schiavi ognor frefenti

11:09 Aug 22, 2000

Italian to English translations [Non-PRO]
Art/Literary

Italian term or phrase: schiavi ognor frefenti

"The father of their charge was one of those Italians nursed in the memory of the antique glory of Italy - one among the schaivi ognor frementi, who exerted himself to obtain the liberty of his country."

jay ingram

Summary of answers provided

see below

Laura Gentili

(expanding Laura's note)

Heathcliff

Answers

20 mins

see below

Explanation:
I think Mary Shelley's reference is Verdi's Nabucco, but I could not find the exact text. The meaning is: he was among the "all the time excited slaves". The "excited slaves" represent Italian patriots who fough against foreign rule. Verdi's opera, Nabucco, describes Jews' struggle against the Egyptian pharaoh, therefore it became a symbol for Italian fighters for independence and freedom in the 19th century.

Laura Gentili
Italy
Local time: 22:45
Native speaker of:

Italian
PRO pts in pair: 225

3 hrs

(expanding Laura's note)

Explanation:
For an idiomatic English equivalent, try "perpetually discontented slaves." -- Best, HC

Heathcliff
United States
Local time: 13:45
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in pair: 504

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