Ursus et Viatores (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Amīcī duo, factō foedere, iter inceptantēs, Ursō obviam dabant. Alter ex Amīcīs trepidus arborem cōnscendit. Alter autem, cōnstrātus humī, sē mortuum simulābat et spīritum tōtum compressit. Accēdēns Ursus, ad faciem ōs admovēns et mortuum crēdēns, abībat, intactum relinquēns. Tandem dēscendēbat ex arbore Amīcus et, Socium accēdēns, percontātus est quid illī susurrāverat Ursus. Cui ille respondit, “Monēbat mē Ursus, ut dē falsīs et perfidīs Amīcīs in posterum cavērem.”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Amíci duo, facto foédere, iter inceptántes, Urso óbviam dabant. Alter ex Amícis trépidus árborem conscéndit. Alter autem, constrátus humi, se mórtuum simulábat et spíritum totum compréssit. Accédens Ursus, ad fáciem os ádmovens et mórtuum credens, abíbat, intáctum relínquens. Tandem descendébat ex árbore Amícus et, Sócium accédens, percontátus est quid illi susurráverat Ursus. Cui ille respóndit, “Monébat me Ursus, ut de falsis et pérfidis Amícis in pósterum cavérem.”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Amici duo, facto foedere, iter inceptantes, Urso obviam dabant. Alter ex Amicis trepidus arborem conscendit. Alter autem, constratus humi, se mortuum simulabat et spiritum totum compressit. Accedens Ursus, ad faciem os admovens et mortuum credens, abibat, intactum relinquens. Tandem descendebat ex arbore Amicus et, Socium accedens, percontatus est quid illi susurraverat Ursus. Cui ille respondit, “Monebat me Ursus, ut de falsis et perfidis Amicis in posterum caverem.”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Ranae et Rex Earum (Miller)

SOURCE: Miller & Beeson. For more information and other versions, see the links list for Perry 44.

For help in reading the story, try pasting the unmarked text into NoDictionaries.com (see more tips here).

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Rānae libertāte suā nōn contentae erant. Itaque ā Iove clāmōre māgnō rēgem postulāvērunt. Tandem Iuppiter trabem ingentem in palūdem praecipitāvit, ut rēgem habērent. Initiō rānae timōre territae sub aquā iacēbant; deinde ūna trabī adpropinquat et rēgis nātūram explōrat. Tum omnēs nihil timentēs appārent. Cum trabs rānās nōn terrēret, potentiōrem rēgem optāvērunt. Rūrsus deus voluntātī obtemperāvit et "Rēgem potentiōrem (inquit) habēbitis, ut superbiam vestram coerceat. Sed sī displicēbit, auxilium nōn praebēbō." Itaque rēgnum hydrae mandāvit; hydra autem statim imperium crūdēlissimum inter rānās exercuit et multās necāvit. Mox rānae dolēbant, quod tam stultae fuerant et frūstrā auxilium ōrāvērunt. Nam Iuppiter: "Quod rēx bonus ac mītis," inquit, "superbiae vestrae displicēbat, nunc malō ac crūdēlī pārēre dēbētis."

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Ranae libertáte sua non conténtae erant. Ítaque a Iove clamóre magno regem postulavérunt. Tandem Iúppiter trabem ingéntem in palúdem praecipitávit, ut regem habérent. Inítio ranae timóre térritae sub aqua iacébant; deinde una trabi adpropínquat et regis natúram explórat. Tum omnes nihil timéntes appárent. Cum trabs ranas non terréret, potentiórem regem optavérunt. Rursus deus voluntáti obtemperávit et "Regem potentiórem (inquit) habébitis, ut supérbiam vestram coérceat. Sed si displicébit, auxílium non praebébo." Ítaque regnum hydrae mandávit; hydra autem statim impérium crudelíssimum inter ranas exércuit et multas necávit. Mox ranae dolébant, quod tam stultae fúerant et frustra auxílium oravérunt. Nam Iúppiter: "Quod rex bonus ac mitis," inquit, "supérbiae vestrae displicébat, nunc malo ac crudéli parére debétis."

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Ranae libertate sua non contentae erant. Itaque a Iove clamore magno regem postulaverunt. Tandem Iuppiter trabem ingentem in paludem praecipitavit, ut regem haberent. Initio ranae timore territae sub aqua iacebant; deinde una trabi adpropinquat et regis naturam explorat. Tum omnes nihil timentes apparent. Cum trabs ranas non terreret, potentiorem regem optaverunt. Rursus deus voluntati obtemperavit et "Regem potentiorem (inquit) habebitis, ut superbiam vestram coerceat. Sed si displicebit, auxilium non praebebo." Itaque regnum hydrae mandavit; hydra autem statim imperium crudelissimum inter ranas exercuit et multas necavit. Mox ranae dolebant, quod tam stultae fuerant et frustra auxilium oraverunt. Nam Iuppiter: "Quod rex bonus ac mitis," inquit, "superbiae vestrae displicebat, nunc malo ac crudeli parere debetis."

