Januae Linguarum Reseratae Vestibulum
The Forecourt of the Unlocked Door of Languages
Quo Primus ad Latinam Linguam Aditus Tirunculis Paratur
Which Gives Beginners a First Access to the Latin Language
J. A. Comenius
Praeloquium. Foreword.
1. Venite, pueri, discite Latinam linguam, pulchram et elegantem.
Come, children, learn the beautiful and elegant Latin language.
2. Comprehendite eam, pro vestro captu.
Understand it, according to your intellect.
3. Et varias res, sapientiae semina.
And various things, the seeds of wisdom.
4. Deus vos iuvabit, praeceptores amabunt, alii laudabunt, ipsi gaudebitis.
God will help you, teachers will love you, others will praise you, you yourself will be glad.
5. Si principium difficile, medium erit facile, finis iucundus.
If the beginning is difficult, the middle will be easy, the end pleasant.
Caput I. De Accidentibus Rerum. Properties of Things.
6. Deus est aeternus, mundus temporarius.
God is eternal, the world temporary.
7. Angelus immortalis, homo mortalis.
An angel is immortal, man is mortal.
8. Corpus visibile, spiritus invisibilis, anima itidem.
The body is visible, the spirit invisible, so is the soul.
9. Caelum est supremum, aer medius, terra infima.
Heaven is the highest, the air in the middle, the earth the lowest.
10. Nubes est remota, nebula propinqua.
A cloud is far away, a mist is near.
11. Locus est magnus aut parvus, tempus longum aut breve.
A place is large or small, time is long or short.
12. Area lata vel angusta, domus ampla vel arcta.
An empty space is wide or narrow, a house spacious or cramped.
13. Montes sunt alti, valles profundae, colles elevati.
Mountains are high, valleys low, hills are raised.
14. Casa est humilis, turris excelsa, abies procera, fluvius brevis aut profundus.
A cottage is low, a tower lofty, a fir tree tall, a river shallow or deep.
15. Filum est tenue (subtile), funis crassus.
A thread is thin (fine), a rope thick.
16. Arundo est cava, lignum solidum.
A reed is hollow, wood solid.
17. Foramen est vacuum (inane), caminus plenus fumi.
The hole is empty, the chimney full of smoke.
18. Linea est recta vel curva.
The line is straight or curved.
19. Superficies aspera vel lêvis.
The surface is rough or smooth.
20. Pondus grave aut leve.
The weight is heavy or light.
21. Numerus par aut impar.
A number is even or odd.
22. Globus est rotundus, columna téres, mensa quadrata, X habet crucis formam.
A sphere is round, a column cylindrical, a table square, an X has the shape of a cross.
23. Pavo est formosus, simia deformis.
A peacock is beautiful, a monkey ugly.
Colores. Colors.
24. Color est multiplex: creta alba, tabula nigra, cinnábaris rubra.
Color is manifold: chalk is white, a board black, cinnabar red.
25. Sulfur est lûteum, gramen viride, firmamentum caeruleum, psittacus versicolor.
Sulfur is yellow, grass green, the firmament blue, a parrot colorful.
26. Vitrum est pellucidum, asser opacus.
Glass is transparent, a plank opaque.
27. Aqua turbida vel clara.
Water is murky or clear.
Sapores. Tastes.
28. Mel est dulce (sicut et saccarum), fel amarum, acetum acidum.
Honey is sweet (as is sugar), bile bitter, vinegar sour.
29. Sal salsum, piper acre, immaturum pomum acerbum vel austêrum.
Salt is salty, pepper hot, an unripe fruit is bitter or tart.
Odor. Smell.
30. Odor est suavis, foetor taeter.
A smell is pleasant, a stench disgusting.
Aliae Qualitates. Other Qualities.
31. Lutum est humidum, pulvis siccus.
Mud is wet, dust dry.
32. Ossa dura, caro mollis, glacies lubrica.
Bones are hard, flesh soft, ice slippery.
33. Pruna est calida et candens. Carbo frigidus et ater.
Burning coal is hot and glowing. Dead coal is cold and black.
34. Nos incedimus vestiti, Indi et Aethiopes quidam nudi.
We go about clothed, some Indians and Africans naked.
35. Unicornis est animal ferum, vacca mansuetum (cicur), leo saevum, ovis mite.
A unicorn is a wild animal, a cow tame, a lion fierce, a sheep gentle.
36. Convîva est hilaris, locus amoenus.
A guest is cheerful, a place pleasant.
37. Amicitia iucunda, nuntium laetum.
Friendship is delightful, a message joyful.
38. Omnia illa grata et accepta.
All those things are pleasing and welcome.
39. Locus est commodus vel incommodus.
A place is convenient or inconvenient.
40. Tempus opportunum vel importunum.
A time is favourable or unfavourable.
41. Instrumentum aptum vel ineptum.
A tool is suitable or unsuitable.
42. Res est necessaria vel supervacanea.
A thing is necessary or superfluous.
43. Opinio vera vel falsa.
A belief is true or false.
44. Rei usus utilis aut noxius.
The use of a thing is useful or harmful.
45. Res rei similis aut dissimilis.
One thing is similar or dissimilar to another.
46. Silva est dênsa vel rara.
A forest is dense or sparse.
47. Ager fecundus aut sterilis.
A field is fertile or barren.
48. Motus est celer aut tardus.
A movement is fast or slow.
49. Cursor álacer aut piger.
A runner is eager or slothful.
50. Operarius gnavus aut ignavus.
A worker is diligent or lazy.
51. Securis est acuta vel stupida (hebes).
An axe is sharp or dull.
52. Cibus crudus vel coctus.
Food is raw or cooked.
53. Sermo iocosus vel serius.
A conversation is humorous or serious.
54. Historia certa aut dubia.
A story is certain or doubtful.
55. Testimonium verum aut falsum.
A testimony is true or false.
Comparativa. Comparatives.
56. Primus est doctus, secundus doctior, tertius doctissimus.
The first man is learned, the second more learned, the third most learned.
