Hic
telam
texuit, ille
diduxit. —
Erasmus, Adagia
(1536)
This one wove the web, that one severed it.
Hic /haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Tēlam is the accusative singular form of tēla, tēlae (1): web, loom. Texuit is the third person singular perfect form of texō, texere, texuī, textum (3): to weave. Ille /illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Dīdūxit is the third person singular perfect form of dīdūcō, dīdūcere, dīdūxī, dīductum (3): to draw apart, sever.
This is the idea.
Hic/ haec /hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Idea, ideae (1f): idea (in the Platonic sense, not the everyday English one). Est: is.
This, therefore, is the only good.
(Acting with honor.) Hic/haec/ hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Ergō (particle): therefore, then. Ūnus/ūna/ ūnum (1/2, irreg.): one; alone; only, sole, single. Bonum, bonī (2n): good; benefit; (in pl.) possessions. Est: is.
Do you ask the reason for this?
More literally: Do you seek the cause of this thing?
Causam is the accusative singular form of causa, causae (1f): cause; (legal) case; situation. Huius is the m/f/n genitive singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Quaeris is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek.
Give (them) to her!
Huic is the m/f/n dative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Date is the plural imperative form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give.
E
e
This one he debases and this one he exalts.
Hunc is the masculine accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Humiliat is the third person singular form of humiliō, humiliāre, humiliāvī, humiliātum (1): to humble, abase, humiliate. Et (conj.): and. Exaltat is the third person singular form of exaltō, exaltāre, exaltāvī, exaltātum (1): to exalt, raise, elevate.
Do you accept this as a principle?
More literally: Do you accept this law?
Recipis is the second person singular form of recipiō, recipere, recēpī, receptum (3, –iō): to get back, recover; receive; accept. Hanc is the feminine accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Lēgem is the accusative singular form of lēx, lēgis (3f): law, rule, principle.
What will it avail to know this?
Hoc is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Quid is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Prōderit is the third person singular future form of prōsum, prōdesse, prōfuī, prōfutūrus (irreg.): to be helpful, be useful, avail.
That is the place you need to begin.
More literally: You must begin from this.
(He means that you shouldn’t postpone philosophy until your other affairs are in order.) Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Hōc is the m/n ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Incipiendus/incipienda/ incipiendum (1/2) is a gerundive (to be begun) formed from incipiō, incipere, incēpī, inceptum (3, –iō): to begin, take in hand. Est: is. Incipiendum est is the passive periphrastic: you must begin, one must begin. (See Chapter 41.)
What did he gain by this flattery?
Quid is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Hāc is the feminine ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Adūlātiōne is the ablative singular form of adūlātiō, adūlātiōnis (3f): flattery, adulation. Prōfēcit is the third person singular perfect form of prōficiō, prōficere, prōfēcī, prōfectum (3, –iō): to make progress; benefit.
They neither give nor have evil.
Alt. : They neither give nor suffer evil.
(He’s speaking of the gods; malum habēre usually means to suffer evil or misfortune.) Hī is the masculine nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Neque/ nec (conj.): and not, nor; (adv.): not; neither, not either, not even (nec. . . nec: neither. . . nor). # neither% Dant is the third person plural form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give; bring forth. Malum is the accusative singular form of malum, malī (2n): evil; trouble, misfortune; misdeed; disease. Neque/ nec (conj.): and not, nor. Habent is the third person plural form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
They are immortal, unchangeable, inviolable.
(He’s talking about ideas in the Platonic sense: idea, ideae (1f).) Hae is the feminine nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Immortālēs is the m/f nominative plural form of immortālis/immortālis/immortāle (3): immortal. Immūtābilēs is the m/f nominative plural form of immūtābilis/immūtābilis/immūtābile (3): immutable, unchangeable. Inviolābilēs is the m/f nominative plural form of inviolābilis/inviolābilis/inviolābile (3): invulnerable, inviolable. Sunt: (they) are.
These considerations do not destroy respect for parents.
More literally: These things do not destroy respect of parents.
(He has just explained how the benefits of children for their parents can surpass those of parents for their children.) Haec is the neuter nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Nōn: not. Dēstruunt is the third person plural form of dēstruō, dēstruere, dēstrūxī, dēstrūctum (3): to tear down; destroy; ruin. Parentium is the genitive plural form of parēns, parentis (3m/f): parent. Venerātiōnem is the accusative singular form of venerātiō, venerātiōnis (3f): respect, reverence.
The conversation of these men does much harm.
