Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Matthew Franck's avatar

I agree that the conceit of "translation" is marvelous. But I think Donne is having even more fun here with the double meaning of "translate." Just as old a meaning as "convert from one language to another" is "take or convey (a living or deceased person, a soul, etc.) to heaven or the afterlife" (OED, II.10). So when he writes that "some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice," he means something both literal AND metaphorical. Some people die of age, some of sickness, some by war, some by justice (executed upon legal judgment). The whole passage vibrates back and forth between the two meanings, of our literal death on one hand and of our being bound in God's book on the other.

Expand full comment
Christopher Roche's avatar

"Moreover, another person’s death—just like another person’s baptism—affects us all."

I was wondering whether to share this, but I am getting baptised! (6pm Sunday 18th August in Wales, UK) zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83741848261?pwd=Cyk6qo7AiJJpWjSnb3ermR14NKp1ib.1

Meeting ID: 837 4184 8261

Passcode: 612468

All welcome to tune in! Glad to share the good news - Jesus is evangelizing, saving and reviving across the world.

Thanks for the articles, keep publishing!

Expand full comment
26 more comments...

No posts