Bestiaria Latina: Aesopus Elegiacus

Mille Fabulae et Una: 1001 Aesop's Fables in Latin

2010-08-29T11:15:00.001-04:00

Now that the Mille Fabluae et Una book has been published, all my fable blogging is taking place there, so please visit that website at this address: MilleFabulae.blogspot.com.

Available now from Lulu.com

Download a free copy of Mille Fabulae et Una.

PDF.BestLatin.net

Latro et Vicini - Sol et Uxor (Nequam)

2010-01-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

This project has evolved to a new blog - ICTIBUS FELICIBUS - so please check there for more poems. Here I will finish up publishing the longer poems, but all the shorter poems, with macrons and meter marks, will be found at Ictibus instead. :-)

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 314.

Nequam 17: DE LATRONE ET VICINIS

Uxorem quidam · latro ducebat, et eius
vicini laetis || intererant epulis.
Vicinos sapiens · laetos cum cerneret omnes,
talia stultorum || plausibus opposuit:
Solem fama fuit · uxorem ducere velle,
omnis turbatus || inde fuit populus;
Nec timuere Iovi · convicia dicere multi.
Iupiter inquirit || cur doleat populus.
Respondent homines: · Cum solus cuncta calore
sol angat, natos || si creet hic, quid erit?
Ista docent fugienda · bonis agmenta malorum:
nam quid agent plures, || si nimis unus obest?

Prose paraphrase:

Latro quidam
uxorem ducebat,
et vicini eius
epulis laetis intererant.
Cum sapiens
vicinos omnes laetos cerneret,
talia
stultorum plausibus opposuit:
fama fuit
solem
uxorem ducere velle,
inde
populus omnis
turbatus fuit;
et multi
Iovi convicia dicere
non timuere.
Iupiter inquirit
cur populus doleat.
Homines respondent:
Cum sol solus
cuncta calore angat,
quid erit
si hic
natos creet?
Ista docent
bonis fugienda
malorum augmenta:
nam plures
quid agent,
si unus
nimis obest?

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Leo et Mus (Nequam)

2010-01-02T09:22:00.001-05:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 150.

Nequam 41: LEO ET MUS

Silvae secretis quondam narratur in antris
depressus somno || forte cubasse leo:
Hunc circa plures venientes undique mures
non formidabant || cursibus obstrepere.
Tandem lascivus super illum transiit unus,
et vigilans saevus || mox leo sensit eum,
Extendensque pedem, miserum rapuit pede murem.
Ille gemens tali || voce rogat veniam:
Parce, precor, misero, fortissime; non ego tantis
praeda tuis videor || viribus apta rapi.
Ingentes tauros, ursos quoque sternere saevos
te decet et reliquas || cum feritate feras.
Turpe putet vilem virtus tua perdere murem!
in me tanta suum || non habet ira locum.
Flecti vel sola permittas te pietate,
qui cunctas superas || nobilitate feras.
Vindictae satis esse potest sub iudice tanto
quod me morte metus || durior excruciat.
Supplicibus verbis flexus lacrimisque rogantis,
nobilis optatam || mox leo dat veniam.
Post modicum silvas leo dum lustraret easdem,
clam sibi dispositum || decidit in laqueum;
quem cum non posset nec vi superare nec arte,
rugitu coepit || non modico furere.
Insultant capto pecudesque feraeque leoni,
solus ob acceptam || mus doluit veniam.
Protinus accurrens: Vitam mihi quam tribuisti,
parvus ait, reddam || nunc, leo magne, tibi.
Sic ait et solito corrodens vincula more
solvit eum iustam || retribuendo vicem.
Qui legit ista potens minimis quoque parcere discat,
cum magnum minimus || saepe iuvare queat!

Prose paraphrase:

Quondam
leo, forte,
cubasse narratur
in silvae antris secretis,
somno depressus:
mures plures,
circa hunc undique venientes,
non formidabant
cursibus obstrepere.
Tandem
unus lascivus
super illum transiit,
et mox
leo saevus, vigilans,
eum sensit,
et,
extendens pedem,
murem miserum pede rapuit.
Ille, gemens,
tali voce veniam rogat:
Fortissime,
precor: misero parce!
Ego
non videor
praeda apta rapi
tuis viribus tantis.
Te decet
cum feritate
tauros ingentes sternere,
ursos saevos quoque,
et feras reliquas.
Virtus tua
turpe putet
murem vilem perdere!
Tanta ira
in me
locum suum non habet.
Vel pietate sola
te flecti permittas,
qui
nobilitate
feras cunctas superas.
Sub iudice tanto
vindictae satis esse potest
quod metus,
durior morte,
me excruciat.
Mox leo nobilis,
flexus
verbis supplicibus
et lacrimis rogantis,
veniam optatam dat.
Post modicum
leo,
dum silvas easdem lustraret,
clam in laqueum decidit
sibi dispositum;
cum
nec vi nec arte
laquem superare non posset,
furere coepit
rugitu non modico.
Et pecudes et ferae
leoni capto insultant,
mus solus doluit
ob veniam acceptam.
Protinus accurrens,
parvus ait:
Vitam
quam mihi tribuisti,
leo magne,
nunc tibi reddam.
Sic ait,
et more solito
vincula corrodens,
eum solvit,
vicem iustam retribuendo.
Potens
qui legit ista
discat
minimis quoque parcere,
cum saepe
minimus queat
magnum iuvare!

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Walter Crane:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Lupus et Agnus

2009-09-09T19:48:00.001-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 155.

Nequam 10: LUPUS ET AGNUS

Potans fonte lupus de rivo vidit eodem
agnum potantem, || sicque dolosus ait:
Cur mihi, dum biberem, turbasti, perfide, rivum?
nec mala fecisti || tu semel ista mihi.
Agnus ad haec: Ab te cum rivus defluat ad me,
dic, turbare tibi || qualiter hunc potui?
Tunc lupus adiecit: Maledicere non timuisti
tu mihi, iam menses || praeteriere novem.
Agnus ait: Nondum me credo fuisse creatum,
testari mater || ut mea saepe solet.
Me, lupus inquit ad haec, mendacem, perfide, dicis;
haec ultra nequeo || verba superba pati.
Sic lupus ore tonat rursum: Mihi damna minaris.
Non minor, agnus ait. || Cui lupus: Immo facis:
Fecit idem tuus ante pater, sex mensibus actis,
cum bene patrisses, || crimine patris obi.
Sic circumventum verbis mendacibus agnum
non metuit saevus || mox iugulare lupus.
Hinc discat simplex semper vitare dolosum,
qui iustos damnat || innocuosque premit!

Prose paraphrase:

Lupus
fonte potans
vidit
agnum potantem
de rivo eodem,
et sic dolosus ait:
Perfide,
cur mihi rivum turbasti,
dum biberem?
Et non semel
tu mihi fecisti
ista mala.
Agnus ad haec:
Cum rivus
ab te defluat
ad me,
dic,
qualiter potui
tibi hunc turbare?
Tunc lupus adiecit:
Tu
mihi maledicere non timuisti,
novem menses iam praeteriere.
Agnus ait:
Credo
me nondum creatum fuisse,
ut mater mea
saepe testari solet.
Lupus
ad haec inquit:
Perfide,
dicis
me mendacem;
nequeo
ultra pati
haec verba superba.
Sic lupus
rursum ore tonat:
Mihi damna minaris.
Agnus ait:
Non minor.
Cui lupus:
Immo facis:
pater tuus
ante idem fecit,
sex mensibus actis,
cum bene patrisses,
crimine patris obi.
Sic
lupus saevus
agnum
verbis mendacibus circumventum
mox iugulare non metuit.
Hinc simplex discat
semper vitare dolosum,
qui
iustos damnat
et innocuos premit!

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The dictionary list does not recognize the verb patrisses in the phrase cum bene patrisses, "since you're so much like your father."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a modern edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Lupus et Bubulcus

2009-09-08T19:02:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 22 (it varies from story to story just what kind of animal is fleeing from the hunter).

Nequam 22: LUPUS ET BUBULCUS

Cum venatores fugeret lupus atque molossos,
et fessus densas || iam peteret latebras,
Obvius invisus fuit illi forte bubulcus,
quem supplex verbis || talibus alloquitur:
Immeritam, fateor, veniam compellor ab hoste
quaerere; mos tamen est || parcere supplicibus.
Rem te perfacilem supplex rogo; ne latitantem
me prodas: vivam, || si modo tu taceas.
Esto, bubulcus ait, tutus, celabo latentem,
nec tibi quam potero || ferre pigebit opem.
Finierat: venator adest, rogitatque bubulcum
ut partem ostendat || quam petit ille lupus.
Laevam respondens, oculis nutuque bubulcus
ad dextram fallax || innuit esse lupum.
Venator properans oculorum non bene nutus
sensit, sed laevam || cum canibus petiit.
Mox quasi congaudens fertur dixisse bubulcus:
Nunc, lupe, scire potes || quam bona nostra fides.
Grates iure tuae, lupus inquit, reddere linguae
debeo; luminibus || sed mala multa precor.
Haec duplicem tangit qui cum mala promere verbis
non audet, nutu || significare solet.

Prose paraphrase:

Cum lupus
venatores atque molossos
fugeret,
et iam fessus
latebras densas peteret,
forte
bubulcus invisus
illi obvius fuit,
quem
supplex alloquitur
verbis talibus:
Fateor:
ab hoste
veniam immeritam quaerere
compellor;
mos tamen est
supplicibus parcere.
Supplex
te rogo
rem perfacilem;
ne me latitantem prodas:
vivam,
si modo tu taceas.
Bubulcus ait:
Esto tutus,
latentem celabo,
et non pigebit
opem tibi ferre
quam potero.
Finierat;
venator adest,
et bubulcum rogitat,
ut partem ostendat
quam ille lupus petit.
Laevam
respondens,
oculis et nutu
bubulcus fallax
innuit
ad dextram esse lupum.
Venator properans
nutus oculorum non bene sensit,
sed laevam petiit
cum canibus.
Mox bubulcus
quasi congaudens
dixisse fertur:
Lupe,
nunc scire potes
quam bona nostra fides.
Lupus inquit:
Grates
tuae linguae
iure reddere debeo;
sed luminibus
mala multa precor.
Haec
duplicem tangit
qui
nutu significare solet,
cum non audet
verbis mala promere.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool).

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Pavo et Graculus

2009-08-26T22:09:00.001-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 472.

Nequam 12: DE PAVONE ET GRACULO

Pavonum pennis · ornatus, graculus omne
vile suum tumidus || coepit habere genus;
Pavonumque sequens, · turbae consanguinearum
dedignabatur || iungere se volucrum.
Pavonum talem · pulcherrima turba sodalem
contemnens, rostris || hunc fugat et pedibus.
Ad genus ergo suum · cum flens miser ille rediret,
omnis turba sui || reppulit hunc generis.
Sic parti gratus · neutri, sed utraque repulsus,
contemptum meritis || se dolet esse suis.
Haec docet alterius · bona ne sua deputet ullus,
nunc sua ne perdat || et sua non habeat.

Prose paraphrase:

Graculus,
pavonum pennis ornatus,
tumidus
omne genus suum
vile habere coepit;
et pavonum turbam sequens,
turbae volucrum consanguinearum
se iungere dedignabatur.
Pavonum turba pulcherrima
talem sodalem contemnens,
rostris et pedibus
hunc fugat.
Ergo
cum ille miser, flens,
ad genus suum rediret,
omnis turba
sui generis
hunc repulit.
Sic gratus
parti neutri,
sed utraque repulsus,
dolet
meritis suis
se contemptum esse.
Haec docet
ne ullus
alterius bona
sua deputet,
ne nunc sua perdat
et sua non habeat.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool).

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Leo et Socii Eius

2009-08-24T19:59:00.001-04:00

This fable has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Agricola Militiam et Mercaturam Affectans

2009-08-22T15:58:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Canis et Ovis

2009-08-21T20:09:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Aquila et Corvus

2009-08-20T19:45:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Camelus et Pulex

2009-08-19T19:55:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Lupus et Hystrix

2009-08-18T21:02:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Pica et Cauda Eius (Nequam)

2009-08-02T10:42:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Leo et Equus (Nequam)

2009-08-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 187.

Nequam 24: DE LEONE ET EQUO

Pascentem leo vidit equum, · quem fallere tentans
aggreditur blande || se simulans medicum.
Sensit equus fraudem: · mox dissimulando timorem
oblitusque sui || graminis, inquit equus;
Gratulor ecce nimis · te, frater, adesse, mederi
laeso stirpe meo || quem puto posse pedi.
Accedens leo spondet opem; · palpare volentis,
calce ferit gemino || mox caput eius equus.
Ille cadit; deridet equus, · tandemque recedens:
Nunc, inquit, medice, || quod mediceris habes.
Ut stupor abscessit, · dixit leo: Contigit istud
iure mihi, factus || qui fueram medicus,
Nolueramque mea · feritate et viribus uti;
ecce dolo pereo || iure dolosus ego.
Nobilis ad turpes · verti quem non pudet artes,
formidet turpi || se quoque fraude capi!

Prose paraphrase:

Leo vidit
equum pascentem,
quem aggreditur,
fallere tentans,
blande simulans se medicum.
Equus fraudem sensit:
mox dissimulando timorem
et oblitus sui graminis,
equus inquit;
Ecce, frater,
nimis gratulor
te adesse,
quem posse puto
mederi
pedi meo
laeso stirpe.
Leo, accedens,
opem spondet;
palpare volentis,
caput eius
mox equus ferit
calce gemino.
Ille cadit;
equus deridet,
et, tandem recedens, inquit:
Medice,
nunc habes
quod mediceris.
Leo,
ut stupor abscessit,
dixit:
Iure
istud mihi contigit,
qui
medicus factus fueram,
et nolueram
mea feritate et viribus uti;
ecce
ego dolosus
iure
dolo pereo.
Nobilis,
quem non pudet
ad artes turpes verti
formidet
se quoque
fraude turpi capi!

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The word list is missing the verb medico, medicare, "heal, cure."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Musca et Calvus (Nequam)

2009-07-31T15:32:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Canis et Umbra (Nequam)

2009-07-29T15:04:00.001-04:00

This poem has been moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Agricola et Filii et Vinea (Trinity)

2009-07-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Asinus et Lupus (Nequam)

2009-07-27T15:34:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Serpens et Lima (Nequam)

2009-07-26T15:15:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Nisus et Columbae (Nequam)

2009-07-24T08:01:00.001-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 486.

Nequam 25: DE NISO ET COLUMBIS

Crudelem blandae · nisum fugiendo columbae,
accipitrem dominum || constituere suum.
Ille velut iudex, · praetenso crimine cuique,
perfidus innocuas || dilaniabat aves.
Una dolum noscens: · Minus, inquit, noxius hostis
ille fuit primus || quam novus hic dominus.
Hostis apertus erat · nobis prior ille, fugaque
vitari tardus || praeceleri poterat.
Cogit iustitiae · nos iste perire sub umbra,
nec licet abscondi || nec licet effugere.
Haec merito patimur · quia nos commisimus illi
cuius semper ali || sanguine vita solet.
Ista iocosa monent · homines ne, dum mala vitant,
non praevisa satis || pessima sponte petant.

Prose paraphrase:

Columbae blandae,
crudelem nisum fugiendo,
accipitrem
dominum suum constituere.
Ille velut iudex,
crimine cuique praetenso,
perfidus
aves innocuas dilaniabat.
Una, dolum noscens,
inquit:
Ille primus fuit
hostis minus noxius
quam hic dominus novus.
Prior,
ille
nobis erat
hostis apertus,
et fuga praeceleri
tardus vitari poterat.
Iste
nos cogit perire
sub umbra iustitiae,
nec licet abscondi
nec licet effugere.
Merito
haec patimur
quia nos commisimus illi
cuius vita
sanguine ali solet
semper.
Ista iocosa monent homines
ne,
dum vitant mala,
sponte petant pessima,
non satis praevisa.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). It did not recognize the late Latin form praetenso for the perfect participle of praetendo, "spread out, extend, allege, pretend." It also did not recognize the verb dilanio, dilaniare, "tear to pieces" and praeceler, the compound form of celer, meaning "very swift, very fast."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Corvus et Vulpes (Nequam)

2009-07-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 124.

