Pretty Lessons in Verse for Good Children; with Some Lessons in Latin, in Easy Rhyme. By Sara Coleridge. The Fourth Edition, with Many Cuts |
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 | LESSONS IN LATIN. |
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 | Pretty Lessons in Verse |  |
85
LESSONS IN LATIN.
[A Father is pater, a mother is mater]
A Father is pater, a mother is mater,A sister is soror, a brother is frater;
A child should obey both his father and mother,
And brothers and sisters should love one another.
[Ramus means a bough]
Ramus means a bough,Baculum a staff;
Vacca means a cow,
Vitulus a calf.
[A bird is called avis]
A bird is called avis,A key is called clavis,
And clava's a club;
A nail or knob's clavus,
A grandfather avus,
And frutex a shrub.
86
[That rex is a king, regina a queen]
That rex is a king, regina a queen,And regnum a kingdom, to me is well known;
While sceptrum's a sceptre, corona a crown,
And solium has ever been Latin for throne.
[I fear the wise folks will deride us]
I fear the wise folks will deride usIf we cannot tell them that sidus,
And astrum, and stella, are Latin for star;
At night you may see how it shines from afar.
[Stagnum means a pool]
Stagnum means a pool,Fluvius a river;
Arcus means a bow,
Pharĕtra a quiver;
Telum means a dart,
Which in air doth quiver;
Frigus means the cold,
Which doth make us shiver;
Donum means a gift—
Be a noble giver;
Cor doth mean the heart,
Jecur means the liver;
Flumen, I am told,
Means a flowing river.
87
[Saltus is a lawn or glade]
Saltus is a lawn or glade,Open space in wood or grove,
Deer will quit the sylvan shade,
There to sport and freely rove:
There a little purling brook
O'er its pebbly bed is playing;
Sheep for tender herbage look,
By its margin softly straying.
[Grando is hail, and tonitru thunder]
Grando is hail, and tonitru thunder,And fulmen is lightning, and that is no blunder;
And radix a root, which grows the earth under,
And flamen's a blast, which tears things asunder.
[Aura means a gentle breeze]
Aura means a gentle breeze,Which curls the lake and moves the trees;
Ventus means the wind so loud,
Which tears the branch and drives the cloud.
88
[Nox is the night]
Nox
is the night,
When up in the sky
The bright twinkling stars
And moon you may spy.
When up in the sky
The bright twinkling stars
And moon you may spy.
Nux is a nut
Which grows on a tree;
By cracking the shell
The kernel you see.
Which grows on a tree;
By cracking the shell
The kernel you see.
Nix is the snow
Which covers the ground,
When trees have no leaves,
And flowers are not found.
Which covers the ground,
When trees have no leaves,
And flowers are not found.
[A boy like my Herbert should ne'er]
A boy like my Herbert should ne'er
Shed tears like a baby, and cry,
Pecause a new plaything or gift
Mama may be forced to deny.
Shed tears like a baby, and cry,
Pecause a new plaything or gift
Mama may be forced to deny.
His Latin he always must say,
And puer is Latin for boy,
And donum is Latin for gift,
And gaudium's Latin for joy.
And puer is Latin for boy,
And donum is Latin for gift,
And gaudium's Latin for joy.
When Herbert can say all his nouns,
And likewise the four conjugations,
How much it will please his Papa,
His Aunty, and all his relations!
And likewise the four conjugations,
How much it will please his Papa,
His Aunty, and all his relations!
89
[Rice is oryza, and milium millet]
Rice is oryza, and milium millet,Corbis a basket,—with fruit let us fill it;
Mus is a mouse, the sly cat means to kill it;
And felis is Latin for cat.
Thus is the frankincense, sweet when you smell it;
Quercus an oak, and the woodman will fell it;
Verbum's a word, and my Herbert can spell it;
And sorex is Latin for rat.
[Dens is a tooth, gingīva the gum]
Dens is a tooth, gingīva the gum,And manus the hand, and pollex the thumb;
A finger is digitus, cutis the skin,
And nasus the nose, and mentum the chin;
And oculus means in Latin the eye,
With which many books you'll read by and by.
[Nemus and silva I've long understood]
Nemus and silva I've long understood,Both are in Latin the names for a wood.
Olor and cygnus are Latin for swan;
Lately I saw one glide gracefully on:
Smooth was the stream that he rested upon,
White was his plumage on which the sun shone.
90
[Sol is the sun]
Sol
is the sun
Which shines in the sky,
What is the son
Whom here we espy?
Which shines in the sky,
What is the son
Whom here we espy?
Filius means son,
Filia means daughter;
Edith must learn this,
Latin must be taught her.
Filia means daughter;
Edith must learn this,
Latin must be taught her.
Pater means a father,
Genitor the same;
Genitrix and mater
Both are mother's name.
Genitor the same;
Genitrix and mater
Both are mother's name.
[A meadow is pratum, a flower is called flos]
A meadow is pratum, a flower is called flos,And muscus, my child, is the Latin for moss;
And flumen's a river, and stagnum a pool,
Magister's a master, and schola's a school.
A vineyard is vinea, hortus a garden,
And venia means what in English is pardon;
And pardon my Herbert must certainly ask,
If e'er he's accused of neglecting his task.
91
[Crater and likewise cratēra, I think]
Crater and likewise cratēra, I thinkBoth mean a bowl out of which you may drink;
Corbis and calăthus, if you should ask it,
Both are, in Latin, the names for a basket;
Also canistrum doth mean the same thing:
Herbert shall have one this very next spring,
Flow'rets, and pebbles, and mosses to bring.
[The lion in Africa reigns]
The lion in Africa reigns;The tiger his empire maintains
In India's palm-bearing land:
And leo is Latin for lion;
I hope that I never shall spy one
Without his good keeper at hand:
A tiger is tigris; I trust I shall ne'er
Fall in with a tiger aroused from his lair.
