SIR,—In the interesting article on the above subject which appeared
in the Spectator of July 15th you draw attention to the splendid Elizabethan rhythm of the Apocrypha. I looked up the Revised Version, and noticed bow the rhythm is spoiled by the translators. Take the third chapter of the Wisdom of Solomon, and compare the first four verses :- Old Version. New Version.
"(1) But the souls of the "(1) But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment God.
touch them. And no torment shall touch them.
(2) In the sight of the un- (2) In the eyes of the foolish wise they seemed to die : and they seemed to have died: their departure is taken for And their departure was ac-
misery, counted to be their hurt.
(3) And their going from us (3) And their journeyingaway to be utter destruction : but from us to be their ruin.
they are in peace. But they are in peace.
(4) For though they be pun- (4) For even if in the sight of ished in the sight of men, yet is men they be punished, their hope full of immortality." Their hope is full of im- mortality."
No wonder that the late Mr. Gladstone objected to the Revised Version !—I am, Sir, &c., S. S.
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