Nequam 27: DE CORVO ET VULPE

Excelsa laetus · residebat in arbore corvus,
caseolum raptum || mordicus ore ferens.
Praeteriens, illum · suspexit callida vulpis;
fallere quem cupiens || taliter alloquitur:
Si Natura potens · in avem me vertere vellet,
corvum praecipue || me cuperem faceret.
Nunquam vivit avis · similis tibi, corve decore,
aut par ingenio || non valet esse tuo.
Tu nosti cantu · mentes aperire deorum;
auguriis homines || multa docere soles.
Si tibi nunc solito · modicum vox clarior esset,
nulla tuis volucris || laudibus obstreperet.
Corvus adulanti · credens, dum tentat aperto
ore suam vocem || reddere clarisono,
Caseolus cecidit, · quem tollens callida vulpis
inquit: Prodesset || plus tacuisse tibi.
Haec reticere monet · stultum, ne forte loquendo
secretum prodat || quod reticendo tenet.

Prose paraphrase:

Corvus, laetus,
residebat
in arbore excelsa,
caseolum
raptum mordicus
ore ferens.
Vulpis, callida,
praeteriens,
illum suspexit;
quem fallere cupiens,
taliter alloquitur:
Si Natura potens
in avem
me vertere vellet,
praecipue
cuperem
corvum me faceret.
Corve decore,
avis
similis tibi
nunquam vivit
aut
non valet
ingenio tuo par esse.
Tu
cantu nosti
deorum mentes aperire;
auguriis soles
homines multa docere.
Si nunc
tibi vox esset
modicum clarior solito,
volucris nulla
tuis laudibus obstreperet.
Corvus,
adulanti credens,
dum, ore aperto,
suam vocem
clarisono reddere tentat,
cecidit caseolus,
quem tollens
callida vulpis inquit:
Plus tacuisse tibi prodesset.
Haec monet stultum
reticere,
ne forte prodat loquendo
secretum
quod reticendo tenet.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). It did not recognize the diminutive caseolum, from caseum, "cheese." It also did not recognize the adjective clarisonus, "clear-sounding, resounding."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Felix Lorioux:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Vulpes et Aquila (Nequam)

2009-07-22T10:10:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Capella et Lupus (Nequam)

2009-07-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 157.

Nequam 42: DE CAPELLA ET LUPO

More suo pastum · dum vellet adire capella,
fertur sic haedum || praemonuisse suum:
Insidias, dum vado, lupi, rogo, nate, caveto,
qui varia nostrum || decipit arte genus.
Quidquid agat, dicatve tibi, tu credere noli,
nec stabulum reseres || qualibet arte sibi.
Dixit et abcessit, lupus affuit, et simulando
voce capram fallax || talia verba dedit:
Mater adest; aperi · stabulum, carissime fili;
nam secreta volo || dicere pauca tibi.
Materni sed consilii · non immemor haedus,
spectans per rimas || comperit insidias.
Sub specie matris, dicit, me, perfide, quaeris
perdere; sed mutilum || non habet illa caput.
Consiliis nos ista monent · parere parentum
qui nostrae curas || utilitatis habent.

Prose paraphrase:

Dum capella,
more suo,
pastum adire vellet,
fertur
sic praemonuisse
haedum suum:
Nate, rogo:
dum vado,
caveto
insidias lupi,
qui
arte varia
genus nostrum decipit.
Tu credere noli
quidquid agat aut tibi dicat,
nec, qualibet arte,
sibi stabulum reseres.
Dixit et abcessit;
Lupus affuit,
et voce capram simulando,
fallax,
talia verba dedit:
Mater adest;
stabulum aperi,
carissime fili;
nam
secreta pauca
tibi dicere volo.
Sed haedus
non immemor
materni consilii,
spectans per rimas,
insidias comperit.
Dicit:
Perfide,
sub specie matris
me perdere quaeris,
sed illa
caput mutilum non habet.
Ista
nos monent
consiliis parentum parere,
qui
curas nostrae utilitatis habent.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The word list does not recognize the noun capella, meaning "she-goat," and it does not recognize the verbs resero, reserare, "to open up, unbar, unlock" and abcedo, abcedere, "depart, go away."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Milo Winter:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Corvus et Lupi (Trinity)

2009-07-20T08:36:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Stultus et Muli (Nequam)

2009-07-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: This is not a fable from the classical Aesop tradition, but compare the fable of the Boastful Mule.

Nequam 11: DE STULTO ET MULIS

Stultus olympiacum · certamine vincere cursum
posse putans, mulos || emit ad hoc geminos;
Larga quibus praebens · studiose pabula, promptos
ad cursum fieri || posse putabat eos.
tempus erat cursus, · bigam conscendit et ambos
mulos suppositis || exagitat stimulis;
Sed quo plus properat, hoc plus animalia tardant,
et quo progenita || sint patre pigra probant.
Attigerant alii cursores iam prope metam,
vix hic adhuc recta || coeperat ire via.
Attollit magnum circumstans turba cachinnum
et stultum coeno || stercorat atque luto.
Ut posset tandem fugiens evadere turbam,
caedebat mulos || acriter ille suos.
Illorum tunc unus ait: Cur quae meruisti,
pessime, nos cogis || dura flagella pati?
Cum nos emisti numquid non, rustice, nosti
natura pigro || nos genitos asino?
Hoc monet exemplum ne quis committat agendum
obscure natis || nobilis officium.

Prose paraphrase:

Stultus,
certamine
cursum olympiacum vincere posse
putans,
ad hoc
mulos emit geminos;
quibus
pabula larga studiose praebens,
putabat
eos fieri posse
promptos ad cursum.
Tempus cursus erat,
bigam conscendit
et mulos ambos exagitat
stimulis suppositis;
sed quo plus properat,
hoc plus animalia tardant,
et probant
quo patre
pigra progenita sint.
Cursores alii
iam metam prope attigerant,
hic
vix adhuc coeperat
via recta ire.
Turba circumstans
cachinnum magnum attollit
coeno atque luto
et stultum stercorat.
Ille,
tandem fugiens,
acriter mulos suos caedebat,
ut turbam evadere posset.
Tunc unus illorum ait:
Pessime,
cur nos cogis
dura flagella pati
quae meruisti?
Rustice,
numquid,
cum nos emisti,
non nosti
nos genitos
asino, natura pigro?
Hoc exemplum monet
ne quis committat
officium nobilis
obscure natis agendum.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The word list did not recognize the adjectives olympiacus, "Olympian," and progenitus, "born, brought forth."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) showing an ancient chariot:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

E Pastore Mercator (Trinity)

2009-07-19T11:35:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Mons Parturiens (Nequam)

2009-07-19T10:38:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 520.

Nequam 35: DE MONTE PARTURIENTE MUREM

Cum gemitu magno · mons praegnans parturiebat,
mugitu magnum || exsuperans tonitrum.
Vicinos omnes ·timor ingens excruciabat;
auxilii nullus || consiliive locus.
Dicebant: Terram · cum mons hic occupet istam,
Quid faciet partus || illius immodicus?
Illorum subito · cumulus nos obruet ingens,
membraque non minimo || pondere nostra teret.
Murem post multas · peperit mons ille querelas;
in risum versus || sic fuit ille metus.
Dicitur elatis · istud qui maxima iactant,
cum se facturos || vix modicum faciunt.

Prose paraphrase:

Mons, praegnans,
parturiebat
cum gemitu magno,
mugitu exsuperans
tonitrum magnum.
Timor ingens
vicinos omnes excruciabat;
auxilii aut consilii locus nullus.
Dicebant:
Cum mons hic
terram istam occupet,
partus illius immodicus
quid faciet?
Subito
illorum cumulus ingens
nos obruet,
et membra nostra teret
non minimo pondere.
Post querelas multas,
mons ille
peperit murem;
sic metus ille
in risum versus fuit.
Istud dicitur
elatis,
qui iactant
se maxima facturos,
cum vix modicum faciunt.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool).

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Leo et Asinus Comes (Nequam)

2009-07-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 151.

Nequam 8: DE LEONE ET ASELLO

Saltus forte leo · peragrans, comitatus asello,
undique diversas || vidit adesse feras.
Horrendo clamare sono · mox jussit asello
ut subito sic has || occupet attonitas.
Ille dedit magnam · magno conamine vocem,
excusso quantam || fulmine dat tonitrus.
Exanimi similis · stetit omnis turba ferarum,
nec potuit pugnae || vel meminisse fugae.
Quot voluit rapuit · leo frendens, et laniavit,
nec nisi defessus || caedibus abstinuit.
Sic tandem vocem · compescere iussit asello,
permittens stupidas || fessus abire feras.
Mox asinus forti · credens par esse leoni:
Quid tibi de nostra || voce videtur, ait?
Vox tua, respondit · leo, vere fortibus ipsis,
si te non noscant, || est metuenda nimis.
Par, tibi confiteor, · factus trepidando fuissem,
si non novissem || teque tuumque genus.
Increpat hoc stolidum · qui par sapientibus ipsis
esse putat, sola || garrulitate sua.

Prose paraphrase:

Leo
forte saltus peragrans,
asello comitatus,
vidit
feras diversas undique adesse.
Mox
asello iussit
sono horrendo clamare
ut subito
has sic attonitas occupet .
Ille
conamine magno
vocem magnam dedit,
quantam tonitrus dat
fulmine excusso.
Ferarum turba omnis
similis exanimi stetit,
nec meminisse potuit
pugnae vel fugae.
Leo frendens
quot voluit
rapuit et laniavit,
et caedibus non abstinuit
nisi defessus.
Sic tandem
asello iussit
vocem compescere,
permittens, fessus,
feras stupidas abire.
Mox asinus,
par leoni forti esse credens,
ait:
Quid tibi de voce nostra videtur?
Leo respondit:
Vox tua
vere nimis metuenda est
fortibus ipsis,
si te non noscant.
Tibi confiteor
par trepidando factus fuissem,
si non novissem
et te et tuum genus.
Hoc
stolidum increpat,
qui
par sapientibus ipsis esse putat,
sola garrulitate sua.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The word list does not recognize the noun saltus as "woodland with glades."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Mures Duo (Trinity)

2009-07-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Rusticus Amnem Transiturus (Trinity)

2009-07-17T09:26:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Mus et Rana (Nequam)

2009-07-17T09:04:00.001-04:00

This fable has moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Oves et Lupi (Nequam)

2009-07-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 153.

Nequam 4: DE OVIBUS ET LUPIS

Grex ovium pugnando · lupos superasse refertur,
agmine custodum || subveniente canum.
Ut videre lupi · se vi non posse nocere,
arte minus cautas || aggrediuntur oves.
Perpetuam pacem · promittunt, si datur illis
obses turba canum. || Conditio placuit;
Auxiliumque suum · grex nescius insidiarum
hostibus infidis || tradere non timuit.
Securi coepere lupi, · custode carentem
post modicum tempus || dilaniare gregem.
Sero poenituit · facti pecus insidiantis,
esset cum nullus || qui daret auxilium.
tradit opem quicumque suam · male providus hosti,
poena plectendum || se timeat simili!

Prose paraphrase:

Grex ovium
lupos superasse refertur
pugnando,
subveniente
agmine canum custodum.
Lupi,
ut videre
vi nocere
se non posse,
arte
oves minus cautas
aggrediuntur.
Promittunt
perpetuam pacem,
si turba canum
obses illis datur.
Conditio placuit,
et grex,
insidiarum nescius,
auxilium suum
hostibus infidis tradere non timuit.
Lupi securi
post modicum tempus
gregem, custode carente,
dilaniare coepere.
Sero
pecus
insidiantis facti poenituit,
cum esset nullus
qui daret auxilium.
Quicumque
male providus
opem suam
hosti tradit,
timeat
se
poena simili plectendum!

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The verb careo appears incorrectly in the word list as careor.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Francis Barlow:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Rusticus et Anguis (Trinity)

2009-07-15T11:16:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Culex et Taurus (Nequam)

2009-07-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 273.

Nequam 3: DE CULICE ET TAURO

Ingentem taurum · nimio fervore superbum
provocat exiguus || ad fera bella culex.
Ergo die posito · convenit maxima turba
ut tam dissimiles || conspicerent pugiles.
Venerat horrendus · prior ad certamina taurus,
impatiens et humum || saepe cavans pedibus.
Hunc procul inde culex · ut vidit adesse paratum,
talibus irridens || corripuit stolidum.
Quod mecum certare paras, · iam sit mihi palma;
iam sum nempe tuo || par tibi iudicio.
Evolat his dictis · subito, taurumque frementem
ostendit toto || ridiculum populo.
Fabula cum minimis · vetat haec contendere magnos,
ipsum ne sit eis || vincere dedecori.

Prose paraphrase:

Culex exiguus
nimio fervore
taurum superbum ingentem
ad fera bella provocat.
Ergo, die posito,
maxima turba
convenit
ut pugiles conspicerent
tam dissimiles.
Taurus horrendus
ad certamina prior venerat,
impatiens
et pedibus saepe humum cavans.
Culex
ut procul inde vidit
hunc adesse paratum,
corripuit stolidum,
talibus irridens:
quod mecum certare paras,
iam palma mihi sit;
iam nempe
iudicio tuo
par tibi sum.
Subito evolat
et his dictis,
taurum frementem
ridiculum ostendit
populo toto.
Fabula haec
magnos vetat
cum minimis contendere,
ne
ipsum vincere
eis dedecori sit.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). The word list did not recognize the participle cavans, from the verb cavo, cavare: hollow out, excavate.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Arthur Rackham:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Cerva et Leaena (Trinity)

2009-07-14T09:12:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Lupus et Grus (Nequam)

2009-07-14T08:15:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 156.

Nequam 1: DE LUPO ET GRUE

Ingluvie cogente, lupus · dum devorat ossa,
pars ossis fracti || faucibus haesit ei:
Anxius, orat opem · supplex pecudesque ferasque
insuper, et volucrum || postulat auxilium.
Omnes respondent · gruis ossea labra valere
os quod inhaerebat || faucibus abstrahere.
Hanc lupus aggreditur, · ululansque gemensque precatur
ne quam sola potest || ferre, recuset opem.
Grus pretium poscit; · iurat lupus omne daturum
quod petet, et testes || invocat ille deos.
Grus credit, totumque caput · mox eius in ore
mergens, inventum || detrahit os vacuum.
Ereptus lupus exultat; · grus praemia poscit;
fallit eam verbis || callidus ambiguis.
Ast ubi grus coepit · nimis infestare dolosum,
paucis edocuit || se lupus esse lupum:
Sufficiat quod ab ore lupi · salvum caput una
traxeris, et magnum || sit tibi vita lucrum.
Crudelem mitis quisquis · iuvat, hinc doceatur
praemia ne speret, || damna sed extimeat!

Prose paraphrase:

Lupus,
ingluvie cogente,
dum ossa devorat,
pars ossis fracti
faucibus ei haesit.
Anxius, supplex
opem orat;
insuper pecudesque ferasque,
et volucrum auxilium postulat.
Omnes respondent
gruis ossea labra valere
abstrahere os
quod faucibus inhaerebat.
Lupus
hanc aggreditur,
ululansque gemensque
precatur
ne recuset opem
quam ferre potest sola.
Grus
pretium poscit;
lupus iurat
daturum omne
quod petet,
et ille
deos testes invocat.
Grus credit
et mox
totum caput mergens
eius in ore,
os vacuum
inventum detrahit .
Lupus ereptus exultat;
grus praemia poscit;
callidus
eam fallit
verbis ambiguis.
Ast ubi grus
nimis dolosum
infestare coepit,
lupus
paucis edocuit
se esse lupum:
Sufficiat
quod caput salvum
ab lupi ore
una traxeris,
et vita
lucrum magnum tibi sit.
Quisquis mitis
crudelem iuvat,
hinc doceatur
ne praemia speret,
sed damna extimeat!

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). Note that the word list did not recognize the compound verb extimeo, extimere: "fear greatly."

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by the French illustrator Felix Lorioux:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Camelus (Trinity)

2009-07-13T10:01:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Lepus et Passer (Nequam)

2009-07-13T09:01:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 473.