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source) by Aractingy:

Leo et Tauri (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Quattuor fuēre Taurī quī, inter sē invicem societāte initā, foedus faciēbant commūnem ipsōrum esse salūtem et commūne perīculum. Hoc observāvit ēsuriēns et indīgnābundus Leō, quī quamvis grandī premerētur fame, coniunctōs tamen aggredī nōn ausus est. Hoc ergō cōnsilium cēpit: prīmum verbīs fallācibus ūnum ab alterō sēgregāvit, deinde sēgregātōs facile laniāvit.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Quáttuor fuére Tauri qui, inter se ínvicem societáte ínita, foedus faciébant commúnem ipsórum esse salútem et commúne perículum. Hoc observávit esúriens et indignabúndus Leo, qui quamvis grandi premerétur fame, coniúnctos tamen ággredi non ausus est. Hoc ergo consílium cepit: primum verbis fallácibus unum ab áltero segregávit, deinde segregátos fácile laniávit.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Quattuor fuere Tauri qui, inter se invicem societate inita, foedus faciebant communem ipsorum esse salutem et commune periculum. Hoc observavit esuriens et indignabundus Leo, qui quamvis grandi premeretur fame, coniunctos tamen aggredi non ausus est. Hoc ergo consilium cepit: primum verbis fallacibus unum ab altero segregavit, deinde segregatos facile laniavit.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Tubicen Captivus (Via Latina)

SOURCE: Via Latina. For more information and other versions, see the links list for Perry 370.

For help in reading the story, try pasting the unmarked text into NoDictionaries.com (see more tips here).

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Tubicen ab hostibus captus, Nē mē, inquit, interficite; nam inermis sum, neque quidquam habeō praeter hanc tubam. At hostēs, Propter hōc ipsum, inquiunt, tē interimēmus; quod, cum ipse pūgnandi sīs imperītus, aliōs ad pūgnam incitāre solēs.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Túbicen ab hóstibus captus, Ne me, inquit, interfícite; nam inérmis sum, neque quidquam hábeo praeter hanc tubam. At hostes, Propter hoc ipsum, ínquiunt, te interimémus; quod, cum ipse pugnándi sis imperítus, álios ad pugnam incitáre soles.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Tubicen ab hostibus captus,
"Ne me (inquit) interficite;
nam inermis sum,
neque quidquam habeo
praeter hanc tubam."
At hostes,
"Propter hoc ipsum (inquiunt)
te interimemus;
quod,
cum ipse
pugnandi sis imperitus,
alios
ad pugnam incitare soles."

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source) by Walter Crane:

