Saturday, January 31, 2009

Simplified Fable 18: Rusticus et Accipiter

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 18: Rusticus et Accipiter, a great story that teaches the message of the "Golden Rule."

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Cum Accipiter columbam praecipiti insequeretur volatu, villam quandam ingressus, a Rustico captus est, quem blande, ut se dimitteret, obsecrabat. “Non etenim te laesi,” dixit. Cui Rusticus: “Nec haec te laeserat.”
Here are the simplified sentences as they appear in the slideshow:

Accipiter Columbam insequebatur.

Accipiter Columbam insequebatur praecipiti volatu.

Accipiter Columbam praecipiti insequebatur volatu.

Accipiter villam ingressus est.

Accipiter villam quandam ingressus est.

Accipiter captus est.

Accipiter a Rustico captus est.

Accipiter dicebat:

"Rustice, te obsecro!"

Accipiter Rusticum obsecrabat:

Accipiter Rusticum blande obsecrabat:

"Rustice, me dimitte!"

Accipiter Rusticum blande obsecrabat ut se dimitteret.

Accipiter Rustico dixit:

"Ego non te laesi!"

Rusticus Accipitri dixit:

"Et Columba non te laeserat."




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Simplified Fable 17: Agricola et Ciconia

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 17: Agricola et Ciconia, a fable that teaches about the dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd!

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Laqueum praetendit Rusticus gruibus anseribusque, sata depascentibus. Capitur et Ciconia. Supplicat illa et innocentem sese clamitat, nec Gruem nec Anserem esse, sed avium omnium optimam, quippe quae parentibus sedulo inservire eundemque senio confectum alere consueverat. Agricola: “Horum (inquit) nihil me fugit; verum cum nocentibus postquam te cepi, cum nocentibus morieris.”
Here are the simplified sentences as they appear in the slideshow:

Laqueum praetendit Rusticus.

Laqueum praetendit Rusticus gruibus.

Laqueum praetendit Rusticus gruibus anseribusque.

Grues et anseres sata depascuntur.

Laqueum praetendit Rusticus gruibus anseribusque, sata depascentibus.

Capitur Ciconia.

Capitur et Ciconia.

Ciconia supplicat:

Ciconia clamitat:

"Innocens sum!"

Ciconia se innocentem esse clamitat.

Ciconia clamitat:

"Grus non sum!"

"Anser non sum!"

"Nec Grus nec Anser sum!"

Ciconia se nec Gruem nec Anserem esse clamitat.

Ciconia clamitat:

"Avium omnium optima sum!"

Ciconia se avium omnium optimam esse clamitat.

Ciconia parentibus inservire consueverat.

Ciconia parentibus sedulo inservire consueverat.

Ciconia parentem alere consueverat.

Ciconia parentem senio confectum alere consueverat.

Agricola inquit:

"Horum nihil me fugit."

"Te cepi."

"Cum nocentibus te cepi."

"Cum nocentibus morieris!"

"Cum nocentibus postquam te cepi, cum nocentibus morieris."




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Simplified Fable 16: Cicada et Formica

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 16: De Cicada et Formica, the story of the hard-working ant and the carefree cricket.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Dum per aestatem Cicada cantat, Formica suam exercet messem, trahendo in antra grana et in hiemem reponendo. Saeviente autem bruma, famelica Cicada venit ad Formicam et mendicat victum; renuebat autem Formica, dictitans sese laborasse, dum illa cantabat.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Cicada cantat.
This statement is part of a dum clause in the original.

Per aestatem Cicada cantat.
The prepositional phrase expands on the statement.

Formica exercet messem.

Formica exercet suam messem.
The adjective modifies the noun.

Formica suam exercet messem.
The noun phrase wraps around the verb.

Dum per aestatem Cicada cantat, Formica suam exercet messem.
The dum clause combines the two statements.

Formica trahit grana.
This is expressed with a gerund in the original.

Formica trahit in antra grana.
The prepositional phrase expands on the statement.

Formica grana reponit.
This is expressed with a gerund in the original.

Formica grana in hiemem reponit.
The prepositional phrase expands on the statement.

Formica suam exercet messem, trahendo in antra grana et in hiemem reponendo.
The gerunds are able to combine the statements.

Bruma saevit.
This is an ablative absolute in the original.

Cicada famelica est.
This is simply an adjective in the original.

Saeviente bruma, Cicada famelica est.
The ablative absolute combines the two statements.

Cicada venit ad Formicam.

Saeviente bruma, famelica Cicada venit ad Formicam
The adjective is able to combine the two sentences.

Cicada victum mendicat.

Renuebat Formica.

Formica dictitabat:
This is simply a participle in the original.

"Ego laborabam!"
The ant's direct speech is not given in the original.

"Tu cantabas!"
This is expressed as a dum clause in the original.

"Ego laborabam, dum tu cantabas!"
The dum clause is able to combine the two statements.

Formica dictitabat sese laborasse, dum illa cantabat.
The words are now reported as indirect speech.

Renuebat Formica, dictitans sese laborasse, dum illa cantabat.
The participle combines the statements.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Simplified Fable 15: Auceps et Palumbes

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 15: De Aucupe et Palumbe, the story of how the birdcatcher himself got caught.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
It foras Auceps; videt nidulantem procul in altissima arbore Palumbem. Adproperat et, dum insidias molitur, premit forte calcibus Anguem, qui ex improviso mordebat. Auceps, subito exanimatus malo: “Me miserum! (inquit) Dum alteri insidior, ipse dispereo.”
Here are the simplified sentences:

It foras Auceps.

Auceps videt Palumbem.

Palumbes nidulans est.
This independent statement is simply an adjectival phrase in the original.

Palumbes nidulans in arbore est.
The prepositional phrase expands on the statement.

Palumbes nidulans in altissima arbore est.
The adjective expands on the prepositional phrase.

Palumbes nidulans procul in altissima arbore est.
The adverb expands on the statement.

Auceps nidulantem procul in altissima arbore videt Palumbem.
The adjectival phrase combines the two statements.

Auceps adproperat.

Auceps insidias molitur.
This statement is part of a dum clause in the original.

Auceps premit Anguem.

Auceps premit calcibus Anguem.
The ablative expands on the verbal action.

Auceps premit forte calcibus Anguem.
The adverbial phrase expands on the sentence.

Auceps, dum insidias molitur, premit forte calcibus Anguem.
The dum clause combines the two statements.

Anguis Aucupem mordebat.

Anguis ex improviso Aucupem mordebat.
The prepositional phrase expands on the statement.

Dum insidias molitur, premit forte calcibus Anguem, qui ex improviso mordebat.
The relative clause combines the statements.

Auceps exanimatus est.
This is simply a participle in the original.

