Chapter 12: Learning

Placidus /placida/placidum (1/2): calm, peaceful. Itaque (adv.): and so, therefore, then. Sapiēns, sapientis (3m): wise man, sage. Et (conj.): and. Aequus /aequa/aequum (1/2): level, even, smooth; just, fair; tranquil, calm, enduring. Errōribus is the dative plural form of error, errōris (3m): wandering; error, mistake. (And so the wise man, calm and just to errors. . .)

Nōn: not. Hostis, hostis (3m/f): enemy. Sed (conj.): but. Corrēctor, corrēctōris (3m): corrector. Peccantium is the m/f/n (here m) genitive plural form of peccāns, peccantis (3), the present active participle (sinning, doing wrong) of peccō, peccāre, peccāvī, peccātum (1): to sin, do wrong, make a mistake. (. . . not the enemy but the corrector of the sinning/those who make mistakes. . .)

Hōc is the m/n ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Cōtīdiē (adv. —also cottīdiē): every day. Prōcēdit is the third person singular form of prōcēdō, prōcēdere, prōcessī, prōcessum (3): to go forth, proceed, advance. Animō is the ablative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul; will, intention. (. . . goes forth every day with this mind. . .)

Multī is the masculine nominative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Mihi is the dative form of ego: I (to me). Occurrent is the third person plural future form of occurrō, occurrere, occurrī, occursum (3): to run into; meet, come to (takes the dative— mihi). Vīnō is the dative singular form of vīnum, vīnī (2n): wine. Dēditī is the masculine nominative plural form of dēditus/dēdita/dēditum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (given up) of dēdō, dēdere, dēdidī, dēditum (3): to hand over, give up, surrender; devote, dedicate. (Many will meet me given up to wine. . .)

Multī: many (see above). Libīdinōsī is the masculine nominative plural form of libīdinōsus/libīdinōsa/libīdinōsum (1/2): lustful, libidinous. Ingrātī is the masculine nominative plural form of ingrātus/ingrāta/ingrātum (1/2): unpleasant, disagreeable; ungrateful. Avārī is the masculine nominative plural form of avārus/avāra/avārum (1/2): greedy. Furiīs is the ablative plural form of furia, furiae (1f): fury (the furies were avenging goddesses who haunted their victims; their name came to symbolize any violent passion, madness, obsession, etc.). Ambitiō, ambitiōnis (3f): ambition, desire for favor. Agitātī is the masculine nominative plural form of agitātus/agitāta/agitātum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (driven) of agitō, agitāre, agitāvī, agitātum (1): to drive, set in motion, stir; shake, agitate, disturb; torment; busy oneself with; have in mind, ponder, consider. (. . . many lustful, many ungrateful, many greedy, many driven by the furies of ambition.)

Omnia is the neuter accusative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Ista is the neuter accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Tam (adv.): so (much), as. Propitius /propitia/propitium (1/2): kind, favorable, well-disposed. Aspiciet is the third person singular future form of aspiciō, aspicere, aspexī, aspectum (3, –iō): to look at, view. Quam (rel. adv.): than; as. Tam. . . quam = as. . . as. Aegrōs is the masculine accusative plural form of aeger/aegra/aegrum (1/2): sick. Suōs: his (own)—the masculine accusative plural form of suus/sua/suum (1/2). Medicus, medicī (2m): doctor. (All those things he will view as kind(ly) as a doctor (views) his sick.)

Quis /quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Autem (particle): and, moreover; but, however. Negābit is the third person singular future form of negō, negāre, negāvī, negātum (1): to deny; refuse. Ferīrī is the passive infinitive form of feriō, ferīre, —, ferītūrus (4): to hit, strike. Quibusdam is the m/f/n ablative plural form of quīdam/quaedam/quoddam (adj.): some, a certain. Praeceptīs is the ablative plural form of praeceptum, praeceptī (2n): teaching, lesson, precept—originally the neuter form of praeceptus/praecepta/praeceptum (1/2), the perfect passive participle of praecipiō, praecipere, praecēpī, praeceptum (3, –iō): to take in advance; anticipate; order, command; advise. Efficāciter (adv.): efficaciously, effectively. Etiam (particle): still; even; also. Inperītissimōs is the masculine accusative plural form of inperītissimus/inperītissima/inperītissimum (1/2—also imperītissimus): most/very ignorant or inexperienced—the superlative form of inperītus/inperīta/inperītum (1/2—also imperītus): inexperienced, ignorant. (And who will deny even the most inexperienced to be effectively struck by certain precepts?)

