Christus se non in Sacra Coena, sed in cruce obtulit; at in Missa sua Christum offerri volunt. (3. Christ did not offer himself in the sacred Supper, but on the Crosse; but they [Catholics] will have Christ to be offered in their Masse.) Milton’s version is: 3. Christus se non in sacra coena, sed in cruce obtulit; in Missa Christus quotidie a sacerdote sacrificatur. (3. Christ did not offer himself in the sacred supper, but on the Crosse; in the mass Christ is sacrificed daily by the priest.). Here the poet keeps the first half verbatim, then hinges the contrast more starkly with no conjunction. He puts the description of Catholic practice more strongly, stressing ‘daily’ and ending with a figured climax, echoing sac- in his last two words.
(Chosen by Dr John Hale, Fellow, Department of English and Linguistics, Otago)]]>
Johannes Wolleb]]> Books]]>