14.05.27: Level 1-2 (review); Julia (a Latin Reader) [13] (4)

Geminī intereā prope flūminis rīpam ā servīs relictī erant. Mārs autem fīliōrum nōn immemor erat; lupam ad geminōs mīsit. Lupa, ubi puerōs vīdit, bonam benignamque sē praebuit; nōn enim puerōs necāvit, sed in tūtum locum portāvit; deinde lac geminīs, sīcut parvulōs suīs dabat.

Posteā, ubi maiōrēs erant geminī, nec iam cūram dēsīderābant, pāstōrēs petīvērunt, et inter pāstōrēs diū vītam rūsticam agēbant. Ā pāstōribus Rōmulus Remusque vocātī sunt; nihil autem dē orīgine suā sciēbant.

agō, -ere [3]: lead

lac, lactis [3/n]: milk

lupa, -ae [1/f]: she-wolf

māior, -ius: greater

orīgō, -inis [3/f]: origin

pastor, -ōris [3/m]: shepherd

posteā: afterwards

sīcut: just as

____________________

Meanwhile the twins had been left by the slaves near the bank of the river. Mars, however, was not forgetful of his sons; he sent a she-wolf to the twins. The she-wolf, when she saw the boys, showed herself good and kindly disposed; for she did not kill the boys, but carried them to a safe place; then she gave milk to the twins, just as to her own little ones.

Afterwards, when the twins were older, and no longer required care, they sought out shepherds, and among the shepherds for a long time were leading a country life. By the shepherds they were called Romulus and Remus; they knew, however, nothing about their origin.

10.05.27: Level 1-2 (review); Julia (a Latin Reader) [13] (3)

Amūliō, ubi in rēgiā sedēbat, cīvēs hanc rem nūntiāvērunt. Tum vērō rēx īrā et timōre vehementer commōtus est. Itaque servīs perterritīs, "Hanc fēminam," inquit, "ad Tiberis rīpās dūcite et in undās iacite; perfida mulier perfidiae poenās dabit. Geminōs quoque ad flūminis rīpās apportāte, sed puerōs nōn ego necābō. Puerōs in rīpā relinquite; lupīs fortasse cibum praebēbunt."

Servī igitur Rhēam Silviam ad flūmen dūxērunt et in undās iēcērunt. Sed Tiberīnus pater misericordiā et amōre commōtus est. "Mea uxor," inquit, "haec puella erit; semper inter undās meās tūta et laeta mēcum habitābit." Itaque Rhēa Silvia nōn necāta sed cōnservāta est.

Post multōs annōs ubi flūminis undae per agrōs effundēbantur, et frūmentum vīneāsque prōsternēbant, tum Rōmānī, "Ecce!" inquiunt, "etiam nunc īrātus est Tiberīnus pater, quod nōs tam crūdēliter Rhēam Silviam, flūminis uxōrem, ex urbe expulimus."

commoveō, -ēre [2]: move

____________________

To Amulius, when he was sitting in the palace, the citizens announced this matter. Then indeed the king was moved very greatly by anger and fear. Therefore to his terrified slaves he said, "Lead this woman to the banks of the Tiber and throw her into the waves; the treacherous woman shall pay the penalties for her treachery. Bring the twins also to the banks of the river, but I shall not kill the boys. Leave the boys on the bank; perhaps they will provide food for the wolves."

Therefore the slaves led Rhea Silvia to the river and threw her into the waves. But Father Tiberinus was moved by pity and love. "This girl shall be my wife," he said; "she will always live with me, safe and happy, among my waters." And so Rhea Silvia was not killed but saved.

After many years, when the waters of the river were pouring themselves over the fields and were laying low the cornfields and the vineyards, then the Romans said, "Look! Even now Father Tiberinus is angry, because we drove Rhea Silvia, the wife of the river, out of the city so cruelly."

06.05.27: Level 1-2 (review); Julia (a Latin Reader) [13] (2)

Amūlius igitur urbem iam regēbat. Sed Albae Longae puella erat, Rhēa Silvia nōmine, Numitōris fīlia. Hanc puellam timēbat Amūlius, quod iūstī rēgis fīlia erat, et omnēs cīvēs virginem amābant. "Sī huic puellae," inquit, "fīlius erit, omnēs cīvēs nōn mē sed puerum iūstum rēgem putābunt. Nēmō igitur virginem in mātrimōnium dūcet, sed ignem sacrum cum virginibus sacrīs per tōtam vītam cūrābit."

Mārs autem rēgis verba audīvit et rīsit. "Nōn ita," inquit, "rēx scelerātus fātum vītābit. Ego Rhēae Silviae marītus erō; mox puellae īnfantēs erunt, fīliī meī; ubi hī puerī adolēscentēs erunt, tum vērō Amūlius fātum suum sentiet." Nec falsa deus praedīxit. Mox Rhēa Silvia geminōs, Mārtis fīliōs, in gremiō tenēbat.

geminī, -ōrum 2/n/pl]: twins

iustus, -a, -um: just; rightful

praedīcō, -ere [3]: foretell

rideō, -ere [2]: laugh

vītō, -āre [1]: avoid

____________________

Amulius therefore was now ruling the city. But at Alba Longa there was a girl, Rhea Silvia by name, the daughter of Numitor. This girl Amulius feared, because she was the daughter of the rightful king, and all the citizens loved the maiden. "If this girl has a son," he said, "all the citizens will think not me but the boy the rightful king. Therefore no one will lead the maiden into marriage, but throughout her whole life she will look after the sacred fire with the sacred virgins."

Mars, however, heard the king's words and laughed. "Not thus," he said, "will the wicked king escape fate. I shall be the husband of Rhea Silvia; soon the girl will have infants, my sons; when these boys are grown up, then indeed Amulius will feel his fate." Nor did the god foretell falsely. Soon Rhea Silvia was holding twin sons, the sons of Mars, in her lap.

01.05.27: Level 1-2 (review); Julia (a Latin Reader) [13] (1)

RŌMULUS ET REMUS

In Forō Rōmānō ruīnae sunt templī Vestae rotundī, nec procul Virginum Vestālium domus. Hae virginēs omnium Rōmānārum sacerrimae putābantur, quod ignem sacrum in templō rotundō cūrābant. Hunc ignem Aenēās, Rōmānōrum pater, Troiā dīligentissimē apportāverat. Omnium Virginum Vestālium nōtissima erat Rhēa Silvia, Rōmulī Rēmīque māter. Haec nōn Rōmae sed Albae Longae habitābat, nōndum enim Rōma aedificāta erat.

Aenēās, ubi ad Italiam vēnit, paucōs annōs in hīs regiōnibus habitābat, et tandem ā Dīs Immortālibus ad caelum vocātus est. Deinde Ascanius, Aenēae fīlius, Albam Longam, urbem parvam, aedificāvit, et ibi multōs annōs laetus rēgnābat. Post Ascaniī mortem, aliī deinceps rēgēs rēgnābant. Ex hīs rēgibus Numitor bene benignēque urbem regēbat, et bona iūra cīvibus dabat.