Velut (adv.): just as, like; for instance, for example. Hīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Brevissimīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of brevissimus/brevissima/brevissimum (1/2): very short/shortest, very brief/briefest/most brief—the superlative form of brevis/brevis/breve (3): short, brief. Vōcibus is the ablative plural form of vōx, vōcis (3f): voice; word; expression, phrase. (For instance, by these expressions most brief. . .)

Sed (conj.): but. Multum is the accusative form of multum, multī (2n): a large amount, much, a great deal. Habentibus is the m/f/n ablative plural form of habēns, habentis (3), the present active participle (having) of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Pondus, ponderis (3n): weight; importance. (. . . but having a great deal of weight. . .).

Nil: nothing. Nimis (adv.): too much, excessively, to excess. (Nothing to excess—so read the Greek inscription (μηδὲν ἄγαν) on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.)

Avārus /avāra/avārum (1/2): greedy. Animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Nūllō is the m/n ablative singular form of nūllus/nūlla/nūllum (1/2, irreg.): no, not any. Satiātur is the third person singular passive form of satiō, satiāre, satiāvī, satiātum (1): to sate, satiate, satisfy. Lucrō is the ablative singular form of lucrum, lucrī (2n): gain, profit. (The greedy mind is satisfied by no gain.)

Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Aliō is the m/n (here m) ablative singular form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another. Exspectēs is the second person singular subjunctive form of exspectō, exspectāre, exspectāvī, exspectātum (1—also expectō): to wait for; expect (subjunctive because it’s a general piece of advice). Alterī is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other; another. Quod is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Fēcerīs is the second person singular perfect subjunctive form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do, make (subjunctive because the subject is a general you, making the action potential). (You should/must expect from another what you have done to the other.)

Quid is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Terrārum is the genitive plural form of terra, terrae (1f): earth; land, country. Iuvō, iuvāre, iūvī, iūtum (1): to help, aid; benefit, do good, avail; delight, please. Novitās, novitātis (3f): newness, novelty. Potest is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. (What can the newness of lands avail (you)?)

Quid: what? (See above.) Cognitiō, cognitiōnis (3f): the act of becoming acquainted, the acquiring of knowledge; knowledge. Urbium is the genitive plural form of urbs, urbis (3f): city. Aut (conj.): or. Locōrum is the genitive plural form of locus, locī (2m, but often n in the plural): place. (What the acquiring of knowledge of cities or regions?)

In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into (in inritum cēdit = results in no effect/ is futile, etc). ; Inritum is the m/n (here n) accusative singular form of inritus/inrita/inritum (1/2—also irritus): invalid; useless. ; Cēdit is the third person singular form of cēdō, cēdere, cessī, cessum (3): to go, move; withdraw; yield; have a result, turn out. Iste/ ista /istud (adj.): that. Iactātiō, iactātiōnis (3f): the action of flinging about, shaking, tossing, etc. ; agitation, restless motion; boasting. (That restless motion results in no effect.)

Quaeris is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek. Quārē (interrog. adv.): why? Tē is the accusative form of tū: you. Fuga, fugae (1f): flight, escape. Iste/ ista /istud (adj.): that (of yours). Nōn: not. Adiuvet is the third person singular subjunctive form of adiuvō, adiuvāre, adiūvī, adiūtum (1): to help, assist (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). (You ask why that flight does not help you?)

Tēcum: with you, with yourself (tē = you; cum = with). Fugis is the second person singular form of fugiō, fugere, fūgī, fugitūrus (3, –iō): to flee, run away. (You flee with yourself.)

Onus, oneris (3n): burden, load. Animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Dēpōnendus/dēpōnenda/ dēpōnendum (1/2) is the gerundive (to be put down) of dēpōnō, dēpōnere, dēposuī, dēpositum (3): to put down or aside. Est: is. (The burden of the mind is to be put down.)

Nōn: not. Ante (adv.): before, earlier, sooner, previously. Tibi is the dative form of tū: you. Ūllus /ūlla/ūllum (1/2, irreg.): any. Placēbit is the third person singular future form of placeō, placēre, placuī, placitum (2): to please, be pleasing to. Locus, locī (2m): place, spot, locality. (Not earlier will any place be pleasing to you.)

