Ne time at Scyllam cupiens vitare Caribdim...

[JeremyBrown]

Hello,

I do research on historic maps and I've recently come across a Latin motto on an eighteenth-century map of Sicily. I have an OK grasp of Latin but I am not 100% confident in my translation of the motto.

The full motto reads: "Ne time at (/timeat - it's unclear whether there is a space in between the 'e' and the 'a') Scyllam cupiens vitare Caribdim, Victor erit, temnens, semper utrumque metum". I've attached an image so you can decide for yourselves.

I translated this as: "Do not be afraid of Scylla even when desiring to avoid Carybdis, for he will always be the victor who spurns fear of either".

If anyone wants to take a crack at translating this or point out where I have gone wrong that would be great. Thanks.

I also see the motto is playing on Virgil's phrase to include a reference to the king at the time who was Victor Amadeus II of Savoy.

 

[Araneus]

Your translation is pretty good I'd say. I'd make it "He should not fear Scylla who seeks to avoid Charybdis / He will be victor who always spurns both horrors (i.e. causes of fear)". Someone else may have a better idea though.

Edit: "who seeks" and "who spurns" could, more literally, be translated as "seeking" and "spurning".

 

[JeremyBrown]

Your translation is pretty good I'd say. I'd make it "He should not fear Scylla who seeks to avoid Charybdis / He will be victor who always spurns both horrors (i.e. causes of fear)". Someone else may have a better idea though.



Edit: "who seeks" and "who spurns" could, more literally, be translated as "seeking" and "spurning".

Good to know that I wasn't off the mark. And I really like your translation - it's more poetic. Thanks for your response!