I personally would prefer one translated In the mid-late 1800’s, because scholars were better educated back then and I love that period’s English grammar and use of words. I have an 1864 translation of the Works of St. John of the Cross I am reading online by David Lewis and it is more enjoyable than the actual paperback I bought at a Catholic bookstore translated in 1991. St. John is considered an excellent or the best Spanish poet ever. The older translation does more justice to his work.