AP Latin at Bullis

4-7 Jan

2011-01-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

This week we will be finishing Book II in Latin (ll. 735-802) and reviewing Book III in English before starting Book IV in Latin.

Also, there will be a test next Wednesday/Thursday (12-13 Jan). Multiple choice will be on Wednesday and translation/essay will be on Thursday.

Reading notes for Books 1-6

2010-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for as you read Books 1-6 of the Aeneid over the Christmas Break:

Book 1 -
Cupid and Dido

Book 2 -
Sinon
Helen
Creusa
Aphrodite's visit to Aeneas

Book 3 -
Polydorus
Delos and Apollo's visit to Aeneas
Aeneas' time on Crete
The Strophades and the Harpies
Celaeno
Helenus and Andromache
Landing at Drepanum and Anchises' death

Book 4 -
Dido and Anna
Pact between Juno and Venus
Iarbas
Mercury
Dido's curse upon Aeneas

Book 5 -
Acestes
Gyas
Nisus and Euryalus* <-- pay close attention to these two, they will return later in the story
Dares and Entellus
Ascanius and the Trojan youths
Iris and the burning of the ships
Decision to sail to Italy
Palinurus

Book 6 -
Sibyl
Daedalus
Golden Bough
Misenus
Charon
Palinurus (yes, again)
Dido (again)
Anchises and the prophecies and visions of Rome's future
Marcellus
The gates of the Underworld

6-10 Dec

2010-12-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

We are continuing in Book II, going to line 297 and then jumping and doing 469-566.

Also, try to read the article "The Serpent and the Flame".

29 Nov - 3 Dec

2010-11-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

For this week we will be doing at least lines 1-56 and 199-227 in Book II. Before the Christmas Break begins, we will be aiming to complete lines 1-56, 199-297, and 469-566, all in Book II. There will also be some articles to read and a reading assignment for the Christmas Break, all of Aeneid Books 1-6 in English.

I recommend starting sooner rather than later.

A little bonus for Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T05:38:00.001-08:00

A bonus in that Thanksgiving is a good thing and a bonus in that you might earn a few additional points, if you should so desire.

Please give this brief essay a read and contemplate what the author says about self-respect and self-esteem. Then, in a short essay that you can email to me or bring with you next Monday when we're back in class, write about whether or not you feel Aeneas is an exemplar of self-respect or self-esteem. You must, of course, provide proof for any assertions you make from the Latin of the Aeneid.

Happy Turkey Day, and don't overdose on pumpkin pie.

In case you don't have a translation handy

2010-11-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

You're going to need an English translation of the Aeneid for our work this year so, if you don't already have one, I would recommend the Fagles edition from Amazon. It's on sale at the moment, so take advantage of it.

Through to Nov 12

2010-11-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

We continue finishing Book I of the Aeneid, and we are going to work hard to be done by next Friday, 12 Nov. After that we may start Book II or simply work on multiple-choice and essay writing skills for the AP test.

25-29 Oct

2010-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

For the upcoming week, we will be reading lines 305-386 in Aeneid I.

Also, we will be having another test next Wednesday-Thursday, 3-4 Nov.

15-22 Oct

2010-10-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

For the next week of reading, we will be reading the dialogue between Jupiter and Venus and the prophecy of Rome's future success in Book I.

Book I, lines 223-304, for the next week.

4-8 Oct

2010-10-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

And we continue onwards. This week we're aiming to get to line 222. If we make it there before the end of the week - as seems likely - then we will begin some practice on essay writing and multiple choice.

Mare verborum

2010-09-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

As promised in class, here are a few handy resources that you can consider for your use, should the mood take you.

Ipodius! A collection of 587 vocabulary words for the AP Vergil exam which focus on the most common words occurring in the Aeneid. Click here to see and order.

I'm afraid the flashcards I mentioned in class are more for general Latin use and you are far beyond the point where they would be useful. I would, however, like to suggest two more things if you think it might help.

First: Latin grammar review. These electronic sheets provide a complete review of forms in one handy place, in case you feel like you need a reference for your peace of mind. Click here to see and order.

Second: Greek grammar review! Because I am a shameless promoter of all things classical, you might consider these in case you decide to take up Ancient Greek in your travels. Again, a one-stop resource for your grammatical and syntactical needs. Click here to see and order.

27 Sept - 1 Oct

2010-09-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Even with Homecoming Week upon us already, the AP never stops. For this week we'll begin in the middle of the storm and push until we've landed in North Africa. Our goal is lines 92-179.

20-24 Sept

2010-09-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Our work for this week will focus on lines 34-123 in Book I. We aim for 15-20 lines a day, so please be prepared and keep up with the work. Remember to bring questions to class or you can post any questions you have in the comments and we will address them in class.

A new year and a puzzle

2010-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Arma virumque cano...

And another year is upon us. I don't know if this blog will have any more success this year than previous years, but - as always - I will try to be consistent.

Let's start with a small puzzle. Whoever gets the most correct in the least amount of time will win some bonus points. Have fun and bonam fortunam!

