Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis

Latin Text with Facing Vocabulary and Commentary

Geoffrey Steadman
Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis
Latin Text with Facing Vocabulary and Commentary

First Edition

© 2018 by Geoffrey Steadman

All rights reserved. Subject to the exception immediately following, this book may
not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form (beyond that copying permitted by
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The author has made an online version of this work available (via email) under a
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Accordingly, you are free to copy, alter, and distribute this work freely under the
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(2) You may not use this work for commercial purposes.
(3) If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting
work only under the same or similar license as this one.

The Latin Text was edited by Michael Heseltine (William Heinemann, 1913).

ISBN-13: 978-0-9991884-3-9

Published by Geoffrey Steadman

Cover Design: David Steadman

Fonts: Times New Roman

geoffreysteadman@gmail.com
 Table of Contents

Pages
Preface to Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis……………………………..…………...v-vi
How to Use this Commentary………………………………………………………..vii
Running Core Vocabulary List…………………………………………………viii-xiii
Abbreviations…………………………………………………………….………….xiv

Text and Commentary……………………….......……………………………….1-126

Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives……………………………………………...128-129

Verb Synopses…………………………………………….…………………...130-137
Alphabetized Core Vocabulary List…………………………………………...139-144
 Preface
Whatever I touched kept growing like honeycomb.
- Trimalchio, 76

The aim of this commentary is to make Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis (Satyrica 26-
78) as accessible as possible to intermediate and advanced Latin readers so that they
may experience the joy, insight, and lasting influence that comes from reading one
of the greatest works in classical antiquity in the original Latin.
Each page of the commentary includes 10-12 lines of Latin text (Michael
Heseltine’s 1913 Loeb edition) with all vocabulary and grammar notes below on the
same page. The corresponding vocabulary contains all words occurring 7 or fewer
times, arranged alphabetically in two columns. The grammatical notes are organized
according to line numbers and likewise arranged in two columns. The advantage of
this format is that it allows me to include as much information as possible on a
single page and yet ensure that entries are distinct and readily accessible to readers.
To complement the vocabulary within the commentary, I have added a list of
words occurring 8 more times at the beginning of this book and recommend that
readers review this list before they read. An alphabetized form of this list can be
found in the glossary. Together, this book has been designed in such a way that,
once readers have mastered the core list, they will be able to rely solely on the Latin
text and commentary and not need to turn a page or consult dictionaries as they
read.
The grammatical notes are designed to help beginning readers read the text, and
so I have passed over detailed literary and philosophical explanations in favor of
short, concise, and frequent entries that focus exclusively on grammar and
morphology. The notes are intended to complement, not replace, an advanced level
commentary, and so I recommend that readers read an advanced-level commentary
after each reading from this book. Assuming that readers finish elementary Latin
with varying levels of ability, I draw attention to almost all subjunctive and
accusative-infinitive constructions, identify unusual verbs forms and noun
constructions, and in general explain aspects of the Latin that they should have
vi

encountered in their elementary review of Latin grammar but perhaps forgotten. As a

rule, I prefer to offer too much assistance rather than too little.

Better Vocabulary-Building Strategies

One of the virtues of this commentary is that it eliminates time-consuming

dictionary work. While there are occasions where a dictionary is necessary for
developing a nuanced reading of the Latin, in most instances any advantage that may
come from looking up a word is outweighed by the time and effort spent in the
process. Many continue to defend this practice, but I am convinced that such work has
little pedagogical value for intermediate and advanced students and that the time
saved can be better spent reading more Latin, memorizing vocabulary, mastering
principal parts, and reading advanced-level commentaries and secondary literature.
As an alternative to dictionary work, I recommend that readers review the
running core vocabulary list (8 or more times) as soon as possible. Once they have
mastered these words, I encourage them to single out, drill, and memorize the words
that occur 4-7 times as they encounter them in the reading and devote comparatively
little attention to words that occur once or twice. Altogether, I am confident that
readers who follow this regimen will learn the vocabulary more efficiently and
develop fluency more quickly than with traditional methods.

Print on Demand Books

Finally, this volume is a self-published, print-on-demand (POD) book, and as

such it gives its author distinct freedoms not available in traditional publications.
Since this book is no more than a pdf waiting to be printed, I am able to respond very
quickly to readers’ recommended changes and create an revised edition that is
available online or in retail within 24 hours. If you would like to suggest changes or
download a free pdf copy of this commentary, please contect me at the address below.
All criticisms are welcome, and I would be very grateful for your help.

Geoffrey Steadman Ph.D.

geoffreysteadman@gmail.com
www.geoffreysteadman.com
 vii

How to Use this Commentary

Research shows that, as we learn how to read in a second language, a combination
of reading and direct vocabulary instruction is statistically superior to reading alone.
One of the purposes of this book is to encourage active acquisition of vocabulary.
1. Master the list of words occurring 8 or more times as soon as possible.
A. Develop a daily regimen for memorizing vocabulary before you begin reading.
Memorize the words in the running list that occur 8 or more times before you
read the corresponding pages in Latin. When done, single out and memorize
words that occur 4 to 7 times as they appear the the corresponding vocabulary.
B. Research shows that you must review words at least 7-9 times before you can
commit them to long term memory, and flashcards are efficient at promoting
repetition. If cards are not available, copy and paste a list of vocabulary from this
pdf onto a site such as Quizlet or Anki, which will convert the list into flashcards.
2. Read actively and make lots of educated guesses
One of the benefits of traditional dictionary work is that it gives readers an
interval between the time they encounter a questionable word or form and the
time they find the dictionary entry. That span of time often compels readers to
make educated guesses and actively seek out understanding of the Latin.
Despite the benefits of corresponding vocabulary lists there is a risk that
without that interval of time you will become complacent in your reading habits
and treat the Latin as a puzzle to be decoded rather than a language to be learned.
Your challenge, therefore, is to develop the habit of making an educated guess
under your breath each time before you consult the commentary. If you guess
correctly, you will reaffirm your understanding of the Latin. If incorrectly, you
will become aware of your weaknesses and more capable of correcting them.
3. Reread a passage immediately after you have completed it.
Repeated readings not only help you commit Latin to memory but also promote
your ability to read the Latin as Latin. You learned to read in your first language
through repeated readings of the same books. Latin is no different. The more
comfortable you are with older passages, the more easily you will read new ones.
4. Reread the most recent passage immediately before you begin a new one.
This additional repetition will strengthen your ability to recognize vocabulary,
forms, and syntax quickly, bolster your confidence, and most importantly provide
you with much-needed context as you begin the next selection in the text.
5. Consult an advanced-level commentary for a more nuanced interpretation
After your initial reading of a passage and as time permits, consult another
commentary. Your initial reading will allow you to better understand the
advanced commentary, which in turn will provide a more insightful literary
analysis than is possible in this volume.
viii

Running Core Vocabulary

(Words 8 or More Times)
The following five pages include all 229 words that occur eight or more times in Petronius’
Cena Trimalchionis. These entries are not included in the commentary itself and therefore must
be memorized in advance. The number in the left column is the page number where the
vocabulary word first occurs. The number to the right of each entry indicates how many times
the word occurs in the work. For an alphabetized list of these core words, consult the glossary.

Page
1 Agamemnōn, -onis m.: Agamemnon (name), 14
1 balneus (balneum), -ī m.: bath, 10
1 cēna, -ae f.: dinner, 13
1 coepī, coepisse, coeptus: to begin, 46
1 cum: with (abl.); when; since; although, 108
1 dē: down from, about, 57
1 diēs, -ēī m/f.: day, 18
1 ergō: and so, then, therefore, 33
1 et: and; both…and, 413
1 fiō, fierī, factus sum: to be made, become, happen, 19
1 habeō, -ēre, habuī: to have, hold, 102
1 hic, haec, hoc: this, these, 124
1 hodiē: today, 9
1 homō, hominis m.: person, people, man, 35
1 iam: now; already, 53
1 immō: rather, but rather, no indeed, 11
1 in: in, on; into, 228
1 inquam, inquis, inquit: to say, 87
1 interim: meanwhile, 9
1 is, ea, id: he, she it, they; this, that, 45
1 itaque: and so, therefore, 32
1 iubeō, -ēre, iussī, iussus: to order, 33
1 magis: more, 9
1 malus, -a, -um: bad, evil, trouble; noun, an evil; adv. poorly, badly, 21
1 nesciō, -īre, nēscivī, nēscītus: not know, 12
1 nōs: we; us, 63
1 oblīvīscor, -ī, oblītus sum: to forget, 8
1 omnis, -e: every; all, 68
1 sciō, -īre, scīvī, scītus: to know, 32
1 sed: but, 69
1 sequor, -ī, secūtus sum: to follow, accompany, 9
1 servus, -ī m.: slave, 29
 Running Core Vocabulary ix

1 sum, esse, fuī, futūrus: to be, 386

1 trīclīnium, -iī n.: triclinium (dining room), 23
1 Trimalchio, Trimachiōnis m.: Trimalchio (name), 92
1 ūnus, -a, -um: one, 22
1 ut, utī: so that; as, when; how, 91
1 veniō, -īre, vēnī, ventus: to come, 29
1 vōs: you, 18
2 accēdō, -ere, accessī, accessūrus: to approach, 9
2 ad: to, towards, at; up to, 98
2 alter, altera, alterum: other of two, 25
2 argenteus, -a, -um: of silver, piece of silver, 13
2 dūcō, -ere, dūxī, ductus: to lead; consider, 9
2 duō, duae, duo: two, 19
2 etiam: also, even, 51
2 familia, -ae f.: household; slave; family, 18
2 inter: between, among, 26
2 ipse, ipsa, ipsum: himself, her-, it-, them-, 34
2 manus, -ūs f.: hand; group, 35
2 nam: for, 36
2 nec: nor; and not, 50
2 nōn: not, 161
2 notō (1): to mark, sign, censure, 10
2 novus, -a, -um: new, 8
2 pars, partis f.: part; share, portion; direction, 15
2 puer, puerī m.: boy, slave, 46
2 quī, quae, quod (quis, quid): who, what, because (who, which), 364
2 quidem: indeed; nē…quidem, not even, 26
2 rēs, reī f.: matter, affair, thing, 23
2 subitō: suddenly, 8
2 tam: so, 25
2 teneō, -ēre, -uī, tentus: to hold; remember, 11
2 terra, -ae f.: land, 11
2 videō, -ēre, vidī, vīsus: to see, 60
3 aqua, -ae f.: water, 12
3 caput, capitis n.: head, 9
3 ē, ex: out of, out from, 41
3 exeō, exīre, exiī, exitus: to go out, 8
3 faciō, -ere, fēcī, factus: do, make; value, 101
3 ille, illa, illud: that, those, 149
3 intrō (1): to enter, 20
x Running Core Vocabulary

3 longus, -a, -um: long, tall; adv. far (away), 12

3 loquor, loquī, locūtus sum: to speak, 9
3 mīror, -ārī, mīrātus sum: marvel, be astonished/amazed, 13
3 pōnō, -ere, posuī, positus: to place, serve, 20
3 poscō, -ere, poposcī: to demand, ask for, 8
3 signum, -ī n.: mark, statue, password, 8
3 unguentum, -ī n.: perfume, 8
3 que: and, 111
4 accipiō, -ere, accēpī, acceptus: to receive, 22
4 aliquis, aliquid (quī, quid): someone, something; some, any, 20
4 cantō (1): to sing, play, 9
4 dīcō, -ere, dīxī, dictus: to say, tell, speak, 70
4 dominus, -ī m.: master, owner, 19
4 effundō, -ere, effūdī, effūsus: to pour out, 8
4 quisquis, quicquid: whoever, whichever, 18
4 sine: without (abl.), 9
4 suus, -a, -um: his/her/its/their own, 55
4 tamquam: just as, 35
4 tōtus, -a, -um: whole, entire, 26
5 ā, ab: (away) from, by, 34
5 atque: and, also, 12
5 aureus, -a, -um: golden; noun gold coin, 15
5 autem: however; moreover, 37
5 canis, -is m/f.: dog, 12
5 cēterum: moreover, in addition; otherwise, 13
5 dum: while, until; provided that, 20
5 ego: I, me, 178
5 enim: in fact, for, 45
5 ingēns, ingentis: huge, 10
5 littera, -ae f.: alphabet letter; pl. literature, 9
5 meus, -a, -um: my, mine, 77
5 rīdeō, -ēre, rīsī, rīsus: to laugh, 19
5 super: over (adv. and acc.), 35
6 discō, -ere, didicī: to learn, 8
6 sē: himself, herself, itself (reflexive), 46
7 ac: and, also, 15
7 bene: well, 30
7 īdem, eadem, idem: same; also, 15
7 lucerna, -ae f.: lamp, oil-lamp, 8
7 medius, -a, -um: middle, middle of, 17
 Running Core Vocabulary xi

7 prīmus, -a, -um: first, 14

7 sī: if, 68
8 bonus, -a, -um: good (melior, better), 38
8 cēnō (1): to dine, 10
8 magnus, -a, -um: great (maior, greater) 16
8 nē: (so) that…not, in order…not; lest, 29
8 noster, nostra, nostrum: our, ours, 25
8 pēs, pedis m.: foot, 21
8 rogō (1): to ask, 24
8 vestīmentum, -ī n.: garment, clothes (pl.), 8
9 agō, -ere, ēgī, āctus: drive, do; celebrate, 17
9 lavō, -āre, lāvī, lōtus (lautus): to wash, 9
9 prō: in front of; on behalf of, for, instead of (abl.), 11
9 sēstertius -ī m.: sesterce; neut. 10,000 sesterces, 8
9 statim: immediately, 18
9 summus, -a, -um: highest, top of; noun summa, sum, point, 16
9 tollō, -ere, sustulī, sublātus: to raise; remove, destroy, 24
10 afferō, afferre, attulī, allātus: to bring, 27
10 aiō: to say, affirm, say yes, 10
10 alius, alia, aliud: other, another, 20
10 crēdō, -ere, -didī, crēditus: trust, believe, 12
10 dō, dare, dedī, datus: to give, 34
10 parvus, -a, -um: small (minor, minus less), 14
10 tamen: nevertheless, however, 39
10 valdē: very, very much; comp. valdius, 9
10 vīnum (vīnus) vīnī n.: wine, 20
10 volō, velle, voluī: to wish, want, 24
11 locus, locī m.: place, region, 10
12 amīcus, -ī m.: friend (male); friendly, 20
12 circā: all around; around, 14
12 deinde then, next, 13
12 plānē: clearly, plainly, obviously, 14
12 suāvis, -e: sweet, pleasant, agreeable, 8
12 tantus, -a, -um: so much/many/great; adv. only, 10
13 adhūc: thus far, to this point, still, 11
13 ōvum, -ī n.: egg, 8
13 repositōrium, -ī n.: portable tray stand, 8
13 soleō, -ēre, solitus sum: to used to, be accustomed, 16
14 convīva, -ae m.: guest (at a meal), 10
14 dēbeō, -ēre, dēbuī: to owe; ought, has to, 8
xii Running Core Vocabulary

14 inveniō, -īre, invēnī, inventus: to find, discover, 11

14 meherculēs: by Hercules, 16
14 vōx, vōcis f.: voice, 11
15 amō (1): to love, 9
15 mēnsa, -ae f.: table, 18
15 nēmō, nēminis m/f.: no one, 24
16 annus, -ī m.: year, 8
16 multus, -a, -um: much, many, 13
16 quārē: why (for which reason); therefore, 9
16 sīc: thus, 28
16 vērus, -a, -um: real, true; vērum, but, 8
16 vīvō, -ere, vīxī: to live, 11
17 adiciō, adicere, adiēcī, adiectus: to throw to, add, 10
17 ferculum (fericulus), -ī n.: tray (of food), 9
17 nihil, nīl n.: nothing, 25
17 oculus, -ī m.: eye, 13
17 postquam: after, 9
18 circumferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to carry around, spread, publish, 9
18 pānis, -is m.: bread, 13
18 piscis, -is m.: fish; Pisces (constellation), 8
19 ita: thus, so, 14
19 putō (1): to think, 40
19 scīlicet: certainly, 8
20 at: but, at least, 11
20 fābula, -ae f.: story, 8
20 Fortūnāta, -ae f.: Fortunata (name), 22
20 mulier, -is f.: woman, 11
20 possum, posse, potuī: to be able, 35
20 vocō (1): to call, summon, invite, 10
21 caelum (caelus), -ī n.: sky, heaven, 8
21 modo: now, just now; only, 19
21 nōlō, nōlle, nōluī: to be unwilling, 12
21 nunc: now, 19
21 plūs, plūris n.: more, many, 16
21 tuus, -a, -um: your, 16
21 ubī: where, when, 9
22 coniciō, -ere, -iēcī, -iectum: to throw, hurl, 9
22 domus, -ī f.: house, home domī at home, 20
22 ecce: behold, 9
22 emō, -ere, ēmī, ēmptus: to buy, 14
 Running Core Vocabulary xiii

22 iste, ista, istud: that, those (of yours), 12

22 mittō, -ere, mīsī, missus: to send; let go, 10
22 nāscor, -ī, nātus sum: to be born, 23
22 nōscō, -ere, nōvī, nōtus: to learn, know, 8
23 aut: or, either...or, 27
23 crescō, -ere, crēvī, crētus: to grow, increase, 13
23 deus, -ī m. (pl. diī, dīīs, dīibus): god, 13
24 aper, aprī m.: wild boar, 9
24 cocus (coquus), -ī m.: cook, 16
25 oportet, -ēre, oportuit: to it is proper/right, 9
26 ideo: for this reason, 11
30 comedō, comesse, -ēdī, -ēsum: to eat, 8
30 porcus, -ī m.: pig, 13
31 numquam: never, 9
32 eō, īre, iī, itum: to go, 9
32 tū: you, 77
33 bellus, -a, -um: handsome, pretty, beautiful, 10
33 medicus, -ī m.: doctor, physician, 8
35 cito: quickly, 8
36 cūrō (1): to care for, take care of, 14
36 nārrō (1): to relate, tell, 9
36 sōlus, -a, -um: alone, only, 8
37 certus, -a, -um: sure, fixed, reliable, 8
37 Iūppiter (Iovis), Iovis m.: Jupiter, 8
38 mālō, mālle, māluī: to prefer, 10
38 umquam: ever, 9
40 quia: because, 15
42 nisi: if...not; unless, except, 19
43 mortuus, -a, -um: dead, 16
45 satis: enough, 8
49 respiciō, -ere, respexī, respectum: to look back, 11
50 per: through, 15
52 ante: before, in front of (acc), 8
54 Gāius, -iī m. Gaius (name), 8
54 post: after; afterwards, 9
91 Habinnas, -ae f.: Habinnas (name), 17
94 Scintilla, -ae f.: Scintilla (name), 11
xiv

Abbreviations
abs. absolute gen. genitive pass passive
acc. accusative imper. imperative pf. perfect
act. active impf. imperfect plpf. pluperfect
adj. adjective ind. . indirect pred. predicate
adv. adverb inf. infinitive prep. preposition
app. appositive inter. interrogative pres. present
comp. comparative m. masculine pron. pronoun
dat. dative n. neuter reflex. reflexive
dep. deponent nom. nominative s, sg. singular
dir. direct obj. object seq. sequence
disc. discourse p. pl. plural subj. subjunctive, subject
f. feminine PPP perfect pass. pple superl. superlative
fut. future pple participle voc. vocative

1s, 2s, 3s 1st, 2nd, 3rd person singular 1p, 2p, 3p 1st, 2nd, 3rd person plural

Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis is one episode, encompassing chapters 26-78, of a

much larger work called the Satyricon. The title Satyricon is in fact a Greek genitive
plural σατυρικῶν, “(A Book) of Satyr-like Adventures,” and it is not uncommon for
scholars and readers alike to refer to the work with the neuter nominative plural title
Satyrica, “Satyr-like Adventures.”
The Cena Trimalchionis itself is divided into short chapters of uneven length,
starting in Ch. 26 and ending in Ch. 78, and these chapters are in turn divided by
sentences. And so, if a reader wishes to cite properly the 7th sentence in Ch. 31, she
may write Satyricon 31.7 or simply Satyricon 31. Both the line numbers used in this
book and the titles in the headings are peculiar to this commentary and should not be
used when citing the text.

Additional Commentaries and Readers

Advanced

A Commentary on the Satyrica of Petronius (Oxford, 2011) ed. Gareth Schmeling.

Cena Trimalchionis (Oxford, 1975) by Martin Smith.

Intermediate

The Satyrica of Petronius: An Intermediate Reader with Commentary and Guided

Review (University of Oklahoma, 2014) by Beth Severy-Hoven.

Petronius: Selections from the Satyricon (Bolchazy-Carducci,1995) by Gilbert Lawall.

The Millionaire’s Dinner Party (Oxford, 1974) by Maurice Balme.

It was when curiosity about Gatsby was at its highest that the lights in his house failed to go on
one Saturday night—and, as obscurely as it had begun, his career as Trimalchio was over.

-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

“To make the ancients speak, we must feed them with our own blood.”

-von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff
 Cena Trimalchionis 26-7

26. Vēnerat iam tertius diēs, id est expectātio līberae cēnae, sed tot 1
vulneribus cōnfossīs fuga magis placēbat quam quiēs. Itaque cum
maestī dēlīberārēmus, quōnam genere praesentem ēvītārēmus
procellam, ūnus servus Agamemnonis interpellāvit trepidantēs et
“Quid? Vōs,” inquit, “nescītis hodiē apud quem fīat? Trimalchio, 5
lautissimus homō, hōrologium in trīclīniō et būcinātōrem habet
subōrnātum, ut subinde sciat, quantum dē vītā perdiderit.”
Amicīmur ergō dīligenter oblītī omnium malōrum, et Gitōna
libentissimē servīle officium tuentem usque hoc iubēmus in balnea
sequī. 27. Nōs interim vestītī errāre coepimus…immō iocārī magis 10

amiciō, -īre, -uī, amictus: cover, clothe
apud: at (the house of), near, 3
būcinātor, -ōris m.: trumpeter
cōnfodiō, -ere, -fōdī, -fossus: to stab, strike
dēlīberō (1): to consider, deliberate
dīligenter: diligently, carefully, 5
errō (1): to wander about; be mistaken, 3
ēvītō (1): to avoid, dodge
exspectātio, -ōnis f.: expectation, 3
fuga, -ae f.: flight; runaway (slave), 3
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
Gitōn, -ōnis m.: Giton (name), 6
hōrologium, -ī n.: clock, sundial/waterclock
interpellō (1): to interrupt, 4
iocor, -ārī, iocātus sum: to joke, 3
lautus, -a, -um: splended; washed, clean, 3
libenter: gladly, willingly, 4
līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7
maestus, -a, -um: gloomy, grief-stricken, 2
Encolpius is delivering this 1s narrative.
1 (et) id est: (and) there is…; ‘this is,’
tot vulneribus cōnfossīs: abl. abs.. A gap
in the preceeding narrative makes it unclear
to which events Encolpius is referring.
2 quam: than…; introducing a clause of
comparison (as often, the verb omitted)
3 cum…dēlīberārēmus: cum-clause with
impf. subj.
quōnam genere… ēvītārēmus: in what
manner we were to…; ind. deliberative subj.
quōnam is an interrogative adj. with genere
4 (nōs) trepidantēs: (us)…; acc. pl. pres. pple
modifying a missing acc. object: supply nōs
5 inquit: says; this verb is commonly inserted
within a sentence to indicate direct speech
1
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing, 7
praesēns, praesentis: present
procella, -ae f.: gale; storm
quantus, -a, -um: how great/many/much, 3
quiēs, quiētis f.: rest, sleep
quīnam, quae-, quid-: who/what pray?, 1
servīlis, -e: of a slave, slavish
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
subōrnō (1): to adorn, fit out, supply, 3
tertius, -a, -um: third, 3
tot: so many, 3
trepidō (1): to tremble, be agitated, 3
tueor, -ērī, tūtus sum: look after, maintain
usque: up to, continuously, 6
vestiō, -īre, -iī, vestītum: to clothe, 2
vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
vulnus, vulneris n.: wound
apud quem fiat: at the house of…; ind.
question with pres. subj., fiō, assume cēna,
‘dinner,’ as subject
7 ut…sciat: so that…; purpose, pres. subj.
Quantum …perdiderit: how much…; ind.
question with pf. subj.
8 amicīmur: pres. pass. but reflexive in
sense: ‘clothe ourselves’
oblītī: pf. dep. pple oblīvīscor + gen.
Gitōna: Greek acc. sg.; Encolpius’ slave
9 servīle officium: object of tuentem;
tuentem: observing; pres. pple
usque hoc (tempus): up to this (time);
with the pple tuentem
10 sequī: pres. dep. inf. sequor
immō: but rather
 Cena Trimalchionis 27-8

et circulīs lūdentum accēdere, cum subitō vidēmus senem calvum, 1

tunicā vestītum russeā, inter puerōs capillātōs lūdentem pīlā. Nec
tam puerī nōs, quamquam erat operae pretium, ad spectāculum
dūxerant, quam ipse pater familiae, quī soleātus pīlā prasinā
exercēbātur. Nec amplius eam repetēbat quae terram contigerat, 5
sed follem plēnum habēbat servus sufficiēbatque lūdentibus.
Notāvimus etiam rēs novās. Nam duo spadōnēs in dīversā parte
circulī stābant, quōrum alter matellam tenēbat argenteam, alter
numerābat pīlās, nōn quidem eās quae inter manūs lūsū expellente
vibrābant, sed eās quae in terram dēcidēbant. Cum hās ergō 10

amplius: more, longer, further, 6 pīla, -ae f.: ball, playing-ball, 3

calvus, -a, -um: bald, hairless
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
circulus, -ī m.: circle (group), ring, hoop; 6
contingō, -ere, contigī, contāctus: to touch,
happen (+ inf.), 4
dēcidō, -ere, -cidī: to fall down; fall, 3
dīversus, -a, -um: different, diverse
exerceō, -ēre, -uī, exercitus: to train, 3
expellō, -ere, -pulī,: to drive/thrust out
follis, -is m.: bag, leather bag
lūdō, -ere, lūsī, lūsus: to play (a game), 4
lūsus, -ūs m.: play, game, 4
matella, -ae f.: chamber-pot, 4
numerō (1): to count, 4
opera, -ae f.: effort, work, 3
pater, patris m.: father, 7
1 circulīs: to…; dat. of compound verb
lūdentum: of those…; gen. pl. pres. pple
i.e. those exercising at the baths
senem: i.e. Trimalchio
2 lūdentem: modifies senem
pīlā: abl. means
nec tam…quam: and not so much…as…;
correlatives with a clause of comparison
operae: for…; gen. of exchange
pretium: value
3 dūxerant: i.e. attract our attention
4 pater familiae: paterfamilias; i.e. the
senex, Trimalchio
soleātus: slippers often worn indoors and
not intended for outdoor activities
plēnus, -a, -um: full, 5
prasinus, -a, -um: leek-green, 3
pretium, -iī n.: price, value, payment
quamquam: although
repetō, -ere, -īvī: to seek again, chase after
russeus, -a, -um: reddish, reddish-brown
senex, senis m.: old man
soleātus, -a, -um: wearing slippers
spado, -ōnis m.: eunuch, 3
spectāculum, -ī n.: show, spectacle
stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
sufficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectum: to supply
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
vestiō, -īre, -iī, vestītum: to clothe, 2
vibrō (1): to go back and forth, shake, 2
5 nec amplius: no longer; comparative adv.
eam: that one; i.e. pīlā
lūdentibus: to (those)…; dat. ind. obj., pres.
pple
rēs novās: a strange thing
8 alter…alter…: one…the other…
inter manūs: i.e. as they throw the balls to
one another
9 eās: those (balls); i.e. pīlās
lūsū expellente: (while)…; abl. abs.; The
game involves catching and throwing a ball,
and so we would expect a passive rather
than active participle modifying lūsū.
10 eās: those (balls)