Sed Numitōrī frāter erat, ferōx crūdēlisque vir, Amūlius nōmine. Hic comitēs cōpiāsque collēgit, et contrā frātrem exercitum dūxit. Diū et ācriter pugnābant frātrēs, sed Numitōris mīlitēs hostium impetum nōn sustinēbant, et fugā salūtem petīvērunt. Itaque Numitor ē rēgnō ā frātre expulsus est.

[i]

Aenēas, -ae [1/m]: Aeneas, a Trojan prince who founded the Roman race

Alba Longa, -ae [1/f]: Alba Longa, a city in Latium

Amūlius, -ī [2/m]: Amulis, a king of Alba Longa

Ascanius, -ī [2/m]: Ascanius, the son of Aeneas

Numitor, -ōris [3/m]: Numitor, a king of Alba Longa

Remus, -ī [2/m]: Remus, the brother of Romulus

Rhea Silvia, -ae [1/f]: Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus

Vesta, -ae [1/f]: Vesta, the goddess of the hearth

fuga, -ae [1/f]: flight

salūs, -tis [3/f]: safety; welfare

[ii]

benignē: kindly

hic, haec, hoc: this

nōn dum (nōndum): not yet

____________________

In the Roman Forum there are the ruins of the round Temple of Vesta, and not far away the House of the Vestal Virgins. These virgins were considered the holiest of all Roman women, because they looked after the sacred fire in the round temple. This fire Aeneas, the father of the Romans, had brought most carefully from Troy. Of all the Vestal Virgins, the best known was Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus. She lived not at Rome but at Alba Longa, for Rome had not yet been built.

Aeneas, when he came to Italy, lived in these regions for a few years, and at last was called to heaven by the Immortal Gods. Then Ascanius, the son of Aeneas, built Alba Longa, a small city, and there ruled happily for many years. After the death of Ascanius, other kings ruled in succession. Of these kings Numitor ruled the city well and kindly, and gave good laws to the citizens.

But Numitor had a brother, a fierce and cruel man, by name Amulius. He gathered companions and troops, and led an army against his brother. For a long time and fiercely the brothers fought, but the soldiers of Numitor could not withstand the attack of the enemy, and sought safety by flight. And so Numitor was driven out of the kingdom by his brother.

26.04.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [12] (2)

MŪSAE ET CICĀDAE (2)

Mūsae, simul ac in vallem dēscendērunt, carmina mīra et dīvīna cecinērunt. Argūtae sunt Mūsārum vōcēs, nec per tōtum orbem terrārum dulcior est sonitus quam cantus deārum; nōn tam suāviter avēs in summīs arboribus canunt, ubi vēre āera cantibus mulcent.

Mīrō sonitū dēlectātī sunt incolae. Diū Mūsae canēbant; diū incolae, cēterārum rērum immemorēs, stupēbant; nec ad cibum nec ad quiētem tempus capiēbant. Multōs diēs, multās noctēs deae canēbant, et māne, ubi Aurōra croceum Tīthōnī lectum relinquit, et sērō, ubi vesper stēllās in caelum redūcit. Ita incolae cēnae prandiīque immemorēs, mīrum sonitum audiēbant. Itaque propter carminum dīvīnōrum amōrem in diēs languēscēbant.

Tandem Mūsae incolās iam tenuissimōs animadvertērunt, et misericordiae plēnae in cicādās viridēs convertērunt. Cicādae igitur, etiam nunc carminum dīvīnōrum memorēs, tōtum diem cantant.

[i]

aēr, aēris [3/m]: air

Aurōra, -ae [1/f]: Aurora, goddess of the dawn

avis, -is [3/f]: bird

cantus, -ūs [4/m]: song

diēs, -ēī [5/m]: day; indiēs: from day to day

quiēs, quiētis [3/f]: rest, quiet

sonitus, -ūs [4/m]: sound

tempus, -oris [3/n]: time

Tīthōnus, -ī [2/m]: Tithonus, husband of the dawn goddess

vesper, -eris [3/m]: evening

[ii]

immemor, -oris: unmindful, forgetful

tenuis, -e: thin

[iii]

canō, canere [3]: sing

capiō, capere [3]: take

languescō, -ere [3]: languish, faint

mulceō, -ēre [2]: soothe

relinquō, -ere [3]: leave

stupeō, -ēre [2]: be amazed

[iv]

serō: late

suāviter: sweetly

____________________

As soon as they descended into the valley, the Muses sang wonderful and divine songs. The voices of the Muses are piercing, and throughout the whole world there is no sound sweeter than the song of the goddesses; nor do birds sing so sweetly in the tops of trees, when in spring they soothe the air with their songs.

The inhabitants were delighted by the wonderful sound. For a long time the Muses sang; for a long time the inhabitants, forgetful of other things, were amazed; they took no time for either food or rest. For many days and many nights the goddesses sang, both in the morning, when Aurora leaves Tithonus’ saffron bed, and in the evening, when dusk brings the stars back into the sky. Thus the inhabitants, forgetful of dinner and lunch, listened to the wondrous sound. And so, because of their love for the divine songs, they grew weaker day by day.

At last the Muses noticed that the inhabitants had become very thin, and full of pity they transformed them into green cicadas. Therefore the cicadas, even now mindful of the divine songs, sing throughout the whole day.

19.04.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [12] (1)

MŪSAE ET CICĀDAE (1)

Inter montēs Graecōs vallis iacēbat variīs flōribus laeta et omnium rērum fēcundissima. Dē montibus aquae frīgidae dēsiliēbant, et per campōs viridēs fluēbant. Multī gregēs, multa equōrum boumque armenta in agrīs clīvīsque errābant. Vallis montibus viridibus undique cingēbātur; nūllī viātōrēs eō intrābant, nec hieme, ubi montēs nive candidā teguntur, nec vēre, ubi hirundō argūta nīdum sub trabibus aedificat. Itaque incolae dē rēbus externīs nihil sciēbant, sed bene beātēque vīvēbant, nec cūrīs sollicitīs vexābantur.

Ad incolās in vallem ōlim dē caelō dēscendērunt Mūsae. Novem sunt Mūsae, poētārum carminumque deae. Ā Mūsīs omnēs hominum gentēs, sed in prīmīs poētae, cōnservantur et docentur.

[i]

hirundō, -inis [3/f]: swallow

mōns, montis [3/m]: mountain

nīdus, -ī [2/m]: nest

nix, nivis [3/f]: snow

vēr, vēris [3/n]: spring

[ii]

argūtus, -a, -um: shrill, clear

externus, -a, -um: outside, external

fēcundus, -a, -um: fruitful

frigidus, -a, -um: cold

varius, -a, -um: various, manifold

viridis, -e: green

[iii]

fluō, fluere [3]: flow

sciō, -īre [4]: know

vīvō, vīvere [3]: live

[iv]

beātē: happily

nihil: nothing

____________________

Among the Greek mountains lay a valley, rich in various flowers and most fertile in every kind of thing. Cold waters leapt down from the mountains and flowed through the green plains. Many flocks and many herds of horses and cattle wandered through the fields and hillsides.