Viperae et Herinacei (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Herināceī, hiemem adventāre praesentientēs, blandē Vīperās rogāvērunt ut in propriā illārum cavernā adversus vim frīgoris locum sibi concēderent. Quod cum illae fēcissent, Herināceī, hūc atque illūc sē prōvolventēs, spīnārum acūmine Vīperās pungēbant et vehementī dolōre torquēbant. Illae, male sēcum actum videntēs, blandīs verbīs ōrābant Herināceōs ut exīrent, quandoquidem tam multīs locus esset angustus nimis. Cui Herināceī: “Exeant (inquiunt) quī hīc manēre nōn possunt.” Quārē Vīperae, sentientēs ibī locum nōn esse, cessērunt hospitiō.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Herinácei, híemem adventáre praesentiéntes, blande Víperas rogavérunt ut in própria illárum cavérna advérsus vim frígoris locum sibi concéderent. Quod cum illae fecíssent, Herinácei, huc atque illuc se provolvéntes, spinárum acúmine Víperas pungébant et veheménti dolóre torquébant. Illae, male secum actum vidéntes, blandis verbis orábant Herináceos ut exírent, quandóquidem tam multis locus esset angústus nimis. Cui Herinácei: “Éxeant (ínquiunt) qui hic manére non possunt.” Quare Víperae, sentiéntes ibi locum non esse, cessérunt hospítio.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Herinacei, hiemem adventare praesentientes, blande Viperas rogaverunt ut in propria illarum caverna adversus vim frigoris locum sibi concederent. Quod cum illae fecissent, Herinacei, huc atque illuc se provolventes, spinarum acumine Viperas pungebant et vehementi dolore torquebant. Illae, male secum actum videntes, blandis verbis orabant Herinaceos ut exirent, quandoquidem tam multis locus esset angustus nimis. Cui Herinacei: “Exeant (inquiunt) qui hic manere non possunt.” Quare Viperae, sentientes ibi locum non esse, cesserunt hospitio.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Canis Vetulus et Magister (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Canis vēnāticus, quī quondam vēlōcitāte cēterīs praecelluit et māgnō erat ōlim ūsuī et ēmolumentō Herō, iam longaevus et imbellis, fortuītō cervum persequēbātur et apprehēnsum (dentibus prīvātus) mox dēmīsit. Quem īrātus Herus verbīs et verberibus increpābat. Cui Canis: “Ō dūre et sevēre mihi Magister, quī multifāria mea merita tam male pēnsitāveris!”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Canis venáticus, qui quondam velocitáte céteris praecélluit et magno erat olim úsui et emoluménto Hero, iam longaévus et imbéllis, fortuíto cervum persequebátur et apprehénsum (déntibus privátus) mox demísit. Quem irátus Herus verbis et verbéribus increpábat. Cui Canis: “O dure et sevére mihi Magíster, qui multifária mea mérita tam male pensitáveris!”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Canis venaticus, qui quondam velocitate ceteris praecelluit et magno erat olim usui et emolumento Hero, iam longaevus et imbellis, fortuito cervum persequebatur et apprehensum (dentibus privatus) mox demisit. Quem iratus Herus verbis et verberibus increpabat. Cui Canis: “O dure et severe mihi Magister, qui multifaria mea merita tam male pensitaveris!”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Asinus et Equus (Via Latina)

SOURCE: Via Latina. For more information and other versions, see the links list for Perry 565.

For help in reading the story, try pasting the unmarked text into NoDictionaries.com (see more tips here).

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Asinus equum beātum praedicābat, quī tam cōpiōsē pāscerētur, cum sibi post molestissimōs labōrēs nē paleae quidem satis praebērētur. Fōrte autem bellō exortō, equus in proelium agitur, et circumventus ab hostibus, post incrēdibiles labōrēs tandem, multīs vulneribus cōnfossus, collābitur. Haec omnia asinus cōnspicātus, O mē stolidum, inquit, quī beātitūdinem ex praesentis temporis fōrtūnā aestimāverim!

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Ásinus equum beátum praedicábat, qui tam copióse pascerétur, cum sibi post molestíssimos labóres ne páleae quidem satis praeberétur. Forte autem bello exórto, equus in proélium ágitur, et circumvéntus ab hóstibus, post incredíbiles labóres tandem, multis vulnéribus confóssus, collábitur. Haec ómnia ásinus conspicátus, O me stólidum, inquit, qui beatitúdinem ex praeséntis témporis fortúna aestimáverim!

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Asinus
equum beatum praedicabat,
qui
tam copiose pasceretur,
cum sibi
post molestissimos labores
ne paleae quidem
satis praeberetur.
Forte autem
bello exorto,
equus in proelium agitur,
et,
circumventus ab hostibus,
post incredibiles labores
tandem,
multis vulneribus confossus,
collabitur.
Haec omnia
asinus conspicatus,
"O me stolidum (inquit),
qui beatitudinem
ex praesentis temporis fortuna
aestimaverim!"

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source) from a 19th-century edition of Aesop:

Satyrus et Viator (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Satyrus Viātōrem, nive obrutum atque algōre ēnectum, misertus dūcit in antrum suum. Refocillantem manūs anhēlitū ōris percontātur causam; “Ut calefiant,” inquit. Posteā, cum accumberent, sufflat Viātor in polentam. Quod cūr ita faceret interrogātus “Ut frīgescat,” inquit. Tunc continuō Satyrus Viātōrem ēiiciēns: “Nōlō (inquit) in meō ut sīs antrō, cui tam dīversum est ōs.”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Sátyrus Viatórem, nive óbrutum atque algóre enéctum, misértus ducit in antrum suum. Refocillántem manus anhélitu oris percontátur causam; “Ut caléfiant,” inquit. Póstea, cum accúmberent, sufflat Viator in poléntam. Quod cur ita fáceret interrogátus “Ut frigéscat,” inquit. Tunc contínuo Sátyrus Viatórem eiíciens: “Nolo (inquit) in meo ut sis antro, cui tam divérsum est os.”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Satyrus Viatorem, nive obrutum atque algore enectum, misertus ducit in antrum suum. Refocillantem manus anhelitu oris percontatur causam; “Ut calefiant,” inquit. Postea, cum accumberent, sufflat Viator in polentam. Quod cur ita faceret interrogatus “Ut frigescat,” inquit. Tunc continuo Satyrus Viatorem eiiciens: “Nolo (inquit) in meo ut sis antro, cui tam diversum est os.”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Here is another illustration from the Medici Aesop, which is online at the New York Public Library website.