If a Mermaid is a Woman plus a Fish (M = W + F) which mythological creatures are represented by the following equations?

C = M + H
M = M + B
S = W + L
G = E + L
F = M + G
H = W + B
C = R + S
C = L + G + S
M = M + L + D

A Lesson in Latin

2010-05-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

From Lewis Carroll:

Our Latin books, in motley row,
Invite us to our task—
Gay Horace, stately Cicero:
Yet there's one verb, when once we know,
No higher skill we ask:
This ranks all other lore above—
We've learned "'Amare' means 'to love'!"

So, hour by hour, from flower to flower,
We sip the sweets of Life:
Till, all too soon, the clouds arise,
And flaming cheeks and flashing eyes
Proclaim the dawn of strife:
With half a smile and half a sigh,
"Amare! Bitter One!" we cry.

Last night we owned, with looks forlorn,
"Too well the scholar knows
There is no rose without a thorn"—
But peace is made! We sing, this morn,
"No thorn without a rose!"
Our Latin lesson is complete:
We've learned that Love is Bitter-Sweet!

I will give 5 bonus points to the first person who can tell me what the pun is on amare in the poem. Be as specific as possible when you explain what the pun is.

Bonam fortunam!

Contest time!

2010-01-29T07:35:00.000-08:00

Once again, it is time for the Bernice L. Fox Classics Writing competition.

Follow the link for more details, including information about bonus points.

Bonam fortunam!

"...quod eritque fuitque estque, patet"

2010-01-14T05:22:00.001-08:00

In today's test you had to write an essay discussing Vergil's use of foreshadowing as regards the Trojans' imminent demise. For up to 10 bonus quiz points, pick what you think is the most effective instance of foreshadowing in the passage and tell us why it qualifies as being the most effective. The passage is reproduced below for your reference.

In order to earn the most points, your defense of your selection should rely heavily on the Latin. Explanations and justifications which rely on translating for their force will earn fewer points, if any. You may cite the same excerpt as someone else if you choose, but your argument cannot be the same. The most convincing argument will win the greatest number of points, with some points going to two runners up.

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm, Monday, a.d. XV Kal. Feb.

Bonam fortunam!

dividimus muros et moenia pandimus urbis.
accingunt omnes operi pedibusque rotarum
subiciunt lapsus, et stuppea vincula collo
intendunt; scandit fatalis machina muros
feta armis. pueri circum innuptaeque puellae
sacra canunt funemque manu contingere gaudent;
illa subit mediaeque minans inlabitur urbi.
o patria, o divum domus Ilium et incluta bello
moenia Dardanidum! quater ipso in limine portae
substitit atque utero sonitum quater arma dedere;
instamus tamen immemores caecique furore
et monstrum infelix sacrata sistimus arce.
tunc etiam fatis aperit Cassandra futuris
ora dei iussu non umquam credita Teucris.
nos delubra deum miseri, quibus ultimus esset
ille dies, festa velamus fronde per urbem.

Short essay sampling

2010-01-12T04:52:00.001-08:00

In response to those of you who wanted a little practice before our next test, consider the below as a representative example of a short essay. If you choose to try this, be sure to address the question directly and remember that all your assertions must be supported by references to the Latin.

"hic mihi nescio quod trepido male numen amicum 735
confusam eripuit mentem. namque avia cursu
dum sequor et nota excedo regione viarum,
heu misero coniunx fatone erepta Creusa
substitit, erravitne via seu lapsa resedit,
incertum; nec post oculis est reddita nostris. 740
nec prius amissam respexi animumve reflexi
quam tumulum antiquae Cereris sedemque sacratam
venimus: hic demum collectis omnibus una
defuit, et comites natumque virumque fefellit.
quem non incusavi amens hominumque deorumque, 745
aut quid in eversa vidi crudelius urbe?"

In the passage above, Aeneas realizes that his wife Creusa has not made it with them outside the walls of Troy. In a short essay, discuss how Vergil expresses Aeneas' feelings and reactions upon realizing this. Be sure to refer to the Latin throughout the passage in support of your assertions.

Vergilius hodie

2009-12-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

As you all enjoy the Christmas holiday and the reading of the first 6 books of the Aeneid in English, there is something I would like to draw to your attention. Bolchazy-Carducci has recently begun putting a lot of material out in electronic form, including AP Vergil vocabulary flashcards for your Ipod. If you're looking for a means to help you review vocabulary, as well as a justification to use an Ipod for legitimate school work, then stop by Ipodius and check it out.

Aeneid Anglice

2009-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Since we have now come to the point where we are skipping sections of the Aeneid in Latin, you will need to catch yourselves up on the story in English. If you have not already acquired a copy of the Aeneid in translation, I would strongly recommend doing so before we break for Christmas. You will have an extended reading assignment to complete over the Christmas break.

If you do not already own a copy, I would recommend this copy from Amazon. It is an excellent translation, easy to read, and very cheap.

