Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 29

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. If you are looking for more fables to read (LOTS more fables), you can download a free PDF copy of Mille Fabulae et Una: 1001 Aesop's Fables in Latin.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem tertium Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Odysseus and Nausicaa; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word motto is Flecti, non frangi (English: To bend, not to break).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word proverb is Alia aliis placent (English: Some things please some people, other things please others).

RHYMING PROVERBS: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Debilis ac fortis veniunt ad limina mortis (English: Weak and strong, they come to the threshold of death).

VULGATE VERSES: Today's verse is Sicut ostium vertitur in cardine suo, ita piger in lectulo suo (Proverbs 26:14). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

ELIZABETHAN PROVERBS: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Taverner: Cibum in matellam ne immittas: Put not meat into a pispot. Plutarche expoudeth this saying thus. Cast not good sentences into the minde of a wicked person. So that it is all one in effecte with that sayeng of Christ. Cast not perles afore swine. For speeche is the meat of the minde. But this meate is corrupted and doth putrifie, if it fal into an unsounde minde.

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Vivere Disce, et Mori. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

TODAY'S FABLES:

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Apes et Iuppiter, the story of how the bees got their sting.

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Asinus Res Sacras Portans, a wonderful story of a self-important donkey (this fable has a vocabulary list).

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo Rex et Simius, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 27

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. Happy Thanksgiving!

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem quintum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Heracles and Omphale; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY PROVERBS: Today's tiny proverb is: Scripta manent (English: Things that are written remain).

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Ratione, non vi (English: By reason, not force).

ANIMAL PROVERBS: Today's animal proverb is Simia quicquid agit, simia semper erit (English: Whatever a monkey does, a monkey she'll always be).

POLYDORUS: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Lux in tenebris lucet (English: A light shines in the darkness).

PROPER NAME PROVERBS: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Dathus bonorum (English: A Dathus of good things; from Adagia 1.3.33 - Dathus was a proverbially prosperous colony, abounding in gold, on the shores of the Strymon river).

GREEK PROVERBS: Today's proverb is Ἰχθὺς ἐκ τῆς κεφαλῆς ὄζειν ἄρχεται (English: A fish begins to stink from the head... a metaphor for the body politic!).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poem for today is Munera Grata. Give thanks on Thanksgiving, and always!

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Si vis, potes.

If you want (it), you can (do it).

Nihil dulcius veritatis luce.

Nothing is sweeter than the light of truth.

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Canes Duo et Os, a story of two foolish dogs and a third who is more wise (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Leo Amatorius et Silvanus, the sad story of the lion in love.

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo Rex et Regia Eius, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 25

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - 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.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem septimum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Oenone (image source); you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY MOTTOES: Today's tiny motto is: Tandem iustitia (English: Justice, at last).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Via trita tutissima (English: The well-worn way is the safest).

AUDIO PROVERBS: Today's audio Latin proverb is Nutrit et accipiter pullos suos (English: Even a hawk nourishes its chicks). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

PUBLILIUS SYRUS: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Nec vita nec fortuna hominibus perpes est (English: Neither life nor luck is something that lasts forever).

ERASMUS' ANIMALS: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Elephantus non capit murem (English: An elephant doesn't chase mice; from Adagia 1.9.70).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is De Somno. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Fallaces sunt rerum species.

The appearances of things are deceiving.

Labor ferendus est cibum petentibus.

Work must be endured by those seeking food.

TODAY'S FABLES:

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Crocodilus et Canis, the story of a crocodile who tried to trick the dog running by the Nile.

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Mustela et Lima, the story of a relentless weasel (this fable has a vocabulary list).

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo et Acies Eius , with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 23

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. If you are looking for more fables to read (LOTS more fables), you can download a free PDF copy of Mille Fabulae et Una: 1001 Aesop's Fables in Latin.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem nonum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Diogenes and Alexander; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word motto is Nemo solus sapit (English: No one is wise by himself).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word proverb is Varietate homines delectantur (English: People are pleased by variety).

RHYMING PROVERBS: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Plus valet in dextra munus quam plurima extra (English: One gift in the right hand is worth more than many which are not at hand).

