Monday, January 31, 2011

Round-Up: January 31

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: pridie Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is INTERROGO - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Prudens interrogatio quasi dimidium sapientiae, "A skilled inquiry is something like half-way to wisdom" (i.e. asking the right question is half way on the road to getting the right answer).

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for VOLATILES, birds, and VULTUR, the vulture.

PROVERB PODCAST: The latest podcasts are for Homo doctus in se divitias semper habet, "A learned person always has wealth inside himself," and Repetitio mater memoriae, "Repetition is the mother of memory."

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Ollae Duae, the story of the two pots, one metal and one clay.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Herinacei et Viperae , the story of the vipers and their houseguests, the hedgehogs. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Ardea et Accipiter, the story of the heron's shame, and Sus, Porcelli Eius, et Lupus, the story of the sow and how she tricked the wolf, thus saving her little piglets.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Viper and the File and Demetrius and Menander. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Westcott's Fifty Sories from Aulus Gellius, which contains all sorts of wonderful Latin stories for intermediate Latin students.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Beati misericordes (English: Blessed are the merciful).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Dominus illuminatio mea (English: The Lord is my shining light).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Fugiens ursum, incidi in leonem (English: Fleeing the bear, I ran into the lion).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Cui multum datum est, multum quaeretur ab eo (English: Much is expected from him to whom much is given).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Amyclas perdidit silentium (English: Silence destroyed Amyclae; from Adagia 1.9.1 - supposedly the people of Amyclae had once been disturbed by false reports of an enemy invasion, so they passed a law forbidding anyone to report an enemy invasion, which meant the town was easily captured when the enemy did arrive).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἑῖς ἀνὴρ οὐ πάνθ' ὁρᾷ (English: One man cannot see all things).

For an image today, here is the coat of arms of Oxford University, with one of today's mottos, Dominus Illuminatio Mea.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Round-Up: January 29

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem quartum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is the relative pronoun QUI - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Dives est qui nihil cupit, "The man is wealthy who desires nothing."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for PERDIX, the partridge, and IUVENCUS , the calf.

PROVERB PODCAST: I've finished my first week of podcasts and have a review post here - I'll start up again this week for a new week of Latin sayings about teaching.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Platanus et Viatores, the story of the ungrateful men and the plane tree.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Tigris et Venatores, the sad story of the tiger and the cubs. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Ovis, Lupus, et Pacis Osculum, the story of the sheep and the treacherous wolf, and Porcus et Nautae, a funny little story about a very stoic little pig.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Lion King and The Ass and the Gipsies. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book isAllen & Greenough's New Latin Grammar, a great reference book which I wanted to include today since I included a link to this book in the post about the word of the day, qui.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the story of Philip and the Second Macedonian War. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Servabo fidem (English: I will keep the faith).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Ex scintilla incendium (English: From a spark, a fire)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is In vestimentis non est sapientia mentis (English: Wisdom of mind is not in the clothing.). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Nemo timendo ad summum pervenit locum (English: No one ever reached the top by being afraid).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Vulpinari cum vulpe oportet (English: You've got to play the fox when dealing with a fox; from Adagia 1.2.28).

For an image today, here is the story of the plane tree, 719. Platanus et Viatores. Viatores, aestatis tempore nimio meridiani solis calore laborantes, cum platanum vidissent, sub eam confugerunt, eiusque strati sub umbra recubuerunt. Ad eam deinde conversis oculis, “Quam est inutilis,” inter se aiebant, “haec arbor hominibus et infructuosa!” Illa vero respondens, “O vos,” inquit, “ingratos, qui meo adhuc beneficio fruentes, inutilem me infructuosamque vocatis.” (source - easy version):

Platanus et Viatores

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Round-Up: January 27

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem sextum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is CAELUM - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Eripuit caelo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis, "He ripped the lightning from the sky, and the sceptre from the tyrants" (Turgot's verse in praise of Benjamin Franklin).

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for PULLUS, the chick, and ONAGER, the wild donkey.

PROVERB PODCAST: The latest podcasts are for Scribendo disces scribere, "By writing you will learn to write," and Dubium sapientiae initium , "Doubt is the beginning of wisdom."