Nequam 14: DE LEPORE ET PASSERE

Dum moriendo lepus · gemeret, Iovis alite captus,
sic illum passer || improbus aggreditur:
Cur tibi, stulte lepus, · solita non arte cavebas?
Cur non sollicitus || et bene cautus eras?
Est naturalis ubi · nunc astutia mira,
qua venatores || decipis atque canes?
Quid vitasse tibi · laqueos et retia prodest,
oraque post morsum || praeteriisse canum?
Quid tibi retrogradi · cursus saltusque citati?
Quid saltu sepes || transiluisse iuvat?
Artes, stulte lepus, · quid prosunt mille cavendi?
Quam male cavisti || nunc miser ipse tibi!
Nullus amicorum · debet te flere parentum;
stultitia moreris || desidiaque tua.
talia dicentem · rapuit mox nisus eumdem,
et correptorem || corripuit stolidum.
Passeris ad gemitus, · oculos iam deficientes
protinus attollens, || retulit ista lepus:
Laetor in extremis · quod, qui modo non timuisti
insultare mihi, || morte peris simili.
Haec res ficta monet · misero ne deroget ullus,
ne subito damnum || perpatiatur idem.

Prose paraphrase:

Dum lepus,
Iovis alite captus,
moriendo gemeret,
passer improbus
sic illum aggreditur:
Cur, stulte lepus,
arte solita
tibi non cavebas?
Cur non sollicitus eras
et bene cautus?
Ubi est nunc
astutia naturalis mira,
qua venatores decipis
atque canes?
Quid tibi prodest
vitasse laqueos et retia,
et canum ora praeteriisse
post morsum?
Quid tibi
retrogradi cursus
et saltus citati?
Quid iuvat
saltu sepes transiluisse?
Lepus stulte,
quid prosunt
mille artes cavendi?
Quam male nunc
tibi cavisti ipse miser!
Nullus parentum amicorum
te flere debet;
moreris
stultitia et desidia tua.
Mox nisus
eumdem, talia dicentem, rapuit
et stolidum correptorem corripuit.
Lepus,
oculos iam deficientes
ad passeris gemitus attollens,
protinus retulit ista:
In extremis
laetor quod
morte simili peris
qui modo
mihi insultare non timuisti.
Haec res ficta monet
ne ullus
misero deroget,
ne subito perpatiatur
damnum idem.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively (here are some tips on how to make best use of the tool). Note that the word list did not recognize cavebas as a form of the verb caveo, cavere: "take care, be cautious." There were also several words it did not recognize at all: retrogradus, meaning "backwards, evasive" - nisus, meaning "hawk, sparrow-hawk" - correptor, as "someone who snatches, grabs" - and perpatior, perpati, an intensive form of the verb patior, "to suffer, endure, allow." It also did not recognize eumdem as a form of idem.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from an early 19th-century edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Canis et Bos (Trinity)

2009-07-12T09:23:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Leo et Pastor (Nequam)

2009-07-12T08:01:00.001-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 563 for other versions of "Androcles and the Lion."

Nequam 20: DE LEONE ET PASTORE

Calcata leo stirpe pedem · sibi laeserat unum;
pastoris supplex || auxilium petiit.
Horrendum cernens · pastor feritate leonem,
adventante, timet || et pecudes obicit.
Non curat leo, sed gestu · vultuque benigno
blande pro verbis || anxius orat opem,
Extensumque pedem · laesum docet esse gemendo.
Rem noscens aperit || ulcera pastor acu;
Stirpeque detracta, · saniem cum stirpe repellit.
Gaudens optatam || tunc leo sensit opem,
Pastorisque manum, · quasi traderet oscula, lingens
grates non cessat || reddere quas poterat.
Inde redit sanus. · Longo post tempore captus,
ad theatri ludos || venditur ipse leo.
Pastor erat per tempus idem · pro crimine captus;
damnatus, theatri || traditur ille feris.
Accurrens leo novit eum, · gressumque repressit
et blandum multis || se docet esse modis;
Assidet huic, lingitque manus, · miranteque turba,
defendit reliquas || inde fugando feras.
Admirans, causam · plebs ab pastore requirit;
quaerenti pastor || ordine cuncta refert.
Confestim plebis pietas · dimisit utrumque;
gratia sic factis || redditur obsequiis.
Hoc collatorum · memores nos esse bonorum
admonet, et laeta || mente referre vicem.

Prose paraphrase:

Leo,
stirpe calcata,
pedem unum sibi laeserat;
supplex
pastoris auxilium petiit.
Pastor,
leonem, feritate horrendum, cernens,
timet
et, adventante, pecudes obicit.
Leo
non curat,
sed gestu et vultu benigno,
pro verbis
anxius
opem blande orat,
et gemendo docet
pedem extensum laesum esse.
Pastor,
rem noscens,
acu ulcera aperit;
et, stirpe detracta,
saniem cum stirpe repellit.
Tunc leo, gaudens,
opem optatam sensit,
et pastoris manum lingens,
quasi oscula traderet,
non cessat
reddere grates,
quas poterat.
Inde sanus redit.
Post tempore longo
ipse leo,
captus,
ad theatri ludos venditur.
Per tempus idem
pastor captus erat
pro crimine;
ille, damnatus,
theatri feris traditur.
Leo, accurrens,
eum novit,
et gressum repressit
et docet
modis multis
se blandum esse;
assidet huic,
et manus lingit,
turba mirante,
et defendit
feras reliquas inde fugando,.
Plebs, admirans,
ab pastore
causam requirit;
pastor
quaerenti refert
ordine cuncta.
Confestim
plebis pietas
utrumque dimisit;
sic factis obsequiis
gratia redditur .
Hoc nos admonet
bonorum collatorum
memores esse,
et laeta mente vicem referre.

NoDictionaries.com: You can find the word list for this fable online, and use it interactively! The word list is not displaying the basic meaning of stirps as plant, root, stem, etc. - and here in this poem it seems to mean specifically a thorn or spiky stem. In addition, the word list doesn't recognize that uterque is a single word, meaning "both, each of two" (it recognizes it instead as two words, uter plus que, which is not correct).

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Auceps, Columba et Anguis (Trinity)

2009-07-11T10:01:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Catulus et Lapis (Alciato)

2009-07-11T09:27:00.003-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Mus et Rana (Trinity)

2009-07-10T09:32:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Mors et Amor (Alciato)

2009-07-10T08:01:00.002-04:00

This fable has been moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Canes Duae, Una Parturiens (Nequam)

2009-07-09T10:26:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Praeco Captivus (Alciato)

2009-07-09T09:23:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Lupus cervarius (Alciato)

2009-07-08T09:01:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Canis et Asinus (Nequam)

2009-07-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 91.

Nequam 5: DE CANE ET ASINO

Latratu blando · canis et vibramine caudae
alludens domino || subsiliendo suo,
Et pedibus geminis, · quasi cingens colla lacertis,
amplexus quosdam || blanditiasque dabat.
Hac causa dominus · lecti mensaeque solebat
fidum participem || semper habere canem.
Arte putans stolidus · simili fore gratus asellus
intrantis domini || colla ferit pedibus,
Horrendumque rudens · sua crura ferentis in aures
ceu subito tonitru || reddidit attonitum.
Territus, ut mentem · potuit revocare paventem,
eius utrumque latus || tergaque fuste dolat;
Insanumque putans, · vinclis oneravit asellum,
per tormenta famis || et sitis excrucians.
Fabula nostra docet · cunctis non cuncta licere,
et debere modum || quemque tenere suum.

Prose paraphrase:

Canis
latratu blando
et caudae vibramine
domino alludens
subsiliendo suo,
et pedibus geminis,
quasi lacertis,
colla cingens,
amplexus quosdam et blanditias
dabat.
Hac causa
dominus
semper solebat
canem habere
lecti mensaeque
participem fidum.
Asellus stolidus
putans
gratus fore
arte simili
pedibus ferit
colla domini intrantis
et ferentis
crura sua in aures,
horrendum rudens,
reddidit
ceu subito tonitru attonitum.
Territus,
ut mentem paventem revocare potuit,
eius utrumque latus et terga
fuste dolat,
et putans insanum,
vinclis asellum oneravit,
excrucians
per famis et sitis tormenta.
Fabula nostra docet
cunctis cuncta non licere,
et quemque debere
modum suum tenere.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Latratu blando · canis et vibramine caudae
latratus barking/baying; shouting, bawling; roaring
blandus flattering, coaxing; charming, pleasant; smooth, gentle; alluring, attractive
canis dog; hound; subordinate; "jackal"; dog-star/fish; lowest dice throw; clamp
et and, and even; also, even
vibramen shaking, wagging
cauda tail; extreme part/tail of anything; penis; train/edge/trail

alludens domino || subsiliendo suo,
alludo frolic/play/sport around/with, play against; jest, make mocking allusion to
dominus owner, lord, master; the Lord; title for ecclesiastics/gentlemen
subsilio jump/leap/spring up; plunge beneath;
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs

Et pedibus geminis, · quasi cingens colla lacertis,
et and, and even; also, even
pes foot
geminus twin, double; twin-born; both
quasi as if, just as if, as though; as it were; about
cingo surround/encircle/ring; enclose; beleaguer; accompany; gird, equip; ring
collum neck; throat; head and neck; severed head; upper stem; mountain ridge
lacertus upper arm, arm, shoulder; strength, muscles, vigor, force; lizard

amplexus quosdam || blanditiasque dabat.
amplexus clasp, embrace, surrounding; sexual embrace; coil; circumference
quisdam certain; as INDEF a certain thing; somebody, one, something
blanditia flattery, caress, compliment; charm, flatteries, enticement, courtship
do give; dedicate; sell; pay; grant/bestow/impart/offer/lend; devote; allow; make

Hac causa dominus · lecti mensaeque solebat
hic this; these
causa cause/reason/motive; origin, source, derivation; responsibility/blame; symptom
dominus owner, lord, master; the Lord; title for ecclesiastics/gentlemen
lectus bed/couch/dining couch
mensa table; course, meal; banker's counter
soleo be in the habit of; become accustomed to

fidum participem || semper habere canem.
fidus faithful, loyal; trusting, confident
particeps sharer, partaker
semper always
habeo have, hold, consider, think, reason; manage, keep; spend/pass
canis dog; hound; subordinate; "jackal"; dog-star/fish; lowest dice throw; clamp

Arte putans stolidus · simili fore gratus asellus
ars skill/craft/art; trick, wile; science, knowledge; method, way; character
puto think, believe, suppose, hold; reckon, estimate, value; clear up, settle
stolidus dull, stupid, insensible; brutish; inert
similis like, similar, resembling
sum be; exist; with NOM PERF PPL
gratus pleasing, acceptable, agreeable, welcome; dear, beloved; grateful, thankful
asellus ass, donkey; fish of the cod family, hake?; Asses/stars in Cancer

intrantis domini || colla ferit pedibus,
intro enter; go into, penetrate; reach
dominus owner, lord, master; the Lord; title for ecclesiastics/gentlemen
collum neck; throat; head and neck; severed head; upper stem; mountain ridge
ferio hit, strike; strike a bargain; kill, slay
pes foot

Horrendumque rudens · sua crura ferentis in aures
horreo dread, shrink from, shudder at; stand on end, bristle; have rough appearance
rudo bellow, roar, bray, creak loudly
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs
crus leg; shank; shin; main stem of shrub, stock; upright support of a bridge
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
in into; about, in the mist of; according to, after; for; to, among
auris ear; hearing; a discriminating sense of hearing,"ear"; pin on plow

ceu subito tonitru || reddidit attonitum.
ceu as, in the same way/just as; for example, like; as if; as it were
subeo go/move/pass/sink/extend underneath/into; climb/come/go up, ascend; steal in on
tonitrus thunder
reddor eturn; restore; deliver; hand over, pay back, render, give back; translate
attono strike with lightning, blast; drive crazy, distract

Territus, ut mentem · potuit revocare paventem,
terreo frighten, scare, terrify, deter
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
mens mind; reason, intellect, judgment; plan, intention, frame of mind; courage
possum be able, can
revoco call back, recall; revive; regain
paveo be frightened or terrified at

eius utrumque latus || tergaque fuste dolat;
is he/she/it/they; DEMONST: that, he/she/it, they/them
uterque both, each of two
latus side; flank
tergum back, rear; reverse/far side; outer covering/surface
fustis staff club; stick
dolo hew/chop into shape, fashion/devise; inflict blows, batter/cudgel soundly, drub

Insanumque putans, · vinclis oneravit asellum,
insanus mad, raging, insane, demented; frenzied, wild; possessed, inspired; maddening
puto think, believe, suppose, hold; reckon, estimate, value; clear up, settle
vinclum chain, bond, fetter; imprisonment
onero load, burden; oppress
asellus ass, donkey; fish of the cod family, hake?; Asses/stars in Cancer

per tormenta famis || et sitis excrucians.
per through; during; by, by means of
tormentum windlass; instrument for twisting/winding; engine for hurling stones; missile
fames hunger; famine; want; craving
et and, and even; also, even
sitis thirst
excrucio torture; torment

Fabula nostra docet · cunctis non cuncta licere,
fabula story, tale, fable; play, drama
noster our
doceo teach, show, point out
cunctus altogether, in a body; every, all, entire; total/complete; whole of
non not, by no means, no
cunctus altogether, in a body; every, all, entire; total/complete; whole of
licet it is permitted, one may; it is all right, lawful, allowed, permitted;

et debere modum || quemque tenere suum.
et and, and even; also, even
debeo owe; be indebted/responsible for/obliged/bound/destined; ought, must, should
modus manner, mode, way, method; rule, rhythm, beat, measure, size; bound, limit
quisque each, each one; every, everybody, everything; whatever
teneo hold, keep; comprehend; possess; master; preserve
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Juno et Pavo (Nequam)

2009-07-07T21:19:00.004-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 509.

Nequam 40: IUNO ET PAVO

Maesta querebatur volucris Iunonia vocem
parvula vincebat || quod philomena suam.
Iuno suae volucris cupiens lenire querelas,
formam laudabat || illius eximiam.
Dicebat vario pennas fulgore nitentes,
praecipuis gemmis || sideribusque pares.
Illa refert: Tantae quid prosunt munera formae,
cum vincar modulis || praemodicae volucris?
Respondit Iuno: Naturae provida virtus
nulli vult vitae || commoda cuncta dare.
Illa tibi formam tribuit variumque colorem
quo superas omnes || quas habet orbis aves.
Haec vires aquilae magnas dedit ancipitrique,
et dedit ut corvus || voce futura canat.
Dat gallo cantu distinguere tempora noctis;
luciferum progne || voce notare docet.
Et modulos modicae dulces dedit haec philomenae,
ne nihil haec habeat || unde placere queat.
cuique dedit Natura suum doctissima morem
quo placet, et nihil est || utilitate carens.
Pauca dedit reliquis, tibi maxima pluraque dona
contulit: unde, precor, || sint satis ista tibi!
Torqueri nos ista bonis prohibent alienis,
et bona sufficiant || ut sua cuique monent.

Prose paraphrase:

Iunonia volucris, maesta,
querebatur quod
philomena parvula
vocem suam vincebat.
Iuno,
cupiens
volucris suae querelas lenire,
illius formam eximiam laudabat.
Dicebat
fulgore vario pennas nitentes,
pares
praecipuis gemmis et sideribus.
illa refert:
Quid
formae tantae munera prosunt,
cum vincar
modulis praemodicae volucris?
Iuno respondit :
Provida virtus naturae
nulli dare vult
commoda vitae cuncta.
Illa
tibi formam tribuit
et varium colorem
quo superas aves omnes
quas orbis habet.
Haec
vires magnas dedit
aquilae et ancipitri,
et dedit
ut corvus
voce futura canat.
Dat gallo
tempora noctis
cantu distinguere;
progne
voce docet
luciferum notare.
Et haec
philomenae modicae
modulos dulces dedit ,
ne haec nihil habeat
unde placere queat.
Natura doctissima
cuique morem suum dedit
quo placet,
et nihil est
utilitate carens.
Reliquis
pauca dedit;
tibi contulit
dona maxima et plura:
unde, precor,
sint ista satis tibi!
Ista nos prohibent
bonis alienis torqueri,
et monent
ut cuique bona sua sufficiant.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Walter Crane:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Lupus et Canis (Nequam)

2009-07-07T21:15:00.004-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 346.