92
CORN.
Spica
means an ear of corn,
Gluma is the husk or sheath;
And arista is the beard—
Granum is the grain beneath.
Gluma is the husk or sheath;
And arista is the beard—
Granum is the grain beneath.
Palea's the name for chaff,
Area the threshing floor;
Better know the whole than half,
Though you have to labour more.
Area the threshing floor;
Better know the whole than half,
Though you have to labour more.
[Hearing is audītus]
Hearing is audītus,
Infant's cry vagītus;
Lacryma's a briny tear:
Tears and heavy sighing,
Baby's piteous crying,
Ne'er may mother see or hear!
Infant's cry vagītus;
Lacryma's a briny tear:
Tears and heavy sighing,
Baby's piteous crying,
Ne'er may mother see or hear!
93
Sharpest thorn is spina,
Sword's sheath is vagina.
Ensis means a sword of steel;
Foeman fell and fierce,
Ne'er my child shall pierce,
Tearing thorn she ne'er shall feel.
Sword's sheath is vagina.
Ensis means a sword of steel;
Foeman fell and fierce,
Ne'er my child shall pierce,
Tearing thorn she ne'er shall feel.
Seta is a bristle,
Carduus a thistle.
Aper is a foaming boar;
Thistle ne'er shall prick her,
Bristle ne'er shall stick her,
No wild beast my babe shall gore.
Carduus a thistle.
Aper is a foaming boar;
Thistle ne'er shall prick her,
Bristle ne'er shall stick her,
No wild beast my babe shall gore.
THE LOST SPOON AND FORK.
An elegant cup, I declare,
Of silver so pure and so bright,
Was given to my little boy,
And great was my Herbert's delight.
Of silver so pure and so bright,
Was given to my little boy,
And great was my Herbert's delight.
His joy would have been greater still
Could we but have placed in his sight
The pretty new spoon and the fork;
But they have not yet come to light.
Could we but have placed in his sight
The pretty new spoon and the fork;
But they have not yet come to light.
The cup of pure silver is made,
A finer you never took up;
Argentum is Latin for silver,
And poculum's Latin for cup.
A finer you never took up;
Argentum is Latin for silver,
And poculum's Latin for cup.
94
[Aqua is water, and unda a wave]
Aqua is water, and unda a wave,Sinus a bay, and spelunca a cave.
Vas is a vessel, and cymba a skiff:
Rupes and petra are Latin for cliff:
A skiff means a vessel so light and so limber,
And lignum is wood which is often called timber.
Silva's a wood, a forest, or grove,
In which we delight in summer to rove;
And callis the path by which we may ramble,
And rubus, I know, is the Latin for bramble.
[Mare means the sea]
Mare means the sea,Littus means the shore;
Listen unto me,
I will tell you more.
Alga is sea-weed,
Concha is a shell;
If you take good heed,
You will know it well.
And my boy must understand,
That arena means the sand.
95
[The top of a tree cacūmen is called]
The top of a tree cacūmen is called,And umbra is shade or shadow, you see;
To sit in the shade is pleasant enough;
And Herbert shall climb to the top of the tree.
[Virga's a rod, flagellum a whip]
Virga 's a rod, flagellum a whip,And poculum means a cup;
And vinum the wine, which thence you may sip:
Don't drink it too greedily up.
[Cæna is supper, and prandium dinner]
Cæna is supper, and prandium dinner,And epulum means a feast;
And dapes are dainties, my little beginner,
And caro's the flesh of a beast.
[An army is exercĭtus—it causes great dismay]
An army is exercĭtus—it causes great dismay;And hostis means the enemy that should be kept at bay;
And agmen means the army when it marches on its way,
And acies the army in its battle-field army,
And copia the armed force which makes a great display.
An arrow's sagitta, and nervus a string;
A bow is called arcus, and funda's a sling.
96
PLANTS.
Vaccinium 's a hyacinth,And so is hyacinthus;
The tree that bears the turpentine
Was once called terebinthus.
And myrtus is the myrtle fair,
The daffodil narcissus;
And common flax is linum called,
And fine flax is called byssus.
Urtīca is the nettle's name,
Serpyllum is wild thyme,
Melissophyllon balm doth mean,
And tilia is the lime.
And as for the true ancient thyme,
That grew on Mount Hymettus,
'Twas thymus capitatus called:
Lactūca is the lettuce.
[An army is exercĭtus]
An army is exercĭtus,And classis means a fleet;
And sanguis means the blood that flows
When fleets and armies meet.
97
[Trumpeter's tubĭcen, piper tibīcen]
Trumpeter's tubĭcen, piper tibīcen,One word is short and the other is long;
Coots, are called fulĭcæ, soot is fulīgo;
Mind that you never accent the words wrong.
[Tibia's a flute, which is very sweet]
Tibia 's a flute, which is very sweet,Tympănum's a drum, which you loudly beat;
What a sound it gives when the people thump it!
Fistula's a pipe, tuba is a trumpet.
[A Town is called oppĭdum, urbs is a city]
A Town is called oppĭdum, urbs is a city,And rus is the country, so fresh and so pretty;
A hill is called collis, and mons is a mountain,
And vallis a valley, and fons is a fountain.
[Domus means a house, aula means a hall]
Domus means a house, aula means a hall,Janua's a gate, paries a wall;
Porta means a door, mensa means a table,
Tectum means a roof, stabŭlum a stable;
A tower is called turris, a window fenestra,
A wrestling, the place where men wrestle, palæstra.
98
[Caudex, and codex, and stirps, all three]
Caudex , and codex, and stirps, all threeMean the great trunk or stem of a tree,
Which with its head and its limbs you see.
Truncus means nought but the stock or trunk,
Stripp'd of its boughs, beheaded and shrunk,
Shaven and shorn like any old monk.
