English Translation of "Quid nam sit tempus? Se scire, aut dicere posse..."

Vocabulary Animus,- i, m- soul Carus, cara, carum- dear Insipiens, insipientis (gen.)- unwise, foolish Nempe- nam, for, surely, certainly, certe, enim Praetereuntis / praetereuntibus- participle of praetereo, praeterire, praeterivi(ii), praeteritus- to pass/go by Sons, sontis (gen.)- guilty, criminal Una- at once, together Utraque- both

Enodatio (Latin in English word order) Quidnam sit tempus? Sapiens et insipiens omnes una negant se scire aut dicere posse. Nempe noster animus scit vitam, (noster animus) nescit tempora: Enim Quid praetereuntis aeternum habet? Sed cur tristatur de praetereuntibus annis? Heu timet sistier ante iratum Deum! Ego sistar: sed qualis ero? Dicar sans, an insons? Care deus, si parcis mihi, ero utraque.

Translation What even is time? The wise and unwise together deny that they know or can say. Surely our soul knows life, and does not know time: Indeed what eternally of the ephemeral does it know? But why is it saddened by the passing years? How afraid it is to be placed before an angry God! I will be tried: but how will I be judged? Innocent or guilty? Dear God, if you spare I will be both.

Created by Lyla Cerulli and Melissa Goldman with the support of the Project Nota team, a group dedicated to drawing attention to the Latin letters and works of famous women by focusing on the digitization of texts, translating these texts into English, Spanish, and French, and increasing their overall accessibility. Among us we have over 150 years of Latin experience including many years of teaching experience, seven advanced degrees, many publications in academic journals, and multiple positions in professional organizations.