Anomala Comparatio. Irregular Comparison.
57. Taurus est magnus, camêlus maior, elephas maximus.
A bull is large, a camel larger, an elephant largest.
58. Passer est parvus, pârus minor, tróchilus minimus.
A sparrow is small, a titmouse smaller, a wren smallest.
59. Cervisia est bona, mulsum melius, vinum optimum.
Beer is good, mead better, wine best.
60. Lacerta est mala, vipera peior, aspis pessima.
A lizard is bad, a viper worse, an asp worst.
Denominativa. Denominatives.
61. Ducâtus est aureus, tálerus argénteus, cántharus stánneus, málleus férreus, lychnûchus orichalceus.
A ducat is golden, a dollar of silver, a mug of tin, a hammer of iron, a lampstand of brass.
62. Scamnum est ligneum, Murus lapideus.
A bench is wooden, a wall of stone.
Caput II. De Rerum Actionibus et Passionibus. Actions and Passions of Things.
63. Creatoris in honorem faciunt omnes creaturae suum officium.
In honor of the Creator, all creatures do their duty.
Caelestium Actiones. Actions of the Heavenly Bodies.
64. Angeli celebrant eum.
The angels praise Him.
65. Sol lucet, luna splendet, stellae micant.
The sun shines, the moon glows, the stars twinkle.
66. Mane incipit dies, vesperi nox.
The day begins in the morning, night in the evening.
Elementorum. Of the Elements.
67. Elementa alunt nos.
The elements sustain us.
68. Ignis ardet, flamma flagrat.
The fire burns, the flame blazes.
69. Scintilla gliscit in cinere.
A spark glows in the ashes.
70. Tónitru tonat, fulgur fulgurat, ventus flat.
Thunder thunders, lightning flashes, wind blows.
71. Pluvia pluit, nix ningit.
The rain rains, the snow snows.
72. Aqua in plano fluit, ex vase manat, e fonte salit, e puteo hauritur.
Water flows on level ground, pours from a vessel, springs from a fountain, is drawn from a well.
73. Gutta stillat. Ex vapôre fit rôs et pruîna.
A drop drips. Vapor turns into dew and frost.
Plantarum. Of Plants.
74. Herba crescit, folium viret, flos floret.
Grass grows, a leaf greens, a flower blooms.
75. Fructus maturescit; quem ut carpas, flecte ramum.
A fruit ripens; to pluck it, bend the branch.
76. Sive sint poma, sive pira, pruna, cerasa, méspila, etc.
Whether they be apples, or pears, plums, cherries, medlars, etc.
77. Nux continet nucleum.
A nut contains a kernel.
78. Cepa et allium olent graviter, rosa suaviter, canna inodôra est.
Onion and garlic smell strong, a rose sweet, a reed is odorless.
79. Urtîca ûrit, carduus pungit.
A nettle stings, a thistle pricks.
Animalium. Of Animals.
80. Lapis iacet, stirps stat, animal se movet.
A stone lies still, a plant stands, an animal moves.
81. Aves volant alis et pennis; pisces natant pinnis.
Birds fly with wings and feathers; fish swim with fins.
82. Quadrupês graditur, serpens serpit, vermis rêpit, cervus currit.
A quadruped walks, a serpent slithers, a worm creeps, a deer runs.
83. Equus hinnit, bos mûgit, agnus balat.
A horse neighs, an ox moos, a lamb bleats.
84. Porcus (sus) grunnit, ursus murmurat, lupus ululat.
A pig grunts, a bear growls, a wolf howls.
85. Canis latrat, ariês aríetat, bestia laniat.
A dog barks, a ram butts, a beast of prey rends.
86. Aper spumat, lepus fugit, vulpes mutat pilos.
A boar foams, a hare flees, a fox changes its fur.
87. Catus (felis) capit mures.
A tomcat (cat) catches mice.
88. Gallina parit ova. Anser saginatur avênâ.
A hen lays eggs. A goose is fattened with oats.
89. Tineae rodunt vestes, blattae libros.
Moths gnaw clothes, cockroaches books.
90. Pediculi mordent cutem; ut et pulices, culices, cimices.
Lice bite the skin; as do fleas, mosquitoes, and bugs.
91. Formîca est laboriosa, aranea artificiosa, apes pungunt aculeo.
An ant is industrious, a spider skillful, bees sting with a stinger.
92. Quidquid vivit, viget.
Whatever lives, thrives.
Hominis. Of Man.
93. Nos agimus varia, corpore et animo.
We do various things, with body and mind.
94. Caput repletur cerebro, tegiturque capillis, excepto vultu.
The head is filled with brain and covered with hair, except for the face.
95. (Quandôque tamen calvum est.)
(Sometimes, however, it is bald.)
96. Nullum membrum frustra datum est.
No limb is given in vain.
97. Nam oculis cernimus, per nasum excernimus. (Frons habet rugas.)
For we see with the eyes, exhale through the nose. (The forehead has wrinkles.)
98. Aures audiunt, nares olfaciunt.
The ears hear, the nostrils smell.
99. Lingua gustat, quomodo res sapiat.
The tongue tastes how a thing is flavored.
100. Dentibus mandimus, stomachus cóncoquit, intestina êgerunt.
We chew with the teeth, the stomach digests, the intestines expel.
101. Hepar conficit sanguinem et dimittit per venas.
The liver produces blood and sends it off through the veins.
102. Cor palpitat, pulmo respîrat.
The heart beats, the lung breathes.
103. Labia sunt circa os, barba ornat mentum. (Feminae sunt imberbes.)
The lips are around the mouth, the beard adorns the chin. (Women are beardless.)
104. In collo est guttur.
In the neck is the throat.
105. Humeris ac dorso baiulamus.
We carry with our shoulders and back.
106. Bracchiis amplectimur, manibus laboramus.
We embrace with our arms, we work with our hands.
107. Sinistra tenet, dextra peragit opus.
The left (hand) holds, the right performs the work.