Auceps exanimatus est malo.
The ablative expands on the verbal action.

Auceps exanimatus est subito malo.
The adjective modifies the noun.

Auceps subito exanimatus est malo.
The noun phrase is noun wrapped around the verb.

Auceps inquit:

Auceps, subito exanimatus malo, inquit:
The participle combines the two statements.

“Me miserum!“

Alteri insidior.
This statement is part of a dum clause in the original.

Dispereo.

Ipse dispereo.
The word adds emphasis to the subject of the verb.

“Dum alteri insidior, ipse dispereo.”
The dum clause combines the two statements.





The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Simplified Fable 14: Rana et Bos

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 14: De Rana et Bove, the story of the boastful frog.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Rana, cupida aequandi Bovem, se distendebat. Filius hortabatur Matrem coepto desistere; nihil enim esse Ranam ad Bovem. Illa autem, posthabito consilio, secundum intumuit. Clamitat Natus: “Crepes licet, Mater, Bovem nunquam vinces.” Tertium autem cum intumuisset, crepuit.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Rana cupida erat.
This is an independent statement (in the original it is only an adjectival phrase).

Rana aequare Bovem volebat.

Rana cupida aequandi Bovem erat.
The frog's desire is expressed with a gerund.

Rana se distendebat.

Rana, cupida aequandi Bovem, se distendebat.
The adjectival phrase combines the two sentences.

Ranae Filius dicebat Matri:
In the original, the young frog's statements are expressed only indirectly.

"Mater, desiste!"

"Mater, desiste coepto!"

Filius hortabatur Matrem coepto desistere.
The direct statement is made indirect.

Filius dicebat:
Another direct statement by the young frog.

"Nihil est Rana ad Bovem."

Filius dicebat nihil esse Ranam ad Bovem.
The direct statement is made indirect.

Mater consilium posthabuit.
In the original, this is an ablative absolute.

Consilium posthabitum est.
The active statement is made passive.

Mater intumuit.

Posthabito consilio, Mater intumuit.
The ablative absolute combines the two sentences.

Posthabito consilio, Mater secundum intumuit.
The adverb expands on the statement.

Clamitat Natus:

“Mater, crepabis!"

"Bovem nunquam vinces!"

"Crepes licet, Bovem nunquam vinces."
The licet phrase (using a subjunctive) combines the two statements.

Mater tertium intumuit.
This statement is inside a cum clause in the original.

Mater crepuit.

Tertium cum intumuisset, crepuit.
The cum clause combines the two statements.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Simplified Fable 13: Lupi et Oves

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 13: De Lupis et Ovibus, the story of the disastrous treaty between the wolves and the sheep.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Foedus aliquando fuit inter Lupos et Oves, quibus natura discordia est. Obsides utrimque tradebantur. Oves, in suam partem, vigilem Canum custodiam, Lupi suos Catulos tradiderunt. Quietis Ovibus ac pascentibus, Lupuli matrum desiderio ululatus edunt. Tum Lupi irruentes foedus fidemque solutam clamitant, Ovesque, Canum praesidio destitutas, laniant.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Foedus fuit inter Lupos et Oves.

Foedus aliquando fuit inter Lupos et Oves.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Lupis et Ovibus discordia est.

Natura Lupis et Ovibus discordia est.

Foedus aliquando fuit inter Lupos et Oves, quibus natura discordia est.
The relative clause connects the two statements.

Lupi et Oves obsides tradebant.
An active statement (it is passive in the original).

Obsides tradebantur.
The statement is made passive.

Obsides utrimque tradebantur.
The pronominal adverb expands on the action.

Oves Canes tradiderunt.

Oves Canum custodiam tradiderunt.
The simple noun is replaced by a noun phrase.

Oves vigilem Canum custodiam tradiderunt.
The adjective expands on the noun phrase.

Oves, in suam partem, vigilem Canum custodiam tradiderunt.
The prepositional phrase expands on the sentence.

Lupi Ovibus suos Catulos tradiderunt.

Oves, in suam partem, vigilem Canum custodiam, Lupi suos Catulos tradiderunt.
The parallelism makes it possible to combine the two statements.

Oves quietae sunt.
This is just a participle in the original.

Oves quietae sunt et pascuntur.
There is now a compound verb phrase.

Lupuli ululatus edunt.

Lupuli matrum desiderio ululatus edunt.
The ablative phrase expands on the verbal action.

Quietis Ovibus ac pascentibus, Lupuli matrum desiderio ululatus edunt.
An ablative absolute combines the two statements.

Tum Lupi irruunt.
This is just a participle in the original.

Lupi clamitant:

Lupi irruentes clamitant:
The participle combines the two statements.

"Foedus solutum est! Fides soluta est!"
A direct statement by the wolves (it is indirect in the original).

Lupi foedus fidemque solutam esse clamitant.
The direct statement is made indirect.

Oves Canum praesidio destitutae sunt!
This statement is simply a participle in the original.

Lupi Oves laniant.

Oves, Canum praesidio destitutas, laniant.
The participle combines the two sentences.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Simplified Fable 12: Pastoris Puer et Agricolae

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 12: De Pastoris Puero et Agricolis, the story of the boy who cried "Wolf!"

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Puer editiore prato Oves pascebat atque, per iocum, Lupum terque quaterque adesse clamitans, Agricolas undique exciebat. Illi, saepius illusi, dum auxilium imploranti non subveniunt, fiunt Oves praeda Lupo.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Puer oves pascebat.

Puer prato oves pascebat.
The ablative expands on the sentence.

Pratum editum est.
More information about the grass meadow.

Pratum editius est.
The comparative adjective emphasizes the quality: rather high.

Puer editiore prato oves pascebat.
Adding in the information about the grass meadow to the sentence.

Puer clamitat:

"Lupus adest!"
In the original, the boy's words are not reported directly.

Puer lupum adesse clamitat.
An indirect report of the boy's words.

Puer, per iocum, lupum adesse clamitat.
The prepositional phrase expands on the sentence.

Puer, per iocum, lupum terque quaterque adesse clamitat.
The compound adverbial phrase expands on the sentence.

Puer agricolas exciebat.

Puer agricolas undique exciebat.
The adverbial phrase expands on the sentence.

Puer, lupum adesse clamitans, agricolas undique exciebat.
The participle combines the two statements.

Puer agricolas illudebat.
An active statement.

Agricolae illusi sunt.
The statement is made passive.

Agricolae saepe illusi sunt.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Agricolae saepius illusi sunt.
The comparative form of the adverb emphasizes the statement.

Puer auxilium implorat.
This is expressed with a participle in the original.

Agricolae Puero non subveniunt.
This is a dum clause in the original.

Agricolae Puero auxilium imploranti non subveniunt.
The participle combines the two sentences.

