It is my intention to die in a tavern

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by Archipoeta (c1130 - c1165)

Translation © by Grant Hicks

Bibula cantilena

(Sung text for setting by J. Novák)

See original

Language: Latin

Our translations: ENG

Mihi est propositum in taberna mori,
Ut sint vina proxima morientis ori,
Tunc cantabunt laetius Angelorum chori,
"Sit deus propitius huic potatori."

Poculis accenditur animi lucerna,
Cor imbutum nectare volat ad superna,
Mihi sapit dulcius vinum de taberna
Quam quod aqua miscuit præsulis pincerna.

 ... 

Tales versus facio quale vinum bibo ;
Nihil possum scribere nisi sumpto cibo,
Nihil valet penitus quod jejunus scribo,
Nasonem post calicem carmine præibo.

Note: the text above is taken from stanza 1,2,5 of the original text.

Composition:

Jan Novák

Cantica latina

Text Authorship:

by Archipoeta (c1130 - c1165), no title

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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

ENG English (Grant Hicks) , copyright © 2025, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Grant Hicks [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 142

Drinking Song

(Sung text translation for setting by J. Novák)

See original

Language: English after the Latin

It is my intention to die in a tavern,
So that there are wines  near my dying mouth.
Then the choirs of angels will sing more joyously:
"May God look favorably upon this drinker."

In drinking-cups the lamp of the soul is kindled.
The heart soaked in nectar takes flight toward the heavens.
Wine from a tavern tastes sweeter to me 
Than that mixed with water by a cupbearer for his patron.

 ... 

The kind of verses I make depends on the wine I drink;
I can make nothing except by taking sustenance.
The things I write when thirsty are absolutely worthless;
After a goblet, I surpass Ovid himself in song.

Note: the text above is taken from stanza 1,2,5 of the original text.

Text Authorship:

Translation from Latin to English copyright © 2025 by Grant Hicks, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Based on:

a text in Latin by Archipoeta (c1130 - c1165), no title
- Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website: 2025-10-30
Line count: 24
Word count: 209