[Cortex means the bark, fructus means the fruit]
Cortex means the bark, fructus means the fruit,Ramus means a bough, radix means the root;
Folium's a leaf, frons doth mean the same,
Semen is the seed whence the forest came.
[A shrub is called frutex, and arbor's a tree]
A shrub is called frutex, and arbor's a tree;And what, my dear boy, may the difference be
That 'twixt trees and shrubs you have found?
“A tree with one stem or trunk springs from its root,
A shrub into several branches doth shoot
As soon as it gets above ground.”
99
[Hoar frost is pruīna, and pluvia's rain]
Hoar frost is pruīna, and pluvia's rain,And nebula mist, that hides mountain and plain;
And ice is called glacies, aër is air,
And gĕlu is frost, which the ice doth prepare.
[A father's brother, mother's brother, are not called the same]
A father's brother, mother's brother, are not called the same
In Latin, though an uncle is the only English name;
For patruus the first is called, from pater, I suppose;
The second is avunculus, as every scholar knows.
One kind of aunt is patrua, avuncula the other;
Privignus is a son-in-law, noverca's a stepmother.
A grandmother is avia, and nepos a grandson;
And avus is a grandfather;—your task is not yet done.
In Latin, though an uncle is the only English name;
For patruus the first is called, from pater, I suppose;
The second is avunculus, as every scholar knows.
One kind of aunt is patrua, avuncula the other;
Privignus is a son-in-law, noverca's a stepmother.
A grandmother is avia, and nepos a grandson;
And avus is a grandfather;—your task is not yet done.
Proăvus means a great-grandfather;
Abăvus, I have been told,
Means a man's grandfather's grandfather,
Who must be wond'rously old.
Abăvus, I have been told,
Means a man's grandfather's grandfather,
Who must be wond'rously old.
Atăvus—he is no lad,
He's a great grandfather's grandfather,
Trităvus means the grand-dad
Of a man's grandfather's grandfather.
He's a great grandfather's grandfather,
Trităvus means the grand-dad
Of a man's grandfather's grandfather.
100
PAIN AND PUNISHMENT.
Scutĭca 's a scourge, verber is a lash:Dread the rising surge, which doth fiercely dash.
Virga is a rod, ictus is a stroke;
Vulnus is a wound, which is not a joke.
Should the folks inquire, Herbert soon could tell 'em
That the horrid whip once was called flagellum.
WORDS ALIKE AND UNLIKE.
Acĭnus
means the stone of grapes,
And asĭnus means an ass:
The boy that can't the difference see
May well for a donkey pass.
And asĭnus means an ass:
The boy that can't the difference see
May well for a donkey pass.
Tribulum means a thrashing machine,
And tribulus means a weed—
The caltrop, arm'd with a prickly fruit;
Its spikes would make you bleed.
And tribulus means a weed—
The caltrop, arm'd with a prickly fruit;
Its spikes would make you bleed.
Clava's a stout batoon or club,
And clavis a cleff or key,
And clavus a nail, a button, or stud,
Which on the dress you see.
And clavis a cleff or key,
And clavus a nail, a button, or stud,
Which on the dress you see.
101
Olor doth mean the graceful swan,
And oleum oil so sweet;
And olus the excellent garden stuff—
The pot-herbs fit to eat.
And oleum oil so sweet;
And olus the excellent garden stuff—
The pot-herbs fit to eat.
Cucŭmis means the Cucumber
That winds along the ground;
Cucurbĭta the swelling gourd
That makes the bowl so round.
That winds along the ground;
Cucurbĭta the swelling gourd
That makes the bowl so round.
Pilum's a dart or javelin strong,
And pilus a worthless hair;
And pila's a pestal to pound withal,—
A ball to toss in air.
And pilus a worthless hair;
And pila's a pestal to pound withal,—
A ball to toss in air.
Populus doth the people mean,
And also a poplar-tree;
And poples means the tender ham,
The part behind the knee.
And also a poplar-tree;
And poples means the tender ham,
The part behind the knee.
[Patĕra's a goblet]
Patĕra
's a goblet;
Crater is a bowl:
Crown the cups with roses,
That's a merry soul!
Crater is a bowl:
Crown the cups with roses,
That's a merry soul!
Bring the rich dessert in,
Apples, nuts, and pears;
Strew the dish with posies,
Bid adieu to cares.
Apples, nuts, and pears;
Strew the dish with posies,
Bid adieu to cares.
102
PRICKLES AND THORNS.
Sentis
means a thorn-bush,
Spina means a thorn;
Go not near the quickset hedge,
Lest your clothes be torn.
Spina means a thorn;
Go not near the quickset hedge,
Lest your clothes be torn.
Spinus means a sloe tree,
Vepres means a bramble;
Try to keep away from it
When you take a ramble.
Vepres means a bramble;
Try to keep away from it
When you take a ramble.
Dumus is a low bush,
Rubus is a brier;
When its blackberries are picked,
Throw it in the fire.
Rubus is a brier;
When its blackberries are picked,
Throw it in the fire.
Ruscus is the knee-broom,
Carduus a thistle;
Goldfinch feasts on thistle-seed;
Hear his slender whistle;
Carduus a thistle;
Goldfinch feasts on thistle-seed;
Hear his slender whistle;
Spanish broom genista is,
Filix is the fern;
In the woodlands you may spy it
Wheresoe'er you turn.
Filix is the fern;
In the woodlands you may spy it
Wheresoe'er you turn.
103
[Ovis means a sheep]
Ovis
means a sheep,
Avis means a bird,
Equus means a horse,
Which is often spurred.
Avis means a bird,
Equus means a horse,
Which is often spurred.
Terra is the earth,
Solum is the ground;
Gramen is the grass
Which thereon is found.