Agricolae, saepius illusi, Puero auxilium imploranti non subveniunt.
The participle allows a third statement to be added into the sentence.

Oves fiunt praeda lupo.

Dum Agricolae Puero auxilium imploranti non subveniunt, fiunt oves praeda lupo.
The dum clause combines the two statements.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Simplified Fable 11: Rusticus et Hercules

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 11: De Rustico et Aratro Suo, a great story about how God (or a god) helps those that help themselves!

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Rustici aratrum haeret in profundo luto. Mox prostratus, Herculem implorat, cum statim vox a caelo auditur: "Inepte, flagellato equos et ipse totis viribus umerisque annitere rotis! Et deinde Herculem invocato! Tunc enim tibi propitius Hercules aderit."
Here are the simplified sentences:

Aratrum haeret.

Rustici aratrum haeret.
The genitive creates a noun phrase.

Rustici aratrum haeret in luto.
The prepositional phrase expands on the sentence.

Rustici aratrum haeret in profundo luto.
The adjective expands on the prepositional phrase.

Rusticus prostratus est.
This is simply a participle in the original.

Rusticus mox prostratus est.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Rusticus Herculem implorat.

Mox prostratus, Rusticus Herculem implorat.
The participle combines the two sentences.

Rusticus vocem audit.
This is expressed as a passive verb in the original.

Statim Rusticus vocem audit.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Statim vox auditur:
The active sentence is made passive.

Statim vox a caelo auditur:
The prepositional phrase expands on the sentence (which is a cum clause in the original).

“Inepte, flagellato equos!“

“Annitere rotis!“

“Ipse annitere rotis!“
The ipse calls attention to the subject of the imperative.

“Ipse totis viribus annitere rotis!“
The ablative phrase expands on the sentence.

“Ipse totis viribus umerisque annitere rotis!“
Making the ablative phrase a compound.

“Deinde Herculem invocato!“

“Tunc Hercules aderit.“

“Tunc tibi Hercules aderit.“
The dative expands on the verb.

“Tunc tibi propitius Hercules aderit.”
The adjective adds to the picture of Hercules.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Simplified Fable 10: Rusticus et Silva

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 10: De Rustico et Silva, the story of the trees who foolishly gave the peasant a handle for his axe!

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Accedebat Silvam Rusticus et rogabat Arbores ut sibi lignum concederent, ex quo ansam securis fabricaret. Concedebant lignum illi Arbores, quod ad domum deportabat. Quo mox ad securim adaptato, ad Silvam redibat et omnes Arbores ad unum detruncabat.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Accedebat Silvam Rusticus.

Rusticus Arboribus dicebat:
The peasant's request to the trees is not reported directly in the original.

"Lignum mihi concedite!"

"Ex ligno ansam fabricabo."
The purpose is expressed as a relative clause in the original.

"Ex ligno securis ansam fabricabo."
The genitive securis tells what the handle is for.

Rusticus rogabat ut Arbores sibi lignum concederent.
Now the peasant's request is expressed as an ut clause.

Rusticus rogabat ut Arbores sibi lignum concederent, ex quo ansam securis fabricaret.
The peasant's further purpose is expressed as a relative clause.

Concedebant lignum Rustico Arbores.

Rusticus lignum ad domum deportabat.

Rusticus lignum ad securim adaptavit.
This statement is expressed as an ablative absolute in the original.

Rusticus mox lignum ad securim adaptavit.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Lignum mox ad securim adaptatum est.
The active sentence is made passive.

Rusticus ad Silvam redibat.

Ligno mox ad securim adaptato, Rusticus ad Silvam redibat.
The ablative absolute construction combines the two statements.

Rusticus Arbores detruncabat.

Rusticus omnes Arbores detruncabat.
The adjective expands on the sentence.

Rusticus omnes Arbores ad unum detruncabat.
The prepositional phrase expands on the peasant's actions.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Simplified Fable 9: Vulpes et Pardus

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 9: De Vulpe et Pardo, the debate between the fox and the leopard about different kinds of beauty.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Vulpes et Pardus de pulchritudine concertabant et, Pardo suam pellem versicolorem extollente, Vulpes, cum suam praeponere non possit, dicebat Pardo, “At quanto ego sum speciosior, et quam longe formosior, quae non corpus, sed animum versicolorem et variis notis insignem sortita sum?”
Here are the simplified sentences:

Vulpes et Pardus concertabant.

Vulpes et Pardus de pulchritudine concertabant.
The prepositional phrase expands on the sentence.

Pardus suam pellem extollebat.
This is expressed as a participle in the original.

Pardus dicebat:
The leopard's words are not reported directly in the original.

"Pellis mea versicolor est!"

Pardus suam pellem versicolorem extollebat.

Vulpes suam pellem praeponere non potebat.
This is expressed as a cum clause in the original.

Pardo suam pellem versicolorem extollente, Vulpes suam pellem praeponere non potebat.
The ablative absolute combines the two statements.

Vulpes Pardo dicebat:

Vulpes, cum suam pellem praeponere non possit, dicebat Pardo:
The cum clause combines the two sentences.

"Tu es speciosus."
This statement provides the basis for the comparison.

"Sed ego sum speciosior."

"Quanto ego sum speciosior!"
The ablative expresses the degree of difference in the comparison.

"Tu es formosus."
This statement provides the basis for the comparison.

"Sed ego sum formosior."

"Quam longe sum formosior!"
The adverbial phrase expresses the degree of difference in the comparison.

"Corpus tuum versicolor est."
This statement provides the basis for the fox's comparison between body and soul/mind.

"Sed animus meus versicolor est."

"Animus meus versicolor et insignis est."
The single adjective is expanded into a compound adjectival phrase.

"Animus meus variis notis insignis est."
The ablative expands on the adjective.

"Ego animum versicolorem sortita sum."
The statement is now made using the deponent verb, sortita sum.

"Non corpus, sed animum versicolorem sortita sum."
The contrast is created between body and soul/mind.

"Non corpus, sed animum versicolorem et variis notis insignem sortita sum."




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Simplified Fable 8: Vespertilio

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 8: De Avibus et Quadrupedibus, the story of the bat and his treachery during the war of the birds and the beasts.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Avibus cum Bestiis asperrima pugna erat, utrimque spes, utrimque ingens metus, utrimque periculum, cum Vespertilio, relictis sociis, ad hostem defecit. Ad postremum vincunt Aves, duce et auspice Aquila. Transfugam vero Vespertilionem damnant, ut nunquam iterum inter Aves numeretur, nec amplius in luce videatur. Et haec causa est cur Vespertilio nunquam, nisi nocte, volat.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Pugna erat.

Aspera pugna erat.
The adjective is added in.

Asperrima pugna erat.
The adjective is made superlative, for emphasis.

