tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9159479.post5347961926169551602..comments2023-10-10T03:39:50.342-05:00Comments on A Little Urbanity: Stripping Wallpaper IIUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9159479.post-76980114044289240022006-11-27T00:20:00.000-05:002006-11-27T00:20:00.000-05:00I read your post from two years ago on "deo vindic...I read your post from two years ago on "deo vindice" and wanted to add my bit. I read the transcript of the speech in the Confederate Senate urging adoption of this motto, and they seemed to know what they were doing, but may have gotten confused on the grammar.<br /><br />To wit, by CSA Sen. Thomas Semmes of Louisiana:<br /><br />"Having discarded the word 'duce,' the committee endeavored to select in lieu of it a word more in consonance with the attributes of the Deity, and therefore more imposing and significant. They think success has crowned their efforts in the selection of the word 'vindex,' which signifies an assenter, a defender, protector, deliverer, liberator, a mediator and a ruler or guardian. 'Vindex' also means an avenger or punisher.<br />"No word appeared more grand, more expressive or significant than this. Under God as the asserter of our rights, the defender of our liberties, our protector against danger, our mediator, our ruler and guardian, and, as the avenger of our wrongs and the punisher of our crimes, we endeavor to equal or even excel our ancestors. What word can be suggested of more power, and so replete with sentiments and thoughts consonant with our idea of the omnipotence and justice of God?<br />"At this point the committee hesitated whether it were necessary to add anything further to the motto 'Deo Vindice.' These words alone were sufficient and impressive, and, in the spirit of the lapidary style of composition, were elliptical and left much to the play of the imagination."<br /><br />I don't know if that makes a lot of difference, but it should provide context.Wes Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06549148529701278476noreply@blogger.com