Final Exam multiple choice Part III

2009-11-24T04:36:00.001-08:00

A funeral fit for a king
Artemesia Mausolum virum amasse fertur supra omnes amorum fabulas ultraque affectionis humanae fidem. Mausolus autem fuit, ut M. Tullius ait, rex terrae Cariae…Is Mausolus, ubi fato perfunctus inter lamenta et manus uxoris, funere magnifico sepultus est, Artemisia, luctu atque desiderio mariti flagrans uxor, ossa cineremque eius mixta odoribus contusaque in faciem pulveris aquae indidit ebibitque multaque alio violenti amoris indicia fecisse dicitur. Molita quoque est ingenti impetus operis conservandae mariti memoriae sepulcrum illud memoratissimum dignaturmque numerari inter septem omnium terrarum spectacula. Id monumentum Artemisia cum dis manibus sacrum Mausoli dicaret, “Agona,” id est, “certamen” laudibus eius dicendis, facit ponitque praemia pecuniae aliarumque rerum bonarum amplissima. Ad eas laudes decertandas venisse dicuntur viri nobiles ingenio atque lingua praestabili…
Aulus Gellius, Attic Nights, Book X. xvii. 1-6

28. In line 1, amasse is a syncopated form of
a) amavissem b) amavisse c) amata esse d) amatura esse
b - It is an infinitive and active, thus b.

29. What is the best translation of fertur (line 1)?
a) is carried b) is offered c) is reported d) is endured
c - This one is hard. The presence of accusatives (Mausolum virum) and the infinitive amasse suggest indirect discourse, which makes c the only answer as only it can begin indirect discourse. Or, as here, amasse is working as a complimentary infinitive with fertur, in which case c is the only correct answer as it is the only one that makes sense. In no instance can a work as an answer although it is the obvious, and misleading, choice.

30. According to lines 1-2 (Artemisia…fidem), the love Artemisia felt for her husband
a) surpassed the love of glory of ancient warriors. b) exceeded the love of parents for their children
c) was the most intense love ever felt by mortals. d) exceeded even the passion of the gods.
c - The love was supra omnes amorum fabulas, "beyond all stories of love" AND ultra affectionis humanae fidem, "beyond the faith of human affection". No mention of gods, parents, or heroes.

31. M. Tullius (line 2) is a reference to
a) Caesar b) Cicero c) Pompey d) Livy
b - As we all came from Cicero in Latin III-Honors, or we met him last year a bit in Catullus' little mocking poem about him (optimus patronus), we know who Marcus Tullius Cicero is.

32. Artemisia is described in lines 3-4 as luctu…flagrans, which is best understood as
a) rousing the citizens to war. b) setting fire to her palace.
c) burning her husbands body and possessions. d) aflame with grief.
d - luctu atque desiderio mariti, "with grief and desire for her husband". Being aflame with passion, either good or bad, is a common motif.

33. In line 4, the words mixta and contusa are modifying
a) Artemisia (line 3) b) luctu (line 3) c) ossa (line 4) d) mariti (line 4)
c - ossa is the closest possible word for these adjectives to modify, and a makes no sense given that it isn't likely that Artemisia is being mixed and beaten.

34. According to ossa…ebibitque (lines 4-5), what did Artemesia do?
a) She mixed her husband’s bones and ashes with perfumes and poured it into a stream.
b) She made a paste of her husband’s remains and mixed it with water.
c) She mixed her husband’s remains with water and perfume and drank it.
d) She poured perfumes over the bones and ashes of her husband.
c - Gross, perhaps, but proof of her love. If nothing else, ebibit is the key to the phrase.

35. The expression ingenti impetus operis (line 5) signifies the
a) effort used to build the tomb b) resentment of the workers
c) attacks made on the tomb d) opposition to building the tomb
a - Like the Carthaginians building their city, the hugeness of the work is a sign of the effort involved.

36. The best translation of cum (line 7) is
a) when b) since c) although d) with
a - dis manibus is tempting to take as an ablative, except until we see that Artemisia is speaking, dicaret. This wants a dative indirect object. Also, why the subjunctive unless the clause is subordinate? Since there is no marker for a concessive clause such as tamen, and we know she has been building this tomb for a while now, a is the best answer considering that the games which follow are typical funeral games.

37. According to line 8 (Agona…dicendis), what kind of funeral games were held?
a) chariot races b) wrestling contests c) oratorical contests d) foot races
c - dicendis is the key. The contests (certamen) are to be contests of speaking.

38. According to lines 8-9 (facit…amplissima), what were the prizes for the winners?
a) Praises fit for a king. b) Money and other excellent goods.
c) They were carved onto the tomb. d) A costly and skilled slave.
b - praemia we know well from Vergil; perhaps we know that pecuniary matters in English relate to money; finally there is the talk of other most excellent goods (aliarumque rerum bonarum), which is generic and plural.