108. Palmâ palpamus, pugno percutimus, vólâ prehendimus.
We feel with the palm, strike with the fist, grasp with the hollow of the hand.
109. Digitis et pollice constringimus, et nectimus nodos.
We bind (something) together with the fingers and thumb, and tie knots.
110. Unguibus scabimus et scalpimus.
We scratch and scrape with our nails.
111. Sub pectore venter est; infra axillas latera, sub his costae.
Beneath the chest is the belly; under the armpits the sides, beneath these the ribs.
112. Tergum habet superne scapulas, inferne lumbos.
The back has the shoulder blades above, the loins below.
113. Natibus sedemus, genua flectimus, pedibus ambulamus.
We sit on the buttocks, bend the knees, walk with the feet.
Mentis. Of the Mind.
114. Mens cogitat semper aliquid; etiam in somno somniat (unde sunt somnia).
The mind always thinks of something; even in sleep it dreams (whence there are dreams).
115. Intellectus intelligit, ratio ratiocinatur.
Intellect understands, reason reasons.
116. Memoria meminit; et si quid oblita, recordatur.
Memory remembers; and if it forgot something, it recalls it.
117. Voluntas vult (cupit) bonum, declînat malum; sed saepe fallitur.
The will wants (desires) good, avoids evil; but it is often mistaken.
118. Gaudet et tristatur.
It rejoices and is sad.
119. Securus nihil curat; tutus nihil timet.
The carefree man worries about nothing; the safe fears nothing.
120. Végetus laborat, fessus quiescit.
The lively man works, the weary rests.
121. Vigilia enim (atque cura) fatigat, sopor récreat.
For wakefulness (and worry) tires, sleep refreshes.
122. Cum septem horas dormivisti et evigilas, vigila, surge, excita alios.
When you have slept seven hours and wake up, stay awake, get up, rouse others.
Morbidorum. Of the Sick.
123. Ieiunus appetit alimentum, satur fastidit escas, delicatus dêligit.
The fasting man desires food, the full spurns dishes, the dainty chooses.
124. Sanus bene valet, aegrotus aegrotat.
The healthy man is well, the sick is ill.
125. Cui dolet, is queritur.
He who is in pain complains.
126. Morbi sine dolore sunt periculosi, et plerumque letales.
Diseases without pain are dangerous, and mostly fatal.
127. Febris redit per vices. Apopléxia et venênum ênecant cito.
Fever returns in cycles. Stroke and poison kill quickly.
128. Scabies facit pruritum. Ulcus scatet tabo. Recens vulnus sanatur.
Scabies causes itching. An ulcer oozes with pus. A fresh wound heals.
129. Quicquid putret, sordet; ut fimus et cadaver.
Whatever rots is foul; like dung and a corpse.
130. Robustus potest multum ferre, tener parum sufferre.
The strong can bear much, the tender (can) tolerate little.
131. Caecus non videt, surdus non audit, mutus non loquitur.
The blind man does not see, the deaf does not hear, the mute does not speak.
132. Tactu caret nemo, nisi paralyticus.
No one lacks touch, except the paralytic.
133. Claudus claudicat, mutilo deest aliquid.
The lame man limps, the maimed lacks something.
Opificum. Of the Craftsmen.
134. Agricola arat arâtrô.
The farmer plows with a plow.
135. In vere seminat, in aestate metit.
In spring he sows, in summer he reaps.
136. In autumno vindemiat, hieme triturat in horreo.
In autumn he harvests grapes, in winter he threshes in the barn.
137. Hortulanus plantat hortum, circummunitque saepe.
The gardener plants a garden and encloses it with a hedge.
138. Mólitor mólit frumentum in móla.
The miller grinds grain in a mill.
139. Pîstor e farina dépsit massam. Postea pînsit in furno panem et placentas.
The baker kneads dough from flour. Then he bakes bread and cakes in the oven.
140. Pastor pascit gregem in pascuo. Secat fenum falce in prato. Format e lacte caseos.
The shepherd grazes the flock in the pasture. He cuts hay with a scythe in the meadow. He shapes cheese from milk.
141. Lanio mactat pecudes.
The butcher slaughters livestock.
142. Venator venatur feras.
The hunter hunts wild animals.
143. Auceps capit volucres.
The bird-catcher catches birds.
144. Piscator piscatur rêtî in piscina.
The fisherman fishes with a net in the pond.
145. Coquus cibos super foco parat.
The cook prepares food on the stove.
146. Nam elixat opsonia iure in ôlla.
For he boils food in broth in a pot.
147. Assat in verubus capones et anates.
He roasts capons and ducks on spits.
148. Frigit in butŷro ova.
He fries eggs in butter.
149. Alia torret in craticula.
He toasts other things on a grill.
150. Condîmus fercula aromatibus; potum autem cóndimus in cellis.
We season dishes with spices; but we store drinks in cellars.
151. Ex uvis fit vinum. Cerevisia promitur e dôlio in lagoenas.
Wine is made from grapes. Beer is drawn from a barrel into bottles.
152. Auriga iungit equos, et ungit rotas, et proficiscitur subito.
A carter harnesses horses, oils the wheels, and sets off suddenly.
153. Aliquando haeret in caeno, quum vehit onera, currû aut trahâ.
Sometimes he gets stuck in the mud, when he carries loads by cart or sled.
154. Nauta navigat navi, nauclêrus gubernat, rêmiges rêmigant.
A sailor sails in a ship, the captain steers, rowers row.
155. Per fluvios vadamus, aut utimur scáphis.
We wade through rivers, or use boats.
156. Aut struimus pontes et ponticulos.
Or we build bridges and footbridges.
157. Viator it per sêmitam; et cavet ne erret aut cadat in foveam.
A traveler goes by a path; and takes care not to stray or fall into a ditch.
158. Cedit retro, ubi porro nequit pergere.
He goes back where he cannot go forward.
159. Mercator tractat merces, metuit damnum, quaerit lucrum.
A merchant handles goods, fears loss, seeks profit.