Hōrum is the m/n (here m) genitive plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Sermō, sermōnis (3m): conversation, talk, speech. Multum (adv.): much, very much. Nocet is the third person singular form of noceō, nocēre, nocuī, nocitum (2): to be harmful, injure.
I am not making up any of this story, am I, Decianus?
More literally: Is anything of these matters invented by me, Decianus?
Num (interrog. particle): creates a question, often with the expected answer no: is it possible? surely not? Quis/qua/ quid (pron): (in some clauses, especially after sī, nisi, num and nē) anyone, anything. Hārum is the feminine genitive plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Rērum is the genitive plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Ab/ ā (prep.): from, by (takes the ablative). Mē is the ablative form of ego. Fingitur is the third person singular passive form of fingō, fingere, fīnxī, fictum (3): to shape; invent. Deciāne is the vocative singular form of Deciānus, Deciānī (2m): Decianus.
To these, too, a god will grant an end.
(Troubles.) Dabit is the third person singular future form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give; allow; offer; grant, bestow. Deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god. Hīs is the m/f/n (here n) dative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Quoque (adv.): also, too, as well. Fīnem is the accusative singular form of fīnis, fīnis (3m): end; limit; purpose.
That’s the way of people generally.
More literally: People have these habits.
Hōs is the masculine accusative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Mōrēs is the accusative plural form of mōs, mōris (3m): custom, habit; (in pl.) character, morals. Habet is the third person singular form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Populus, populī (2m): people; the people; nation.
Anger cast them down.
(He’s talking about cities: cīvitās, cīvitātis (3f).) Hās is the feminine accusative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Īra, īrae (1f): anger. Dēiēcit is the third person singular perfect form of dēiciō, dēicere, dēiēcī, dēiectum (3, –iō): to throw or cast down.
These, then, are the remedies to which you should have recourse.
Alt. : Therefore commit yourself to these remedies.
Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Eīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
Ad (prep.): to (takes the accusative). Haec is the neuter accusative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Ergō (particle): therefore, then. Remedia is the accusative plural form of remedium, remediī (2n): remedy. Tē is the accusative form of tū: you (used reflexively: yourself). Cōnfer is the singular imperative form of cōnferō, cōnferre, contulī, collātum (3, irreg.): to bring, carry, convey, betake (oneself—with reflexive pronoun); confer, bestow; gather, connect; compare (thus the expression cf. ).
From these turn your eyes, too, upon your grandchildren.
More literally: From these, look back to (your) grandchildren too.
Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Hīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it (here masculine; it refers to Helvia’s children). Ad (prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Nepōtēs is the accusative plural form of nepōs, nepōtis (3m/f): grandchild, descendant. Quoque (conj.): also, too. Respice is the singular imperative form of respiciō, respicere, respexī, respectum (3, –iō): to look back at; consider.
But that person died in his prime.
More literally: But that one died young. Or: But he died young.
At (conj.): but, yet. Ille /illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Obiit is the third person singular perfect form of obeō, obīre, obiī/obīvī, obitum (irreg.): to meet; meet one’s death, die. Viridis /viridis/viride (3): green; young, in the full vigor of youth.
Where is that common-sense of yours?
Ubi (interrog. adv.): where? Ille/ illa /illud (adj.): that. Prūdentia, prūdentiae (1f): prudence; understanding; foresight; wisdom. Tuus/ tua /tuum (1/2): your, yours.
And this also will have given you no small help.
Ille/illa/ illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Quoque (conj.): also, too. Tē is the accusative form of tū: you. Nōn: not. Minimum (adv.): in the least degree, to the least extent. Nōn minimum = not least; especially; greatly. Adiūverit is the third person singular future perfect form of adiuvō, adiuvāre, adiūvī, adiūtum (1): to help.
That straitlaced fellow, would you like to have his wife?
More literally: Do you want the wife of that severe one?
Vīs is the second person singular form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to wish, want. Sevērī is the m/n (here m) genitive singular form of sevērus/sevēra/sevērum (1/2): serious, austere in demeanor; stern, strict, severe (used substantively). Illīus is the m/f/n genitive singular form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Uxōrem is the accusative singular form of uxor, uxōris (3f): wife.
He was never submissive to it.
(i.e., to money.) Numquam (adv.): never. Illī is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Obnoxius /obnoxia/obnoxium (1/2): liable, subject, exposed (to); submissive, subservient. Fuit is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
See that cliff?
More literally: Do you see that steep spot?