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Feles, Mus, et Caseus, the cat, the mouse and the cheese.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Haedus Saltans et Lupus, the story of the kid who fooled the wolf. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Agnus et Canis, the story of the wise lamb and the dog, and Aries Canis Pelle Indutus, the story of the ram who wanted to be a sheepdog.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are Simonides Preserved by the Gods and The Travellers and the Robber. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Landsberger's Fabulae aliquot Aramaeae, a collection of Aramaic fables with Latin translations.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the end of the Second Punic War. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Sapere aude, incipe (English: Dare to be wise; begin).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Nummus regnat ubique (English: Money reigns everywhere).

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Qui bona consuescit, semper cum laude senescit (English: He who has good habits always wins praise as he grows old).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Doctrinam magis quam aurum eligite (Proverbs 8:10). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Conybeare: Caute loquacior: More clatteringe then a rocke. A proverbe applied to great speakers, gathered of the continuall clackinge that the sea maketh when it striketh agaynst a rocke.

For an image today, here is a portrait of Franklin with Turgot's words below (note that caelo is spelled coelo):

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Round-Up: January 25

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

I'm trying a new kind of podcast experiment - more in English than in Latin this time, looking at Latin proverbs about teaching and learning in Latin, with a brief commentary in English each day! There is some Latin grammar commentary too which you will find at the accompanying blog post although I've not included that part in the audio podcast.

PROVERB PODCAST: The latest podcasts are for Errando discitur, "We learn by making mistakes," and Dies diei discipulus , "One day is the student of another."

HODIE: ante diem octavum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is ATQUE - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Vocatus atque non vocatus Deus aderit, "When called and even when not called, God will be present."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for COLUBER, the snake, and CULEX, the gnat.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Culex et Leo, the story of the gnat's fleeting victory over the lion.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Leo et Vulpes, Socii, the story of a lion and an overly ambitious fox. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Ovis Callida et Lupus, about the sheep who outsmarted the wolf dressed in sheep's clothing, and Agnus in Templo et Lupus, the story of a lamb fleeing from a wofl.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Old Pilot and the Sailors and Opportunity Described. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Davies' translation of the fables of Babrius into rhyming English verse.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached Hannibal's adventures in Italy. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Fata obstant. (English: The Fates stand in the way).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Pulchre, bene, recte (English: Nicely, rightly, and correctly).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Durum tondere leonem (English: It is a difficult thing to shear a lion).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Sus Minervam docet (English: The pig is teaching Athena - which is ridiculous, of course, as Athena is the goddess of wisdom).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Phormionis torus (English: The bed of Phormio; from Adagia 2.9.66 - Phormio was a vigorous general who loved the military life and slept on the ground with this men, which is to say, without a bed at all).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Μακραὶ τυράννων χεῖρες (English: Long are the hands of king).

In honor of the three Fata in the proverb Fata obstant, I thought I would include this medieval tapestry as today's image - you can see that they are labeled with their Greek names, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos:

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Round-Up: January 23

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem decimum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is LEVIS - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Multae manus onus levius faciunt, "Many hands make the burden lighter."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for CROCODILUS, the crocodile, and MONEDULA, the jackdaw.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Agnus in Templo et Lupus , the story of a lamb fleeing from a wolf.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Cerva in Speluncam Fugiens, the story of a stag who fled into a cave for safety and found a lion there instead. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Capra et Canis, the story of the hungry goat and the watch dog, and Arietes Duo et Lupus, the story of how the two rams tricked the wolf.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Man and the Ass and The Two Wallets. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book isThe Little Child's Fable Book, a collection of Aesop's fables in English, organized into fables of one syllable, of two syllables, and of three syllables.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the First Punic War. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Ad alta (English: To the heights).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Victrix fortunae sapientia (English: Wisdom wins out over luck).

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt (English: When fools try to avoid errors, they run into the opposite errors). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Stultum est vicinum velle ulcisci incendio (English: It's a foolish thing to punish your neighbor by setting his house on fire).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Chamaeleonte mutabilior (English: More changeable than a chameleon; from Adagia 3.4.1).

For an image today, here is the poor stag fleeing into the cave, 159. Cerva in Speluncam Fugiens. Cerva, venatores fugiens, in speluncam quamdam, ubi leo degebat, pervenit ut in ea nimirum ingressa lateret. Sed illico ab eo comprehensa necique parata, “Ah me infelicem,” exclamavit, “quae fugiens homines, ferae me tradidi!” Ita nonnulli hominum, minoribus periculis territi, maiora se in mala coniiciunt. (source)

Cervus Venatores Fugiens et Leo

Friday, January 21, 2011

Round-Up: January 21

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem duodecimum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is DUCO - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Morsus morsum ducit, "One bite leads to another" (you could call it the "potato chip proverb").