2
 Our Journey to the Underworld

mīrārēmur lautitiās, accurrit Menelāus et “Hic est,” inquit, “apud 1

quem cubitum pōnētis, et quidem iam prīncipium cēnae vidētis.”
Et iam nōn loquēbātur Menelāus cum Trimalchio digitōs
concrepuit, ad quod signum matellam spadō lūdentī subiēcit.
Exonerātā ille vēsīcā aquam poposcit ad manūs, digitōsque 5
paululum adspersōs in capite puerī tersit. 28. Longum erat singula
excipere. Itaque intrāvimus balneum, et sūdōre calfactī mōmentō
temporis ad frīgidam exīmus. Iam Trimalchio unguentō perfūsus
tergēbātur nōn linteīs sed palliīs ex lānā mollissimā factīs. Trēs
interim iātraliptae in cōnspectū eius Falernum pōtābant, et cum 10

accurrō, -ere, -cucurrī: to run to matella, -ae f.: chamber-pot, 4

apud: at (the house of), near, 3
adspergō, -ere, -spersī, -spersus: sprinkle on
calefaciō, -ere, -fēcī, -factus: to make hot, 2
concrepō, -āre, -crepuī: snap, clack, rattle, 2
cōnspectus, -ūs m.: look, sight, view, 2
cubitum, -ī n.: elbow, 3
digitus, -ī m.: finger, 4
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
exonerō (1): to unload, unburden, free
Falernum, -ī n.: Falernian, a kind of wine, 3
frīgidus, -a, -um: cool, cold, 4
iātralipta, -ae m.: masseur, ointment-doctor
lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
linteum, -ī n.: linen cloth, napkin; sail
lūdō, -ere, lūsī, lūsus: to play (a game), 4
1 mīrārēmur: cum-clause with 1p impf. subj.
mīror
Hic: i.e. the senex Trimalchio
apud quem: at whose (house); ‘at the
house of whom’
3 iam nōn: no longer
4 ad quod signum…: at which…; relative
clause, quod is a rel. adj.
lūdentī: (under) the one…; i.e. Trimalchio;
dat. of compound verb; pres. pple,
5 Exonerātā…vēsīcā: abl. abs.
ad: for…
6 in capite puerī: i.e. he used the hair of the
Menelāus, -ī m.: Menelaus, 2
mollis, -e: soft, mild, gentle, 3
mōmentum, -ī n.: moment, 2
pallium, -iī n.: (Greek) cloak, mantle, 2
paululum: a little, somewhat
perfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: pour on, soak, 3
pōtō (1): to drink, 3
prīncipium, -iī n.: beginning
singulī, -ae, -a: individual, one by one, 5
spado, -ōnis m.: eunuch, 3
subiciō, -ere, -iēcī: place under, substitute, 2
sūdor, sūdōris m.: sweat, 2
tempus, temporis n.: time, 4
tergeō, -ēre, tersī, tersus: to wipe; clean, 4
trēs, tria: three, 5
vēsīca, -ae f.: bladder, urinary bladder
slave as a handtowel
singula: the details; neut. acc. pl.
7 excipere: take (up), pick out
calfactī: PPP, they started in the caldarium,
‘hot room,; and apparently skipped the
tepidarium, ‘warm bath’ and went directly
to the frigidarium, ‘cold bath’
mōmentō temporis: in…; abl. time when
8 frīgidam (aquam): assume the noun
perfusus: soaked, bathed; PPP
9 linteīs…palliīs: abl. means
10 eius: i.e. Trimalchio’s

3
 Cena Trimalchionis 28-9

plūrimum rixantēs effunderent, Trimalchio hōc suum propīnāsse 1

dīcēbat. Hinc involūtus coccinā gausapā lectīcae impositus est
praecēdentibus phalerātīs cursōribus quattuor et chīramaxiō, in quō
dēliciae eius vehēbantur, puer vetulus, lippus, dominō
Trimalchione dēfōrmior. Cum ergō auferrētur, ad caput eius 5
symphōniacus cum minimīs tībiīs accessit et tanquam in aurem
aliquid sēcrētō dīceret, tōtō itinere cantāvit. Sequimur nōs
admīrātiōne iam saturī et cum Agamemnone ad iānuam
pervēnīmus, in cuius poste libellus erat cum hāc īnscrīptiōne fīxus:
“Quisquis servus sine dominicō iussū forās exierit, accipiet plāgās 10

admīrātiō, -ōnis f.: admiration, 3 lectīca, -ae f.: litter

auferō, -ferre, abstulī, -lātus: carry away, 5
auris, -is f.: ear, 4
chīramaxium, -ī n.: hand-drawn cart
coccinus, -a, -um: scarlet-colored
cursor, cursōris m.: runner, 2
dēfōrmis, -e: ugly, unshapely
dēlicia, -ae f.: pleasure, delight,; pl. favorite, 4
dominicus, -ī m.: of the master, 2
fīgō, -ere, fīxī, fīxus: to fix, fasten, 3
forās: out of doors, 5
gausapa, -ae f.: woolen/shaggy cloak
hinc: from here, hence, 6
iānua, -ae f.: door, 5
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
īnscrīptio, -ōnis f.: inscription, 4
involvō, -ere, -volvī, -volūtus: to roll, wrap, 4
iter, itineris n.: journey
iussus, -ūs m.: order, command
1 rixantēs: (while)…; pres. pple
effunderent: cum-clause impf. subj.
hōc: with this; abl. means; i.e. spilling wine
suum: to his own (health); inner acc. of
propīnāsse; instead of viewing the spilling
as waste, Trimalchio interprets it as an
offering to the gods for his good health
(eōs) propīnā(vi)sse: that (they)…; ind.
disc. with syncopated pf. inf.; add acc. subj.
2 lectīcae: on…; dat. of compound verb
3 praecēdentibus…chīramaxiō: abl. abs.
4 dēliciae eius: his favorite; i.e. Croesus, a
slave who receives Trimalchio affection; pl.
in form but sg. In translation
dominō Trimalchione: than…; abl. of
4
libellus, -ī m.: a notice, little book
lippus, -a, -um: bleary eyed, 2
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
phalerātus, -a, -um: wearing medals
plāga, -ae f.: blow, strike; cut, slit, welt, 3
plūrimus, -a, -um: very much/many, 4
postis, -is m.: doorpost, door, 3
praecēdō, -ere, -cessī, -cessus: to go before
propīnō (1): to drink to one’s health
quattuor: four, 6
rixor, rixārī: to quarrel, wrangle, dispute
satur, -a, -um: full, filled, 3
sēcrētum, -ī n.: secret
symphōniācus, ī m.: musician
tībia, -ae f.: pipe, flute; else, shinbone
vehō, -ere, vēxī, vectus: to carry
vetulus, -a, -um: old (dim. of vetus)
comparison with comparative dēformior
5 auferrētur: cum-clause, impf. subj.
ad caput eius: near…; i.e. Trimalchio’s
6 tanquam…: as if he were…; conditional
clause of comparison, pres. contrary to fact.
7 sēcrētō: in secret
tōtō itinere: on…; elsewhere, acc. of extent
8 admīrātiōne: abl. means following saturī
cum Agamemnone: Agamemnon received
an invitation while the rest come uninvited
9 in cuius poste: in poste cuius
10 quisquis servus…exierit…: whichever
slave exits…; equiv. to a fut. more vivid
condition (sī fut. pf., fut.); translate fut. pf.
as present with fut. sense
 Our Journey to the Underworld

centum.” In aditū autem ipsō stābat ōstiārius prasinātus, cerasinō 1

succīnctus cingulō, atque in lance argenteā pīsum pūrgābat. Super
līmen autem cavea pendēbat aurea, in quā pīca varia intrantēs
salūtābat. 29. Cēterum ego dum omnia stupeō, paene resupīnātus
crūra mea frēgī. Ad sinistram enim intrantibus nōn longē ab ōstiāriī 5
cellā canis ingēns, catēnā vīnctus, in pariete erat pictus superque
quadrāta litterā scrīptum “CAVĒ CANEM.” Et collēgae quidem
meī rīsērunt, ego autem collēctō spīritū nōn dēstitī tōtum parietem
persequī. Erat autem vēnālicium cum titulīs pictum, et ipse
Trimalchio capillātus cādūceum tenēbat Minervāque dūcente 10

aditus, -ūs m.: entrance, access, 2
cādūcĕum, -ī n.: herald's staff
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
catēna, -ae f.: chain, fetter, 2
cavea, -ae f.: cage, coop, den, 2
caveō, -ēre, cāvī, cautus: to beware, 4
cella, -ae f.: room, 4
centum: one hundred, 6
cerasinus, -a, -um: cherry-colored, 2
cingulum, -ī n.: belt, band, 2
collēga, collēgae m.: colleague
colligō, -ere, -lēgī, -lēctus: to collect, gather, 3
crūs, -ūris n.: shin, leg, 3
dēsistō, -ere, dēstitī, dēstitus: to cease, desist
frangō, -ere, frēgī, frāctus: break (down), 6
lanx, lancis f.: platter, broad dish, 5
līmen, līminis n.: threshold, doorway, 2
Minerva, -ae f.: Minerva, 2
ōstiārius, -ī m.: door-keeper, porter , 5
paene: almost, 7
pariēs, parietis m.: wall, 4
2 pīsum pūrgābat: was shelling peas; ‘was
cleaning a pea’
3 intrantēs: (us)…; acc. pl. pres. pple
5 intrantibus: to (us)…; dat. of reference (i.e.
from the our viewpoint)
7 quadrāta litterā: with capital letters; or ‘in
block letters’
scrīptum (erat): plpf. pass. supply the verb
pendō, -ere, pependī, pēnsus: weigh, pay, 3
persequor, -ī, persecūtus sum: to follow, 4
pīca, -ae f.: magpie, 2
pingō, -ere, pīnxī, pictus: to paint, 6
pīsum, -ī n.: pea
prasinātus, -a, -um: wearing leek-green
pūrgō (1): to clean, 2
quadrātum, -ī n.: square
resupīnō (1): knock on one’s back, supine
salūtō (1): to greet
scrībō, -ere, scrīpsī, scrīptus: to write, 3
sinister, -a, -um: left, 3
spīritus, -ūs m.: breath; spirit
stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
stupeō, -ēre, -uī: be stunned, stand agape at, 4
succingō, -ere, -cīnxī, -cīnctus: to wrap up, 3
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
varius, -a, -um: spotted, variegated, 3
vēnālicium, -iī n.: slave-market
vinciō, -īre, vīnxī, vīnctum: to tie up, bind, 3
‘erat’ from above
8 meī: nom. pl. meus with masc. collēgae
collectō spīritū: abl. abs.
dēstitī: 1s pf. dēsistō
9 persequī: from…; dep. complementary inf.
following dēstitī
cum titulīs: with labels
Minervā dūcente: abl. abs.

5
 Cena Trimalchionis 29-30

Rōmam intrābat. Hinc quemadmodum ratiōcinārī didicisset, 1

dēnique dispēnsātor factus esset, omnia dīligenter cūriōsus pictor
cum īnscrīptiōne reddiderat. In dēficiente vērō iam porticū levātum
mentō in tribūnal excelsum Mercurius rapiēbat. Praestō erat
Fortūna cornū abundantī cōpiōsā et trēs Parcae aurea pēnsa 5
torquentēs. Notāvī etiam in porticū gregem cursōrum cum magistrō
sē exercentem. Praetereā grande armārium in angulō vīdī, in cuius
aediculā erant Larēs argenteī positī Venerisque signum
marmoreum et pyxis aurea nōn pusilla, in quā barbam ipsīus
conditam esse dīcēbant. Interrogāre ergō ātriēnsem coepī, quās in 10

abundō (1): to abound, overflow (with) levō (1): to raise; lift

aedicula, -ae f.: small shrine/building
angulus, -ī m.: angle, corner, 2
armārium, -ī n.: chest, cabinet
ātriēnsis, -is m.: house manager, 3
barba, -ae f.: beard, 2
condō, -ere, -didī, conditus: to build, store up
cōpiōsus, -a, -um: plentiful, 2
cornū, -ūs f.: horn, 3
cūriōsus, -a, -um: careful, diligent, 3
cursor, cursōris m.: runner, 2
dēficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectus: fail, give up, 2
dēnique: finally, at last, 2
dīligenter: diligently, carefully, 5
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
excelsus, -a, -um: lofty, on high
exerceō, -ēre, -uī, exercitus: to train, 3
fortūna, -ae f.: fortune, chance, 5
grandis, grande: full-grown; large, 5
grex, gregis m.: flock, group, 2
hinc: from here, hence, 6
īnscrīptio, -ōnis f.: inscription, 4
interrogō (1): to ask, inquire, 4
Lār, Laris m.: Lar; household god, 2
1 quemadmodum…didicisset…(et)…factus
esset: how…; ind. question with plpf. subj.
discō and plpf. pass. faciō; Trimalchio is
the subject; all governed by reddiderat
2 dispēnsātor: nom. pred.
3 dēficiente porticū: in the portico giving
out; on the wall at the end of the portico
(eum) levātum…excelsum: (him)…; add
Trimalchio as the acc. obj.; two PPP
4 mentō: abl. of means
in tribunal: where Trimalchio as a sēvir,
6
magister, -trī m.: master, teacher, 6
marmoreus, -a, -um: of marble
mentum, -ī n.: chin, 2
Mercurius, -iī m.: Mercurius, 3
Parca, -ae f.: Fate, Parca (a goddess)
pēnsum, -ī n.: (weight of) wool to be spun
pictor, -ōris m.: painter
porticus, -ūs f.: portico, colonnade, 4
praestō: ready
praetereā: besides, in addition, 4
pusillus, -a, -um: very small; puny, 2
pyxis, -idis f.: small box
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
rapiō, -ere, rapuī, raptus: to seize, snatch, 5
ratiōcinor, -ārī, -ātus sum: to keep accounts
reddō, -ere, -didī, -ditus: to return, render, 3
Rōma, -ae f.: Rome, 5
torqueō, -ēre, torsī, tortum: to twist, 3
trēs, tria: three, 5
tribūnal, -is n.: platform, 2
Venus, -eris f.: Venus (goddess), 2
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
one of six priests of Augustus, presided
5 cornū…cōpiōsā: abl. of means
aurea pēnsa: acc. obj.; the Fates are
personified as spinners of wool, who gather,
spin, and cut the ‘threads of human life’
7 in cuius aediculā: in whose…; a Lararium
erant…positī: positī erant; plpf. pass.
8 signum: statue; ‘image’
barbam…conditam esse: that…; ind. disc.
with pf. pass. inf. condō
9 ipsīus: of (Trimalchio) himself; gen. sg.
 Our Journey to the Underworld

mediō pictūrās habērent. “Īliada et Odyssian” inquit “ac Laenātis 1

gladiātōrium mūnus.” Nōn licēbat multāciam cōnsīderāre… 30.
Nōs iam ad trīclīnium pervēnerāmus, in cuius parte prīmā
prōcūrātor ratiōnēs accipiēbat. Et quod praecipuē mīrātus sum, in
postibus trīclīniī fascēs erant cum secūribus fīxī, quōrum ūnam 5
partem quasi embolum nāvis aēneum fīniēbat, in quō erat
scrīptum: “C. Pompēiō Trimalchionī, sēvirō Augustālī, Cinnamus
dispēnsātor.” Sub eōdem titulō et lucerna bilychnis dē camerā
pendēbat, et duae tabulae in utrōque poste dēfīxae, quārum altera,
sī bene meminī, hoc habēbat īnscrīptum: “III et prīdiē Kalendās 10

aēneus, -a, -um: of bronze, 3
Augustālis, -e: Augustan
bilychnis, -e: having two lights
C.: Gaius, 5
camera, -ae f.: vaulted room or ceiling, 3
Cinnamus, -ī m.: Cinnamus (name)
cōnsīderō (1): to consider, ponder, 3
dēfīgō, -ere, -fīxī, -fīxus: to fix
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
embolum, -ī n.: beak of a ship
fascis, -is m.: bundle; pl. fascēs, rods, 2
fīgō, -ere, fīxī, fīxus: to fix, fasten, 3
fīniō, -īre, fīnīvī, fīnītus: to finish (off), end, 3
gladiātōrius, -a, -um: gladiatorial, 1
III: third; three
Īlias, -adis f.: the Iliad (epic)
īnscrībō, -ere, -scrīpsī, -scrīptus: to inscribe,
write on, 2
Kalendae, -ārum f.: Kalends (1st of month), 3
Laenas, -ātis m.: Laenas (name)
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
meminī, -isse: to remember, recollect (gen.), 5
1 quās…pictūrās habērent: what
paintings…; ind. question with impf. subj.
2 mūnus: show; neut. acc. sg.
multācium cōnsīderāre: i.e. to examine
the details in the paintings
quod: what…; ‘(in respect to that) which,’
or ‘as for that which’ a relative clause with
missing antecedent; the antecedent is likely
an acc. of respect
4 mīrātus sum: pf. dep. mīror
5 fascēs: rods; Trimalchio, as sēvir, was
accompanied by two lictors, bodyguards,
who carried fasces as a symbol of power;
7
multāciam, (acc. only): ??, range, diversity
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
nāvis, -is f.: ship, 5
Odyssia, -ae f.: the Odyssey (epic)
pendō, -ere, pependī, pēnsus: weigh, pay, 3
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
pictūra, -ae f.: painting, picture
Pompēius, -ī m.: Pompeius, 3
postis, -is m.: doorpost, door, 3
praecipuē: especially, particularly, 3
prīdiē: day before, 2
prōcūrātor, -ōris m.: procurator, overseer
quasi: as if, 3
ratio, ratiōnis f.: account; calculation, 5
scrībō, -ere, scrīpsī, scrīptus: to write, 3
secūris, -is f.: ax, 2
sēvir, -ī m.: One of the Six, Augustan priest, 3
sub: under, 6
tabula, -ae f.: tablet; (gaming) board, 5
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
uterque, utra-, utrum-: each of two, both, 2
the ax symbolizes the power to execute
quōrum: of which; i.e. of the two fasces
6 erat scrīptum: it had…; plpf. pass.
7 Pompēiō...Augustālī (dedicat): (dedicates)
this to…; dat. ind. obj., supply the verb
8 et…et…: both…and…
9 quārum altera…altera…: of which one…
another…; partitive gen.
10 meminī: 1s pf. in form, present in sense
III et prīdiē Kalendās: on the third day
and the day before the Kalends of January;
i.e. on December 30th and 31st
 Cena Trimalchionis 30-1

Iānuāriās C. noster forās cēnat,” altera lūnae cursum stēllārumque 1

septem imāginēs pictās; et quī diēs bonī quīque incommodī essent,
distinguente bullā notābantur. Hīs replētī voluptātibus cum
cōnārēmur in trīclīnium intrāre, exclāmāvit ūnus ex puerīs, quī
super hoc officium erat positus, ‘Dextrō pede.’ Sine dubiō 5
paulisper trepidāvimus, nē contrā praeceptum aliquis nostrum
līmen trānsīret. Cēterum ut pariter mōvimus dextrōs gressūs,
servus nōbīs dēspoliātus prōcubuit ad pedēs ac rogāre coepit, ut sē
poenae ēriperēmus: nec magnum esse peccātum suum, propter
quod perīclitārētur; subducta enim sibi vestīmenta dispēnsātōris in 10

bulla, -ae f.: bubble; amulet, knob, 2
C.: Gaius, 5
cōnor, -āre, cōnātus sum: to try, attempt, 6
contrā: against; in reply; worth (acc.), 5
cursus, -ūs m.: course; journey, 2
dēspoliō (1): to strip off; rob, plunder, 4
dexter, dext(e)ra, dext(e)rum: right (side), 6
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
distinguō, -ere, -nxī: to distinguish, separate
dubium, -iī n.: doubt, hesitation, 2
ēripiō, -ere, -uī, ēreptus: tear away; rescue, 2
exclāmō (1): to exclaim, 4
forās: out of doors, 5
gressus, -ūs m.: step
Iānuārius, -a, -um: of January
imāgō, imāginis f.: image, 3
incommodus, -a, -um: unfavorable,
disagreeable
līmen, līminis n.: threshold, doorway, 2
1 C. noster: Gaius noster: the use of
Trimalchio’s praenomen suggests
familiarity and intimacy
altera (habēbat): the other…; add verb
2 quī diēs (essent) bonī quīque (diēs)
incommodī essent: which days…and which
(days)…; 2 ind. questions with impf. subj.
sum; ellipsis: add additional verb and noun
3 bullā: with…; abl. means, ‘knob’
replētī: (we)….; nom. subj. of cōnārēmur
cum cōnārēmur: when…; cum clause with
impf. dep. subj.
5 super…officiium: over…
erat positus: positus erat; plpf. pass. pōnō
Dextrō pede: abl. means; as a good omen
6 nē…trānsīret: lest…; fearing clause with
8
lūna, -ae f.: moon, 2
moveō, -ēre, mōvī, mōtus: to move, 4
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
pariter: equally, together, side by side, 3
paulisper: for a short while
peccātus, ī m.: sin, transgression, mistake
perīclitor, -ārī perīclitātus sum: be in peril
pingō, -ere, pīnxī, pictus: to paint, 6
poena, -ae f.: punishment, 3
praeceptum, -ī n.: precept, instruction, rule
prōcumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to fall prostrate
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
repleō, -ēre, -plēvī, -plētus: to fill up, 2
septem: seven
stēlla, -ae f.: star; 2
subdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductum: take away
trānsiliō, -īre, -uī: to leap over or across
trepidō (1): to tremble, be agitated, 3
voluptās, voluptātis f.: pleasure, 2
impf. subj. trānseō
7 Cēterum: but; common adv.
8 nōbīs: before…; dat. of compound verb,
prōcubuit
dēspoiliātus: i.e. from his clothes
ad: at…
sē: i.e. the servus
ut…ēriperēmus: that…; ind. command
with impf. subj. Following rogāre
9 poenae: from…; dat. of compound verb
nec…esse…: and that…; ind. disc. also
following rogāre
10 perīclitārētur: impf. dep. subjunctive of a
verb in subordinate clauses in ind. disc.
subducta (esse)…vestīmenta: (that) the
clothes…; ind. disc. with pf. pass. inf.
 Our Journey to the Underworld

balneō, quae vix fuissent decem sēstertiōrum. Rettulimus ergō 1

dextrōs pedēs dispēnsātōremque in ātriō aureōs numerantem
dēprecātī sumus, ut servō remitteret poenam. Superbus ille sustulit
vultum et “Nōn tam iactūra mē movet” inquit “quam negligentia
nēquissimī servī. Vestīmenta mea cubitōria perdidit, quae mihi 5
nātālī meō cliēns quīdam dōnāverat, Tyria sine dubiō, sed iam
semel lōta. Quid ergō est? Dōnō vōbīs eum.” 31. Obligātī tam
grandī beneficiō cum intrāssēmus trīclīnium, occurrit nōbīs ille
idem servus, prō quō rogāverāmus, et stupentibus spississima bāsia
impēgit grātiās agēns hūmānitātī nostrae. “Ad summam, statim 10