Final Exam multiple choice Part II

2009-11-24T04:35:00.001-08:00

Anchises visits his son and counsels him on his next steps.
'nate, mihi vita quondam, dum vita manebat,
care magis, nate Iliacis exercite fatis,
imperio Iovis huc venio, qui classibus ignem
depulit, et caelo tandem miseratus ab alto est.
5 consiliis pare quae nunc pulcherrima Nautes
dat senior; lectos iuvenes, fortissima corda,
defer in Italiam. gens dura atque aspera cultu
debellanda tibi Latio est. Ditis tamen ante
infernas accede domos et Averna per alta
10 congressus pete, nate, meos. non me impia namque
Tartara habent, tristes umbrae, sed amoena piorum
concilia Elysiumque colo. huc casta Sibylla
nigrarum multo pecudum te sanguine ducet.
tum genus omne tuum et quae dentur moenia disces.
15 iamque vale; torquet medios Nox umida cursus
et me saevus equis Oriens adflauit anhelis.'
Aeneid V. 724-739

17. The best translation of mihi vita…care magis (lines 1-2) is
a) dearer to me than life b) beware lest you depart from life
c) life is dearer to me d) take better care of my life
a - care is vocative. So "You, dear to me more (magis) than life (vita as an ablative of comparison).

18. Line 1 indicates that Anchises
a) is warning Aeneas b) is no longer alive
c) is hoping for a long life for Aeneas d) is encouraging Aeneas to life a worthy life
b - manebat is the key here. Life remained for Anchises. Past tense.

19. In lines 2, Iliacis…fatis refers to
a) the love affair between Dido and Aeneas b) the future victory of the Trojans in Latium
c) the predicted glory of Rome d) the misfortunes suffered by the Trojans
d - The fate of Ilium is never a good thing. Also, exercite is vocative, meaning something like "troubled by".

20. The antecedent of qui (line 3) is
a) fatis (line 3) b) imperio (line 3) c) Iovis (line 3) d) huc (line 3)
c - Masculine and singular is needed, and Iovis is handy. No other answer is possible given that a and b are neuters.

21. In line 5, consiliis is dative because it
a) indicates possession b) is dependent on the verb pareo
c) is used with a special adjective d) expresses purpose
b - Datives of possession need est to work, and there is none present. There are no special adjectives around - pulcherrima takes an ablative as we have seen. There is no verb of motion to allow for an expression of purpose. Finally, pare is the imperative form of the verb pareo, which takes a dative as you may recall.

22. In lines 6-7 (lectos…Italiam), Aeneas is advised
a) to take the bravest of his people to Italy. b) that Italy is full of very brave people.
c) to enter Italy as bravely as possible. d) to appreciate the bravery of his people.
a - "Chosen youths" are the lectos iuvenes. Defer is the imperative, commanding Aeneas to bring them to Italy.

23. In line 6, fortissima corda is an example of
a) alliteration b) onomatopoeia c) chiasmus d) synecdoche
d - Speaking of the hearts as brave, instead of the men themselves, is common.

24. In line 8, debellanda tibi…est is best translated
a) is going to subdue you b) must be subdued by you
c) has been subdued by you d) is going to be subdued by you
b - Gerundives typically express purpose or obligation and are used to express actions that need to occur in the future. Also, they take datives of agent.

25. The scansion of the first four feet of line 12 is
a) DSSS b) DSDS c) DDSS d) DDDS
d BUT c is acceptable. - There is a hiatus here in the line, between colo and huc. They should elide, but they don't. You know that in Elysiumque colo, the -umque co- should scan as a dactyl, but that leaves you one beat short if you elide colo and huc. Don't elide them, and you have the correct scansion. Do elide them, and your answer must default to c. Thus c is acceptable for our purposes.

26. According to line 14, the purpose of Aeneas’ trip to the Underworld will be to
a) learn what the future holds for his people. b) ask forgiveness from his father.
c) explore the regions of the Underworld. d) receive advice from Trojans who have died.
a - The whole line hinges on disces: "You will learn". Know that and you will know the answer. The rest of the line talks about his whole race omne genus and his walls quae moenia, so you could still come to a as the answer.

27. According to lines 15-16, as Anchises bids Aeneas farewell it is
a) mid-morning b) nearly midnight c) mid-afternoon d) near dawn
d - Night is described as umida, moist with dew. It has turned its middle course, medios...cursus. And Dawn is coming with its panting horses equis Oriens adflavit anhelis.

Final Exam multiple choice Part I

2009-11-24T04:29:00.000-08:00

Urbs antiqua fuit, Tyrii tenuere coloni,
Karthago, Italiam contra Tiberinaque longe
ostia, dives opum studiisque asperrima belli;
quam Iuno fertur terris magis omnibus unam
5 posthabita coluisse Samo; hic illius arma,
hic currus fuit; hoc regnum dea gentibus esse,
si qua fata sinant, iam tum tenditque fovetque.
Progeniem sed enim Troiano a sanguine duci
audierat, Tyrias olim quae verteret arces;
10 hinc populum late regem belloque superbum
venturum excidio Libyae: sic volvere Parcas.
Id metuens, veterisque memor Saturnia belli,
prima quod ad Troiam pro caris gesserat Argis—
necdum etiam causae irarum saevique dolores
15 exciderant animo: manet alta mente repostum
iudicium Paridis spretaeque iniuria formae,
et genus invisum, et rapti Ganymedis honores.
Aeneid I. 12-28

1. In line 2, Tiberina is modifying
a) Karthago (line 2) b) Italiam (line 2) c) longe (line 2) d) ostia (line 3)

d - As the object of the preposition contra, the word modified needs to be accusative. Only ostia meets that criteria.