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for PSITTACUS, the parrot, and PARDUS, the panther.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Talpa et Olitor, the story of the mole caught by the gardener.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Satyrus et Viator, the story of the satyr and the man who could blow both hot and cold. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Caprae in Clibanum Ingressae et Lupus, the story of how the nanny-goats fooled the wolf, and Ovis et Pastoris Minae, the story of the sheep who made the mistake of complaining to the shepherd.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Ant and the Fly and The Sportsman and the Old Hound. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book isHerford's Fifty Fables in Verse, a delightful collection of Aesop's fables in English verse, with illustrations.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the second volume, which will tell the story of Rome and Carthage.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Vivere sat vincere (English: To live is sufficient victory).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Echinus partum differt (English: The hedgehog postpones the process of giving birth - that is, she knows her babies will be prickly, so she postpones giving birth, but it only gets worse and worse as the little hedgehogs get more and more prickly).

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: O mihi praeteritos referat si Iuppiter annos! (English: Oh, if only Jupiter could bring back to me the years that have gone by).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Beati qui lugent, quoniam ipsi consolabuntur (Matt. 5:5). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Taverner: Multi te oderint, si te ipsum amas: Many shal hate thee, if thou love thy self. Undoubtedly, nothing is more hurtfull to a man, then self love is, neyther is it possible, but that he must needes displease manie, that pleaseth himselfe, and standeth best in his owne conceite.

For an image today, here is the story of the satyr and the traveler, 809. Satyrus et Viator. Satyrus viatorem, nive obrutum atque algore enectum, misertus ducit in antrum suum. Refocillantem manus anhelitu oris percontatur causam; “Ut calefiant,” inquit. Postea, cum accumberent, sufflat viator in polentam. Quod cur ita faceret interrogatus, “Ut frigescat,” inquit. Tunc continuo Satyrus viatorem eiiciens, “Nolo,” inquit, “in meo ut sis antro, cui tam diversum est os.” (source)

Satyrus et Viator

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Round-Up: January 19

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem quartum decimum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is MEDITOR - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Quidquid agas, operis primo finem mediteris, "Whatever you are doing, think first about the end of the work."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for DELPHINUS , the dolphin, and HIRUNDO, the swallow.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Vultur Convivium Faciens, the sad story of the vulture's deadly birthday party.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Iuppiter et Olitoris Asinus, the sad story of the donkey who never had any luck with his masters. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Ovis et Vidua, the poor sheep being sheared by a widow woman, and Porcellus et Testamentum, a funny little story about a pig who came into an inheritance!

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Bull and the Calf and The Buffoon and the Clown. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Champeaux's Devises, a great book for any of you who are interested in Latin family mottos.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Aureae compedes (English: Golden shackles - a great metaphor for the way the pursuit of wealth can turn into a prison!).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is In periculis audax (English: In dangers, bold).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Leo a leporibus insultatur mortuus (English: A lion, after he's dead, is mocked by the rabbits).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Omnes currunt, sed unus accipit bravium (English: All the racers run, but just one receives the prize).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is In Orci culum incidas (English: May you fall into Orcus's butthole; from Adagia 2.10.68 - as if being in the underworld of Orcus was not bad enough! Erasmus describes this phrase as sermo perniciem et extremum exitium imprecantis, "words spoken by someone cursing another person with ruin and utter disaster" - and it is indeed quite a curse!).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Μωρὸς σιωπᾷν οὐ δύναται (English: A fool is not able to keep quiet).

For an image today, here is the unlucky donkey, 769. Iuppiter et Olitoris Asinus. Asinus olitoris, aegre sustinens laborem quo herus eum premebat, conqueritur de eo apud Iovem; supplicat alium sibi dari. Exaudit Iuppiter; iubet figulo veneat. Mutatur herus, sed non minuitur labor; immo augescit; semper lutum, tegulae, lateres, imbrices, dorso portandae. Iterum ad Iovem; Iuppiter, oratoris importunitate victus, dat coriarium. Statim expertus eum, omnibus quos unquam habuerat longe crudeliorem, apud se lamentans dicebat, “Heu me miserum, ut omnia mihi in deterius cedunt. Nam in eum incidi dominum, qui vivo non parcit, nec mortuo; ipse enim ubi corpus meum flagris exhauserit, in fine excoriabit.” (source)

