Latin scholars take note
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Latin scholars take note
- From: "* A* O* <s*@poboxes.com>
- Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 14:12:12 -0700
I know there are a few Latin scholars who are part of this
group so I thought I'd ask for some help. I have a Latin
phrase from an old fountain I am researching the history of.
I thought it would be easier than it is turning out to be -
clearly I don't understand the Latin language even though I
have some familiarity with Latin bits used in scientific
notation. The fountain is in the middle of an public garden
that would make a handsome mediterranean climate planting,
so I'd like to know as much as I can about this local
landscape feature. No one with the City of Oakland knows
anything about it (as yet) so my information will at least
help document this interest artifact.
The fountain is called the 'Easterbrook well-head' and it
was apparently donated to the city in 1914 by Mrs. Daniel E.
Easterbrook. It consists of a short column on an octagonal
base, decorated with a frieze of cherubs frolicking in a
lively manner perhaps to music they themselves are making.
It is topped with a shallow bowl, no wider than the column
itself, in the center of which is a small jet of water. The
bowl has the following inscription around its edge:
sitievtes venite ad fontem vobis obviam veniet laeta multitudo
I would be happy to hear from anyone who can provide any clues
to the meaning of this phrase as it might help us in our search
to uncover the history of this landmark.
If anyone local is interested to hear more about my idea to
propose a mediterranean climate garden for this spot (under the
name of the Mediterranean Garden Society), please feel free to
contact me for more information.
Thanks,
Sean O.
Sean A. O'Hara sean.ohara@poboxes.com
h o r t u l u s a p t u s 710 Jean Street
'a garden suited to its purpose' Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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