Nequam 39: LUPUS ET CANIS

Pingui forte cani factus lupus obvius inquit:
Frater tam pinguis, || dic, precor: unde venis?
De domini quam servo domo, canis, exeo, dixit;
in qua non paucis || affluo deliciis.
Nil facio nisi quod fures fugo nocte latratu,
et moneo dominum || voce cavere sibi.
Hac causa, variis illi gratissimus escis
impleor et grata || saepe quiete fruor.
Censeo te nimium, lupus inquit, amice, beatum
qui tantis frueris || absque labore bonis;
Sed cur nescio qua tibi sunt astricta catena
colla; precor, referas! || Rettulit ista canis:
Luce ligor, quia non notis sum saepe molestus,
cum vereor ne quid || surripiant domino.
Res nimis ista mihi, lupus inquit, dura videtur
ut, ventris causa, || vincula dura feras.
Sis satur et pinguis, servus vinctusque catenis;
Sim macer et vacuus || dummodo liber eam!
Quisquis dura pati vult, causa ventris avari,
a nobis dici || sentiat ista sibi!

Prose paraphrase:

Lupus
pingui forte cani factus obvius
inquit:
Frater,
tam pinguis,
dic, precor:
unde venis?
Canis dixit:
Exeo
de domini domo
quam servo,
in qua
non paucis deliciis affluo.
Nil facio
nisi quod
nocte
latratu fures fugo,
et voce
dominum moneo
sibi cavere.
Hac causa
illi gratissimus,
variis escis impleor
et saepe
grata quiete fruor.
Lupus inquit:
Amice,
censeo
te nimium beatum,
qui bonis tantis frueris
absque labore;
sed cur
nescio qua catena
colla
tibi astricta sunt?
Precor, referas!
Canis
rettulit ista:
Luce ligor,
quia saepe
non notis molestus sum,
cum vereor
ne quid surripiant domino.
Lupus inquit:
Res ista
nimis dura mihi videtur
ut, ventris causa,
vincula dura feras.
Sis satur et pinguis,
servus
et vinctus catenis;
sim macer et vacuus
dummodo liber eam!
Quisquis dura pati vult,
ventris avari causa,
sentiat
sibi ista a nobis dici!

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Richard Heighway:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Equus Fortis et Asellus (Nequam)

2009-07-07T21:11:00.005-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 565.

Nequam 32: EQUUS FORTIS ET ASELLUS

Fortis equus misero currens occurrit asello,
despexit renitens, || aurea frena gerens.
Pressus fasce via miserandus asellus in arcta,
non potuit subito || cedere lentus equo.
Indignatur equus: Mihi nunc vix impero, dixit,
effodiam gemino || quin tibi calce latus.
Nonne vides, animal servum natumque labori,
ornamenta nitent || quam pretiosa mihi?
Qui dedit hoc sensit quanto sim dignus honore,
quantaque sit meritis || gloria danda meis.
Me reveretur homo, dominator totius orbis,
et tu, serve, mihi || cedere turpe putas!
ut me vidisti, cur non mox procubuisti
ut per te posset || transitus esse mihi?
Ad praesens parcam; graviter torquebere, nequam,
impedias ultra || si mihi forte viam.
Respondere tremens illi non ausus asellus,
ultores magnos || orat adesse deos.
Post modicum tempus, currendo debilitatus
vilia portabat || stercora vilis equus;
quem cernens asinus: ubi sunt nunc aurea, dixit,
oramenta quibus || nuper eras tumidus?
quid tibi pompa brevis, quid gloria tam fugitiva
prodest, cum servus || factus es ecce meus?
audiat ista potens et discat ferre minores,
et celsus lapsum || pertimeat subitum!

Prose paraphrase:

Equus fortis
currens
asello misero occurrit,
renitens, despexit,
frena aurea gerens.
Asellus miserandus
fasce pressus,
in via arcta,
lentus,
equo cedere
subito non potuit.
Equus indignatur,
dixit:
Vix nunc mihi impero,
quin tibi latus effodiam
calce gemino.
Nonne vides,
animal servum et natum labori,
quam mihi nitent ornamenta pretiosa?
Qui hoc dedit,
sensit
quanto honore dignus sim,
et quanta gloria danda sit
meritis meis.
Homo,
dominator totius orbis,
me reveretur,
et tu, serve,
putas
turpe mihi cedere!
Ut me vidisti,
cur non mox procubuisti
ut mihi posset
per te transitus esse?
Ad praesens parcam;
graviter torquebere, nequam,
si forte
viam mihi ultra impedias.
Asellus, tremens,
illi respondere non ausus,
orat
deos magnos ultores adesse.
Post modicum tempus,
equus
currendo debilitatus
vilis
stercora vilia portabat;
Quem cernens
asinus dixit:
Ubi nunc sunt,,
oramenta aurea
quibus nuper tumidus eras?
Quid tibi prodest
pompa brevis,
quid gloria tam fugitiva,
cum servus meus - ecce! - factus es?
Potens
ista audiat
et discat
minores ferre,
et celsus
lapsum subitum pertimeat!

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Arthur Rackham:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Verax et Fallax et Simiae (Nequam

2009-07-07T21:06:00.004-04:00

Source The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 569.

Nequam 31: VERAX ET FALLAX

Verax et fallax simul advenisse feruntur
in quorum terra || simia rector erat.
Ad se deduci rex iussit protinus illos,
fallacemque prius || taliter alloquitur:
Quid tibi sit visum de me turbaque meorum,
vivere si curas || nunc citius referas!
Te regem magnum, dixit, fortemque superbum
confiteor; fortes || hos quoque dico duces.
Par tibi rex mundo non est mihi visus in isto
forma, divitiis, || principibus, famulis.
Rex illi tribuit gaudens ingentia dona,
et congaudentes || multa dedere duces.
Protinus inquirunt alium sibi quid videatur;
dicat utrum socio || sentiat aequa suo.
Ille videns socium pro falsis multa lucrari,
credit plura sibi || vera loquendo dari.
Rex, inquit, vester nihil est nisi simia turpis;
nec vos esse feras, || sed fera monstra puto.
His dictis, commota nimis fera turba ferarum
unguibus et morsu || dilaceravit eum.
Ista docent vere non semper vera referre,
et prodesse probant || tempore falsa suo.

Prose paraphrase:

Verax et fallax
simul advenisse feruntur
in terra
quorum
simia rector erat.
Rex protinus iussit
ad se illos deduci,
et prius fallacem alloquitur taliter:
Quid tibi visum sit
de me et turba meorum,
si vivere curas,
nunc citius referas!
Dixit:
Confiteor
te regem magnum,
fortem et superbum;
dico
hos, fortes quoque, duces.
rex
par tibi
forma, divitiis, principibus, famulis
in isto mundo
non est mihi visus.
Rex, gaudens,
illi dona ingentia tribuit,
et duces, congaudentes,
multa dedere.
Protinus alium inquirunt
quid sibi videatur;
dicat
utrum aequa socio suo sentiat.
Ille videns
socium multa lucrari
pro falsis,
credit
sibi plura dari
vera loquendo.
Inquit:
Rex vester
nihil est
nisi simia turpis;
et puto
vos non feras esse,
sed monstra fera.
His dictis,
fera turba ferarum
nimis commota
eum dilaceravit
unguibus et morsu.
Ista vere docent
non semper vera referre,
et probant
tempore suo
falsa prodesse.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Grex et Lanista (Nequam)

2009-07-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 575.

Nequam 30: DE GREGE ET LANISTA

De grege paulatim · maiorem quemque lanista
cornibus ablato || dilaniabat eo.
Hic me non tangit, dicebat quisque relictus:
sic nullus socio || ferre volebat opem.
Unus iam solus · restabat de grege toto;
hic quoque mactandus || dum traheretur, ait:
Iure gregem totum · laniasti, saeve lanista;
ad mortem merito || nunc quoque ducor ego:
Nam dum de medio · gregis unumquemque trahebas,
si te quisque suis || cornibus appeteret,
Salvus grex, et ego · nunc essem, tuque perisses;
nunc, quia non tulimus, || iure caremus ope.
Admonet haec propriis · vicini occurrere damnis,
tutus ut alterius || fiat et alter ope.

Prose paraphrase:

Lanista
paulatim
quemque cornibus maiorem
dilaniabat,
de grege eo ablato.
Dicebat quisque relictus:
Hic me non tangit.
Sic nullus
socio opem ferre volebat.
Iam unus solus
de grege toto restabat;
dum hic quoque
traheretur mactandus,
ait:
Lanista saeve,
iure
gregem totum laniasti;
merito
nunc ego quoque
ad mortem ducor:
nam,
dum unumquemque
de gregis medio trahebas,
si quisque
cornibus suis
te appeteret,
nunc
salvus grex et ego essem,
et tu perisses;
nunc,
quia non tulimus,
iure
ope caremus.
Haec admonet
damnis vicini propriis occurrere,
ut tutus fiat
et alter alterius ope.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

De grege paulatim · maiorem quemque lanista
de down/away from, from, off; about, of, concerning; according to; with regard to
grex flock, herd; crowd; company, crew; people/animals assembled; set/faction/class
paulatim little by little, by degrees, gradually; a small amount at a time, bit by bit
magnus large/great/big/vast/huge; much; powerful; tall/long/broad; extensive/spacious
quisque each, each one; every, everybody, everything; whatever
lanista butcher (classical Latin: laniarius)

cornibus ablato || dilaniabat eo.
cornu horn; hoof; beak/tusk/claw; bow; horn/trumpet; end, wing of army; mountain top
aufero bear/carry/take/fetch/sweep/snatch away/off, remove, withdraw; steal, obtain
dilanio tear to pieces;
is he/she/it/they; DEMONST: that, he/she/it, they/them

Hic me non tangit, dicebat quisque relictus:
hic this; these
ego I
non not, by no means, no
tango touch, strike; border on, influence; mention
dico say, declare, state; allege, declare positively; assert; plead
quisque each, each one; every, everybody, everything; whatever
relictus forsaken, abandoned, derelict; left untouched

sic nullus socio || ferre volebat opem.
sic thus, so; as follows; in another way; in such a way
nullus no; none, not any
socius sharing; associated; allied
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
ops power, might; help; influence; resources/wealth

Unus iam solus · restabat de grege toto;
unus alone, a single/sole; some, some one; only; one set of
jam now, already, by/even now; besides
solus only, single; lonely; alone, having no companion/friend/protector; unique
resto stand firm; stay behind; be left, be left over; remain
de down/away from, from, off; about, of, concerning; according to; with regard to
grex flock, herd; crowd; company, crew; people/animals assembled; set/faction/class
totus whole, all, entire, total, complete; every part; all together/at once

hic quoque mactandus || dum traheretur, ait:
hict his; these
quoque likewise/besides/also/too; not only; even/actually
macto magnify, honor; sacrifice; slaughter, destroy
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
traho draw, drag, haul; derive, get
aio say, assert; say yes/so, affirm, assent; prescribe/lay down

Iure gregem totum · laniasti, saeve lanista;
jus law; legal system; code; right; duty; justice; court; binding decision; oath
grex flock, herd; crowd; company, crew; people/animals assembled; set/faction/class
totus whole, all, entire, total, complete; every part; all together/at once
lanio tear, mangle, mutilate, pull to pieces;
saevus savage; fierce/ferocious; violent/wild/raging; cruel, harsh, severe; vehement
lanista butcher (classical Latin: laniarius)

ad mortem merito || nunc quoque ducor ego:
ad to, up to, towards; near, at; until, on, by; almost; according to; about w/NUM
mors death; corpse; annihilation
merito deservedly; rightly
nunc now, today, at present
quoque likewise/besides/also/too; not only; even/actually
duco lead, command; think, consider, regard; prolong
ego I

Nam dum de medio · gregis unumquemque trahebas,
nam for, on the other hand; for instance
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
de down/away from, from, off; about, of, concerning; according to; with regard to
medius middle, middle of, mid; common, neutral, ordinary, moderate; ambiguous
grex flock, herd; crowd; company, crew; people/animals assembled; set/faction/class
unusquisque each one
traho draw, drag, haul; derive, get

si te quisque suis || cornibus appeteret,
si if, if only; whether
tu you
quisque each, each one; every, everybody, everything; whatever
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs
cornu horn; hoof; beak/tusk/claw; bow; horn/trumpet; end, wing of army; mountain top
appeto seek/grasp after, desire; assail; strive eagerly/long for; approach, near

Salvus grex, et ego · nunc essem, tuque perisses;
salvus well, unharmed, sound; alive; safe, saved
grex flock, herd; crowd; company, crew; people/animals assembled; set/faction/class
et and, and even; also, even
ego I
nunc now, today, at present
sum be; exist
tu you
pereo die, pass away; be ruined, be destroyed; go to waste

nunc, quia non tulimus, || iure caremus ope.
nunc now, today, at present
quia because
non not, by no means, no
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
jure by right, rightly, with justice; justly, deservedly
careo be without/absent from/devoid of/free from; miss; abstain from, lack, lose
ops power, might; help; influence; resources/wealth

Admonet haec propriis · vicini occurrere damnis,
admoneo admonish, remind, prompt; suggest, advise, raise; persuade, urge; warn, caution
hic this; these
proprius own, very own; individual; special, particular, characteristic
vicinus nearby, neighboring
occurro run to meet; oppose, resist; come to mind, occur
damnum financial/property/physical loss/damage/injury; forfeiture/fine; lost possessio

tutus ut alterius || fiat et alter ope.
tutus safe, prudent; secure; protected
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
alter one; second/another; former/latter
fio happen, come about; result; take place, be held, occur, arise
eta nd, and even; also, even
alter one; second/another; former/latter
ops power, might; help; influence; resources/wealth

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Aquila et Scarabaeus (Alciato)

2009-07-07T09:13:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Leaena, Aper, et Vultur (Alciato)

2009-07-06T09:03:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Vultur et Aquila (Nequam)

2009-07-05T11:18:00.004-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: This is not a fable I know from any other source, although it is absolutely delightful! Does anyone know of other versions of this story?

Nequam 7: DE VULTURE ET AQUILA

Aeger et implumis · fractusque senilibus annis,
clam rapuit pullos || vultur edax aquilae;
Eius et in nido · iacuit veteranus, ut illic
pro pullis aleret || nescia mater eum.
Contigit ut voluit sibi, · nempe diu latitavit;
fallax nutricem || servus habet dominam.
Crescentis mirata moras, · tristissima nutrix
hunc voluit nido || pellere saepe suo.
Obstitit incepto pietas, · ignaraque fraudis
naturae totas || imputat illa moras.
Forte die quadam, · dum volvit magna repente
tempestas, mundum || terruit et tonitrus,
Sub quercu iacuit · Iovis armiger, aeris omnis
donec transiret || impetus atque minae;
Imbribus ut pulsis · rediit lux fervida solis,
clamavit, pennas || excutiens madidas:
Non est visa mihi · tempestas tam violenta,
aetas saepe licet || sit renovata mea.
Longe maiorem vidi, · respondit ineptus
vultur, et, his dictis, || mox trepidus latuit.
Respondisse ferunt aquilam: · Cum nemo priorem
gignere se possit, || me prior esse potes!
Exi; responde, · quid quaeris, inepte, latere,
cum sis ipse tuo || proditus indicio?
Nil respondentem, · sed adhuc latitare putantem,
nido detractum || dilaniavit eum.
Tempore nec longo · laetatur proditione;
mortem quam pullis || intulit, ipse subit.
Vulturis exemplo · linguam frenare memento,
tu quicumque gravis || conscius es sceleris.

