De Gemina Academia (Epigr. VIII)
The Mirror of Pride
The author challenges the arrogant critic to identify the source of their bitter and prideful attacks.
Who is acting so proudly here, I ask? Is it you, or is it the bishops? Whom are you attacking with such bitter words?
The Distorted Lens
The critic is warned that their harsh judgment of others is a reflection of their own pride and a misuse of perspective.
You alone strike at the double throne of the Muses with your own strength; and though you are judged unequal to the task, you kick both of them down. In your sharp-sighted and blameless view, we all sound like fools or hypocrites. Would it be more accurate for us, if you were to turn the tables, to consider you the stubborn and envious one? Whoever looks through Dutch lenses from the side where things are meant to be handled sees them magnified; but if they look through the other side, everything becomes smaller. You, who judge others to be proud—when there is nothing prouder than you—should turn the lens; for as things really are, you are using the glass incorrectly.
Read the original Latin
Quis hic superbit, oro? tune, an Praesules? Quos dente nigro corripis? Tu duplicem solus Camoenarum thronum Virtute percellis tua; Et unus impar aestimatur viribus, Utrumque sternis calcitro; Omnesque stulti audimus, aut hypocritae, Te perspicaci atque integro. An rectius nos, si vices vertas, probi, Te contumaci et livido? Quisquis tuetur perspicillis Belgicis Qua parte tractari solent, Res ampliantur, sin per adversam videt, Minora fiunt omnia; Tu qui superbos caeteros existimas, Superbius cum te nihil, Vertas specillum; nam, prout se res habent, Vitro minus recte uteris.
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