Avibus cum Bestiis asperrima pugna erat.
The parties involved in the fight are now added in.

Avibus et Bestiis spes erat.

Utrimque spes erat.
The pronominal adverb replaces the nouns.

Utrimque metus erat.
A parallel statement.

Utrimque ingens metus erat.
An adjective is added in to the statement.

Utrimque erat periculum.
The final parallel statement.

Vespertilio socios suos reliquit.
An active statement.

Socii a Vespertilione relicti sunt.
Same statement made passive.

Vespertilio ad hostem defecit.

Vespertilio, relictis sociis, ad hostem defecit.
An ablative absolute combines the two statements.

Aquila Avium dux erat.
A statement with a single predicate.

Aquila Avium dux erat et auspex.
Now it is a compound predicate.

Aves vincunt.

Vincunt Aves, duce et auspice Aquila.
An ablative absolute combines the two statements.

Ad postremum vincunt Aves, duce et auspice Aquila.
A prepositional phrase expands the statement.

Aves dicunt:
The judgment of the birds can be expressed directly this way.

"Vespertilio, tu transfuga es!"

"Vespertilio, te damnamus!"

Aves transfugam Vespertilionem damnant.
The judgment of the birds is expressed indirectly.

Aves dicunt:
Another direct statement of the birds' judgment.

"Vespertilio, tu inter Aves non numeraberis!"

"Vespertilio, tu nunquam iterum inter Aves numeraberis!"
The adverbs expand on the statement.

"Tu in luce non videberis!"

"Tu amplius in luce non videberis!"
The adverb expands on the statement.

Transfugam Vespertilionem damnant, ut nunquam iterum inter Aves numeretur.
The judgment is now expressed as an ut clause.

Transfugam Vespertilionem damnant, ut nunquam iterum inter Aves numeretur, nec amplius in luce videatur.
It is a compound judgment.

Vespertilio nocte volat.

Vespertilio numquam, nisi nocte, volat.

Cur Vespertilio numquam, nisi nocte, volat?
There is a question.

Haec causa est!
The story itself answers the question.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Simplified Fable 7: Pavo et Grus

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 7: De Pavone et Grue, the story of the debate between the peacock and the crane.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Pavo et Grus foedus inter se ineunt unaque cenant. Inter cenandum, Pavo nobilitatem suam iactat, formosam ostentat caudam, Gruemque hospitem contemnit. Grus fatetur Pavonem formosiorem esse pennis; se tamen, cum vix tectis supervolitat Pavo, animoso volatu penetrare nubes.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Pavo et Grus foedus ineunt.

Pavo et Grus foedus inter se ineunt.
Adding the prepositional phrase to the sentence.

Pavo et Grus una cenant.

Pavo et Grus foedus inter se ineunt unaque cenant.
The conjunction -que combines the two sentences.

Pavo nobilitatem suam iactat.

Inter cenandum, Pavo nobilitatem suam iactat.
The gerund phrase is added to the sentence.

Pavo caudam ostentat.

Pavo formosam ostentat caudam.
The adjective is added in to the sentence.

Pavo Gruem contemnit.

Pavo Gruem hospitem contemnit.
The noun is added to the sentence, in apposition.

Inter cenandum, Pavo nobilitatem suam iactat, formosam ostentat caudam, Gruemque hospitem contemnit.
The conjunction -que combines the three statements.

Grus dicit:
The crane makes a statement in direct speech (the original has indirect speech).

"Tu, Pavo, formosus es."
A descriptive statement.

"Tu, Pavo, formosior es."
The statement is made into a comparison.

"Tu, Pavo, formosior es pennis."
The ablative is added to qualify the comparison.

Grus fatetur Pavonem formosiorem esse pennis.
The direct statement is made indirect.

Grus dicit:
More direct statement by the crane (indirect in the original).

"Pavo, vix tectis supervolitas."

"Ego nubes penetro."

"Ego animoso volatu nubes penetro."
The ablative phrase expands on the statement.

Grus fatetur se animoso volatu penetrare nubes.
The statement is made indirect.

Grus fatetur se animoso volatu penetrare nubes, cum vix tectis supervolitat Pavo.
The cum clause is added into the mix!

Grus fatetur Pavonem formosiorem esse pennis; se tamen, cum vix tectis supervolitat Pavo, animoso volatu penetrare nubes.
The tamen is able to coordinate the two different statements by the crane.




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Monday, January 19, 2009

Simplified Fable 6: Accipiter et Luscinia

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 6: De Accipitre et Luscinia, the sad story of the nightingale caught by the hawk.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Comprehenderat Lusciniam Accipiter, quae misere clamabat ut se captivam demitteret. Cui Accipiter: “Frustra clamosas cies querimonias, nam licet omnes silvarum commoveris aviculas, non ab unguibus meis liberabunt.”
Here are the simplified sentences:

Comprehenderat Lusciniam Accipiter.

Luscinia clamabat.
This is expressed in a relative clause in the original.

Luscinia misere clamabat:
An adverb is added in.

"Accipiter, me demitte!"
The nightingale's wishes are expressed as direct speech.

"Accipiter, me captivam demitte!"
An adjective is added to the sentence.

Luscinia misere clamabat ut Accipiter se captivam demitteret.
The wish is expressed as a purpose clause.

Accipiter Lusciniae dicit:

“Frustra cies querimonias."

"Frustra clamosas cies querimonias."
An adjective is added to the sentence.

"Omnes aviculae te non liberabunt."

"Omnes silvarum aviculae te non liberabunt."
The genitive qualifies the noun phrase.

"Si omnes silvarum aviculas commoveris, te non liberabunt."
The statement is expressed in hypothetical terms.

"Si omnes silvarum commoveris aviculas, te non liberabunt."
The verb is now wrapped inside the noun phrase.

"Licet omnes silvarum commoveris aviculas, te non liberabunt."
The adverb licet is used to express the hypothetical sense.

"Licet omnes silvarum commoveris aviculas, non ab unguibus meis liberabunt."
The prepositional phrase is added in.




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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Simplified Fable 5: Cornix et Urna

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 5: De Cornice et Urna, the story of the ingenious crow.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Sitibunda Cornix reperit urnam aqua plenam, sed erat urna profundior quam ut exhauri a Cornice possit. Conatur igitur vano molimine aquam effundere, sed non valet. Lectos igitur ex arena lapillulos iniectat. Hoc modo aqua levatur et Cornix bibit.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Cornix sitibunda est.
A description of the crow.

Cornix reperit urnam.

Sitibunda Cornix reperit urnam.
The adjective combines the two statements.

Urna aqua plena est.

A description of the pot.

Sitibunda Cornix reperit urnam aqua plenam.
The first three sentences combined.

Sed erat urna profunda!
A further description of the pot.