Persevērābō is the first person singular future form of persevērō, persevērāre, persevērāvī, persevērātum (1): to continue, persevere. Epicūrum is the accusative singular form of Epicūrus, Epicūrī (2m): Epicurus. Tibi is the dative form of tū: you (to you/upon you). Ingerō, ingerere, ingessī, ingestum (3): to heap, pile up; many compound verbs like ingerere(in + gerere) take a dative like tibi. (I will continue to heap Epicurus upon you. . .)

Ut (conj.): that, so that. Istī is the masculine nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Quī is the masculine nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Verba is the accusative plural form of verbum, verbī (2n): word. Iūrant is the third person plural form of iūrō, iūrāre, iūrāvī, iūrātum (1): to swear, give an oath (in verba iūrāre is an idiom meaning to swear according to a given formula, or more generally to swear allegiance to someone; if the someone is mentioned, it goes in the genitive to modify verba). Seneca probably had in mind Horace’s dictum about his philosophical eclecticism: nūllius addictus iūrāre in verba magistrī: I cannot slavishly swear by the dictates of any master (Epistles 1.1.14). (. . . that those who swear according to a formula/who swear allegiance (to a master/Epicurus). . .)

Nec (conj.): and not, neither, nor. Quid/quis/ quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Dīcātur is the third person singular passive subjunctive form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Aestimant is the third person plural form of aestimō, aestimāre, aestimāvī, aestimātum (1): to estimate, value, assess, consider. Sed (conj.): but. Ab/ ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Quō is the m/n ablative singular form of quid/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? (. . . and do not consider what is said, but by whom. . .)

Sciant is the third person plural subjunctive form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know (subjunctive because it’s in a purpose clause—introduced by ut above). Quae is the f/n nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Optima is the neuter nominative plural form of optimus/optima/optimum (1/2): best—the superlative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Sunt: (they) are. Esse: to be; an infinitive in an indirect statement. Commūnia is the neuter accusative plural form of commūnis/commūnis/commūne (3): common, shared; public. (. . . may know the things that are best to be public—i.e., that the things/ideas that are best are public.)

Cum (prep.): with (takes the ablative). Hīs is the m/f/n ablative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it (these). Versāre is the singular passive imperative form of verso, versāre, versāvī, versātum (1): to turn around, move around, cause to spin or revolve, etc. ; (in the passive) to spend one’s time (in a certain place, company, activity, etc.). (Spend your time with these/those. . .)

Quī is the masculine nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Tē is the accusative form of tū: you. Meliōrem is the m/f accusative singular form of melior/melior/melius (3): better—the comparative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Factūrī is the masculine nominative plural form of factūrus/factūra/factūrum (1/2), the future active participle (about to make, going to make) of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Sunt: (they) are. (. . . who are going to make you better.)

Illōs is the masculine accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Admitte is the singular imperative form of admittō, admittere, admīsī, admissum (3): to let in, admit, give access to (someone), permit to come. Quōs is the masculine accusative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Tū: you. Potes is the second person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Meliōrēs is the m/f accusative plural form of melior/melior/melius (3): better—the comparative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. (Give access to those whom you can make better.)

Mūtuō (adv.): mutually. Ista is the neuter nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Fīunt is the third person plural form of fīō, fierī, —, — (irreg.): to be done; be made; happen; become. Et (conj.): and. Hominēs is the nominative plural form of homō, hominis (3m): man, human being. Dum (conj.): while; provided that; until. Docent is the third person plural form of doceō, docēre, docuī, doctum (2): to teach. Discunt is the third person plural form of discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. (These things happen mutually, and men, while they teach, learn.)

Perītōs is the masculine accusative plural form of perītus/perīta/perītum (1/2): skilled, expert, experienced. Luctandī is the genitive gerund (of wrestling) of luctor, luctārī, luctātus sum (1, deponent): to wrestle, struggle. Ūsus, ūsūs (4m): use, employment; exercise, practice. Exercet is the third person singular form of exerceō, exercēre, exercuī, exercitum (2): to exercise, train, practice. (Practice trains the skilled of—i.e., in—wrestling.)