Solum is the ground;
Gramen is the grass
Which thereon is found.
Ventus means the wind
Which is very loud;
Arbor means the tree
Which by wind is bowed.
Which is very loud;
Arbor means the tree
Which by wind is bowed.
Aura means a breeze,
Lacus means a lake;
Breezes shake the trees,
Breezes curl the lake.
Lacus means a lake;
Breezes shake the trees,
Breezes curl the lake.
Vacca means a cow,
Porcus means a pig;
Sus doth mean a sow,
Which is fat and big.
Porcus means a pig;
Sus doth mean a sow,
Which is fat and big.
Caper is a goat,
Aries a ram;
Taurus means a bull,
Agnus means a lamb.
Aries a ram;
Taurus means a bull,
Agnus means a lamb.
104
[Lupus means a wolf]
Lupus means a wolf,
Ursa is a bear,
Vulpes means a fox,
Lepus means a hare;
Ursa is a bear,
Vulpes means a fox,
Lepus means a hare;
Elephas an elephant,
Leo is a lion,
That 's a very noble beast
As you e'er set eye on.
Leo is a lion,
That 's a very noble beast
As you e'er set eye on.
THE DECLENSIONS.
Musa—A Song.
What a pleasant song is learning,
When 'tis played in time and tune!
'Tis of finest sounds a concord
Which my boy must study soon.
When 'tis played in time and tune!
'Tis of finest sounds a concord
Which my boy must study soon.
When to this melodious strain
Herbert shall attune his voice,
Loud and lustily shall chant it,
How his parents will rejoice!
Herbert shall attune his voice,
Loud and lustily shall chant it,
How his parents will rejoice!
105
Dominus—A Lord.
Learning is the noble lordWhom my boy must learn to serve;
Show him zeal and true obedience,
Choicest gifts from him deserve.
Magister—A Master.
Learning is the gracious master,Whom my Herbert must obey:
Peace and plenty shall reward him,
Under that benignant sway.
Regnum—A Kingdom.
Learning is the spacious realmWhich my Herbert may inherit;
If he rules it well and wisely,
Great, indeed, will be his merit.
Nubes—A Cloud.
Though at times with heavy aspectLearning like a cloud may lower;
Soon we view the cloud descending
In a fertilizing shower.
Lapis—A Stone.
Some a rugged stone may call it,Only fit to knock one down;
I a precious jewel deem it,
Fit for any monarch's crown.
106
Opus—A Work.
Some esteem it toil and trouble,Which nor profit brings nor pleasure;
I'll engage that it will render
Both in overflowing measure.
Parens—A Parent.
Learning is a loving parent:Be his fond assiduous child;
Never from his happy presence
May my Herbert be exiled!
Though he seem to frown on truants,
Yet his nature, kind and mild,
Courts them to his arms indulgent,
Willing to be reconciled.
Gradus—A Step.
Learning is a step secureTo the bowers of fairy-land;
Through a flowery maze it leads us,
Nature's gifts at our command.
Facies—A Face.
Learning, Herbert, hath the features
Almost of an angel's face;
Contemplate them fixedly,
Learn by heart each speaking grace.
Almost of an angel's face;
Contemplate them fixedly,
Learn by heart each speaking grace.
107
Truth and wisdom, high-wrought fancy,
In those lineaments we trace;
Never be your eyes averted
Long from that resplendent face.
In those lineaments we trace;
Never be your eyes averted
Long from that resplendent face.
THE FIVE DECLENSIONS.
In words of declension the first—
Attend, little scholar, to me—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an æ.
Attend, little scholar, to me—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an æ.
In words of declension the second—
To learn it I beg you will try—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an i.
To learn it I beg you will try—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an i.
In words of declension the third—
Attend, little scholar, to this—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an is.
Attend, little scholar, to this—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an is.
In words of declension the fourth—
Pray learn it without any fuss—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an us.
Pray learn it without any fuss—
The singular genitive case
Doth constantly end in an us.
In words of declension the fifth—
I pray, little scholar, attend—
The singular genitive case
In ei doth constantly end.
I pray, little scholar, attend—
The singular genitive case
In ei doth constantly end.
108
BEES.
In Latin apis means a bee,
And honey is call'd mel,
And favus is the honey-comb,
And cella is the cell.
And honey is call'd mel,
And favus is the honey-comb,
And cella is the cell.
In Latin cera means the wax,
And alvear the hive,
In which the Bees their food prepare,
In which they live and thrive.
And alvear the hive,
In which the Bees their food prepare,
In which they live and thrive.
And flores are the fragrant flowers
They skilfully select;
And pollen is the yellow dust
Which they from them collect.
They skilfully select;
And pollen is the yellow dust
Which they from them collect.
And femur is the tiny thigh,
Well fringed with useful hair;
And tilia is the linden-tree,
To which the bees repair.
Well fringed with useful hair;
And tilia is the linden-tree,
To which the bees repair.
And mellio's the honey-gnat,
And fucus is a drone;
And spiculum's the fearful sting,
Which causes many a groan.
And fucus is a drone;
And spiculum's the fearful sting,
Which causes many a groan.
109
Exāmen is the busy swarm,
And gluten is the glue
With which they stop the crevices,
When they their work review.
And gluten is the glue
With which they stop the crevices,
When they their work review.
And chrysălis the curious case,
The cradle of the Bee;
And propŏlis the sticky stuff
Which on their doors you see.
The cradle of the Bee;
And propŏlis the sticky stuff
Which on their doors you see.
But little did the ancients know
With what they feed their young;
And Virgil called the queen a king,
When of their works he sung.
With what they feed their young;
And Virgil called the queen a king,
When of their works he sung.
110
THE WINDS, and WHERE THEY COME FROM.
The North is called Septentrĭo,
And thence the northern wind doth blow;
And Boreas the north wind's name is,
A keen and boist rous blast the same is.
