Ecce Romani Chapter 33 Translation and Some Exercises

 Chapter 33 Translation:  

Cornelius gives the signal to the slave-women. First water is being brought by the slave-women, and the guests wash (their) hands. While they are doing this, wine sweetened with honey is given to all the guests. Next dishes are carried out of the kitchen, on which there are hors d'oeuvres-eggs, black olives, asparagus, and mushrooms sprinkled with garum. Meanwhile many stories are being told by the guests, affairs of the city are being told: one tells about fires, another about the plague in the city, another about the amphitheater, a huge building that will soon be dedicated. To hear something new pleases everyone. While the guests tell these stories and many other things, the hors d'oeuvres are being eaten, the wine sweetened with honey is being drunk. Then the slaves carry away the hors d'oeuvres; next a large dish is being carried by the same slaves into the dining room, (and it) is being placed in the middle of the table. On this is a huge pig, and around the pig (are) the dormice that Aurelia had brought. The guests' goblets are being filled with excellent wine by other slaves. While the guests look at these things, a great uproar is being heard outside the dining room. Suddenly Titus Cornelius bursts into the dining room with a loud clattering. The guests murmur, "Why is our Titus accustomed to coming late and (why) does he never excuse himself?" But Titus, walking slowly to his own place, says, "Greetings, all (my) friends! Greetings, my brother! I ran into a certain friend in a bar" Gaius, although he was the most annoyed, however said nothing because he was not wanting to scold his brother this time. Immediately he gave the servants a signal. At that moment some(slaves) were carving out the pig, other slaves carrying meat to the guests. Some pork was not given to all: indeed scraps of chicken have been given to the clients. "Boy," said Gaius to the servant, "Give my brother scraps of chicken also! Do not give him some pork!" Now all were having food and wine. All were praising dinner. Even the clients, although only having scraps, were shouting with the rest, "Hurray! Gaius Cornelius is accustomed to giving the best dinners. No one has a better cook. Surely we ought to praise the cook himself?" And so the cook has been summoned and has been praised by all. At last the trays have been carried out by the slaves. At the same time, Gaius orders the slaves dessert to be carried into the dining room. The slaves, although they were tired, were running this way and that. Grapes, apples, and pears have been carried into the dining room. Raisin Wine has been placed on the table and has been given to all.

Exercise B:

1. The banqueters, because they had been invited to dinner, were kindly greeted by Cornelius himself.

2. The slave women, although they had been ordered to hurry, carried water slowly to the guests.

3. The guests, after they had been led into the dining room, reclined on the couches.

4. A large tray, which had been brought from the kitchen by the slaves, was placed in the middle of the table.

5. The slaves, because they had been ordered by Gauis, gave scraps of chicken to his brother.

6. The pig, after it had been sliced by the slaves, was carried to the table. 

7. The grapes, after they had been carried into the dining room, were given to all the guests.

8. The excellent dinner, after it had been given by Cornelius, was praised by all. 

9. The cook, because he had been praised by all, was happy. 

10. Titus, after he had been led into the dining room, said, “Hello my brother!” 

Exercise C:

When I was still a slave, I lived in the city of Brundisium. At that time I loved Mellisa, the most beautiful slave woman who lived in the country house and farm. By chance my master had gone away to the nearby city; I therefore decided to go visit Melissa, however I refused to go alone. However there was a certain friend, who could come with me. He was a soldier, a brave and bold man.

We departed at midnight. The moon shined just as if it was noon. We came to the tombs located near the road. The soldier friend goes amongst the tombs; I sit down and count the tombstones. Then we saw a wonderful thing: all the clothes having been taken off by my friend were deposited on the ground near the road.  Good heavens! I am not telling a joke! He  was suddenly made into a wolf! I was standing just as if I was dead. However the wolf howled and fled into the woods.

First I was frightened. My soul was in my nose! Then I moved forward to the tombstone because I wanted to examine his clothing. Nevertheless the clothing was set down on a stone. For a short time I was motionless. Nevertheless I drew a sword and killed the shadows until I arrived at the country house and farm. Melissa met me at the villa gate. “I am sorry” I said, “that I did not come previously; we needed help. For a wolf entered the house and killed all the livestock just like a butcher. However he did not get the last laugh because our slave wounded him with a sword. 

When I heard this, I was frightened. I could neither sleep nor remain in the villa, but rather with the greatest speed escaped. When I arrived home my soldier friend was lying on the couch like a cow.He was being taken care of by a doctor. Then I understood that the soldier was a werewolf. Thereafter I was unable to eat bread with him or call him my friend.