Prose paraphrase:

Vultur,
aeger et implumis,
et senilibus annis fractus,
edax
clam aquilae pullos rapuit;
et in eius nido
veteranus iacuit,
ut illic
mater nescia
eum aleret
pro pullis.
Contigit
ut sibi voluit,
nempe diu latitavit;
servus fallax
dominam nutricem habet.
Nutrix tristissima,
crescentis moras mirata,
nido suo hunc pellere saepe voluit.
Pietas
incepto obstitit,
et illa, fraudis ignara,
moras totas
naturae imputat.
Forte die quadam,
dum repente
magna tempestas volvit,
et tonitrus
mundum terruit,
Iovis armiger
sub quercu iacuit ,
donec
aeris omnis impetus
transiret
atque minae;
ut solis lux fervida
rediit,
imbribus pulsis,
clamavit,
pennas madidas excutiens:
Tempestas
mihi non visa est
tam violenta,
licet saepe
aetas mea renovata sit.
Vultur ineptus respondit:
Longe maiorem vidi;
et, his dictis,
mox trepidus latuit.
Ferunt
aquilam respondisse:
Cum nemo possit
priorem se gignere,
potes
prior me esse!
Exi! Responde!
Inepte,
cum ipse proditus sis
tuo indicio,
quid latere quaeris?
Nil respondentem,
sed adhuc latitare putantem,
nido detractum
eum dilaniavit.
Et non longo tempore
proditione laetatur;
ipse mortem subit
quam pullis intulit.
Exemplo vulturis,
linguam frenare memento,
tu quicumque
sceleris gravis conscius es.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) showing a bedraggled vulture:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Aeger et implumis · fractusque senilibus annis,
aeger sick/ill, infirm; unsound, injured; painful, grievous; corrupt; sad/sorrowful
et and, and even; also, even
implumis unfledged
frango break, shatter, crush; dishearten, subdue, weaken; move, discourage
senilis senile, aged
annus year; age, time of life; year's produce; circuit, course

clam rapuit pullos || vultur edax aquilae;
clam without knowledge of, unknown to; concealed/secret from
rapio drag off; snatch; destroy; seize, carry off; pillage; hurry
pullus chicken, young hen
vultur vulture
edax greedy, rapacious, voracious, gluttonous; devouring, consuming, destructive
aquila eagle; gable/pediment; kind of fish

Eius et in nido · iacuit veteranus, ut illic
is he/she/it/they; DEMONST: that, he/she/it, they/them
et and, and even; also, even
in into; about, in the mist of; according to, after; for; to, among
nidus nest
jaceo lie; lie down; lie ill/in ruins/prostrate/dead; sleep; be situated
veteranus old, veteran
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
illic in that place, there, over there

pro pullis aleret || nescia mater eum.
pro on behalf of; before; in front/instead of; for; about; according to; as, like
pullus chicken, young hen
alo feed, nourish, rear, nurse, suckle; cherish; support, maintain, develop
nescius unaware, not knowing, ignorant
mater mother, foster mother; lady, matron; origin, source, motherland, mother city
is he/she/it/they; DEMONST: that, he/she/it, they/them

Contigit ut voluit sibi, · nempe diu latitavit;
contingo touch; reach; border on, be connected with; affect, hit; take hold, seize
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
se reflexive; -self
nempe truly, certainly, of course
diu a long/considerable time/while; long since
latito keep hiding oneself, remain in hiding, be hidden; lie low; lurk

fallax nutricem || servus habet dominam.
fallax deceitful, treacherous; misleading, deceptive; false, fallacious; spurious
nutrix nurse
servus slave; servant
habeo have, hold, consider, think, reason; manage, keep; spend/pass
domina mistress of a family, wife; lady, lady-love; owner

Crescentis mirata moras, · tristissima nutrix
cresco come forth/to be; arise/spring; be born; become visible/great; grow
miror be amazed/surprised/bewildered; look in wonder/awe/admiration at
moveo move, stir, agitate, affect, provoke, disturb
tristis sad, sorrowful; gloomy;
nutrix nurse

hunc voluit nido || pellere saepe suo.
hic this; these
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
nidus nest
pello beat; drive out; push; banish, strike, defeat, drive away, rout
saep eoften, oft, oftimes, many times, frequently
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs

Obstitit incepto pietas, · ignaraque fraudis
obsto oppose, hinder
inceptum beginning, undertaking
pietas responsibility, sense of duty; loyalty; tenderness, goodness; pity; piety
ignarus ignorant; unaware, having no experience of; senseless; strange
fraus fraud; trickery, deceit; imposition, offense, crime; delusion

naturae totas || imputat illa moras.
natura nature; birth; character
totus whole, all, entire, total, complete; every part; all together/at once
imputo charge, enter as debt/credit; take into account; impute, ascribe; lay to charge
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former
mora delay, hindrance, obstacle; pause

Forte die quadam, · dum volvit magna repente
fors chance; luck, fortune; accident
dies day; daylight; open sky; weather
quidam a certain thing
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
magnus large/great/big/vast/huge; much; powerful; tall/long/broad; extensive/spacious
repente suddenly, unexpectedly

tempestas, mundum || terruit et tonitrus,
tempestas season, time, weather; storm
mundus universe, heavens; world, mankind; toilet/dress, ornament, decoration
terreo frighten, scare, terrify, deter
et and, and even; also, even
tonitrus thunder

Sub quercu iacuit · Iovis armiger, aeris omnis
sub under; up to, up under, close to; until, before, up to, about
quercus oak, oak-tree; oak wood/timber/object; oak leaf garland; sea-oak
jaceo lie; lie down; lie ill/in ruins/prostrate/dead; sleep; be situated
Juppiter Jupiter; heavens/sky
armiger bearing arms, armed; warlike, martial, of war/fighting; producing armed men
aer air; atmosphere, sky; cloud, mist, weather; breeze; odor
omnis each, every, every one; all; all/the whole of

donec transiret || impetus atque minae;
donec while, as long as, until
transeo go over, cross
impetus attack, assault, charge; attempt; impetus, vigor; violent mental urge, fury
atque and, as well/soon as; together with; and moreover/even; and too/also/now; yet
mina threats (pl.), menaces; warning signs, evil omens/pronostications

Imbribus ut pulsis · rediit lux fervida solis,
imber rain, shower, storm; shower of liquid/snow/hail/missiles; water
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
pello beat; drive out; push; banish, strike, defeat, drive away, rout
redeo return, go back, give back; fall back on, revert to; respond, pay back
lux light, daylight, light of day; life; world; day
fervidus glowing; boiling hot; fiery, torrid, roused, fervid; hot blooded
sol sun

clamavit, pennas || excutiens madidas:
clamo proclaim, declare; cry/shout out; shout/call name of; accompany with shouts
penna feather, wing
excutio shake out or off; cast out; search, examine
madidus wet, moist; dripping, juicy; sodden, drenched; drunk, tipsy; steeped in

Non est visa mihi · tempestas tam violenta,
non not, by no means, no
sum be; exist
video see, look at; consider; seem, seem good, appear, be seen
ego I
tempesta sseason, time, weather; storm
tam so, so much; to such an extent/degree; nevertheless, all the same
violentus violent, vehement, impetuous, boisterous

aetas saepe licet || sit renovata mea.
aetas lifetime, age, generation; period; stage, period of life, time, era
saepe often, oft, oftimes, many times, frequently
licet although, granted that
sum be; exist
renovo renew, restore; revive
meus my; mine, of me, belonging to me; my own; to me

Longe maiorem vidi, · respondit ineptus
longe far, distant, a long way; by far; for a long while, far
magnus large/great/big/vast/huge; much; powerful; tall/long/broad; extensive/spacious
video see, look at; consider; seem, seem good, appear, be seen
respondeo answer
ineptus silly, foolish; having no sense of what is fitting

vultur, et, his dictis, || mox trepidus latuit.
vultur vulture
et and, and even; also, even
hic this; these
dictum words/utterance/remark; one's word/promise; saying/maxim; bon mot, witticism
mox soon, next
trepidus nervous, jumpy, agitated; perilous, alarming, frightened; boiling, foaming
lateo lie hidden, lurk; live a retired life, escape notice

Respondisse ferunt aquilam: · Cum nemo priorem
respondeo answer
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
aquila eagle; gable/pediment; kind of fish
cum with, together/jointly/along/simultaneous with, amid; supporting; attached
nemo no one, nobody
prior ahead, in front, leading; previous, earlier, preceding, prior; former; basic

gignere se possit, || me prior esse potes!
gigno give birth to, bring forth, bear; beget; be born
se reflexive; -self
possum be able, can
ego I
prior ahead, in front, leading; previous, earlier, preceding, prior; former; basic
sum be; exist
possum be able, can

Exi; responde, · quid quaeris, inepte, latere,
exeo come/go/sail/march/move out/forth/away, leave; pass, expire/perish/die
respondeo answer
quid why
quaero search for, seek, strive for; obtain; ask, inquire, demand
ineptus silly, foolish; having no sense of what is fitting
lateo lie hidden, lurk; live a retired life, escape notice

cum sis ipse tuo || proditus indicio?
cum with, together/jointly/along/simultaneous with, amid; supporting; attached
sum be; exist
ipse himself/herself/itself; the very/real/actual one; in person; themselves
tuus your
prodo project, thrust forward; bring forth, produce, give birth to; create; nominate
indicium evidence; information, proof; indication

Nil respondentem, · sed adhuc latitare putantem,
niln othing; no; trifle/thing not worth mentioning; nonentity; nonsense; no concern
respondeo answer
sed but, but also; yet; however, but in fact/truth; not to mention; yes but
adhuc thus far, till now, to this point; hitherto; yet, as yet; still; besides
latito keep hiding oneself, remain in hiding, be hidden; lie low; lurk
puto think, believe, suppose, hold; reckon, estimate, value; clear up, settle

nido detractum || dilaniavit eum.
nidus nest
detraho drag/pull/strip/take down/away/off; remove; exclude, omit, cut out; subtract
dilanio tear to pieces; shred; rend/pull asunder
is he/she/it/they; DEMONST: that, he/she/it, they/them

Tempore nec longo · laetatur proditione;
tempus time, condition, right time; season, occasion; necessity
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
longu slong; tall; tedious, taking long time; boundless; far; of specific length/time
laetor be glad/joyful/delighted; rejoice; be fond, delight in; flourish
proditio treason, betrayal

mortem quam pullis || intulit, ipse subit.
mors death; corpse; annihilation
qui who, which
pullus chicken, young hen
infero bring/carry in, import; advance, bring/march/step/move foward; impel, urge
ipse himself/herself/itself; the very/real/actual one; in person; themselves
subeo go/move/pass/sink/extend underneath/into; climb/come/go up, ascend; steal in on

Vulturis exemplo · linguam frenare memento,
vultur vulture
exemplum example, sample, specimen; instance; precedent, case; warning, deterrent
lingua tongue; speech, language; dialect
freno brake, curb, restrain, check
memento remember; be mindful of

tu quicumque gravis || conscius es sceleris.
tu you
quicumque who/whatever, no matter who/what, in any time/way, however small
gravis heavy; painful; important; serious; pregnant; grave, oppressive, burdensome
conscius conscious, aware of, knowing, privy; sharing knowledge; guilty
sum be; exist
scelus crime; calamity; wickedness, sin, evil deed

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Delphinus et Neptunus (Alciato)

2009-07-05T07:08:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Ranae et Lepores (Nequam)

2009-07-04T22:36:00.003-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 138.

Nequam 34: DE LEPORIBUS ET RANIS

Turbati fremitu · venatorumque canumque,
confugere leves || ad fluvium lepores,
Ut se deiicerent · et praecipitando necarent,
saepe timor timidos || ne cruciaret eos.
Horum littoreae · metuentes agmina ranae,
omnes in fluvium || prosiliere suum.
Tunc unus leporum · fertur dixisse: Timemus,
nec quoque nos solos || nunc metus exagitat.
Ut nos maiores, sic nos metuere minores,
proque necaturis || se saliendo necant.
Ergo revertamur, communia perpetiamur;
vivere non ullus || absque timore potest.
Non metus hic anget · nos semper; credo, redibit
tranquillum tempus, || laetitiaeque dies.
Hoc monet adversis · rebus ne deficiamus;
nam persaepe solent || aspera laeta sequi.

Prose paraphrase:

Lepores leves,
fremitu et venatorum et canum
turbati,
ad fluvium confugere,
ut, praecipitando,
se deiicerent et necarent,
ne timor
saepe eos timidos cruciaret.
Ranae littoreae,
horum agmina metuentes,
omnes
in fluvium suum prosiliere.
Tunc
unus leporum
fertur dixisse:
Timemus,
et nunc
metus quoque
non nos solos exagitat.
Sic ut nos metuere maiores,
minores metuere nos,
et
pro necaturis
se necant saliendo.
Ergo revertamur,
communia perpetiamur;
nam
absque timore
non ullus vivere potest.
Hic metus
non semper nos anget;
credo,
tempus tranquillum redibit,
et dies laetitiae.
Hoc monet
ne deficiamus
rebus adversis;
nam persaepe
laeta solent
aspera sequi.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a Renaissance edition of Aesop:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Equus et Homo (Nequam)

2009-07-04T22:21:00.003-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 269.

Nequam 26: DE EQUO ET HOMINE

Fortis equus cervum · nimis oderat, et tamen illum
cornibus armatum || vincere non poterat.
Venatoris opem · tandem petit et sibi cervum
praepinguem blande || supplicat ut capiat,
Et iubet ipse sibi · frenum sellamque parari,
et de praedictis || quid fieret docuit.
Dicta placent; vir scandit equum, · cervumque fugacem
per sata, per campos, || per nemus insequitur,
Et tamen evasit · velox sine vulnere cervus,
ut qui non aliquo || pondere pressus erat.
Iam sudore fluens, · defessus et ilia ducens,
vix hominis pondus || ferre valebat equus.
Ergo gemens hominem · descendere saepe precatur,
ut liber solito || vivere more queat.
Ille refert: Te sponte tua · mihi subposuisti,
exhinc ut domino || subditus esto mihi!
Ora reluctantis · torquebunt frena; flagellis
nolentem cogam || te mea iussa sequi.
Quisquis vindictam · nimiam cupit audiat ista,
ne, dum vult hostem || perdere, se perimat!

Prose paraphrase:

Equus fortis
cervum nimis oderat,
et tamen
illum, cornibus armatum,
vincere non poterat.
Tandem
venatoris opem petit
et blande supplicat
ut sibi capiat
cervum praepinguem,
et ipse iubet
sibi frenum et sellam parari,
et docuit
quid fieret
de praedictis.
Dicta placent;
vir equum scandit,
et cervum fugacem
per sata,
per campos,
per nemus insequitur,
et tamen
cervus velox evasit
sine vulnere,
ut qui
non pressus erat
pondere aliquo.
Equus,
iam sudore fluens,
defessus, et ilia ducens,
vix hominis pondus ferre valebat.
Ergo, gemens,
saepe precatur
hominem descendere,
ut liber vivere queat
more solito.
Ille refert:
Sponte tua
mihi te subposuisti,
exhinc mihi esto
ut domino subditus!
Frena
ora reluctantis torquebunt;
flagellis
te nolentem cogam
mea iussa sequi.
Quisquis
vindictam nimiam cupit
audiat ista
ne se perimat,
dum hostem perdere vult!

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Francis Barlow:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Hirundo et Aves Aliae (Nequam)

2009-07-04T15:29:00.005-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 39.

Nequam 18: DE RUSTICO ET PROGNE

Rusticus in culto · linum cum severet agro,
sollers progne videns || rettulit hoc avibus,
Et monet evelli · nocituri semina lini.
Contempsere leves || consilium volucres.
Nata seges fuerat, · rursus persuadet hirundo
evelli segetem || pennigeris nocuam,
Ne de maturo · facientes retia lino
fallaces homines || decipiant volucres.
Incaute referuntur aves · risisse, nec ullam
curam venturis || opposuisse malis
Retia progne timens, · volucrum consortia fugit
humanasque domos || absque timore colit.
Eius consilium · quia despexere salubre
retibus incaute || decipiuntur aves.
Sic mala qui nolunt · sibi praemonstrata cavere,
quando superveniunt, || sero cavere volunt.

Prose paraphrase:

Cum rusticus
in agro culto
linum severet,
progne sollers
hoc videns
avibus rettulit
et monet
lini nocituri semina evelli.
Volucres leves
consilium contempsere.
Seges
nata fuerat,
rursus
hirundo
pennigeris persuadet
segetem nocuam evelli,
ne homines fallaces,
de lino maturo
retia facientes
volucres decipiant.
Aves referuntur
incaute risisse,
et non curam ullam
malis venturis opposuisse.
Progne,
retia timens,
volucrum consortia fugit
et absque timore
domos humanas colit.
Quia
eius consilium salubre despexere
aves
incaute retibus decipiuntur.
Sic qui nolunt
mala sibi praemonstrata cavere,
quando superveniunt,
sero cavere volunt.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by the French illustrator Aractingy:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Coming soon.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Membra et Venter (Trinity)

2009-07-04T11:47:00.000-04:00

Source: This poem was composed by the anonymous "Trinity Master" who published a lovely little book in 1852 setting Latin fables in prose side-by-side with his verse compositions; read the book at Google Books.