Mūsicum is the accusative singular form of mūsicus, mūsicī (2m): musician. Quī /quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Paria is the neuter accusative plural form of pār, paris (3, adj.): equal; like. Didicit is the third person singular perfect form of discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. Movet is the third person singular form of moveō, movēre, mōvī, mōtum (2): to move, stir; inspire. ((He) who has learned equal things inspires a musician.)

Opus, operis (3n): work; need. Est: there is. Opus est = there is need (of. . .); the thing needed goes in the ablative and the person who needs it goes in the dative. Et (adv.): also; even. Sapientī is the dative singular form of sapiēns, sapientis (3m): wise man, sage. Agitātiōne is the ablative singular form of agitātiō, agitātiōnis (3f): motion, agitation, activity; practice, exercise. Virtūtum is the genitive plural form of virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, excellence; courage. (There is also need of an agitation/exercise of virtues for the wise man.)

Ita (adv.): so, thus. Quemadmodum (rel. adv.): how, in what manner, as. Ipse /ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself; the very. Sē: himself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Movet: is the third person singular form of moveō, movēre, mōvī, mōtum (2): to move, stir; inspire. Movētur is the third person singular passive form of moveō, movēre, mōvī, mōtum (2): to move, stir; inspire. Sīc (adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Ab /ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Aliō is the m/n ablative singular form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another. Sapiente is the ablative singular form of sapiēns, sapientis (3m): wise man, sage. (. . . thus as he stirs himself, so is he himself stirred by another wise man.)

Hic/haec/ hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Multō (adv.): much, by much; far, by far. Fortior/fortior/ fortius (3): braver; stronger—the comparative form of fortis/fortis/forte (3): brave; strong. Est: is. (This is braver by far. . .)

Ēbriō is the m/n ablative singular form of ēbrius/ēbria/ēbrium (1/2): drunk. Atque/ ac (conj.): and. Vomitante is the m/f/n ablative singular form of vomitāns, vomitantis (3), the present active participle (vomiting) of vomitō, vomitāre, vomitāvī, vomitātum (1): to vomit often. Populō is the ablative singular form of populus, populī (2m): people; the people; crowd. Ēbriō ac vomitante populō is an ablative absolute: with the crowd drunk and vomiting; while the crowd is drunk and vomiting. Siccum is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of siccus/sicca/siccum (1/2): dry; sober; thirsty. Sōbrium is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of sōbrius/sōbria/sōbrium (1/2): sober. Esse: to be. (. . . to be dry and sober with the crowd drunk and vomiting. . .)

Ille/illa/ illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Temperātior/temperātior/ temperātius (3): more moderate, more temperate—the comparative form of temperātus/temperāta/temperātum (1/2): moderate, temperate (originally the perfect passive participle of temperō, temperāre, temperāvī, temperātum (1): to temper, regulate, moderate). (. . . that/this (is) more moderate. . .)

Nōn: not. Excerpō, excerpere, excerpsī, excerptum (3): to pick out, choose; take away. Sē: oneself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Neque/ nec (conj.): and not, neither, nor. Īnsignīrī is the passive infinitive form of īnsigniō, īnsignīre, īnsignīvī/īnsigniī, īnsignītum (4): to mark, distinguish, make noteworthy. Miscērī is the passive infinitive form of misceō, miscēre, miscuī, mixtum/mistum (2): to mix; confuse. Omnibus is the m/f/n (here m) dative (or ablative; both constructions are found with misceō) plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. (. . . not to take oneself away nor to be made noteworthy, nor to get mixed with all. . .)

Et (conj.): and. Eadem is the neuter accusative plural form of īdem/eadem/idem (pron.): the same. Sed (conj.): but. Nōn: not. Eōdem is the m/n ablative singular form of īdem/eadem/idem (adj.): the same. Modō is the ablative singular form of modus, modī (2m): bound, limit; manner. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. (. . . and to do the same things but not in the same manner.)

Perpessī sunt is the third person masculine plural perfect form of perpetior, perpetī, perpessus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to endure (to the end), put up with. Exercitūs is the nominative plural form of exercitus, exercitūs (4m): army. Inopiam is the accusative singular form of inopia, inopiae (1f): scarcity, want. Omnium is the m/f/n genitive plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Rērum is the genitive plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. (Armies have endured want of all things. . .)

