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....

---

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!