Other Versions: For more versions, see Perry 130.

23. MEMBRA ET VENTER

Plebs Romana sacrum ad Montem secessit ab urbe;
Quos inter fortis || coepit Agrippa loqui:
Membra querebantur de segni cetera Ventre,
Omne ministerium || corporis esse suum:
Quippe sibi fuerant curae durique labores;
Ēsse licet Ventri || laetitiisque frui.
Nec mora; festinant certum coniungere foedus;
Sub certa leges || conditione ferunt.
Amplius haud epulas Manus admoveret ad ora;
Accipere Os nollet, || Dens laniare cibum.
Interea, Ventrem dum perdomuisse volebant,
Omne perit corpus || Membraque cuncta simul.
Inde ministerium discunt nec inutile Ventris.
Pars reliquis iustam || quaeque ministrat opem.

Prose paraphrase:

Plebs Romana
ab urbe secessit
ad Montem sacrum;
Inter Romanos
Agrippa fortis
loqui coepit:
Membra cetera
de Ventre segni querebantur:
omne ministerium corporis
suum esse;
quippe
curae sibi fuerant
et labores duri.
Ventri ēsse licet
et laetitiis frui.
Nec mora:
certum foedus
coniungere festinant;
leges ferunt
sub certa conditione.
Manus
haud amplius
epulas admoveret ad ora;
cibum
Os accipere nollet,
Dens laniare nollet.
Interea, dum
Ventrem perdomuisse volebant,
omne Corpus et cuncta Membra
simul perit.
Inde discunt
Ventris ministerium non inutile esse.
Pars quaeque
opem iustam
reliquis ministrat.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Francis Barlow:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Plebs Romana sacrum ad Montem secessit ab urbe;
plebs common people, general citizens, commons/plebeians; lower class/ranks; mob/mass
romanus Roman
sacer sacred, holy, consecrated; accursed, horrible, detestable
ad to, up to, towards; near, at; until, on, by; almost; according to; about w/NUM
mons mountain; huge rock; towering heap
secedo withdraw; rebel; secede
ab by, from; after
urbs city; City of Rome

Quos inter fortis || coepit Agrippa loqui:
qui who, which
inter between, among; during
fortis strong, powerful, mighty, vigorous, firm, steadfast, courageous, brave, bold
coepio begin, commence, initiate; set foot on
Agrippa Agrippa
loquor speak, tell; talk; mention; say, utter; phrase

Membra querebantur de segni cetera Ventre,
membrum member, limb, organ; male genital member; apartment, room; section
queror complain; protest, grumble, gripe; make formal complaint in court of law
de down/away from, from, off; about, of, concerning; according to; with regard to
segnis slow, sluggish, torpid, inactive; slothful, unenergetic; slow moving, slow
ceterus the other; the others. the remaining/rest, all the rest
venter stomach, womb; belly

Omne ministerium || corporis esse suum:
omnis each, every, every one; all; all/the whole of
ministerium office, attendance, service, employment, body of helpers; occupation, work
corpus body; person, self; virility; flesh; corpse; trunk; frame; collection/sum
sum be; exist
suus his/one's, her, hers, its; their, theirs

Quippe sibi fuerant curae durique labores;
quippe of course; as you see; obviously; naturally; by all means
se reflexive; -self
sum be; exist
cura concern, worry, anxiety, trouble; attention, care, pains, zeal; cure, treatment
duru shard, stern; harsh, rough, vigorous; cruel, unfeeling, inflexible; durable
labor labor/toil/exertion/effort/work; task/undertaking; production; childbirth

Esse licet Ventri || laetitiisque frui.
edo eat/consume/devour; eat away; destroy; spend money on food
licet it is permitted, one may; it is all right, lawful, allowed, permitted
venter stomach, womb; belly
laetitia joy/happiness; source of joy/delight; fertility; fruitfulness; floridity
fruor enjoy, profit by, delight in

Nec mora; festinant certum coniungere foedus;
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
mora delay, hindrance, obstacle; pause
festino hasten, hurry
certus fixed, settled, firm; certain; trusty/reliable; sure; resolved, determined
conjungoc onnect, join/yoke together; marry; connect/compound
foedus treaty, league, formal agreement, alliance; P:peace, amity

Sub certa leges || conditione ferunt.
sub under; up to, up under, close to; until, before, up to, about
certus fixed, settled, firm; certain; trusty/reliable; sure; resolved, determined
lego read; gather, collect; furl, weigh; pick out
conditio agreement/contract; terms, proposal/option; situation
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get

Amplius haud epulas Manus admoveret ad ora;
amplus great, large, spacious, wide, ample; distinguished, important, honorable
haud not, not at all, by no means; not
epulac ourses, food, dishes of food; dinner; banquet; feast for the eyes
manus hand, fist; team; gang, band of soldiers; handwriting; trunk
admove omove up, bring up/near; lean on, conduct; draw near, approach; apply, add
ad to, up to, towards; near, at; until, on, by; almost; according to; about w/NUM
os mouth, speech, expression; face; pronunciation

Accipere Os nollet, || Dens laniare cibum.
accipio take, grasp, receive, accept, undertake; admit, let in, hear, learn; obey
os mouth, speech, expression; face; pronunciation
nolo be unwilling; wish not to; refuse to
dens tooth; tusk; ivory; tooth-like thing, spike; destructive power, envy, ill will
lanio tear, mangle, mutilate, pull to pieces
cibus food; fare, rations; nutriment, sustenance, fuel; eating, a meal; bait

Interea, Ventrem dum perdomuisse volebant,
interea meanwhile
venter stomach, womb; belly
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
perdomo tame/subdue thoroughly, break in; conquer/subjugate completely
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will

Omne perit corpus || Membraque cuncta simul.
omnis each, every, every one; all; all/the whole of
pereo die, pass away; be ruined, be destroyed; go to waste
corpus body; person, self; virility; flesh; corpse; trunk; frame; collection/sum
membrum member, limb, organ; male genital member; apartment, room; section
cunctus altogether, in a body; every, all, entire; total/complete; whole of
simul at same time; likewise; also; simultaneously; at once

Inde ministerium discunt nec inutile Ventris.
inde thence, thenceforth; from that place/time/cause; thereupon
ministerium office, attendance, service, employment, body of helpers; occupation, work
disco learn; hear, get to know, become acquainted with; acquire knowledge/skill of/in
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
inutilis useless, unprofitable, inexpedient, disadvantageous; harmful, helpless
venter stomach, womb; belly

Pars reliquis iustam || quaeque ministrat opem.
pars part, region; share; direction; portion, piece; party, faction, side
reliquus rest of/remaining/available/left; surviving; future/further; yet to be/owed
justus just, fair, equitable; right, lawful, justified; regular, proper
quisque each, each one; every, everybody, everything; whatever
ministro attend, serve, furnish; supply
ops power, might; help; influence; resources/wealth

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

De Vespertilione et Avibus (Nequam)

2009-07-04T10:04:00.008-04:00

Source: The fables of the medieval scholar and poet Alexander Nequam are available in several different editions at GoogleBooks.

Other Versions: See Perry 566.

Nequam 2: DE VESPERTILIONE ET AVIBUS

Quadrupedes et Aves · gererent dum bella furentes,
Et modo Quadrupedes, || nunc fugiunt Volucres,
Versutus Vespertilio · se iunxit utrisque,
Ut, quidquid fieret, || tutus utraque foret.
Auribus et mammis · se Quadrupedem simulabat:
Credi par alis || alitibus poterat.
Hac se fraude tegens · inter fera proelia tutus,
Fallebat stolidum || cautus utrumque genus.
Ut fraus nota fuit, · genus hunc abiecit utrumque,
Et merito placuit || ut neutrum neutri.
Hac re Quadrupedes · et Aves, dum vespere pensant,
Antiquae fraudis || conscius ipse fugit.
Sic qui se fallax, · nunc his, nunc ingerit illis,
Omnibus ingratus, || iure repulsus erit.

Prose paraphrase:

Dum quadrupedes et aves
bella gererent,
furentes,
et modo quadrupedes,
nunc volucres,
fugiunt,
vespertilio versutus
se iunxit utrisque,
ut, quidquid fieret,
tutus utrinque foret.
Se simulabat quadrupedem
auribus et mammis;
alis
par alitibus credi poterat.
Hac fraude
se tegens,
tutus
inter proelia fera,
cautus
utrumque genus stolidum fallebat.
Ut fraus nota fuit,
genus utrumque
hunc abiecit
et merito,
ut neutrum,
neutri placuit.
Hac re,
dum vespere
quadrupedes et aves pensant,
ipse fugit,
fraudis antiquae conscius.
Sic iure
repulsus erit,
omnibus ingratus,
qui
se fallax
ingerit
nunc his, nunc illis.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Walter Crane:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Quadrupedes et Aves · gererent dum bella furentes,
quadrupes four-footed
et and, and even; also, even
avis bird; sign, omen, portent
gero bear, carry, wear; carry on; manage, govern
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
bellum war, warfare; battle, combat, fight; war; military force, arms
furo rave, rage; be mad/furious; be wild

Et modo Quadrupedes, || nunc fugiunt Volucres,
et and, and even; also, even
modus manner, mode, way, method; rule, rhythm, beat, measure, size; bound, limit
quadrupes four-footed
nunc now, today, at present
fugio flee, fly, run away; avoid, shun; go into exile
volucris bird, flying insect/creature;

Versutus Vespertilio · se iunxit utrisque,
versutus full of stratagems or shifts wily cunning, adroit
vespertilio bat
se reflexive; -self
jungo join, unite; bring together, clasp; connect, yoke, harness
uterque either, each one, one and the other,

Ut, quidquid fieret, || tutus utraque foret.
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
quisquis whoever; every one who; whoever it be; everyone; each
fio happen, come about; result; take place, be held, occur, arise
tutus safe, prudent; secure; protected
uterque either, each one, one and the other,
sum be; exist

Auribus et magnis · se Quadrupedem simulabat:
auris ear; hearing; a discriminating sense of hearing,"ear"; pin on plow
et and, and even; also, even
mamma breast, udder
se reflexive; -self
quadrupes four-footed
simulo imitate, copy; pretend; look like; simulate; counterfeit; feint

Credi par alis || alitibus poterat.
credo trust, entrust; commit/consign; believe, trust in, rely on, confide; suppose
par equal; a match for; of equal size/rank/age; fit/suitable/right/proper
ala wing; upper arm/foreleg/fin; armpit; squadron, flank, army's wing
ales winged, having wings; swift/quick
possum be able, can

Hac se fraude tegens · inter fera proelia tutus,
hict his; these
se reflexive; -self
fraus fraud; trickery, deceit; imposition, offense, crime; delusion
tego cover, protect; defend; hide
inter between, among; during
ferus wild, savage; uncivilized; untamed; fierce
proelium battle/fight/bout/conflict/dispute; armed/hostile encounter; bout of strength
tutus safe, prudent; secure; protected

Fallebat stolidum || cautus utrumque genus.
fallo deceive; slip by; disappoint; be mistaken, beguile, drive away; fail; cheat
stolidus dull, stupid, insensible; brutish; inert
cautus cautious/careful; circumspect, prudent; wary, on guard; safe/secure; made safe
uterque either, each one, one and the other,
genus birth/descent/origin; race/family/house/stock/ancestry; offspring/descent

Ut fraus nota fuit, · genus hunc abiecit utrumque,
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
frausf raud; trickery, deceit; imposition, offense, crime; delusion
nosco get to know; learn, find out; become cognizant of/acquainted/familiar with
sum be; exist
genus birth/descent/origin; race/family/house/stock/ancestry; offspring/descent
hic this; these
abjicio throw/cast away/down/aside; abandon; slight; humble; debase; sell too cheaply
uterque either, each one, one and the other,

Et merito placuit || ut neutrum neutri.
et and, and even; also, even
merito deservedly; rightly
placeo please, satisfy, give pleasure to
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
neuter neither

Hac re Quadrupedes · et Aves, dum vespere pensant,
hic this; these
res thing; event/affair/business; fact; cause; property
quadrupes four-footed
et and, and even; also, even
avis bird; sign, omen, portent
dum while, as long as, until; provided that
vesper evening; evening star; west
penso weigh; pay/punish for; counterbalance, compensate; ponder, examine

Antiquae fraudis || conscius ipse fugit.
antiquus old/ancient/aged; time-honored; simple/classic; venerable; archaic/outdated
fraus fraud; trickery, deceit; imposition, offense, crime; delusion
conscius conscious, aware of, knowing, privy; sharing knowledge; guilty
ipse himself/herself/itself; the very/real/actual one; in person; themselves
fugio flee, fly, run away; avoid, shun; go into exile

Sic qui se fallax, · nunc his, nunc ingerit illis,
sic thus, so; as follows; in another way; in such a way
qui who, which
se reflexive; -self
fallax deceitful, treacherous; misleading, deceptive; false, fallacious; spurious;
nunc now, today, at present
hic this; these
nunc now, today, at present
ingero carry in, throw in; heap; force/thrust/throw upon
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former

Omnibus ingratus, || iure repulsus erit.
omnis each, every, every one; all; all/the whole of
ingratus unpleasant; ungrateful; thankless
iure by right, rightly, with justice; justly, deservedly;
repello drive/push/thrust back/away; repel/rebuff/spurn; fend off; exclude/bar; refute
sum be; exist

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Auceps et Dipsas (color-coded)

2009-07-03T13:06:00.000-04:00

AUCEPS ET DIPSAS. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Dum turdos visco, · pedica dum fallit alaudas,

Et iact(a) altivolam || figit arundo gruem,

Dipsada non prudens · auceps pede perculit: ultrix

Illa mal(i), emissum || virus ab ore iacit.

Sic obit, extento · qui sidera respicit arcu,

Securus fati, || quod iacet ante pedes.

Notes: None.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Puer Oves Pascens (Trinity)

2009-07-03T11:54:00.001-04:00

Source: This poem was composed by the anonymous "Trinity Master" who published a lovely little book in 1852 setting Latin fables in prose side-by-side with his verse compositions; read the book at Google Books.

Other Versions: For more versions, see Perry 210.

27. PUER OVES PASCENS

Tu verum colito: qui saepe fefellerit, isti
Postmodo non poterit, || quae prius, esse fides.
Mons fuit; inque iugis armentaque bucera servat
Forte Puer quidam || lanigerumque pecus.
Improbus, ut mos est pueris, "Succurrite," clamat
Saepius, "Agrestes: || en! lupus acer adest."
Nec mora: cultores subeunt operasque relinquunt.
Nempe ferus nusquam, || qui caperetur, erat.
Cum iuvenis demens ita saepe fefellit agrestes,
Ecce! Lupum tandem || prospicit inter oves.
Aethera tunc complet veris clamoribus, "Almi,
Auxilium, cives, || ferte repente mihi."
Decepti toties nolunt adiisse coloni;
Pastoremque simul || perdit et hostis oves.

