Poetic-Verses from ATHANASE
Lady Seated at a Virginal (English)
to Frans Hals
« Lux est natura communis reperta in omnibus corporibus tam coelestibus quam terrestibus… Lux est forma substantialis corporum secundum cujus majorem et minorem participationem corpora habent verius et dignius esse in genere entium ».
(Light is the natural element which is common to every body, celestial or earthly...Light constitutes the substantial form of bodies, qnd bodies are thus enabled to progress into a more genuine and well-deserved state of Being .'
Saint Bonaventure, Commentarius in II Librum Sententiarum
Music is always the same, a vibrant succession
of signs from an alphabet which thought has arranged
into an unexpected phrase, or a richly appointed column
of secret knowledge like the art of Pythagoras!
Who are you looking at so modestly, virgin soul, with your
exquisite eyes, the colour of very ripe figs,
for whom do your pearly hands touch like a murmur
the soul of the keyboard and the excoriating hours?
Viola da gamba, my friend, reveal to me the meaning
of the sudden silence which has struck the melody!
Why this flowing river of tender silks,
these sparkling colours, flaming or transparent?
Why this picture by Barburen, these extravagant shadows,
night behind brilliance, luxury on light?
translated from the French of Athanase Vantchev de Thracy by Norton Hodges
10.01.08.
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Lady Seated at a Virginal (English)
Lady Seated at a Virginal (English)