The valley was surrounded on all sides by green mountains. No travellers entered it, neither in winter, when the mountains are covered with white snow, nor in spring, when the clear-voiced swallow builds its nest beneath the beams. Therefore the inhabitants knew nothing about foreign affairs, but lived well and happily, and were not troubled by anxious cares.

Once, the Muses descended from heaven to the inhabitants in the valley. There are nine Muses, the goddesses of poets and of songs. By the Muses all the races of mankind, but especially poets, are protected and instructed.

13.04.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [11] (3)

CȲRUS (3)

Māne igitur servī rogum ingentem parāvērunt et Croesum eō imposuērunt. Tum Croesus ubi calamitātem suam sēnsit, trīstī vultū gemitum ab īmō pectore dedit, et, Solōnis verbōrum memor, "Nōn falsa," inquit, "Solōn, vir sapiēns, dīxit. Ego mē omnium hominum beātissimum tot annōs putābam. Nunc autem nēmō per omnēs gentēs miserior est. Superbiae stultitiaeque poenās dō."

Cȳrus, ubi Croesī verba audīvit, et vultum trīstem animadvertit, misericordiae plēnus, "Et ego," inquit, "homō sum. Hodiē beātus sum, sed nōn semper fortasse rēs bene geram. Et ego fortasse veniam ā Dīs Immortālibus ōlīm petam. Captīvum igitur vinculīs flammīsque līberābō."

Sed iam servī facēs lūcidās ad trabēs porrēxerant; iam flammae rogum paene cingēbant. Croesus autem in summō perīculō manūs ad caelum Deōsque Immortālēs porrēxit. Apollō imbrem dē caelō serēnō mīsit, et aquam in rogum effūdit. Ita Cȳrus captīvum līberāvit, et multōs annōs Croesum cārum amīcum habēbat.

[i]

calamitās, -ātis [3/f]: calamity

fax, facis [3/f]: torch

pectus, -oris [3/n]: breast

superbia, -ae [1/f]: pride

vīnculum, -ī [2/n]: chain, fetter

[ii]

falsus, -a, -um: false

īmus, -a, -um: lowest

lūcidus, -a, -um: shining

memor, -oris: mindful

[iii]

animadvertō, -ere [3]: notice

cingō, -ere [3]: surround

effundō, -ere [3]: pour out

līberō, -āre [1]: set free

porrigō, -ere [3]: stretch out

[iv]

tot: so many

____________________

Accordingly, in the morning the slaves prepared a huge funeral pyre and placed Croesus upon it. Then, when Croesus realised his misfortune, he gave a groan from the depths of his heart with a sorrowful expression, and, remembering the words of Solon, said:

"Solon, a wise man, did not speak falsely. For so many years I thought myself the happiest of all men. But now no one among all nations is more wretched. I am paying the penalty for my pride and folly."

When Cyrus heard Croesus' words and noticed his sad expression, he was filled with pity.

"And I too," he said, "am a man. Today I am fortunate, but perhaps I shall not always prosper. I too may perhaps one day seek pardon from the Immortal Gods. Therefore I shall free the prisoner from his chains and from the flames."

But already the slaves had stretched blazing torches towards the timbers; already the flames were almost surrounding the pyre. Croesus, however, in the utmost danger, stretched his hands towards heaven and the Immortal Gods. Apollo sent rain from a clear sky and poured water upon the pyre. Thus Cyrus set the prisoner free, and for many years kept Croesus as a dear friend.

08.04.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [11] (2)

CȲRUS (2)

Post paucōs annōs Cȳrus, Persārum prīnceps, cōpiās in Mēdōrum agrōs dūxit, et tōtam regiōnem celeriter vīcit. Itaque et Mēdiae et Persiae, ingentis rēgnī, rēx erat.

Croesus, ubi cīvēs Cȳrī facta nūntiāvērunt, "Sī Cȳrus," inquit, "adhūc adolēscēns, tam celeriter Mēdōs superāvit, sine dubiō ego, rēx maximus dīvitissimusque, Cȳrum superābō."

Cōpiās igitur cito collēgit et in fīnitimōs agrōs dūxit. Sed nōn bene rem gessit. Nōn diū rēgis exercitus hostium impetum sustinēbat. Persae Croesī mīlitēs fugāvērunt. In Lȳdiam contendērunt et omnia loca ferrō et ignī vastāvērunt; hominēs necāvērunt; vīcōs et frūmentum incendērunt. Rēx perterritus rēgiam petīvit. Eō intrāvit Cȳrus. Cȳrus, vehementer īrātus, "Cūr, Ō Croese," rogāvit, "sine causā bellum in agrōs meōs intulistī? Tū igitur stultitiae tuae poenās gravissimās mihi dabis. Servī meī rogum ingentem trabibus validīs aedificābunt; tē in rogum impōnent; tum tē rogumque incendent."

Media, -ae [1/f]: Media, a country south of the Caspian Sea

[i]

cōpiae, -ārum [1/f pl.]: forces

ferrum, -ī [2/n]: iron, sword

impetus, -ūs [4/m]: attack

Medī, -ōrum [2/m pl.]: Medes

Persae, -ārum [1/m pl.]: Persians

rogus, -ī [2/m]: funeral pile

trabs, trabis [3/f]: beam

[ii]

maximus, -a, -um: greatest, very great

[iii]

colligō, -ere [3]: collect

gerō, -ere [3]: carry on; rem bene gerō: succeed

inferō, inferre: bring into, inflict on

nūntiō, -āre [1]: announce

superō, -āre [1]: overcome

sustineō, -ēre [2]: hold up, sustain

vastō, -āre [1]: devastate, destroy

____________________

After a few years Cyrus, leader of the Persians, led an army into the territory of the Medes and quickly conquered the whole region. Therefore he became king of both Media and Persia, a vast kingdom.

When the subjects of Cyrus reported these deeds, Croesus said:

"If Cyrus, still a young man, has conquered the Medes so quickly, then surely I, the greatest and richest of kings, shall conquer Cyrus."

Accordingly, he quickly gathered his forces and led them into the neighbouring territory. But he was not successful. The king's army did not withstand the enemy's attack for long. The Persians put Croesus' soldiers to flight. They advanced into Lydia and laid waste all places with fire and sword; they killed people and burned villages and grain crops. Terrified, the king made for the royal palace.

Cyrus entered it. Greatly angered, Cyrus asked:

"Why, O Croesus, did you without cause bring war upon my lands? Therefore you shall pay me the severest penalty for your folly. My slaves will build a huge funeral pyre from sturdy beams; they will place you upon the pyre; then they will set fire to both you and the pyre."

27.03.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [11] (1)

CȲRUS (1)

Ōlim in Lȳdiā rēgnābat rēx, Croesus nōmine, inter omnēs gentēs propter dīvitiās nōtus. Lȳdia Asiae regiō erat, Persiae fīnitima. Nec procul, trāns mare Aegaeum, Graecī incolēbant. Deōs Graecōs adōrābat Croesus, et saepe ad ōrāculum Delphicum dōna pretiōsissima mittēbat; aurum argentumque aliāsque rēs pretiōsissimās mittēbat, nam omnium rēgum erat dīvitissimus.

