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.

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