Cornix urnam exhaurire non potest.
A declaration of the problem, active voice.

Urna a Cornice exhauriri non potest.
A declaration of the problem, changed to passive voice.

Erat urna profundior quam ut exhauri a Cornice possit.
The description of the pot is now put into comparative terms.

Cornix aquam effundere conatur.

Cornix molimine aquam effundere conatur.
The ablative noun explains how the crow makes her attempt.

Cornix vano molimine aquam effundere conatur.
Adding an adjective into the sentence.

Cornix aquam effundere non valet.

Conatur vano molimine aquam effundere, sed non valet.
The conjunction sed combines the two sentences.

Cornix lapillulos legit.
The participial phrase in the original expressed as an independent statement.

Cornix ex arena lapillulos legit.
A prepositional phrase is added to the statement.

Cornix lapillulos in urnam iniectat.

Cornix lectos ex arena lapillulos in urnam iniectat.
The independent statement is included now as a participle.

Cornix aquam levat.
The action expressed in active terms.

Aqua levatur.
The same statement, in passive terms.

Hoc modo aqua levatur.
An ablative phrase expands on the verbal action.

Cornix bibit!
The happy conclusion of the story: the thirsy crow gets a drink!




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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Simplified Fable 4: Mus Urbanus et Mus Rusticus

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 4: De Mure Urbano et Mure Rustico, the famous story of the city mouse and the country mouse.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Mus Rusticus, videns Urbanum Murem rus deambulantem, invitat ad cenam depromitque omne penum, ut tanti hospitis expleat lautitiam. Urbanus Mus ruris damnat inopiam urbisque copiam laudat, secumque in urbem ducit Rusticum. Qui, inter epulandum attonitus insolitis clamoribus, cum intellexerat periculum quotidianum esse, dixit Urbano Muri, “Tuae dapes plus fellis quam mellis habent. Malo securus esse cum mea inopia quam dives esse cum tua anxietate.”
Here are the simplified sentences:

Mus Rusticus videt Urbanum Murem.
This replaces the participle phrase in the original.

Urbanus Mus rus deambulabat.
This replaces the participle phrase in the original.

Mus Rusticus videt Urbanum Murem rus deambulantem.
The participle the previous two statements.

Mus Rusticus Urbanum Murem invitat ad cenam.

Mus Rusticus, videns Urbanum Murem rus deambulantem, invitat ad cenam.
The participle combines all three statements.

Mus Rusticus penum depromit.


Mus Rusticus omne penum depromit.
This adds in the adjective to the core sentence.

Mus Urbanus hospes est.
This is not an independent statement in the original.

Mus Urbanus tantus hospes est!
The adjective expands on the noun.

Mus Rusticus tanti hospitis lautitiam explere volebat.
This expresses the country mouse's desires directly.

Mus Rusticus tanti hospitis explere lautitiam volebat.
The noun phrase wraps around the infinitive.

Mus Rusticus depromit omne penum ut tanti hospitis expleat lautitiam.
This expresses the mouse's desires in the form of a purpose clause.

Urbanus Mus ruris inopiam damnat.

Urbanus Mus urbis copiam laudat.

Urbanus Mus Rusticum Murem in urbem ducit.

Urbanus Mus Rusticum in urbem ducit.
The noun murem is implied.

Urbanus Mus Rusticum secum in urbem ducit.
The prepositional phrase secum is added to the core sentence.

Mures epulantur.
The action is described with a verb.

Mus Rusticus attonitus est.

Inter epulandum Mus Rusticus attonitus est.
The gerund phrase combines the two sentences.

Inter epulandum Mus Rusticus clamoribus attonitus est.
The ablative explains what astonished the mouse.

Inter epulandum Mus Rusticus insolitis clamoribus attonitus est.
Adding an adjective to the core sentence.

Periculum quotidianum est.
This is a direct statement of the mouse's thoughts, expressed indirectly in the original.

Mus Rusticus intellexit periculum quotidianum esse.
The direct statement is made into an indirect statement.

Mus Rusticus, inter epulandum attonitus insolitis clamoribus, intellexit periculum quotidianum esse.
The participle attonitus combines the two statements.

Mus Rusticus dixit Urbano Muri:

Mus Rusticus, inter epulandum attonitus insolitis clamoribus, cum intellexerat periculum quotidianum esse, dixit Urbano Muri:
The cum clause is able to combine all three statements.

"Tuae dapes plus fellis quam mellis habent."

"Volo securus esse."

"Volo securus esse magis quam dives esse."

"Malo securus esse quam dives esse."
The phrase volo...magis becomes malo.

"Malo securus esse cum mea inopia quam dives esse cum tua anxietate."
The prepositional phrases are added to both sides of the comparison.




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Simplified Fable 3: Partus Montium

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 3: De Partu Montium, the story of the mountains that gave birth to a mouse.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):



The original version is as follows:
Rumor erat parturire Montes. Homines undique accurrunt et circumstant, monstri quidpiam non sine pavore expectantes. Montes tandem parturiunt; exit ridiculus Mus.
Here are the simplified sentences:

Rumor erat:

"Montes parturiunt!"
The statement is made in direct speech here.

Rumor erat parturire Montes.
The direct speech is turned into indirect speech.

Homines accurrunt.

Homines undique accurrunt.
Adding in an adverb to the core sentence.

Homines undique accurrunt et circumstant.
Adding a second verb.

Homines monstrum expectant.
This statement replaces the participle phrase of the original.

Homines monstri quidpiam expectant.
The noun is replaced with the noun phrase built with a partitive genitive.

Homines monstri quidpiam non sine pavore expectant.
The prepositional phrase is added in to the sentence.

Homines undique accurrunt et circumstant, monstri quidpiam non sine pavore expectantes.
The participle combines the two statements.

Montes parturiunt.

Montes tandem parturiunt.
An adverb is added to the core sentence.

Exit Mus.

Exit ridiculus Mus.
Adding in an adjective, which reinforces the message of the story!




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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Simplified Fable 2: Canis et Bos

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is today's Simplified fable - Fable 2: De Cane et Bove, the story of the dog in the manger.

For more information about how these simplified versions of the fable can be useful to you, see this note about Simplified Fables at the Aesopus Ning.

Here is a Google Presentation version (larger version also available):





The original version is as follows:
In praesepi faeni pleno decumbebat Canis. Venit Bos ut comedat faenum, cum Canis, confestim sese erigens, tota voce elatravit. Cui Bos: “Dii te, cum ista tua invidia, perdant (inquit): nec enim faeno ipse vesceris, nec me vesci sines.”
Here are the simplified sentences:

Canis decumbebat.
As often, the fable is built around narrative statements in the imperfect.

In praesepi Canis decumbebat.
Adding in the prepositional phrase that modifies the verb.