Vidēs is the second person singular form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Illum is the masculine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Praecipitem is the masculine accusative singular form of praeceps, praecipitis (3, adj.): steep, precipitous. Locum is the accusative singular form of locus, locī (2m): place, spot.
How, then, does he seek it?
More literally: How, then, does he come toward that?
(That is, how does the self-sufficient person seek friendship?) Quōmodo (interrog. adv.): how? Ergō (particle): therefore, then. Ad (prep.): to (takes the accusative). Illam is the feminine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that (here it refers to friendship: amīcitia, amīcitiae (1f)). Accēdit is the third person singular form of accēdō, accēdere, accessī, accessum (3): to approach, come toward.
Shame prohibits this, fear that.
Pudor, pudōris (3m): shame. Hoc is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Timor, timōris (3m): fear. Inpedit is the third person singular form of inpediō, inpedīre, inpedīvī/inpediī, inpedītum (4—also impediō): to impede; prevent. Illud is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it.
He is from that flock.
Dē (prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Grege is the ablative singular form of grex, gregis (3m): flock, pack; group. Illō is the m/n ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Est: he is.
E
e
On that night two will be in one bed.
In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Illā is the feminine ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Nocte is the ablative singular form of nox, noctis (3f): night. Erunt: will be. Duo /duae/duo (irreg. , plural only): two. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Lectō is the ablative singular form of lectus, lectī (2m): bed. Ūnō is the m/n ablative singular form of ūnus/ūna/ūnum (1/2, irreg.): one; alone; single. The time at which something happens is usually conveyed in classical Latin by the ablative alone without any preposition. But in was sometimes added in later Latin.
For they disagree between themselves.
Illī is the masculine nominative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Enim (particle): for. Inter (prep.): among; between (takes the accusative). Sē is the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Dissentiunt is the third person plural form of dissentiō, dissentīre, dissēnsī, dissēnsum (4): to dissent, disagree.
Hence these tears.
Hinc (adv.): hence, from this place or cause; next. Illae is the feminine nominative plural form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Lacrimae is the nominative plural form of lacrima, lacrimae (1f): tear.
The spurious sort contain much emptiness.
More literally: Those false things have much of emptiness.
Illa is the neuter nominative plural form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Falsa is the neuter nominative plural form of falsus/falsa/falsum (1/2): false (used substantively). Multum is the accusative singular form of multum, multī (2n): a large amount, much. Habent is the third person plural form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Vānī is the m/n (here n) genitive singular form of vānus/vāna/vānum (1/2): empty (used substantively; a partitive genitive with multum).
A large share of them had burned.
(He’s referring to books—liber, librī (2m).) Magnus/ magna /magnum (1/2): large, great. Illōrum is the m/n genitive plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that. Pars, partis (3f): part, share. Ārserat is the third person singular pluperfect form of ārdeō, ārdēre, ārsī, ārsum (2): to burn.
I had seen them in their first leaf.
More literally: I had seen the first leaf of them.
(He’s talking about plane trees—platanus, platanī (2f).) Ego: I. Illārum is the feminine genitive plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Prīmum is the m/n accusative singular form of prīmus/prīma/prīmum (1/2): first. Vīderam is the first person singular pluperfect form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Folium is the accusative singular form of folium, foliī (2n): leaf.
I am not a slave to them.
(To those who came before.) Nōn: not. Serviō, servīre, servīvī/serviī, servītum (4): to serve; be a slave to. Illīs is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it.
Their very haste impedes them.
Alt: Haste itself entangles them.
Ipse/ ipsa /ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself/oneself/myself/etc. ; in person; the very. Illōs is the masculine accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Vēlōcitās, vēlōcitātis (3f): speed, rapidity, haste. Inplicat is the third person singular form of inplicō, inplicāre, inplicāvī, inplicātum (1—also implicō): to entwine, entangle.
Now cut them off.
(Them refers to an assassin’s hands: manus, manūs (4f).) Nunc (adv.): now. Illās is the feminine accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Praecīdite is the plural imperative form of praecīdō, praecīdere, praecīdī, praecīsum (3): to cut off.
Let us digest them.
(Them refers to things that feed the mind. He’s saying metaphorically that ideas do no good until they’re assimilated.) Concoquāmus is the first person plural subjunctive form of concoquō, concoquere, concoxī, concoctum (3): to digest; cook (subjunctive because it’s hortatory.). Illa is the neuter accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it.
We’ll be able to live without them.
(He’s talking about figures of speech: schēma, schēmatis (3n).) Poterimus is the first person plural future form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Sine (prep.): without (takes the ablative). Illīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Who is that?