Itaque Graecī Croesum amābant, et saepe viātōrēs ad Lȳdiae ōram nāvigābant. Inter viātōrēs forte Solōn, vir sapientissimus, ad Croesī hospitium vēnit. Sapientior erat quam omnēs patriae suae cīvēs. Ubi dīvitiās Croesī et omnēs rēs pulcherrimās laudāvit, tum Croesus, "Ō hospes," inquit, "nōnne mē omnium hominum beātissimum vocās? Nōnne ego beātior sum quam omnēs patriae tuae cīvēs?"

Sed Solōn, "Ō Croese," respondit, "Hodiē sine dubiō beātus es; ōlim tamen fortasse cūrae gravissimae tē vexābunt. Nēminem, adhūc vīvum, beātum vocō.

Croesus, -ī [2/m]: Croesus, king of Lydia

Cyrus, -ī [2/m]: Cyrus, king of Persia

Lydia, -ae [1/f]: Lydia, a district of Asia Minor

Persia, -ae [1/f]: Persia

Solon, -onis [3/m]: Solon, an Athenian

[i]

argentum, -ī [2/n]: silver

aurum, -ī [2/n]: gold

cūra, -ae [1/f]: care

dīvitiae, -ārum [1/f pl.]: riches

viātor, -ōris [3/m]: traveller

[ii]

beātus, -a, -um: happy, prosperous

gravis, -e: heavy, grievous

sapiēns, -entis: wise

vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living

[iii]

respondeō, -ēre [2]: reply

vexō, -āre [1]: trouble, harass

[iv]

quam: than, how

____________________

Once upon a time in Lydia there ruled a king named Croesus, known among all nations because of his wealth. Lydia was a region of Asia bordering on Persia. Not far away, across the Aegean Sea, the Greeks lived. Croesus worshipped the Greek gods, and often sent very valuable gifts to the Delphic oracle; he sent gold and silver and other very valuable things, for he was the richest of all kings.

Therefore the Greeks were fond of Croesus, and travellers often sailed to the coast of Lydia. Among these travellers, by chance, came Solon, a very wise man, to the house of Croesus. He was wiser than all the citizens of his own country. When he had praised the wealth of Croesus and all his beautiful possessions, Croesus then said:

"O guest, do you not call me the happiest of all men? Am I not happier than all the citizens of your country?"

But Solon replied:

"O Croesus, today you are undoubtedly happy; one day, however, very serious troubles may perhaps afflict you. I call no one happy while he is still alive."

21.03.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [10] (5)

ĪPHIGENĪA (5)

Dīxit, et vultū serēnō ad āram prōcessit, et vītam cum sanguine fūdit. Ubi Graecī, misericordiae et amōris plēnī, virginem fortem vīdērunt, ex omnibus mīlitibus nēmō ferē lacrimās retinuit, sed omnēs gemitum profundum dedērunt.

Graecī igitur, simul ac Diānae nūmen virginis sanguine plācāvērunt, vēla candida ventō secundō dedērunt, et ad Asiae ōram nāvigāvērunt. Ibi multōs annōs Troiam vī et armīs frūstrā oppugnābant. Tandem, deōrum immortālium auxiliō, urbem incendērunt et praedam ingentem domum reportāvērunt. Helenam quoque Menelāus Spartam ad rēgiam redūxit.

Nōnne nōbilem praeclāramque virginem Īphigenīam putātis? Īphigenīam memoriā semper tenēte, nam prō patriā libenter ē vītā excessit. Nōnne aliī multī prō patriā ē vītā excessērunt? Multī et Graecī et Rōmānī et Britannī vītam prō patriā libenter dēdidērunt.

Sparta, -ae [1/f]: Sparta, a town in Greece

[i]

amor, -ōris [3/m]: love

auxilium, -ī [2/n]: help

gemitus, -ūs [4/m]: groan

[ii]

ingēns, -gentis: huge

[iii]

dēdō, -ere [3]: give up

fundō, -ere [3]: pour

putō, -āre [1]: think

[iv]

ferē: about, almost

nēmō, -inis: no one

 

____________________

She spoke, and with a calm expression went forward to the altar and poured out her life together with her blood. When the Greeks, full of pity and love, saw the brave maiden, almost no one among all the soldiers could hold back his tears, but all uttered a deep groan.

Accordingly, as soon as they had appeased Diana's divine power with the maiden's blood, the Greeks set their white sails before a favourable wind and sailed to the coast of Asia. There for many years they attacked Troy by force and arms, but in vain. At last, with the help of the immortal gods, they burned the city and carried a huge amount of booty home. Menelaus also brought Helen back to Sparta, to his palace.

Do you not think Iphigenia was a noble and illustrious maiden? Always keep Iphigenia in your memory, for she willingly gave up her life for her country. Have not many others also given up their lives for their country? Many Greeks, Romans, and Britons have willingly given their lives for their country.

13.03.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [10] (4)

ĪPHIGENĪA (4)

Itaque magnā spē Īphigenīa ad castrā Graecōrum vēnit. Simul ac rēgem vīdit, tum cito ad patrem cucurrit,et collō cārō bracchia candida dedit. Sed ubi maestum rēgis vultum vīdit, "Cūr," inquit, "mī pater, vultū maestō, capite dēmissō fīliam tuam salūtās? Nōnne libenter fīliam vidēs?"

Tum Agamemnōn tōtam rem nārrāvit. Ubi autem Īphigenīa dīrum ōrāculī respōnsum audīvit, tum vērō gelidus tremor per omnēs puellae artūs cucurrit. Humī sē prōstrāvit, et patris genua manūsque prehendit. Multīs lacrimīs veniam ōrāvit. "Numquamne," inquit, "chorus iuvenum domum ad marītum mē dūcent? Numquamne līberōs dulcēs vidēbō et parvulōs bracchiīs meīs tenēbō, sed innūpta ad Mānēs dēscendam?"

Sed ubi fātum fīxum immōtumque sēnsit, tum vērō animum ad mortem firmāvit et fortem nōbilemque puellam sē praebuit. "Nōn mortem," inquit, "sed ignāviam recūsō. Libenter ad Mānēs dēscendam; morte meā Graecōs mīlitēs et Graeciam patriam cōnservābō. Nōn innūpta, nōn sine līberīs dulcibus ad Īnferōs dēscendam. Hādēs mē in mātrimōnium dūcet; mīlitēs Graecī et Graecia patria mihi prō līberīs erunt. Ita et Īnferī et Superī mē in summō honōre habēbunt, quia libenter prō patriā ē vītā excesserō.”