ātrium, -ī n.: atrium, hall negligentia, -ae f.: carelessness, neglect

bāsium, -iī n.: kiss
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
cliēns, clientis m.: client, dependent, 3
cubitōrius, -a, -um: (clothing) for dinner
decem: ten, 3
dēprecor, -ārī, dēprecātus sum: to plead,
pray (to avert), intercede, 2
dexter, dext(e)ra, dext(e)rum: right (side), 6
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
dōnō (1): to give, grant, 4
dubium, -iī n.: doubt, hesitation, 2
grandis, grande: full-grown; large, 5
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
hūmānitās, -ātis f.: kindness, 2
iactūra, -ae f.: loss, sacrifice, 3
impingō, -ere, -pēgī, -pāctus: plant, strike, 3
moveō, -ēre, mōvī, mōtus: to move, 4
nātālis, -e: birth; + diēs, birthday
1 fuissent: plpf. subj. sum; subjunctive of a
subordinate clause in ind. disc.
decem sēsteriōrum: of…; gen. pl. of value
as predicate of fuissent
rettulimus…pedēs: i.e. stepped back
ergō: and so
2 aureōs: gold pieces; i.e. coins
3 dēprecātī sumus: pf. dep.
ut…remitteret: that…; ind. command with
impf. subj.
servō: for…; dat. of interest
superbus: a nom. adj. as often, can be
translated as an adv.
sustulit: pf. tollō
4 tam…quam: so much…as; or ‘as much as’
quam introduces a clause of comparison
9
nēquam (indecl.): useless, good for nothing, 4
numerō (1): to count, 4
obligō (1): to bind up, oblige
occurrō, -ere, occurrī: to run to meet (dat)
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
poena, -ae f.: punishment, 3
quīdam, quae-, quid-: certain person/thing
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
remittō, -ere, -mīsī: to send back, let go, relax
semel: once, 4
spissus, -a, -um: frequent, thick, dense
stupeō, -ēre, -uī: be stunned, stand agape at, 4
superbus, -a, -um: arrogant
Tyrius, -a, -um: Tyrian, Phoenician
vix: hardly, scarcely, 5
vultus, -ūs m.: expression, face, 5
6 nātālī (diēī) meō: for…; dat. of purpose
Tyria…lōta: i.e. vestīmenta; PPP lavō
iam: already
7 lōta: PPP, lavō
eum: i.e. the servus dēspoliātus
8 grandī beneficiō: abl. means, grandī is a
3rd decl. i-stem abl.
intrā(vi)ssemus: 1p plpf. subj.
9 (nōbīs) stupentibus: on (us)…; dat. of
compound verb impēgit; a pres. pple
10 agēns: giving…; pres. pple; agō gratiās is
a common idiom for ‘I give thanks’
hūmānitātī nostrae: dat. ind. obj.
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in short, in
sum; a common expression in this text
 Cena Trimalchionis 31-2

sciētis” ait “cui dederītis beneficium. Vīnum dominicum 1

ministrātōris grātia est.”…Tandem ergō discubuimus puerīs
Alexandrīnīs aquam in manūs nivātam īnfundentibus aliīsque
īnsequentibus ad pedēs ac parōnychia cum ingentī subtīlitāte
tollentibus. Ac nē in hōc quidem tam molestō tacēbant officiō, sed 5
obiter cantābant. Ego experīrī voluī, an tōta familia cantāret, itaque
pōtiōnem poposcī. Parātissimus puer nōn minus mē acidō canticō
excēpit, et quisquis aliquid rogātus erat ut daret…pantomīmī
chorum, nōn patris familiae trīclīnium crēderēs. Allāta est tamen
gustātio valdē lauta; nam iam omnēs discubuerant praeter ipsum 10

acidus, -a, -um: sour, bitter; shrill, sharp, 3
Alexandrīnus, -a, -um: Alexandrian, 2
an: or, whether, if, 6
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
canticum, -ī n: ditty, song (in comedy), 3
chorus, -ī m.: dance; group of dancer, 2
discumbō, -ere, -cubuī, -cubitus: to recline, 7
dominicus, -ī m.: of the master, 2
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
experior, -īrī, expertus sum: test, find out, 2
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
gustātio, -ōnis f.: appetizer
īnfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: to pour upon, 4
īnsequor, -ī, īnsecūtus sum: to follow after, 5
lautus, -a, -um: splendid; washed, clean, 3
1 sciētis: 2p fut.
cui dederitis: to whom…; ind. question
with 2p pf. subj.: translate as pf. in sense
2 ministrātōris grātia: return favor of the
server; nom. pred.; i.e. a host may withhold
the best wine from his guests, but a server
can freely offer it to those whom he favors
puerīs…īnfundentibus: abl. abs.
3 aliīs (puerīs) īnsequentibus ac…
tollentibus: an extended abl. abs.
5 tollentibus: removing
nē…quidem: not even; this combination
often emphasizes the intervening words
in hōc…tam molestō…officiō: a single
prepositional phrase
6 an…cantāret: whether…; ind. question
with impf. subj.
ministrātor, -ōris, m: waiter, server, assistant
molestus, -a, -um: annoying, grating; nasty, 5
nivātus, -a, -um: cooled with snow
obiter: on the way; incidentally, in passing, 3
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
pantomīmus, -ī m.: pantomime
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
parōnychium, -ī n.: hangnail, nail-clippings
pater, patris m.: father, 7
pōtiō, -ōnis f.: drink, potion, 7
praeter: beyond; except, 3
subtīlitās, subtīlitātis f.: exactness, detail
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
tandem: finally, 3
familia: household slaves; throughout this
commentary, familia refers to the slaves
7 nōn minus: no less; comparative adv.
Aliquid…ut dare: that he…; ind. command
with impf. subj. dare governed by plpf.
pass. rogō; aliquid is acc. obj.
8 pantomīmī chorum: the dance of an
pantomine
9 patris familiae: of a paterfamilias
crēderēs: you would believe; potential
impf. subj.
Allāta est: pf. pass. afferō
gustātio: i.e. hor d'œuvres; otherwise
known as the gustus, ‘tasting,’ or promulsis,
‘arranged beforehand,’ this dish whet the
appetite before the prīma cēna and would
typically include eggs

10
 A Tantalizing Feast

Trimalchionem, cui locus novō mōre prīmus servābātur. Cēterum 1

in prōmulsidārī asellus erat Corinthius cum bisacciō positus, quī
habēbat olīvās in alterā parte albās, in alterā nigrās. Tegēbant
asellum duae lancēs, in quārum marginibus nōmen Trimalchionis
īnscrīptum erat et argentī pondus. Ponticulī etiam ferrumīnātī 5
sustinēbant glīrēs melle ac papāvere sparsōs. Fuērunt et tomācula
super crāticulam argenteam ferventia posita, et īnfrā crāticulam
Syriaca prūna cum grānīs Pūnicī mālī. 32. In hīs erāmus lautitiīs,
cum ipse Trimalchio ad symphōniam allātus est positusque inter
cervīcālia minūtissima expressit imprūdentibus rīsum. Palliō enim 10

albus, -a, -um: white, 6 minūtus, -a, -um: small, petty, 2

argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
asellus, -, ī m.: ass, donkey, 2
bisaccium, -ī n.: pair of saddle-bags
cervīcal (cervīcāle) -ālis n.: pillow, 3
Corintheus/ius -a -um: Corinthian, bronze, 7
crāticula, -ae f.: small grill, gridiron, 3
exprimō, -ere, -pressī: force out; exhibit, 2
ferrūmīnō (1): to solder, glue, 2
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
glis, glīris m.: dormouse
grānum, -ī n.: grain, seed, kernel
imprūdēns, -entis: unexpecting, unaware, 2
īnfrā: below, beneath, 3
īnscrībō, -ere, -scrīpsī, -scrīptus: to inscribe,
write on, 2
lanx, lancis f.: platter, broad dish, 5
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
mālum, -ī n.: apple; fruit, 3
margō, -inis m.: border, edge; margin
mel, mellis n.: honey, 6
1 cui: for…; dat. of interest
locus prīmus: i.e. first position on middle
couch
novō mōre: by…; as host, Trimalchio
should have been summus in medio (highest
on the middle couch) but here assumes the
summus on summo (highest on the high
couch) a position of lower status
2 prōmulsidārī: 3rd decl. i-stem abl. noun
Corinthius: i.e. bronze statue
3 alterā…alterā: one…another…
5 ferrumīnātī: i.e. connected to the plates
6 et: also, even; adv.
mōs, mōris m.: custom, 4
niger, nigra, nigrum: black, 4
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
olīva, -ae f.: olive
pallium, -iī n.: (Greek) cloak, mantle, 2
papāver, -eris n.: poppy-seed
pondus, -eris n.: weight; pondō, in pounds, 6
ponticulus, -ī m.: little bridge
prōmulsidāre, -is n.: appetizer tray (for
promulsis or gustatio)
prūnum, -ī n.: plum
Pūnicus, -a, -um: Punic; Carthaginian
servō (1): to save, protect, preserve, 5
spargō, -ere, -rsī, -rsum: sprinkle, scatter, 5
sustineō, -ēre, -uī, sustentus: to sustain, 4
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
Syriācus, -a, -um: Syrian, of Syria
tegō, -ere, texī, tectus: to cover, shield, 2
tomāculum, -ī n.: sausage (a type of), 2
7 Syriaca prūma: i.e. the Damson plum,
placed under the grill perhaps to resemble
burning coals
8 Pūnicī mālī: of pomegranate pūnicum
mālum is the common name for this fruit
in: among…
9 ad symphōniam: i.e. accompanied by…
allātus est: pf. pass. afferō
10 expressit: forced out; Trimalchio is still
the subject
imprūdentibus: from those…; dat. of
compound verb

11
 Cena Trimalchionis 33

coccineō adrāsum exclūserat caput circāque onerātās veste cervīcēs 1

lāticlāviam immīserat mappam fimbriīs hinc atque illinc
pendentibus. Habēbat etiam in minimō digitō sinistrae manūs
ānulum grandem subaurātum, extrēmō vērō articulō digitī
sequentis minōrem, ut mihi vidēbātur, tōtum aureum, sed plānē 5
ferreīs velutī stēllīs ferrumīnātum. Et nē hās tantum ostenderet
dīvitiās, dextrum nūdāvit lacertum armillā aureā cultum et eborēō
circulō lāminā splendente cōnexō. 33. Ut deinde pinnā argenteā
dentēs perfōdit, “Amīcī,” inquit, “nōndum mihi suāve erat in
trīclīnium venīre, sed nē diūtius absentīvos morae vōbīs essem, 10

absentīvus (-os), -a, -um: (long) absent illinc: from there, 2

adrādō, -rādere, -rāsī, -rāsum: to shave
ānulus, -ī m.: ring, 5
armilla, -ae f.: bracelet, 3
articulus, -ī m.: joint, knuckle; finger, 2
cervīx, cervīcis f.: neck, 5
circulus, -ī m.: circle (group), ring, hoop; 6
coccineus, -a, -um: scarlet-colored, 2
cōnectō, -ere, -nexuī, -nexum: connect, clasp
colō, colere, -uī, cultus: to adorn, cultivate, 3
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
dexter, dext(e)ra, dext(e)rum: right (side), 6
digitus, -ī m.: finger, 4
diūtius: longer, any longer, 4
dīvitia, -ae f.: riches, wealthy, 2
eboreus, -a, -um: of ivory
exclūdō, -ere, -clūsī: thrust out; shut out
extrēmus, -a, -um: farthest, extreme, tip of, 3
ferreus, -a, -um: made of iron
ferrūmīnō (1): to solder, glue, 2
fimbriae, -ārum f.: fringe (of a cloth)
grandis, grande: full-grown; large, 5
hinc: from here, hence, 6
1 adrāsum caput: i.e. Trimaclhio keeps the
shaved appearance of a slave when freed
exclūserat: i.e. peered from the cloak
cervīcēs: often in pl.: translate as singular
lāticlāviam…mappam: Trimalchio cannot
wear the broad-stripe of the senatorial class
and instead adds this cloth as an affectation
immīserat: had thrown on
2 fimbriīs…pendentibus: abl. abs.
4 (in) extrēmō articulō: i.e. top joint
digitī sequentis: i.e. the next finger
minōrem (ānulum): comparative of parvus
12
immittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to send in, 3
lacertus, -ī m.: arm, upper arm, 2
lāmina (lāmna) -ae f.: metal plate, coin, 3
lāticlāvius, -a, -um: broadstriped/senatorial, 2
mappa, -ae f.: napkin, handkerchief, 3
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
mora, -ae f.: delay, 4
nōndum: not yet, 3
nūdō (1): to bare, strip
onerō (1): to weigh down, load; stow, 5
ostendō, -ere, ostendī: to show, 3
pendeō, -ēre, pependī: to hang, 4
perfodiō, -ere, -fōdī, -fossus: dig/pick over
pinna, -ae f.: feather; quill, 2
sinister, -a, -um: left, 3
splendeō, -ēre, -uī: to shine, gleam
stēlla, -ae f.: star, 2
subaurātus, -a, -um: almost gold/golden
velutī: just as
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
vestis, -is f.: clothing, 2
5 ut…vidēbātur: as it…; videor as ‘seem’
6 nē…ostenderet: so that…might not…; neg.
purpose clause with impf. subj.
tantum: only; adv.
7 armillā aureā…borēō circulō: both abl. of
means with cultum
8 lāminā splendente: abl.means with cōnexō
Ut: As…, When…
10 suāve erat: it was pleasant
morae vōbīs essem: I might serve as a
delay to you; double dat. (purpose, interest);
1s impf. subj. sum in a neg. purpose clause
 A Tantalizing Feast

omnem voluptātem mihi negāvī. Permittētis tamen fīnīrī lūsum.” 1

Sequēbātur puer cum tabulā terebinthinā et crystallinīs tesserīs,
notāvīque rem omnium dēlicātissimam. Prō calculīs enim albīs ac
nigrīs aureōs argenteōsque habēbat dēnāriōs. Interim dum ille
omnium textōrum dicta inter lūsum cōnsūmit, gustantibus adhūc 5
nōbīs repositōrium allātum est cum corbe, in quō gallīna erat
lignea patentibus in orbem ālīs, quālēs esse solent quae incubant
ōva. Accessēre continuō duo servī et symphōniā strepente scrūtārī
paleam coepērunt ērutaque subinde pāvōnīna ōva dīvīsēre
convīvīs. Convertit ad hanc scaenam Trimalchio vultum et 10

āla, ālae f.: wing, armpit, 2
albus, -a, -um: white, 6
calculus, -ī m.: small stone, pebble
cōnsūmō, -ere, -sūmpsī: to take in, use up, 2
continuō: immediately, continuously, 4
convertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to turn,
change, 5
convīvium, -iī n.: banquet, feast
corbis, -is f.: basket
crystallinus, -a, -um: made of crystal/glass, 2
dēlicātus, -a, -um: pleasureable, delightful;
pleasure-seeking, indulgent; pet (=dēliciae), 3
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
dīvīdō, -ere, dīvīsī, dīvīsus: to divide up, 4
ēruō, -ere, ēruī, ērutus: to dig up, root out
fīniō, -īre, fīnīvī, fīnītus: to finish (off), end, 3
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
incumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to lie/lean over (dat), 3
ligneus, -a, -um: wooden
1 permittētis: 2p fut.
2 tesserīs: i.e. game pieces
3 prō calculīs: in place of counters; i.e. in
place of stones used as game pieces
5 omnium dicta…cōnsūmit: used the words
of all the weavers during the game; i.e.
used the vulgar speech of the lower classes
gustantibus…nōbīs: (while)…; abl. abs.,
i.e.. enjoying the gustatio
6 repositōrium: not simply a tray but a
complex tray-stand placed on a table
allātum est: pf. pass. afferō
7 patentibus…ālīs: abl. abs.
lūsus, -ūs m.: play, game, 4
negō (1): to deny, refuse, 4
niger, nigra, nigrum: black, 4
orbis, -is m.: circle, orb, 4
palea, -ae f.: straw, chaff
pateō, -ēre, -uī: to be open
pāvōnīnus, -a, -um: of a peacock
permittō, -ere, -misī, -missus: to permit, 2
quālis, -e: what sort, 3
scaena, -ae f.: backdrop, scene, stage
scrūtor, -ārī, scrūtātus sum: to examine
strepō, -ere, -uī: to make a loud noise, blare
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
tabula, -ae f.: tablet; (gaming) board, 5
terebinthinus, -a, -um: of the terebinth tree
tessera, -ae f.: square piece; die (dice)
textor, textōris m.: weaver, 1
voluptās, voluptātis f.: pleasure, 2
vultus, -ūs m.: expression, face, 5
quālēs (alās): just as…; ‘what sort of
(wings)…’ a relative clause of comparison
quae: which…; the antecedent is the
missing fem. pl. ālās
8 Accessēr(unt): 3p syncopated pf.
symphōniā strepente: abl. abs.
9 ēruta…dīvīsēr(unt): i.e. pulled out and
gave; Latin prefers PPP and one finite verb
where English often prefers two finite verbs
10 convīvīs: to…; dat. ind. obj.
convertit…vultum: i.e. turned his attention
to…

13
 Cena Trimalchionis 34

“Amīcī,” ait, “pāvōnis ōva gallīnae iussī suppōnī. Et meherculēs 1

timeō nē iam conceptī sint; temptēmus tamen, sī adhūc sorbilia
sunt.” Accipimus nōs cochleāria nōn minus sēlībrās pendentia
ōvaque ex farīnā pinguī figūrāta pertundimus. Ego quidem paene
prōiēcī partem meam, nam vidēbātur mihi iam in pullum coīsse. 5
Deinde ut audīvī veterem convīvam: “Hic nesciō quid bonī dēbet
esse,” persecūtus putāmen manū pinguissimam fīcedulam invēnī
piperātō vitellō circumdatam. 34. Iam Trimalchio eadem omnia
lūsū intermissō poposcerat fēceratque potestātem clārā vōce, sī
quis nostrum iterum vellet mulsum sūmere, cum subitō signum 10

audiō, -īre, -ivī, audītus: to hear, listen to, 5
circumdō, -āre, -dedī, -datus: to put around,
surround
clārus, -a, -um: clear, distinguished, 3
cocheārium, ī, n.: spoon
coeō, -īre, -iī, coitus: come together, form
concipiō, -ere, -cēpī: set (harden); grasp
farīna, -ae f.: flour, ground meal
fīcēdula, -ae f.: figpecker (small bird)
figūrō (1): to form, fashion, shape
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
intermittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to leave off
iterum: again, 3
lūsus, -ūs m.: play, game, 4
mulsum, -ī n.: mead, honey-wine, 2
paene: almost, 7
pāvō, -ōnis m/f.: peacock, peahen, 2
pendō, -ere, pependī, pēnsus: weigh, pay, 3
1 Amīcī: voc. direct address
gallīnae: under…; dat. of compound verb
iussī: 1s pf. iubeō
suppōnī: pres. pass. inf.
2 nē…sint: lest…; fearing clause with pres.
subj. sum
conceptī: hard boiled; PPP, nom. pred.
temptēmus: let us…; 1p jussive subj.
3 cochleāria: a spoon used for snails
(cochlea) as well as eggs
nōn minus (quam): no less (than)
4 ex farīnā pinguī: from fine flour; i.e. not
real eggs but shaped as such, 3rd decl. i-
stem abl.
ego equidem: I for my part
5 partem: portion
vidēbātur: impf. videor, ‘seem’
14
persequor, -ī, persecūtus sum: to follow, 4
pertundō, -ere, -dī: to pound/beat through
pinguis, -e: fat. thick, dense, 3
piperātus, -a, -um: peppered, 2
potestās, potestātis f.: power, 2
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
pullus, -ī m.: chicken, 2
putāmen, -inis, n.: shell, peeling
sēlībra, -ae f.: half-pound, 2
sorbilis, -e: able to be sucked, suckable
sūmō, -ere, sūmpsī, sūmptus: to take, 3
suppōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to put up,
substitute, 2
temptō (1): to try, 3
timeō, -ēre, timuī: to fear, 5
vetus, veteris: old, 3
vitellus, -ī m.: egg yoke
mihi: dat. of reference (viewpoint)
coīsse: pf. inf. coeō
6 ut: as, when…
nesciō quid: something; ‘I-do-not-know-
what…’ used as a common indefinite
pronoun, here pred. of esse
bonī: partitive gen. with nesciō quid
7 manū: i.e. piercing the shell with a finger
8 eadem omnia: i.e. the same dishes
9 lūsū intermissō: abl. abs.
fēcerat potestātem: had given an
opportunity (to us)
clārā vōce: with…; abl. of manner
10 sī quis: if any…; quis is indefinite (equiv.
to aliquis) after sī, nisi, num, and nē
nostrum: of us; partitive gen. pl. of nōs
vellet: impf. subj. volō
 A Tantalizing Feast

symphōniā datur et gustātōria pariter ā chorō cantante rapiuntur. 1

Cēterum inter tumultum cum forte paropsis excidisset et puer
iacentem sustulisset, animadvertit Trimalchio colaphīsque
obiūrgārī puerum ac prōicere rūrsus paropsidem iussit. Īnsecūtus
est lectīcārius argentumque inter reliqua pūrgāmenta scōpīs coepit 5
ēverrere. Subinde intrāvērunt duo Aethiopēs capillātī cum pusillīs
ūtribus, quālēs solent esse quī harēnam in amphitheātrō spargunt,
vīnumque dedēre in manūs; aquam enim nēmō porrēxit. Laudātus
propter ēlegantiās dominus “Aequum” inquit “Mārs amat. Itaque
iussī suam cuique mēnsam assignārī. Obiter et pūtidissimī servī 10

aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
Aethiops, -opis m.: Ethiopian
amphitheātrum (-er), -ī n.: amphitheater, 2
animadvertō, -ere, -tī, -sus: to notice, 2
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
assignō (1): to mark out, assign
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
chorus, -ī m.: dance; group of dancer, 2
colaphus, -ī m.: punch, blow
ēlegantia, -ae f.: refinement, elegance, taste
ēverrō, -ere, ēverrī, ēversum: to sweep out
excidō, -ere, -cidī: to fall/slip away, 3
forte: by chance (abl. fors), 3
gustātōrium, -ī n.: appetizer-tray
harēna (arēna), -ae f.: sand, arena
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
īnsequor, -ī, īnsecūtus sum: to follow after, 5
laudō (1): to praise, 7
lectīcārius, -ī m.: litter-bearer
Mārs, Mārtis m.: Mars, 2
obiter: on the way; incidentally, in passing, 3
1 ā chorō cantante: by…; abl. agent with
pres. pple
2 Cum…excidisset…sustulisset: when…;
cum clause with plpf. subj. excidō, tollō
forte: by chance; abl. fors as adv.
3 (paropsidem) iacentem: (the dish) lying
(on the ground); pres. pple, iaceō
5 argentum: anything dropped is thrown out
with the rubbish rather than saved
scōpīs: abl. means;
7 quālēs (ūtrēs): just as…; ‘which sort of
wineskins,’ a relative clause of comparison
8 dedēr(unt): 3p syncopated pf.
obiurgō (1): to rebuke, scold
pariter: equally, together, side by side, 3
paropsis, idis f: side dish, dessert-dish, 3
porrigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctum: to hold out, 3
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
pūrgāmentum, -ī n.: rubbish, things to be
swept up, 3
pusillus, -a, -um: very small; puny, 2
pūtidus, -a, -um: filthy, rotten, 3
quālis, -e: what sort, 3
quisque, quidque/quīcque: each, every, 3
rapiō, -ere, rapuī, raptus: to seize, snatch, 5
reliquus, -a, -um: remaining, 4
rūrsus: back; again, in addition, 3
scōpa, -ae f.: broom, twigs
spargō, -ere, -rsī, -rsum: sprinkle, scatter, 5
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
tumultus, -ūs m.: tumult, confusion, 3
ūter, ūtris m.: wineskin, skin (for wine), 2
in manūs: i.e. for washing
9 Aequum: fairness; acc. obj.
10 suam mēnsam: his own table; reflexive
suus refers to the logical subject, the guests,
rather than the actual subject of the
sentence; separate tables were offered to
each guest in addition to a large one in the
center
cuique: to…; dat. ind. obj. quisque
et: also; a second reason for including
individual tables
pūtidissimī: superlative

