The LATIN QVARTER
Learning to read Latin ~ via the net
 

An English translation of the Latin story
in Teach Yourself Beginner's Latin


Unit IV

Femina in terra iacet  (The woman lies on the ground)

The monk lies on the ground. The horse, frightened by the shadows, flees away from the road into the wood. For the leaves and branches are rustling in the wind, and the horse, fearful of the shadows and branches, now hurries through the woods towards the monastery. The monk lies motionless on the ground. Paul runs to the monk. However, it is not the shape of a monk but of a woman. Paul looks at the woman. The woman's hood is torn. Paul covers the woman with a tunic.
 

Ubi sum? (Where am I?)

Paul can neither see nor hear the woman's horse. The horse is hurrying from the woods towards the monastery. The woman lies still for a long time. Paul is concerned, and the mule alarmed. 'You poor girl,' groans Paul. The woman opens her eyes and looks at Paul. 'Surely you are dead?' asks Paul.
  - Dead? No. Where am I? In the woods?
Yes, says Paul
  - Where is my horse? 
Steady, steady! Are you OK? Do you want to drink some water?
  - No, thank you. Is my horse here?
No. It is afraid of the branches and shadows. And you, are you feeling alright?
  - I'm fine. Damn it! shouts the woman.
Gently! Who are you?