Quis /quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Est: is. Iste /ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it.
Is that life of yours not death?
Iste/ ista /istud (adj.): that, this. Vīta, vītae (1f): life. Nōn: not. Mors, mortis (3f): death. Est: is.
That is deceit.
Alt. : This is cheating.
Dēcipiō, dēcipere, dēcēpī, dēceptum (3, –iō): to deceive, cheat; elude. Est: is. Iste/ista/ istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it.
His father is not certainly known.
More literally: The father of that one is uncertain.
Pater, patris (3m): father. Istīus is the m/f/n genitive singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Incertus /incerta/incertum (1/2): uncertain, not known. Est: is.
They expressed their thanks to him.
Grātiās is the accusative plural form of grātia, grātiae (1f): favor, goodwill; popularity; thankfulness, (in plural) thanks; grace. Istī is the m/f/n dative singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Ēgērunt is the third person plural perfect form of agō, agere, ēgī, āctum (3): to drive, put in motion; do, perform; act. Grātiās agere = to give thanks (to), thank (with dative of the person thanked).
We saw him sadder.
Trīstiōrem is the m/f accusative singular form of trīstior/trīstior/trīstius (3): sterner; sadder—the comparative form of trīstis/trīstis/trīste (3): stern; sad. Istum is the masculine accusative singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Vīdimus is the first person plural perfect form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see, look at.
I grasp the distinction you mean.
More literally: I grasp that distinction (of yours).
Teneō, tenēre, tenuī, tentum (2): to hold; grasp, understand. Istam is the feminine accusative singular form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Distribūtiōnem is the accusative singular form of distribūtiō, distribūtiōnis (3f): distribution; division; classification; distinction (between things).
We believe that.
(Actually he means I believe that; the we is used figuratively.) Crēdimus is the first person plural form of crēdō, crēdere, crēdidī, crēditum (3): to believe. Istud is the neuter accusative singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it.
We could scarcely stay awake through that passage.
More literally: We were barely holding back sleep in that passage.
Somnum is the accusative singular form of somnus, somnī (2m): sleep. Istō is the m/n ablative singular form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Locō is the ablative singular form of locus, locī (2m): place; passage (in a book or speech). Vix (adv.): barely; with difficulty. Tenēbāmus is the first person plural imperfect form of teneō, tenēre, tenuī, tentum (2): to hold; restrain, hold back.
What have you to do with such a controversy?
More literally: What to you with that controversy?
Quis/quis/ quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Tibi is the dative form of tū: you. Cum (prep.): with (takes the ablative). Istā is the feminine ablative singular form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Contentiōne is the ablative singular form of contentiō, contentiōnis (3f): controversy, dispute.
Those wealthy ones have lost estates.
Perdidērunt is the third person plural perfect form of perdō, perdere, perdidī, perditum (3): to lose; destroy; squander. Istī is the masculine nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Dīvitēs is the m/f nominative plural form of dīves, dīvitis (3, adj.): rich, wealthy. Patrimōnia is the accusative plural form of patrimōnium, patrimōniī (2n): estate, inheritable assets.
Those things are displayed, not possessed.
(Speaking of riches.) Ostenduntur is the third person plural passive form of ostendō, ostendere, ostendī, ostentum/ostēnsum (3): to show, exhibit, display. Istae is the feminine nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Rēs is the nominative plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Nōn: not. Possidentur is the third person plural passive form of possideō, possidēre, possēdī, possessum (2): to own, possess.
All these are delays of death.
(He’s saying ironically: Why bother giving armor and swords to gladiators? People just come to watch them get killed.) Omnia is the neuter nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Ista is the neuter nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Mors, mortis (3f): death. Morae is the nominative plural form of mora, morae (1f): delay; hindrance. Sunt: are.
In every case their happiness is put on like the actor’s mask.
More literally: The happiness of them all is counterfeited.
Omnium is the m/f/n genitive plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Istōrum is the m/n (here m) genitive plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Persōnātus/ persōnāta /persōnātum (1/2): masked; counterfeited, fictitious. Fēlīcitās, fēlīcitātis (3f): happiness, success. Est: is.
What, then, is the cause of those straits?
Quī/ quae /quod (interrog. pron.): what? which? Est: is. Igitur (conj.): therefore, so, then. Causa, causae (1f): cause, reason; (legal) case; claim. Istārum is the feminine genitive plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Angustiārum is the genitive plural form of angustia, angustiae (1f, usually plural): narrowness; narrow space or passage; difficulties, straits.
For underlying them all is a single virtue.