15
 Cena Trimalchionis 34-5

minōrem nōbīs aestum frequentiā suā facient.” Statim allātae sunt 1

amphorae vitreae dīligenter gypsātae, quārum in cervīcibus pittacia
erant affīxa cum hōc titulō: “Falernum Opīmiānum annōrum
centum.” Dum titulōs perlēgimus, complōsit Trimalchio manūs et
“Ēheu,” inquit, “ergō diūtius vīvit vīnum quam homunciō. Quārē 5
tengomēnās faciāmus. vīta vīnum est. Vērum Opīmiānum praestō.
Heri nōn tam bonum posuī, et multō honestiōrēs cēnābant.”
Pōtantibus ergō nōbīs et accūrātissimē lautitiās mīrantibus lārvam
argenteam attulit servus sīc aptātam, ut articulī eius vertebraeque
luxātae in omnem partem flecterentur. Hanc cum super mēnsam 10

accūrātē,: carefully; in detail
aestus, -ūs m.: heat; tide; commotion
affīgō, -ere, -fīxī, -fīxus: to fasten to
amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6
aptō (1): to fit together, adapt, join together
articulus, -ī m.: joint, knuckle; finger, 2
centum: one hundred, 6
cervīx, cervīcis f.: neck, 5
complōdō, -ere, plōsī, plōsum: to clap
dīligenter: diligently, carefully, 5
diūtius: longer, 4
ēheu: oh no, alas, 3
Falernum, -ī n.: Falernian, a kind of wine, 3
flectō, -ere, flēxī, flexus: to bend, 3
frequentia, -ae f.: crowd, throng, 2
gypsō (1): to seal/whiten with gypsum, 2
herī: yesterday, 2
1 minōrem…aestum: comparative, parvus
nōbīs: for…; dat. of interest
frequentiā suā: by their crowding past (us)
allātae sunt: pf. pass. afferō
3 erant affīxa: affīxa erant; plpf. pass.
annōrum centum: of…; gen. of description
5 quam: than…; with comparative diūtius
homuncio: i.e. a human being in general
tengomēnās faciāmus: let us drink up; 1p
hortatory subj., the meaning of tengomēnās
is unknown
homuncio, -ōnis m.: poor man, the poor, 5
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
lārva, -ae f.: skeleton; ghost; 3
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
luxō (1): to move out of position, displace
Opīmiānus, -a, -um: Opimian, of Opimius, 2
perlegō, -legere, -lēgī, -lectum: to read
through
pittacium, -ī n.: ticket, tag, 2
pōtō (1): to drink, 3
praestō, -āre, praestitī: to present, offer
tangomēnās (tengomēnās): ??; + facere,
drink up, 2
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
vertebra, -ae f.: joint
vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
vitreus, -a, -um: made of glass, 5
6 Vērum (vīnum): real (wine)
7 multō: much; ‘by much,’ abl. of degree of
difference
8 pōtantibus…nōbīs…mīrantibus: abl. abs.
accūrātissimē: superlative adv.
9 attulit: pf. afferō
sīc…ut…flecterentur: in such a way
that…; result clause with impf. subj.
eius: its; i.e. the larva’s
10 in omnem partem: into every direction
hanc: i.e. larvam

16
 A Tantalizing Feast

semel iterumque abiēcisset, et catēnātio mōbilis aliquot figūrās 1

exprimeret, Trimalchio adiēcit: “Ēheu nōs miserōs, quam tōtus
homuncio nīl est. Sīc erimus cūnctī, postquam nōs auferet Orcus.
Ergō vīvāmus, dum licet esse bene.” 35. Laudātiōnem ferculum est
īnsecūtum plānē nōn prō expectātiōne magnum; novitās tamen 5
omnium convertit oculōs. Rotundum enim repositōrium duodecim
habēbat signa in orbe disposita, super quae proprium
convenientemque māteriae strūctor imposuerat cibum: super
Arietem cicer arietīnum, super Taurum būbulae frūstum, super
Geminōs testiculōs ac riēnēs, super Cancrum corōnam, super 10

abiciō, -ere, -iēcī: to throw down, cast away, 2
aliquot: some, several, 7
ariēs, -etis m.: ram; Aries (constellation), 3
arietīnus, -a, -um: ram’s head; of a ram
auferō, -ferre, abstulī, -lātus: carry away, 5
būb(u)lus, -a, -um: of cattle; noun, beef, 2
cancer, cancrī m.: crab; Cancer (stars), 4
catēnātio, -ōnis f.: jointing, connection,
cibus, -ī m.: food, 3
cicer, -eris, n: chickpea, 2
conveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: be fit, suitable
convertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to turn,
change, 5
corōna, -ae f.: crown, wreath, 5
cūnctus, -a, -um: all, 2
dispōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to place out, 2
duodecim: twelve, 3
ēheu: oh no, alas, 3
exprimō, -ere, -pressī: force out; exhibit, 2
exspectātio, -ōnis f.: expectation, 3
figūra, -ae f.: form, shape, 2
frūstum, -ī n.: piece, slice, 4
1 abiēcisset: cum clause with plpf. subj.
abiciō
2 exprimeret: expressed; impf. subj. in the
same cum clause
nōs miserōs: acc. of exclamation
quam tōtus…est, sīc: how entirely
meaningless a poor man is!; quam is an
interrogative adv. in an exclamation
erimus: fut. sum
auferet: fut.
4 vīvāmus: let…; 1p jussive pres. subj.
est īnsecūtum: īnsecūtum est; pf. pass.
5 prō: according to…;
17
geminī, -ae, -a: twin; Gemini (stars), 2
homunciō, -ōnis m.: poor man, the poor, 5
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
īnsequor, -ī, īnsecūtus sum: to follow after, 5
iterum: again, 3
laudātiō, -ōnis f.: praise, 2
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
māteria, -ae f.: subject matter; matter, timber
miser, misera, miserum: wretched, sad, 2
mōbilis, -e: movable, loose
novitās, -ātis f.: newness, novelty
orbis, -is m.: circle, orb, 4
Orcus, -ī m.: Orcus (Pluto); underworld, 4
proprius, -a, -um: one's own, suitable
rēnēs (riēnēs), rēnum m.: kidneys
rotundus, -a, -um: round, circular
semel: once, 4
strūctor, ōris, m: carver (of dishes), builder
taurus, -ī m.: bull; Taurus (constellation), 3
testiculus, -ī m.: testicle
6 duodecim signa: i.e. the 12 signs of the
Zodiac, which will be explained separately
7 super quae: on which (signs); there is a
different food for each Zodiac sign
proprium convenientemque: with cibum
8 māteriae: for the subject matter; dat. of
special adj. with both adjectives above
super Arietem (imposuerat): the food for
each constellation is described; add a verb
9 cicer arietīnum: ram’s head chickpea; i.e.
a chickpea that looks likes a ram’s head
 Cena Trimalchionis 36

Leōnem fīcum Āfricānam, super Virginem stēriliculam, super 1

Lībram statēram in cuius alterā parte scriblīta erat, in alterā
placentā, super Scorpiōnem pisciculum marīnum, super Sagittārium
oclopētam, super Capricornum lōcustam marīnam, super Aquārium
ānserem, super Piscēs duōs mullōs. In mediō autem caespes cum 5
herbīs excīsus favum sustinēbat. Circumferēbat Aegyptius puer
clībanō argenteō pānem…Atque ipse etiam taeterrimā vōce dē
Lāserpīciāriō mīmō canticum extorsit. 36. Nōs ut trīstiōrēs ad tam
vīlēs accessimus cibōs, “Suādeō,” inquit Trimalchio, “cēnēmus; hoc
est iūs cēnae.” Haec ut dīxit, ad symphōniam quattuor tripudiantēs 10

Aegyptius, -a, -um: Egyptian marīnus, -a, -um: of the sea, 2

Africānus, -a, -um: Africanus
ānser, ānseris m.: goose, 3
aquārius, -iī m.: Aquarius; water-carrier, 2
caespes, -itis m.: turf, sod (cut out), 3
canticum, -ī n: ditty, song (in comedy), 3
Capricornus, -ī m.: Capricorn (name), 2
cibus, -ī m.: food, 3
clībanus, -ī m.: bread pan; clay bread pan
excīdō, -ere, -cīdī, -cīsus: to cut (away)
extorqueō, -ere, -torsī, -tortus: to twist out, 2
favus, -ī m.: honey-comb, 5
fīcus, -ī (-ūs) f.: fig, fig-tree
herba, -ae f.: plant, herb
iūs, iūris n.: broth, sauce, juice
Lāserpīciārius, -ī m.: the Laserpicium
gatherer (a play)
leō, leōnis m.: lion; Leo (constellation), 4
lībra, -ae f.: Libra, a pound; balance/scales, 4
lōcusta, -ae f.: lobster; elsewhere locust
1 Leōnem (imposuerat): supply the verb
2 cuius: of which; partitive gen. with alterā
7 ipse: (Trimalchio) himself
taeterrimā vōce: with…; abl. manner with
superlative adj.
dē Lāserpīciāriō mīmō: from the mime
(called) the Laserpicium Gatherer; i.e.
farcical play; Laserpicium is a plant also
called ‘asafoedtida’ or ‘silphium’
8 ut…accessimus: when…
mīmus, -ī m.: mimic/farcical play; mime
mullus, -ī m.: mullet (fish)
oclopeta, -ae f.: ??, bullseye
pisciculus, -ī m.: little fish
placenta, -ae f.: cake, 3
quattuor: four, 6
sagittārius, -ī m.: archer; Sagittarius (stars), 2
scorpiō, -ōnis m.: scorpion; Scorpio (stars), 2
scriblīta, -ae f.: a tart, 3
statēra, -ae f.: balance, scales, 2
stēricula, -ae f.: a sow’s uterus
suādeō, -ēre, suāsī, suāsus: persuade, urge, 4
sustineō, -ēre, -uī, sustentus: to sustain, 4
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
taeter, -tra, -trum: repulsive, vile, hideous, 4
tripudiō (1): dance (in triple time to Mars)
trīstis, -e: sad, 2
vīlis, -e: cheap, 2
virgō, virginis f.: maiden; Virgo (stars), 2
trīstiōrēs: rather sad; comparative nom. pl.
ad tam vīlēs…cibōs: a single phrase
9 suādeō (ut) cēnēmus: ind. command with
1p pres. subj.; supply the ‘ut’ which is often
missing following suādeō
10 iūs: sauce
haec: these (things); acc. obj.
ut: as, when…
tripudiantēs: triple-time dancers; ‘dancing
in triple time’

18
 A Tantalizing Feast

prōcurrērunt superiōremque partem repositōriī abstulērunt. Quō 1

factō vidēmus īnfrā scīlicet in alterō ferculō altilia et sumina
lepōremque in mediō pinnīs subōrnātum, ut Pēgasus vidērētur.
Notāvimus etiam circā angulōs repositōriī Marsyās quattuor, ex
quōrum ūtriculīs garum piperātum currēbat super piscēs, quī 5
tanquam in eurīpō natābant. Dāmus omnēs plausum ā familiā
inceptum et rēs ēlēctissimās rīdentēs aggredimur. Nōn minus et
Trimalchio eiusmodī methodiō laetus “Carpe” inquit. Prōcessit
statim scissor et ad symphōniam gesticulātus ita lacerāvit
obsōnium, ut putārēs essedārium hydraulē cantante pugnāre. 10

aggredior, -ī, aggressus sum: to attack
altilis, -e: fattened, fat; subst. fattened bird, 4
angulus, -ī m.: angle, corner, 2
auferō, -ferre, abstulī, -lātus: carry away, 5
Carpus, -ī m.: Carver (name + occupation ), 6
currō, -ere, cucurrī, cursus: to run, 6
eiusmodī: such, of this king or manner, 5
ēlectus, -a, um: choiceworthy, excellent
essedārius, -ī m.: fighter on a war-chariot
eurīpus, -ī m.: channel, strait
garum, -ī n.: garum (fish sauce)
gesticulor, -ārī: to gesticulate, gesture, 2
hydraulis, -is m.: water-organ
incipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: to begin, take up
īnfrā: below, beneath, 3
lacerō (1): to tear up, lacerate, 5
laetus, -a, -um: happy
lepus, leporis m.: rabbit, hare, 3
1 absulērunt: pf. auferō
quō factō: abl. abs. with a connective
relative: translated the relative as ‘this’
in mediō: i.e. middle of the displayed food
3 ut…vidērētur: so that…; result with impf.
subj. videor, ‘seem’
4 Marsyās: i.e. little figurines of Marsyas
5 super: over…, on top of…
tanquam: as if…tamquam
6 familia: household slaves; throughout this
commentary, familia refers to slaves
7 rēs ēlēctissimās: i.e. the food
rīdentēs: nom. pl. pres. pple
Marsyas, -ae m.: Marsyas (a satyr)
methodium, -iī n.: jest, trick, contrivance
natō (1): to swim, 3
obsōnium, -ī n.: meal, dish (food), 3
Pēgasus, -ī m.: Pegasus
pinna, -ae f.: feather; quill, 2
piperātus, -a, -um: peppered, 2
plaudō, -ere, plausī, plausum: to clap, 5
prōcēdō, -ere, -cessī, -cessus: to advance, 2
prōcurrō, -ere, -cucurrī: to run (forward), 2
pugnō (1): to fight, 3
quattuor: four, 6
scissor, -ōris, m: carver, cutter; gladiator
subōrnō (1): to adorn, fit out, supply, 3
sūmen, sūminis, n: sow’s udder
superior, -ius: higher, upper
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
ūtriculus, -ī m.: small wineskin or bottle
aggredimur: 1s pres. dep.; i.e. eagerly ate
Nōn minus: no less
8 eiusmodī: of…; gen. of description
Carpe: Carve, Carver!; a clever wordplay:
the slave’s name is Carpus, ‘Carver,’ and
his job is to carve (carpō, carpere) the meat.
The word ‘Carpe,’ therefore, is both (1)
voc. direct address of the name and (2) a sg.
imperative of the verb.
10 Ut putārēs: so that you would think that…
result clause with impf. subj.
essedārium…pugnāre: that…; ind. disc.

19
 Cena Trimalchionis 37

Ingerēbat nihilō minus Trimalchio lentissimā vōce: “Carpe, 1

Carpe.” Ego suspicātus ad aliquam urbānitātem totiēns iterātam
vōcem pertinēre, nōn ērubuī eum, quī suprā mē accumbēbat, hoc
ipsum interrogāre. At ille, quī saepius eiusmodī lūdōs spectāverat,
“Vidēs illum,” inquit, “quī obsōnium carpit: Carpus vocātur. Itaque 5
quotiēscunque dīcit ‘Carpe,’ eōdem verbō et vocat et imperat.” 37.
Nōn potuī amplius quicquam gustāre, sed conversus ad eum, ut
quam plūrima exciperem, longē accersere fābulās coepī
scīscitārīque, quae esset mulier illa, quae hūc atque illūc
discurreret. “Uxor,” inquit, “Trimalchionis Fortūnāta appellātur, 10

accersō (arcessō), -ere, -īvī: to summon, fetch
accumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to lie (down at)
amplius: more, longer; further, 6
appellō (1): to call (by name), name, 5
carpō, -ere, carpsī: to carve; pluck, seize
Carpus, -ī m.: Carver (name + occupation ), 6
convertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to turn,
change, 5
discurrō, -ere, -currī, -cursus: to run about, 3
eiusmodī: such, of this king or manner, 5
ērubescō, -ere, -rubuī: to grow red, blush
with shame at, 3
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
hūc: to here, hither, 2
illūc: to there
imperō (1): to order, command, 3
ingerō, -ere, -gessī: to carry on, pour on
1 nihilō: no; ‘by nothing,’ abl. of degree of
difference with comparative adv. minus
lentissimā vōce: with…; abl. of manner
with superlative adj.
2 Carpe: Carve, Carver!; both voc. dir.
address. and sg. imperative
ad…vōcem pertinēre: that this word…;
ind. disc.; i.e. ‘Carpe’
ad aliquam urbānitātem: to some
witty joke; governed by pertinēre
3 nōn ērubuī: i.e. not too embarrassed to ask
eum, quī: the one who…; ‘him who’
suprā mē: i.e. of higher status on the couch
hoc ipsum: this very thing; i.e. why
Trimalchio repeats the word ‘Carpe’
4 saepius: comparative adv.
eiusmodī: of…; gen.of description
20
interrogō (1): to ask, inquire, 4
iterō (1): to repeat, do a second time
lentus, -a, -um: soft; slow, 2
lūdus, -ī m.: game, joke, play, 4
obsōnium, -ī n.: meal, dish (food), 3
pertineō, -ēre, -uī: to pertain to; reach, 2
plūrimus, -a, -um: very much/many, 4
quisquam, quicquam: someone, anyone, 2
quotiēnscumque: as many times as
saepe: often, 2
scīscitor, -ārī: to seek to know, inquire
spectō (1): to look at, 6
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
suspicor, -ārī, suspicātus sum: to suspect, 2
totiēns: so often
urbānitās, -ātis f.: wit, joke, sophistication, 3
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
verbum, -ī n.: word, 3
5 Carpus: Carpus; ‘Carver,’ nom. pred.
6 eōdem verbō: abl. of means
et…et…: both…and…
7 potuī: 1s pf. possum
conversus: PPP convertō reflexive in
sense: ‘having Xed’
ut…exciperem: so that…might…; purpose
clause with 1s impf. subj.
8 quam…: as…as possible; + superlative;
usual translation for quam + superlative as
an elliptical clause of comparison
longē: from afar; with arcessere
9 quae esset: who…; ind. question, impf. sum
quae discurrerent: who…; relative clause;
subj. of subordinate verb in an ind. question
10 Fortūnāta: nom. pred. after appellātur
 Encolpius Learns about his Hosts

quae nummōs modiō mētītur. Et modo, modo quid fuit? Ignōscet 1

mihi genius tuus, nōluissēs dē manū illīus pānem accipere. Nunc,
nec quid nec quārē in caelum abiit et Trimalchionis topanta est.
Ad summam, merō merīdiē sī dīxerit illī tenebrās esse, crēdet. Ipse
nescit quid habeat, adeō saplūtus est; sed haec lupātria prōvidet 5
omnia et ubī nōn putēs. Est sicca, sōbria, bonōrum cōnsiliōrum
[tantum aurī vidēs], est tamen malae linguae, pīca pulvīnāris. Quem
amat, amat; quem nōn amat, nōn amat. Ipse Trimalchio fundōs
habet, quā mīlvī volant, nummōrum nummōs. Argentum in ōstiāriī
illīus cellā plūs iacet, quam quisquam in fortūnīs habet. Familia 10

abeō, -īre, -iī, abitum: to go away, 5
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
aurum, -ī n.: gold, 6
cella, -ae f.: room, 4
cōnsilium, -iī n.: plan, idea, council
fortūna, -ae f.: fortune, chance, 5
fundus, -ī m.: farm, estate, 5
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
ignōscō, -ere, īgnōvī, īgnōtus: to forgive, 4
lingua, -ae f.: tongue; language, 4
lupātria, -ae f.: bitch, vixen
merīdiēs, merīdiēī m.: midday, 2
merus, -a, -um: pure, undiluted; genuine, 5
mētior, -īrī, mēnsus sum: to measure, 2
1 modiō: by the peck; or ‘by the gallons,’
i.e. she is therefore very wealthy
et modo, modo quid fuit: and just now,
just now what was she?; he speaks haltingly
and asks about Fortunata’s earlier life
ignōscet: fut. + dat. ind. obj.
2 genius tuus: your genius; in pleas and
oaths, sometimes speakers appeal to the
guiding spirit of person addressed
nōluissēs: you would have refused…; plpf.
subj. of past potential (contrary to fact)
illīus: gen. sg. illa, i.e. Fortunata
3 nec quid nec quārē: (there is) neither what
nor why; i.e. the answers to these questions
and the rise of Fortunata are unknown
in caelum abiit: she has gone off to the sky;
pf. abeō; though lowly born, Fortunata has
raised her status
topanta: i.e. she is the world to Trimalchio
4 Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in short, in
21
mīlvus, -ī m.: vulture (a bird of prey), 2
modius, -ī m. (gen. -um): peck (~2 gallons), 2
nummus, -ī m.: coin, money, 7
ōstiārius, -ī m.: door-keeper, porter , 5
pīca, -ae f.: magpie, 2
prōvideō, -ēre, -vīdī, -vīsus: foresee; provide
pulvīnāris, -e: on a cushion, of a cushion
quisquam, quicquam: someone, anyone, 2
saplūtus, -a, -um: very rich
siccus, -a, -um: dry; ~sober, temperate, 2
sōbrius, -a, -um: sober, moderate
tenebrae, tenebrārum f., pl.: darkness
topanta n. (Gk. τὸ πάντα): everything
volō (1): to fly, 3
sum
merō merīdiē: at…; abl. time when
sī dīxerit…credet (eam): if she says…, he
will…; fut. more vivid (sī fut. (pf), fut.);
translate fut. pf. as pres. with fut. sense
illī: to…; dat. ind. obj. ille, i.e. Trimalchio
tenebrās esse: that…; ind. disc.
ipse: (He) himself
5 quid habeat: ind. question with pres. subj.
6 et ubī…putēs: even where…; et is an adv.,
introducing an ind. question with pres. subj.
est sicca: she is…; i.e. Fortunata
bonōrum cōnsiliōrum: gen. description
[tantum…vidēs]: omit
7 malae linguae: of…; i.e. a sharp tongue;
gen. of description as predicate
pīca pulvīnāris: i.e. she harasses him even
while he lies on the couch
9 quā: where…; relative adv.
10 plūs…quam: more…than
 Cena Trimalchionis 38

vērō babae babae, nōn meherculēs putō decumam partem esse 1

quae dominum suum nōverit. 38. Ad summam, quemvīs ex istīs
babaecalīs in rūtae folium coniciet. Nec est quod pūtēs illum
quicquam emere. Omnia domī nāscuntur: lāna, credrae, piper, lacte
gallīnāceum sī quaesieris, inveniēs. Ad summam, parum illī bona 5
lāna nāscēbātur; arietēs ā Tarentō ēmit, et eōs cūlāvit in gregem.
Mel Atticum ut domī nāscerētur, apēs ab Athēnīs iussit afferrī;
obiter et vernāculae quae sunt, meliusculae ā Graeculīs fīent. Ecce
intrā hōs diēs scrīpsit, ut illī ex Indiā sēmen bōlētōrum mitterētur.
Nam mūlam quidem nūllam habet, quae nōn ex onagrō nāta sit. 10

apis, -is f.: bee, 2 lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7

ariēs, -etis m.: ram; Aries (constellation), 3
Athēnae, -ārum f.: Athens
Atticus, -a, -um: Attic, 2
babae (papae): wow! (expressing surprise), 2
babaecalus, -ī m.: dummy (who say babae)
bōlētus, -ī m.: mushroom
credra, -ae f.: citrus fruit
cūlō (1): to send (with a smack on the behind)
decimus (decumus), -a, -um: tenth, one-tenth
fleō, -ēre, flēvī, flētus: to cry, 5
folium, -iī n.: leaf, 2
gallīnāceus, -a, -um: of a chicken, chicken, 5
Graeculus, -a, -um: Greekling, little Greek, 2
grex, gregis m.: flock, group, 2
India, -ae f.: India
intrā: within, 5
lacte, -is n. (nom. lac, acc. lactem): milk, 2
1 babae babae: in exclamation
decumam…esse: that there is…; ind. disc.
i.e. a fraction of his total slaves
2 quae…nōverit: who…; relative with pf.
subj.; subjunctive of subordinate verb in
ind. disc.
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
3 in rūtae folium coniciet: fut. coniciō; i.e.
Trimalchio can kill any slave and not miss
him in his household and businesses
nec est…emere: and there is not anything
that you should think that he buys; quod
introduces a relative clause of characteristic
with pres. subj.
4 domī: at home; locative case, domus
5 sī quaesieris, inveniēs: if you seek,…will
fut. more vivid condition (sī fut. (pf), fut.);
22
mel, mellis n.: honey, 6
meliusculus, -a, -um: a little better
mūla, -ae f.: mule (female)
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
obiter: on the way; incidentally, in passing, 3
onager, -grī m.: (wild) donkey
parum: adv. too little, 2
piper, -eris, n: pepper; peppercorn, 4
quaerō, -ere, quaesīvī: to seek or ask (for), 5
quisquam, quicquam: someone, anyone, 2
quīvīs, quae-, quod-: whoever you please
rūta, -ae f.: rue (a bitter herb), 2
scrībō, -ere, scrīpsī, scrīptus: to write, 3
sēmen, -is n.: seed
Tarentum, -ī n.: Tarentum (city)
vernāculus, -a, -um: home-grown (of slaves)
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
translate the fut. pf. as pres. with fut. sense
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
illī: for…; dat. of interest; Trimalchio
6 ēmit: pf.
7 Mel…ut…nāscerētur: so that…might…;
purpose clause with impf. subj.
afferrī: pass. inf.
8 (apēs) vernāculae quae sunt: (the bees)
which are homegrown; the missing
antecedent is subject of fut. fīent
ā Graeculīs: by the Greek (bees)
fīent: 3p fut.
9 ut…mitterētur: that…; ind. command with
impf. subj.
illī: for that one; dat. interest
10 quae…nāta sit: who…; relative clause of
characteristic with pf. dep. subj. nāscor
 Encolpius Learns about his Hosts

