Maxims and Proposals: A Translator’s Attempt at Cultural History


1. Beware the eyes of Mars.

2. Eyes did not have sensual reactions with that woman.

3. The gory that was grease was the gander that had roamed.

4. When in roam, do as the geese do.

5. People in gas houses should not stow bones.

6. Now in the winner of our disconnect.

7. You shall fake what you shall sign.

8. A song of cruelty is a song forever.

9. Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the concupiscent party?

10. I loathe the swell of Nanjing in the morning.

11. I now contradict myself as the harpiest man alive.

12. Think outside the Bosch.

13. “The Gendarmes of Early-Day Night.”

14. Clerestory is a light mare which I am trying to recover.

15. The preoccupied West Flank in the muddled yeast.

16. Arafat is left cemented in its compound.

17. I have not Begin to fight, he said.

18. One in Sudan is worth two in the bush.

19. Chocolates and Peppermints confect in Modern Island.

20. Preserve the sums of mustard marching to the seed.

21. All the Muse that’s faint to prance.

22. Where are the sows of mystery?

23. Pulling the words over his eye.

24. One giant steppe for Maine, one gentian stalk for Mankind.

25. Blah, blah, blank sheet, have you any word?

26. Yes, sir. Yes, sir: three sheets full.

27. The end is seer.

28. The end is sere.

29. Nonce upon a time.

30. Once upon a twine.

31. Ewe are hair.

32. You are where.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.