Prose paraphrase:

Tu
verum colito:
qui saepe fefellerit,
postmodo
isti
non esse poterit
fides, quae prius.
Mons fuit;
et forte
Puer quidam
in iugis servat
et armenta bucera
et lanigerum pecus.
Improbus
saepius clamat,
ut mos est pueris,
"Succurrite, agrestes: en!
Lupus acer adest."
Nec mora:
cultores subeunt
et operas relinquunt.
Nempe
ferus nusquam erat,
qui caperetur.
Cum Iuvenis demens
ita saepe agrestes fefellit,
ecce!
tandem
inter oves
Lupum prospicit.
Tunc
clamoribus veris
aethera complet ,
"Cives almi,
repente
mihi auxilium ferte."
Coloni,
decepti toties,
adiisse nolunt;
et hostis
simul perdit
pastorem et oves.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Milo Winter:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Tu verum colito: qui saepe fefellerit, isti
tu you
verus true, real, genuine, actual; properly named; well founded; right, fair, proper
colo live in, inhabit; till, cultivate, promote growth; foster, maintain
qui who, which
saepe often, oft, oftimes, many times, frequently
fallo deceive; slip by; disappoint; be mistaken, beguile, drive away; fail; cheat
iste that, that of yours, that which you refer to; such

Postmodo non poterit, || quae prius, esse fides.
postmodo afterwards, presently, later
non not, by no means, no
possum be able, can
qui who, which
prius earlier, before, previously, first
sum be; exist
fides faith, loyalty; honesty; credit; confidence, trust, belief; good faith

Mons fuit; inque iugis armentaque bucera servat
mons mountain; huge rock; towering heap
sum be; exist
in in, on, at; in accordance with/regard to/the case of; within
jugum yoke; team, pair; ridge, summit, chain
armentum herd; a head of cattle, individual bull/horse; cattle/horses
bucerus ox-horned; horned
servo watch over; protect, store, keep, guard, preserve, save

Forte Puer quidam || lanigerumque pecus.
fors chance; luck, fortune; accident
puer boy, lad, young man; servant; child
quidam a certain thing
laniger wool-bearing, fleecy; woolly
pecus cattle, herd, flock

Improbus, ut mos est pueris, "Succurrite," clamat
improbus wicked/flagrant; morally unsound; greedy/rude; immoderate; disloyal; shameless
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
mos custom, habit; mood, manner, fashion; character, behavior, morals
sum be; exist
puer boy, lad, young man; servant; child
succurro run to the aid of, help
clamo proclaim, declare; cry/shout out; shout/call name of; accompany with shouts

Saepius, "Agrestes: || en! lupus acer adest."
saepe often, oft, oftimes, many times, frequently
agrestis rustic, inhabiting countryside; rude, wild, savage; of/passing through fields
en behold! see! lo! here! hey! look at this!
lupus wolf; grappling iron
acer sharp, bitter, pointed, piercing, shrill; sagacious, keen; severe, vigorous
assum be near, be present, be in attendance, arrive, appear; aid

Nec mora: cultores subeunt operasque relinquunt.
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
mora delay, hindrance, obstacle; pause
cultor inhabitant; husbandman/planter/grower; supporter; worshiper; who has interest
subeo go/move/pass/sink/extend underneath/into; climb/come/go up, ascend; steal in on
opera work, care; aid; service, effort/trouble
relinquo leave behind, abandon; be left, remain; bequeath

Nempe ferus nusquam, || qui caperetur, erat.
nempe truly, certainly, of course
ferusw ild, savage; uncivilized; untamed; fierce
nusquam nowhere; on no occasion
qui who, which
capio take hold, seize; grasp; take bribe; arrest/capture; put on; occupy; captivate
sum be; exist

Cum iuvenis demens ita saepe fefellit agrestes,
cum when, at the time/on each occasion/in the situation that; after; since/although
juvenis youth, young man/woman
demens out of one's mind/senses; demented, mad, wild, raving; reckless, foolish
ita thus, so; therefore
saepe often, oft, oftimes, many times, frequently
fallo deceive; slip by; disappoint; be mistaken, beguile, drive away; fail; cheat
agrestis rustic, inhabiting countryside; rude, wild, savage; of/passing through fields

Ecce! Lupum tandem || prospicit inter oves.
ecce behold! see! look! there! here!
lupus wolf; grappling iron
tandem finally; at last, in the end; after some time, eventually; at length
prospicio foresee; see far off; watch for, provide for, look out for
inter between, among; during
ovis sheep

Aethera tunc complet veris clamoribus, "Almi,
aether upper air; ether; heaven, sky; sky; space surrounding a deity
tunc then, thereupon, at that time
compleo fill; be big enough to fill; occupy space, crowd; furnish/supply/man
verus true, real, genuine, actual; properly named; well founded; right, fair, proper
clamor shout, outcry/protest; loud shouting, applause; clamor/noise/din
almus nourishing, kind, propitious; of a nurse/breast, providing nurture, fostering

Auxilium, cives, || ferte repente mihi."
auxilium help, assistance; remedy/antidote; supporting resource/force; auxiliaries
civis fellow citizen; countryman/woman; citizen, free person; a Roman citizen
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
repente suddenly, unexpectedly
ego I

Decepti toties nolunt adiisse coloni;
decipio cheat/deceive/mislead/dupe/trap; elude/escape notice; disappoint/frustrate/foil
toties as/so often, so many times, such a great number of times; that number of times
nolo be unwilling; wish not to; refuse to
adeo approach; attack; visit, address; undertake; take possession
colonus farmer, cultivator, tiller; tenant-farmer; settler, colonist; inhabitant

Pastoremque simul || perdit et hostis oves.
pastor shepherd, herdsman
simul at same time; likewise; also; simultaneously; at once
perdo ruin, destroy; lose; waste
et and, and even; also, even
hostis enemy; stranger, foreigner; the enemy
ovis sheep

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Auceps et Dipsas (Alciato)

2009-07-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Formica et Columba (Trinity)

2009-07-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Source: This poem was composed by the anonymous "Trinity Master" who published a lovely little book in 1852 setting Latin fables in prose side-by-side with his verse compositions; read the book at Google Books.

Other Versions: For more versions, see Perry 235.

30. FORMICA ET COLUMBA

Labitur infelix Formica caditque sub undas;
Forte petebat aquas || depositura sitim.
Quercus erat iuxta crebris densissima virgis:
Arbore despiciens || blanda Columba sedet.
Continuo ramum quercus de culmine frangit:
Decidit in fontis || (nec mora) ramus aquas:
Illa tenens, mox in tutum se laeta recepit:
Nec tamen immerito || gratia talis erat.
Ecce! Petens praedam per silvas advenit auceps,
Et calamos, queis sit || capta Columba, parat.
Illud percipiens calcem Formica momordit
Aucupis; ignarae || ferre volebat opem.
Inde repentino morsu vir concitus, arma
Deiicit; et strepitu || territa fugit avis.

Prose paraphrase:

Formica infelix
labitur et cadit sub undas;
forte
petebat aquas,
sitim depositura.
Quercus,
crebris virgis densissima,
iuxta erat:
Columba, blanda despiciens,
arbore sedet.
continuo
de quercus culmine
ramum frangit:
ramus
in fontis aquas decidit
(nec mora):
mox
illa laeta tenens
tutum in se recepit:
nec tamen immerito
talis gratia erat:
ecce!
auceps, praedam petens,
per silvas advenit,
et parat calamos,
queis Columba capta sit.
Formica,
illud percipiens,
aucupis calcem momordit;
ignarae opem ferre volebat.
Inde repentino
vir,
morsu concitus,
arma deiicit,
et avis, strepitu territa,
fugit.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) by Aractingy:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Labitur infelix Formica caditque sub undas;
labor slip, slip and fall; slide, glide, drop; perish, go wrong
infelix unfortunate, unhappy, wretched; unlucky, inauspicious; unproductive
formica ant
cado fall, sink, drop, plummet, topple; be slain, die; end, cease, abate; decay
sub under; up to, up under, close to; until, before, up to, about
unda wave

Forte petebat aquas || depositura sitim.
fors chance; luck, fortune; accident
peto attack; aim at; desire; beg, entreat, ask; reach towards, make for
aqua water; sea, lake; river, stream; rain, rainfall, rainwater; spa; urine
depono put/lay down/aside/away; let drop/fall; give up; resign; deposit/entrust/commit
sitis thirst

Quercus erat iuxta crebris densissima virgis:
quercus oak, oak-tree; oak wood/timber/object; oak leaf garland; sea-oak
sum be; exist
juxta nearly; near, close to, near by, hard by, by the side of; just as, equally
creber thick/crowded/packed/close set; frequent/repeated, constant; numerous/abundant
densus thick/dense/solid; crowded/thick planted/packed/covered
virga twig, sprout, stalk; switch, rod; staff, wand; stripe/streak; scepter

Arbore despiciens || blanda Columba sedet.
arbor tree; tree trunk; mast; oar; ship; gallows; spearshaft; beam; squid?
despicio look down on/over; relax attention; disdain, despise; express contempt for
blandus flattering, coaxing; charming, pleasant; smooth, gentle; alluring, attractive
columba pigeon; dove
sedeo sit, remain; settle; encamp

Continuo ramum quercus de culmine frangit:
continuo immediately, forthwith, at once, without delay/intermission; continuously
ramus branch, bough
quercus oak, oak-tree; oak wood/timber/object; oak leaf garland; sea-oak
de down/away from, from, off; about, of, concerning; according to; with regard to
culmen height/peak/top/summit/zenith; roof, gable, ridge-pole; head, chief; "keystone"
frango break, shatter, crush; dishearten, subdue, weaken; move, discourage

Decidit in fontis || (nec mora) ramus aquas:
decido detach, cut off/out/down; fell; cut/notch/carve to delineate; flog thoroughly
in into; about, in the mist of; according to, after; for; to, among
fons spring, fountain, well; source/fount; principal cause; font; baptistry
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
mora delay, hindrance, obstacle; pause
ramus branch, bough
aqua water; sea, lake; river, stream; rain, rainfall, rainwater; spa; urine

Illa tenens, mox in tutum se laeta recepit:
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former
teneo hold, keep; comprehend; possess; master; preserve
mox soon, next
ini nto; about, in the mist of; according to, after; for; to, among
tutus safe, prudent; secure; protected
se reflexive; -self
laetus happy/cheerful/joyful/glad; favorable/propitious; prosperous/successful
recipio keep back; recover; undertake; guarantee; accept, take in; take back

Nec tamen immerito || gratia talis erat.
nec nor, and..not; not..either, not even
tamen yet, nevertheless, still
immerito unjustly; without cause
gratia popularity/esteem/credit; partiality/favoritism; unpopularity
talis such; so great; so excellent; of such kind
sum be; exist

Ecce! Petens praedam per silvas advenit auceps,
ecce behold! see! look! there! here!
peto attack; aim at; desire; beg, entreat, ask; reach towards, make for
praeda booty, loot, spoils, plunder, prey
per through; during; by, by means of
silva wood, forest
advenio come to, arrive; arrive at, reach, be brought; develop, set in, arise
auceps bird-catcher, fowler; bird seller, poulterer; spy, eavesdropper

Et calamos, queis sit || capta Columba, parat.
et and, and even; also, even
calamus reed, cane; reed pen; reed/pan pipe; arrow; fishing pole; stalk; sweet flag
queis = quibus - qui who, which
sum be; exist
capio take hold, seize; grasp; take bribe; arrest/capture; put on; occupy; captivate
columba pigeon; dove
paro prepare; furnish/supply/provide; produce; obtain/get; buy; raise; put up; plan

Illud percipiens calcem Formica momordit
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former
percipio secure, gain; perceive, learn, feel
calx heel; spur; pad; forefeet; kick; butt
formica ant
mordeo bite; sting; hurt, pain; vex; criticize, carp at; eat, consume; bite/cut into

Aucupis; ignarae || ferre volebat opem.
auceps bird-catcher, fowler; bird seller, poulterer; spy, eavesdropper
ignarus ignorant; unaware, having no experience of; senseless; strange
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
ops power, might; help; influence; resources/wealth

Inde repentino morsu vir concitus, arma
inde thence, thenceforth; from that place/time/cause; thereupon
repentinus sudden, hasty; unexpected
morsus bite, sting; anguish, pain; jaws; teeth
vir man; husband; hero; person of courage, honor, and nobility
concieo move, set in violent motion, stir up; muster; rouse, excite, incite, provoke
armum arms, weapons, armor, shield; close fighting weapons; equipment; force

Deiicit; et strepitu || territa fugit avis.
dejicio throw/pour/jump/send/put/push/force/knock/bring down; cause to fall/drop; hang
eta nd, and even; also, even
strepitus noise, racket; sound; din, crash, uproar
terreo frighten, scare, terrify, deter
fugio flee, fly, run away; avoid, shun; go into exile
avis bird; sign, omen, portent

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Canis et Luna (Alciato)

2009-07-02T08:57:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Lupi et Oves (Trinity)

2009-07-01T11:19:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Capra et Lac (Alciato)

2009-07-01T08:01:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Tauri et Leo (Trinity)

2009-06-30T08:23:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Caecus et Claudus (Alciato)

2009-06-30T08:01:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Milvus Viscera Comedens (color-coded)

2009-06-29T16:34:00.002-04:00

MILVUS VISCERA COMEDENS. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Milvus edax, nimiae · quem nausea torserat escae,

Hei mihi, mater, ait, || viscer(a) ab ore fluunt.

Ill(a) autem, Quid fles? · Cur haec tua viscera credas,

Qui rapto vivens || sol(a) aliena vomis?

Notes: None.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Musca et Currus (color-coded)

2009-06-29T16:31:00.002-04:00

PUER ET FUR. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

In rapidi radio · currus fors Musca sedebat;

Progrediente rota || plurima pulvis erat.

Continuo clamat · iactanter Musca pusilla,

"En! equidem quantum || pulveris ipse cio."

Notes: None.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Puer et Fur (color-coded)

2009-06-29T16:23:00.003-04:00

PUER ET FUR. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Fontibus est puteum · vivis; ibi forte sedebat

Flens Puer; ac Furi, || cur fleat ipse, refert:

"Flere mihi fas est; · nam, ruptis funibus, eheu!

Aurea sub laevas || urna subivit aquas."

Dixerat: extemplo · direptis vestibus aurum

Fur avidus sibi vult, || in puteumque micat.

Vas ubi non reperit, mox se fert rursus in auras;

Haud Puer, haud vestis, || quam tueatur, adest.

Notes: None.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Corvus et Scorpion (color-coded)

2009-06-29T15:06:00.003-04:00

CORVUS ET SCORPION. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Raptabat volucres · captum pede corvus in auras

Scorpion, audaci || praemia parta gulae.

Ast ill(e) infuso · sensim per membra veneno,

Raptor(em) in Stygias || compulit ultor aquas.

O risu res dign(a) aliis qui fata parabat,

Ipse perit, propriis || succubuitque dolis.

Notes: In the fifth line, the better caesura would be in the fourth foot, but for the purposes of the color coding here, I have marked it in the third foot.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Haedus et Lupus (color-coded)

2009-06-29T14:45:00.003-04:00

HAEDUS ET LUPUS. More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Est monitis semper · reverentia danda parentis:

Consilium, iuvenes, || mente tenete senum.

Iamqu(e) erat orta dies, · Haedum cum clausit in aula

Capra; frui nemoris || frondibus ipsa parat.

Discessu sobolem · monuit tamen anxia mater,

"Pande fores nulli, || donec eg(o) ipsa voco."

Haec Lupus audierat; · mox pulsat et imperat Haedo,

Voce Capram simulans; || "Heus, bone, solve seras."

"Ianua clausa," refert · per rimas ille, "manebit:

Voce vocor Caprae || prospicioque Lupum."

Notes: None.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Anguillas captans (color-coded)

2009-06-29T14:34:00.003-04:00

ANGUILLAS CAPTANS.

More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Anguillas quisquis · captat, si limpida verrat

Flumina, s(i) illimes || ausit adire lacus,

Cassus erit, ludet·qu(e) operam: mult(um) excitet ergo

Si cret(ae), et vitreas || palmula turbet aquas,

Dives erit: sic iis · res publica turbida lucr(o) est,

Qui pac(e), arctati || legibus, esuriunt.

Notes: It is also possible to consider the third line to have a fourth-foot caesura; for the purposes of this color-coding system, I have chosen to mark it in the third foot.

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Leo et Capella (color-coded)

2009-06-29T14:26:00.002-04:00

LEO ET CAPELLA.

More information about this poem and about the color-coding.

Forte Leo vidit · restant(em) in rupe Capellam:

Scilicet huc illuc || ardua rupis erat.

"Editiore loco · descendas," callidus ille

Incipit; "in campo || dulcior herba viret."

"At locus est," ait haec, · "gratus; mihi pabula rupis

Laeta minus praebet, || tuta sed ista placent."

Notes: Given the choice, I tend to read ait as two syllables in dactylic verse. What do others do?

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Color-Coding Meter

2009-06-29T14:03:00.006-04:00

One of the biggest problems that students face with meter is that they get lost in the details of the feet, without seeing the overall shape of the line. By color-coding the distinct parts of the hexameter and pentamenter lines, perhaps I can make those parts appear more clearly to the students.

Here are the principles I will be following

1) I'll be working with "typical" verse lines only, which is to say that the hexameter line will have its caesura in the third foot, and that it will have a dactyl for the fifth foot. In particular, the marking is much more clear when there is a diaeresis at the juncture of the fourth and fifth foot. It's good for students to become familiar with this standard kind of couplet; they can learn about less commonly found metrical patterns later on.