And thence the northern wind doth blow;
And Boreas the north wind's name is,
A keen and boist rous blast the same is.
The South is called Meridies,
And thence comes many a humid breeze;
And Auster is the south wind's name;
Much rain doth oft come with the same.
And thence comes many a humid breeze;
And Auster is the south wind's name;
Much rain doth oft come with the same.
And Oriens doth mean the East,
Whence blows the gale we love the least;
And Eurus is the east wind's name;
Injurious blights come with the same.
Whence blows the gale we love the least;
And Eurus is the east wind's name;
Injurious blights come with the same.
And Occĭdens doth mean the West,
Whence breathes the wind we love the best;
And Zephyrus the west wind's name is,
A soft and gentle breeze the same is.
Whence breathes the wind we love the best;
And Zephyrus the west wind's name is,
A soft and gentle breeze the same is.
111
ANIMALS IN LATIN.
I am told cercopithēcus
Is the monkey's Latin name;
Simia is the ape so ugly,
Felis means the cat so tame.
Is the monkey's Latin name;
Simia is the ape so ugly,
Felis means the cat so tame.
Lutra is the swimming otter;
Skipping squirrel is sciūrus;
But the weasel is mustēla,
As the Latin books assure us.
Skipping squirrel is sciūrus;
But the weasel is mustēla,
As the Latin books assure us.
Bufo is the lurking toad,
Greatly prized by witch and wizard;
Rana is the leaping frog,
And lacertus is the lizard.
Greatly prized by witch and wizard;
Rana is the leaping frog,
And lacertus is the lizard.
Erīnaceus is the hedge-hog,
Talpa is the burrowing mole;
Mus the little nibbling mouse,
Which retires within his hole.
Talpa is the burrowing mole;
Mus the little nibbling mouse,
Which retires within his hole.
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Stellio's the spotted swift;
Vespertilio the bat;
Glis is Latin for the dormouse
Sorex is the sharp-eyed rat.
Vespertilio the bat;
Glis is Latin for the dormouse
Sorex is the sharp-eyed rat.
Serpens means the creeping serpent,
Colŭber doth mean the same;
Anguis is the poison'd snake,
Vipĕra's the viper's name.
Colŭber doth mean the same;
Anguis is the poison'd snake,
Vipĕra's the viper's name.
I have read, too, that echĭnus
Means the bristling rough sea-urchin:
All these words you'll surely find
When the classic works you search in.
Means the bristling rough sea-urchin:
All these words you'll surely find
When the classic works you search in.
FRUITS.
In Latin, fructus is a fruit,
And bacca is a berry,
And mespĭlum the medlar brown,
And cerăsus a cherry.
And bacca is a berry,
And mespĭlum the medlar brown,
And cerăsus a cherry.
Oilva the green olive is,
And ficus means a fig;
And nux is Latin for a nut,
Which is not very big.
And ficus means a fig;
And nux is Latin for a nut,
Which is not very big.
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And fragum means a strawberry,
Which grows upon the ground;
And morum is the mulberry,
Which on a tree is found.
Which grows upon the ground;
And morum is the mulberry,
Which on a tree is found.
And nux castănea is that
Which we the chestnut call;
Nux avellāna likewise means
The filbert—best of all.
Which we the chestnut call;
Nux avellāna likewise means
The filbert—best of all.
And malum doth an apple mean,
Adorned with ruddy streak;
And malum Persĭcum the peach,
Which hath a glowing cheek.
Adorned with ruddy streak;
And malum Persĭcum the peach,
Which hath a glowing cheek.
And pomum means an apple, too,
And uva means a grape;
Cucurbĭta the swelling gourd,
So globular in shape.
And uva means a grape;
Cucurbĭta the swelling gourd,
So globular in shape.
And sorbum is the service-berry;
Prunum is a plum;
And glans the little acorn is,
From which the oak doth come.
Prunum is a plum;
And glans the little acorn is,
From which the oak doth come.
And dacty̆lus doth mean the date,
Which on the palm-tree grows;
And pyrum is the juicy pear,
With which my song shall close.
Which on the palm-tree grows;
And pyrum is the juicy pear,
With which my song shall close.
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THE SEA.
Oceanus
in Latin is the ocean's name;
And mare means the sea, that ever ebbs and flows:
And pelăgus and fretum also mean the same;
And ventus means the wind, that o'er the ocean blows.
And mare means the sea, that ever ebbs and flows:
And pelăgus and fretum also mean the same;
And ventus means the wind, that o'er the ocean blows.
And nubes are the clouds, and cælum is the sky;
Arēna is the sand, and littus is the shore:
And alga's the sea-weed, which on the shore doth lie;
And mergus is the cormorant, which o'er the sea doth soar.
Arēna is the sand, and littus is the shore:
And alga's the sea-weed, which on the shore doth lie;
And mergus is the cormorant, which o'er the sea doth soar.
And specus and spelunca both are names for cave;
And nymphæ are the nymphs who live beneath the main;
And water is called aqua, and unda is a wave,
And sal's the name for salt, which ocean doth contain.
And nymphæ are the nymphs who live beneath the main;
And water is called aqua, and unda is a wave,
And sal's the name for salt, which ocean doth contain.
Corălum is coral, and concha is a shell,
And spuma is the froth that floats upon the wave;
And saxum means a rock—I'd have you mark it well:
And portus means the harbour, which weary sailors crave
And spuma is the froth that floats upon the wave;
And saxum means a rock—I'd have you mark it well:
And portus means the harbour, which weary sailors crave
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The name for fish in Latin is piscis, I declare,
And salmo is the salmon, that doth to sea repair;
And delphin is a dolphin, so frolicsome and fair;
Balæna is a whale, a monster strong and bold;
And ardea's a heron, which loves a fish to eat;
And halcyon's the kingfisher, which on the coast you meet;
And ostrea's an oyster, which many think a treat;
And specula's a beacon, which mariners behold.