Vīxērunt is the third person plural perfect form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Herbārum the genitive plural form herba, herbae (1f): weed, plant. Rādīcibus is the ablative plural form of rādīx, rādīcis (3f): root. Et (conj.): and. Dictū is the ablative supine form (to say) of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Foedīs is the m/f/n (here n) ablative plural form of foedus/foeda/foedum (1/2): filthy, disgusting. Tulērunt is the third person plural perfect form of ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): to carry, bear; endure; produce; drive away. Famem is the accusative singular form of famēs, famis (3f): hunger. (They have lived by/on roots of plants and have driven away hunger with things disgusting to tell.)

Haec is the neuter accusative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Omnia is the neuter accusative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Passī sunt is the third person masculine plural perfect form of patior, patī, passus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to undergo, suffer, endure; allow. Prō (prep.): for (takes the ablative). Rēgnō is the ablative singular form of rēgnum, rēgnī (2n): kingship; kingdom. (All these things they have endured for a kingdom. . .)

Quō is the m/n ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what—used as a conjunction: so that (followed by a comparative word and a subjunctive verb; it’s originally an ablative of degree of difference). Magis (adv.): more. Mīrēris is the second person singular subjunctive form of mīror, mīrārī, mīrātus sum (1, deponent): to be surprised, be astonished, wonder, marvel (at); admire. Aliēnō is the m/n ablative singular form of aliēnus/aliēna/aliēnum (1/2): of another; alien, foreign. (. . . by which/so that you may marvel more, that of another!)

Dubitābit is the third person singular future form of dubitō, dubitāre, dubitāvī, dubitātum (1): to doubt, waver, hesitate. Aliquis /aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something; anyone, anything. Ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): to carry, bear; endure; bring forth, produce. Paupertātem is the accusative singular form of paupertās, paupertātis (3f): poverty. Ut (conj.): that, so that, in order to. Animum is the accusative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Furōribus is the ablative plural form of furor, furōris (3m): madness; fury. Līberet is the third person singular subjunctive form of līberō, līberāre, līberāvī, līberātum (1): to free; release; absolve (subjunctive because it’s in a purpose clause). (Will anyone hesitate to endure poverty to free the mind from madness?)

Cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think, consider, reflect. Mēcum: with me, with myself (mē = me; cum = with). Quam (interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Multī is the masculine nominative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Corpora is the accusative plural form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Exerceant is the third person plural subjunctive form of exerceō, exercēre, exercuī, exercitum (2): to train, exercise (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Ingenia is the accusative plural form of ingenium, ingeniī (2n): innate nature, character; mind. Paucī is the masculine nominative plural form of paucus/pauca/paucum (1/2): (in sg. , rare) little; (in pl. , the more common usage) few. (I consider with myself how many train (their) bodies, how few (their) minds. . .)

Quantus /quanta/quantum (1/2, interrog. adj.): how great? how much? Ad (prep.): to (takes the accusative). Spectāculum is the accusative singular form of spectāculum, spectāculī (2n): show, spectacle. Nōn: not. Fidēle is the neuter accusative singular form of fidēlis/fidēlis/fidēle (3): faithful, loyal; true; trustworthy. Et (conj.): and. Lūsōrium is the m/n accusative singular form of lūsōrius/lūsōria/lūsōrium (1/2): used in mere sport, playful, frivolous. Fīat is the third person singular subjunctive form of fīō, fierī, —, — (irreg.): to be done; be made; become; happen (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Concursus, concursūs (4m): a flocking together, gathering of a crowd, assembly, concourse. (. . . how great a flocking together is made to a show not true and frivolous. . .)

Quantus/ quanta /quantum (1/2, interrog. adj.): how great? how much? Sit is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Circā (prep.): about, around (takes accusative). Artēs is the accusative plural form of ars, artis (3f): art, skill, technique. Bonās is the feminine accusative plural form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Sōlitūdō, sōlitūdinis (3f): solitude, loneliness; lonely place, desert. (. . . how great a solitude there is around the good arts. . .)

Quam (interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Inbēcillī can be read as the m/f/n ablative singular form of inbēcillis/inbēcillis/inbēcille (3—also imbēcillis): weak, feeble; or as the masculine nominative plural form of inbēcillus/inbēcilla/inbēcillum (also imbēcillus), a 1/2 variant of the same adjective. Animō is the ablative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Sint is the third person plural subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Quōrum is the m/n genitive plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Lacertōs is the accusative plural form of lacertus, lacertī (2m): arm; bicep; muscle. Umerōsque: umerōs is the accusative plural form of umerus, umerī (2m): shoulder (the enclitic conjunction – que adds and). Mīrāmur is the first person plural form of mīror, mīrārī, mīrātus sum (1, deponent): to be surprised, wonder, marvel (at); admire. (. . . with/of how feeble a mind—or how feeble in mind—they are whose biceps and shoulders we admire!)