Mulier et Ancillae (Via Latina)

SOURCE: Via Latina. For more information and other versions, see the links list for Perry 55.

For help in reading the story, try pasting the unmarked text into NoDictionaries.com (see more tips here).

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Mulier vidua, quae texendō vītam sustentābat, solēbat ancillās suās dē nocte excitāre ad opus, cum prīmum gallī cantum audīvisset. At illae, diūturnō labōre fatīgātae, statuērunt gallum interficere. Quō factō, dēteriōre conditiōne quam prius esse coepērunt. Nam domina, dē hōrā noctis incerta, nunc famulās saepe iam primā nocte excitābat.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Múlier vídua, quae texéndo vitam sustentábat, solébat ancíllas suas de nocte excitáre ad opus, cum primum galli cantum audivísset. At illae, diutúrno labóre fatigátae, statuérunt gallum interfícere. Quo facto, deterióre conditióne quam prius esse coepérunt. Nam dómina, de hora noctis incérta, nunc fámulas saepe iam prima nocte excitábat.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Mulier vidua,
quae
texendo vitam sustentabat,
solebat
ancillas suas
de nocte excitare ad opus,
cum
primum galli cantum audivisset.
At illae,
diuturno labore fatigatae,
statuerunt
gallum interficere.
Quo facto,
deteriore conditione
quam prius
esse coeperunt.
Nam domina,
de hora noctis incerta,
nunc
famulas
saepe iam prima nocte
excitabat.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source) by Walter Crane:

Here is an illustration from the Medici Aesop, which is online at the New York Public Library website.

Vespertilio et Feles Duae (Gildersleeve)

SOURCE: A Latin Reader by Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve. You can find out more about this fable at the Aesopica.net (Perry 172) website - as often, the cats in this fable started out as weasels in the Greek fable!

For help in reading the story, try pasting the unmarked text into NoDictionaries.com (see more tips here).

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Vespertīlio dēlapsus in terram comprehensus fuit ā fēle. Petiit ille suppliciter, vītam ut sibi concēderet. Sed fēlēs hōc sē facere posse negābat, cum esset capitālis hostis omnium avium. Tum vespertīlio, sē nōn avem, sed mūrem esse, dixit. Itaque dīmissus est. Paulō post captus ab aliā fēle, similiter petiit, ut sibi miserō vītam condōnāret. Id fēlēs sibi factū perdifficile esse ait, quae cum omnibus mūribus bellum gereret. Vespertīlio autem, sē mūrem nēquāquam esse, affirmāvit, sed volucrem. Sīc iterum periculum ēvāsit et nōmine mūtātō bis servātus est.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Vespertílio delápsus in terram comprehénsus fuit a fele. Pétiit ille supplíciter, vitam ut sibi concéderet. Sed feles hoc se fácere posse negábat, cum esset capitális hostis ómnium ávium. Tum vespertílio, se non avem, sed murem esse, dixit. Ítaque dimíssus est. Paulo post captus ab ália fele, simíliter pétiit, ut sibi mísero vitam condonáret. Id feles sibi factu perdiffícile esse ait, quae cum ómnibus múribus bellum géreret. Vespertílio autem, se murem nequáquam esse, affirmávit, sed vólucrem. Sic íterum perículum evásit et nómine mutáto bis servátus est.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Vespertilio delapsus in terram comprehensus fuit a fele. Petiit ille suppliciter, vitam ut sibi concederet. Sed feles hoc se facere posse negabat, cum esset capitalis hostis omnium avium. Tum vespertilio, se non avem, sed murem esse, dixit. Itaque dimissus est. Paulo post captus ab alia fele, similiter petiit, ut sibi misero vitam condonaret. Id feles sibi factu perdifficile esse ait, quae cum omnibus muribus bellum gereret. Vespertilio autem, se murem nequaquam esse, affirmavit, sed volucrem. Sic iterum periculum evasit et nomine mutato bis servatus est.

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Here is an illustration from the Medici Aesop, which is online at the New York Public Library website.

