Obscuris vera involvens
The phrase (Latin: obscuris vera involvens "Wrapping truth in mystery") is from Virgil's Aeneid (VI, 100).[1]
Talibus ex adyto dictis Cumaea Sibylla
horrendas canit ambages antroque remugit,
obscuris vera involvens: ea frena furenti
concutit, et stimulos sub pectore vertit Apollo.
In these words the Cumaean Sibyl chants from the shrine her dread enigmas and booms from the cavern, wrapping truth in darkness—so does Apollo shake the reins as she rages, and ply the goad beneath her breast.[2]
— Virgil, Aeneid 6.98–101
It is also found on an engraving on the title page of Francis Bacon's Wisdom of the Ancients (1641 French edition).
See also
References
- ^ Maro, Publius. "Aeneid". Perseus Digital Library (in Latin). Boston. OCLC 51863711. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
- ^ Virgil (1916). Eclogues. Georgics. Aeneid: Books 1–6. Loeb Classical Library 63. Translated by Fairclough, H. Rushton; Goold, G. P. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. p. 539.
External links
- "Aeneidos - LIBER VI". Archived from the original on 23 March 2004. Retrieved 3 March 2004. Worldwide school library Aeneid (fifth paragraph)
- "Francis Bacon Research Trust - Athena". Archived from the original on 20 February 2004. Retrieved 3 March 2004. Picture of engraving on Wisdom of the Ancients (Francis Bacon Research Trust)