Ackermann’s Repository of Arts/Series 1/Volume 1/January 1809/Imitation of Pindar

by "Crito"

TO THE EDITOR OF THE REPOSITORY OF ARTS, &c.

Sir,

In Pindar’s celebrated description of the eagle, which must be familiar to your classical readers, after he has described the flagging wing, he adds,

ὑγρον νωτον αιωρει

by which I understand, “he gently raised his back,” conveying the idea of breathing softly. In Mr. West’s translation we have the ruffled plumes; and Mr. Gray, in his imitation, has followed Mr. West in preference to the original. Perhaps some of your readers may be able to account for this. By inserting this in your Repository, you will oblige Crito.