Hādēs, -ae [1/m]: Hades, the god of the dead (The realm of the dead)

Mānēs, -ium [3/m pl]: departed spirits, gods of the dead

Superī, -ōrum [2/m pl]: the people above, i.e. the living or the gods

[i]

artūs, -uum [4/m pl]: limbs

bracchium, -ī [2/n]: arm

chorus, -ī [2/m]: band, group

collum, -ī [2/n]: neck

fātum, -ī [2/n]: fate

genu, -ūs [4/n]: knee

ignāvia, -ae [1/f]: cowardice

manus, -ūs [4/f]: hand

marītus, -ī [2/m]: husband

mors, mortis [3/f]: death

rēs, reī [5/f]: thing, affair

spēs, speī [5/f]: hope

tremor, -ōris [3/m]: trembling, tremor

venia, -ae [1/f]: favour, pardon

vultus, -ūs [4/m]: face, expression

[ii]

dēmissus, -a, -um: cast down

dulcis, -e: sweet

fixus, -a, -um: fixed

immōtus, -a, -um: motionless, immovable

innupta, -ae: unwedded

nōbilis, -e: noble, famous

[iii]

descendō, -ere [3]: go down

excēdō, -ere [3]: depart; ē vītā excēdō: die, depart out of life

praebeō, -ēre [2]: show, furnish, offer

prehendō, -ere [3]: seize

recūsō, -āre [1]: refuse

salūtō, -āre [1]: greet

sentiō, -īre [4]: feel, realize

[iv]

cūr: why

nōnne: an adverb, showing that the question expects the answer "yes"

simul: at the same time; simul āc: as soon as

____________________

Accordingly, Iphigenia came to the camp of the Greeks with great hope. As soon as she saw the king, she quickly ran to her father and threw her white arms around his dear neck. But when she saw the king's sorrowful expression, she said:

“Why, my father, do you greet your daughter with a sorrowful face and downcast head? Surely you are glad to see your daughter?”

Then Agamemnon told her the whole story. But when Iphigenia heard the dreadful answer of the oracle, a cold shudder ran through all the girl's limbs. She threw herself upon the ground and clasped her father's knees and hands. With many tears she begged for mercy.

“Will no band of young men ever lead me from home to a husband? Shall I never see sweet children and hold little ones in my arms, but instead descend unwedded to the spirits of the dead?”

But when she realized that her fate was fixed and unchangeable, she strengthened her mind for death and showed herself a brave and noble girl.

“It is not death that I refuse,” she said, “but cowardice. I shall gladly descend to the spirits of the dead; by my death I shall save the Greek soldiers and my fatherland, Greece. I shall not descend to the Underworld unwedded and without sweet children. Hades will take me in marriage; the Greek soldiers and my country Greece will be my children. Thus both those below and those above will hold me in the highest honour, because I shall willingly have given up my life for my country.”

08.04.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [11] (2)

CȲRUS (2)

Post paucōs annōs Cȳrus, Persārum prīnceps, cōpiās in Mēdōrum agrōs dūxit, et tōtam regiōnem celeriter vīcit. Itaque et Mēdiae et Persiae, ingentis rēgnī, rēx erat.

Croesus, ubi cīvēs Cȳrī facta nūntiāvērunt, "Sī Cȳrus," inquit, "adhūc adolēscēns, tam celeriter Mēdōs superāvit, sine dubiō ego, rēx maximus dīvitissimusque, Cȳrum superābō."

Cōpiās igitur cito collēgit et in fīnitimōs agrōs dūxit. Sed nōn bene rem gessit. Nōn diū rēgis exercitus hostium impetum sustinēbat. Persae Croesī mīlitēs fugāvērunt. In Lȳdiam contendērunt et omnia loca ferrō et ignī vastāvērunt; hominēs necāvērunt; vīcōs et frūmentum incendērunt. Rēx perterritus rēgiam petīvit. Eō intrāvit Cȳrus. Cȳrus, vehementer īrātus, "Cūr, Ō Croese," rogāvit, "sine causā bellum in agrōs meōs intulistī? Tū igitur stultitiae tuae poenās gravissimās mihi dabis. Servī meī rogum ingentem trabibus validīs aedificābunt; tē in rogum impōnent; tum tē rogumque incendent."

Media, -ae [1/f]: Media, a country south of the Caspian Sea

[i]

cōpiae, -ārum [1/f pl.]: forces

ferrum, -ī [2/n]: iron, sword

impetus, -ūs [4/m]: attack

Medī, -ōrum [2/m pl.]: Medes

Persae, -ārum [1/m pl.]: Persians

rogus, -ī [2/m]: funeral pile

trabs, trabis [3/f]: beam

[ii]

maximus, -a, -um: greatest, very great

[iii]

colligō, -ere [3]: collect

gerō, -ere [3]: carry on; rem bene gerō: succeed

inferō, inferre: bring into, inflict on

nūntiō, -āre [1]: announce

superō, -āre [1]: overcome

sustineō, -ēre [2]: hold up, sustain

vastō, -āre [1]: devastate, destroy

____________________

After a few years Cyrus, leader of the Persians, led an army into the territory of the Medes and quickly conquered the whole region. Therefore he became king of both Media and Persia, a vast kingdom.

When the subjects of Cyrus reported these deeds, Croesus said:

"If Cyrus, still a young man, has conquered the Medes so quickly, then surely I, the greatest and richest of kings, shall conquer Cyrus."

Accordingly, he quickly gathered his forces and led them into the neighbouring territory. But he was not successful. The king's army did not withstand the enemy's attack for long. The Persians put Croesus' soldiers to flight. They advanced into Lydia and laid waste all places with fire and sword; they killed people and burned villages and grain crops. Terrified, the king made for the royal palace.

Cyrus entered it. Greatly angered, Cyrus asked:

"Why, O Croesus, did you without cause bring war upon my lands? Therefore you shall pay me the severest penalty for your folly. My slaves will build a huge funeral pyre from sturdy beams; they will place you upon the pyre; then they will set fire to both you and the pyre."

06.03.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [10] (3)

ĪPHIGENĪA (3)

Rēx, ubi ōrāculī respōnsum audīvit, diū sēcum lacrimābat. "Est mihi domī," inquit, "fīlia cāra, Īphigenīa nōmine, sēdecim annōrum puella. Sine dubiō Diāna Īphigenīam victimam petit. Dīra et crūdēlis est dea; sed nōn sine dīs immortālibus ad urbem Trōiam nāvigābimus, et Helenam ex urbe perfidā domum reportābimus."

Nūntium igitur ad Clytaemnēstram, uxōrem suam, mīsit. "Ō Rēgīna," inquit, "fīliam nostrum ad nūptiās ōrnā, et cum fīdīs cūstōdibus ad portum mitte. Achillēs, vir fortis et praeclārus, virginem in mātrimōnium dūcet."

Clytaemnēstra, ubi rēgis dicta audīvit, magnō gaudiō fīliam ad nūptiās parāvit; gemmīs pretiōsīs, vestīmentīs pictīs, puellam ōrnāvit, et tandem cum fīdīs cūstōdibus ad portum mīsit.

Achillēs, -is [3/m]: Achilles, a Greek hero, who fought at Troy

Clytaemnestra, -ae [1/f]: Clytaemnestra, wife of Agamemnon

Īphigenīa, -ae [1/f]: Iphigeneia, daughter of Agamemnon

[i]

custōs, -ōdis [3 m/f]: guard, sentinel

dubium, -ī [2/n]: doubt

gemma, -ae [1/f]: jewel

mātrimōnium, -ī [2/n]: marriage

nuptiae, -ārum [1/f pl]: marriage

[ii]

fīdus, -a, -um: faithful

immortālis, -e: immortal

pretīōsus, -a, -um: precious

[iii]

audiō, -īre [4]: I hear

____________________

The king, when he heard the oracle's answer, wept to himself for a long time.