Ecce Romani Chapter 32 Translation and Some Exercises

 Chapter 32 Story Translation: 

Three days ago certain friends had been invited to dinner by Gaius Cornelius. For this reason, Aurelia had bought dormice in the forum. Also a pig had been bought by Pseudolus. Now the day of dinner had arrived. Early in the morning, slaves were sent to the forum and there, they bought vegetables, bread, and chicken. Also eggs and apples and many other things were bought, for when a Roman Senator invites friends to dinner, the best dinner ought to be served. Now the hour of dinner was approaching. While food was cooked in the kitchen, slave women were preparing the dining room. A table had now been brought into the middle of the dining room by slaves; three beds had been placed around the table. The dining room of Cornelius was most beautiful and decorated. On the walls were beautiful pictures. In one picture, the dog Cerberus was being pulled out of the kingdom of Pluto, in another Mercury was leading the dead to Charon, in another Orpheus was going down to the underworld. Cornelius was ordering the slaves to hurry, for now it was the ninth hour. Aurelia, always worried, was violently urging the slave women. Suddenly a certain slave woman, who was very afraid of Aurelia, rushing here and there, overturned one of the lamps accidentally. The lamp-stand fell onto the couch; immediately oil poured out onto the sheets; these quickly caught fire. An angry Aurelia was scolding the careless slave woman, but Cornelius quickly put out the fire with a cloak. "Cheer up!" said Cornelius. "Look! The fire is now out!" Then the other slave women were called by him: "Syra! Phrygia! Bring other sheets! it is necessary to redo everything immediately for the guests who will soon be here." All of Cornelius's commands were done. The guests were arriving, in which several clients had been invited to eat dinner. The guests were carrying napkins with them, for when dinner is finished, it will be allowed for them to take food home in their napkins. For a short time, they were standing in the atrium, waiting for Cornelius. At last they were greeted in a friendly way by Cornelius himself. No one was absent except Titus Cornelius, uncle of Marcus. For a short time everyone was looking out for him, but at last although he had not yet arrived, the dinner guests had been led to the dining room. Their deposited sandals were taken away by slaves. Everyone was reclining on couches and waiting for dinner.

Exercise B:

1. The slave, whose name was Psedolus, was sent into the forum.

2. Dormice were purchased for Aurelia. 

3. The dining room will be ready when the guests enter.

4. The slaves were happy about the good joke.

5. They were hearing from the very large kitchen. OOP. . .

6. When Aurelia discovered the rabbit, she punished Pseudolus.

7. “Pseudolus, were you not going to pay for the rabbit?” asks Aurelia.

8. “ I was very moved while watching the sad spectacle,” said Cornelia.

9. Eight denarii were given to the butcher.

10. “When we will have been greeted by Cornelius,” asked one of the guests, “His slaves will lead us to the dining room.” (THIS ONE IS VERY WRONG)

Exercise C: 

1. (Ancilla) The slave woman had been called by the mother.

2. (Flammae) Flames were sent out from the apartment building.

3. (Panis) The bread had been lying on the table.

4. (Pretium) The price was lessened by the butcher 

5. (Glires) Dormice were bought in the forum. 

6. (Mala) Apples had been carried in by the slaves. 

7. (Caro) Meat was purchased from this shop.

8. (Matres) Mothers were being looked for by their children.

Exercise E: 

1. Holus compareratis in Forum a servi.

2. Cibus coqubatur in culinam. 

3. Mensa afferest a servi to medius triclinium.

4. Cerberus taherat a regnum Pluto.

5. Cum cenam conficerit, hospes portarabunt cibum abbesse in mappae. 

Ecce Romani 28 Translation and Some Exercises

 It was early in the morning. Aurelia was sitting in her room. Two slave women were taking care of her hair, one of whom was holding a mirror, the other a comb. Phyrgia, who was carelessly combing the hair, was annoying the mistress. Syra, who had a trembling hand, was not holding the mirror well. Therefore Aurelia, annoyed by their carelessness shouted, “How “negligent are you. Go Away Go away. Call Cornelia. I want to bring her with me to the city.” Immediately the slave women left. Soon Cornelia came into the room. “Why did you call me mother” Aurelia responded, "Your father invited certain friends, among whom are important senators, to dinner today. A slave already bought a pig, but I myself intend to go into the city to a certain merchant whose store is not very far. For that one is accustomed to sell the best dormice. If you want to go with me, wait for me in the atrium! Meanwhile I will order the slaves to carry chairs to the door.”

