|
Lad of
wax
This
phrase can refer to a "proper man" or one who is very well formed. Its
origin may be found in Horace (Ode 1.13.2-3): cerea Telephi
laudas bracchia, "you praise the waxen arms of Telephus." In
Doctor Thorne, Frank Gresham's cousin, the Honourable John, calls
Frank a "lad of wax" in a sarcastic tone after the two have been
discussing hereditary issues. The Honourable John thinks that Frank is a
little bit too perfect in his opinions and in the close relationship which
he has with his father and implies that he may have been shaped this way
by his parents, in much the same way that a piece of warm wax can be
easily formed. The OED cites this phrase as being able to be used to refer
to male individuals of all ages, but especially young men, and has it
listed as occurring as early as 1440.
http://www.bartleby.com/81/9806.html
http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/horace/carm1.shtml
[MD] |
|
Resurgam…Requiescat in pace
Frank
Gresham listens to a story which is being told to him by his cousin,
Honorable John. It is about Fred Hatherly, whose father unexpectedly died,
leaving Fred with a large fortune and title to call his own. Apparently,
the undertakers had written "Resurgam" on the father's coat of arms
placed above the door of the house; the word is Latin for "I will come
back again," and is translated by John for Frank's benefit. Keeping in
mind his recently acquired fortune, Fred didn't particularly want his
father to return. Therefore, Fred and a few of his friends one night
replaced "Resurgam" with "Requiescat in pace." The
translation which Honorable John gives for this phrase is "You'd a great
deal better stay where you are," but the actual Latin translation is
closer to "Let him rest in peace'" or "May he rest in peace." It is
interesting that the Honourable John insists on translating these simple
Latin phrases for Frank, who is in the process of getting his degree from
Cambridge and certainly knows what these Latin words mean. Frank's cousin
seems to use any available opportunity to boost his own ego, while
belittling Frank's opinions; whether this is because he thinks that he
knows more about life than Frank or that he is wiser because he comes from
a more noble blood line, is uncertain. [MD] |