160. Moneta gestatur in crumena (marsupio), quoniam pecuniâ solvimus quae debemus (debita).
Money is carried in a purse (pouch), since we pay what we owe with money (our debts).
161. Emimusque et vendimus, cârê aut vîlî (magno aut vili pretio).
And we buy and sell, dearly or cheaply (at a high or cheap price).
162. Nummi, grossi, floreni sunt diversi: quisque suo valore.
Coins, groats, (and) florins are different: each with its own value.
163. Nêtrix ad cólum net e lîno.
The spinner spins from flax at the distaff.
164. Téxtor texit línteum (têlam), pannifex e lana pannos.
The weaver weaves linen (cloth), the cloth-maker (weaves) cloth from wool.
165. Sartor conficit vestes acu, mensuratque ulnâ mánicas.
The tailor makes garments with a needle and measures sleeves by the ell.
166. Sutor suit calceos et ocreas ex cório, pellio e pellibus pellicea.
The shoemaker sews shoes and boots from leather, the furrier makes fur goods from hides.
167. Restio torquet restes, atque laqueos, e stûpâ.
The ropemaker twists ropes and nooses from hemp.
168. Fígulus fingit fidêlias ex argilla.
The potter shapes jars from clay.
169. Scriniarius glûtine sua glûtinat.
The carpenter glues his things together with glue.
170. Fáber super incûde cûdit ferrum.
The blacksmith forges iron on the anvil.
171. Aurifaber ex auro et argento (non ex aere aut cupro) facit anulos.
The goldsmith makes rings from gold and silver (not from bronze or copper).
172. Lignator serrâ sécat, et securi atque cuneo findit, ligna.
The lumberjack cuts wood with a saw, and splits it with an axe and wedge.
173. Lignarius faber asciat asciâ, utiturque dolâbrâ et térebrâ.
The timberman hews with a hatchet, and uses a plane and a drill.
174. Murarius ponit fundamentum aedificii, erigit parietes et columnas, operit tecto.
The mason lays the foundation of a building, raises the walls and columns, and covers it with a roof.
175. Aedificium debile, ut ne ruat, fulcîtur fulcrîs.
A weak building is supported with props so that it does not collapse.
Verba Impersonalia. Impersonal Verbs.
176. Si tibi aliquid boni libet, licet.
If you wish (to do) something good, it is allowed.
177. Si te piget laboris, pudeat te.
If you are unwilling to work, you should be ashamed.
178. Decet te paenitere peccati atque discordiae.
It is fitting for you to repent sin and strife.
179. Adolescentem decet silentium, non vero pertinacia.
Silence is fitting for a young man, not stubbornness.
180. Si te sessionis taedet, oportet spatiari.
If you are tired of sitting, you should take a walk.
Caput III. De Rerum Circumstantiis. On the Circumstances of Things.
Adverbia. Adverbs.
181. Quis vocat me? — Ego.
Who is calling me? — I am.
182. Tune es? — Quis est igitur illic? — Paulus.
Is that you? — Who is over there? — Paul.
183. Agedum expectemus, donec veniat.
Let’s wait until he comes.
184. Bene. — Adventus tuus nobis gratus est. — Salve.
Okay. — Your arrival is welcome to us. — Hello.
185. Ago gratias.
Thank you.
186. Ut vales adhuc? — Sic mediocriter.
How have you been so far? — So-so.
187. Ubi fuisti? — Unde redis? — Ex oppido / ex vicinia.
Where have you been? — Where are you coming back from? — From the town / from the neighborhood.
188. Quâ ivisti? — Per porticum.
Which way did you go? — Through the colonnade.
189. Quorsum vis? — Domum.
Where do you want to go? — Home.
190. Et quo inde? — Nusquam.
And where after that? — Nowhere.
191. Quando in horto fuisti? — Heri / hodie / modo / nuper / dudum.
When have you been in the garden? — Yesterday / today / just now / recently / a long time ago.
192. Quoties? — Semel.
How often? — Once.
193. Quando me vises (invises)? — Mox / cras / perendie / aliquando.
When will you visit me? — Soon / tomorrow / the day after tomorrow / sometime.
194. Scisne memoriâ lectionem? — Sic satis. — Ego minime (neutiquam).
Do you know the lesson by heart? — Yes, well enough. — I don’t (not at all).
195. Quae est causa? Num es oblitus? — Fere.
What is the reason? Have you forgotten (the lesson)? — Pretty much.
196. Cur non repetis? — Mihi nunc non vacat.
Why don’t you repeat it? — I don’t have time now.
197. Quare? — Missus sum in villam, ad bibliopôlam etc.
Why? — I was sent to the village, to the bookseller etc.
198. Profecto? Ibo una! — Nequaquam.
Really? I will go along! — By no means.
199. Quamobrem? Repetemus in itinere.
Why? We will repeat (the lesson) on the way.
200. Id praestat quam garrire.
That is better than chattering.
201. Omnino. Redibimusne mature?
Absolutely. Will we return in time?
202. Fortasse / sed vix / eho dubitas?
Perhaps / but scarcely / hey, do you doubt it?
203. Procul est. Properabimus.
It is far. We will hurry.
204. Ceu sutores? Quid tum?
Like cobblers? What for?
205. Nostram aetatem decet agilitas.
Light-footedness is fitting for our age.
206. Sic aiunt. — Immo sic est.
So they say. — No, it’s a fact.
207. Ne clama! — Atqui sumus soli.
Don’t shout! — But we are alone.
208. Quomodo ludemus? — Pilâ / myindâ / aleâ.
How are we going to play? — With a ball / blindman’s buff / with dice.
209. Quamdiu? — Totum diem.
How long? — All day.
210. Hui nimium est. — Atqui sunt feriae.
Oh, that’s too much. — But it’s the holidays!
211. Utinam abstineremus a malitia!
If only we would refrain from malice!
Praepositiones. Prepositions.
212. Pergamus, rogo te. Nunc tibi parvas voculas exponam.
Let us go on, I kindly ask you. Now I will explain the little words to you.