2) RED for double dactyl. For the first three feet of the hexameter line, I will use red to mark a double dactyl, including the first element of the third foot. Likewise, I will use red to mark a double dactyl in a pentameter hemistich. For the third and fourth foot of the hexameter line, I will also use red to mark a double dactyl (although the first element of the third foot will not be marked, coming as it does before the caesura).

3) BLUE for dactyl-spondee. For the first three feet of the hexameter line, I will use blue to mark a dactyl-spondee, including the first element of the third foot. Likewise, I will use blue to mark a dactyl-spondee in a pentameter hemistich. For the third and fourth foot of the hexameter line, I will also use blue to mark a dactyl-spondee (although the first element of the third foot will not be marked, coming as it does before the caesura).

4) GREEN for spondee-dactyl. For the first three feet of the hexameter line, I will use green to mark a spondee-dactyl, including the first element of the third foot. Likewise, I will use green to mark a spondee-dactyl in a pentameter hemistich. For the third and fourth foot of the hexameter line, I will also use green to mark a spondee-dactyl (although the first element of the third foot will not be marked, coming as it does before the caesura).

5) BROWN for spondee-spondee. For the first three feet of the hexameter line, I will use purple to mark a spondee-spondee, including the first element of the third foot. Likewise, I will use purple to mark a spondee-spondee in a pentameter hemistich. For the third and fourth foot of the hexameter line, I will also use purple to mark a spondee-spondee (although the first element of the third foot will not be marked, coming as it does before the caesura).

For more samples, look at the posts labeled as "colorcoded" for meter: Color-Coding Meter.

Sample poem: RUSTICUS ET HERCULES (more information)

Altius in caeno · plaustrum fort(e) haesit Agrestis;

Difficilis longo || facta vi(a) imbre fuit.

Segnis at Alciden · precibus petit: "O! Deus," inquit,

"Dexter ades nobis || auxiliumque refer."

"Quid tibi nobiscum?" Sic torvus reddidit ille,

"Ex aliis quid opes || auxiliumque rogas?

Incut(e) equis flagrum; · propria vi nititor ipse;

Si non profuerit, || fas et adire Deos."

Leo et Capella (Trinity)

2009-06-29T09:01:00.001-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Fiber (Alciato)

2009-06-29T08:02:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Rusticus et Hercules (Trinity)

2009-06-28T11:21:00.003-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Capra et Lupus (Alciato)

2009-06-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Lines to Remember

2009-06-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

As part of my long-term project not just to collect but to compose fables in elegiac verse, I am consulting the good old 19th-century Latin verse composition handbooks for advice. In Versiculi: A Latin Elegiac Verse Book by J.H. Raven, the author states that "no one can be expected to achieve any success whatever, unless he is perfectly familiar with, and can readily quote from at least some hundred lines of Latin poetry." So, in that spirit, I'm going to try to find a few couplets every day that seem to me worth committing to memory.

Rusticus et Hercules (Trinity): (lines)
Incute equis flagrum: propria vi nititor ipse;
Si non profuerit, || fas et adire Deos."

Capra et Lupus (Alciato):
Capra, lupum non sponte meo · nunc ubere lacto,
Quod male pastoris || provida cura iubet.

Taurus et Hircus (Trinity):
"Non tua frons horrenda mihi, non, improbe, cornu.
Qui sequitur, solus || territat iste Leo."

Asinus Rubum Comedens:
Namque asinus dorso · pretiosa obsonia gestat,
Seque rubo, aut dura || carice pauper alit.

Cerva et Vitis (Trinity):
Tum moriens dixit, "Nocuit mea culpa merenti;
Id, quo tutus eram, || vulnere saeva peto."

Haedus et Lupus (Trinity):
"Ianua clausa," refert · per rimas ille, "manebit:
Voce vocor Caprae || prospicioque Lupum."

Asinus in Pelle Leonis (Trinity):
Ipsum cognoscas; noli simulare, quod haud es;
Utere contentus, || quod tibi sorte datum est.

Corvus et Scorpion (Alciato):
Ast ille infuso · sensim per membra veneno,
Raptorem in Stygias || compulit ultor aquas.

Puer et Fur (Trinity):
Vas ubi non reperit, mox se fert rursus in auras;
Haud Puer, haud vestis, || quam tueatur, adest.

Mus et Ostrea (Alciato):
Deprensum et tetro · tenuerunt carcere furem,
Semet in obscurum || qui dederat tumulum.

Musca et Currus (Trinity):
Continuo clamat · iactanter Musca pusilla,
"En! equidem quantum || pulveris ipse cio."

Milvus Viscera Comedens (Alciato):
Illa autem, Quid fles? Cur haec tua viscera credas,
Qui rapto vivens || sola aliena vomis?

Thunnus et Delphinus (Osius):
Ergo cum pereas · uno discrimine mecum,
Non mea nunc adeo || mors mihi tristis erit.

Anas Perfida (Alciato):
Perfida cognato · se sanguine polluit ales,
Officiosa aliis, || exitiosa suis.

Taurus et Mus (Trinity):
Parvula ne spernas; te Mus impune lacesso,
A minimo laesus || maximus," inquit," eras.

Taurus et Hircus (Trinity)

2009-06-27T11:38:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Cucurbita et Pinus (Alciato)

2009-06-27T08:01:00.002-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Asinus Rubum Comedens

2009-06-26T08:01:00.002-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Cerva et Vitis (Trinity)

2009-06-26T07:31:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Anguillas captans (Alciato)

2009-06-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Haedus et Lupus (Trinity)

2009-06-24T07:56:00.002-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Asinus in Pelle Leonis (Trinity)

2009-06-24T07:53:00.003-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Corvus et Scorpion (Alciato)

2009-06-24T07:30:00.002-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Puer et Fur (Trinity)

2009-06-23T08:17:00.004-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Mus et Ostrea (Alciato)

2009-06-23T08:00:00.003-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Ollae Duae (Alciato)

2009-06-22T09:05:00.002-04:00

Source: The emblems of Alciato, with a convenient bilingual presentation online at Memorial University, and a marvelous collection of illustrated editions at Glasgow.

Other Versions: For other versions see Perry 378.

Emblem 166: ALIQUID MALI PROPTER VICINUM MALUM

Raptabat torrens · ollas, quarum una metallo,
Altera erat figuli || terrea facta manu.
Hanc igitur rogat · illa, velit sibi proxima ferri,
Iuncta ut praecipites || utraque sistat aquas.
Cui lutea: Haud nobis · tua sunt commercia curae,
Ne mihi proximitas || haec mala multa ferat.
Nam seu te nobis, seu nos tibi conferat unda,
Ipsa ego te fragilis || sospite sola terar.

Prose paraphrase:

Torrens
ollas raptabat,
quarum una
metallo,
altera terrea erat,
figuli manu facta.
Illa igitur
hanc luteam rogat
velit sibi proxima ferri,
ut utraque iuncta
aquas praecipites sistat.
Cui lutea:
Tua commercia
haud nobis curae sunt,
ne haec proximitas
multa mala mihi ferat.
nam
seu unda
te nobis conferat,
seu nos tibi,
ego fragilis
ipsa sola terar,
te sospite.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a 1542 edition of the emblems:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Raptabat torrens ollas, quarum una metallo,
rapto drag violently off; ravage
torrens torrent, rushing stream
olla pot, jar
qui who, which
unus alone, a single/sole; some, some one; only; one set of
metallum metal; mine; quarry

Altera erat figuli || terrea facta manu.
alter one; second/another; former/latter
sum be; exist
figulus potter; maker of earthenware vessels
terreus one born of the earth
facio make/build/construct/create/cause/do; have built/made; fashion; work
manus hand, fist; team; gang, band of soldiers; handwriting; trunk

Hanc igitur rogat illa, velit sibi proxima ferri,
hic this; these
igitur therefore, so/then; consequently; accordingly; well/in that case
rogo ask, ask for; invite; introduce
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will
se reflexive; -self
proximus nearest/closest/next; most recent, immediately preceding, last; most/very like
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get

Iuncta ut praecipites || utraque sistat aquas.
junctus connected in space, adjoining, contiguous; closely related/associated
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
praeceps head first, headlong; steep, precipitous
uterque each (of two), both
sisto stop, check; cause to stand; set up
aqua water; sea, lake; river, stream; rain, rainfall, rainwater; spa; urine

Cui lutea: Haud nobis tua sunt commercia curae,
qui who, which
luteus yellow; saffron; of mud or clay; good for nothing
haud not, not at all, by no means; not
nos we
tuus your
sum be; exist
commercium trade/traffic/commerce; commercial/sex intercourse/relations
cura concern, worry, anxiety, trouble; attention, care, pains, zeal; cure, treatment

Ne mihi proximitas || haec mala multa ferat.
ne that not, lest
ego I
proximitas near relationship; resemblance; similarity
hic this; these
malus bad, evil, wicked; ugly; unlucky
multus much, many, great, many a; large, intense, assiduous; tedious
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get

Nam seu te nobis, seu nos tibi conferat unda,
nam for, on the other hand; for instance
seu or if; or
tu you
nos we
confero bring together, carry/convey; collect/gather, compare; unite, add; direct/aim
unda wave

Ipsa ego te fragilis || sospite sola terar.
ipse himself/herself/itself; the very/real/actual one; in person; themselves
ego I
tu you
fragilis brittle, frail; impermanent
sospes safe and sound; auspicious
solus only, single; lonely; alone, having no companion/friend/protector; unique
tero rub, wear away, wear out; tread;

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Musca et Currus (Trinity)

2009-06-22T08:00:00.003-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.

Milvus Viscera Comedens (Alciato)

2009-06-21T14:44:00.005-04:00

This poem by Alciato has been moved to the ICTIBUS FELICIBUS blog.

Thunnus et Delphinus (Osius)

2009-06-21T09:54:00.005-04:00

Source: Hieronymus Osius.

Other Versions: For variations on this fable, Perry 113.

Fable 190. THUNNUS ET DELPHINUS

Delphinum fugiens, qui sese pone fatigat,
Thunnus agi praeceps || coeperat inter aquas.
Maximus in terram · sic ut ferat impetus ambos,
Delphino moriens || hinc ita Thunnus ait:
Ergo cum pereas · uno discrimine mecum,
Non mea nunc adeo || mors mihi tristis erit.
Te necis auctorem · nostrae quia mutua perdunt
Fata, mori tecum || promptior esse velim.
Qui fert immerito · mala, tum patientior horum est,
Auctores pariter || cum videt illa pati.

Prose paraphrase:

Thunnus,
Delphinum fugiens,
qui pone sese fatigat,
inter aquas
praeceps agi coeperat,
ut impetus maximus
sic in terram ambos ferat,
hinc
Thunnus moriens
ita Delphino ait:
ergo cum mecum pereas
uno discrimine,
nunc adeo mea mors
non mihi tristis erit.
quia mutua fata
te, nostrae necis auctorem, perdunt,
mori tecum promptior esse velim.
qui immerito mala fert,
tum horum patientior est,
cum auctores videt
pariter illa pati.

Image. Here is the illustration of the fable (image source) from a 19th-century edition of the fables:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Delphinum fugiens, qui sese pone fatigat,
delphinus dolphin; ornament shaped like a dolphin; constellation
fugio flee, fly, run away; avoid, shun; go into exile
qui who, which
se reflexive; -self
pone behind
fatigo weary, tire, fatigue; harass; importune; overcome

Thunnus agi praeceps || coeperat inter aquas.
thunnus tuna fish
ago drive/urge/conduct/act; spend; thank; deliver
praeceps head first, headlong; steep, precipitous
coepio begin, commence, initiate; set foot on
inter between, among; during
aqua water; sea, lake; river, stream; rain, rainfall, rainwater; spa; urine

Maximus in terram sic ut ferat impetus ambos,
magnus large/great/big/vast/huge; much; powerful; tall/long/broad; extensive/spacious
in into; about, in the mist of; according to, after; for; to, among
terra earth, land, ground; country, region
sic thus, so; as follows; in another way; in such a way
ut to, in order that/to; how, as, when, while; even if
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
impetus attack, assault, charge; attempt; impetus, vigor; violent mental urge, fury
ambo both; two of pair; two considered together, both parties; each of two

Delphino moriens || hinc ita Thunnus ait:
delphinus dolphin; ornament shaped like a dolphin; constellation
morior die, expire, pass/die/wither away/out; fail, come to an end; decay
hinc from here, from this source/cause; hence, henceforth
ita thus, so; therefore
thunnus tuna fish
aio say, assert; say yes/so, affirm, assent; prescribe/lay down

Ergo cum pereas uno discrimine mecum,
ergo therefore; well, then, now
cum with, together/jointly/along/simultaneous with, amid; supporting; attached
pereo die, pass away; be ruined, be destroyed; go to waste
unus alone, a single/sole; some, some one; only; one set of
discrimen crisis, separating line, division; distinction, difference
ego I

Non mea nunc adeo || mors mihi tristis erit.
non not, by no means, no
meus my; mine, of me, belonging to me; my own; to me
nunc now, today, at present
adeo to such a degree/pass/point; precisely, exactly; thus far; indeed, truly, even
mors death; corpse; annihilation
ego I
tristis sad, sorrowful; gloomy
sum be; exist

Te necis auctorem nostrae quia mutua perdunt
tu you
nex death; murder
auctor seller, vendor; originator; historian; authority; proposer, supporter; founder
noster our
quia because
mutuus borrowed, lent; mutual, in return
perdo ruin, destroy; lose; waste

Fata, mori tecum || promptior esse velim.
fatum utterance, oracle; fate, destiny; natural term of life; doom, death, calamity
morior die, expire, pass/die/wither away/out; fail, come to an end; decay
tu you
promptus set forth, brought forward, manifest, disclosed; willing, ready, eager, quick
sum be; exist
volo wish, want, prefer; be willing, will

Qui fert immerito mala, tum patientior horum est,
qui who, which
fero bring, bear; tell/speak of; consider; carry off, win, receive, produce; get
immerito unjustly; without cause
malus bad, evil, wicked; ugly; unlucky
tum moreover
patiens patient/long-suffering; tolerant/easy-going; submissive/liable/susceptible to
hic this; these
sum be; exist

Auctores pariter || cum videt illa pati.
auctor seller, vendor; originator; historian; authority; proposer, supporter; founder
pariter equally; together
cum when, at the time/on each occasion/in the situation that; after; since/although
video see, look at; consider; seem, seem good, appear, be seen
ille that; those; also DEMONST; that person/thing; the well known; the former
patior suffer; allow; undergo, endure; permit

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Aethiops (Alciato)

2009-06-20T10:07:00.005-04:00

Source: The emblems of Alciato, with a convenient bilingual presentation online at Memorial University, and a marvelous collection of illustrated editions at Glasgow.

Other Versions: For other versions of the story of "washing the Aethiopian," see Perry 393. You can also find the saying in Erasmus's Adagia: "Aethiopem dealbas."

Emblem 59: IMPOSSIBILE

Abluis Aethiopem · quid frustra? Ah desine: noctis
Illustrare nigrae || nemo potest tenebras.

Prose paraphrase:

Quid frustra
Aethiopem abluis?
Ah desine:
nemo potest
noctis nigrae tenebras illustrare.

Image. Here's an illustration for the fable (image source) from a 1621 edition of the emblems:

Word list thanks to NoDictionaries.com:

Abluis Aethiopem quid frustra? Ah desine: noctis
abluo wash away/off/out, blot out, purify, wash, cleanse; dispel; quench
Aethiops Ethiopian, of/connected with Ethiopia/Sudan/central Africa
quid why
frustra in vain; for nothing, to no purpose
ah exclamation expressing surprise/irony
desino stop/end/finish, abandon/leave/break off, desist/cease; come to/at end/close
nox night

Illustrare nigrae || nemo potest tenebras.
illustro illuminate, light up; give glory; embellish; make clear, elucidate; enlighten
niger black, dark; unlucky
nemo no one, nobody
possum be able, can
tenebra darkness, obscurity; night; dark corner; ignorance; concealment; gloom

Aesop's Fables in Latin now available at Amazon.com.

Accipiter et Rusticus (Trinity)

2009-06-20T09:58:00.006-04:00

This poem has moved to the Ictibus Felicibus blog.