2. In line 3, the –que is linking
a) dives & asperrima b) opum & studiis c) ostia & asperrima d) opum & belli
a - -que needs to be linking two of the same thing. The key elements being joined are the adjectives modifying Karthago, thus a is correct. d might have worked in another situation.

3. The antecedent of quam (line 4) is
a) belli (line 3) b) opum (line 3) c) Karthago (line 2) d) Iuno (line 4)
c - Needs to be feminine and singular. Since Iuno is inside the relative clause, only Karthago can work.

4. The scansion of the first four feet of line 4 is
a) DSSS b) DDSS c) SSDS d) SSSS
NO ANSWER - Answer (c) should have read: SSSD. Due to this mis-type, no correct answer is possible. Full credit will be given to everyone for this.

5. Lines 5-7 (hic…fovetque) show an example of what rhetorical device?
a) Tricolon Crescens b) Polysyndeton c) Hendiadys d) Onomatopoeia
a - There is a clear repetition of hic, hic, hoc, yet anaphora isn't an option. Since there are 3 forms of hic that would suggest a tricolon. The term "crescens" comes from Latin "to grow", signifying that each successive element of the tricolon is longer than the one preceding it.

6. The best translation of si…sinant (line 5) is
a) if anyone allowed fate b) if any way was given to fate
c) if some fate permitted d) if fate had given a way
c - Since fata is clearly the subject of sinant, a and b are out as answers. Since qua is not the direct object of sinant, only c remains.

7. In line 9, audierat is a syncopated form of
a) audivisset b) audita erat c) audiverat d) auditura erat
c - The form is not subjunctive, so a is not possible. Passive forms are not syncopated in this manner.

8. The subject of verteret (line 10) is
a) quae (line 10) b) arces (line 10) c) Troiano (line 9) d) dea (line 6)
a - quae, being nominative and singular, makes it the obvious, and correct, answer.

9. In line 11, excidio Libyae is best translated as
a) after Libya’s destruction b) for the destruction of Libya
c) with Libya destroying d) when Libya is destroyed
b - Datives with a verb of motion, here venturum, are often used to express purpose.

10. Parcas (line 11) is another name for
a) Athena b) The Muses c) Juno d) The Fates
d - Only the Fates unroll - volvere - things.

11. What rhetorical device do we see in line 12?
a) Interlocked Word Order b) Synecdoche c) Chiasmus d) Alliteration
c - veteris (Gen.) memor (Nom.) Saturnia (Nom.) belli (Gen.)

12. The best translation of line 13 is
a) (the war) which she wages against Troy for her dear Argives
b) because she waged war against Troy with her dear Argives
c) (the war) which she and her dear Argives had waged against Troy
d) (the war) which she had waged for her dear Argives against Troy
d - Juno, prima in the line, is waging the war, quod in the line, to Troy for (pro) her Argives.

13. How many elisions occur in line 14?
a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 0
b - necdum loses its -m to elide with etiam, and causae elides with the i- in irarum.

14. The phrase manet alta mente repostum (line 15) is best understood to mean
a) Juno remains on high, thinking deeply. b) Juno remembers well what is placed in her mind.
c) Juno buries memories deep in her mind. d) Juno forgets easily what is in her mind.
b - That which is placed (repostum) stays in her lofty mind (alta mente). The action described is that of remembering.

15. What rhetorical device can we see in lines 16-17?
a) Anaphora b) Alliteration c) Polysyndeton d) Tricolon
c - Three connectors in two lines. -que, et, and et.

16. In line 17, rapti is modifying
a) honores (line 17) b) Ganymedis (line 17) c) Paridis (line 16) d) genus (line 17)
b - Given that the form of rapti is ambiguous, you have to know the story a little. Ganymede was taken by Jupiter to be his cupbearer on Olympus, so rapti best goes with Ganymedis.

A brief digression in honor of fall

2009-11-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

As I sit here listening to Mozart and looking at the trees as they lose their leaves outside my classroom windows, I am reminded of a lament from Tolkien, Lord of the Rings. Laments are a longstanding genre of poetry, generally non-narrative, which express grief or sorrow over a profound loss.

The Lament of Bregalad, The Lord of the Rings Part Two, The Two Towers:

'There were rowan-trees in my home,' said Bregalad, softly and sadly, 'rowan-trees that took root when I was an Enting, many many years ago in the quiet of the world. The oldest were planted by the Ents to try and please the Entwives; but they looked at them and smiled and said that they knew where whiter blossom and richer fruit were growing. Yet there are no trees of all that race, the people of the Rose, that are so beautiful to me. And these trees grew and grew, till the shadow of each was like a green hall, and their red berries in the autumn were a burden, and a beauty and a wonder. Birds used to flock there. I like birds, even when they chatter; and the rowan has enough and to spare. But the birds became unfriendly and greedy and tore at the trees, and threw the fruit down and did not eat it. Then Orcs came with axes and cut down my trees. I came and called them by their long names, but they did not quiver, they did not hear or answer: they lay dead.