213. Ad nos trahimus, a nobis trudimus.
We pull toward us, we push away from us.
214. Cum nobis ducimus, ante nos pellimus, pone nos raptamus.
We take with us, we drive before us, we drag behind us.
215. Secundum flumen facile est natare; adversus illud impossibile.
Along the river it is easy to swim; against it, impossible.
216. Apud altare (aram) stans sacerdos habet penes se diâconum.
Standing at the altar, the priest has the deacon beside him.
217. De temerario nota: quod intra aedes non maneat, supra culmen scandat, infra limen reptet.
Mark of the rash man: that he does not stay inside the house, but climbs above the roof, and crawls under the threshold.
218. Fatere coram nobis: quid fecisti clam nobis? Quia est palam.
Confess before us: what did you do hidden from us? For it is public.
219. Contra praeceptum feci. Erga praeceptorem valde ingratus fui.
I acted against the rule. I was very ungrateful toward the teacher.
220. Quidam ob sua facinora e domo profugus.
A certain man, because of his crimes, was a fugitive from home.
221. Dum iuxta viam cucurrit, citra stagnum constitit.
When he ran along the road, he stopped on this side of the pond.
222. Deinde, ultra stagnum progressus, venit in desertum.
Then, having proceeded beyond the pond, he came into the wilderness.
223. Obibat circa palûdes, oberrabat inter némora.
He went around swamps, he wandered among groves.
224. Navigabat trans mare, usque ad extremas insulas.
He sailed across the sea, all the way to the farthest islands.
225. Prope orbis terminos, extra patriam vagans.
Near the boundaries of the world, wandering outside his homeland.
226. Pro quo intercedunt multi.
For whom many intercede.
227. Verum, propter exemplum ceterorum, non potest recipi, nec absolvi.
But, to serve as an example for others, he cannot be received nor absolved.
228. Hem, quantum infortunium! Vae impiis!
Alas, what misfortune! Woe to the wicked!
229. Felix prae talibus, qui conscientiam puram custôdit.
Happy above such men is he who keeps a pure conscience.
Numeralia. Numerals.
230. Scis numerare? — Utîque. — Tenta igitur: quot sunt res?
Do you know how to count? — Sure. — Then try: how many things are there?
231. Unus est codex Bibliorum.
There is one book of the Bible.
232. Duo sunt Testamenta, Vetus et Novum.
There are two Testaments, the Old and the New.
233. Tres personae sanctae Trinitatis.
Three persons of the Holy Trinity.
234. Quattuor Evangelistae.
Four Evangelists.
235. Quinque sensus.
Five senses.
236. Sex profesti dies.
Six weekdays.
237. Septem petitiones in Oratione Dominica.
Seven petitions in the Lord’s Prayer.
238. Octo dies comparantur septimanae.
Eight days make a week.
239. Ter tria sunt novem.
Three times three are nine.
240. Decem praecepta Dei.
Ten Commandments of God.
241. Undecim Apostoli, dêmptô Iudâ.
Eleven Apostles without Judas.
242. Duodecim fidei articuli.
Twelve articles of faith.
243. Triginta dies sunt mensis.
Thirty days are a month.
244. Centum anni sunt saeculum.
A hundred years are a century.
245. Satanâs est mille fraudum artifex.
Satan is a forger of a thousand deceits.
Caput IV. De Rebus in Schola. On Things at School.
246. Scholasticus sponte frequentat scholam, quô in artibus erudiatur.
The schoolchild attends school willingly, so that he may be trained in the arts.
247. Initium est a litteris.
The letters are the beginning.
248. Ex syllabis voces componuntur, e dictionibus sermo.
From syllables words are composed, from words speech.
249. Ex libro legimus tacitê, aut recitamus clarê.
From the book we read silently, or recite aloud.
250. Involvimus eum membranae, et ponimus in púlpito.
We wrap it in vellum and place it on the bookrest.
251. Atramentum est in atramentario.
Ink is in the ink pot.
252. Calami (pennae scriptoriae) in calamario.
Pens (quills) are in the pen case.
253. Quibus scribimus in charta, in utraque pagina folii.
With which we write on paper, on each page of the sheet.
254. Interdum in scheda et palimpsesto.
Sometimes on a slip of paper and on a palimpsest.
255. Si pérperam, delemus, et signamus denuo recte, vel in margine.
If wrongly, we erase, and we write it down again correctly, or in the margin.
256. Doctor docet et accipit didactrum.
The teacher teaches and receives the teaching fee.
257. Discipulus discit; non omnia simul, sed per partes.
The student learns; not everything at once, but in parts.
258. Praeceptor praecipit facienda.
The instructor orders what is to be done.
259. Rêctor regit academiam.
The rector governs the university.
260. Paedagogus advertit et urget.
The educator observes and urges.
261. Custos monet, hortatur, consignat.
The overseer reminds, exhorts, and makes a note.
262. Magister instituit universos. Singuli attendunt, dum ille emendat mendas.
The schoolmaster educates everyone. Everyone pays attention while he corrects mistakes.
263. Diligens proficit, negligens vapulat.
The diligent (student) makes progress, the negligent gets beaten.
264. Etenim ferula est praesto.
For the cane is at hand.
265. Non verberant baculis et fustibus, sed caedunt virgis.
They do not beat with staffs and clubs, but strike with rods.
266. Absque venia ne exeas. Post moram redeas. Quod agere debes, age.
Do not go out without permission. Come back after a while. Do what you are obliged to do.
267. Linea fit regulâ, circulus círcinô.
A line is made with a ruler, a circle with a compass.
268. Grammaticus loquitur.
The linguist speaks.
269. Dialecticus disputat, vera a falsis discernit.
The logician debates, distinguishing true from false statements.
270. Rhetor ornate loquitur.
The rhetorician speaks elegantly.
271. Musicus cantat, poeta carmina fingit.
The musician sings, the poet composes songs.
272. Pictor effigiem (imaginem) pingit.
The painter paints a portrait (image).