Praesepe faeni plenum erat.
A description of the manger.

In praesepi faeni pleno Canis decumbebat.
Adding in the description to the prepositional phrase.

Bos venit.
Note the arrival of the ox marked by a different verb tense.

Bos faenum comedere volebat.
This is an independent statement expressing the ox's purpose.

Bos venit ut comedat faenum.
The purpose is now expressed as an ut clause.

Canis se erigit.

Canis confestim sese erigit.
Adding in an adverb.

Canis elatravit.

Canis tota voce elatravit.
An ablative phrase modifying the verbal action.

Canis, confestim sese erigens, tota voce elatravit.
The participle combines the two statements.

Bos Cani inquit:

“Dii te perdant!"

“Dii te perdant cum ista tua invidia!“
Adding in a prepositional phrase to expand on the ox's curse.

“Faeno non vesceris.“

“Ipse faeno non vesceris.“
An emphatic expansion on the subject of the verb.

“Me vesci non sines."

“Nec faeno ipse vesceris, nec me vesci sines.”
Combining the two negative statements into one, with nec...nec....




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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Simplified Fable 1: Leaena et Vulpes

Now that I have finished the Segmented Grammar Commentaries on the fables (see the Complete Fables List for links), I'll be working through the fables again, this time providing "Simplified" versions of the fables. So, here is the first simplified fable - Fable 1: De Leaena et Vulpe, the story of the fox and the lioness.

Here is a Google Presentation version:



The original version is as follows:
Leaena, cum a Vulpe saepe exprobraretur quod, quolibet partu, unum dumtaxat catulum parturiret, respondit, “Unum sane, at pol Leonem!"
Here are the simplified sentences:

Vulpes Leaenam exprobrabat.
The original has a cum clause with a passive verb instead.

Vulpes Leaenam saepe exprobrabat.
The adverb expands on the sentence.

Vulpes dicebat:
I've changed the indirect quod clause in the original to a direct statement by the fox.

"Leaena, unum catulum parturis!"
Dialogue like this is a great way to practice second-person verb forms.

"Unum dumtaxat catulum parturis."
Adding in the adverb (an especially sneaky adverb, too, since it is formed from a verb originally).

"Quolibet partu, unum dumtaxat catulum parturis."
Adding in the ablative phrase; note that both the noun partu and the verb parturis are from the same stem.

Vulpes Leaenam saepe exprobrabat quod, quolibet partu, unum dumtaxat catulum parturiret.
The quod clause is able to connect the two statements (and it uses a subjunctive).

Leaena a Vulpe saepe exprobrabatur.
The active statement is made passive.

Leaena respondit:

Leaena, cum a Vulpe saepe exprobraretur, respondit:
The cum clause is able to connect the two statements (and it uses a subjunctive).

"Unum catulum paturio."
Supplying the verb which is only implied in the original.

"Unum catulum paturio, at pol Leo est!"
Completing the thought with an independent statement, as opposed to the parallelism is the original.

"Unum catulum paturio, at pol Leonem!"
Converting it into a parallelism as in the original.

"Unum paturio, at pol Leonem!"
Removing the noun, so that it is implied.

"Unum sane parturio, at pol Leonem!"
The adverb provides emphasis.






Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fable 80: Canis et Lupus

Here's the next fable with a kind of running commentary that is not entirely possible within the confines of the forthcoming book from Bolchazy-Carducci. This will be Fable 80 in the book: De Cane et Lupo. For more information about this fable, see the Discussion Forum for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.
Saginato Cani occurrit Lupus macilentus, miratus quomodo ille, qui intra parietes privatos clauderetur, tam pinguis evaderet, et ipse tam macilentus foret, qui tot nemora, colles, et pascua de iure suo possideret, ex quibus victum sibi compararet. Respondit Canis se indulgentissimum habuisse herum, qui cibos illi quotidie de mensa sua porrigebat. Attonitus stetit paulisper Lupus sed, propius cicatrices et collum saucium perspiciens, percontatus est unde haec cruditas acciderit. Respondit Canis haec tantummodo esse catenae indicia, qua interdum perstringebatur. Cui Lupus: “Ne! Tuae non invideo fortunae, nec meae paeniteo. Malim enim, ieiunus et impastus, praesenti frui libertate, quam satur catenis perstringi et fustibus contundi.”
Saginato Cani
= In the opening words we meet our first main character: the fat dog.

occurrit Lupus macilentus,
= And here is the second character: the emaciated wolf. The verb occurrit (“run into to”) takes a dative complement.

miratus
= This participle introduces an indirect question: the wolf wonders...

quomodo ille,
= The pronoun refers to the dog, ille (canis), and quomodo introduces an indirect question which will take the subjunctive.

qui intra parietes privatos clauderetur,
= The subjunctive provides causal background information; according to the wolf, this is why it is so surprising that the dog is fat (since the dog is locked up, he wouldn't be able to roam and hunt to find his food).

tam pinguis evaderet,
= The subjunctive is in an indirect question, introduced by quomodo, while pinguis is a predicate adjective, agreeing with the subject, ille (canis).

et ipse tam macilentus foret,
= The pronoun refers to the wolf, ipse (lupus), with foret as an alternative subjunctive form of esset, continuing the indirect question introduced by quomodo, with the predicate tam macilentus parallel to tam pinguis (just as the wolf wonders how the dog got to be so fat, he wonders how he got to be so skinny!).

qui
= The referent of the relative pronoun is ipse, the wolf.

tot nemora, colles, et pascua
= The word tot is undeclinable.

de iure suo possideret,
= The subjunctive provides causal background information; according to the wolf, this is why it is so surprising that he, the wolf, is thin - since he does believe himself to have so much territory under his control!

ex quibus
= The woods, hills and meadows provide the referent of the relative pronoun.

victum sibi compararet.
= The subjunctive continues the explanation of the wolf's thoughts, and his surprise at the fact that he is so thin, since he has all this territory in which to hunt his food.

Respondit Canis
= Presumably the wolf expressed his amazement out loud, since the dog answered him in reply!

se indulgentissimum habuisse herum,
= Accusative plus infinitive construction in indirect statement, with se as the accusative subject, and herum as the object. The noun phrase, indulgentissimum herum, wraps around the infinitive, with the superlative expressing an extreme degree of something ("an extremely kind master"). You might expect the infinitive habere here; the perfect habuisse suggests the sense that the dog had gotten himself a master (an opportunity the wolf will decline!)

qui
= The referent of the relative pronoun is the herum.

cibos illi quotidie de mensa sua porrigebat.
= The referent of the pronoun illi is the dog: illi (cani).

