Section 127. CHARACTER[1] OF CHARLEMAGNE. I.
Reading edition
Section 127. CHARACTER[1] OF CHARLEMAGNE. I.
In[2] analyzing the character of heroes it is hardly possible to separate altogether the[3] share of fortune from their own[4]. The epoch made[5] by Charlemagne in the history of the world, the illustrious families which[6] prided themselves in him as their progenitor, the[7] very legends of romance, which are full of his fabulous exploits, have[8] cast a lustre around his head, and testify[9] the greatness that has embodied itself in his name. None[10], indeed, of Charlemagne’s wars can be compared with the Saracenic victories of Charles Martel; but[11] that was a contest for freedom, his for conquest; and[12] fame is more partial to successful aggression than to patriotic resistance.
Notes in this chapter
Note 1 · [1] Say ‘The character of Charles the Great (S. 53, N. 9)’. Karl der Große König der Franken und später römischer Kaiser, wurde am 2. April Note 1 · Beim Analysieren von Heldencharakteren.Note 2 · the share (Anteil, m.) of fortune = of a happy (günstig) fate (Geschick, n.).Note 3 · Supply ‘individuality’; altogether = quite.Note 4 · made, geschaffen; by, von. Use the attributive construction as explained in S. 7, N. 3, A.Note 5 · Say ‘which called him with pride their progenitor’.Note 6 · Say ‘even the romantic legends’.Note 7 · Say ‘have crowned his head with glory (Ruhm, m.)’. In elevated diction ‘head’ is rendered by ‘Haupt’, n.Note 8 · bezeugen.Note 9 · Say ‘It is indeed (wohl) true that none of Charles’s wars can be compared to (mit) the victories of Charles Martel over the Saracens’.Note 10 · but — conquest = but these were contests for freedom (Freiheitskämpfe), whilst his (to agree with ‘wars’) were contests for conquest (EroberNote 11 · Say ‘and fame (S. 3, N. 2) has more partiality (Vorliebe, f.) for successful aggression (Angriff, m.)’, etc.