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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