Leo et Mus (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Leō, laqueō captus, cum ita sē irrētītum vidēret ut nullīs vīribus sēsē explicāre posset, Mūrem rogāvit, ut, abrōsō laqueō, eum līberāret, prōmittēns tantī beneficiī sē nōn futūrum immemorem. Quod cum Mūs prōmptē fēcisset, Leōnem rogāvit ut fīliam eius sibi trāderet in uxōrem. Nec abnuit Leō ut benefactōrī suō rem grātam faceret. Nova autem nupta, ad virum veniēns, cum eum nōn vidēret, cāsu illum pede pressit et contrīvit.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Leo, láqueo captus, cum ita se irretítum vidéret ut nullis víribus sese explicáre posset, Murem rogávit, ut, abróso láqueo, eum liberáret, promíttens tanti benefícii se non futúrum immémorem. Quod cum Mus prompte fecísset, Leónem rogávit ut fíliam eius sibi tráderet in uxórem. Nec ábnuit Leo ut benefactóri suo rem gratam fáceret. Nova autem nupta, ad virum véniens, cum eum non vidéret, casu illum pede pressit et contrívit.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Leo, laqueo captus, cum ita se irretitum videret ut nullis viribus sese explicare posset, Murem rogavit, ut, abroso laqueo, eum liberaret, promittens tanti beneficii se non futurum immemorem. Quod cum Mus prompte fecisset, Leonem rogavit ut filiam eius sibi traderet in uxorem. Nec abnuit Leo ut benefactori suo rem gratam faceret. Nova autem nupta, ad virum veniens, cum eum non videret, casu illum pede pressit et contrivit.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Amici et Asinus (Gildersleeve)

SOURCE: A Latin Reader by Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve. Although this story shows up in modern collections of Aesop's fables, it's not one that I recognize from the ancient fables. Does anybody have some information about the source of this story...?

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Duo viātōrēs asinum in sōlitūdine errantem conspicātī sunt. Accurrunt laetī et capiunt. Mox autem oritur contentiō, uter eum domum abdūceret. Uterque asinum sibi vindicāvit, quia eum prior conspexisset. Dum illī dē eā rē ācriter rixantur, asinus aufūgit ac neuter lucrum fēcit.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Duo viatóres ásinum in solitúdine errántem conspicáti sunt. Accúrrunt laeti et cápiunt. Mox autem óritur conténtio, uter eum domum abdúceret. Utérque ásinum sibi vindicávit, quia eum prior conspexísset. Dum illi de ea re ácriter rixántur, ásinus aufúgit ac neuter lucrum fecit.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Duo viatores
asinum in solitudine errantem
conspicati sunt.
Accurrunt laeti et capiunt.
Mox autem oritur contentio,
uter
eum domum abduceret.
Uterque
asinum sibi vindicavit,
quia eum prior conspexisset.
Dum illi
de ea re acriter rixantur,
asinus aufugit
ac neuter
lucrum fecit.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Lupus et Grus (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Lupus, osse in gutture retentō, cum multum cruciārētur, Grui pretium obtulit, sī illūd ē gutture extraheret. Grūs autem, cum ōs ē gutture Lupī extraxerat, pretium sibi promissum postulat. Cui Lupus, subrīdēns simulque dentēs acuēns, dīxit, “Satis pretiī tibi esse dēbet quod ex meō ōre caput sine capitis iactūrā ēdūxeris.”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Lupus, osse in gútture reténto, cum multum cruciarétur, Grui prétium óbtulit, si illud e gútture extráheret. Grus autem, cum os e gútture Lupi extráxerat, prétium sibi promíssum póstulat. Cui Lupus, subrídens simúlque dentes ácuens, dixit, “Satis prétii tibi esse debet quod ex meo ore caput sine cápitis iactúra edúxeris.”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Lupus, osse in gutture retento, cum multum cruciaretur, Grui pretium obtulit, si illud e gutture extraheret. Grus autem, cum os e gutture Lupi extraxerat, pretium sibi promissum postulat. Cui Lupus, subridens simulque dentes acuens, dixit, “Satis pretii tibi esse debet quod ex meo ore caput sine capitis iactura eduxeris.”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Mures et Tintinnabulum (Gildersleeve)

