This was said by Napoleon Bonapart
2006-09-19 02:56:44 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It's a palindrome -- a word, phrase or sentence that reads the same way backward and forward. It is often cited as an example and really has no significance other than as an illustration of a palindrome.
It means "I was able before I saw Elba." It was NOT said by Napoleon, even though he was exiled to the island of Elba.
2006-09-19 03:02:01 · answer #1 · answered by Fall Down Laughing 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It was supposed to be the sort of thing Napoleon might have said as he took a last look at the coastline of Europe on his way to exile in Elba. Although he hasn't seen Elba yet, he's seen it coming; and he wanted to rule Europe, but now he won't; so he says "Able was I" to fulfil that ambition "ere I saw Elba". I think the other answerers are correct that it was made up, not actually said by him.
2006-09-19 14:14:21 · answer #2 · answered by bh8153 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a palindrome-reads the same backwards or forwards and it means Napoleon was able-(successful in his quest to become supreme)-until he saw the island of Elba, where he was exiled.
2006-09-19 19:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by rhymer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Other than the palindrome, I'd interpret it as a statement on the extremes of fortune - Napoleon went from emperor to exile, over the course of several years.
2006-09-19 13:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by Synique 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I was or became capable (acquired the requisite skill, talent, men, resources, assets, etc.) before I saw or before I reached the Elba River.
2006-09-19 14:40:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt Napoleon said it. It's a palindrome, meant to be read forward or reverse, letter by letter
2006-09-19 10:05:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Alba is quite, quite different from Elba...
2006-09-19 10:09:02 · answer #7 · answered by Morgy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It makes no sense to me, except that Elba is Able backwards.
2006-09-19 09:59:39 · answer #8 · answered by sillysister4ever 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I was fit and healthy...Then....I.saw the island of Alba
2006-09-19 10:06:49 · answer #9 · answered by expatriot1000 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