Attonitus stetit paulisper Lupus
= The literal meaning of the word attonitus is thunder-struck, as in the word tonitrus, "thunder," which comes from the same root.

sed, propius cicatrices et collum saucium perspiciens,
= The word propius is a comparative adverb, from prope.

percontatus est
= This verb introduces an indirect question.

unde haec cruditas acciderit.
= The word unde introduces an indirect question with the subjunctive.

Respondit Canis
= Again, the dog replied to the wolf's question.

haec tantummodo esse catenae indicia,
= Accusative plus infinitive construction in indirect statement; haec is the accusative subject (neuter plural), and indicia is the predicate noun (neuter plural).

qua interdum perstringebatur.
= The referent of the relative pronoun is catenae.

Cui Lupus:
= The referent of the relative pronoun is canis in the previous sentence, with an implied verb of speaking: cui (cani) lupus (inquit).

“Ne!
= This is the interjection ne - not to be confused with the negating conjunction ne. The interjection means something like "for sure!' or "indeed!"

Tuae non invideo fortunae,
= The phrase tuae fortunae wraps around the verb, non invideo, which takes a dative complement.

nec meae paeniteo.
= The verb paeniteo takes a genitive complement, and you can replace the word nec with the words et non to make the phrase easier to sort out: et meae (fortunae) non paeniteo.

Malim enim,
= The subjunctive malim is part of an implied hypothetical statement: “I would prefer (if I had a choice)." Note also the postpositive particle in second position, as you would expect.

ieiunus et impastus,
= The adjectives ieiunus and impastus agree with the subject of the verb.

praesenti frui libertate,
= The noun phrase praesenti libertate wraps around the infinitive frui, which takes an ablative complement. (The infinitive frui is itself a complement to malim).

quam satur
= The word quam coordinates a comparison introduced by malim (= magis + velim, where the comparison is expressed in the verb itself). Like ieiunus and impastus, the adjective satur agrees with the subject of malim.

catenis perstringi et fustibus contundi.”
= The infinitives perstringi and contundi are also complements to malim, and express just what is being compared: enjoying freedom on the one hand, as opposed to being tied up and beaten.

Here is the illustration of the fable by Francis Barlow:




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Fable 79: Sol et Ventus

Here's the next fable with a kind of running commentary that is not entirely possible within the confines of the forthcoming book from Bolchazy-Carducci. This will be Fable 79 in the book: De Sole et Vento. For more information about this fable, see the Discussion Forum for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.
Sol et Aquilo certabant uter sit fortior. Conventum est experiri vires in Viatorem, ut palmam ferat qui excusserit Viatoris manticam. Boreas horrisono turbine Viatorem aggreditur. At ille non desistit, amictum gradiendo duplicans. Assumit vires Sol qui, nimbo paulatim evicto, totos emolitur radios. Incipit Viator aestuare, sudare, anhelare. Tandem progredi nequiens, sub frondoso nemore, obiecta mantica, resedit et ita Soli victoria contingebat.
Sol et Aquilo certabant
= As often, we meet the main characters here in the opening words of the fable, the Sun and the North Wind, which was called "Aquilo" by the Romans.

uter sit fortior.
= The word uter introduces an indirect question with the subjunctive.

Conventum est
= This impersonal expression expects a complementary infinitive: it was agreed = they agreed to...

experiri vires in Viatorem,
= The deponent infinitive experiri is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

ut palmam ferat
= This is the palm of victory, awarded to the winner in a contest.

qui excusserit Viatoris manticam.
= The implied subject of the verb ferat supplies the referent of the relative pronoun: ut palmam ferat (is) qui excusserit.

Boreas
= This is the Greek name given to the North Wind.

horrisono turbine Viatorem aggreditur.
= The deponent verb aggreditur is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

At ille non desistit,
= The pronoun refers to the wayfarer: ille (viator).

amictum gradiendo duplicans.
= The participial phrase amictum duplicans wraps around the gerund in the ablative case, gradiendo, which describes how the man kept moving: “pacing; walking step by step.”

Assumit vires Sol
= The North Wind has had his chance; now it is the Sun's turn!

qui,
= The referent of the relative pronoun is the sun - but you will have to wait until after the ablative absolute clause to find out what verb goes with this subject.

nimbo paulatim evicto,
= Ablative absolute construction.

totos emolitur radios.
= The phrase totos radios wraps around the deponent verb, which is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

Incipit Viator aestuare, sudare, anhelare.
= The infinitives are all complements to the verb incipit.

Tandem progredi nequiens,
= The participle nequiens takes a complementary infinitive.

sub frondoso nemore,
= The suffix -osus in Latin means "full of" something, so frondosus is literally full of frondes, leafy branches or boughs.

obiecta mantica,
= Ablative absolute construction.

resedit
= The implied subject of the verb is the traveler, who has finally had to stop and sit down to seek relief from the heat.

et ita Soli victoria contingebat.
= The form Soli is the dative form of the noun Sol, the sun - although the form itself is ambiguous. From context, you know it is from Sol, but it could also be from the adjective solus (only, single), from the noun solum ("bottom, ground"), or even from the noun solium ("throne, seat").

Here is the illustration of the fable by Francis Barlow:




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Fable 78: Rana et Vulpes

Here's the next fable with a kind of running commentary that is not entirely possible within the confines of the forthcoming book from Bolchazy-Carducci. This will be Fable 78 in the book: Rana et Vulpes. For more information about this fable, see the Discussion Forum for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.
Rana, paludibus valedicens, novo vivendi genere acquisito, in silvam gloriabunda sese tulit et, bestiarum coronis circumstipata, medicinae artem publice profitebatur, et in herbis, quae ad corpora curanda pertinent, nobiliorem se vel Galeno vel Hippocrate esse clamitabat. Credula bestiarum gens fidem facile adhibebat, Vulpe solummodo excepta, quae sic glorianti irridebat: “Insulsum vagumque animal! Quid tam vana blatteras? Quid artem nobilem prae te fers, quam minime calles? Livida pallidaque illa tua labra respice! Quin domi abi et teipsum cura, medice! Deinde ad nos redeas, meliora forsan de te speraturos.” Nihil respondente Rana sed tacitis secum gemente suspiriis, tota bestiarum cachinnis resonabat silva.
Rana, paludibus valedicens,
= As usual, we meet one of the main characters of the story here in the opening words: the frog, who is saying goodbye to her usual haunts.

novo vivendi genere acquisito,
= Ablative absolute construction, with the ablative noun phrase novo genere wrapping around the gerund which is in the genitive case.

in silvam gloriabunda sese tulit
= The reflexive pronoun sese (= se) refers back to the subject of the main verb, the frog.

et, bestiarum coronis circumstipata,
= The participle circumstipata agrees with the subject of the verb, rana.

medicinae artem publice profitebatur,
= The deponent verb profitebatur is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

et in herbis, quae ad corpora curanda pertinent,
= The gerundive with the preposition ad expresses purpose, with corpora as the accusative complement of the preposition, and the gerundive agreeing in case, number and gender (as any adjective does!).

nobiliorem se vel Galeno vel Hippocrate esse
= Accusative plus infinitive construction in indirect statement, with se as the accusative subject, and nobiliorem as a predicate adjective. The names Galen and Hippocrates ablatives of comparison, and the double use of vel is equivalent to the English correlative conjunctions, “either . . . or . . .”

clamitabat.
= The verb is a frequentative form of the verb clamare.