SOURCE: A Latin Reader by Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve. Although this is a famous story, it is not one found in the classical Aesop tradition, although you can find it in the medieval fables of Odo of Cheriton.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Mūrēs aliquando consultābant, quōmodo sē ā fēle tuērī possent. Multa prōpōnēbantur ā singulīs mūribus, sed nihil placēbat. Postremō ūnus dixit: Tintinnābulum fēli annectendum est; tum statim audiēmus, cum veniet, facileque effugiēmus. Omnēs mūrēs laetī praedicant prūdentem consiliī auctōrem. Iam tū, inquiunt, annecte tintinnābulum. Ego vērō, respondet ille, consilium dedī, alius operam sūmat. Irritum consilium fuit, quoniam quī fēlī annecteret tintinnābulum, nōn reperiēbātur.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Mures aliquándo consultábant, quómodo se a fele tuéri possent. Multa proponebántur a síngulis múribus, sed nihil placébat. Póstremo unus dixit: Tintinnábulum feli annecténdum est; tum statim audiémus, cum véniet, faciléque effugiémus. Omnes mures laeti praédicant prudéntem consílii auctórem. Iam tu, ínquiunt, annécte tintinnábulum. Ego vero, respóndet ille, consílium dedi, álius óperam sumat. Írritum consílium fuit, quoniam qui feli annécteret tintinnábulum, non reperiebátur.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Mures aliquando consultabant, quomodo se a fele tueri possent. Multa proponebantur a singulis muribus, sed nihil placebat. Postremo unus dixit: Tintinnabulum feli annectendum est; tum statim audiemus, cum veniet, facileque effugiemus. Omnes mures laeti praedicant prudentem consilii auctorem. Iam tu, inquiunt, annecte tintinnabulum. Ego vero, respondet ille, consilium dedi, alius operam sumat. Irritum consilium fuit, quoniam qui feli annecteret tintinnabulum, non reperiebatur.

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IMAGE. For an image to accompany the story, here is Barlow's depiction of the cat, and the mice, and - if you look closely enough - the bell! (It's there where the mice are scurrying about.)

Equus et Asellus Onustus (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Agitābat Coriārius quīdam ūnā Equum et Asinum onustum. Sed in viā fatiscēns, Asinus rogābat Equum ut sibi succurreret et velit portiunculam oneris tantī tolerāre. Recūsābat Equus et mox Asinus onerī tōtus succubuit et hālitum clausit suprēmum. Herus accēdēns mortuō Asinō sarcinam dētraxit et, pelle superadditā excoriātā, omnia Equō imposuit. Quod cum sēnsisset Equus, ingemuit, inquiēns, “Quam misellus ego, quī, cum portiunculam oneris sociī ferre recūsāverim, iam tōtam sarcinam cōgar tolerāre.”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Agitábat Coriárius quidam una Equum et Ásinum onústum. Sed in via fatíscens, Ásinus rogábat Equum ut sibi succúrreret et velit portiúnculam óneris tanti toleráre. Recusábat Equus et mox Ásinus óneri totus succúbuit et hálitum clausit suprémum. Herus accédens mórtuo Ásino sárcinam detráxit et, pelle superáddita excoriáta, ómnia Equo impósuit. Quod cum sensísset Equus, ingémuit, ínquiens, “Quam miséllus ego, qui, cum portiúnculam óneris sócii ferre recusáverim, iam totam sárcinam cogar toleráre.”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Agitabat Coriarius quidam una Equum et Asinum onustum. Sed in via fatiscens, Asinus rogabat Equum ut sibi succurreret et velit portiunculam oneris tanti tolerare. Recusabat Equus et mox Asinus oneri totus succubuit et halitum clausit supremum. Herus accedens mortuo Asino sarcinam detraxit et, pelle superaddita excoriata, omnia Equo imposuit. Quod cum sensisset Equus, ingemuit, inquiens, “Quam misellus ego, qui, cum portiunculam oneris socii ferre recusaverim, iam totam sarcinam cogar tolerare.”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Asinus et Catulus (Gildersleeve)