Nōn: not. Cum (conj.): when; since; while; although. Vacāveris is the second person singular future perfect form of vacō, vacāre, vacāvī, vacātum (1): to be empty; be idle, be at leisure, have time (or it could be a “general you” perfect subjunctive, vacāverīs). Philosophandum is the gerundive of philosophor, philosophārī, philosophātus sum (1, deponent): to philosophize. Est: it is (philosophandum est is the impersonal passive periphrastic: you must/one should philosophize). (Not when you have been idle must you philosophize.)

Omnia is the neuter nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Alia is the neuter nominative plural form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another. Neglegenda is the neuter nominative plural form of neglegendus/neglegenda/neglegendum (1/2), the gerundive (to be neglected) of neglegō, neglegere, neglēxī, neglēctum (3): to ignore, neglect. Ut (conj.): that, so that. Huic is the m/f/n dative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Adsideāmus is the first person plural subjunctive form of adsideō, adsidēre, adsēdī, adsessum (2—also assideō): to sit by; attend to; station oneself before; besiege (subjunctive because it’s in a purpose clause). (All other things are to be neglected, that we may attend to this. . .)

Cui is the m/f/n dative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Nūllus/nūlla/ nūllum (1/2, irreg.): no, not any. Tempus, temporis (3n): time. Satis (adv.): enough. Magnus/magna/ magnum (1/2): great, large; important. Est: is. (. . . for which no time is large enough. . .)

Etiam (particle): still; even; also. Sī (conj.): if. Ab/ ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Pueritiā is the ablative singular form of pueritia, pueritiae (1f): childhood. Ūsque (adv.): all the way (to); continuously. Ad (prep.): to (takes the accusative). Longissimōs is the masculine accusative plural form of longissimus/longissima/longissimum (1/2): longest—the superlative form of longus/longa/longum (1/2): long. Hūmānī is the m/n genitive singular form of hūmānus/hūmāna/hūmānum (1/2): human. Aevum, aevī (2n): age, generation; time; lifespan. Terminōs is the accusative plural form of terminus, terminī (2m): boundary, limit, end. Vīta, vītae (1f): life. Prōdūcitur is the third person singular passive form of prōdūcō, prōdūcere, prōdūxī, prōductum (3): to lead forward; draw out, lengthen, extend. (. . . even if life is extended from childhood to the longest limits of a human lifespan.)

Quemadmodum (interrog. adv.): how? in what manner? Autem (particle): but, however; and, moreover. Potest is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Aliquis /aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something; anyone, anything. (How, moreover, is someone able. . .)

Quantum is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): how much, as much as, as great an amount as. Satis (adv.): enough. Sit is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in a relative clause of characteristic). Adversus (prep.): against, in opposition to (takes the accusative). Vitia is the accusative plural form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. (. . . to learn as much as is enough against vices. . .)

Quī /quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Quantum (rel. adv.): how much, as much as. Ab/ ā (prep.): from; by (takes the ablative). Vitiīs is the ablative plural form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Vacat is the third person singular form of vacō, vacāre, vacāvī, vacātum (1): to be empty; be at leisure, have time. Discit is the third person singular form of discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. (. . . who learns (only) as much as he is at leisure from (his) vices?)

Nēmō, nēminis (3m/f): no one. Nostrum is the partitive genitive form of nōs: we (of us). In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Altum is the accusative singular form of altum, altī (2n): the open sea, the deep; depth. Dēscendit is the third person singular form of dēscendō, dēscendere, dēscendī, dēscēnsum (3): to go down, descend. (Not one of us descends into the deep—i.e., into the depths of philosophy.)

Summa is the neuter accusative plural form of summus/summa/summum (1/2): highest; on top. Tantum (adv.): so much; only. Dēcerpsimus is the first person plural perfect form of dēcerpō, dēcerpere, dēcerpsī, dēcerptum (3): to pluck, crop, gather. (We pluck only the highest things/parts—i.e., the surface. . .)