VULGATE VERSES: Today's verse is Mandatum lucerna est, et lex lux (6:23). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

ELIZABETHAN PROVERBS: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Taverner: Sera in fundo parsimonia: It is to late sparinge at the botome. This sentence of Seneca is worthy to be written uppon the boxes of all those houses, of al countinge houses, upon al kaskettes, al vessels of wine or such like thinges. It monisheth us to spare betimes, and not to follow the common sorte of prodigal yongkers, which whan theyr landes and goods be ones fallen into theyr hands, think there is no botome of theyr fathers bagges and cofers, nor no boundes of theyr landes.

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Senex et Iuvenis. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Faciam meo modo.

I will do it in my way.

Quam felix vita transit sine negotiis!

How happily passes a life without business!

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Formica Alata, the story of an ant who asked for wings, and later regretted it (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Gallus Divinus et Vulpes, the story of a sly fox and a very foolish rooster.

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo Epulum Faciens, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 21

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. If you have not downloaded a free PDF copy of Brevissima: 1001 Tiny Latin Poems, it's ready and waiting.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem undecimum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Cadmus and the Dragon; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY PROVERBS: Today's tiny proverb is: Cicatrix manet (English: The scar remains).

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Fide et spe (English: With faith and hope).

ANIMAL PROVERBS: Today's animal proverb is Ire catenatus nescit canis inveteratus. (English: The old dog cannot learn to go about on a leash).

POLYDORUS: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Acti labores iucundi sunt (English: Work, once done, is pleasant).

PROPER NAME PROVERBS: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Tristior Areopagita (English: More gloomy than an Areopagite; from Adagia 1.9.41 - the Areopagus was the Hill of Mars in Athens, and the Areopagites were members of the court which convened there, hence proverbially grim, silent and gloomy).

GREEK PROVERBS: Today's proverb is Ὑπὸ παντὶ λίθῳ σκορπίος (English: Beneath every rock lurks a scorpion).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is In Coniuges. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Faciam meo modo.

I will do it in my way.

Omnia sapientibus facilia.

All things are easy for those who are wise.

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Asinus Leoni Cantans, a story about a boastful donkey (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Leo Senex et Vulpes, the famous story of the fox and the footprints leading into the lion's den.

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo, Vacca, Capra, et Ovis, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 19

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - 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.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem tertium decimum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Polyxena at the Well; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY MOTTOES: Today's tiny motto is: Veritas vincet (English: The truth will be victorious).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Labor gloriae pater (English: Effort is the father of glory).

AUDIO PROVERBS: Today's audio Latin proverb is Di lanatos pedes habent (English: The gods have woollen feet). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

PUBLILIUS SYRUS: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Discipulus est prioris posterior dies (English: The day after is the student of the day before).

ERASMUS' ANIMALS: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Cauda tenes anguillam (English: You're trying to hold an eel by the tail; from Adagia 1.4.94 - which means you won't have it for long!).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Maritus Uxorque. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Amor caecus.

Love is blind.

Ex luna scientia.

From the moon, knowledge.

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Quercus et Iuppiter, the story of trees that are their own worst enemies (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Cervus et Vitis, a karma fable.

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo et Pastor, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 17

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. If you are looking for more fables to read (LOTS more fables), you can download a free PDF copy of Mille Fabulae et Una: 1001 Aesop's Fables in Latin.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem quintum decimum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Theseus and the Bull of Marathon; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word motto is Ora et labora (English: Pray and work hard).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word proverb is Spes dabit auxilium (English: Hope will give help).

RHYMING PROVERBS: Today's proverb with rhyme is: Temporibus brumae iuxta ignem pocula sume (English: In winter time, sit by the fire and raise your glass).

VULGATE VERSES: Today's verse is Sol non occidat super iracundiam vestram (Eph. 4:26). For a translation, check out the polyglot Bible, in English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, at the Sacred Texts Archive online.

ELIZABETHAN PROVERBS: Here is today's proverb commentary, this time by Taverner: Sine Cerere et Baccho friget Venus: Without meate and drinke the lust of the body is colde. The beste way to tame carnall lust, is to kepe abstinence of meates and drinkes. Ceres amonges the Panims was taken fro the Goddesse of corne, Bacchus for the God of wine, and Venus for the Goddesse of love. Our Englishe Proverbe confirmeth the same, which saith, A licorouse mouth, a licourouse taile.