O Orofarnë, Lassemista, Carnimírië!
O rowan fair, upon your hair how white the blossom lay!
O rowan mine, I saw you shine upon a summer's day,
Your rind so bright, your leaves so light, your voice so cold and soft:
Upon your head how golden-red the crown you bore aloft!
O rowan dead, upon your head your hair is dry and grey;
Your crown is spilled, your voice is stilled for ever and a day.
O Orofarnë, Lassemista, Carnimírië!

The hobbits fell asleep to the sound of the soft singing of Bregalad, that seemed to lament in many tongues the fall of trees that he had loved.

For interest, Orofarne, Lassemista, Carnimirie are High-Elven names that mean "mountain-dwelling, leaf-grey, with adornment of red jewels".

For a lark, if anyone happens to have a lament that they particularly enjoy, post it here for 3 bonus quiz points. One per person, please, and explain to us, briefly, what it is that makes that particular lament so memorable to you.

Gauls on the warpath

2009-11-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

A new riddle for you all. Memento, precor! The answer must be both a Latin word which is a correct translation of one of the words in the clue and must sound like the English answer. If it fails on either criteria, it's no good.

"What might the Gauls have said when they saw Caesar's machines of war rolling toward their city?"

3 bonus points to the winner!

Bonam fortunam!

A warlike pun

2009-10-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Same as before. The answer to this riddle with be a Latin word that is a correct translation of one of the words in the question and will sound like the English answer. For 3 bonus points. Bonam fortunam!

"In a fight, what will some animals do?"

Pun for the day

2009-10-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Like the last one, the answer will be a Latin word that A) sounds like the English answer and B) is a direct translation of one of the words in the clue.

So, off we go!

"What did the whole crowd of lazy bums say when they were too tired to walk any more?"

The correct answer earns 3 bonus quiz points.

Bonam fortunam!

So you think you're clever, eh?

2009-10-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

So the last two riddles have been swiftly answered. Interesting. Let's try something completely different, then. Here's a riddle whose answer is a single Latin word which, when correctly pronounced, sounds like the English answer. The answer also is the Latin translation of one of the English words in the sentence. Puns are fun.

"Do you obey when your teacher orders you to do so?"

What's the answer? 5 points to whomever gets it correct. There may be more than one answer.

Oh, and 5 bonus points each to anyone who gets the pun and the television reference in the first paragraph.

Here's another riddle, so we can all particpate

2009-10-19T04:58:00.001-07:00

Miss Anderson was so quick off the mark on the last post, I thought we'd do one more.

"Never sleeping, still awake,
Pleasing most when most I speak;
The delight of old and young,
Though I speak without a tongue.
Nought but one thing can confound me,
Many voices joining round me;
Then I fret, and rave, and gabble,
Like the labourers of Babel.
Now I am a dog, or cow,
I can bark, or I can low;
I can bleat, or I can sing,
Like the warblers of the spring.
Let the lovesick bard complain,
And I mourn the cruel pain;
Let the happy swain rejoice,
And I join my helping voice:
Both are welcome, grief or joy,
I with either sport and toy.
Though a lady, I am stout,
Drums and trumpets bring me out:
Then I clash, and roar, and rattle,
Join in all the din of battle.
Jove, with all his loudest thunder,
When I'm vext, can't keep me under;
Yet so tender is my ear,
That the lowest voice I fear;
Much I dread the courtier's fate,
When his merit's out of date,
For I hate a silent breath,
And a whisper is my death."

What am I?

A return! And a riddle!

2009-10-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Nolite timere! Nam ego reveni et iterum laborem nostrum incipio!

For a start to this new year, I thought it appropriate to begin with a small riddle. Whoever correctly answers this first will get 5 bonus quiz points. We'll run this through the weekend and see how we do. Audentior ito!

"I with borrow'd silver shine
What you see is none of mine.
First I show you but a quarter,
Like the bow that guards the Tartar:
Then the half, and then the whole,
Ever dancing round the pole.
What will raise your admiration,
I am not one of God's creation,
But sprung, (and I this truth maintain,)
Like Pallas, from my father's brain.
And after all, I chiefly owe
My beauty to the shades below.
Most wondrous forms you see me wear,
A man, a woman, lion, bear,
A fish, a fowl, a cloud, a field,
All figures Heaven or earth can yield;
Like Daphne sometimes in a tree;
Yet am not one of all you see. "

What am I?