Et (conj.): and. Exiguum is the accusative singular form of exiguum, exiguī (2n): a small amount (a substantive use of exiguus/exigua/exiguum (1/2): small, scanty). Tempus, temporis (3n): time. Impendisse is the perfect infinitive form of impendō, impendere, impendī, impēnsum (3): to spend; devote. Philosophiae is the dative singular form of philosophia, philosophiae (1f): philosophy. Satis (adv.): enough. Abundēque (adv.): in abundance, with plenty to spare. Occupātīs is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of occupātus/occupāta/occupātum (1/2): occupied, busy. Fuit is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. (. . . and to have devoted a small amount of time to philosophy was enough, and with plenty to spare, for the busy.)

Nōn: not. Sumus: we are. Sub (prep.): (with abl.) under, beneath (as a location); (with acc.) under (as a destination), toward and under. Rēge is the ablative singular form of rēx, rēgis (3m): king. Sibi: for himself—the dative form of the reflexive pronoun. Quisque /quaeque/quidque (pron.): each one. Sē is the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Vindicat is the third person singular form of vindicō, vindicāre, vindicāvī, vindicātum (1): to claim, lay legal claim to; claim as free, liberate; avenge, vindicate. (We (Stoics) are not under a king; each liberates himself for himself.)

Nec (conj.): and not, neither, nor. Hoc is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Praecēperim is the first person singular perfect subjunctive form of praecipiō, praecipere, praecēpī, praeceptum (3, –iō): to take in advance; teach, advise (it’s a potential subjunctive). Tibi is the dative form of tū: you (to you). (Nor would I advise this to you. . .)

Ut (conj.): that. Nēminem is the accusative form of nēmō, nēminis (3m/f): no one. Nisi (conj.): unless, if not; except. Sapientem (3m): wise man, sage. Sequāris is the second person singular subjunctive form of sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect command). Aut (conj.): or. Adtrahās is the second person singular subjunctive form of adtrahō, adtrahere, adtrāxī, adtractum (3—also attrahō): to draw, darg, attract; lead, bring (subjunctive because it’s an indirect command). (. . . that you should follow or lead nobody except a wise man.)

Ubi (interrog. adv.): where? Enim (particle): for, indeed. Istum: that (man)/him—the masculine accusative singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Inveniēs is the second person singular future form of inveniō, invenīre, invēnī, inventum (4): to find. Quem: whom—the masculine accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Tot (indeclinable): so many. Saeculīs is the ablative plural form of saeculum, saeculī (2n): generation, century, age. Quaerimus is the first-person plural form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to seek; ask (an action starting in the past and continuing into the present—which we express in English as so-and-so has been doing X —is conveyed in Latin with the present tense). (Where will you find him whom we seek—i.e., have been seeking—for so many centuries?)

Prō (prep.): in front of; for; instead of, in place of; on behalf of; for the sake of (takes the ablative). Optimō is the m/n (here m) ablative singular form of optimus/optima/optimum (1/2): best; very good—the superlative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Sit is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s jussive). Minimē (adv.): least; very little. Malus /mala/malum (1/2): bad; evil. (Let the least bad be in place of the best!)

Prōpōnāmus is the first person plural subjunctive form of prōpōnō, prōpōnere, prōposuī, prōpositum (3): to set forth, lay out; display. Oportet, oportēre, oportuit, — (2, impersonal): it is right, it is proper, it is necessary (it can be completed by a subjunctive verb). Fīnem is the accusative singular form of fīnis, fīnis (3m): end; limit; purpose. Summī is the m/n genitive singular form of summus/summa/summum (1/2): highest. Bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good. (It is necessary (that) we set forth an end of the highest good. . .)

Ad (prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Quem is the masculine accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Nītāmur is the first person plural subjunctive form of nītor, nītī, nīsus sum (3, deponent): to rest (on), lean (on); strain, strive, struggle (subjunctive because it expresses purpose). (. . . toward which we may strive. . .)

Ad quem: to which (see above). Omnis/omnis/ omne (3): every; all. Factum, factī (2n): fact, act—originally the neuter form of factus/facta/factum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (done) of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Noster/nostra/ nostrum (1/2): our, ours. Dictumque: dictum, dictī (2n): word; saying; originally the neuter form of dictus/dicta/dictum (1/2), the perfect passive participle of dīco, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say (the enclitic conjunction – que adds and). Respiciat is the third person singular subjunctive form of respiciō, respicere, respexī, respectum (3, –iō): to look back (at); look to; consider, turn attention to (subjunctive because it expresses purpose). (. . . to which our every act and word may look. . .)

