Comments on: An Episode of Euthanasia

By: oudenos

oudenos — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:32:45 +0000

Tis valid. But I have to confess that a certain writing project that determines my worth in this world hangs over my head currently. So, I probably won’t be able to pursue this line of questioning for a while yet. But, yes, it would be grand to team up for it when opportunity arises!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:27:57 +0000

If the address you leave with your comments is a valid one, you’ve got an email with the citation for this poem. And if you undertake this as a research project and want some help picking up things I might be able to find about Townsend at CHL, let me sign on.

By: oudenos

oudenos — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:14:10 +0000

Yes, I would guess that his education included the classics given, as you point out, the era. It is very likely that he was disciplined in Latin and possibly Greek as well. This would make for a fine little research project!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:02:51 +0000

The Day Dawn is Breaking (#52)
Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee (#99)
Reverently and Meekly Now (#185)
Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each Other (#232)
Choose the Right (#239)
O Thou Rock of Our Salvation (#258)
Hope of Israel (#259)
Oh, Holy Words of Truth and Love (#271)
The Iron Rod (#274)
Oh What Songs of the Heart (#286)

Townsend (1849-1942) was educated at the University of Missouri, and came to Utah as a non-member because of the healthy climate and later joined the Church. I don’t know what he studied at UM, but in his day and with his poetic bent, it probably did include classics, wouldn’t you think?

By: oudenos

oudenos — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:35:05 +0000

Wow, I had no idea this poet was an LDS hymnographer! I am totally ignorant about hymns in general and Townsend specifically. I will need to look at his other hymns to see whether other hints of Lucretius appear. One (probably just I) can only hope!

By: oudenos

oudenos — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:23:58 +0000

Lucretius De Rerum Natura 1.31-40

nam tu sola potes tranquilla pace iuvare
mortalis, quoniam belli fera moenera Mavors
armipotens regit, in gremium qui saepe tuum se
reiicit aeterno devictus vulnere amoris,
atque ita suspiciens tereti cervice reposta
pascit amore avidos inhians in te, dea, visus
eque tuo pendet resupini spiritus ore.
hunc tu, diva, tuo recubantem corpore sancto
circum fusa super, suavis ex ore loquellas
funde petens placidam Romanis, incluta, pacem

For you alone with tranquil peace are able to give aid to mortals since almighty Mars reigns over the cruel offices of war; he who often casts himself upon your lap, conquered by the eternal wound of love. And so with his smooth neck reclined he feeds on lusty views desiring you, Goddess, and he, of resting soul, hangs from your lips. Goddess, with your divine body poured down round him as his lies, let loose pleasant words from your lips, seeking gentle peace for the Romans, O Glorious One.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:07:48 +0000

Wonderful, and unexpected, perhaps, from a poet who has ten hymns in our current hymnbook. His range was incredible.

I hope you have an opportunity, sometime, to mention this Mormon one in connection with your classical poets.

By: oudenos

oudenos — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:49:40 +0000

This is fantastic. The image of death as a beautiful and welcoming enchantress hovering over and comforting the pain wracked mortal reminds me of the opening hymn to Venus in Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura (first 150 lines or so of Book 1). There Venus enchantingly, and seductively hovers over and caresses Mars inducing him to cease from the labors of destructive war and yield to peace and procreative love. Lucretius penned this as Rome was descending into another round of civil war. He was holding out the Epicurean gospel of peace and universal friendship to heal the wounds of the state.

Great stuff, Ardis.