Vidēs tot culcitrās: nūlla nōn aut conchȳliātum aut coccineum 1

tōmentum habet. Tanta est animī beātitūdo. Reliquōs autem
collībertōs eius cave contemnās. Valdē sūcōssī sunt. Vidēs illum
quī in īmō īmus recumbit: hodiē sua octingenta possidet. Dē nihilō
crēvit. Modo solēbat collō suō ligna portāre. Sed quōmodo 5
dīcunt—ego nihil sciō, sed audīvī—quom Incubōnī pilleum
rapuisset, et thēsaurum invēnit. Ego nēminī invideō, sī quid deus
dedit. Est tamen sub alapā et nōn vult sibi male. Itaque proximē
casam hōc titulō prōscrīpsit: ‘C. Pompēius Diogenēs ex Kalendīs
Iūliīs cēnāculum locat; ipse enim domum ēmit.’ Quid ille quī 10

alapa, -ae m.: slap of freedom (in an līgnum, -ī n.: wood

emancipation ceremony)
animus, -ī m.: spirit, mind, 3
audiō, -īre, -ivī, audītus: to hear, listen to, 5
beātitūdo, -inis f.: blessedness, happiness
C.: Gaius, 5
casa, -ae f.: house
caveō, -ēre, cāvī, cautus: to beware, 4
cēnāculum, -ī n.: loft, attic
coccineus, -a, -um: scarlet-colored, 2
collībertus, -ī m., or f.: fellow freedman, 4
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
conchȳliātus, -a, -um: purple-dyed, 2
contemnō, -ere, contempsī, contemptus: to
despise, scorn
culcitra, -ae f.: cushion
Diogenēs, -is m.: Diogenes (name)
īmus, -a, -um: lowest (of), bottom (of), 2
Incubo, -ōnis m.: goblin (guarding treasure)
invideō, -ēre, -vīdī, -vīsus: to envy, hate (dat)
Iūlius, -a, -um: of July (month), 1
Kalendae, -ārum f.: Kalends (1st of month), 3
1 nūlla (culcitra) nōn…: not any (cushion)…
does not have…; Trimalchio is so wealthy
that he puts expensive dye inside cushions
aut…aut…: either…or…
3 cave (nē) contemnās: beware (lest) you…
sg. imperative and a fearing clause (nē +
pres. subj.) with missing nē
3 sūcōssī: i.e. loaded; slang for wealthy
4 in īmō īmus: the lowest (position) on the
lowest (couch)
4 sua octingenta: his 800 thousand sesterces
5 modo: just now
quōmodo dīcunt: how they say (he grew
23
locō (1): to rent, lease
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
octingentī, -ae, -a: eight hundred
pilleus, -ī m.: pilleus (felt cap), 2
Pompēius, -ī m.: Pompeius, 3
portō (1): to carry
possideō, -ēre, -sēdī, -sessus: possess, hold, 4
prōscrībō, -ere, -scrīpsī: write up, publish, 2
proximus, -a, -um: nearest; most recent, 4
quom: equiv. to cum
quōmodō: how, in what way, 7
rapiō, -ere, rapuī, raptus: to seize, snatch, 5
recumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to recline, 4
reliquus, -a, -um: remaining, 4
sub: under, 6
sūcōsus (sūcōssus), -a, -um: juicy; ~rich
thēsaurus, -ī m.: treasure, riches, 3
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
tōmentum, -ī n.: stuffing (for cushions)
tot: so many, 3
from nothing); quōmodo introduces an
implicit ind. question following dīcunt
6 quom…rapuisset: after…; cum clause with
plpf. subj.; according to tradition, the one
who seizes the cap receives a treasure
7 nēminī: dat. sg. nēmō, obj. of invideō
quid: something; quid is indefinite (equiv.
to aliquid) after sī, nisi, num, and nē
8 nōn vult sibi male: does not wish poorly
for himself; 3s pres. volō, dat. interest
proximē: most recently; ‘nearest (in time)’
10 quid ille: what about that one…?; he asks
about another guest at the dinner
 Cena Trimalchionis 38-9

lībertīnī locō iacet, quam bene sē habuit. Nōn improperō illī. 1

Sēstertium suum vīdit deciēs, sed male vacillāvit. Nōn putō illum
capillōs līberōs habēre, nec meherculēs suā culpā; ipsō enim homō
melior nōn est; sed lībertī scelerātī, quī omnia ad sē fēcērunt. Scītō
autem: sociōrum olla male fervet, et ubi semel rēs inclīnāta est, 5
amīcī dē mediō. Et quam honestam negōtiātiōnem exercuit, quod
illum sīc vidēs. Libitīnārius fuit. Solēbat sīc cēnāre, quōmodo rēx:
aprōs gausapātōs, opera pistōria, avēs, cocōs, pistōrēs. Plūs vīnī
sub mēnsā effundēbātur quam aliquis in cellā habet. Phantasia,
nōn homō. Inclīnātīs quoque rēbus suīs, cum timēret nē crēditōrēs 10

avis, -is f.: bird, 5 libitīnārius, -ī m.: undertaker, 2

capillus, -ī m.: hair, 2
cella, -ae f.: room, 4
crēditor, -ōris m.: creditor
culpa, -ae f.: fault, blame
deciēs: ten times, tenfold
exerceō, -ēre, -uī, exercitus: to train, 3
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
gausapātus, -a, -um: wearing shaggy cloth
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
improperō (1): to blame, reproach
inclīnō (1): to lean, bend, turn; decline, 3
līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7
lībertīnus, -a, -um: of a freedman
lībertus, -ī m.: freedman, ex-slave, 5
1 lībertīnī: gen. sg.
locō: in the place; i.e. a position at the
dinner designated for a freedman
quam: how…!; in exclamation
illī: dat. obj.
2 Sēstertium deciēs: tenfold 100,000
sesterces; neuter noun equiv. to 100,000
illum…habēre: that…; ind. disc.; i.e. he
is so poor that he does not own his own hair
3 ipsō: than (this) very man; abl. comparison
homō…nōn: not (any) man…
4 malior: comparative adj. bonus
(erant) lībertī: (there were)…; ellipsis
ad sē: for…; equiv. to sibi, dat. of interest;
i.e. they stole his possessions
Scītō: 2s fut. imperative sciō
5 male fervet: i.e. boils over
inclīnāta est: i.e. take a turn for the worse
6 (recēdunt) dē mediō: (recede) from sight;
24
negōtiātiō, -ōnis f.: business, 2
olla, -ae f.: pot
opus, operis n.: work, product
phantasia, -ae f.: apparition, semblance
pistor, -ōris, m: baker, 4
pistōrius, -a, -um: of a baker;+opus, pastry
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
quoque: also, 6
rēx, rēgis m.: king, 3
scelerātus, -a, -um: tainted, wicked, 2
semel: once, 4
socius, -ī m.: comrade, companion, ally
sub: under, 6
timeō, -ēre, timuī: to fear, 5
vacillō (1): sway, stagger, totter (with debt)
ellipsis, i.e. friends abandon you
et quam honestam…: and what an
honorable…!; in exclamation
quod illum sīc vidēs: (that one) which you
see before you; ‘what you see that one (to
be) in this way,’ the missing antecedent is
subject of exercuit; quod is logically the
acc. pred. in ind. disc.: illum (esse) quod
quōmodo rēx (cēnat): just as…; ‘in what
manner…’ introducing a relative clause of
comparison; quōmodo is correlative with
sīc
8 vīnī: partitive gen. with the subject plūs
9 quam: than…; clause of comparison
phantasia: i.e. a fraud
Inclīnātīs…suīs: abl. abs.; i.e. downward
10 cum timēret: when…; cum clause with
impf. subj
nē: lest…; or ‘that,’ fearing clause
 Trimalchio Serves up the Zodiac and a Manumitted Pig

illum conturbāre exīstimārent, hōc titulō auctiōnem prōscrīpsit: ‘C. 1

Iūlius Proculus auctiōnem faciet rērum supervacuārum.’ ” 39.
Interpellāvit tam dulcēs fābulās Trimalchio; nam iam sublātum erat
ferculum, hilarēsque convīvae vīnō sermōnibusque pūblicātīs
operam coeperant dare. Is ergō reclīnātus in cubitum “Hoc vīnum,” 5
inquit, “vōs oportet suāve faciātis. Piscēs natāre oportet. Rogō, mē
putātis illā cēnā esse contentum, quam in thēcā repositōriī
vīderātis? ‘Sīc nōtus Ulixēs?’ quid ergō est? Oportet etiam inter
cēnandum philologiam nōsse. Patrōnō meō ossa bene quiēscant,
quī mē hominem inter hominēs voluit esse. Nam mihi nihil novī 10

auctiō, -ōnis f.: public sale; an increase, 2 patrōnus, -ī m.: patron, 3

C.: Gaius, 5
contentus, -a, -um: content, satisfied, 4
conturbō (1): to disturb, confuse; go bankrupt
cubitum, -ī n.: elbow, 3
dulcis, -e: sweet, pleasant, 3
exīstimō (1): to think, believe
hilaris, -e: cheerful, merry, 4
interpellō (1): to interrupt, 4
Iūlius, -iī m.: Julius (name)
natō (1): to swim, 3
opera, -ae f.: effort, work, 3
os, ossis n.: bone, 2
1 illum conturbāre (ratiōnēs): that that one
was going bankrupt; ‘that one set (the
accounts) in confusion,’ a common idiom
exīstimāret: impf. subj. in a fearing clause
3 sublātum erat: plpf. pass. tollō
4 vīnō…pūblicātīs: for…; dat. of purpose
following operam dare
pūblicātīs: i.e. open or public conversation
5 operam dare: to make an effort; idiom
oportet (ut) faciātis: it is fitting (that) you
make (x) (y); oportet governs acc. + inf. but
in later Latin can accompany ut + subj. or
just a subjunctive; 2s pres. subj. faciō
governs a double acc.
6 Piscēs nātāre: i.e. that the fish that you just
ate and in your stomach be given liquid
mē…contentum: that…; ind. disc.
philologia, -ae f.: literary pursuit, culture
Proculus, -ī m.: Proculus
prōscrībō, -ere, -scrīpsī: write up, publish, 2
pūblicō (1): to make public, 2
quiēscō, -ere, quiēvī, quiētus: to rest, sleep
reclīnō (1): to recline; rest
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
supervacuus, -a, -um: superfluous, needless
thēca, -ae f.: cover
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
Ulixēs, -is m.: Ulysses, Odysseus, 2
governed by 2s pres. putātis
7 in thēcā: on the cover…; i.e. the food
accompanying the Zodiac signs
8 Sīc nōtus (est) Ulixēs: a line spoke by
Laocoön in Aeneid 2.44 to discourage
Trojans from admitting the horse; supply
‘est’ to make the verb pf. pass. nōscō
9 cēnandum: acc. sg. of a gerund (-ing)
(vōs) philologiam nō(vi)sse: that (you
all)…; syncopated pf. inf. nōscō
Patrōnō meō: for…; dat. of interest
quiēscant: may…; 3s pres. subj. of wish
(optative subj.)
10 hominem inter hominēs: i.e. one among
equals
nihil novī: nothing new; ‘nothing of new,’
partitve (or appositional) gen. of novus

25
 Cena Trimalchionis 39

potest afferrī, sīcut ille fericulus iam habuit praxim. Caelus hic, in 1
quō duodecim dīī habitant, in totidem sē figūrās convertit, et modo
fit Ariēs. Itaque quisquis nāscitur illō signō, multa pecora habet,
multum lānae, caput praetereā dūrum, frontem expudōrātam,
cornum acūtum. Plūrimī hōc signō scholasticī nāscuntur et 5
arietillī.” Laudāmus urbānitātem mathēmaticī; itaque adiēcit:
“deinde tōtus caelus Taurulus fit. Itaque tunc calcitrōsī nāscuntur
et bubulcī et quī sē ipsī pāscunt. In Geminīs autem nāscuntur bīgae
et bovēs et cōleī et quī utrōsque parietēs linunt. In Cancrō ego nātus
sum. Ideō multīs pedibus stō, et in marī et in terrā multa possideō; 10

acūtus, -a, -um: sharp, piercing, 3 lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7

ariēs, -etis m.: ram; Aries (constellation), 3 laudō (1): to praise, 7
arietillus, -ī m.: young ram, ram-like linō, -ere, lēvī, litus: to smear, plaster, bedaub
bīgae, -ārum f., pl: yoke-pair; 2-horse chariot mare, -is n.: sea, 2
bōs (bovis), bovis m.: ox, cow; cattle, 6 mathēmaticus, -ī m.: astrologer, 2
bubulcus, -ī m.: herdsman, cattledriver pariēs, parietis m.: wall, 4
calcitrōsus, -a, -um: kicking, apt to kick pāscō, -ere, pāvī, pāstum: to feed, 2
cancer, cancrī m.: crab; Cancer (stars), 4 pecus, pecoris f.: herd, 2
cōleus (culleus), -ī m.: testicle; leather bag, 2 plūrimus, -a, -um: very much/many, 4
convertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to turn, possideō, -ēre, -sēdī, -sessus: possess, hold, 4
change, 5 praetereā: besides, in addition, 4
cornū, -ūs f.: horn, 3 praxis, -is, (acc., -im) f.: proof
duodecim: twelve, 3 scholasticus, -ī m.: rhetorician, scholar, 2
dūrus, -a, -um: hard, harsh, 2 sīcut: just as, 4
expudorātus, -a, -um: brazen, shameless stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
figūra, -ae f.: form, shape, 2 taurulus, -ī m.: young/little bull; Taurus
frōns, frōntis f.: forehead, brow, 5 totidem: just as many
geminī, -ae, -a: twin; Gemini (stars), 2 tunc: then, at that time, 7
habitō (1): to inhabit, dwell, 5 urbānitās, -ātis f.: wit, sophistication, 3
hīc: here, 6 uterque, utra-, utrum-: each of two, both, 2
1 afferrī: pass. inf. afferō 7 calcitrōsī: nom. pred.
Caelus hic: equiv. to neut. caelum hoc 8 quī…pāscunt: i.e. earn their own living
2 dīī: nom. pl. deus sē ipsī: often juxtaposed for emphasis: ipsī
in totidem…figūrās: sg. preposition phrase is nom. pl., ‘they themselves,’ and sē is acc.
3 illō signō: with that sign, under that sign 9 quī…linunt: those who plaster both (sides
4 lānae: partitive gen. with multum of the) walls; i.e. those who play both sides
6 arietillī: i.e. contentious young men and are willing to change views when
mathēmaticī: of the astrologer convenient
7 tōtus caelus: equiv. to tōtum caelum nātus sum: pf. dep. nāscor

26
 Trimalchio Serves up the Zodiac and a Manumitted Pig

nam cancer et hoc et illoc quadrat. Et ideō iam dūdum nihil super 1
illum posuī, nē genesim meam premerem. In Leōne cataphagae
nāscuntur et imperiōsī; in Virgine mulierēs et fugitīvī et compedītī;
in Lībrā laniōnēs et unguentāriī et quīcunque aliquid expediunt; in
Scorpiōne venēnāriī et percussōrēs; in Sagittāriō strabōnēs, quī 5
holera spectant, lārdum tollunt; in Capricornō aerumnōsī, quibus
prae mala sua cornua nāscuntur; in Aquāriō cōpōnēs et cucurbitae;
in Piscibus obsōnātōrēs et rhētorēs. Sīc orbis vertitur tanquam
mola, et semper aliquid malī facit, ut hominēs aut nāscantur aut
pereant. Quod autem in mediō caespitem vidētis et suprā caespitem 10

aerumnōsus, -a, -um: distressed, troubled
aquārius, -iī m.: Aquarius; water-carrier, 2
caespes, -itis m.: sod (cut out), turf, 3
cancer, cancrī m.: crab; Cancer (stars), 4
Capricornus, -ī m.: Capricorn (name), 2
cataphagās, -ae m.: glutton
compediō, -īre: to shackle, fetter (on feet)
cōpō (caupō), cōpōnis m.: innkeeper, 3
cornū, -ūs f.: horn, 3
cucurbita, -ae f.: gourd, pumpkin(head)
expediō, -īre, -iī: to untangle, resolve, 2
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
genesis, -is f.: star at one’s birth; birth
holus (olus), holeris n.: vegetable
iamdūdum: now for a long time, 4
imperiōsus, -a, -um: tyrannical, domineering
lanio, laniōnis m.: butcher
lārdum (lāridum), -ī n.: bacon, lard, 3
leō, leōnis m.: lion; Leo (constellation), 4
lībra, -ae f.: pound (12 oz.); balance/scales, 4
mola, -ae f.: mill(stone), 2
1 cancer et hoc et illoc quadrat: the crab
squares with both this and that; ‘agrees
with,’ neut. acc. equiv. to ‘et hūc et illūc’
iam dūdum: iamdūdum
2 nē…premerem: so that…; neg. purpose
cataphagae..imperiōsī: nom. pred.
3 Mulierēs…compedītī (nāscuntur):
ellipsis: supply ‘nāscuntur’ for all the
parallel clauses that follow; nom. pred.
4 laniōnēs, unguentāriī: i.e. selling their
wares by weight and using the balance
quīcunque…expediunt: i.e. those who act
to make things right for both parties
5 holera spectant: i.e. inspect for purchase
27
obsōnātor, -ōris m.: chef, caterer
orbis, -is m.: circle, orb, 4
percussor, -ōris m.: murderer, assassin, 2
pereō, -īre, -iī, peritūs: to perish, 4
prae: because of, for (acc.); before (abl.), 2
premō, -ere, pressī: to weigh down, press
quadrō (1): to square/agree with, be fitting, 2
quīcumque, quae-, quod-: whosoever,
whichsoever, 2
rhētor, -is m.: teacher of rhetoric
sagittārius, -ī m.: archer; Sagittarius (stars), 2
scorpiō, -ōnis m.: scorpion; Scorpio (stars), 2
semper: always, 4
spectō (1): to look at, 6
strabō, -ōnis m.: squinter; one cross-eyed
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
unguentārius, -ī m.: perfumer, potion seller, 2
venēnārius, -ī m.: poisoner
vertō, -ere, vertī, versus: to turn, 4
virgō, virginis f.: maiden; Virgo (stars), 2
6 (dum)…tollunt: (while) they steal…;
quibus: for…; dat. of interest
7 prae mala: because of troubles; substantive
cōpōnēs: i.e. because they water-down the
wine too much
cucurbitae: a pejorative: fools who have
‘water on the brain’
8 orbis: world
9 malī: partitive gen. with aliquid
ut…nāscantur, pereant: so that…may…;
purpose with pres. subj. nāscor, pereō
10 quod…: (as for the fact) that; ‘in respect
to the fact that…’ substantive clause of fact;
the clause is acc. of respect
 Cena Trimalchionis 40

favum, nihil sine ratiōne faciō. Terra Māter est in mediō quasi 1
ōvum corrotundāta, et omnia bona in sē habet tanquam favus.” 40.
“Sophōs” ūniversī clāmāmus et sublātīs manibus ad cameram
iūrāmus Hipparchum Arātumque comparandōs illī hominēs nōn
fuisse, dōnec advēnērunt ministrī ac torālia praeposuērunt torīs, in 5
quibus rētia erant picta subsessōrēsque cum vēnābulīs et tōtus
vēnātiōnis apparātus, Necdum sciēbāmus, quō mitterēmus
suspīciōnēs nostrās, cum extrā trīclīnium clāmor sublātus est
ingēns, et ecce canēs Laconicī etiam circā mēnsam discurrere
coepērunt. Secūtum est hōs repositōrium, in quō positus erat 10

adveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: to arrive
apparātus, -ūs m.: equipment, provision, 2
Arātus, -ī m.: Aratus
camera, -ae f.: vaulted room or ceiling, 3
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
clāmor, clāmōris: shout, cry, noise, 4
comparō (1): to acquire; provide
corrotundō (1): to make round, round off, 2
discurrō, -ere, -currī, -cursus: to run about, 3
dōnec: until, 5
extrā: outside, beyond, 3
favus, -ī m.: honey-comb, 5
Hipparchus, -ī m.: Hipparchus (name)
iūrō (1): to swear, swear an oath, 3
Laconicus, -a, -um: Laconian, Spartan
māter, mātris f.: mother, 3
1 Terra Māter: a single name
3 Sophōs: an excalmation
ūniversī: (we) all
sublātīs manibus: abl. abs., PPP tollō
4 Hipparchum…fuisse: that…; ind. disc.
with pf. inf. sum; both men are astronomers,
Aratus wrote the Phaenomena, a work of
astronomy translated by Cicero himself into
Latin and Hipparchus wrote a commentary
on Aratus’ work
comparandōs: worthy to be compared; a
gerundive
minister, ministrī m.: attendant, servant, 2
necdum: nor yet, 2
pingō, -ere, pīnxī, pictus: to paint, 6
praepōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positum: to put in
charge of/over, 2
quasi: as if, 3
ratio, ratiōnis f.: account; calculation, 5
rēte, rētis n.: net, trap
sophōs: bravo, well done, well said
subsessor, ōris m: a hunter lying-in-wait
suspīcio, -iōnis f.: suspicion, mistrust, 2
toral, torālis, n: coverlet, couch-covering
torus, -ī m.: couch, bed, 4
ūniversus, -a, -um: entire, all, 2
vēnābulum, -ī n.: hunting-spear
vēnātiō, -ōnis f.: hunting, hunt
illī: dat. sg., i.e. to the speaker Trimalchio
5 torīs: over…; dat. of compound verb
6 erant picta: picta erant; plpf. pass.
subsessōrēs: hunters who lie in wait for
game to become entangled in nets hung up
in the woods before they kill them
7 quō: to where; i.e. what was happening
next; relative adv.
cum…sublātus est: when…; pf. pass. tollō
9 etiam: also; hunting gods in addition to the
representations of hunting above
secūtum est: pf. dep. sequor

28
 Trimalchio Serves up the Zodiac and a Manumitted Pig

prīmae magnitūdinis aper, et quidem pilleātus, ē cuius dentibus 1

sportellae dēpendēbant duae palmulīs textae, altera caryōtīs altera
Thēbaicīs replēta. Circā autem minōrēs porcellī ex coptoplacentīs
factī, quasi ūberibus imminērent, scrōfam esse positam'
significābant. Et hī quidem apophorētī fuērunt. Cēterum ad 5
scindendum aprum nōn ille Carpus accessit, quī altilia lacerāverat,
sed barbātus ingēns, fasciīs crūrālibus alligātus et āliculā
subōrnātus polymitā, strictōque vēnātōriō cultrō latus aprī
vehementer percussit, ex cuius plāgā turdī ēvolāvērunt. Parātī
aucupēs cum harundinibus fuērunt et eōs circā trīclīnium volitantēs 10