Velutī (adv. —also velut): even as, just as, like. Nāvigantibus is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of nāvigāns, nāvigantis (3), the present active participle (sailing) of nāvigō, nāvigāre, nāvigāvī, nāvigātum (1): to sail (dative of agent with the gerundive). Ad (prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Aliquod is the neuter accusative singular form of aliquī/aliqua/ aliquod (adj.): some. Sīdus is the accusative singular form of sīdus, sīderis (3n): heavenly body—star, planet, constellation. Dērigendus /dērigenda/dērigendum (1/2) is the gerundive (to be directed) of dērigō, dērigere, dērēxī, dērēctum (3): to direct, steer, guide. ; Est: is (dērigendus est is the passive periphrastic—i.e., must be steered; it’s masculine because it modifies cursus). Cursus, cursūs (4m): race; course; journey. (. . . even as a course must be steered toward some star by the sailing.)

Nōn: not. Sum: I am. Tam (adv.): so (much), to such an extent. Inprobus /inproba/inprobum (1/2—also improbus): immoral, wicked; excessive; shameless, impudent; persistent. Ut (conj.): that. Cūrātiōnēs is the accusative plura—l form of cūrātiō, cūrātiōnis (3f): management; (medical) treatment, care. Aeger /aegra/aegrum (1/2): sick, ill, diseased. Obeam is the first person singular subjunctive form of obeō, obīre, obiī/obīvī, obitum (irreg.): to go towards; engage in, perform, execute (subjunctive because it’s in a result clause). (I am not so shameless that I would perform treatments sick. . .)

Sed (conj.): but. Tamquam (conj.): as if (with a subjunctive verb). In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Eōdem is the m/n ablative singular form of īdem/eadem/idem (adj.): the same. Valētūdināriō is the ablative singular form of valētūdinārium, valētūdināriī (2n): sickroom, hospital. Iaceam is the first person singular subjunctive form of iaceō, iacēre, iacuī, iacitum (2): to lie. (. . . but as if I were lying in the same hospital. . .)

Dē (prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Commūnī is the m/f/n ablative singular form of commūnis/commūnis/commūne (3): common; of the public. Tēcum: with you (tē = you; cum = with). Malō is the ablative singular form of malum, malī (2n): a bad thing; evil; trouble, misfortune; illness, disease. Conloquor, conloquī, conlocūtus sum (3, deponent—also colloquor): to speak, talk (with someone), converse. Et (conj.): and. Remedia is the accusative plural form of remedium, remediī (2n): remedy. Commūnicō, commūnicāre, commūnicāvī, commūnicātum (1): to impart, share; make common. (. . . I converse with you about (our) common illness and I share remedies.)

Sīc (adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in the same way. Itaque (adv.): and so, therefore, then. Mē is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Audī is the singular imperative form of audio, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear, listen to. Tamquam (conj.): as if (with a subjunctive verb). Mēcum: with me, with myself (mē = me; cum = with). Loquar is the first person singular subjunctive form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk. (Therefore so listen to me/therefore listen to me in the same way as if I were talking with myself.)

In (prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Sēcrētum is the accusative singular form of sēcrētum, sēcrētī (2n): seclusion; privacy; secret, confidence. Tē is the accusative form of tū: you. Meum is the m/n accusative singular form of meus/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine. Admittō, admittere, admīsī, admissum (3): to admit, let in; perpetrate. (I am admitting you into my confidence. . .)

Et (conj.): and. Tē is the ablative form of tū: you. Adhibitō is the m/n ablative singular form of adhibitus/adhibita/adhibitum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (applied, brought in) of adhibeō, adhibēre, adhibuī, adhibitum (2): to extend; apply; bring in, summon, call in (to advise) (tē adhibitō is the ablative absolute: with you having been summoned or with you called in to advise). Mēcum: with myself. Exigō, exigere, exēgī, exāctum (3): to drive out; examine, test; enforce payment of; endure, undergo (sēcum exigere = to examine (something) with oneself; i.e., to turn (something) over in one’s mind, ponder). (. . . and, with you called in to advise, am examining (things) with myself.)