tent of his modifications and omissions. Personally, I am of opinion that if a book is worth translating, it ought to be set forth at full. Upon this principle I have made my own version, feeling that it is not right to defraud English readers of any insight into the conditions of society in the sixteenth century, or of any insight into the character of Cellini himself, which these Memoirs may afford. Here, however, there is room for various judgments; and some critics may maintain that Roscoe chose the more expedient method.
Upon the point of accuracy, on the other hand, all competent judges will be agreed. I therefore proceed to select a few test-passages which will show how little Roscoe's translation is to be relied upon. In each case I will first copy the Italian, next add a literal version, and finally give Roscoe's words:
I
Questo cartone fu la prima bella opera che Michel Agnolo mostrò delle maravigliose sue virtù, e lo fece a gara con un altro che lo faceva. (Bianchi, p. 22.)
This cartoon was the first fine work of art which Michel Agnolo displayed in proof of his marvellous talents, and he made it in competition with another draughtsman (i.e., Lionardo da Vinci).
This cartoon was the first in which Michel Agnolo displayed his extraordinary abilities; as he made this and another, which were to adorn the hall. (Roscoe, p. 21.)[1]
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- ↑ I quote from Bohn's edition, London, 1850. The italics are mine.
