Note 407 — Chapter VII · [1820-1828.]
Reading edition
I may preserve here an impromptu Greek distich of Mezzofanti’s, addressed to Cavedoni on the publication of his “Memoir on the antiquities of the Museum of Modena,” which, although commonplace enough in sentiment, at least illustrates his curious facility of versification.
“Εις Kαιλεστινον Kαυεδόνιον. Μνήματα τῶν πάλαι ἄνθρwπων σοφὸς ὅσσ’ ἀναφαίνεις, Ἔκ χρόνος ὂυ πέρθει· σὄν δὲ κλέος θαλέθει.”
It was an impromptu in the literal sense of the word, being thrown off without a moment’s thought, and in the midst of a group of friends. His friend Ferrucci rendered it into the following Latin distich.
Celestino Cavedonio. Omnia que prudens aperis monumenta priorum Ævo intacta manent: hinc tibi fama viget.