Asinus et Iuppiter

Monday, January 17, 2011

Round-Up: January 17

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem sextum decimum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is EXPENDO - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Parvae expensae saepe factae consumunt patrimonium, "Small expenses, incurred often, can devour your estate."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for PEDICULUS, the louse, and TURTUR, the turtle-dove.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Sol et Ventus, the contest between the sun and the wind.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Aegrotus a Medico Interrogatus, the story of the patient who was dying of good symptoms. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Aries et Taurus, the story of a self-important ram, and Agnus, Pastor, et Lanius, which is about the lamb who must choose between butcher and shepherd.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Weasel and the Old Mouse and The Bald-Man and the Fly. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Lang's Adagia, Sive Sententiae Proverbiales, a wonderful collection of Latin and Greek proverbs with brief notes about the meaning of each proverb in Latin.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the famous Gauls - and the geese, of course. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Sine timore (English: Without fear - I think that is a great motto, especially in today's fear-mongering society).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Nihil potentius auro (English: Nothing is more powerful than gold)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Ne capra contra leonem (English: A goat should not confront a lion.). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Mutare quod non possis, ut natum est, feras (English: What you cannot change, you must endure as it happens).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Aquila non captat muscas (English: An eagle doesn't catch flies; from Adagia 3.2.65).

For an image today, here is an illustration of the famous fable of the sun and the wind, 741. Sol et Ventus. 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 vices 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. (source - easy version):

Sol et Boreas

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Round-Up: January 15

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem duodevicesimum Kalendas Februarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is PUBLICUS - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Salus publica, salus mea, "Public well-being is my well-being" (the advocates for health care reform in this country could make that their motto!).

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for TIGRIS, the tiger, and CICADA , the cicada, or grasshopper.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Testudo et Iuppiter, the story of how the turtle got her shell.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Citharoedus Imperitus., the story of a self-satisfied musician. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Hircus Equitans, the story of a goat who was the slave of a donkey, and Hircus et Statua Ahenea, the story of a goat who put too much trust in his horns.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Two Bald Pates and Prince the Piper. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book isGatty's The Book of Sun-Dials , which contains a marvelous collection of Latin mottoes and sayings about time!

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the Roman Republican period.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Fugit hora, ora (English: Time is flying: pray).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Cura facit canos (English: Worry makes grey hairs).

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Est iam potata, sed erat cerevisia grata (English: The beer has now been drunk, but it was very nice indeed).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Qui amat divitias, fructus non capiet ex eis (Ecc. 5:10). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Conybeare: Occasio premenda: A proverbe, when the sunne shineth, make haye. The tyde must be taken when it commeth.

For an image today, here's an example of a sun-dial with a Latin motto: Horas non numero, nisi serenas.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Round-Up: January 13

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: pridie Idus Ianuarias, the day before the Ides of January (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is ANIMUS - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Nihil est animo velocius, "Nothing is faster than the mind."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for SCORPIUS , the scorpion, and MILVUS, the kite.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Bos Laborans et Vitula , a story of a hard-working ox and a frivolous little heifer.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Perdix et Auceps, the story of the hunter who ends up being caught, as it were. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Porci Duo, Inimici, a story about two wicked little pigs, and Corvus et Lepus, the story of a busy-body crow.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Battle of the Mice and the Weasels and The Fox and the Goat. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Bebelius's Proverbia Germanica, in a wonderful edition by W.H.D. Suringar.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached Book 2 of Mommsen's monumental work. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Varietas delectat (English: Variety is pleasing).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Ad mortem fidelis (English: Faithful unto death).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Qui corvis natus est, non submergitur aquis (English: He who is born for the crows does not drown in the water - being "born for the crows" means born to be carrion, leaving a corpse on the battlefield or upon the gallows for the crows to feed on).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus (English: Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus grows cold - for Ceres, Bacchus and Venus, just substitute bread, wine and love, respectively).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἀσφαλέστερον τοῦ λέγειν τὸ σιγᾷν (English: It is a safer thing to keep silent than it is to speak).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Excubias agere in Naupacto (English: To keep watch in Naupactus; from Adagia 1.2.83). When Naupactus was conquered by the Achaeans, they killed the captain of the guard in charge of the watch, so this proverb refers to someone who is going to bring about their own destruction, carrying out an unwelcome task. Here is a picture of the port of Naupactus (Italian Lepanto), on the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth:

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Round-Up: January 11

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: ante diem quartum Idus Ianuarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is CONSILIUM - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Facile consilium damus aliis, "We find it easy to give advice to others" (i.e. but not so easy to give advice to ourselves... much less follow it!).