And salmo is the salmon, that doth to sea repair;
And delphin is a dolphin, so frolicsome and fair;
Balæna is a whale, a monster strong and bold;
And ardea's a heron, which loves a fish to eat;
And halcyon's the kingfisher, which on the coast you meet;
And ostrea's an oyster, which many think a treat;
And specula's a beacon, which mariners behold.
FLOWERS.
A lily is called lilium, and rosa is a rose,
And viola's the violet that blossoms in the shade;
And crocus is the saffron that in the meadow grows;
Papāver is the poppy whence opium is made.
Ligustrum some call privet, but others do allege,
That 'tis the snowy bindweed that hangs upon the hedge.
And viola's the violet that blossoms in the shade;
And crocus is the saffron that in the meadow grows;
Papāver is the poppy whence opium is made.
Ligustrum some call privet, but others do allege,
That 'tis the snowy bindweed that hangs upon the hedge.
Vaccinium's the hyacinth, of which the poets sing;
Some fancy it the bilbery that grows upon the hill;
And primula's the primrose, the darling of the spring,
And caltha is the marygold, anēthum fragrant dill;
And juncus is a bulrush, arundo is a reed,
Ranunculus is crowfoot, and that's a common weed.
Some fancy it the bilbery that grows upon the hill;
And primula's the primrose, the darling of the spring,
And caltha is the marygold, anēthum fragrant dill;
And juncus is a bulrush, arundo is a reed,
Ranunculus is crowfoot, and that's a common weed.
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That thymbra means strong savory, some writers do aver;
Cerinthe is the honeywort in which the bees delight;
And ivy is called hedĕra, on that there 's no demur;
Pæonia's the peony, in richest crimson dight;
Verbenæ is the vervain, for healing virtue famed,
Centaurea the centaury, from wounded Chiron named.
Cerinthe is the honeywort in which the bees delight;
And ivy is called hedĕra, on that there 's no demur;
Pæonia's the peony, in richest crimson dight;
Verbenæ is the vervain, for healing virtue famed,
Centaurea the centaury, from wounded Chiron named.
AGRICULTURE.
The land or earth is terra, and ager is a field,
A husbandman's agricŏla, arātrum is his plough;
Frumentum is the corn or wheat which fertile earth doth yield,
And messis is the harvest which crowns the farmer's vow.
A husbandman's agricŏla, arātrum is his plough;
Frumentum is the corn or wheat which fertile earth doth yield,
And messis is the harvest which crowns the farmer's vow.
And vomer means the ploughshare, and scholars are agreed
That stiva is the handle, in ancient Latin lore;
And lolium is darnel, and that's a sorry weed,
Arātor is a ploughman, and sator is a sower.
That stiva is the handle, in ancient Latin lore;
And lolium is darnel, and that's a sorry weed,
Arātor is a ploughman, and sator is a sower.
The land, when tilled, is seges, which also means a crop,
And messor is the reaper, and granum is the grain,
And semen is the seed which careful sowers drop;
A reaping-hook is falx, and plaustrum is a wain.
And messor is the reaper, and granum is the grain,
And semen is the seed which careful sowers drop;
A reaping-hook is falx, and plaustrum is a wain.
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A fallow field is arvum, and cespes turf or sod,
And rastrum is a harrow, or what we call a rake;
Flagellum is a flail, and gleba means a clod,
And crates means a hurdle, and that is no mistake.
And rastrum is a harrow, or what we call a rake;
Flagellum is a flail, and gleba means a clod,
And crates means a hurdle, and that is no mistake.
And oats are called avēna, and stipŭla is stubble,
And hordeum is barley, and that's a useful grain;
And lappa is bur which gives the farmer trouble,
And horreum's the granary which doth the corn contain.
And hordeum is barley, and that's a useful grain;
And lappa is bur which gives the farmer trouble,
And horreum's the granary which doth the corn contain.
And satum means that which is sown, the standing corn, the blade,
And spica means the spike, the precious ear of corn;
Farīna is the flour which into bread is made,
And culmus is the straw on which the ear is borne.
And spica means the spike, the precious ear of corn;
Farīna is the flour which into bread is made,
And culmus is the straw on which the ear is borne.
Arista is the ear, more properly the beard,
Pistrīnum is the mill in which the corn is ground;
And boves are the oxen that for the plough are reared,
And rota is the wheel which in the mill goes round.
Pistrīnum is the mill in which the corn is ground;
And boves are the oxen that for the plough are reared,
And rota is the wheel which in the mill goes round.
And area's a thrashing-floor, and palea is chaff,
And Herbert must remember that vavnus is the fan;
And panis means the bread which is of life the staff:
His bread my boy must earn as soon as he's a man.
And Herbert must remember that vavnus is the fan;
And panis means the bread which is of life the staff:
His bread my boy must earn as soon as he's a man.
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PASTORALS.
In Latin ovis means a sheep,
And aries a ram;
And vervex is a wether's name,
And agnus means a lamb.
And aries a ram;
And vervex is a wether's name,
And agnus means a lamb.
And lana is the name for wool,
And vellus means a fleece;
And tonsor is the shearer kind,
Who doth the sheep release.
And vellus means a fleece;
And tonsor is the shearer kind,
Who doth the sheep release.
But pastor is the shepherd's name,
And pedum is his crook,
And fistula the flute or pipe
No shepherd e'er forsook.
And pedum is his crook,
And fistula the flute or pipe
No shepherd e'er forsook.
And grex is Latin for a flock;
Ovīle means a fold,
Tugurium the little hut,
So lowly to behold.
Ovīle means a fold,
Tugurium the little hut,
So lowly to behold.