Exercise 28B: 

1. Quarum: pl. gen. fem.

2. Quae: sing, nom, fem.; pl. nom. fem.; pl. nom. nuet.; pl. acc. neut.

3. Quibus: pl. Dat. masc, fem, neut.

4. Cuius: sing. Gen masc., fem., and neut.

Exercise 28C:

1. Sextus is an energetic boy who often runs in the field and garden.

2. Davus orders all the slaves into the open area near the country house. 

3. Aurelia and Cornelia look at the peasant who works in the fields.

4. Marcus (pede?) annoyed Cornelia who wants to sleep.

5. “Litter bearer whom you almost hired for home” says Titus. 

6. “This is the arch,” says Titus. “That---”

7. Sextus now thinks about every story that Titus told yesterday.

8. Cows pull nine building square stones in a cart  because Caesar is accomplished.

9. The cows pulled squared stones towards the new building that Caesar finished.

10. There are many wicked people who grab hold of good citizens.

Ecce Romani Chapter 27 Translation

 M: Sextus! Sextus! Today we are allowed to go to the games in the Circus. Eucleides will lead you, me, and Cornelia to the Circus. 

S: I love the games in the Circus. But surely the Circus will be closed?

M: No! The Circus will not be closed, for today all the citizens are celebrating a holiday. The streets will be full of people. Men, women, and children will seek the Circus very quickly.

S: But why aren't we departing now? I'm ready now.

M: As soon as Cornelia gets up, we will go at once.

E: Come on! Now at last it's time to go to the Circus. Are you ready boys? Are you ready, Cornelia? Now were are not far from the Circus. Surely you hear the noise? Look! Everyone is hurrying to the Circus. In a short time we ourselves will enter.

C: How huge is the crowd of people! The whole Circus is full of spectators.

E: Yes indeed! There are always many people in the Circus. Shall we sit here?

M: No! It is necessary for us to sit near the race track because there we will be able to see everything.

E: But it's dangerous to sit near the arena. Your father said many things about the danger.

M: There's no danger, for Titus, my uncle is accustomed to sit near the race track with his friends.

S: Look! Caesar himself has already gotten up; he's preparing to give the signal. I'll favour the reds.

M: I will favour the whites.

C: I will favour the blues.

M: Look! The napkin! It's the signal!

C: How fiercely those charioteers are beating the horses! How quickly they are driving the horses! How bold they are! Surely they fear death?

S: Look! My red will certainly be the victor, for he drives the horses with great skill.

M: Oh poor me! My charioteer is turning his horses aside. Watch out for the turning post! Watch out for the turning post! Are you half asleep, stupid? Why didn't you avoid the turning post?

C: Alas! That charioteer has fallen. He lies on the ground. Is he dead?

S: No! No! Look! He has regained his senses. He's getting up now.

C: Did you hear the shouts of these spectators? They always shout the names of the charioteers and horses in a loud voice. Everywhere the noise is huge! I have never heard such a noise.

M: The reds won, but soon the whites also will win. The glory of the whites will be immortal!

E: Perhaps this will happen, but Caligula himself, as they say, used to love the greens. It's late now. Now we'll return home.

S: It's not yet time to return home. Look! The charioteers have taken up the reins and are waiting for the signal.

E: Unless we depart soon, we won't be able to avoid the huge crowd! Come on! Home!

 

Ecce Romani Chapter 26 Translation

 Now Eucleides and the boys had returned home. After dinner Cornelius and Marcus and Sextus were sitting in the atrium.

 “What have you seen today boys?” asks Cornelius. 

“Nothing except ancient buildings.” Marcus has responded. “We wish we went into the city alone. Why is that not allowed?” 

To which Cornelius responds, “It is dangerous to go out into the roads of this city without a guard.There are many wicked men who steal citizens' possessions. Sometimes these men kill citizens themselves. Therefore it is not allowed for you to go out without a guard. Already it is late. Now it is necessary for you to go to bed. Do not delay but go immediately!” 

The boys, tired from the work of the day, as soon as they have gone to bed, have gone to sleep. 

Early in the day on the following day Marcus was lying on his own bed and was thinking this about the Circus Maximus: “When will we visit the Circus Maximus? Why does my father forbid us to go out? Yesterday I saw no wicked men in the city. Certainly during the day robbers will not do harm to us. Robbers fear my father, because he is a Roman senator. There is no danger.”