Credula bestiarum gens fidem facile adhibebat,
= The fides here refers to the trust they were willing to give to the frog and her claims.

Vulpe solummodo excepta,
= Ablative absolute construction.

quae sic glorianti irridebat:
= The referent of the relative pronoun is the fox, and the participle glorianti agrees with the frog: quae (vulpes) sic glorianti (ranae) irridebat.

“Insulsum vagumque animal!
= The word insulsum uses the negating prefix in- with the word salsus, which literally means "salted," but which has the metaphorical meaning of "witty, sharp." The word sal, "salt," also has the metaphorical meaning in Latin of "shrewdness, cunning, wit," etc.

Quid tam vana blatteras?
= The interrogative quid here means “why? for what reason?”

Quid artem nobilem prae te fers,
= The idiom prae se ferre means “to profess, proclaim.”

quam minime calles?
= The referent of the relative pronoun is artem.

Livida pallidaque illa tua labra respice!
= In other words: if the frog takes a look at herself, she will see that she is not very healthy-looking!

Quin domi abi et teipsum cura, medice!
= The word quin plus the imperative expresses the so-called interrogative imperative: “Why don’t you go home and heal yourself?” (the pronoun teipsum is a compound, te + ipsum).

Deinde ad nos redeas,
= The subjunctive states a hypothetical possibility: the frog could come back again as a doctor - if she cures her own ailments first!

meliora forsan de te speraturos.”
= The future active participle speraturos agrees with nos, and meliora (“better things”) is the accusative object of the participle.

Nihil respondente Rana
= Ablative absolute construction, with nihil as the object of the participle.

sed tacitis secum gemente suspiriis,
= The phrase tacitis suspiriis wraps around the participle, gemente, which is part of an ablative absolute construction (parallel to nihil respondente rana).The word secum is a compound, in inverted order: secum = cum + se (“with herself, to herself”).

tota bestiarum cachinnis resonabat silva.
= The noun phrase tota silva wraps around the verb.

Here is the illustration of the fable by Francis Barlow:




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Fable 77: Ranae et Earum Rex

Here's the next fable with a kind of running commentary that is not entirely possible within the confines of the forthcoming book from Bolchazy-Carducci. This will be Fable 77 in the book: De Ranis et Earum Rege. For more information about this fable, see the Discussion Forum for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.
Gens Ranarum supplicabat sibi regem dari. Iupiter deiecit trabem, cuius moles cum ingenti fragore quassabat fluvium. Territae, silebant Ranae. Mox regem venerantur et tandem accedunt propius; omni metu abiecto, iners rex lusui et contemptui est. Lacessunt igitur Iovem rursus, orantes regem sibi dari qui strenuus sit. Iupiter dat Ciconiam, quae, perambulans paludem, quidquid Ranarum obviam fit, vorabat. De cuius tyrannide questae sunt, sed frustra. Nam Iupiter non audit; decrevit enim ut, quae regem clementem sunt deprecatae, iam ferant inclementem.
Gens Ranarum
= As often, we meet one of the main characters in the opening words of the fable: the frog clan!

supplicabat sibi regem dari.
= The reflexive pronoun refers to the subject of the main verb, the frogs: they asked that a king be given to them (i.e., to them, the frogs).

Iupiter deiecit trabem,
= We now learn just who they asked for a king: they went to the king of the gods himself, Jupiter.

cuius moles
= The referent of the relative pronoun is the log, trabem.

cum ingenti fragore
= Note that this is the preposition cum, not the adverb.

quassabat fluvium.
= Although frequentative verbs are usually formed with -tare or -itare in Latin, some frequentative verbs are formed with -sare as you can see here, with the verb quassare formed from the root verb, quatere which has quassus as its perfect participle (compare also cursare from currere, which has cursus as its perfect participle).

Territae, silebant Ranae.
= You might want to translate the Latin participle with a finite verb clause in English: The frogs were terrified and made not a sound. (Given that frogs are proverbially noisy, their silence is quite remarkable!)

Mox regem venerantur
= The deponent verb venerantur is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative.

et tandem accedunt propius;
= The word propius is the comparative form of the adverb, prope.

omni metu abiecto,
= Ablative absolute construction.

iners rex lusui et contemptui est.
= The predicate datives express the purpose to which the frogs put their king: he was an object of amusement and contempt.

Lacessunt igitur Iovem rursus,
= Note the postpositive particle in second position, as you would expect.

orantes regem sibi dari
= Notice that regem sibi dari repeats their original request - but now they are going to add a relative clause that provides further specifications!

qui strenuus sit.
= The subjunctive, introduced by the relative pronoun qui, explains the result the frogs would like to see in response to their request for a king.

Iupiter dat Ciconiam,
= In the classical Latin version of this story, Jupiter sends a water snake, but here he sends a water bird.

quae, perambulans paludem,
= The relative pronoun is feminine singular, agreeing with ciconia.

quidquid Ranarum obviam fit,
= The phrase quidquid ranarum is a partitive genitive: "whatever (of) frogs." The phrase obviam fieri means “to run into, get in the way of."

vorabat.
= The subject of this verb is the stork: she devoured whatever frogs she ran into!

De cuius tyrannide
= The referent of the relative pronoun cuius is ciconia in the previous sentence: de cuius (ciconiae) tyrannide.

questae sunt, sed frustra.
= The implied subject of the verb is the frogs, ranae - hence the feminine plural form, questae sunt.

Nam Iupiter non audit;
= The nam indicates here that an explanation is coming - that is, an explanation of why it was that the frogs' complained frustra, "in vain."

decrevit enim
= Note the postpositive particle in second position, as you would expect.

ut,
= This ut is going to introduce a subjunctive verb as you would expect - but you'll have to wait until after the relative clause to find out what the verb is.

quae regem clementem sunt deprecatae,
= The deponent verb sunt deprecatae is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative. The referent of the relative pronoun is the implied subject of the main verb of the sentence, ferant.

iam ferant inclementem.
= The subjunctive here goes with ut (preceding the relative clause).

Here is the illustration of the fable by Francis Barlow:




The Aesopus Ning is now open for business - so, for more fables and to share your questions and comments with others, come visit the Ning!