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Ut Mater, Sic Filia. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Cogitato hiems quam longa sit.

Think how long the winter is.

Ut ameris, amabilis esto.

To be loved, be lovable.

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Castor et Venator, the story of a desperate beaver's bargain with the hunter (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Mures, Feles, et Tintinnabulum, the famous story of "belling the cat."

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo in Stabulum Ingressus, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 15

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - and for previous posts, check out the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives. If you have not downloaded a free PDF copy of Brevissima: 1001 Tiny Latin Poems, it's ready and waiting.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): ante diem septimum decimum Kalendas Decembres.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Penelope and the Suitors; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY PROVERBS: Today's tiny proverb is: Quaerendo invenietis (English: By seeking, you will find).

3-WORD MOTTOES: Today's 3-word verb-less motto is Virtute, non aliter (English: By worthiness, and in no other way).

ANIMAL PROVERBS: Today's animal proverb is Fera quaevis in sua silva superbit (English: Every beast exults in its forest).

POLYDORUS: Today's proverb from Polydorus is: Dimittite mortuos sepelire mortuos suos (English: Leave the dead to bury their dead).

PROPER NAME PROVERBS: Today's proper name proverb from Erasmus is Ne Hercules quidem adversus duos (English: Not even Hercules fights against two at once; from Adagia 1.5.39 ... take care of the Nemean lion first, THEN move on to the hydra!).

GREEK PROVERBS: Today's proverb is Πόρρω Διός τε καὶ κεραυνοῦ (English: Far from Zeus and from his thunderbolt... in order words: avoid the halls of power; they are perilous).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Tibi Facient Rursum. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Quae sursum, volo videre.

I want to see what is on high.

Legite et discite.

Read and learn.

TODAY'S FABLES:

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Sanctus Petrus et Rusticus, a great medieval fable where Saint Peter takes on the role played by Heracles in the traditional Aesop's fable (this fable has a vocabulary list).

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Rusticus de Arbore Delapsus, a funny story about tree-climbing, and other lofty ventures.

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo et Homo, Concertantes, with links to the audio and to the blog post.

Latin Proverbs and Fables Round-Up: November 13

Here is a round-up of today's proverbs and fables - 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.

HODIE (Roman Calendar): Idus Novembres, the Ides of November.

MYTHS and LEGENDS: The art image for today's legend shows Pygmalion and the Statue; you can also see the legends for the current week listed together here.

TODAY'S MOTTOES and PROVERBS:

TINY MOTTOES: Today's tiny motto is: Incepta persequor (English: I pursue what I have begun).

3-WORD PROVERBS: Today's 3-word verb-less proverb is Omnium artifex sapientia (English: Wisdom is the maker of all things).

AUDIO PROVERBS: Today's audio Latin proverb is Nemo ante mortem beatus (English: No one (can be called) happy before his death). To read a brief essay about this proverb and to listen to the audio, visit the Latin Via Proverbs blog.

PUBLILIUS SYRUS: Today's proverb from Publilius Syrus is: Feras, non culpes, quod mutari non potest (English: You should endure, not blame, what cannot be changed).

ERASMUS' ANIMALS: Today's animal proverb from Erasmus is Homo homini lupus (English: Man is a wolf to man; from Adagia 1.1.70).

BREVISSIMA: The distich poster for today is Parentum Errata. Click here for a full-sized view.

And here are today's proverbial LOLcats:

Ito bonis avibus.

Go with good omens.

Illic enim patria est, ubi tibi sit bene.

There your homeland is where it suits you well.

TODAY'S FABLES:

MILLE FABULAE: The fable from the Mille Fabulae et Una widget is Pavo et Iuno, a story about being satisfied with your own special gifts.

FABULAE FACILES: The fable from the Fabulae Faciles widget is Cervus et Amici Eius, a story about the perils of having too many friends (this fable has a vocabulary list).

Latin Fables Read by Justin Slocum Bailey. Here is today's audio fable: Leo Amatorius et Silvanus, with links to the audio and to the blog post.