“I have at home,” he said, “a dear daughter, a girl of sixteen years, named Iphigenia. Without doubt Diana demands Iphigenia as a sacrifice. The goddess is dreadful and cruel; but we shall not sail to the city of Troy without the immortal gods, nor shall we bring Helen home from the treacherous city.”

Accordingly he sent a messenger to Clytaemnestra, his wife.

“O Queen,” he said, “dress our daughter for a wedding and send her to the harbour with trustworthy guards. Achilles, a brave and famous man, will take the maiden in marriage.”

When Clytaemnestra heard the king's words, she prepared her daughter for the wedding with great joy; she adorned the girl with precious jewels and embroidered garments, and at last sent her to the harbour with faithful guards.

28.02.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [10] (2)

ĪPHIGENĪA (2)

Menelāus, ubi hospitis perfidiam vīdit, ad frātrem contendit et omnia nārrāvit. Agamemnōn īrā terribilī exclāmāvit, "Perfidus est Paris; perfidum est tōtum Troiānōrum genus, sed perfidiae stultitiaeque poenās dabunt. Tōtum exercitum meum ad ōram maritimam convocābō; equitēs peditēsque in nāvēs impōnēmus, et terrā marīque Troiam oppugnābimus. Ita urbem scelerātam excidēmus et genus perfidum ad Īnferōs mittēmus. Praedam quoque multam nōs domum reportābimus. Tū quoque Helenam tēcum domum ad rēgiam tuam redūcēs."

Agamemnōn igitur tōtum exercitum ad portum convocāvit. Multī equitēs multī peditēs aderant; prīncipēs quoque omnēs ē tōtā Graeciā eō convēnērunt. Sed ventī adversī nāvēs in portū diū retinēbant. Itaque Agamemnōn nūntium ad ōrāculum Delphicum mīsit, et ā deō respōnsum petīvit. Trīste et terribile respōnsum dedit Apollō; "Propter īram Diāna nāvēs Graecās in portū retinet, nec ventōs secundōs dat. Numquam Graecī ad Asiam nāvigābunt nisi virginis sanguine deae nūmen plācāverint."

Apollo, -inis [3/m]: Apollo, god of the sun

Asia, -ae [1/f]: Asia

Delphicus, -a, -um: Delphic, belonging to Delphi

Diāna, -ae [1/f]: Diana, goddess of hunting and the moon

[i]

domus, -ūs [4/f]: house, home; domī: at home

exercitus, -ūs [4/m]: army

genus, -eris [3/n]: sort, kind, race

ōrāculum, -ī [2/n]: oracle

perfidia, -ae [1/f]: treachery

poena, -ae [1/f]: penalty, punishment; poenās dō: I pay the penalty

portus, -ūs [4/m]: harbour

responsum, -ī [2/n]: answer

sanguis, -inis [3/m]: blood

stultitia, -ae [1/f]: folly

[ii]

adversus, -a, -um: adverse, hostile

terribilis, -e: terrible

tristis, -e: sad

[iii]

adsum, adesse [irreg]: am present

conveniō, -īre [4]: come together

petō, -ere [3]: seek

plācō, -āre [1]: appease

redūcō, -ere [3]: lead back; bring back

reportō, -āre [1]: carry back / off

retineō, -ēre [2]: hold back, restrain

[iv]

eō: thither

nisi: unless, except

nunquam: never

____________________

Menelaus, when he saw the treachery of his guest, hurried to his brother and told him everything. Agamemnon exclaimed in terrible anger:

“Paris is treacherous; the whole race of the Trojans is treacherous, but they shall pay the penalty for their treachery and folly. I shall summon my whole army to the seashore; we shall put cavalry and infantry aboard ships, and we shall attack Troy by land and sea. Thus we shall destroy the wicked city and send the treacherous race down to the Underworld. We shall also carry a great deal of booty home. You too will bring Helen back home with you to your palace.”

Accordingly, Agamemnon summoned his entire army to the harbour. Many horsemen and many foot soldiers were present; all the princes from the whole of Greece also gathered there. But adverse winds kept the ships in the harbour for a long time. Therefore Agamemnon sent a messenger to the Delphic oracle and sought an answer from the god.

Apollo gave a sad and terrible answer:

“Because of her anger, Diana is keeping the Greek ships in the harbour and is not giving favourable winds. The Greeks will never sail to Asia unless they appease the goddess’s divine power with the blood of a maiden.”

23.02.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [10] (1)

ĪPHIGENĪA (1)

In Graeciā frātrēs duo, Agamemnōn et Menelāus nōmine, ōlim habitābant. Graecī frātrēs Atrīdās vocābant, quod Atreī fīliī erant, Agamemnōn omnium Argīvōrum rēx erat. Menelāus Lacedaemoniōs regēbat. Helenē, uxor Menelāī, praeclāra et fōrmōsa rēgīna, cum virō in rēgiā multōs annōs habitābat. Sed tandem Paris, Troiānōrum prīnceps, ad hospitium Menelāī vēnit.

Perfidus et ignāvus erat hospes, sed pictīs vestīmentīs, nitidīs capillīs fulgēbat. Diū in rēgiā manēbat, et grātus rēgīnae animō erat hospes fōrmōsus. Tandem nocte obscūrā Helenam fūrtim raptāvit et in nāvem imposuit. Vēla candida ventīs secundīs dedit, et trāns mare ad urbem Trōiam properāvit.

Agamemnōn, -onis [3/m]: Agamemnon, king of Argos

Argīvus, -ī [2/m]: Argive, native of Argos

Atreus, -ī [2/m]: Atreus, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus

Atrīdae, -ārum [1/m pl]: sons of Atreus

Graecia, -ae [1/f]: Greece

Helenē, -ēs [1/f]: Helen of Troy, wife of Menelaus

Lacedaemonius, -ī [2/m]: a Lacedaemonian, Spartan

Menelāus, -ī [2/m]: Menelaus, king of Sparta

Paris, -idis [3/m]: Paris, a prince of Troy

Trōia, -ae [1/f]: Troy, a town at the entrance to the Dardanelles

Trōiānus, -ī [2/m]: a Trojan

[i]

hospes, -itis [3 m/f]: guest, host

hospitium, -ī [2/n]: hospitality

nox, noctis [3/f]: night

rēgia, -ae [1/f]: palace

vestīmentum, -ī [2/n]: dress, garment

[ii]

nitidus, -a, -um: shining

obscūrus, -a, -um: dark, dim

perfidus, -a, -um: treacherous

pictus, -a, -um: painted, embroidered

[iii]

veniō, -īre [4]: come

____________________

Once upon a time in Greece there lived two brothers named Agamemnon and Menelaus. The Greeks called the brothers the Atreidae because they were the sons of Atreus. Agamemnon was king of all the Argives. Menelaus ruled the Lacedaemonians (Spartans).

