TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.
John Henry Brady translation
“There is hardly any Language in Europe that knows not Guzman; and the Spanish Rogue is as much talked of, as if there was no other in the world,” is the commencement of the Preface to a “Translation of Guzman d’Alfarache,” into English, by “several hands,” published in 1708: and assuredly such was the popularity of Guzman formerly: although now even his name is unknown, except to the literati; and there is no English translation of him extant, the above one excepted, with another, still more ancient: both of which are only to be found in the select libraries of a few of the learned and curious: particularly the latter work; which is the production of Don Diego Puede-Sur; and was published in 1634, by “Robert Allot, at the Signe of the Blacke Bear, in Paul’s Church Yard,” to which, among others, is prefixed the subjoined compliment by Ben Jonson.
“ON THE AUTHOR, WORKE, AND TRANSLATOR.” “Who tracks this Author’s or Translator’s pen, Shall finde, that either hath read Bookes and Men: To say but one were single. Then it chimes, When the old words doe strike in the new times, As in this Spanish Proteus; who, though writ But in one tongue, was form’d with the world’s wit; And hath the noblest marks of a good Booke; That an ill man dares not securely looke Upon it, but will loath it, or let passe, As a deformed face doth a true Glasse. Such Bookes deserve Translators, of like Coate, As was the Genius wherewith they were wrote; And this hath met that one, that may be stil’d More than the foster father of that Child: For tho’ Spaine gave him his first aire and vogue, He would be call’d henceforth the English Rogue. But that he’s too well suited in a Cloth Finer than was his Spanish, if my Oath Will be received in Court; if not, would I Had cloath’d him so. Here’s all I can supply To your desert, who’ve done it, Friend. And this Faire emulation and no envie is; When you behold me wish myself the man That would have done that which you only can.” Ben Jonson.
Some years since, indeed, a Mr. O’Conner published another Translation, avowedly “for the entertainment of a few friends who did not understand French,” and for the incorrectness and mediocrity of which, he made many apologies. This was re-published about four years since; but it is little known: out of print I apprehend: confined to the few, and inaccessible to the many.
These circumstances considered, and a reflection of pity that such an eminent production of genius should be lost to the British Public, in an age so devoted to the Arts in general, and Literature in particular, induced me to engage in the Translation which I now present to my readers; faithfully rendered from the French of Le Sage, whose pre-eminent talents are too well known to render my expatiating on them necessary. How far I have succeeded in catching the spirit of my prototype (who certainly identifies himself most felicitously with his original) others must determine; I can alone plead the most minute attention, and persevering diligence. If, therefore, to arrive as nearly at perfection as possible, I have consulted the most authentic sources of information, and used the utmost assiduity in collating the accessaries to the subject I engaged in, though approbation may be qualified, it will not, I trust, be withheld: and though praise for perfection be denied, acceptation will be accorded by liberality for exertion, and by candour for fidelity.
To those friends, who, to stimulate endeavour, and give consistency to hope, have honoured me with their names as Subscribers to the work, gratitude demands my open avowal of unequivocal thanks: and while the respect due to their own feelings must circumscribe the extent of this declaration; I trust their justice and amity will lead them to appreciate the acknowledgment in the full force of its warmth and sincerity.
Before I conclude it may be necessary to make some observations on the nature of the work, with which I shall include some remarks on the Spanish Author.
The History of Guzman d’Alfarache was written originally in Spanish by Mateo Aleman, Contador de Resultas to Philip II. (a situation of high rank in the Royal Accountant’s Office), and was rapidly translated into several Languages. Upon its reception by all polite nations, I have already remarked: and it is significant, that the Author, in testimony of his great genius, was called the divine Spaniard.
As in his History of Guzman, a professed rogue, he had to describe, necessarily, predicaments and adventures of a nefarious character, that they might produce the proper effect, a dissuasive from evil, he accompanied each with moral reflections too enlightened to be slighted, and too impressive to be easily forgotten: mingling circumstance and reasoning so adroitly together, that entertainment and instruction, the utile et dulce, are blended in the most effectual manner; and while the one excites admiration, the other, as forcibly, not only counteracts evil example, but impresses the mind fully with the vanity of folly, and the turpitude of crime.
Mons. Bremont was the first who translated the work into French; and to the moral reflections of Aleman he added many of his own, which from their unreasonable frequency gave the work a sombre character, and operated much to its disadvantage. To remedy this defect, Le Sage was induced to render it into French, omitting what he considered the superfluous reflections of both. From Le Sage’s edition I have translated it almost to the letter, leaving my readers to make additional comments themselves; as their especial province if they read profitably; but not at all the business of a Translator, who is bound in justice to abide by the dictum of his Author, if he would exhibit him in his true spirit, and accord to him the exact meed of merit to which he has an indubitable claim.
Having thus premised, I submit the work, with the greatest diffidence, to the reader’s indulgence: trusting that while, on the one hand, the credit of assiduity will not be denied me, my youth, on the other, may protect me from severity of criticism.
THE LIFE OF G U Z M A N D’A L F A R A C H E.