 In a short time, as it seemed to Marcus, the boys were going towards the Circus. Soon Marcus has caught sight of the huge mass of the Circus Maximus. Soon Marcus has caught sight of the huge mass of the Circus Maximus.

 “It is the Circus. When we will have entered, at last we will watch the charioteers themselves.” 

Suddenly however three men have hurled themselves onto the street. “Watch out for those men!” Sextus has shouted. “Those men will certainly drag us into the neighboring homes, and there they will kill us.” 

But in vain, Marcus moved by fear after he heard Sextus shouting, has fallen to the ground and was lying motionless in the mud.

 “Hey!” One of the robbers has shouted. “Where are you going away, little one? What is your name? Surely you are the son of a senator? Surely your name is Marcus Cornelius?” 

To which Marcus says, “What do you want wicked men? I have no money. Do not beat me. If you harm me, my father will certainly punish you.” 

But the robber interrupts, “be quiet boy! You are our captive and you will not return to your father. Now no one will be able to save you. For I will kill you myself.” 

At that moment the robber has drawn his sword. Sextus was standing and terrified he yelled, “Bring help!” He shouted. “Bring Help!” But no one has heard the shouting. No one has brought help. Marcus has shut his eyes and was waiting for death.

 Nothing happens. He has opened his eyes. He was in his own bed. It had only been a dream. Today However Marcus has decided to remain at home. He has not wished to go out.

Ecce Romani Chapter 25 Translation

It was now the day. There was great clamor in the city. Slaves are carrying hid loads as they clamor to the Forum. Shouting and noise is on all sides. But no clamor or noise reaches Marcus. He was in bed snoring because he was tired. Sextus was also in bed but could not sleep. Excited by the uproar he was now thinking about what Titus had told him yesterday. “What will we see today? Will we be led to the Forum by Cornelius? I wish to see the senators in the Forum and Curium” Meanwhile Eucleides, who had woken us first, now returned home. He immediately looked for them in the bedroom and said “Hey boys! Why are you not up? I got up 2 hours ago! Because I wanted to buy a new book, in the morning I went down to a certain shop in Argiletum where you are able to see the names of many poets on the doorpost. Catullus, Flaccus-" But the boys quickly interrupted, because, as they knew well, Eucleides always wanted to teach something new. "What did you see in the roads?" “Nothing," said Eucledies, "except a miserable man crushed by stone. "The oxen were dragging squared stones in a wagon to the new building that Caesar is finishing near the Golden House. "That building is a huge amphitheater and the emperor will soon hold the games there. If you boys are good, perhaps you will go to the games."

 

Ecce Romani Chapter 24 Translation

 As soon as Titus and the boys and Eucleides entered the city through the Porta Capena , Sextus shouted, "What will we do first? Where will we go? Will we visit...?"

"Where will you lead us, uncle?" Marcus interrupted. "Will we see the Curia and the Forum? Sextus has read and heard many things about Rome and now, uncle, he wants to see everything."

Now they had arrived at the Circus Maximus, which was not far off. Sextus was astounded when he saw the mass of the Circus Maximus. Marcus also was astounded although he had seen the Circus before. Titus was astounded, astonished not by the mass but by the silence of the Circus.

"Alas! Alas!" said Titus. "Today the Circus is closed. In three days, however, the emperor himself, Titus Flavius Vespasianus will put on magnificent games. 

"Surely you will lead us there?" asked Marcus.

"Alas! I will not be able to take you," said Titus. “Perhaps Eucleides will take you.”

"No!" Sextus replied. "Eucleides loves books, not games."

"Come on, boys!" interrupted Titus.

"Now we will go around the Palatine Hill and we will enter the Forum at the Arch of Tiberius. Perhaps we shall meet your father there, Marcus. The senators will soon be coming out of the Senate house."

And so they left the Circus and went around the Palatine. On the way, Titus showed the boys the wonderful buildings that the emperors had built on the Palatine. 

At last they arrived at the Arch of Tiberius, now tired from the heat and work. "Here is the Arch," said Titus, "which..."

"Tomorrow you will be able to see everything," interrupted Cornelius, who at that very moment had arrived at the Arch from the Senate house. 

"When you will have returned to the Forum tomorrow, Eucleides will explain everything to you. Now it is late. Come on! Now we will go home."