Omnibus is the m/f/n dative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Enim (particle): for, indeed. Istīs is the m/f/n dative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Ūnus/ ūna /ūnum (1/2, irreg.): one. Virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, moral excellence; courage, valor. Subest is the third person singular form of subsum, subesse, subfuī, subfutūrus (irreg.): to be under (takes a dative object).
I pass over those men.
Trānseō, trānsīre, trānsīvī/trānsiī, trānsitum (irreg.): to go over; pass over (to another subject); pass by; surpass. Istōs is the masculine accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it.
I do not have time for those absurdities.
Nōn: not. Vacō, vacāre, vacāvī, vacātum (1): to be at leisure, have time; be empty. Ad (prep.): to; for (takes the accusative). Istās is the feminine accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that; this. Ineptiās is the accusative plural form of ineptia, ineptiae (1f): folly; (in pl. , more common than the sg.) trifles, absurdities.
I do not know those things.
Ego: I. Ista is the neuter accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it. Nōn: not. Nōscō, nōscere, nōvī, nōtum (3): to get to know; (in the perfect tense with present meaning) know.
It is none of these things.
Est: it is. Nihil (n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing, none. Ex /ē (prep.): from, out of, of (takes the ablative). Istīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; this; he, she, it.
He really lives who makes use of himself.
Vīvit is the third person singular form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Is /ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Quī /quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Sē is the ablative form of the reflexive pronoun. Ūtitur is the third person singular form of ūtor, ūtī, ūsus sum (3, deponent): to use; enjoy (takes an ablative object).
This is the common punishment of folly.
(A sense of dread.) Is/ ea /id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Commūnis/ commūnis /commūne (3): common; public. Poena, poenae (1f): punishment, penalty. Stultitia, stultitiae (1f): stupidity, foolishness. Est: is.
This will be tranquility.
(After describing a joyful and peaceful state of mind.) Is/ea/ id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Tranquillitās, tranquillitātis (3f): tranquility (of mind or affairs), serenity. Erit is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
There was a rumor that he had died.
More literally: There was a rumor about his death.
Rūmor, rūmōris (3m): rumor. Fuit is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Dē (prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Morte is the ablative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Eius is the m/f/n genitive singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
I have found that he lacks nothing.
More literally: I have seen nothing to be lacking to him.
(Speaking of Demetrius, a Cynic philosopher.) Videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Nihil (n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Eī is the m/f/n dative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Dēsum, dēesse /dēsse, dēfuī, dēfutūrus (irreg.): to be lacking.
I’ve sent this book to you from Regium.
Eum is the masculine accusative singular form of is/ea/id (adj.): this, that. Librum is the accusative singular form of liber, librī (2m): book. Tibi: to you—the dative form of tū: you. Mittō, mittere, mīsī, missum (3): to send; throw. Rēgiō is the ablative singular form of Rēgium, Rēgiī (2n): Regium, town in southern Italy (now Reggio Calabria).
Let us turn to consider the case of him who has grown to old age.
More literally: Let us turn to him who has grown old.
Ad (prep.): to (takes the accusative). Eum is the masculine accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Trānseāmus is the first person plural subjunctive form of trānseō, trānsīre, trānsīvī/trānsiī, trānsitum (irreg.): to go over; pass over (to another subject); surpass (subjunctive because it’s hortatory). Quī /quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Cōnsenuit is the third person singular perfect form of cōnsenēscō, cōnsenēscere, cōnsenuī, — (3): to grow old.
He easily withstands her who always expects her.
(He’s talking about fortūna, fortūnae (1f): fortune; fate.) Facile (adv.): easily. Eam is the feminine accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Sustinet is the third person singular form of sustineō, sustinēre, sustinuī, sustentum (2): to support; withstand. Quī /quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Semper (adv.): always. Expectat is the third person singular form of expectō, expectāre, expectāvī, expectātum (1—also exspectō): to wait (for); expect; look forward to.
He took it.
Id is the neuter accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Sustulit is the third person singular perfect form of tollō, tollere, sustulī, sublātum (3): to lift, raise; pick up; take (away), remove; do away with.
You both want to wage that war in which the best outcome is to be defeated.
Id is the neuter accusative singular form of is/ea/id (adj.): this, that. Gerō, gerere, gessī, gestum (3): to bear, carry; wear; wage (war). Bellum is the accusative singular form of bellum, bellī (2n): war. Cupitis is the second person plural form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to long (for), wish, want, desire. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Quō is the m/n ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron): who, which, that, what. Est: is. Optimus/optima/ optimum (1/2): very good/best—the superlative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Vincī is the passive infinitive form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer, overcome, overmatch; win, be victorious.