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for PAVO, the peacock, and NOCTUA, the owl.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Tigris et Venatores, the sad story of the tiger who was fooled by the hunters with a mirror.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Graculus et Noctua, the story of a beauty contest among the birds. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Accipiter et Busardus, the story of a very rude bird, and Milvus, Rex Electus, the story of a very dangerous bird.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are Hercules and Plutus and The Man and the Serpent. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Book is Wegeler's Philosophia patrum versibus praesertim leoninis, which happens to be my favorite book of rhyming Latin proverbs.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached Mommsen's overviews of Roman law and religion, as well as his comments about agriculture and trade.

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Venit hora (English: The hour is coming).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Amor pretiosior auro (English: Love is more precious than gold)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Discipulus est prioris posterior dies (English: The following day is the student of the previous day). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Fatetur facinus is, qui iudicium fugit (English: Someone who flees the trial confesses his crime - what you could call an "OJ Simpson saying").

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Ex ipso bove lora sumere (English: To get the reins from the ox himself - that is, the reins which are used to subdue and guide the oxen are made from the very leather supplied by the oxen themselves; from Adagia 1.2.77).

For an image today, here is the tiger and her reflection, 139. Tigris et Venatores. Raptis tigris fetibus, dum veloci cursu venatores insequitur, ipsi timentes sibi de crudelitate bestiae, speculum vitreum amplum in via proiiciunt. Tigris vero dum imaginem suam in speculo cernit, a cursu suo subsistit, aestimans fetum suum reperisse. Dum autem imaginem illam amplectitur et ibidem commoratur, venatores evadunt. Ipsa autem, tandem pede fracto speculo, nihil reperit et ita fetus suos amittit. (source - simplified version):

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Round-Up: January 9

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: antediem quintum Idus Ianuarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is COMEDO - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Comedamus et bibamus, cras enim moriemur, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die" (that being your metaphorical tomorrow, thank goodness).

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for OLOR, the swan, and CANCER, the crab.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Luscinia et Accipiter, the story of the hawk and the nightingale, one of the most ancient of Aesop's fables, attested already in the poetry of Hesiod..

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Mors et Pauper, the story of the man who was not as ready to die as he originally thought. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Corvus Medicus et Aquila, the story of the wicked crow playing doctor, and Monedula Esuriens et Vulpes, the story of the jackdaw and the unripe fits, with some advice from a fox.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Dog and the Lamb and Simonides Shipwrecked. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Books are Otto's Die Sprichwörter und sprichwörtlichen Redensarten der Römer and Sutphen's supplement to Otto.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached Mommsen's review of the Etruscans and Greeks in Italy. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

3-Word Mottoes: Today's 3-word motto is Sumus filii Dei (English: We are God's children).

3-Word Proverbs: Today's 3-word proverb is Auribus lupum teneo (English: I'm holding the wolf by the ears - too dangerous to let go, and too dangerous to hold!).

Rhyming Proverbs: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Non domus est pacis, ubi regnat lingua loquacis (English: The house where the tongue of a talkative person rules is not a house of peace).

Vulgate Verse: Today's verse is Non potestis Deo servire et mamonae (Matt. 6:24). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

Elizabethan Proverb Commentary: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Conybeare: Ilias malorum: A proverbe used, when many and great mischiefes and mysfortunes happen to a man togeather. .

For an image today, here is the story of the old man and death, 816. Mors et Pauper. Pauper quidam lignorum fasciculum portabat humeris. Longo deinde itinere fatigatus, onere se levavit, consedit humi, et flebili voce advocavit Mortem. Illa continuo adest, interrogans quid se velit. Respondet pauper, “Humi ut tolleres hunc fascem mihi, huc ego te vocavi.” Adeo in miseris etiam vitae amantes sunt mortales. (source)

Senex et Mors

Friday, January 7, 2011

Round-Up: January 7

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: antediem septimum Idus Ianuarias (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is the lovely GRATIA - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Gratia referenda, "A favor should be repaid."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for SCARABAEUS, the beetle, and ECHINUS, the hedgehog.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Camelus et Iuppiter, the story of the camel who wanted to have horns.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Rana et Leo, the story of the lion and the noisy frog. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Aquila et Vultur Senex, the hilarious story of the vulture who pretended to be an eagle chick, and Corvus et Aquila, Contendentes, the debate between the crow and the eagle.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Grasshopper and the Owl and The Fox and the Grapes. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Books are Junius's Adagiorum (a delightful book, much like Erasmus's adages, but with a personality all its own) and Coornhert's Emblemata Moralia et OEconomica (a marvelous emblem collection by the Dutch humanist Cornhertius).