AP Summer Reading - Homer

2009-06-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Salvete, omnes,

In preparation for the AP Latin: Vergil course that you will be taking this coming year, it is essential that you acquire some pertinent background on the so-called Epic Cycle which tells the story of the war at Troy and the return home of the heroes who fought there.
Therefore you will need to read Homer’s two great epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. The first tells of the war at Troy and the story of Achilles and Hector, the second tells of the wanderings of the hero Odysseus as he tries to return home to his family. Both epics are used extensively by Vergil in his Aeneid, and one cannot hope to plumb the depths of the latter without knowledge of the former.
Please acquire the books listed below, or any version of the Iliad and the Odyssey that you like so long as it is the recent translation by Robert Fagles. Read the chapters (Books) assigned, which will give you a grasp of the overall story without bogging you down in less-than-pertinent material. That said, these two poems are the foundation of all Western literature and as such should be read in their entirety by everyone at some point in their lives. If you have the time and inclination this summer I would strongly recommend that you read both poems from start to finish.
When we see each other again in the fall we will have a test (yes, on the first day of classes) on the major characters and themes from both books. A single read-through of the assigned books will more than amply prepare you for this test. Don’t fret! The purpose is just to ensure that you all have a common foundation of understanding and knowledge before we tackle Vergil.

Fagles, Robert, trans., Iliad, Penguin Classics, 1998 ISBN - 978-0140275360

Fagles, Robert, trans., Odyssey, Penguin Classics, 1999 ISBN - 978-0140268867

From the Iliad, please read the following books (although I strongly encourage you to read the entire poem if you have the opportunity/interest):

Introduction, Books 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 16, 18-24

From the Odyssey, please read the following books (you should read this entire one too, and it’s shorter than the Iliad):

Introduction, Books 1, 5-12, 19, 21-24

He still dies in the end...

2009-04-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ovid, Ars Amatoria, 2.45-96 (N.B.: the meter is elegiac couplets)

Remigium volucrum disponit in ordine pinnas,
Et leve per lini vincula nectit opus,
Imaque pars ceris adstringitur igne solutis,
Finitusque novae iam labor artis erat.
Tractabat ceramque puer pinnasque renidens,
Nescius haec umeris arma parata suis.
Cui pater 'his' inquit 'patria est adeunda carinis,
Hac nobis Minos effugiendus ope.
Aera non potuit Minos, alia omnia clausit;
Quem licet, inventis aera rumpe meis.
Sed tibi non virgo Tegeaea comesque Bootae
Ensiger Orion aspiciendus erit:
Me pinnis sectare datis; ego praevius ibo:
Sit tua cura sequi; me duce tutus eris.
Nam sive aetherias vicino sole per auras
Ibimus, impatiens cera caloris erit:
Sive humiles propiore freto iactabimus alas,
Mobilis aequoreis pinna madescet aquis.
Inter utrumque vola; ventos quoque, nate, timeto,
Quaque ferent aurae, vela secunda dato.'
Dum monet, aptat opus puero, monstratque moveri,
Erudit infirmas ut sua mater aves.
Inde sibi factas umeris accommodat alas,
Perque novum timide corpora librat iter.
Iamque volaturus parvo dedit oscula nato,
Nec patriae lacrimas continuere genae.
Monte minor collis, campis erat altior aequis:
Hinc data sunt miserae corpora bina fugae.
Et movet ipse suas, et nati respicit alas
Daedalus, et cursus sustinet usque suos.
Iamque novum delectat iter, positoque timore
Icarus audaci fortius arte volat.
Hos aliquis, tremula dum captat arundine pisces,
Vidit, et inceptum dextra reliquit opus.
Iam Samos a laeva (fuerant Naxosque relictae
Et Paros et Clario Delos amata deo)
Dextra Lebinthos erat silvisque umbrosa Calymne
Cinctaque piscosis Astypalaea vadis,
Cum puer, incautis nimium temerarius annis,
Altius egit iter, deseruitque patrem.
Vincla labant, et cera deo propiore liquescit,
Nec tenues ventos brachia mota tenent.
Territus a summo despexit in aequora caelo:
Nox oculis pavido venit oborta metu.
Tabuerant cerae: nudos quatit ille lacertos,
Et trepidat nec, quo sustineatur, habet.
Decidit, atque cadens 'pater, o pater, auferor!' inquit,
Clauserunt virides ora loquentis aquae.
At pater infelix, nec iam pater, 'Icare!' clamat,
'Icare,' clamat 'ubi es, quoque sub axe volas?'
'Icare' clamabat, pinnas aspexit in undis.
Ossa tegit tellus: aequora nomen habent.

This passage is echoed in the Metamorphoses which we just read in class. For up to 15 bonus quiz points, elucidate the similarities and differences between this telling of the story and the version we read in class, and tell us which version you prefer and why.

Fruamini!

Bittersweet

2009-04-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

Levis exsurgit Zephirus
et Sol procedit tepidus:
iam Terra sinus aperit,
dulcore suo difluit.

Ver purpuratum exiit,
ornatus suos induit,
aspergit terram floribus,
ligna silvarum frondibus.

Struunt lustra quadrupedes
et dulces nidos volucres—
inter ligna florentia
sua decantant gaudia.