SOURCE: A Latin Reader by Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve. For more information and other versions, see the page at Aesopica.net.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Dominus asinī habēbat etiam catulum. Is ā dominō saepe laudābātur et permulcēbātur, frustaque semper ēgregia eī dabantur. Hōc cum invidiā vidēbat asinus. Cōgitābat sēcum: Cūr canis ita amātur ā dominō? Cūr ego male tractor? Ille inūtilis est; ego maxima semper commoda dominō comparāvī. At canis callidus est adūlātor, ā mē dominus nunquam blanditiās accēpit. Etiam ego amābor, sī idem faciam, quod ille facere solet. Forte hōc tempore dominus intrat in stabulum. Statim asinus accurrit, rudens pedēs ponit in dominī humerīs et faciem lātā suā linguā lambere incipit. Exterritus dominus et īrātus vocat famulōs quī fustibus asinum stultum miserē mulcant. Mulcātus stultitiam suam dēplōrāvit.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Dóminus ásini habébat etiam cátulum. Is a dómino saepe laudabátur et permulcebátur, frustáque semper egrégia ei dabántur. Hoc cum invídia vidébat ásinus. Cogitábat secum: Cur canis ita amátur a dómino? Cur ego male tractor? Ille inútilis est; ego máxima semper cómmoda dómino comparávi. At canis cállidus est adulátor, a me dóminus nunquam blandítias accépit. Etiam ego amábor, si idem fáciam, quod ille fácere solet. Forte hoc témpore dóminus intrat in stábulum. Statim ásinus accúrrit, rudens pedes ponit in dómini húmeris et fáciem lata sua lingua lámbere íncipit. Extérritus dóminus et irátus vocat fámulos qui fústibus ásinum stultum mísere mulcant. Mulcátus stultítiam suam deplorávit.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Dominus asini habebat etiam catulum. Is a domino saepe laudabatur et permulcebatur, frustaque semper egregia ei dabantur. Hoc cum invidia videbat asinus. Cogitabat secum: Cur canis ita amatur a domino? Cur ego male tractor? Ille inutilis est; ego maxima semper commoda domino comparavi. At canis callidus est adulator, a me dominus nunquam blanditias accepit. Etiam ego amabor, si idem faciam, quod ille facere solet. Forte hoc tempore dominus intrat in stabulum. Statim asinus accurrit, rudens pedes ponit in domini humeris et faciem lata sua lingua lambere incipit. Exterritus dominus et iratus vocat famulos qui fustibus asinum stultum misere mulcant. Mulcatus stultitiam suam deploravit.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source) from a 1521 edition of the fables:

Agricola, Filii et Virgulae (Gildersleeve)

SOURCE: A Latin Reader by Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve. For more information and other versions, see the links list for Perry 53 and also the page at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Inter rūsticī cūiusdam fīliōs grave discidium ortum erat. Diū frūstrā operam dederat pater, ut concordiam reconciliāret. Tandem: Virgulās, inquit, fīliī, mihi afferte. Allātās virgulās omnēs in ūnum fasciculum colligāvit, cumque constrictum fīliīs obtulit, ut frangerent. Illī autem, quamquam vim omnem adhibēbant, frūstrā labōrābant nec quidquam prōfēcērunt. Deinde pater nōdum discidit singulāsque illīs virgulās dedit, quās nullō negōtiō confrēgērunt. Quō factō senex eōs sīc allocūtus est: Haec rēs, fīliī, vōbis exemplō sit. Tutī eritis ab inimīcorum iniūriīs, quamdiū inter vōs amābitis et concordēs eritis; simul atque vērō facta erit dissensiō atque discordia, inimīcī in vōs irrumpent.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Inter rústici cuiúsdam fílios grave discídium ortum erat. Diu frustra óperam déderat pater, ut concórdiam reconciliáret. Tandem: Vírgulas, inquit, fílii, mihi afférte. Allátas vírgulas omnes in unum fascículum colligávit, cumque constríctum fíliis óbtulit, ut frángerent. Illi autem, quamquam vim omnem adhibébant, frustra laborábant nec quidquam profecérunt. Deinde pater nodum díscidit singulásque illis vírgulas dedit, quas nullo negótio confregérunt. Quo facto senex eos sic allocútus est: Haec res, fílii, vobis exémplo sit. Tuti éritis ab inimicórum iniúriis, quámdiu inter vos amábitis et concórdes éritis; simul atque vero facta erit dissénsio atque discórdia, inimíci in vos irrúmpent.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Inter rustici cuiusdam filios grave discidium ortum erat. Diu frustra operam dederat pater, ut concordiam reconciliaret. Tandem: Virgulas, inquit, filii, mihi afferte. Allatas virgulas omnes in unum fasciculum colligavit, cumque constrictum filiis obtulit, ut frangerent. Illi autem, quamquam vim omnem adhibebant, frustra laborabant nec quidquam profecerunt. Deinde pater nodum discidit singulasque illis virgulas dedit, quas nullo negotio confregerunt. Quo facto senex eos sic allocutus est: Haec res, filii, vobis exemplo sit. Tuti eritis ab inimicorum iniuriis, quamdiu inter vos amabitis et concordes eritis; simul atque vero facta erit dissensio atque discordia, inimici in vos irrumpent.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story from Joseph Jacobs' edition of Aesop's fables in English (image source).