Therefore there is virtue in it.
(In the world—mundus, mundī (2m).) Est: there is. Ergō (particle): therefore, then. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Eō is the m/n ablative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.) he, she, it; this, that. Virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, moral excellence; courage, valor.
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Flee from it.
(He’s speaking of the path—via, viae (1f)—of evildoers.) Fuge is the singular imperative form of fugiō, fugere, fūgī, fugitūrus (3): to flee. Ab (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Eā is the feminine ablative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
They have, on the contrary, praised Gabinius.
(In a different context, this could mean they have, on the contrary, praised Gabinius to him —with eī dative singular instead of nominative plural.) Immō (particle): nay, on the contrary. Eī is the masculine nominative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Gabīnium is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of the family name Gabīnius/Gabīnia/Gabīnium (1/2). Laudāvērunt is the third person plural perfect form of laudō, laudāre, laudāvī, laudātum (1): to praise.
This tribe supplied the Celtic nation with a king.
More literally: These gave a king to the Celtic.
Iī is the masculine nominative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Rēgem is the accusative singular form of rēx, rēgis (3m): king. Celticō is the m/n dative singular form of Celticus/Celtica/Celticum (1/2): Celtic. Dabant is the third person plural imperfect form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give.
For neither are the reasons momentous which hold us here.
More literally: For neither are those very large that hold us (here).
(He’d just said that sometimes we have to die for reasons that aren’t momentous.) Nam (particle.): for, because; certainly. Neque/ nec: (as conj.) and not, nor; (as adv.) neither, not either, not even. Eae is the feminine nominative plural form of is/ea/id (pron. ; feminine because it refers to reasons—causa, causae (1f)): he, she, it; this, that. Maximae is the feminine nominative plural form of maximus/maxima/maximum (1/2): greatest, largest; very great, very large—the superlative form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large. Sunt: are. Quae is the f/n nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Nōs is the accusative form of nōs: we. Tenent is the third person plural form of teneō, tenēre, tenuī, tentum (2): to hold.
These are contrary one to the other.
More literally: These things are contrary among themselves.
Ea is the neuter nominative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Sunt: are. Inter (prep.): among; between; during (takes the accusative). Sē is the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Contrāria is the neuter nominative plural form of contrārius/contrāria/contrārium (1/2): opposite, contrary.
You do neither of those things.
Neutrum is the m/n (here n) accusative singular form of neuter/neutra/neutrum (1/2, irreg.): neither. Facis is the second person singular form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make (it’s in the historical present). Eōrum is the m/n (here n) genitive plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
Two kinds of them are distinguished by the size of their leaves.
More literally: . . . by the size of the leaf.
(Talking about varieties of the mallow plant—malva, malvae (1f).) Duo/duae/ duo (irreg.): two. Genera is the nominative plural form of genus, generis (3n): kind, type; race, birth, descent. Eārum is the feminine genitive plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Amplitūdine is the ablative singular form of amplitūdō, amplitūdinis (3f): size; greatness, distinction, prestige. Folium, foliī (2n): leaf. Discernuntur is the third person plural passive form of discernō, discernere, discrēvī, discrētum (3): to separate; distinguish.
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The words that you gave me, I have given to them.
Verba is the accusative plural form of verbum, verbī (2n): word. Quae is the neuter accusative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Dedistī is the second person singular perfect form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give. Mihi is the dative form of ego. Dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give. Eīs is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
Death is terrible to those who in losing life lose everything.
More literally: Death (is) terrible to those of whom with life all things are extinguished.
Mors, mortis (3f): death. Terribilis/ terribilis /terribile (3): frightful, terrible. Iīs the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Quōrum is the m/n genitive plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Cum (prep.): with (takes the ablative). Vītā is the ablative singular form of vīta, vītae (1f): life. Omnia is the neuter nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Exstinguuntur is the third person plural passive form of exstinguō, exstinguere, exstīnxī, exstīnctum (3—also extinguō): to extinguish; kill, destroy.
You say then they exist.
More literally: You therefore declare them to be.
(Talking about the dead.) Esse: to be. Ergō (particle): therefore, then. Eōs is the masculine accusative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Dīcis is the second person singular form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, tell, declare.
I will be happy among those things that usually make people wretched.