Quod oculis dum video
et auribus dum audio,
heu pro tantis gaudiis
tantis inflor suspiriis.

Cum mihi sola sedeo
et, hec revolvens, palleo,
si forte capud sublevo,
nec audio nec video.

Tu saltim, veris gratia,
exaudi et considera
frondes, flores et gramina—
nam mea languet anima.

The above is a medieval poem, author unknown, celebrating the arrival of spring but also tinged with a touch of grief amidst all the joy.

For up to 20 bonus quiz points, please give your best translation of the poem. The number of points you receive will hinge upon:
- how accurate your translation is
- how closely you retain the poetic structure of the poem (i.e. rhymes, rhetorical devices you maintain even in English, etc...)

This prize is not limited to just one person, so fruamini et bonam fortunam!

The best education...

2009-02-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

"Sed puerum est ausus Romam portare, docendum
artes quas doceat quivis eques atque senator
semet prognatos. Vestem servosque sequentes,
in magno ut populo, si qui vidisset, avita
ex re praeberi sumptus mihi crederet illos.
Ipse mihi custos incorruptissimus omnes
circum doctores aderat. Quid multa? Pudicum,
qui primus virtutis honos, servavit ab omni
non solum facto, verum opprobrio quoque turpi;
laus illi debetur et a me gratia maior.
...Nil me paeniteat sanum patris huius."

In this passage from the poet Horace's Sermones, he describes how his father - the subject of est ausus - arranged for his schooling at Rome. For 10 bonus quiz points, tell me:

1) What kind of schooling his father arranged for him.
2) What his father gave to him (material things).
3) What role purity - pudicum, the adjective which modifies an implied me- plays in a proper education.

Bonam fortunam!

He said, she said.

2009-02-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

"Tempus erat, vitrea quo primum terra pruina
spargitur et tectae fronde queruntur aves;
incertum vigilans ac somno languida movi
Thesea prensuras semisupina manus:
nullus erat. referoque manus iterumque retempto
perque torum moveo bracchia: nullus erat.
excussere metus somnum; conterrita surgo
membraque sunt viduo praecipitata toro.
protinus adductis sonuerunt pectora palmis
utque erat e somno turbida, rupta coma est.
Luna fuit; specto siquid nisi litora cernam;
quod videant oculi, nil nisi litus habent.
nunc huc, nunc illuc et utroque sine ordine, curro,
alta puellares tardat harena pedes.
interea toto clamanti litore "Theseu!"
reddebant nomen concava saxa tuum
et quotiens ego te, totiens locus ipse vocabat;
ipse locus miserae ferre volebat opem."

Nota bene! This meter is elegiac couplets, even though it doesn't show the indent!

In this excerpt, Ovid is telling of Ariadne's abandonment by Theseus, only from the point of view of Ariadne instead of from a 3rd-person point of view as we saw in Catullus 64.

For 10 bonus points, explain the ways in which this scene - Ariadne waking and finding Theseus gone - differs from Catullus' version of the same story. Be specific and refer to the Latin to support your answer. Bonam fortunam!

"It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life."

2009-02-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Divitias alius fulvo sibi congerat auro
Et teneat culti iugera multa soli,
Quem labor adsiduus vicino terreat hoste,
Martia cui somnos classica pulsa fugent:
Me mea paupertas vita traducat inerti,
Dum meus adsiduo luceat igne focus.

In this passage, the poet Tibullus is rejecting a life of war and stating his desire for a peaceful existence. As briefly as possible, summarize what he is saying.

Nota bene! Please do not simply translate what he is saying, but instead summarize in your own words.

I have a big ego...

2009-02-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

"Quibus pro tantis rebus, Quirites, nullum ego a vobis praemium virtutis, nullum insigne honoris, nullum monumentum laudis postulo praeterquam huius diei memoriam sempiternam. In animis ego vestris omnes triumphos meos, omnia ornamenta honoris, monumenta gloriae, laudis insignia condi et collocari volo. Nihil me mutum potest delectare, nihil tacitum, nihil denique eius modi, quod etiam minus digni ad sequi possint. Memoria vestra, Quirites, nostrae res alentur, sermonibus crescent, litterarum monumentis inveterascent et corroborabuntur; eandemque diem intellego, quam spero aeternam fore, propagatam esse et ad salutem urbis et ad memoriam consulatus mei."

In this passage from his Third Catilinarian Oration, Cicero is celebrating the fact that Catiline has been defeated and executed, and assuring the Roman people (Quirites) that:

a) there is no monument that can stand equal to the great thing Cicero has accomplished.

b) they need build him no monument since Cicero will record everything for posterity anyway.

c) the fact that the people will remember what he did for them is all that Cicero needs in the way of a monument.

d) he needs no monument since the day of his success over Catiline will be declared a holiday anyway.

He who answers this question correctly and does the best job explaining his answer will earn 10 bonus quiz points. Bonam fortunam!

Testing

2009-02-04T13:28:00.001-08:00

So, if this thing works I imagine it'll be of some use to us in AP Latin. Practicing, or some such.