273. Historicus res gestas narrat.
The historian recounts history.
274. Astrónomus describit astra.
The astronomer describes the stars.
275. Physicus naturam scrutatur, medicus eum imitatur.
The scientist examines nature, the doctor follows suit.
276. Ethicus tradit mores, qui studiosum decorant.
The moral philosopher teaches manners, which adorn the student.
277. Verum de iis paulo infra.
But (more) on these shortly.
Caput V. De Rebus Domi. On Things at Home.
278. Pulsa fores, si clausae sunt.
Knock at the door, if it is closed.
279. Quum aperitur, transi ostium et intra in atrium.
When it is opened, walk through the door and enter the hall.
280. Clavis claudit séram, iterumque recludit. (Clavus figitur.)
The key locks the lock and unlocks it again. (A nail is driven in.)
281. Pavimentum calcamus. Laquear nobis impendet.
We tread on the floor. The ceiling hangs above us.
282. Fenestrae sunt vitreae.
The windows are of glass.
283. Hypocaustum (vaporarium) fornace calefacta calet. Camerae frigent.
The hypocaust (steam room) is warm with the furnace heated. The rooms are cold.
284. In cistis et arcis abscondimus res, in corbibus portamus.
We hide things in boxes and chest, we carry them in baskets.
285. Succus non servatur in sacco, nec in funda.
Juice is not kept in a sack, nor in a pocket.
286. In cubiculo sunt lecti, culcitris, pulvinaribus, et lodicibus strati.
In the bedroom, there are beds, made up with mattresses, pillows, and blankets.
287. Cervîcal subdimus cervîci.
We place a pillow under the neck.
288. Tegetibus nos integimus. Sive cubamus supini, sive proni.
We cover ourselves with blankets, whether we sleep on our backs or on our stomachs.
289. Matula est pro urina, secessus (cloaca) pro alvo levanda, ubi excrementa foetent.
A chamber pot is for urine, a toilet (sewer) for relieving the bowels, where excrements stink.
290. Thûre et súccino suffîmus.
We fumigate with frankincense and amber.
291. Faciem lavamus quotidie.
We wash the face daily.
292. Manus abluimus lixivio et sapone, super pelvi aut ad gutturnium.
We wash our hands with lye and soap, over a basin or at a water jug.
293. In balneo sudamus, mantili et sudario nos tergimus.
In the bath we sweat, and wipe ourselves dry with towels and handkerchiefs.
294. Tonsor tondet crines, pectitque comam pectine.
The barber cuts the hair and combs it with a comb.
295. Maculae absterguntur spongia, quisquiliae verruntur scopis.
Spots are wiped off with a sponge, rubbish is swept away with brooms.
296. Indusium et tunicam, thoracem, femoralia (braccas) et tibialia induimus et exuimus.
We put on and take off shirts and tunics, jackets, trousers, and stockings.
297. (Atque scopulâ everrimus, quoties opus est.)
(And we brush them down with a brush, whenever there is need.)
298. Pallium et togam amícimus.
We wrap ourselves in coats and togas.
299. Pilei et collaria, chirothecaeque et sandalia sunt honestatis ergo.
Caps and collars, gloves and sandals are for the sake of propriety.
300. Cingulô nos cingimus, ligulis adstringimus.
We gird ourselves with a belt, we fasten with straps.
301. Mappâ et tapête sternimus mensam.
We set the table with napkins and tablecloths.
302. Ad iusculum et pulmentum est cochlear.
For broth and stew there are spoons.
303. Alia edulia scinduntur cultrô.
Other foods are cut with a knife.
304. Muscas abige muscario.
Drive away flies with a fly-whisk.
305. Infunde in poculum et propîna hospitibus.
Pour (drink) into the cup and offer it to the guests.
306. Accende cêreum, vel candêlam sêbâceam, et inde candelabro. Emunge ellychnium emunctoriô, sed ut ne extinguas.
Light a wax candle or tallow candle, and put it on the candlestick. Wipe the wick with a snuffer, but so as not to put it out.
307. Tandem tolle pátinas, orbes, salinum, et collige frusta panis, crustas, micas.
Finally remove the bowls, plates, and saltcellar, and gather the bits of bread, crusts, and crumbs.
308. Vir et mulier, amore iuncti, sunt coniuges.
A man and a woman who are joined in love are spouses.
309. Viduus ducit quandôque virginem.
A widower sometimes marries a young woman.
310. Sponso nubit sponsa. Qui post nuptias vocantur maritus et marita.
The bride marries the groom. After the wedding they are called husband and wife.
311. Puerpera peperit puerum, quem osculatur nutrix, fovetque in gremio.
The mother has given birth to a child, whom the nurse kisses and keeps warm in her lap.
312. Filius est haeres, filia accipit dotem.
The son is the heir, the daughter receives a dowry.
313. Parentes educant sobolem.
Parents raise their offspring.
314. Suadent honesta, dissuadent turpia.
They recommend what is honorable, and advise against what is shameful.
315. Hortanturque ad virtutem, dehortantur a vitio.
And they urge virtue, and dissuade from vice.
316. Vitricus et noverca cogunt prîvîgnôs.
The stepfather and stepmother compel their stepchildren.
317. Liberi sunt liberi, servi serviunt.
Children are free, slaves serve.
318. Ministri ministrant (famuli famulantur), ancillae ancillantur.
Waiters wait (attendants attend), maidservants serve.
319. Patruus et ámita sunt patris frater et soror; avunculus et matértera, matris.
The paternal uncle and aunt are the father’s brother and sister; the maternal uncle and aunt are the mother’s (brother and sister).
320. Avi habent nepotes; cognati, affines.
Grandparents have grandchildren; relatives have in-laws.
Caput VI. De Rebus in Urbe et Regione. On Things in the City and Region.
321. Urbs munitur moenibus, nec non vâllô et fossâ.
The city is fortified with walls, as well as a rampart and a ditch.
322. Porta habet valvas. Abhinc eunt plateae.
The gate has doors. Streets run from there.