Vulpes, Canis et Gallus (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Canis et Gallus rūs obambulābant. Nocte appropinquante, Gallus altam ascendēbat arborem, Canis autem ad pedem arboris sēcūrus dormiēbat. Intempesta nocte, Gallus canōram vōcem ēdidit. Vulpēs praeteriēns audit accurritque et inter salūtandum prōmīsit quod optimam docēret novamque ōdēn, sī ab arbore dēscenderet. “Dēscendam subitō,” respondēbat Gallus. “Saltem ā tē petō ut Comitem expergiscāris meum, quī infrā in utramque aurem dormit.” Vulpēs, novae praedae avida, Canem expergiscitur. Canis subitō in eam irruēns apprehendit laniatque.

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Canis et Gallus rus obambulábant. Nocte appropinquánte, Gallus altam ascendébat árborem, Canis autem ad pedem árboris secúrus dormiébat. Intempésta nocte, Gallus canóram vocem édidit. Vulpes praetériens audit accurrítque et inter salutándum promísit quod óptimam docéret novámque oden, si ab árbore descénderet. “Descéndam súbito,” respondébat Gallus. “Saltem a te peto ut Cómitem expergiscáris meum, qui infra in utrámque aurem dormit.” Vulpes, novae praedae ávida, Canem expergíscitur. Canis súbito in eam írruens apprehéndit laniátque.

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Canis et Gallus rus obambulabant. Nocte appropinquante, Gallus altam ascendebat arborem, Canis autem ad pedem arboris securus dormiebat. Intempesta nocte, Gallus canoram vocem edidit. Vulpes praeteriens audit accurritque et inter salutandum promisit quod optimam doceret novamque oden, si ab arbore descenderet. “Descendam subito,” respondebat Gallus. “Saltem a te peto ut Comitem expergiscaris meum, qui infra in utramque aurem dormit.” Vulpes, novae praedae avida, Canem expergiscitur. Canis subito in eam irruens apprehendit laniatque.

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).

Here is another illustration from the Medici Aesop, which is online at the New York Public Library website.

Lupus et Agnus (Barlow)

SOURCE: Aesop’s Fables in Latin: Ancient Wit and Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. For more information - including vocabulary lists and grammar comments - see the page for this fable at the Aesopus Ning.

READ OUT LOUD. Choose which marked text you prefer to practice with - macrons or accent marks - and read the text out loud until you feel comfortable and confident. Then, try reading the unmarked text at the bottom. It should be easy for you after practicing with the marked texts. :-)

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MACRONS. Here is the text with macrons:

Sitibundus Lupus, dum ad caput fontis accēdit ut sitim levāret, videt innocentem Āgnum, procul flūminis ūmōrem haurientem. Accurrit igitur ; Āgnum increpat quod vitreum turbāvit fontem. Trepidus ad haec supplicāvit Āgnus in innocentem nē saevīret ; sē quidem, cum tam longē infrā biberet, pōtum Lupī nē potuisse quidem turbāre, nēdum voluisse. Lupus contrā fremebundus intonat, “Quid vānas sacrilegē innectis morās? Pater, Māter, et omne tuum invīsum genus sēdulō mihi et semper adversantur. Tū autem hodiē mihi poenās dabis!”

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ACCENT MARKS. Here is the text with ecclesiastical accents, plus some color-coding for the words of three or more syllables (blue: penultimate stress; red: antepenultimate stress):

Sitibúndus Lupus, dum ad caput fontis accédit ut sitim leváret, videt innocéntem Agnum, procul flúminis umórem hauriéntem. Accúrrit ígitur; Agnum íncrepat quod vítreum turbávit fontem. Trépidus ad haec supplicávit Agnus in innocéntem ne saevíret; se quidem, cum tam longe infra bíberet, potum Lupi ne potuísse quidem turbáre, nedum voluísse. Lupus contra fremebúndus íntonat, “Quid vanas sacrílege innéctis moras? Pater, Mater, et omne tuum invísum genus sédulo mihi et semper adversántur. Tu autem hódie mihi poenas dabis!”

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UNMARKED TEXT. Here is the unmarked text - after practicing with the marked text that you prefer, you should not have any trouble with the unmarked text:

Sitibundus Lupus, dum ad caput fontis accedit ut sitim levaret, videt innocentem Agnum, procul fluminis umorem haurientem. Accurrit igitur; Agnum increpat quod vitreum turbavit fontem. Trepidus ad haec supplicavit Agnus in innocentem ne saeviret; se quidem, cum tam longe infra biberet, potum Lupi ne potuisse quidem turbare, nedum voluisse. Lupus contra fremebundus intonat, “Quid vanas sacrilege innectis moras? Pater, Mater, et omne tuum invisum genus sedulo mihi et semper adversantur. Tu autem hodie mihi poenas dabis!”

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IMAGE. Here is an illustration for the story (image source).