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And pratum doth the meadow mean,
Where tender herbage grows;
And rivus is the rivulet
Which by the meadow flows.
Where tender herbage grows;
And rivus is the rivulet
Which by the meadow flows.
And gramen is the dewy grass
Well cropped by nibbling flocks;
And canis is the barking dog
Which drives them from the rocks.
Well cropped by nibbling flocks;
And canis is the barking dog
Which drives them from the rocks.
And umbra is the shade they seek
Within the ancient grove;
And sepes is the verdant fence
O'er which they may not rove.
Within the ancient grove;
And sepes is the verdant fence
O'er which they may not rove.
FIRE, &c.
That ignis is fire, and flamma a flame,And fumus the smoke which comes from the same,
And ashes are cinis, I'd have you remember:
And as to favilla, it means a hot ember.
A hearth is called focus, and scholars will mark
That fulgor means brightness, scintilla a spark;
Black soot is fuligo, and follis the bellows,
And heat is called calor, my good little fellows;
And ardor means burning, from which we receive
Our English word ardour, I really believe.
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THE SHIP.
In Latin, navis means a ship, and cymba means a skiff,And malus means the towering mast that is so tall and stiff;
Antennæ mean the sail-yards, and velum is a sail,
And lintea are streamers that flutter in the gale;
The keel is called carīna; and, Herbert you must learn,
That prora means the prow, and puppis means the stern;
The rudder's gubernaculum, and remus is an oar;
And nauta is a sailor, and remex is a rower:
A pilot's gubernātor, he guides the ship along,
And funis is a cable, which should be stout and strong.
Phasēlus is a pinnace, a little ship or bark:
That cornua are yard-arms, I pray you learn and mark;
And anchŏra's an anchor, and carbăsus a sail;
Naufragium is shipwreck, and flatus is a gale.
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THE VINE.
Vitis means the clasping vine,
Palmes means a twig or shoot;
Grapes which make the rosy wine
Are the vine's delicious fruit.
Palmes means a twig or shoot;
Grapes which make the rosy wine
Are the vine's delicious fruit.
Vinea's the pleasant vineyard,
And propāgo means a layer;
Vinitor's the cultivator,
He who rears the plants with care.
And propāgo means a layer;
Vinitor's the cultivator,
He who rears the plants with care.
There's another name for vineyards,
'Tis vinētum you must know;
Vinea and eke vinetum
Mean the place where vine-plants grow.
'Tis vinētum you must know;
Vinea and eke vinetum
Mean the place where vine-plants grow.
Uva means a bunch of grapes,
Grieved would all be to resign 'em;
But the sparkling wine they make,
Has the Latin name of vinum.
Grieved would all be to resign 'em;
But the sparkling wine they make,
Has the Latin name of vinum.
Tendrils are capreŏli,
And racēmus means a cluster;
Some are purple, some are green,
Lovely both in form and lustre.
And racēmus means a cluster;
Some are purple, some are green,
Lovely both in form and lustre.
Prelum is the squeezing press,
Where the grape's rich blood is gushing;
Pampĭnus a leaf or vine-branch,
Whereupon the grapes are blushing.
Where the grape's rich blood is gushing;
Pampĭnus a leaf or vine-branch,
Whereupon the grapes are blushing.
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Acĭnus a grape-stone means—
Once it stopped a poet's breath;
But the grape's inflaming juice
Causes many a proser's death.
Once it stopped a poet's breath;
But the grape's inflaming juice
Causes many a proser's death.
Some will tell you that vinaceum
Means a single grape or berry:
All agree that good grape wine
Is the drink to make one merry.
Means a single grape or berry:
All agree that good grape wine
Is the drink to make one merry.
FIGHTING.
Ensis and gladius both mean a sword,
Both mean the blade with which foemen are gored;
Cassis and galea both mean a casque,—
That means a helmet, if Herbert should ask.
Both mean the blade with which foemen are gored;
Cassis and galea both mean a casque,—
That means a helmet, if Herbert should ask.
Fustis and clava do both mean a club,—
Hercules used one the dragon to drub;
Scutum and clypeus both mean a shield,
Which the stout warrior wears in the field.
Hercules used one the dragon to drub;
Scutum and clypeus both mean a shield,
Which the stout warrior wears in the field.
Hasta and lancea both mean a spear,
Which the brave combatants brandish and rear
Pilum and jaculum javelin or dart,
Hurled by the hand at the enemy's heart.
Which the brave combatants brandish and rear
Pilum and jaculum javelin or dart,
Hurled by the hand at the enemy's heart.
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Currus in Latin's a chariot or car,
Telum a dart that is hurl'd from afar;
As for aurīga, it means charioteer,
Cuspis the point of a weapon or spear.
Telum a dart that is hurl'd from afar;
As for aurīga, it means charioteer,
Cuspis the point of a weapon or spear.
Pugna and prœlium both mean a battle,
There the darts fly and the chariots rattle;
Milites soldiers, who make up the host,
Dux is the gen'ral who never should boast.
There the darts fly and the chariots rattle;
Milites soldiers, who make up the host,
Dux is the gen'ral who never should boast.
Acies means a battalion, they say,
Also an army in battle array;
Sanguis and cruor mean blood that is shed
When the great armies to battle are led.
Also an army in battle array;
Sanguis and cruor mean blood that is shed
When the great armies to battle are led.
Hostis means army and likewise a foe;
As for exercitus, that, you must know,
Signifies army, and campus the field
Where they do battle, and conquer or yield.
As for exercitus, that, you must know,
Signifies army, and campus the field
Where they do battle, and conquer or yield.
BIRDS.