ālicula, -ae f.: light cloak
alligō (1): to tie/fasten to; bind to, 4
altilis, -e: fattened, fat; subst. fattened bird, 4
apophorētus, -a, -um: designed as party
favors, guest-gifts
auceps, aucupis m.: bird-catcher, fowler
barbātus, -a, -um: bearded, 2
Carpus, -ī m.: Carver (name + occupation ), 6
caryōta, -ae, f.: Syrian date (nut-shaped), 2
coptoplacenta, -ae f.: cake
crūrālis, -e: of the leg or shin, crural
culter, -trī m.: knife, 4
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
dēpendō, -ere, pendī, pēnsum: to pay, spend
ēvolō (1): to fly away
fascia, -ae f.: band, fillet; rank, pedigree, 3
harundō, -inis f.: rod; limed (sticky) rod, 2
immineō, -ēre: to hang over; lean over
lacerō (1): to tear up, lacerate, 5
latus, latēris n.: side, flank, 2
magnitūdō, magnitūdinis f.: greatness, size
palmula, -ae f.: palm twig; small palm
1 prīmae magnitūdinis: of the largest…;
gen. of measure (description)
pilleātus: a hat customarily worn by a slave
who has been manumitted
cuius: whose; i.e. of the aper
altera (sportella)…altera…: one…
another…
caryōtīs (replēta): means with missing PPP
3 Thēbaicīs: i.e. dried dates, while Syian
dates were notably juicier
Circā: around (it); adv.
minōrēs: comparative parvus
4 ūberibus: over…; dat. of compound verb
29
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
percutiō, -ere, -cussī: to strike; stun, 4
pilleātus -a -um: wearing a cap of freedom, 4
plāga, -ae f.: blow, strike; cut, slit, welt, 3
polymitus, -a, -um: woven with many colors
porcellus, -ī m.: piglet, suckling pig
quasi: as if, 3
repleō, -ēre, -plēvī, -plētus: to fill up, 2
scindō, -ere, scidī, scissum: to cut apart
scrōfa, -ae f.: sow, breeding-sow
significō (1): to indicate, show
sportella, -ae f.: little basket, 2
stringō, -ere, strīnxī, strictum: to draw out, 4
subōrnō (1): to adorn, fit out, supply, 3
texō, -ere, texuī, textus: to weave, fashion, 2
Thēbaica, -ae f.: Theban date (of Egypt), 2
turdus, -ī m.: thrush (bird), 3
ūber, -is n.: udder, teat
vehementer: vehemently
vēnātōrius, -a, -um: hunting, of a hunter
volitō (1): to fly around, flitter
scrōfam esse positam: that…; ind. disc.
with pf. pass. pōnō; Beside the sucklings,
the aper now appears as a sow.
5 quasi…imminērent: as if…were…; impf.
subj. contrary to fact
6 ad scindendum aprum: for…; acc. +
gerundive; perform a gerund-gerundive flip
and translate as a gerund (-ing) + object
7 barbātus ingēns (vir): supply a noun
fasciīs…alligātus: just as a hunter
10 harundinibus: The birds would land on
sticky rods and be unable to fly off. Hunters
would thus catch the birds unharmed.
 Cena Trimalchionis 41

mōmentō excēpērunt. Inde cum suum cuique iussisset referrī 1

Trimalchio, adiēcit: “Etiam vidēte, quam porcus ille silvāticus
lōtam comēderit glandem.” Statim puerī ad sportellās accessērunt,
quae pendēbant ē dentibus, Thēbāicāsque et caryōtās ad numerum
dīvīsēre cēnantibus. 41. Interim ego, quī prīvātum habēbam 5
sēcessum, in multās cōgitātiōnēs dēductus sum, quārē aper
pilleātus intrāsset. Postquam itaque omnēs bacalusiās cōnsūmpsī,
dūrāvī interrogāre illum interpretem meum, quod mē torquēret. At
ille: “Plānē etiam hoc servus tuus indicāre potest; nōn enim
aenigma est, sed rēs aperta. Hic aper, cum heri summa cēna eum 10

aenigma, -atis n.: riddle, obscurity
aperiō, -īre, -uī, apertus: to open, reveal, 3
bacalusia, -ae f.: dumb guess; sweetmeat
caryōta, -ae, f.: Syrian date (nut-shaped), 2
cōgitātio, -tiōnis f.: thought, reflection, 2
cōnsūmō, -ere, -sūmpsī: to take in, use up, 2
dēdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to draw away, 2
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
dīvidō, -ere, dīvīsī, dīvīsus: to divide, 4
dūrō (1): to harden, stiffen, endure
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
glāns, glandis f.: acorn
herī: yesterday, 2
inde: from there, from then, 2
indicō (1): to point out, accuse
1 mōmentō: in…; abl. time when/within
cum…iussisset: when…; plpf. subj. iubeō
suum…referrī: that one’s own (share) be
brought to each one; ind. disc. with pass.
referō
Quam…lōtam comēderit: how splendid…;
ind. question with pf. subj. comedō; quam
modifies lōtam
3 lōtam: PPP lāvō, equiv. to lautus
ad numerum: to the number; i.e. according
to the count of people present
5 dīvīsēr(unt): syncopated 3p pf.
cēnantibus: among (those)…; dat. ind. obj.,
interpres, -etis m/f.: messenger, informant
interrogō (1): to ask, inquire, 4
mōmentum, -ī n.: moment, 2
numerus, -ī m.: number, amount; perfect, 4
pendeō, -ēre, pependī: to hang, 4
pilleātus -a -um: wearing a cap of freedom, 4
prīvātus, -a, -um: private; personal
quisque, quidque/quīcque: each, every, 3
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
sēcessus, -ūs m.: solitude, recess, break
silvāticus, -a, -um: woodland
sportella, -ae f.: little basket, 2
Thēbaica, -ae f.: Theban date (of Egypt), 2
torqueō, -ēre, torsī, tortum: to twist, 3
pres. pple cēnō
6 quārē…intrā(vi)sset: why…; ‘for what
reason…’ ind. question with plpf. subj. in
apposition to cōgitātiōnēs
8 interpretem: i.e. a dinner companion with
experience of Trimalchio’s dinners
meum: of mine
quod…torquēret: i.e. tormented me; either
(a) an indirect question (‘what…’) with
impf. subj. or (b)a relative clause of
characteristice (‘(that) which…’)
cum…vindicā(vi)sset: when…; i.e. from
yesterday’s feast cum clause with plpf. subj.

30
 Trimalchio Serves up the Zodiac and a Manumitted Pig

vindicāsset, ā convīvīs dīmissus est; itaque hodiē tanquam lībertus 1

in convīvium revertitur.” Damnāvī ego stupōrem meum et nihil
amplius interrogāvī, nē vidērer nunquam inter honestōs cēnāsse.
Dum haec loquimur, puer speciōsus, vītibus hederīsque redimītus,
modo Bromium, interdum Lyaeum Euhiumque cōnfessus, 5
calathiscō ūvās circumtulit et poēmata dominī suī acūtissimā vōce
trādūxit. Ad quem sonum conversus Trimalchio “Dionȳse” inquit
“līber estō.” Puer dētrāxit pilleum aprō capitīque suō imposuit.
Tum Trimalchio rūrsus adiēcit: “Nōn negābitis mē” inquit “habēre
Līberum patrem.” Laudāvimus dictum Trimalchionis et 10

acūtus, -a, -um: sharp, piercing, 3 līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7

amplius: more, longer; further, 6
Bromius, -ī m.: Bacchus of ecstasy, Bromius
calathiscus, -ī m.: small basket
cōnfiteor, -ērī, cōnfessus sum: to reveal, 1
convertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to turn,
change, 5
convīvium, -iī n.: banquet, feast
damnō (1): to condemn
dētrahō, -ere, -trāxī: pull off/away, remove, 3
dīmittō, -ere, -mīsī, -missus: to send away, 2
Dionysus, -ī m.: Dionysus
Euhius, -ī m.: Bacchus of the cry euoi, Euhius
hedera, -ae f.: ivy
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
interdum: sometimes, now and then
interrogō (1): to ask, inquire, 4
laudō (1): to praise, 7
1 vindicā(vi)sset: plpf. subj.; as if a slave
who had been freed
3 nē vidērer: lest I…; fearing clause with 1s
impf. subj. videor, ‘seem’
inter honestōs (hominēs): add. a noun
cēnā(vi)sse: pf. inf.
4 haec (verba): neut. pl. acc. obj.
5 modo…interdum…(esse): (to be) now…at
times…; ellipsis; add inf. esse; all governed
by cōnfessus, dep. pf. pple; these are three
proper names for Bacchus, noting different
features of his character
6 calathiscō: abl. means
circumtulit: pf. circumferō
7 trāduxit: conveyed
31
lībertus, -ī m.: freedman, ex-slave, 5
Lyaeus, -ī m.: Bacchus free from care, Lyaeus
negō (1): to deny, refuse, 4
pater, patris m.: father, 7
pilleus, -ī m.: pilleus (felt cap), 2
poēma, -ae f.: poem
redimiō, -īre, -iī, redimītus: wreathe, bind
revertor, -ī, reversus sum: to return, 2
rūrsus: back; again, in addition, 3
sonus, -ī m.: sound, 2
speciōsus, -a, -um: good-looking, attractive
stupor, -ōris m.: dullness, lethargy
trādūcō, -ere, -dūxī: to lead across, convey;
make a spectacle of, disgrade, 2
tum: then, at that time, 5
ūva, -ae f.: grape, cluster of grapes, 4
vindicō (1): to lay claim to; liberate
vītis, -is f.: vine, grapevine
ad quem: to this…; a connective relative:
English prefers to use the demonstrative
8 estō: be…!; 3s fut. imperative, sum
aprō: from…; dat. of compound verb
capitī suō: on…; dat. of compound verb
9 mē…habēre: that…; ind. disc.
10 Līberum patrem: Liber Bacchus as my
father; or ‘that Liber (is my) father;’ acc.
obj. and pred.; Bacchus is often called Līber
or Līber Pater (i.e. free from cares). In an
elaborate wordplay, Trimalchio associates
a relationship with Bacchus with the freeing
of a slave.
dictum: the speech; ‘thing said,’ PPP
 Cena Trimalchionis 42

circumeuntem puerum sānē perbāsiāmus. Ab hōc ferculō 1

Trimalchio ad lasanum surrēxit. Nōs lībertātem sine tyrannō nactī
coepimus invītāre convīvārum sermōnēs. Dama itaque prīmus cum
pataracina poposcisset, “Diēī” inquit “nihil est. Dum versās tē, nox
fit. Itaque nihil est melius quam dē cubiculō rēctā in trīclīnium īre. 5
Et mundum frīgus habuimus. Vix mē balneus calfēcit. Tamen
calda pōtio vestiārius est. Stāminātās dūxī, et plānē matus sum.
Vīnus mihi in cerebrum abiit.” 42. Excēpit Seleucus fābulae partem
et “Ego,” inquit, “nōn cotīdiē lavor; baliscus enim fullō est, aqua
dentēs habet, et cor nostrum cotīdiē liquēscit. Sed cum mulsī 10

abeō, -īre, -iī, abitum: to go , go away, 5
baliscus, -ī m.: bathman
caldus (calidus), -a, -um: hot, hot water, 5
calefaciō, -ere, -fēcī, -factus: to make hot, 2
cerebrum, -ī n.: brain; thinking, temper, 3
circumeō, -īre, -iī, circuitus: to go around, 2
cor, cordis n. heart, 3
cotīdiē: every day, daily, 3
cubiculum, -ī n.: bedroom, 3
Dama, -ae f.: Dama (name)
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
frīgus, frīgoris n.: cold, 2
fullō, -ōnis m.: fuller (launderer)
invītō (1): to invite, summon, 3
lasanum, -ī n. (lasanus): commode, 2
lībertās, -ātis f.: freedom
liquēscō, -ere, -licuī: to melt, melt away
1 circumeuntem: pres. pple circumeō
2 nactī: nom. pl.; pf. dep. pple nancīscor
3 cum…poposcisset: plpf. subj. poscō
4 Diēī…est: the day has…; dat. of possession
5 melius: better; comparative of bonus; neut.
sg. nom. pred.
quam…: than…; clause of comparison
rēctā: straightaway, right on; abl. as adv.
equiv. to (viā) rectā, ‘in a straight (path)’
6 mundum: fine
7 dūxī: I have drained/drunk; ‘I have drawn’
matus, -a, -um: soaked (drunk)
mulsum, -ī n.: mead, honey-wine, 2
mundus, -a, -um: clean; fine, neat, elegant
nancīscor, -ī, nactus sum: to obtain; meet, 3
nox, noctis f.: night, 2
pataracīna, -ae f.: large cup (type of cup)
perbāsiō (1): to kiss repeatedly
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
rēctus, -a, -um: straight up or along, direct, 4
sānē: soberly, sensibly; to be sure, indeed, 5
Seleucus, -ī m.: Seleucus (name)
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
stāminata, -ae f.: strong drink (undiluted)
surgō, -ere, surrēxī, surrēctus: to rise, 2
tyrannus, -ī m.: tyrant
versō (1): to turn, turn about, twist
vestiārius, -ī m.: article of clothing, clothing
vix: hardly, scarcely, 5
8 Vīnus: vīnum
mihi: dat. possession (my) or interest (for
me)
abiit: has gone
excēpit: took up; i.e. continued
9 lavor: 1s passive, but reflexive in sense
baliscus fullō est: i.e. the bathman does not
have a soft touch
10 cor nostrum: Seleucus speaks a general
truth and so uses the 1p possession ‘our’

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 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

pultārium obdūxī, frīgorī laecasin dīcō. Nec sānē lavāre potuī; fuī 1
enim hodiē in fūnus. Homō bellus, tam bonus Chrysanthus animam
ēbulliit. Modo, modo mē appellāvit. Videor mihi cum illō loquī.
Heu, ēheu. Ūtrēs īnflātī ambulāmus. Minōris quam muscae sumus,
muscae tamen aliquam virtūtem habent, nōs nōn plūris sumus 5
quam bullae. Et quid sī nōn abstināx fuisset. Quīnque diēs aquam
in ōs suum nōn coniēcit, nōn mīcam pānis. Tamen abiit ad plūrēs.
Medicī illum perdidērunt, immō magis malus fātus; medicus enim
nihil aliud est quam animī cōnsōlātio. Tamen bene ēlātus est, vītālī
lectō, strāgulīs bonīs. Planctus est optimē—manū mīsit aliquot— 10

abeō, -īre, -iī, abitum: to go away, 5
abstināx, -ācis: abstemious
aliquot: some, several, 7
ambulō (1): to walk, 4
anima, -ae f.: breath, spirit, 4
animus, -ī m.: spirit, mind, 3
appellō (1): to call (by name), name, 5
bulla, -ae f.: bubble; amulet, knob, 2
Chrysanthus, -ī m.: Chrysanthus (name)
cōnsōlātio, -ōnis f.: consolation, comfort
ēbulliō, -īre: to bubble up; breathe out, 2
efferō, -ferre, extulī, ēlātus: to carry away, 3
ēheu: oh no, alas, 3
fātum (fātus), -ī n.: fate, destiny, 5
frīgus, frīgoris n.: cold, 2
fūnus, fūneris n.: funeral; death, 2
heu: alas, oh, 5
1 frīgorī: dat. ind. obj.
dīcō: I tell
2 animam ēbulliit: i.e. died
3 Modo, modo: just now, just now…
Videor: I seem
loquī: pres. dep. inf.
4 Ūtrēs īnflātī: (just as)…; nom. pl.
Minōris: of lesser (worth); gen. of value as
a predicate
quam muscae: clause of comparison
5 plūris: of more (worth); gen. of value as a
predicate
6 bullae: bubbles
quid sī…fuisset: What (would have
happened) if…had…; a past contrary to fact
condition (sī plpf. subj., plpf. subj.) with a
īnflō, -āre, -flāvī, -flātus: blow on, puff out, 2
laecasīn: to be damned, to go to hell
lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6
mīca, -ae f.: crumb; speck
musca, -ae f.: fly, 2
obdūcō, -ere, -dūxī: to drink up, draw in
optimus, -a, -um: best, excellent; very well, 5
ōs, ōris n.: mouth, face, 4
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
plangō, -ere, plānxī, planctus: to wail, 2
pultārius, -ī m.: vessel (type of vessel)
quīnque: five, 3
sānē: soberly, sensibly; to be sure, indeed, 5
strāgula, -ae f.: shroud; covering, 2
ūter, ūtris m.: wineskin, skin (for wine), 2
virtūs, virtūtis f.: manliness, 2
vītālis, -e: vital, of life; lectus, death-bed
suppressed apodosis
quīnque diēs: for…; acc. of duration
7 abiit ad plūrēs: went off to the dead; both
pf. abeō and the phrase ‘ad plūrēs’ are
common euphemisms for ‘died’ and ‘the
dead’ respectively
8 malus fātus: equiv. to malum fātum
9 quam: other…; a clause of comparison
ēlātus est: i.e. the funeral procession; pf.
pass. efferō
vītālī lectō: on a funeral couch/death bed;
a common use for vītālis
10 optimē: superlative adv.
manū mīsit: he had manumitted; ‘he had
freed from his power,’ i.e. he had freed
some of the slaves that he owned

33
 Cena Trimalchionis 43

etiam sī malignē illum plōrāvit uxor. Quid sī nōn illam optimē 1

accēpisset. Sed mulier quae mulier mīlvīnum genus. Nēminem
nihil bonī facere oportet; aequē est enim ac sī in puteum coniciās.
Sed antīquus amor cancer est.” 43. Molestus fuit, Philerosque
prōclāmāvit: “Vīvōrum meminerīmus. Ille habet quod sibi 5
dēbēbātur: honestē vīxit, honestē obiit. Quid habet quod querātur?
Ab asse crēvit et parātus fuit quadrantem dē stercore mordicus
tollere. Itaque crēvit quicquid crēvit, tanquam favus. Putō
meherculēs illum relīquisse solida centum, et omnia in nummīs
habuit. Dē rē tamen ego vērum dīcam, quī linguam canīnam 10

aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
amor, amōris m.: love
antīquus, -a, -um: ancient, old
assis, -is m.: as (copper coin), 7
cancer, cancrī m.: crab; Cancer (stars), 4
canīnus, -a, -um: of a dog, canine, 3
centum: one hundred, 6
favus, -ī m.: honey-comb, 5
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
lingua, -ae f.: tongue; language, 4
malignus, -a, -um: grudging, unkind, wicked
meminī, -isse: to remember, recollect (gen.), 5
mīlvīnus, -a, -um: of a vulture, vulture-like
molestus, -a, -um: annoying, grating; nasty, 5
mordicus: adv. with one’s teeth, by biting
1 malignē: grudgingly; or ‘stingily’
quid sī…accēpisset: what if…had…; ‘what
(would have happened) if…had…;’ a past
contrary to fact condition (sī plpf. subj.,
plpf. subj.) with suppressed apodosis
2 mulier quae mulier mīlvīnum genus:
either (1) mulier (ali)quae mulier (est)
mīlvīnum genus, ‘woman—any (and every)
woman—(is) a race of vultures,’ or (2)
mulier quae (est) mulier (est) mīlvīnum
genus, ‘a woman who (is) a woman (is) race
of vultures’ i.e.
Nēminem…facere: that…; ind. disc.; acc.
subject. nēmō
3 nihil bonī: any kindness; ‘any good,’ nihil
is positive after nēminem; partitve gen.
aequē est…ac: it is in the same manner
as…; ‘it is equally as’
sī…coniciās: if…should…; present fut. less
34
nummus, -ī m.: coin, money, 7
obeō, obīre, obi(v)ī, obitum: to meet; die, 2
optimus, -a, -um: best, excellent; very well, 5
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
Phileros, -ōnis m.: Phileros (name), 3
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
prōclāmō (1): to cry out; declare, 5
puteus, -ī m.: well (for drawing water)
quadrans, -ntis m.: quarter of an as (coin)
queror, -erī, questus sum: to complain
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
solidus, -a, -um: solid, dense; a solid (coin), 2
stercus, -ōris n.: manure
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living, 6
vivid (sī pres. subj., pres. subj.) with
suppressed apodosis; 2s pres. subj. coniciō
4 cancer est: i.e. pinches like a crab
Molestus fuit: i.e. he irritated the audience
5 Vīvōrum: gen. obj. of meminerīmus
meminerīmus: Let us…; 1p jussive pf.
subj.; meminī is a defective verb: translate
the pf. as present in sense
quod: what…; the antecedent is missing
6 vīxit: 3s pf. vīvō
quid habet quod querātur: what does he
have to complain about?; ‘What does he
have which he would complain,’ a relative
clause of characteristic with pres. subj.
7 Ab asse: i.e. he started with little money
9 illum relīquisse: that…; ind. disc. pf. inf.
solida centum: equiv. to 100,000 sesterces
in nummīs: i.e. hard cash, not property
10 dīcam: Let me…; 1s jussive pres. subj.
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

comēdī: dūrae buccae fuit, linguōsus, discordia nōn homo. Frāter 1

eius fortis fuit, amīcus amīcō, manū plēnā, ūnctā mēnsā. Et inter
initia malam parram pilāvit, sed recorrēxit costās illīus prīma
vīndēmia: vendidit enim vīnum, quantī ipse voluit. Et quod illīus
mentum sustulit, hērēditātem accēpit, ex quā plūs involāvit quam 5
illī relictum est. Et ille stips, dum frātrī suō īrāscitur, nesciō cui
terrae fīliō patrimōnium ēlēgāvit. Longē fugit, quisquis suōs fugit.
Habuit autem ōriculāriōs servōs, quī illum pessum dedērunt.
Nunquam autem rēctē faciet, quī cito crēdit, utique homō
negōtiāns. Tamen vērum quod frūnītus est, quam diū vīxit,…cui 10

bucca, -ae f.: mouth, cheek; cheekful, 5
costa, -ae f.: rib; + recorrigo, set right again
discordia, -ae f.: discord, strife
diū: for a long time, 6
dūrus, -a, -um: hard, harsh, 2
ēlēgō (1): to bequeath away, give in a will
fīlius, -iī m.: son, 5
fortis, -e: brave; strong, 4
frāter, frātris m.: brother, 3
frūnīscor, -ī, frūnītus sum: to enjoy (acc), 3
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
hērēditās, -tātis f.: inheritance, 2
initium, -iī n.: beginning, opening
involō (1): to rush and carry off, fly in, 3
īrāscor, -ī, īrātus sum: to grow angry (dat), 5
linguōsus, -a, -um: talkative, chatty, 2
mentum, -ī n.: chin, 2
1 linguam canīnam comēdī: an idiom for
speaking honestly; compare the saying ‘I
wear my heart on my sleeve’
dūrae buccae: of…; gen. of description
fuit: he was…; i.e. the now deceased man
amīcō: to…; dat. of interest
2 manū plēnā: i.e. gave generously; abl. of
quality, pred. of fuit
malam parram pilāvit: i.e. was unlucky
3 recorrēxit costās: set (him) right again; an
idiom
illīus: gen. sg
4 quantī: for as much as…; gen. of price
Et quod…: and what…; (that which); the
missing antecedent is subject of accēpit
mentum sustulit: i.e. elevated his status
5 quam…: than…; clause of comparison
illī: dat. sg. of interest
35
negōtior, -ārī, negōtiātus sum: do business, 2
ōriculārius (auriculārius), -a, -um: eaves-
dropping; subst. counselor
parra, -ae f.: magpie (bird of ill omen)
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
pessum: to the bottom; + dare put an end to
pilō (1): to pluck, dehair; dress them down, 2
plēnus, -a, -um: full, 5
quantus, -a, -um: how great/many/much, 3
recorrigō, -ere, -rēxī: mend, correct again
rectē: rightly, 4
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
stips, -itis m.: trunk, offspring; blockhead
ūnctus, -a, -um: rich, sumptuous; anointed
utique: in any case, by all means, certainly, 3
vendō, -ere, vendidī, venditus: to sell, 5
vīndēmia, -ae f.: vintage, harvest (wine)
6 stips: blockhead; a diminutive
frātrī suō: at…; obj. of dep. īrāscitur
nesciō cui terrae fīliō: to some nobody; ‘to
I-don’t-know-which son of the earth’;
nesciō quī is often used as an indefinite adj.
7 longē…fugit: general maxim or aphorism
longē: far
suōs: his own (family)
ōriculāriōs: either (1) eaves-droppers or
likely (2) counselors. The slaves either gave
him bad advice or overheard and responded.
8 pessum dedērunt: put an end to; i.e. ruined
or destroyed; an idiom
Numquam…negōtiāns: a general maxim
9 faciet: fut.
10 vērum: but; an common adverbial acc.
quod: what…; acc. obj. of pf. dep.
quam diū: as long as…; with pf. vīvō
 Cena Trimalchionis 44

datum est, nōn cui dēstinātum. Plānē Fortūnae fīlius, in manū illīus 1
plumbum aurum fīēbat. Facile est autem, ubi omnia quadrāta
currunt. Et quot putās illum annōs sēcum tulisse? Septuāgintā et
suprā. Sed corneolus fuit, aetātem bene ferēbat, niger tanquam
corvus. Nōveram hominem ōlim ōliōrum et adhūc salax erat. Nōn 5
meherculēs illum putō in domō canem relīquisse. Immō etiam
pullārius erat, omnis minervae homo. Nec improbō, hoc sōlum
enim sēcum tulit.” 44. Haec Phileros dīxit, illa Ganymēdēs:
“nārrātis quod nec ad caelum nec ad terram pertinet, cum interim
nēmō cūrat, quid annōna mordet. Nōn meherculēs hodiē buccam 10

aetās, aetātis f.: age mordeō, -ēre, momordī, morsus: to bite

annōna, -ae f.: price of grain; grain (crop); 3
aurum, -ī n.: gold, 6
bucca, -ae f.: mouth, cheek; cheekful, 5
corneolus, -a, -um: made of horn
corvus, -ī m.: raven, 2
currō, -ere, cucurrī, cursus: to run, 6
dēstinō (1): to intend, design, 3
facilis, -e: easy, 2
ferō, ferre, tulī, lātus: to bear, carry, report, 6
fīlius, -iī m.: son, 5
fortūna, -ae f.: fortune, chance, 5
Ganymēdēs, -is m.: Ganymede, 2
improbō (1): to blame, disapprove
minerva, -ae f.: wool-working (omnis
minerva, jack of all trades)
1 …cui datum est…dēstinātum: To whom it
was given, not to whom it was destined; i.e.
the inheritance which went to terrae filiō
rather than his family. There is a lacuna
preceding these words.
fīlius (erat): (he was)…; i.e. favored
illīus: gen. sg.
2 facile est: it is easy
ubi: when
quadrāta: squared up; i.e. ‘properly fitted’
3 quot…annōs: for how…; acc. of duration
illum…tulisse: that that one…; ind. disc.
with pf. inf. ferō
sēcum: cum sē
5 nōveram: plpf. nōscō
hominem: the man; i.e. the deceased
ōlim ōliōrum: i.e. ages of ages ago
6 illum…relīquisse: that that one…; ind.
niger, nigra, nigrum: black, 4
ōlim: once, once upon a time
ōliorum: long ago (gen. of olim?)
pertineō, -ēre, -uī: to pertain to; reach, 2
Phileros, -ōnis m.: Phileros (name), 3
plumbum, -ī n.: lead
pullārius, -ī m.: chicken-keeper; slang,
pederast
quadrō (1): to square/agree with, be fitting, 2
quot: how many, as many as, 2
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
salax, -ācis: lecherous, lustful, salacious
septuāgintā: seventy
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
disc. with pf. inf. relinquō, ‘leave alone,’
The suggestion is that he would sexually
assault anything in his household.
7 omnis minervae homo: jack of all trades;
‘man of every trade,’ gen. of description
hoc solum: this alone; i.e. his pleasures
8 sēcum: cum sē; i.e. to his death
tulit: pf. ferō
haec (verba): neut. pl. acc. obj.
illa (verba dīxit): i.e. the following words
9 quod: what…; ‘(that) which,’ the missing
antecedent is obj. of nārrātis
10 quid annōna mordet: how the price of
grain pinches; i.e. hurts me; quid is an inner
acc. ‘what (sort of pinch) the price of grain
pinches,’ perhaps best expressed with
‘how?’

