Miltonと『詩篇』(III) : 「詩篇80-88」の翻訳をめぐって

In April of 1648 John Milton translated Psalms 80 through 88 from the original Hebrew into English verse. Since the final form of his version and its date are without question, the important issue that remains unsolved is why, at just this time, Milton translated these specific psalms in this particular way. The purpose of this paper is to investigate his translation, in the context of his personal and social experience, and to suggest a probable solution to this problem. The headnote which appeared in Milton's 1673 volume containing these psalm translations seems to me to be noteworthy. It specifies that he translated them "from the Original" into rhyming verse using "a different Character" when making his version. These italicized parts of his additions are conducive to an investigation of his feelings, thoughts and intentions, and are thus able to give clues to the solution of the problem. In the course of reading his translation of the nine psalms the writer had a special interest in the added words, "now," "our," "king(s)," and "foe(s)," all of which clearly connote Milton's view of the political and religious situation in his country as well as in his private life. "Now" suggests the spring of 1648, when he translated the psalms, an important time both in the history of England and in his personal life. By the end of April it was well known that a Scottish army was about to invade England in the King's behalf and that a Royalist outbreak had begun in London. His use of "our" implies that in his mind the Israel of the psalms can be identified with England. The words "king(s)" and "foe(s)" are also suggestive. It is obvious that the translator, in using these words, was fully conscious of the fact that King Charles was the actual leader of those who were encouraging social confusion, and of the confrontation between the Presbyterians and the Independents. It is said by some scholars that his undertaking was influenced by the contemporaneous popular metrical translations of psalms, done chiefly by the Purit

ans, and also by the Westminster Assembly's recommendations for the revision of the Westminster version of psalter. These external circumstances could have been partial motivating influences upon him. The writer, however, would like to put more emphasis on Milton's inner problems, the critical state of his mind and the spiritual lamentation with respect to his country as well as himself. While undertaking his translation, he was not only lamenting a desolate country, and offering a prayer to God for the punishment of the enemies of His people and for the return of divine favour, he was also sharing with the Hebrew poet his desperate personal woe. It seems to the writer that his personal sorrows, the death of his father the previous year, his first child's serious infirmity, and the first signs of losing his eyesight were as crucial to his project as was his social misery. Thus, Milton's state of mind is clearly reflected in these translations. In translating these nine psalms that deal with human lament and longing, divine wrath and mercy, Milton was enduring the same feelings and thoughts as the ancient Hebrew poet. His translation efforts must have had as their purpose consolation and relief…catharsis.