Dear Tony :
the word "Letumq." is an abbreviation of "Letumque",
where "Letum" means "death" ("lethal" comes from this word)
and "que" is nothing but the conjunction "and" .
Inermus is referred to "me" .
The verb Invado means also "to catch someone by surprise"
Therefore in my opinion the translation is :
"Time runs away fast and death catches[me,being]defenceless"
Best regards
Alberto Nicelli
Italy ( 45* 28' N ; 7* 52' E)
-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: Tony Moss [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Inviato: lunedì 4 gennaio 1999 19.34
A: Sundial Mail List
Oggetto: Latin Inscription
Fellow Shadow Watchers,
I've been looking at a late 18th Century 'direct
south' vertical dial 'transplanted' illegally in the 1800s, if local legend
is to be believed, onto a wall facing 11° 51' East where it is now a rather
sad ornament.
It bears the inscription
"Hora Fugit Rapide Letumq.invadit inermus"
'letumq.' may be an abbreviated word and the 'us' of 'inermus' is not too
clear.
Only the 'brightest and best' did Latin at my school. We others were sent to
metalwork and woodwork - for which I was and am eternally grateful as Latin
was taught by Medusa incarnate - Miss Stonebreaker! Consequently I can't
get past the first three obvious words.
A long preamble to a simple request for help.
Best Wishes for the New Year to all List members.
Tony Moss.