323. In foro solent esse cisternae.
There are usually cisterns in the marketplace.
324. Aedificia sunt publica vel privata.
Buildings are public or private.
325. Nam quod non uni possessori proprium est, est commune.
What does not belong to a single owner is common property.
326. Cives, et incolae, incolunt civitatem.
Citizens and residents inhabit the city.
327. Rustici habitant in pagis, vicini in eodem vico.
Peasants live in villages, neighbors in the same row of houses.
328. In curia congregatur senatus.
The senate gathers in the town hall.
329. Consul praecedit, senatores eum sequuntur.
The consul goes first, the senators follow him.
330. Iudex (praetor) iudicat lites.
The judge decides cases.
331. Actor accusat, reus se excusat.
The plaintiff accuses, the defendant defends himself.
332. Testis iurat et testatur.
The witness swears and testifies.
333. Lictor ligat sontem, et ducit in carcerem.
The lictor binds the criminal and leads him to prison.
334. Carnifex occîdit maléficum, decollat aut suspendit.
The executioner kills the wrongdoer, beheads or hangs him.
335. Tabellarius fert litteras (epistolas cêrâ et sigillô obsignatas). Nuntius nuntiat ôrétenus.
The courier brings letters (letters sealed with wax and a seal). The messenger reports orally.
336. Templum est sacer locus, caupona profanus.
A temple is a sacred place, an inn a secular one.
337. Aedituus pulsat campânas. Populus coit in aede, exercetque religionem.
The sexton rings the bells. The people gather in the church and practice religion.
338. In coetu canuntur psalmi et hymni.
In the assembly, psalms and hymns are sung.
339. Dei verbum praedicatur.
The word of God is preached.
340. Sacramenta administrantur.
The sacraments are administered.
341. Preces peraguntur devote.
Prayers are said devoutly.
342. Festa celebrantur festive.
Festivals are celebrated festively.
343. Ethnici sunt extra ecclesiam.
Heathens are outside the religious community.
344. Magistratus est necessarius.
Authorities are necessary.
345. Ut rex sceptrum teneat, et in regno regnet.
So that the king may hold the scepter and reign in his kingdom.
346. Dominus domi dominetur.
May the owner rule in his house.
347. Qui imperant, sint clementes; qui parent, obsequentes.
Those who rule should be merciful; those who obey, compliant.
348. Herus probus probatur, sicut et fidus súbditus.
A good master is praised, as is a loyal subordinate.
349. Princeps est minor quam dux, comes maior quam baro.
A prince is lower than a duke, a count is higher than a baron.
350. Nobilis eques insignibus donatus.
A noble knight is bestowed with insignia.
351. Hêrôs vincit omnes.
The hero surpasses all.
352. Pax est prorsus optanda.
Peace is absolutely desirable.
353. Bellum est perniciosum, nisi quum hostis arcendus est.
War is destructive, unless an enemy must be repelled.
354. Milites merent stipendia, armati scutis, hastis.
Soldiers earn their pay, armed with shields and spears.
355. Dum pugnant et proeliantur, tubae clangunt, tympana sonant, vexilla eriguntur.
While they fight and battle, trumpets blare, drums beat, and banners are raised.
356. Ex arcubus iaciunt sagittas, e bombardis globos.
They shoot arrows from bows, and cannonballs from cannons.
357. Tum gladiis vagînâ ereptis dîmicant.
Then they fight with swords drawn from their sheaths.
358. Tormentis arces expugnant.
They break down fortresses with catapults.
359. Revertuntur cum praeda atque victoria.
They return with booty and victory.
Caput VII. De Virtutibus. On Virtues.
360. Virtutes sectare. Vitia vita quae lex vetat.
Pursue virtues. Avoid the vices which the law forbids.
361. Patrans flagitia, scelestus est nequam.
One who perpetrates disgraceful deeds is a vile criminal.
362. Tu, ut prudens sis, prospice finem, aspice media, attende occasioni.
You, to be prudent, provide for the end, consider the means, and watch out for a (good) opportunity.
363. Praeterea occipe nil temere, dêlîbera diu, festîna lente.
What is more, begin nothing rashly, deliberate at length, make haste slowly.
364. Rumori ne crede, arcanum ne vulga.
Do not believe the rumor, do not spread the secret.
365. Quod ignoras, ne affirma aut nega, interroga potius.
Do not affirm or deny what you do not know, (but) rather ask.
366. Esto temperans! Quum esuris, ede. Quum sitis, bibe.
Be temperate! When you are hungry, eat. When you are thirsty, drink.
367. Helluones vorant et potant.
Gluttons gorge themselves and booze.
368. Prandium et cena tibi sufficiant. Ientaculum et merendam ne cura.
Lunch and dinner shall be enough for you. Do not bother with breakfast or an afternoon snack.
369. Sed ieiunare aliquando éxpedit.
But fasting once in a while is useful.
370. Sobrius non est ebrius.
The sober man is not drunk.
371. Esto castus. Gere te pudice.
Be chaste. Behave properly.
372. Esto modestus, non procax; taciturnus, non loquax.
Be modest, not insolent; quiet, not loquacious.
373. Vos iuvenes, colite senes.
You young men, honor the old.
374. Manifesta narra, secreta susurra, occulta cela.
Tell what is plain, whisper what is secret, conceal what is hidden.
375. Quum quis loquitur, tace. Quum tibi quid dicit, ausculta. Quum quid iubet, obtempera.
When someone speaks, be silent. When he says something to you, listen. When he commands something, obey.
376. Noli te iactare, nec sis arrogans aut superbus.
Do not boast, nor be presumptuous or arrogant.
377. Bona fama est ingens gloria et appendix felicitatis. Amare hanc fas est, spernere nefas.
A good reputation is a great glory and an addition to happiness. To love it is right, to spurn it is wrong.
378. Omnibus esto cômis, nemini blandus. Adulator est odiosus.
Be friendly to everyone, flattering to nobody. Sycophants are obnoxious.