Helen, the wife of Menelaus, a famous and beautiful queen, lived with her husband in the royal palace for many years. But at last Paris, prince of the Trojans, came as a guest to the house of Menelaus.

The guest was treacherous and cowardly, but he shone in colourful clothing and with gleaming hair. He stayed in the palace for a long time, and the handsome guest was pleasing to the queen's heart. At last, on a dark night, he secretly abducted Helen and placed her on a ship. He gave the white sails to favourable winds and hastened across the sea to the city of Troy.

03.02.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [9] (6)

HORĀTIUS COCLES (6)

Horātius iam in hostibus sōlus manēbat. Sed adhūc impavidus in flūminis rīpā stābat, et Tiberim ōrāvit: "Ō Tiberīne pater, tē omnēs Rōmānī adōrāmus; tē patrem vocāmus; tū hodiē Rōmānī mīlitis vītam cōnservābis, et undīs tuīs tūtum portābis."

Dīxit, et in spūmōsās Tiberīs undās dēsiluit. Multīs vulneribus et onere armōrum fessus, vix in undīs spūmōsīs natāvit, sed Tiberīnus pater tam fortem Rōmānum ad alteram rīpam tulit et tūtum ad cīvēs sollicitōs portāvit.

Magna fuit īra Etrūscōrum, magnum gaudium Rōmānōrum. Nōmen igitur Horātiī inter Rōmānōs et per tōtum orbem terrārum semper erat nōtum et praeclārum, quod prō patriā fortiter pugnāverat. Et omnēs Rōmānī Tiberim flūmen semper adōrābant, et ad flūminis rīpās dōna libenter ferēbant, quia omnium Rōmānōrum est pater, et urbem Rōmam fortemque Rōmānum ē ferōcibus Etrūscīs cōnservāvit.

Amātīsne Graecās Rōmānāsque fābulās? Sī fābulae vōs dēlectant, vōs verba mea in tabulīs scrībite, et magistrō vestrō recitāte. Ita fābulās praeclārās semper memoriā tenēbitis. Post paucōs annōs vōs, iam adolēscentēs, multās aliās fābulās lēgētis.

Horatius was now left alone among the enemy. But still, unafraid, he stood on the river bank and prayed to the Tiber: “O father Tiberinus, all the Romans worship you; we call you father. You today will preserve the life of a Roman soldier, and you will carry me safely on your waters.”

Hanc ōlim veterēs vītam coluēre Sabīnī,

hanc Remus et frāter, sīc fortis Etrūria crēvit

scīlicet et rērum facta est pulcherrima Rōma,

septemque ūna sibi mūrō circumdedit arcēs.

Vergilius, Geōrgicon II.532-535

[i]

nōmen, nōminis [3/n]: name

onus, oneris [3/n]: burden

rīpa, -ae [1/f]: bank

Tiberīnus, -ī [2/m]: the god of the river Tiber

vulnus, vulneris [3/n]: wound

[ii]

dēsiliō, -īre [4]: jump down

dīcō, -ere [3]: say

tulī: part of ferō (I carried / I brought)

[iii]

hodiē: today

vix: scarcely

____________________

He spoke, and leapt into the foaming waves of the Tiber. Weakened by many wounds and the weight of his armour, he scarcely swam in the foaming waters, but Father Tiberinus carried so brave a Roman to the opposite bank and brought him safely to the anxious citizens.

Great was the anger of the Etruscans, great the joy of the Romans. Therefore the name of Horatius was always known and celebrated among the Romans and throughout the whole world, because he had fought bravely for his country. And all the Romans always worshipped the river Tiber and gladly brought gifts to its banks, because it is the father of all Romans, and it preserved the city of Rome and a brave Roman from the savage Etruscans.

Do you love Greek and Roman stories? If stories delight you, write my words in your notebooks and recite them to your teacher. In this way you will always keep famous stories in your memory. After a few years, you, now adolescents, will read many other stories.

Hanc ōlim veterēs vītam coluēre Sabīnī, | At one time ancient Sabines led this life,

hanc Remus et frāter, sīc fortis Etrūria crēvit | and Remus and his brother, thus Etruria grew strong,

scīlicet et rērum facta est pulcherrima Rōma, | no doubt, and Rome became the finest of all things,

septemque ūna sibi mūrō circumdedit arcēs. | and surrounded with a single wall her seven citadels.

Vergilius, Geōrgicon II.532-535

27.01.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [9] (5)

HORĀTIUS COCLES (5)

Cīvēs Rōmānī intereā pontem summīs vīribus excīdunt. Mox pontem in flūmen prōsternent. Tum Lartius et Herminius hastās in hostem iaciunt, et summīs vīribus per pontem in tūtum locum ruunt. Horātius autem adhūc in extrēmō ponte stat, et sōlus in Etrūscōs ferōciter pugnat.

Rōmānī autem, iam terrōris plēnī, "Ō Horātī retrō," exclāmant, "retrō – nunc tūta est via; mox nūllus pōns trāns flūmen erit, et hostēs tē vincent et necābunt." Sed magnō fragōre pōns in flūmen cecidit, et inter undās spūmōsās omnia ad pontum natābant.

[i]

vīs, vīs [3/f]: force; (plural) vīrēs, -ium: (overwhelming) force, strength; summīs vīribus:  with all one’s strength

[ii]

iaciō, -ere [3-iō]: I throw

[iii]

spūmōsus, -a, -um: foamy

tūtus, -a, -um: safe

[iv]

retrō: back, backward

____________________

The Roman citizens meanwhile are cutting down the bridge with all their strength. Soon they will cast the bridge into the river. Then Lartius and Herminius throw their spears at the enemy, and with all their strength rush across the bridge to a safe place. But Horatius still stands at the end of the bridge, and alone he is fighting fiercely against the Etruscans.

But the Romans, now full of fear, cry out: “O Horatius, go back! Go back – now the way is safe; soon there will be no bridge across the river, and the enemy will defeat and kill you.” But with a great crash the bridge fell into the river, and among the foaming waves everything was floating toward the sea.

20.01.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [9] (4)

 HORĀTIUS COCLES (4)

Trēs igitur Rōmānī in angustō locō stetērunt. Nec Etrūscī pugnam dētrectāvērunt. Trēs prīncipēs contrā Rōmānōs prōcēdunt. Superbī et splendidī sunt prīncipēs; gladiīs coruscīs in Horātium et comitēs prōcēdunt. Horātius autem in hostem fulminis modō ruit, et prīnceps Etrūscus magnō fragōre ad terram cecidit. Lartius quoque et Herminius hostēs validīs hastīs vulnerāvērunt et humī prōstrāvērunt. Iterum Etrūscī mīlitēs fortēs ferōcēsque in Rōmānōs mīsērunt; iterum Rōmānī Etrūscōs necāvērunt.

Diū et ācriter pugnābant. Iam multa hostium corpora humī iacēbant. Etrūscī timēbant, et Sextum, Tarquiniī fīlium, incitāvērunt. Sed Sextus quoque Horātium timēbat et pugnam dētrectāvit, nec in Rōmānōs, tam dīrōs hostēs, prōcessit.

