shield shaped was the knot royally with red gold upon red gules, thus is the pure pentangle called by the people of lore. Now geared was Gawain gay, lifted his lance right there, and gave them all good day – as he thought, for evermore.

John Skelton (1460-1529) COLYN CLOUTE What can it avail To drive forth a snail, Or to make a sail Of an herring’s tail; To rhyme or to rail, To write or to indict, Either for delight Or else for despight12; Or books to compile Of divers manner of style, Vice to revile And sin to exile; To teach or to preach, As reason will reach? Say this, and say that, His head is so fat, He wotteth13 never what Nor whereof he speaketh; He crieth and he creaketh, He prieth and he peeketh, He chides and he chatters, He prates and he patters, He clitters14 and he clatters, He meddles and he smatters15, He gloses16 and he flatters; Or if he speak plain, Then he lacketh brain, He is but a fool; Let him go to school, 12 13 14 15 16

Contempt. Knows. To make a rattling sound. To speak without fluency. To minimize.

On a three footed stool That he may down sit, For he lacketh wit; And if that he hit The nail on the head, It standeth in no stead; The devil, they say, is dead, The devil is dead. [...] And if ye stand in doubt Who brought this rhyme about, My name is Colin Clout. I purpose to shake out All my connying bag, Like a clerkly hag; For though my rhyme be ragged, Tattered and jagged, Rudely rain beaten, Rusty and moth eaten, If ye take well therewith, It hath in it some pith. [...]

Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503-1542) WHOSO LIST TO HUNT17 Whoso list18 to hunt, I know where is an hind19, But as for me, hélas20, I may no more. The vain travail hath wearied me so sore, I am of them that farthest cometh behind. Yet may I by no means my wearied mind Draw from the deer, but as she fleeth afore Fainting I follow. I leave off therefore, Sithens21 in a net I seek to hold the wind. Who list her hunt, I put him out of doubt, As well as I may spend his time in vain. And graven with diamonds in letters plain There is written, her fair neck round about: Noli me tangere22, for Caesar's I am23, And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.

17 First published in 1557, this sonnet is adapted from Petrarch's Rime 190: Una candida cerva sopra l'erba verde m'apparve, con duo corna d'oro, fra due riviere, all'ombra d'un alloro, levando 'l sole a la stagione acerba. Era sua vista sí dolce superba, ch'i' lasciai per seguirla ogni lavoro: come l'avaro che 'n cercar tesoro con diletto l'affanno disacerba. “Nessun mi tocchi - al bel collo d'intorno scritto avea di diamanti et di topazi - : libera farmi al mio Cesare parve”. Et era 'l sol già vòlto al mezzo giorno, gli occhi miei stanchi di mirar, non sazi, quand'io caddi ne l'acqua, et ella sparve.

18 19 20 21 22

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Wyatt's sonnet is usually supposed to refer to Anne Boleyn, thought to have been Wyatt's mistress before Henry VIII wed her. However, the exact nature of their relationship remains uncertain. Whoever wishes. Female deer. Alas. Since. “Touch me not” (John, 20:17), the words spoken by Jesus to Mary Magdalene when she recognizes him after his resurrection: “touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father: bu...