379. Licet interdum iocari, sed urbane. Ridere etiam licet, sed non cachinnari.
You make joke on occasion, but gracefully. You may also laugh, but not guffaw.
380. Vexamus iocô, taxamus seriô, increpamus quomodocunque.
We tease jokingly, we annoy in earnest, we rebuke in both ways.
381. Frugalis contentus est paucis.
The frugal man is content with little.
382. Avarus est parcus, liberalis largus.
The stingy man is sparing, the gentleman generous.
383. Dives fatuus fidit Deo in copia, diffidit in inopia.
The foolish rich man trusts God in times of abundance, but distrusts Him in times of scarcity.
384. Iûstus nihil alieni appetit, quia furari turpe est.
The just man covets nothing belonging to another, for to steal is shameful.
385. Quod quis mutuo petit da. Quod mutuo accepisti redde. Quod promisisti, praesta.
Give what someone asks you to lend. Return what you have borrowed. Fulfill what you have promised.
386. Quum eges, ne pigeat poscere. Quum datur, ne pudeat sumere. Quum impetrasti, age gratias.
When you need something, do not be reluctant to ask for it. When it is given, do not be ashamed to take it. When you have obtained it, give thanks.
387. Fur pendat furtum, aut pendeat in patibulo.
A thief shall pay for his theft, or hang on the gallows.
388. Poenâ sânê dignus est.
He well deserves punishment.
389. Donum grâtîs datur, praemium pro officio, merces pro mérito.
A gift is given for free, a reward for a service, a wage for a merit.
390. Pusillanimis non est fortis.
The faint-hearted man is not brave.
391. In prosperis effertur, in adversis trepidat ac tremit.
In good times he is puffed up, in bad times he is agitated and trembles.
392. Tu esto ad operas álacris, otia linque ignavis.
You be eager to work, and leave idleness to the lazy.
393. Si quid vis conari, debes prius contari.
If you want to attempt something, you should first question it.
394. Et tunc rem aggredi, nec amplius cunctari.
And then tackle the problem, and hesitate no longer.
395. Fortuna est inconstans, adfert miseros casus.
Fortune is fickle, it brings lamentable accidents.
396. Quos patiens patitur, etiamsi (etsi) gemat, fleat, ploret.
The persevering man endures them, even if he groans, weeps, or laments.
397. Cóhibe iram. Delinquenti parce, deprecanti ignosce.
Restrain anger. Spare the offender, forgive the one who asks pardon.
398. Laesit te quis? Condona ei culpam.
Did someone insult you? Forgive him the fault.
399. Offendisti tu aliquem? Paca et placa illum, exorans, ut desinat irasci.
Have you offended someone? Soothe and appease him, begging that he cease to be angry.
400. Iniurias tolerare satius est quam ulcisci.
It is better to endure wrongs than to avenge them.
401. Malignus maledicit, stolidus minatur.
The malicious man slanders, the fool threatens.
402. Superioribus esto oboediens, aequalibus officiosus, inferioribus affabilis.
Be obedient to superiors, dutiful to equals, affable to inferiors.
403. Et eris amabilis, placebisque omnibus.
And you will be likeable and pleasing to everyone.
404. Quicumque humanus est, salutat obvios, salutantesque resalutat.
Who is courteous greets those he meets, and returns the greetings of those who greet him.
405. Interrogantibus respondet, postulantibus porrigit, egenis atque pauperibus opitulatur.
He answers those who ask, grants those who request, helps the needy and the poor.
406. Maestos solatur, ignaros informat, consilii índigis cônsulit.
He consoles the sorrowful, instructs the ignorant, advises those in need of counsel.
407. Invidet nemini, favet omnibus.
He envies no one, he favors all.
408. Verax studet veritati, mendax mentitur.
The truthful man strives for truth, the liar tells lies.
409. Amicus dîligit, inimîcus odit.
A friend loves, an enemy hates.
410. Dolosus suspicatur et dêcipit. Sincêrus non fallit.
The deceitful man suspects and deceives. The honest man does not cheat.
411. Socius adstat et iuvat, sodales colludunt.
A partner stands by and helps, comrades play together.
412. Comes comitatur.
A companion accompanies.
Conclusio. Conclusion.
413. Multane supersunt? Pauca admodum, puto.
Is there much left? Very little, I believe.
414. Ecce ultimus titulus!
Look, the last heading!
415. Nam hoc Vestibulum tantum est exordium. Cui non prolixo esse convenit.
For this Vestibule is only the beginning, which ought not to be lengthy.
416. Venimus ergo ad clausulam? Ita.
Are we then coming to the close? Yes.
417. Sic vita transit velut umbra.
Thus life passes like a shadow.
418. Quicquid natum est móritur.
Everything that is born dies.
419. Omnia in mundo sunt vana.
All things in the world are vain.
420. O peccator! Mors te devorabit.
O sinner! Death will devour you.
421. Tandem ibis in sepulchrum, e luce in ténebras.
At last you will go into the grave, from light into darkness.
422. Tu proinde, quisquis es, formîda înférnum! Desîdera caelum! Peccare noli, ne pereas.
Therefore you, whoever you are, fear hell! Desire heaven! Do not sin, lest you perish.
423. Hîc subsistimus nec addimus plus.
Here we stop and add no more.
424. Acquiesce lector! Reliqua reperies ordine, ingressus Ianuam.
Rest content, reader! You will find the rest in order, having entered the Janua.
425. Antequam abeas, ora mecum.
Before you go, pray with me.
426. Miserere nostri, Benigne Salvator, Iesu Christe!
Have mercy on us, gracious Savior, Jesus Christ!
427. Da scientiam, da pietatem, da beatitudinem, Benedicte in saecula saeculorum, AMEN.
Grant knowledge, grant piety, grant happiness, o Blessed One forever and ever, AMEN.
This edition of the Vestibulum is based on a text digitized by the University of Mannheim. The text was corrected, slightly edited and translated into English by Dr. Viktor Becher.