[i]

comes, comitis [3 m/f]: companion

humus, -ī [2/f]: ground; humī: on the ground

prīnceps, principis [3 m/f]: chief, prince

[ii]

cadō, -ere [3]: fall

dētrectō, -āre [1]: shirk, refuse

mittō, -ere [3]: send

procēdō, -ere [3]: advance; go forward

vulnerō, -āre [1]: wound

[iii]

dīrus, -a, -um: dreadful

[iv]

ācriter: keenly

modō: after the manner of; abl. of modus, -ī [2/m]: manner; way

____________________

So the three Romans stood in a narrow place. And the Etruscans did not avoid the battle. Three leaders advance against the Romans. The leaders are proud and splendid; they advance against Horatius and his companions with flashing swords. But Horatius rushed at the enemy like a thunderbolt, and the Etruscan leader fell to the ground with a great crash. Lartius and also Herminius wounded the enemy with strong spears and threw them to the ground. Again the Etruscan soldiers sent brave and fierce men against the Romans; again the Romans killed the Etruscans.

For a long time they fought fiercely. Now many bodies of the enemy were lying on the ground. The Etruscans were afraid, and they urged on Sextus, the son of Tarquin. But Sextus too was afraid of Horatius and avoided the battle, and did not advance against the Romans, such terrible enemies.

13.01.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [9] (3)

 HORĀTIUS COCLES (3)

Hostēs ante urbis mūrōs castra posuērunt. Castra vāllō et fossā firmāvērunt. Tum ē castrīs excessērunt et moenia Rōmāna oppugnāvērunt. Fortiter et ferōciter pugnābant Rōmānī, sed Etrūscī validī Rōmānōs paene vīcērunt. Iam ē parte urbis Rōmānōs fugāverant; iam omnia trāns flūmen vīcerant. Terrōris plēnī cōnsulēs, "Ecce!" inquiunt, "prope pontem sunt! Sī pontem tenēbunt, tōtam urbem vincent."

Tum Horātius, vir fortis, "Ō cōnsulēs," inquit, "in extrēmō ponte angustus est locus; multī sunt hostēs, sed paucī sōlum ibi intrābunt. Vōs pontem cito excidētis, ego cum duōbus amīcīs contrā hostēs in angustō locō pugnābō. Ita omnēs prō ārīs templīsque Rōmānīs, prō uxōribus līberīsque, prō sacrīs virginibus pugnābimus. Ita urbem Rōmam cōnservābimus. Quis mēcum in extrēmō ponte stābit et contrā Etrūscōs pugnābit?"

Tum Lartius, "Ego," inquit, "ā dextrā stābō, et pontem tēcum cōnservābō"; et magnā vōce Herminius, "Ego," inquit, "ā sinistrā stābō et pontem tēcum cōnservābō."

[i]

castra, -ōrum [2/n/pl]: camp

flūmen, flūminis [3/n]: river

fossa, -ae [1/f]: ditch

Herminius, -ī [2/m]: Herminius

Lartius, -ī [2/m]: Lartius

Both referred to at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titus_Herminius_Aquilinus

mūrus, -ī [2/m]: wall

pars, partis [3/f]: part

pons, pontis [3/m]: bridge

vallum, -ī [2/n]: rampart

[ii]

excedō, -ere [3]: go out

intrō, -āre [1]: enter

oppugnō, -āre [1]: attack

pōnō, -ere [3]: put, place

vincō, -ere [3]: conquer

[iii]

angustus, -a, -um: narrow

fortis, -e: brave

[iv]

ferōciter: fiercely

paene: almost

contrā + acc: against

quī, quae, quod: who? what?

____________________

The enemy set up camp in front of the city walls. They strengthened the camp with a rampart and ditch. Then they went out from the camp and attacked the Roman walls. The Romans were fighting bravely and fiercely, but the strong Etruscans nearly defeated the Romans. Already they had driven the Romans from part of the city; already they had conquered everything beyond the river. The consuls, full of terror, say: “Look! They are near the bridge! If they hold the bridge, they will conquer the whole city.”

Then Horatius, a brave man, said: “O consuls, at the end of the bridge there is a narrow place; there are many enemies, but only a few will enter there. You will quickly cut down the bridge; I with two friends will fight against the enemy in the narrow place. Thus we shall fight for the Roman altars and temples, for our wives and children, for the sacred Vestal virgins. Thus we shall preserve the city of Rome. Who will stand with me at the end of the bridge and fight against the Etruscans?”

Then Lartius said, “I will stand on the right side and preserve the bridge with you”; and with a loud voice Herminius said, “I will stand on the left side and preserve the bridge with you.”

07.01.27: Level 1-2 (review): Julia (a Latin Reader) [9] (2)

HORĀTIUS COCLES (2)

Intereā Porsennae facta Rōmānōs nōn fefellērunt. Virginēs vestālēs prope ignem sacrum deōs ōrābant; mātrōnae cum līberīs suīs dōna ad templa ferēbant; senēs victimās in ārīs mactābant; iuvenēs in Campō Mārtiō sē ad arma proeliumque parābant, et moenia multō labōre firmābant; vigilēs in moenibus stābant et campōs clīvōsque spectābant.

Subitō vigilēs corusca Etrūscōrum arma procul vīdērunt. Mox inter hostēs Porsennam, et Porsennae ā dextrā Sextum, vīdērunt. Deinde cīvēs odiī et terrōris plēnī magnā vōce clāmāvērunt et animōs ad proelium firmāvērunt. Sed cōnsulēs timēbant, quod paucī erant Rōmānī, multī et validī hostēs.

[i]

cōnsul, -is [3/m]: consul, chief magistrate at Rome

dextra, -ae [1/f]: right hand; ā dextrā: on the right

hostis, -is [3 m/f]: enemy

ignis, -is [3/m]: fire

mātrōna, -ae [1/f]: matron

moenia, -ium [n pl]: town walls

odium, -ī [2/n]: hatred

proelium, -ī [2/n]: battle

senex, senis [3 m/f]: old person

vigil, -is [3/m]: sentinel

[ii]

firmō, -āre [1]: strengthen

[iii]

paucī, -ae, -a: few

sacer, -cra, -crum: sacred

Vestālis, -e: Vestal, belonging to Vesta

____________________

Meanwhile Porsenna’s actions did not deceive / escape the Romans’ notice. The Vestal Virgins were praying to the gods near the sacred fire; the matrons were carrying gifts to the temples together with their children; the old men were sacrificing victims on the altars; the young men were preparing themselves on the Campus Martius for weapons and battle, and were strengthening the walls with great effort; the watchmen stood on the walls and observed the fields and slopes.

Suddenly the watchmen saw the flashing weapons of the Etruscans in the distance. Soon they saw Porsenna among the enemy, and on Porsenna’s right Sextus. Then the citizens, full of hatred and fear, cried out loudly and steeled their spirits for battle. But the consuls were afraid, because the Romans were few, and the enemy many and strong.