A swallow is hirundo, and noctua's an owl,The osprey's haliëtos, a most rapacious fowl;
The sooty coot is fulĭca, the screech-owl is called strix,
And pica is the magpie, so fond of playing tricks;
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And perdix is a partridge, gallīna is a hen;
And aquĭla's an eagle, and gallus chanticleer,
Alauda is the skylark we love so much to hear;
And turtur is the turtle-dove, monedula's a daw,
And cornix is the crow or rook, that doth so loudly caw;
An ostrich is called struthio, columba is a pigeon;
Palumbes is the ring-dove, Penelope the widgeon;
And larus is the sea-mew that wails above the wave,
Just like the ghost of some one that found a watery grave;
The cuckoo is called cuculus, and turdus is a thrush,
And vultur is the vulture who on his prey doth rush;
And pavo is the peacock that wears a gorgeous train,
Luscinia is the nightingale, and grus a long-necked crane;
And corvus is a raven, and milvus is a kite,
Accipiter the sharp-eyed hawk, so ready for a fight;
And halcyon's a king-fisher, of whom a tale is told,
Which you, my little boy, shall read before you're very old.
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INSECTS.
A common fly is musca,
And apis means a bee,
Papilio's a butterfly,
So beautiful to see:
A spider is aranea,
And limax means a snail;
And vespa is the slender wasp,—
A sting is in his tail.
And apis means a bee,
Papilio's a butterfly,
So beautiful to see:
A spider is aranea,
And limax means a snail;
And vespa is the slender wasp,—
A sting is in his tail.
Cicāda is an insect
That sings a merry song;
Formica is the busy ant
That labours late and long:
And vermis is the earth-worm
That crawls along the ground;
And fucus is the lazy drone,
That ne'er at work is found.
That sings a merry song;
Formica is the busy ant
That labours late and long:
And vermis is the earth-worm
That crawls along the ground;
And fucus is the lazy drone,
That ne'er at work is found.
The hornet fierce is crabro,
And tinea the moth
That flies about the candle's flame;
And frets away your cloth;
And culex is the humming gnat,
And pulex is a flea;
I wish that neither of the twain
Would ever come to me.
And tinea the moth
That flies about the candle's flame;
And frets away your cloth;
And culex is the humming gnat,
And pulex is a flea;
I wish that neither of the twain
Would ever come to me.
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TREES.
In Latin ulmus means an elm,Which grows all o'er this noble realm;
And fraxĭnus the ash so fair,
Which many a bunch of keys doth bear;
And thus the tree which doth dispense
Arabia's pleasant frankincense.
The hazel is called cory̆lus,
The spreading plane is platănus,
Cedrus is the fragrant cedar;
And the yew, my little reader,
Is taxus named; and I aver
That abies means the hardy fir,
Sambūcus is the elder fair
Which doth such fragrant blossoms bear;
And quercus means the knotted oak,
Which yields to many a sturdy stroke;
One sort of oak, as I believe,
The name of robur did receive:
And robur is the name for timber,
And larix is the larch so limber.
The maple with a rugged bark,
Is acer called; and pray remark
That siler is the withy tree,
The boughs of which bend gracefully;
And pinus is the pine that grows lofty mountains capp'd with snows;
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Which shining leaves in winter cloak.
But ornus is the mountain-ash,
Which grows where rocky streamlets dash;
Its berries are as red as coral:
And laurus some translate a laurel,
But I have heard good scholars say
That laurus is the Italian bay.
MORE TREES.
The cypress with her lofty spire,
A tree which poets much admire,
Was cyparissus named of old,
And eke cupressus, I've been told;
And betula's the slender birch,
For twigs of which we need not search;
And fagus is the spreading beech,
The top of which a boy can reach;
And tilia is the light green lime,
The boughs of which a boy may climb;
And suber is the cork tree's name,
And buxus what the box doth claim;
The strawberry tree is arbŭtus,
The poplar tall is popŭlus;
And salix doth the willow mean,
With hoary leaves of soft sea-green;
And cornus is the cornel-tree,
The fruit of which is fair to see—
'Tis also called cornelian cherry;
And sorbus bears the service-berry;
And spinus is the armed thorn,
Which lovely flowers in spring adorn;
And alnus is the alder dark,
With blackish spots upon its bark.
Castanea is the chestnut-tree,
On which the bearded nuts we see;
And palma is the palm so high,
Which grows beneath a burning sky.
The olive-tree of graceful growth
Is olea and olīva both:
The wilding olive's oleaster;
And so you'll find, my little master.
A tree which poets much admire,
Was cyparissus named of old,
And eke cupressus, I've been told;
And betula's the slender birch,
For twigs of which we need not search;
And fagus is the spreading beech,
The top of which a boy can reach;
And tilia is the light green lime,
The boughs of which a boy may climb;
And suber is the cork tree's name,
And buxus what the box doth claim;
The strawberry tree is arbŭtus,
The poplar tall is popŭlus;
And salix doth the willow mean,
With hoary leaves of soft sea-green;
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The fruit of which is fair to see—
'Tis also called cornelian cherry;
And sorbus bears the service-berry;
And spinus is the armed thorn,
Which lovely flowers in spring adorn;
And alnus is the alder dark,
With blackish spots upon its bark.
Castanea is the chestnut-tree,
On which the bearded nuts we see;
And palma is the palm so high,
Which grows beneath a burning sky.
The olive-tree of graceful growth
Is olea and olīva both:
The wilding olive's oleaster;
And so you'll find, my little master.
These trees are all feminine, saving a few,
And those that are masculine are but these two;
The thorn, which produces the wild plum or sloe,
And also the tree on which wild olives grow;
Their names, oleaster and spinus, you know.
But five are called neuter, as Latin books say, sir,
Thus, robur, and suber, and siler, and acer.
And those that are masculine are but these two;
The thorn, which produces the wild plum or sloe,
And also the tree on which wild olives grow;
Their names, oleaster and spinus, you know.
But five are called neuter, as Latin books say, sir,
Thus, robur, and suber, and siler, and acer.
THE END.
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