Inter (prep.): between; among (takes the accusative). Eās is the feminine accusative plural form of is/ea/id (adj.): this, that. Rēs is the accusative plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Beātus /beāta/beātum (1/2): happy, blessed. Erō: I will be—the first person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Quae is the f/n nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Miserōs is the masculine accusative plural form of miser/misera/miserum (1/2): miserable, wretched. Solent is the third person plural form of soleō, solēre, solitus sum (2, semi-deponent): to be accustomed to (doing something), be in the habit of (doing something), do (something) habitually, usually, etc. (it’s completed by an infinitive). Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
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And you shall put them in the ark.
(Eas — them —refers to tablets: tabula, tabulae (1f).) Pōnēsque: pōnēs is the second person singular future form of pōnō, pōnere, posuī, positum (3): to put, place (the enclitic conjunction – que adds and). Eās is the feminine accusative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Arcā is the ablative singular form of arca, arcae (1f): chest, box, ark; coffin.
But I do not dare to write them.
Sed (conj.): but. Ea is the neuter accusative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Nōn: not. Audeō, audēre, ausus sum (2, semi-deponent): to dare, risk. Scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write.
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Turn away from them.
Recēde is the singular imperative form of recēdō, recēdere, recessī, recessum (3): to recede, retreat, withdraw. Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Eīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that.
Of the things which we see, nothing is fixed.
More literally: Nothing of those things that we see endures.
Nihil (n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Ex /ē (prep.): out of, from (takes the ablative). Iīs is the m/f/n (here n) ablative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Quae is the neuter accusative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Vidēmus is the first person plural form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Manet is the third person singular form of maneō, manēre, mānsī, mānsum (2): to remain, stay, endure.
Be your own spectator; seek your own applause.
More literally: Watch you yourself, praise you yourself.
Ipse /ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself/oneself/myself/etc. ; in person; the very. Tē is the accusative form of tū: you. Spectā is the singular imperative form of spectō, spectāre, spectāvī, spectātum (1): to look at, watch; test. Laudā is the singular imperative form of laudō, laudāre, laudāvī, laudātum (1): to praise. Ipse agrees with the implied second person singular subject of each imperative.
Virtue itself is therefore the only good.
Ūnus/ūna/ ūnum (1/2): one; alone; only. Ergō (particle): therefore, then. Bonum, bonī (2n): good; benefit; (in pl.) possessions. Ipse/ ipsa /ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. : in person; the very. Virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, moral excellence; courage, valor. Est: is.
For this itself, to be a slave to philosophy, is freedom.
Hic/haec/ hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Enim (particle): for; indeed. Ipse/ipsa/ ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Philosophiae is the dative singular form of philosophia, philosophiae (1f): philosophy. Serviō, servīre, servīvī/serviī, servītum (4): to serve; be a slave. Lībertās, lībertātis (3f): liberty, freedom. Est: is.
On your own head may it fall.
More literally: On your head of (your)self.
(Misfortune that you caused.) In (prep.): into, onto, against (with accusative). Tuum is the m/n accusative singular form of tuus/tua/tuum (1/2): your, yours. Ipsīus is the m/f/n genitive singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself/oneself/myself/etc. ; in person; the very. Caput, capitis (3n): head.
I am not yet a friend to my own self.
Mihi is the dative form of ego. Ipsī is the m/f/n dative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. Nōndum (adv.): not yet. Amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. Sum: I am.
You will hear Agusius himself.
Ipsum is the m/n accusative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Agusium is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of the family name Agusius/Agusia/Agusium (1/2, vowels lengths uncertain). Audiēs is the second person singular future form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear.
You see that death in itself is neither an evil nor a good.
More literally: You see death itself to be neither an evil nor a good.
Vidēs is the second person singular form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Ipsam is the feminine accusative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Mortem is the accusative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Neque/ nec (conj.): and not, nor; (adv.): not; neither, not either, not even (nec. . . nec: neither. . . nor). # neither% Malum is the accusative singular form of malum, malī (2n): evil; trouble. Esse: to be. Neque/ nec (conj.): nor. Bonum is the accusative singular form of bonum, bonī (2n): good; benefit; (in pl.) possessions.
For the fault is not in things, but in the mind itself.
Nōn: not. Est: is. Enim (particle): for; indeed. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Rēbus is the ablative plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair; property, possession; circumstance. Vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Sed (conj.): but. Ipsō is the m/n ablative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Animō is the ablative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul; will, intention.
But by the very intention they do hurt us.