36
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

pānis invenīre potuī. Et quōmodo siccitās persevērat. Iam annum 1

ēsurītio fuit. Aedīlēs male ēveniat, quī cum pistōribus collūdunt
‘Servā mē, servābō tē.’ Itaque populus minūtus labōrat; nam istī
maiōrēs maxillae semper Sāturnālia agunt. Ō sī habērēmus illōs
leōnēs, quōs ego hīc invēnī, cum prīmum ex Āsiā vēnī. Illud erat 5
vīvere. Simila sī silīgine īnferior esset, lārvās sīc istōs
percolopābant, ut illīs Iūpiter īrātus esset. Sed meminī Safinium:
tunc habitābat ad arcum veterem, mē puerō, piper, nōn homo. Is
quācunque ībat, terram adūrēbat. Sed rēctus, sed certus, amīcus
amīcō, cum quō audācter possēs in tenebrīs micāre. In Cūriā autem 10

adūrō, -ere, -ussī, -ustum: to set on fire, burn
aedīlis, -is m.: aedile (magistrate), 3
arcus, -ūs m.: arch, bow
Āsia, -ae: Asia, 2
audācter: boldly, confidently, rashly, 2
collūdō, -ere, -lūsī, -lūsum: to collude with
Cūria, -ae f.: senate house
ēsurītiō, ēsurītiōnis f.: hunger
ēveniō, -īre, -vēnī: to come out, turn out
habitō (1): to inhabit, dwell, 5
hīc: here, 6
īnferior, -ius: lower, inferior, 2
īrātus, -a, -um: angry, 2
labōrō (1): to work, toil, 4
lārva, -ae m./f: skeleton; ghost; 3
leō, leōnis m.: lion; Leo (constellation), 4
maxilla, -ae f.: jaw, jawbone
meminī, -isse: to remember, recollect (gen.), 5
micō (1): to play Morra (a game guessing the
number of fingers an opponent holds up)
1 Quōmodo…: in exclamation
2 fuit: there has been; present pf. in sense
male ēveniat: let…be damned; ‘let it turn
out poorly’ 3s jussive pres. subj.; this
impersonal verb typically governs a dat. of
interest, but here an acc. plural
3 Servā…servābō tē: i.e. reciprocity: scratch
my back and I will scratch yours
populus minūtus: i.e. the lower classes
istī maiōrēs maxillae: jaws of the upper
class; ‘those larger jaws’ istī with fem. pl.
agunt: are celebrating; a common idiom
Ō sī habērēmus: Oh, if (only) we had…; an
unrealized wish with impf. subj.
5 leōnēs: i.e. lion-hearted souls
37
minūtus, -a, -um: little; small, petty, 2
ō: Oh
percolopō (1): to beat up
persevērō (1): to persist, persevere, 2
piper, -eris, n: pepper; peppercorn, 4
pistor, -ōris, m: baker, 4
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
quācunque: by whatever way, wherever
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
rēctus, -a, -um: straight, direct, 4
Safinius, -iī m.: Safinius (name)
Sāturnālia n., pl.: Saturnalia (festival), 3
semper: always, 4
servō (1): to save, protect, preserve, 5
siccitas, -ātis f.: drought, thirst
silīgo, silīginis f.: winter-wheat (low quality)
similia, -ae: finest wheat flour (high quality)
tenebrae, -ārum f. pl.: darkness
tunc: then, at that time, 7
vetus, veteris: old, 3
6 vīvere: living; substantive
Sī…esset, percolopābant: if…were…,
they would…; contrary to fact with impf.
subj. protasis and indicative apodosis;
if the high-quality flour fell short, they beat
up the aediles (in charge of standards)
silīgine: to…; abl. of comparison
lārvās istōs: i.e. aediles
7 ut (sī)…esset: as if…were; ut introduces
a clause of comparison; supply sī
8 ad…: near…
mē puerō: while I (was) a boy; abl. abs.
Piper…: a peppercorn, not a man
9 rēctus, certus: but honest, but reliable
possēs: you could; relative of characteristic
 Cena Trimalchionis 44

quōmodo singulōs vel pilābat tractābat, nec schēmās loquēbātur 1

sed dērectum. Cum ageret porrō in forō, sīc illīus vōx crēscēbat
tanquam tuba. Nec sūdāvit unquam nec expuit, putō eum nesciō
quid Āsiadis habuisse. Et quam benignus resalūtāre, nōmina
omnium reddere, tanquam ūnus dē nōbīs. Itaque illō tempore 5
annōna prō lutō erat, Asse pānem quem ēmissēs, nōn potuissēs
cum alterā dēvorāre. Nunc oculum būblum vīdī maiōrem. Heu heu,
quotīdiē peius. Haec colōnia retrōversus crēscit tanquam cōda
vitulī. Sed quārē nōs habēmus aedīlem trium cauniārum, quī sibi
māvult assem quam vītam nostram? Itaque domī gaudet, plūs in 10

aedīlis, -is m.: aedile (magistrate), 3
annōna, -ae f.: price of grain; grain (crop); 3
Āsias, Āsiadis: Asiatic, Asiatic (dialect)
assis, -is m.: as (copper coin), 7
benignus, -a, -um: kind
būblus (būbulus), -a, -um: of cattle; beef, 2
caunia, -ae f.: Caunian fig, Carian fig
cōda (cauda) -ae f.: tail, coda
colōnia, -ae f.: town, colony; farm, estate, 4
dērectus, -a, -um: straight, direct
dēvorō (1): to devour, swallow, 2
exspuō (expuō), -ere, exspui: to spit out
forum, -ī n.: forum, 3
gaudeō, -ēre, gāvīsus sum: to rejoice
heu: alas, oh, 5
lutum, -ī n.: mud; dirt, 4
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
peior, peius: worse
1 quōmodo: How…!; in exclamation
singulōs: them ony by one; i.e. the senators
vel pilābat tractābat: he used dress them
down or drag them through it; ‘he used to
pluck or drag…’
2 ageret: he was pleading
sīc…tanquam: in this way…just as
illīus: gen. sg., ille
crēscēbat: used to…; iterative impf.
3 eum…habuisse: that he…; ind. disc.
nesciō quid: something; ‘I-do-not-know-
what,’ translation as an indefinite pronoun
4 Āsiadis: of an Asiatic dialect
et quam…: and how…!; in exclamation;
quam, as an adv., modifies benignus
resalūtāre…reddere: (he)…; continuing
the ind. disc. From above
38
pilō (1): to pluck, dehair; dress them down, 2
porrō: again, in turn; forward, farther on
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
quotīdiē: every day, daily, 2
reddō, -ere, -didī, -ditus: to render, return, 4
resalūtō (1): to greet in return
retrōversus: backwards, turned back
schēma, -ae f.: figures of speech
singulī, -ae, -a: individual, one by one, 5
sūdō (1): to sweat
tempus, temporis n.: time, 4
tractō (1): to handle, treat; haul, drag
trēs, tria: three, 5
tuba, -ae f.: trumpet
vel, -ve: or; adv. actually, even, 5
vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
vitulus, -ī m.: calf (male), young bullock, 4
nōmina…reddere: i.e. calls people by their
names
5 dē nōbīs: of us
illō tempore: at…; abl. of time when
6 prō lutō: for dirt; i.e. dirt-cheap
Asse…dēvorāre: You could not have
devoured with another the bread which you
had bought with a as; equiv. to a past
contrary to fact; plpf. subj. emō, possum
7 oculum būblum: i.e. little round bread loaf
8 peius: (it is) worse; neut. comp.; add verb
Haec colōnia: i.e. the town where the
banquet takes place, perhaps Cumae
9 trium cauniārum: of…; gen. of quality; i.e.
of little worth
10 māvult…quam: prefers…rather than
domī: at home; locative, domus
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

diē nummōrum accipit quam alter patrimōnium habet. Iam sciō 1

unde accēperit dēnāriōs mīlle aureōs. Sed sī nōs cōleōs habērēmus,
nōn tantum sibi placēret. Nunc populus est domī leōnēs, forās
vulpēs. Quod ad mē attinet, iam pannōs meōs comēdī, et sī
persevērat haec annōna, casulās meās vendam. Quid enim futūrum 5
est, sī nec dīī nec hominēs huius colōniae miserentur? Ita meōs
frūnīscar, ut ego putō omnia illa ā diibus fierī. Nēmō enim caelum
caelum putat, nēmō ieiūnium servat, nēmō Iovem pilī facit, sed
omnēs opertīs oculīs bona sua computant. Anteā stolātae ībant
nūdīs pedibus in clīvum, passīs capillīs, mentibus pūrīs, et Iovem 10

annōna, -ae f.: price of grain; grain (crop); 3
anteā: before, formerly
attineō, -ēre, -uī, attentum: to concern, hold
capillus, -ī m.: hair, 2
casula, -ae f.: little house, cottage, 3
clīvus, -ī m.: slope; hill, 2
cōleus (culleus), -ī m.: testicle; leather bag, 2
colōnia, -ae f.: town, colony; farm, estate, 4
computō (1): to count up, reckon, 2
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
forās: out of doors, 5
frūnīscor, -ī, frūnītus sum: to enjoy, 3
ieiūnium, -ī n.: fast-day; fast; hunger
leō, leōnis m.: lion; Leo (constellation), 4
mēns, mentis f.: mind, 3
mīlle: 1000, 5
misereor, -ērī, miseritus sum: to pity (gen)
1 in diē: in a (single) day
nummōrum: modifies acc. obj. plūs
quam…: than…; clause of comparison
2 unde accēperit: ind. question with pf. subj.
(translate as pf.)
sī…habērēmus, tantum…placēret:
if…had…; he would be so much pleased;
pres. contrary to fact condition (sī impf.
subj., impf. subj.); tantum is an inner acc.
sibi: dat. obj. of placēret
3 domī: at home; locative, domus
4 quod…attinet: (as for) what…; ‘(in respect
to that) which…’ the missing antecedent is
an acc. of respect
5 vendam: 1s fut.
futūrum est: is going to be; or ‘will be,’ a
periphrastic fut. (fut. pple sum + est)
6 dīī: nom. pl. deus
39
nūdus, -a, -um: nude, bare, 4
nummus, -ī m.: coin, money, 7
operiō, -īre, -uī, opertum: to cover, hide, 2
pannus, -ī m.: rag, piece of cloth
passus, -a, -um (pandō): spread out; dried, 4
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
persevērō (1): to persist, persevere, 2
pilus, -ī m.: hair (something of no value), 2
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing (dat) 7
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
pūrus, -a, -um: pure
servō (1): to save, protect, preserve, 5
stolātus, -a, -um: wearing a stola (dress)
unde: from where, whence, 5
vendō, -ere, vendidī, venditus: to sell, 5
vulpēs (volpēs), -is f.: fox, 2
huius colōniae: gen. obj. of misereor
meōs: my own (children); or kin
7 frūnīscar: 1s fut. deponent
ita…ut…: in such a way…as; or ‘just as’
ut introduces a clause of comparison
omnia…fierī: that…; ind. disc. with inf. fiō
diibus: abl. of agent deus
caelum (esse) caelum: ind disc. with acc.
subj. and pred.: add inf. sum
8 pilī facit: cares a hair for; gen. of price
9 opertīs oculīs: abl. abs. or abl. means
(fēminae) stolātae: add a nom. subject
ībant: used to go; customary impf. eō
10 in clīvum: i.e. the Capitoline Hill toward
the Temple of Jupiter
nūdīs pedibus…mentibus pūrīs: with feet
(being)…; all abl. abs.: supply pple ‘being’
 Cena Trimalchionis 45

aquam exōrābant. Itaque statim urceātim plovēbat: aut tunc aut 1

nunquam: et omnēs redībant ūdī tanquam mūrēs. Itaque dīī pedēs
lānātōs habent, quia nōs religiōsī nōn sumus. Agrī iacent.”— 45.
“Ōrō tē,” inquit Echīōn centonārius, “melius loquere. ‘Modo sīc,
modo sīc,’ inquit rūsticus; varium porcum perdiderat. Quod hodiē 5
nōn est, crās erit: sīc vīta trūditur. Nōn meherculēs patria melior
dīcī potest, sī hominēs habēret. Sed labōrat hōc tempore, nec haec
sōla. Nōn dēbēmus dēlicātī esse, ubīque medius caelus est. Tū sī
aliubi fuerīs, dīcēs hīc porcōs coctōs ambulāre. Et ecce habitūrī
sumus mūnus excellente in trīduō diē fēstā; familia nōn lanistīcia, 10

ager, agrī m.: field; in agrum, in depth, 2
aliubī: elsewhere
ambulō (1): to walk, 4
centonārius, -ī m.: old clothes dealer
coquō, -ere, coxī, coctus: to cook, 3
crās: tomorrow
dēlicātus, -a, -um: pleasureable, delightful;
pleasure-seeking, indulgent; pet (=dēliciae), 3
Echīōn, -onis m.: Echion (name)
excellēns, -entis: surpassing; beautiful, 2
exōrō (1): pray for (and prevail), plead, 2
fēstus, -a, -um: festive; + diēs, holiday
hīc: here, 6
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
labōrō (1): to work, toil, 4
lānātus, -a, -um: woolly, covered in wool
lanistīcius, -a, -um: of a lanista (gladiator-
trainer)
1 plovēbat: it used to…; impersonal
2 ūdī…mūrēs: i.e. just as drowning rats
dīī: nom. pl. deus
pedēs lānātōs: Those with feet wrapped in
wool have gout. The speaker suggests that
the gods move slowly or reluctantly.
3 iacent: lie (without water); i.e. in contrast
to Jupiter providing rain for crops above.
4 Echion begins a lengthy, challenging speech
melius: better; i.e. don’t be so pessimistic;
a comparative adv. of bonus
loquere: sg. dep. imperative
Modo sīc modo sīc: Now this way, now
that ; i.e. there are ups and downs in life
5 inquit rūsticus: so country folk say…; here
he quotes someone else within his speech
(cum) varium…: (after) he had lost…
40
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
mūs, mūris m.: mouse, 5
ōrō (1): to plead, beg, pray, 3
patria, -ae f.: country, 3
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
plovō, -ere: to rain
redeō, -īre, -iī: to go back, 3
religiōsus, -a, -um: observant, religious, 2
rūsticus, -a, -um: rustic; noun country folk, 2
tempus, temporis n.: time, 4
trīduum, -ī n.: of three days, 3
trūdō, -ere, -sī, -sus: trudge or thrust forward
tunc: then, at that time, 7
ubīque: everywhere, in every instance, 2
ūdus, -a, -um: wet, damp, soaked; ~drunk, 2
urceātim: (to rain) pitchers; pitcherful
varius, -a, -um: spotted, variegated, 3
vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
5 Quod hodiē nōn…erit: What is…; ‘(that)
which;’ a missing antecedent is subj. of erit
6 melior: comparative adj. bonus
7 sī hominēs habēret: if it had (real) men;
protasis to contrary to fact with impf. subj.
hōc tempore: at…; abl. time when
labōrat: it toils; i.e. patria
nec haec (patria est) sola: add linking verb
8 ubīque…caelus est: i.e. while we are alive
and there is a sky above us
sī…fuerīs, dīcēs: if you are…you will…;
fut. more vivid condition ( sī fut. (pf), fut.);
translate fut. pf. sum as pres. with fut. sense
habitūrī: about to have; fut. pple
10 in trīduō: over a three-day period
diē fēstā: on…; abl. time when
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

sed plūrimī lībertī. Et Titus noster magnum animum habet et est 1

caldicerebrius: aut hoc aut illud erit, quid utique. Nam illī
domesticus sum, nōn est miscīx. Ferrum optimum datūrus est, sine
fugā, carnārium in mediō, ut amphitheater videat. Et habet unde:
relictum est illī sēstertium tricentiēs, dēcessit illīus pater male. Ut 5
quadringenta impendat, nōn sentiet patrimōnium illīus, et
sempiternō nōminābitur. Iam maniōs aliquot habet et mulierem
essedāriam et dispēnsātōrem Glycōnis, quī dēprehēnsus est cum
dominam suam dēlectārētur. Vidēbis populī rixam inter zēlotypōs
et amāsiuncūlōs. Glycō autem, sēstertiārius homō, dispēnsātōrem 10

aliquot: some, several, 7 miscix, -īcis: changeable, inconstant

amāsiuncūlus, ī m. (-a, -ae f.): little darling, 2
amphitheātrum (-er), -ī n.: amphitheater, 2
animus, -ī m.: spirit, mind, 3
caldicerebrius, -ī m.: a hothead, 2
carnārius, -ī m.: of flesh; noun, butchery
dēcēdō, -ere, -cessī, -cessus: to depart, die, 2
dēlector, -ārī, dēlectātus sum: to delight, 5
dēprehendō, -ere,-ndī, -nsus: catch, arrest, 2
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
domesticus, -a, -um: like family, close to
domina, -ae f.: mistress, owner, 4
essedārius, -a, -um: of a war-chariot
ferrum, -ī n.: iron, 3
fuga, -ae f.: flight; runaway (slave), 3
Glyco, -ōnis m.: Glyco (name), 5
impendō, -ere, -ndī, -nsum: to pay
lībertus, -ī m.: freedman, ex-slave, 5
manius, -ī m.: ??, clown, redneck
1 Titus noster: a local magistrate
animum: spirit
2 aut…aut…erit: it will be…; i.e. the
spectacle
(ali)quid utique: (it will be) something, at
least; quid is indefinite
illī: dat. sg. ille; i.e. Titus
3 Ferrum optimum: i.e. swordsmanship in
games Titus produces; ferrum, via
synecdoche, means ‘sword’
datūrus est: periphrastic fut. (fut. pple +
est) dō, dare
4 ut…videat: so that..may…; purpose clause
with pres. subj.
amphitheater: i.e. the audience
habet unde: he has the wherewithal
41
nōminō (1): to name, mention
optimus, -a, -um: best, excellent; very well, 5
pater, patris m.: father, 7
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
plūrimus, -a, -um: very much/many, 4
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
quadringentī, -ae, -a: 400
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
rixa, -ae f.: quarrel, brawl, 4
sempiternō: eternally, forever
sentiō, -īre, sēnsī, sēnsus: to realize, feel
sēstertiārius, -a, -um: worth but a sesterce, 2
Titus, -ī m.: Titus (name)
trecentiēs (tricentiēs): 300 times, 3
unde: from where, whence, 5
utique: in any case, by all means, certainly, 3
zēlotypus, -a, -um: jealous, 2
5 relictum est: i.e. in an inheritance
sēstertium tricentiēs: 30 million sesterces;
sēstertium often means 100,000 sesterces
illī: dat. ind. obj. ille
illīus: gen. sg. ille
Ut…impendat: when…
6 quadringenta: 400,000 sesterces
sentiet: fut., patrimōnium is subject
7 nōminābitur: i.e. his glory will last
mulierem essedāriam: a woman as
chariot-fighter
8 cum…dēlectārētur: when…; i.e. having an
affair with Glyco’s wife
9 inter zēlotypōs et amāsiuncūlōs: between
jealous husbands and darling lovers
 Cena Trimalchionis 45-6

ad bēstiās dedit. Hoc est sē ipsum trādūcere. Quid servus peccāvit, 1

quī coāctus est facere? Magis illa matella digna fuit quam taurus
iactāret. Sed quī asinum nōn potest, strātum caedit. Quid autem
Glyco putābat Hermogenis filicem unquam bonum exitum
factūram? Ille mīlvō volantī poterat unguēs resecāre; colubra 5
restem nōn parit. Glyco, Glyco dēdit suās; itaque quamdiū vīxerit,
habēbit stigmam, nec illam nisi Orcus dēlēbit. Sed sibi quisque
peccat. Sed subolfaciō quod nōbīs epulum datūrus est Mammaea,
bīnōs dēnāriōs mihi et meīs. Quod sī hoc fēcerit, ēripiat Norbānō
tōtum favōrem. Sciās oportet plēnīs vēlīs hunc vincitūrum. Et 10

asinus, -ī m.: ass, donkey, 2 mīlvus, -ī m.: vulture (a bird of prey), 2

bēstia, -ae f.: beast, creature, 3
bīnī, -ae, -a: two each, two by two, 2
caedō, -ere, cecīdī, caesus: to strike; kill, 3
cōgō, cogere, coēgī, coāctus: compel, force, 2
colubra, -ae f.: female serpent
dēleō, -ēre, dēlēvī, dēlētus: to destroy
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
dignus, -a, -um: worthy, 2
epulum, -ī n.: banquet, 2
ēripiō, -ere, -uī, ēreptus: tear away; rescue, 2
exitus, -ūs m.: end; death, destruction, 3
favor, favōris m.: favor, goodwill, 2
filix, -icis f.: fern
Glyco, -ōnis m.: Glyco (name), 5
Hermogenes, -is m.: Herogenes (name)
iactō (1): to throw, cast; boast, (cast words), 3
Mammaea, -ae f.: Mammaea (name)
matella, -ae f.: chamber-pot, 4
1 sē…trādūcere: to make a spectacle of his
very self; ‘lead himself (in a public display)’
2 coāctus est facere: pf. pass. cōgō,; i.e.
sleep with the domina, Glyco’s wife
illa matella: i.e. Glyco’s wife
quam…iactāret: that a bull might toss
(her); i.e. as punishment in an amphitheater;
a relative clause of purpose (= ut eam taurus
iactāret) impf. subj. iactō following dignus
3 quī: (one) who…; expressing a general truth
potest (caedere): supply the inf.
Quid: Why…?; ‘in respect to what?’
4 Hermogenis: gen. of filicem; i.e. the father
filicem…factūram (esse): that an
offshoot…; ind disc. with fut. inf. faciō (add
‘esse’); fīlix is Glyco’s wife and is perhaps
42
Norbānus, -ī m.: Norbanus (lawyer, name), 2
Orcus, -ī m.: Orcus (Pluto); underworld, 4
pariō, -ere, peperī, partum: to bring forth, 2
peccō (1): to commit a wrong; injure, 3
plēnus, -a, -um: full, 5 quamdiū: as long as
quisque, quidque/quīcque: each, every, 3
resecō, -āre, resecuī: cut off or back, clip
restis, is f.: rope
strātum, -ī n.: saddle, covering, bed, 3
stigma, -ae f. (-atis n.): mark (of disgrace), 2
subolfaciō, -ere: to smell, smell out
taurus, -ī m.: bull; Taurus (constellation), 3
trādūcō, -ere, -dūxī: to lead across, convey;
make a spectacle of, disgrade, 2
unguis, -is m.: fingernail; toenail, 3
vēlum, -ī n.: sail, awning, canvas, 2
vincō, -ere, vīcī, victus: to conquer, beat, 4
volō (1): to fly, 3
a play on the word ‘filia’ and nothing more
5 Ille: i.e. Glyco
mīlvō: i.e. the wife; dat. of possession:
volantī: dat sg. pres. pple. With mīlvō
colubra…parit: i.e. like in fact begets like
6 dedit suās: has given away his (women)
vīxerit: he lives; fut. pf.: translate as pres.
7 sibi: for himself; dat. interest
subolfaciō quod: I sense from the smell that
9 et meīs: and for my fellow (clothes dealers)
sī fēcerit, ēripiat: if…should,…would…;
fut. less. vivid (sī pf. subj., pres. subj.)
Norbānō: from Norbanus; dat. compound
Sciās oportet: it is fitting (that) you know
plēnīs vēlīs: i.e. utterly; sailing metaphor
vincitūrum (esse): will beat…; fut. vincō
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