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the Servian Constitution. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Proverbs: Today's tiny proverb is: Diu delibera (English: Ponder at length).

3-Word Mottoes Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Iustitia et veritas (English: Justice and truth).

Latin Animal Proverb: Today's animal proverb is Noli esse sicut leo in domo tua, opprimens subiectos tibi (English: Be not a lion in your own home, oppressing those who are subject to you).

Proverbs of Polydorus: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Novissimi primi, primi novissimi (English: The first are last, and the last first).

Greek Proverb of the Day: Today's proverb is Ἐδίδαξά σε κυβισᾷν, καὶ σὺ βυθίσαι με ζητεῖς (English: I taught you to piss, and you are trying to drown me).

Proper Name Proverb from Erasmus: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Nudae Gratiae (English: The Graces are nude; from Adagia 2.7.50 - for more about Latin gratia, see the word of the day above; Erasmus understands the saying metaphorically as an endorsement of simplicity and straightforwardness: ne quid inter amicos fictum aut fucatum, verum nuda, simpliciaque omnia).

For an image today, in honor of Erasmus's Gratiae, here is Canova's famous statue of the three Graces:

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Round-Up: January 5

Here is a round-up of today's blog posts - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you might prefer to subscribe by email. I'm Twittering again now at Aesopus and AesopusEnglish.

HODIE: Nonae Ianuariae, the Nones of January (and yes, you can have your own Roman Google Calendar).

VERBUM HODIERNUM: Today's word is TAM - read a brief essay about the word at the Verbosum blog. Here's one of the sayings you can find in the essay: Diliges proximum tuum tamquam teipsum, "You will cherish your neighbor as your own self."

BESTIARIA PROVERBS: There are some new animal proverbs today for LOCUSTA, the lobster, and TESTUDO, the turtle.

FABULAE FACILES: The new easy-to-read fable is Mures Duo, the famous story of the city mouse and the country mouse.

MILLE FABULAE: FABLE OF THE DAY: The fable for today is Piscator Aquam Verberans, the fisherman who roiled the waters. (You can also a free PDF copy of the Mille Fabulae et Una book.)

MILLE FABULAE: ILLUSTRATIONS: The latest fables with images are Accipiter et Galli Duo, the roosters who chose the hawk as their judge, and Aquila, Pennis Avulsis, the story of the captured eagle who had her feathers torn out.

ENGLISH AESOP: The latest new fables are The Fox and the Dragon and The Trees Protected by the Gods. (Plus, there's an English "fable of the day" each day, too.)

GOOGLE BOOKS: Today's Google Books are two collections of Aesop in English - Pratt-Chadwick's Aesop's Fables and Boothby's Fables and Satires.

ROMAN HISTORY: I'm making my way now through Mommsen's History of Rome, having reached the very beginnings of the founding of Rome on the Tibur. (If you are interested in joining in this Roman history project, you can find the reading schedule and all the books online, too - just visit that blog for more information).

TODAY'S MOTTOES & PROVERBS: Widgets available at SchoolhouseWidgets.com.

Tiny Mottoes: Today's tiny motto is: Audeo (English: I dare).

3-Word Proverbs Verb-less: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Senectus vitae hiems (English: Old age is the winter of life)

Audio Latin Proverb: Today's audio Latin proverb is Animum debes mutare, non caelum (English: You should change your state of mind, not the sky overhead). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

Maxims of Publilius Syrus: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Malefacere qui vult, numquam non causam invenit (English: Someone who wants to do wrong never fails to find a reason).

Animal Proverb from Erasmus: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Hydram secas (English: You're slashing a hydra - but, of course, since its heads grow back, you are not going to accomplish very much, unless you happen to be Hercules; from Adagia 1.10.9).

Here's an image to accompany that last proverb, with Hercules slaying the Lernean hydra (image source):