(He’s talking about people who intend to harm us but fail.) Sed (conj.): but. Ipsā is the feminine ablative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Cōgitātiōne is the ablative singular form of cōgitātiō, cōgitātiōnis (3f): thinking, thought, reasoning; plan, project, intent. Nōs is the accusative form of nōs: we. Laedunt is the third person plural form of laedō, laedere, laesī, laesum (3): to injure, hurt.
If only we did not ourselves damage our children’s characters!
Utinam (particle): if only, I wish that, would that! Līberī, līberōrum (2m, plural only): children (in respect to parents; i.e., sons and daughters). Nostrōrum is the m/n genitive plural form of noster/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours. Mōrēs is the accusative plural form of mōs, mōris (3m): custom, habit; (in pl.) character, morals. Nōn: not. Ipsī is the masculine nominative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Perderēmus is the first person plural imperfect subjunctive form of perdō, perdere, perdidī, perditum (3): to destroy; ruin; waste; lose (imperfect subjunctive because it’s a present contrary-to-fact wish).
Pleasures themselves are feared.
(In kingdoms ruled cruelly.) Voluptātēs is the nominative plural form of voluptās, voluptātis (3f): pleasure. Ipsae is the feminine nominative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Timentur is the third person plural passive form of timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to be afraid, fear.
But let even your entertainment be work.
Alt. : Still, even one’s amusements should become worthwhile endeavors.
More literally: But let pleasures themselves be works.
Sed (conj.): but. Ipsa is the neuter nominative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Oblectāmenta is the nominative plural form of of oblectāmentum, oblectāmentī (2n): amusement, pleasure. Opera is the nominative plural form of opus, operis (3n): work; need. Sint is the third person plural subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s jussive).
Feel their loss with their own spirit.
More literally: Miss them with the spirit of them themselves.
(i.e., when you grieve over the unjust deaths of the brave.) Ipsōrum is the m/n genitive plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (pron.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Illōs is the masculine accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Animō is the ablative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul, heart, spirit; courage. Dēsīderā is the singular imperative form of dēsīderō, dēsīderāre, dēsīderāvī, dēsīderātum (1): to miss; want, desire; require, demand.
In case of the virtues themselves one man prefers to excel in one, another in another.
More literally: And another (man) prefers to excel in another of the virtues themselves.
(Different people prefer to excel in different virtues.) Ipsārumque: ipsārum is the feminine genitive plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/etc. ; in person; the very (the enclitic conjunction –que adds and). Virtūtum is the genitive plural form of virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, moral excellence; courage, valor. In (prep): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Aliā is the feminine ablative singular form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another; different. Alius /alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another; different. Māvult is the third person singular form of mālō, mālle, māluī, — (irreg.): to prefer. Excellō, excellere, excelluī, excelsum (3): to be superior in height, rise above; excel.
People shake their fists at the very gods.
More literally: Hands are extended threateningly to the very gods.
Dīs is the dative plural form of deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god. Ipsīs is the m/f/n dative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Manūs is the nominative plural form of manus, manūs (4f): hand. Intentantur is the third person plural passive form of intentō, intentāre, intentāvī, intentātum (1): to extend toward; stretch out threateningly toward.
I will therefore send to you the actual books.
Mittam is the first person singular future form of mittō, mittere, mīsī, missum (3): to send; throw. Itaque (adv.): and so, hence, therefore. Ipsōs is the masculine accusative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Tibi is the dative form of tū. Librōs is the accusative plural form of liber, librī (2m): book.
We can trample upon those very constraints.
More literally: It is permitted to trample the constraints themselves.
Calcō, calcāre, calcāvī, calcātum (1): to trample; tread on. Ipsās is the feminine accusative plural from of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc/. ; in person; the very. Necessitātēs is the accusative plural form of necessitās, necessitātis (3f): necessity; constraint; fate. Licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2): it is allowed, one is permitted (impersonal).
I am quoting the actual words of Metrodorus.
More literally: I have written the actual words of Metrodorus below.
Ipsa is the neuter accusative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Mētrodōrus, Mētrodōrī (2m): Metrodorus, Epicurean philosopher. Verba is the accusative plural form of verbum, verbī (2n): word. Subscrībō, subscrībere, subscrīpsī, subscrīptum (3): to write below; sign; approve of.
Yet the greatest punishment of crimes is in the crimes themselves.
Atquī (conj.): however, yet, still. Maximus/maxima/ maximum (1/2) is the superlative form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large. Scelerum is the genitive plural form of scelus, sceleris (3n): crime. Supplicium, suppliciī (2n): supplication; punishment; suffering, torture. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on. Ipsīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (pron.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Est: is.