| 释义 |
‖ facilis descensus Averni, phr.|ˈfæsɪlɪs dɛˈsɛnsəs əˈvɛənaɪ|
[L. (Virgil æn. vi. 126, where most witnesses read Auerno), lit. the descent of (or to) Avernus (is) easy. Auernus was the name of a deep lake near Puteoli, the reputed entrance to the underworld.]
It is easy to slip into evil ways. Also facilis descensus, used as n. phr.
1618T. Adams Happines of Church ii. 76 And downe a hill, for hell is a bottome. Facilis descensus Auerni. 1885‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife vii. v. 296 Facilus [sic] descensus Averni. That remark was made a long time ago; but it holds good still. 1895G. B. Shaw Let. 22 Apr. (1965) 525 Moral ruin followed slowly but surely—facilis descensus Averni. 1939C. S. Lewis Let. 8 May (1966) 165 Romola is a most purgative work on the facilis descensus because the final state of the character is so different from his original state and yet all the transitions are so dreadfully natural. 1946‘D. Yates’ Red in Morning i. 27, I took a first class in Honour Moderations. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, I took twenty-seven pounds from the monies entrusted to my care. Facilis descensus averni. And I have never looked back. |