Oxford Latin Course: Part 2 Chapter 21 Translations and Answers

Exercise 21.3

1 Quintus had now studied for many days in the school of Orbilius. 2 One day, when Orbilius had dismissed the boys, Marcus told him to come home with him. 3 When Marcus led Quintus into the study, his father was dictating a letter about public affairs. 4 Cicero was very anxious about the republic and was sending letters to Atticus every day. 5 Cicero had always tried to defend the republic but had now almost given up hope.

Cartoon captions

1 The next day Quintus was walking home with his father when Marcus ran up. 2 He said, 'Wait, Quintus. Do you want to come home with me and visit my father?' 3 Marcus led Quintus home; he found his father in the study. 4 Marcus' father was dictating a letter to his secretary about the republic.

Exercise 21.4

1 cotīdiē Flaccus fīliō suō multa dē rēbus Rōmānīs nārrābat. 2 dūcēs veteris reīpūblicae laudābat. 3 'dūcēs' inquit 'rempūblicam amābant cīvēsque cūrābant. 4 hodiē dūcēs populum nōn cūrant; nihil cupiunt nisi suam glōriam augēre. 5 quis potest spem dē futūris habēre?'

Exercise 21.1

1 he/she fell 2 we cultivated 3 we stayed 4 he/she had read 5 you promised 6 they had placed 7 they did 8 they had ordered 9 you looked for 10 they had handed over 11 you moved 12 you increased 13 he/she summoned 14 we returned 15 we gave back

Exercise 21.2

1 omnisreī omnī rē primae lūcis primā lūce illīus temporis illō tempore malī versūs malō versū nūllīus spēī nūllā spē 2 omnium diērum omnibus diēbus longārum nāvium longīs nāvibus altōrum graduum altīs gradibus hominum trīstium hominibus trīstibus flūminum altōrum flūminibus altīs

Marcus introduces Quintus to his father

Marcus' father was standing near a table; he had a sad and anxious expression but kindly; he was wearing a purple-bordered toga and held a tablet in his hand. When Marcus entered, he smiled at him and 'Wait a little,' he said; 'I am dictating a letter to Atticus about public affairs.' Marcus whispered to Quintus: 'Atticus is my father's closest friend; my father is always writing to him about public affairs.' Now Marcus' father had finished his letter and said to his secretary: 'Seal the letter at once and give it to my runner.'Cicero turned to the boys. 'Come here, Marcus,' he said, 'and introduce your friend to me.' Marcus led Quintus to Cicero and said, 'Look, father, I want to introduce my friend Quintus Horatius Flaccus to you. He is a very clever boy. Orbilius places high hopes in his intelligence.' Cicero turned to Quintus and smiled at him: 'Greetings, Quintus,' he said; I'm glad my son has so clever a friend.' Then he asked Quintus a few things about his studies; he explained his studies well. 'Good,' said Cicero; 'Marcus is right (speaks the truth); you really are a clever boy. If you like, you may look at my books. Marcus, take Quintus to the library.'

Marcus invites Quintus to his home

Every day Flaccus led his son to Orbilius' school. Quintus learnt quickly, and he could soon speak and read Greek. Orbilius praised him, because he was a good pupil. At first Quintus was very miserable. For the other boys avoided him and refused (were not willing) to play with him; but at last the one who had greeted him the first day came up and said, 'Quintus, my name is Marcus. You mustn't stand here alone. Come with me and greet my comrades.' He led Quintus to his comrades and said, 'Friends, I want to introduce Quintus Horatius Flaccus. Greet him and let him take part in our games.' The other boys looked up to Marcus, because he was a big boy and smart; besides, his father was an eminent man, who had been consul and a famous orator. And so they all greeted Quintus and allowed him to take part in their games. A few days later when Orbilius dismissed the boys, Quintus was walking home, when up ran Marcus and said, 'Quintus, do you want to come home with me and visit my father?' Quintus was shy; 'Are you really inviting me to your home? Isn't your father busy (occupied by things)?' He answered: 'My father is always busy. But he always wants to see my friends. He is sad; this year my sister, Tullia, her father's darling, died. He is still mourning her but when he meets my friends, he is more cheerful. Come!' They crossed the forum and climbed the Palatine hill. Soon they arrived at Marcus' house. Marcus knocked on the door; the doorkeeper opened the door and greeted Marcus; 'Greetings, master,' he said; 'come in.' Marcus asked him, 'Where is rrry father?' He said, 'Your father is in the study. He is busy. For he is dictating letters to his secretary.' Marcus led Quintus into the hall. He (Quintus) had never seen such a magnificent house. The hall was wide and high; on all sides were great doors. Marcus led Quintus to the door which stood in front and knocked. Someone in a pleasant voice said, 'Come in.' Marcus opened the door and led Quintus into the study.