rēvērā, quid ille nōbīs bonī fēcit? Dēdit gladiātōrēs sēstertiāriōs 1

iam dēcrepitōs, quōs sī sufflāssēs, cecīdissent; iam meliōrēs
bēstiāriōs vīdī. Occīdit dē lucernā equitēs, putārēs eōs gallōs
gallīnāceōs; alter burdubasta, alter lōripēs, tertiārius mortuus prō
mortuō, quī habēbat nervia praecīsa. Ūnus alicuius flātūrae fuit 5
Thraex, quī et ipse ad dictāta pugnāvit. Ad summam, omnēs posteā
sectī sunt; adeō dē magnā turbā ‘Adhibēte’ accēperant, plānē fugae
merae.’ ‘Mūnus tamen,’ inquit, ‘tibi dedī:’ ‘et ego tibi plodō. Com-
putā, et tibi plūs dō quam accēpī. Manus manum lavat.’ Vidēris
mihi, Agamemnōn, dīcere: 46. ‘Quid iste argūtat molestus?’ quia tū, 10

adeō: to such a degree, so, 3
adhibeō, -ēre, -uī: to lay it on, apply
argūtō (1): to prattle about, chatter about, 2
bēstiārius, -ī m.: bestiarius, (beast-fighter)
burdubasta, -ae m.: ??, lame donkey
cadō, -ere, cecidī, cāsum: to fall, 4
computō (1): to count up, reckon, 2
dēcrepitus, -a, -um: very old, decrepit
dictātum, -ī n.: (dictated) rules, lessons
eques, equitis m.: horseman, 2
flātūra, -ae f.: caliber (blown/cast in metal)
fuga, -ae f.: flight; runaway (slave), 3
gallīnāceus, -a, -um: of a chicken, chicken, 5
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
gladiātor, -is m.: gladiator
lōri-pēs, pedis: club-footed, crook-footed
1 rēvērā: in true fact; rē vērā
quid…bonī: what good…?; partitive gen.
nōbīs: for…; dat. of interest
2 sī sufflā(vi)ssēs, cecīdissent: if you had…,
they would have…; past contrary to fact
condition (sī plpf. subj., plpf. subj.)
meliōrēs: comparative adj., bonus
3 vīdī: I have seen; present pf.
occīdit: pf.; Norbanus is subject
dē lucernā equitēs: horsemen-figures from
lamps; obj., i.e. he likens the stature of the
gladiators to the figurines on top of lamps
putārēs: you would…; unrealized potential,
2s impf. subj. putō
4 gallōs: a male of any of a number of species
alter…alter…tertiārius: one (was)…the
other (was)…the third (was)…; add. verb
mortuus prō mortuō: half dead; ‘dead as
if dead,’ or ‘dead in the place of the dead’
43
merus, -a, -um: pure, undiluted; genuine, 5
molestus, -a, -um: annoying, grating; nasty, 5
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
nervia n. pl.: sinews, tendons
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
plodō, -ere: to applaud, clap
posteā: afterwards, 4
praecīdō, -ere, -cīdī, -cīsum: to cut, cut off, 2
pugnō (1): to fight, 3
rēvērā (rē vērā): in truth
secō, -āre, secuī, sectum: to cut up, slash, 2
sēstertiārius, -a, -um: worth but a sesterce, 2
sufflō, -āre: to blow upon, breath on
tertiārius, -a, -um: (containing a) third part
Thrāx (Thraex) -ācis m/f.: Thracian, 2
turba, -ae f.: uproar, commotion, 3
5 nervia praecīsa: i.e. hamstrung
alicuius flātūrae: of…; gen. of description
as predicate; the blowing/casting of metal is
used as an metaphor for quality or caliber
6 Thraex: Thracian gladiator; The Thracian-
style gladiator had a short sword and a
small square shield.
et: also
ad: according to…
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
7 Adeō…accēperant: So (loudly the
gladiators) had heard…!; in exclamation
dē magnā turbā: from…; i.e. spectators
Adhibite: Lay it on (them)!; pl. imperative
(erant) fugae merae: (they were) genuine
runaways
8 quam: than…; clause of comparison
9 Manus…: i.e. one hand washes the other
Vidēris: you seem…; ‘you are seen’
 Cena Trimalchionis 46

quī potes loquere, nōn loquis. Nōn es nostrae fasciae, et ideō 1

pauperōrum verba dērīdēs. Scīmus tē prae litterās fatuum esse.
Quid ergō est? aliquā diē tē persuādeam ut ad vīllam veniās et
videās casulās nostrās? Inveniēmus quod mandūcēmus, pullum,
ōva: bellē erit, etiam sī omnia hōc annō tempestās dispare pallāvit: 5
inveniēmus ergō unde saturī fīāmus. Et iam tibi discipulus crēscit
cicarō meus. Iam quattuor partēs dīcit; sī vīxerit, habēbis ad latus
servulum. Nam quicquid illī vacat, caput dē tabulā nōn tollit.
Ingeniōsus est et bonō fīlō, etiam sī in avēs morbōsus est. Ego illī
iam trēs cardēlēs occīdī, et dīxī quod mustella comēdit. Invēnit 10

avis, -is f.: bird, 5
cardēlis, -is f.: goldfinch (bird)
casula, -ae f.: little house, cottage, 3
cicaro, -ōnis m.: little boy, 2
dērīdeō, -ēre, -rīsī, -rīsus: laugh at; mock, 4
discipulus, -ī m.: male student
dispār, disparis: unequal, unfavorable (dat.)
fascia, -ae f.: band, fillet; rank, pedigree, 3
fatuus, -a, -um: silly, foolish
fīlum, -ī n.: thread; quality, stock
ingeniōsus, -a, -um: talented, gifted, 3
latus, latēris n.: side, flank, 2
mandūcō (1): to eat, chew, 2
morbōsus, -a, -um: sick, ill
mustella, -ae f.: weasel
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
1 quī: (you) who…; the subject is 2s
loquere: to speak (well); an act. inf. on a
dep. verb; Agamemnon teaches rhetoric
loquis: 2s pres. active, loquor
nostrae fasciae: of…; gen. of description as
predicate of 2s sum
2 tē…esse: that…; ind. disc.
litterās: literature; as often in pl.
3 Aliquā diē: abl. of time when
persuādeam: Let me…; 1s jussive subj.
usually with dat. ind. obj. but here with acc.
ut…veniās…videās: that…; ind. command
with 2s pres. subj.
4 inveniēmus: 1p fut.
quod: (that) which…; antecedent is missing
mandūcēmus: 1p fut.
5 bellē erit: it will be charming
etiam: even
omnia…dispare pallāvit: the weather has
44
palescō, -ere, pallāvī: grow pale, whither
pauper, -eris m. (gen. -ōrum): poor man, 3
persuādeō, -ēre, -sī: to persuade, urge, 2
prae: because of, for (acc.); before (abl.), 2
pullus, -ī m.: chicken, 2
quattuor: four, 6
satur, -a, -um: full, filled, satisfied, 3
servulus, -ī m.: small slave
tabula, -ae f.: tablet; (gaming) board, 5
tempestās, tempestātis f.: storm, season
trēs, tria: three, 5
unde: from where, whence, 5
vacō (1): to be empty, have free time
verbum, -ī n.: word, 3
vīlla, -ae f.: villa, estate, 4
made everything grow at the wrong time;
‘has made pale unfavorably,’ adv. dispare
hōc annō: abl. time when
6 unde…fīāmus: ind question with 1p spres.
subj.
tibi discipulus: as a student to you
7 quattuor partēs: divisions by fours
sī vīxerit, habēbis: if he lives,…will…; fut.
more vivid (sī fut. (pf.), fut.); translate fut.
pf. as present with fut. sense
ad latus: by your side, near your side
8 quicquid…vacat: whatever (time) is free
is for that one; the missing antecedent is an
acc. of duration: ‘(for that time) whatever...’
bonō fīlō: of…; abl. of quality; the thread is
used as a metaphor for quality of caliber
9 in avēs: regarding birds
morbōsus: mad; i.e. overzealous
10 quod…comēdit (avēs): that…; ind. disc.
 Freedmen Gossip while Trimalchio is Away

tamen aliās nēniās, et libentissimē pingit. Cēterum iam Graeculīs 1

calcem impingit et Latīnās coepit nōn male appetere, etiam sī
magister eius sibi placēns fit nec ūnō locō cōnsistit, sed venit, dem
litterās, sed nōn vult labōrāre. Est et alter nōn quidem doctus, sed
cūriōsus, quī plūs docet quam scit. Itaque fēriātīs diēbus solet 5
domum venīre, et quicquid dederis, contentus est. Ēmī ergō nunc
puerō aliquot lībra rubrīcāta, quia volō illum ad domūsiōnem
aliquid dē iūre gustāre. Habet haec rēs pānem. Nam litterīs satis
inquinātus est. Quod sī resilient, dēstināvī illum artificiī docēre, aut
tonstreīnum aut praecōnem aut certē causidicum, quod illī auferre 10

aliquot: some, several, 7 inquinō (1): to stain, imbue; pollute, soil

appetō, -ere, -īvī, -petītus: to seek, aim for
artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
auferō, -ferre, abstulī, -lātus: carry away, 5
calx, calcis f.: heel; kick, 2
causidicus, -ī m.: pleader (of a case), orator, 2
cōnsistō, -ere, -stitī: to stand still, stop, 5
contentus, -a, -um: content, satisfied, 4
cūriōsus, -a, -um: careful, diligent, 3
dēstinō (1): to intend, design, 3
doceō, -ēre, docuī, doctus: to teach, 5
domūsiō, -ōnis f.: home use, private use, 2
fēriātus, -a, -um: on holiday, at leisure, idle
Graeculus, -a, -um: Greekling, little Greek, 2
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
impingō, -ere, -pēgī, -pāctus: plant, strike, 3
1 libentissimē: superlative adv.
cēterum: in other respects
Graeculīs (litterīs)…impingit: struck his
foot on Greek (letters); i.e. kicked it aside
2 Latīnās (litterās): Latin (letters)
etiam sī: even if…
3 eius: gen. sg. is, ea, id
sibi placēns: nom. pred. after fit
ūnō locō: on one topic
cōnsistit: i.e. stays, remains
venit (ut) dem: (the boy) comes (so that) I
may…; purpose with 1s pres. subj. dō, dare
4 est et alter: there is also another (boy)
doctus: well-taught, educated
5 fēriātīs diēbus: on…; abl. time when
domum: to…; place to which
quicquid dederis: whatever…; 2s fut. pf.:
translate as present with fut. sense; est
logically should be fut. erit to form the
45
iūs, iūris n.: right, law, justice, 4
labōrō (1): to work, toil, 4
Latīnus, -a, -um: of Latium; Latin, 2
libenter: gladly, willingly, 4
lībra, -ae f.: pound (12 oz.); balance/scales, 4
magister, -trī m.: master, teacher, 6
nēnia, -ae f.: trifles,. nonsense, foolishness, 3
pingō, -ere, pīnxī, pictus: to paint, 6
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing to, 7
praecō, -ōnis m.: auctioneer
resiliō, -īre, -uī, —: to recoil, spring/leap back
rubrīcō: to paint red, to mark with red chapter
headings (legal books)
tonstrīnum, (-einum), -ī n.: barber’s craft, 2
equiv. of a fut. more vivid (sī fut. (pf.), fut.)
6 Ēmī: 1s pf. emō
7 puerō: for…; dat. interest
lībra rubrīcata: i.e. law-books, where the
laws were traditionally written in red ink
ad domūsiōnem: for…; expressing purpose
8 dē: about
habet…pānem: i.e. there is money in law
Nam…inquitātus est: for he has been
stained/polluted in letters enough
9 Quod sī: but if…; ‘in respect to which, if’
quod is an acc. of respect, which is often
adversative
resilient: i.e. rejects the study of law; fut.:
translate pres. with fut. sense
dēstināvī: I have…; translate as present pf.
artificiī: (something) of…; partitive gen.
10 quod: which…
illī: from that (boy); dat. of compound verb
 Cena Trimalchionis 47

nōn possit nisi Orcus. Ideō illī cotīdiē clāmō: ‘Prīmigenī, crēde 1
mihi, quicquid discis, tibi discis. Vidēs Philerōnem causidicum: sī
nōn didicisset, hodiē famem ā labrīs nōn abigeret. Modo, modo
collō suō circumferēbat onera vēnālia, nunc etiam adversus
Norbānum sē extendit. Litterae thēsaurum est, et artificium 5
nunquam moritur.’” 47. Eiusmodī fābulae vibrābant, cum
Trimalchio intrāvit et dētersā fronte unguentō manūs lāvit
spatiōque minimō interpositō “Ignōscite mihi,” inquit, “amīcī,
multīs iam diēbus venter mihi nōn respondit. Nec medicī sē
inveniunt. Prōfuit mihi tamen mālicorium et taeda ex acētō. Spērō 10

abigō, -ere, -ēgī, -āctus: to drive off or away
acētum, -ī n.: vinegar
adversus: facing, opposite, against (acc), 1
artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
causidicus, -ī m.: pleader (of a case), orator, 2
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
cotīdiē: every day, daily, 3
dētergō, -ere, -tersī, -tersum: to wipe off
eiusmodī: such, of this manner, 5
extendō, -ere, -tendī, -tēnsus: extend, exert, 2
fames, -is f.: hunger, famine, 2
frōns, frōntis f.: forehead, brow, 5
ignōscō, -ere, īgnōvī, īgnōtus: to forgive, 4
interpōnō, -ere, -posuī, -posītus: to place
between, interpose, intervene, 2
labrum, -ī n.: lip; round basin, 5
1 nōn (quisquam) nisi Orcus: not (anyone)
except Orcus; i.e. will be reliable until death
possit: pres. subj. possum in a relative
clause of result (‘quod’ is equiv. to ‘ut id’)
illī: to that one; i.e. to the boy, dat. ind. obj.
Prīmigenī: Primigenius; voc. dir. address, a
common name for slaves and freedman
2 quicquid: whatever…; the missing
antecedent is obj. of discis
tibi: for…; reflexive, dat. of interest
sī didicisset, abigeret: if he had…, he
would not…; mixed contrary to fact (sī plpf.
subj., impf. subj.) plpf. subj. discō
3 Modo, modo..: just now, just now…
4 collō suō: around…; dat. of compound verb
(sed) nunc: (but) now…; asyndeton marks
a constrast in his life
5 sē extendit: i.e. on the couch at the banquet
46
mālicorium, -iī n.: pomegranate rind
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
morior, morī, mortuus sum: to die, 5
Norbānus, -ī m.: Norbanus (name), 2
onus, oneris n.: load, burden
Orcus, -ī m.: Orcus (Pluto); underworld, 4
Phileros, -ōnis m.: Phileros (name), 3
Prīmigenius, -ī m.: Primigenius (First-born)
prōsum, -ere, -fuī: to be useful, be profitable
respondeō, -ēre, -ndī, -nsus: to answer, 5
spatium, -iī n.: space, interval, time, 2
spērō (1): to hope, 4
taeda, -ae f.: pinewood
thēsaurus, -ī m.: treasure, riches, 3
vēnālis, -e: for sale, for hire
venter, -ris m.: stomach, belly, 3
vibrō (1): to shake, go back and forth, 2
Litterae: literature
6 moritur’ ” : pres. deponent; Echion has
both stopped repeating what he tells his son
and stopped his speech altogether.
eiusmodī: gen. of description modifying
nom. pl. fabulae
7 dētersā unguentō: abl. abs.
fronte: from…; abl. of separation
8 spatiō…interpositō: PPP
ignōscite: pl. imperative + dat. obj.
amīcī: voc. direct address
9 multīs…diēbus: in…; abl. of time within
respondit: has answered; present pf.; i.e.
he has not had a bowel movement recently
sē inveniunt: i.e. do not understand
10 prōfuit: 3s but the subject is plural
ex acētō: (boiled) from vinegar
mihi: dat. of interest
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

tamen, iam veterem pudōrem sibi impōnet. Aliōquīn circā 1

stomachum mihi sonat, putēs taurum. Itaque sī quis vestrum
voluerit suā rē [causā] facere, nōn est quod illum pudeātur. Nēmo
nostrum solidē nātus est. Ego nūllum pūtō tam magnum
tormentum esse quam continēre. Hoc sōlum vetāre nē Iovis potest. 5
Rīdēs, Fortūnāta, quae solēs mē nocte dēsomnem facere? Nec
tamen in trīclīniō ūllum vetuō facere quod sē iuvet, et medicī
vetant continēre. Vel sī quid plūs venit, omnia forās parāta sunt:
aqua, lasanī et cētera minūtālia. Crēdite mihi, anathȳmiāsis in
cerebrum it et in tōtō corpore flūctum facit. Multōs sciō sīc 10

aliōquīn: in other respects; besides, else, 6 nox, noctis f.: night, 2

anathȳmiāsis, -is f.: vapor, inhalation
causa, -ae f.: cause, reason; legal case, 5
cerebrum, -ī n.: brain; thinking, temper, 3
cēterī, -ae, -a: the other; the rest, 3
contineō, -ēre, continuī: to contain, restrain, 4
corpus, corporis n.: body, 5
dēsomnis, -e: sleepless
fluctus, -ūs m.: wave, flood
forās: out of doors, 5
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
iuvō, -āre, iūvī, iūtus: to help; please, 2
lasanum, -ī n. (lasanus): commode, 2
minūtālis, -e: small, minor; noun minutia
1 sibi: on…; dat. of compound verb
(venter) impōnet: (my stomach) will…
2 mihi: dat. possession (my) or interest
sonat: it make sounds; impersonal
putēs: you may…; either a potential pres.
subj. or result clause with missing ‘ut’
taurum (mugīre): that a bull (is mooing)
sī quis voluerit, est: if anyone wishes…
there is…, a mixed condition (sī fut. pf.,
pres.) where one expects fut. erit in the
apodosis; fut. pf. volō; quis is indefinite
before sī, nisi, num, and nē
vestrum: partitive gen. pl. of vōs
3 suā rē facere: to relieve himself; ‘to act in
one’s own interest,’ a euphemism; suā rē is
an abl. of cause
nōn est quod…: there is not (anything)
which…; relative clause of characteristic
with pres. subj.
illum pudeātur: would make that one feel
47
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
pudet, -ēre, puduit: it causes shame for, 2
pudor, -ōris m.: decency, sense of shame
solidus, -a, -um: solid, dense; a solid (coin), 2
sonō (1): to sound, resound, echo, 3
stomachus -ī m.: stomach
taurus, -ī m.: bull; Taurus (constellation), 3
tormentum, -ī n.: torture
ūllus, -a, -um: any, 2
vel, -ve: or; adv. actually, even, 5
vester, vestra, vestrum: your, 5
vetō (vetuō), -āre, vetuī, vetitus: to forbid, 5
vetus, veteris: old, 3
shame; =pudeat; an unusual deponent
4 nostrum: of us; partitive gen. of 1p nōs
solidē: adv.; solid entrails not easily upset
nūllum…esse: that…; ind. disc. with pūtō
5 continēre: to contain oneself; i.e. restrain
oneself from a bowel movement
nē Iovis (quidem): not even Jupiter; Iovis
is nom. sg. equiv. to Iuppiter; nē is perhaps
missing quidem: nē…quidem, ‘not even,’
emphasizes the intervening word
6 Fortūnāta: Trimalchio’s wife; vocative
nocte: abl. time when
nec…vetuō: I do not forbid
7 quod sē iuvet: what pleases himself; pres.
subj. relative clause of characteristic
8 continēre: (anyone) to contain oneself
quid: anything; indefinite before sī
10 anathȳmiāsis: perhaps from gastric juices
it: 3s pres. eō, īre
10 flūctum facit: i.e. make a disturbance
 Cena Trimalchionis 47-8

periisse, dum nōlunt sibi vērum dīcere.” Grātiās agimus līberālitātī 1

indulgentiaeque eius, et subinde castīgāmus crēbrīs pōtiunculīs
rīsum. Nec adhūc sciēbāmus nōs in mediō lautitiārum, quod aiunt,
clīvō labōrāre. Nam cum mundātīs ad symphōniam mēnsīs trēs albī
suēs in trīclīnium adductī sunt capistrīs et tintinnābulīs cultī, 5
quōrum ūnum bīmum nōmenculātor esse dīcēbat, alterum trīmum,
tertium vērō iam sexennem, ego putābam petauristāriōs intrāsse et
porcōs, sīcut in circulīs mōs est, portentā aliquā factūrōs; sed
Trimalchio expectātiōne discussā “Quem,” inquit, “ex eīs vultis in
cēnam statim fierī? gallum enim gallīnāceum, Penthiacum et 10

addūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to lead, bring, 4 mundō (1): to clean

albus, -a, -um: white, 6
bīmus, -a, -um: of two years
capistrum, -ī n.: halter, muzzle
castīgō (1): to suppress, check; chastise
circulus, -ī m.: circle (group), ring, hoop; 6
clīvus, -ī m.: slope; hill, 2
crebēr, -bra, -brum: close packed, frequent
colō, colere, -uī, cultus: to adorn, cultivate, 3
discutiō, -ere, -cussī, -cussus: to shake off, 2
exspectātio, -ōnis f.: expectation, 3
gallīnāceus, -a, -um: of a chicken, chicken, 5
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
indulgentia, -ae f.: indulgence, kindness, 2
labōrō (1): to work, toil, 4
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
līberālitās, -ātis f.: generosity
mōs, mōris m.: custom, 4
1 multōs…periisse: that…; ind. disc. with pf.
inf. pereō
vērum: the truth; substantive; acc. obj.
Gratiās agimus: gratiās agere is a common
idiom for ‘give thanks’
līberālitātī…: dat. ind. object
2 eius: i.e. Trimalchio’s; gen. sg. is, ea, id
crēbrīs pōtiunculīs: abl. of means
3 nōs (esse) in mediō...labōrāre: that we…;
ind. disc.
in mediō…clīvō: sg. prepositional phrase
quod aiunt: as they say
4 cum…adductī sunt: when…; cum-clause
with indicative
mundātīs mēnsīs: abl. abs.
ad symphōniam: i.e. accompanied by…
48
nōmenculātor, ōris, m: nomenclator (a slave
who introduces others by name to the master)
Penthiacus, -ī m.: Pentheus’ beef hash
pereō, -īre, -iī, peritūs: to perish, 4
petauristārius, -ī m.: acrobat, rope-walker, 4
portentum, -ī: omen; marvelous act
pōtiuncula, -ae f.: small drink/drinking
rīsus, -ūs m.: laughter
sexennis, -e: of six years
sīcut: just as, 4
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
sūs, suis m/f.: pig, swine, 2
symphōnia, -ae f: music, band of musicians, 6
tertius, -a, -um: third, 3
tintinnābulum, -ī n.: bell
trēs, tria: three, 5
trīmus, -a, -um: of three years
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
5 capistrīs et tintinnābulīs: abl. means
cultī: PPP colō modifying suēs
6 ūnum (suem)…esse: that…; ind. disc.
nōmenculātor: i.e. a slave whose task here
is to announce on behalf of Trimalchio
alterum (esse) trīmum (et) tertium (esse)
…sexennem: ind. disc. governed by dicēbat
7 petauristāriōs intrā(vi)sse: that…; ind.
disc. with pf. inf. intrō
8 porcōs…factūrōs (esse): that…; ind. disc.
with fut. inf. faciō; supply esse
circulīs: street shows; i.e. ringed by people
mōs est: it is the custom
9 expectātiōne discussā: abl. abs.
vultis: 2s pres. volō
Penthiacum: a dish torn up just as Penthus
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

eiusmodī nēniās rūsticī faciunt: meī cocī etiam vitulōs aēnō coctōs 1
solent facere.” Continuōque cocum vocārī iussit, et nōn expectātā
ēlēctiōne nostrā maximum nātū iussit occīdī, et clārā vōce: “Ex
quotā decuriā es?” Cum ille sē ex quadrāgēsimā respondisset,
“Ēmptīcius an” inquit “domī nātus?” “Neutrum,” inquit cocus, “sed 5
testāmentō Pansae tibi relictus sum.” “Vidē ergō,” ait “ut dīligenter
pōnās; sī nōn, tē iubēbō in decuriam viātōrum conicī.” 48. Et
cocum quidem potentiae admonitum in culīnam obsōnium dūxit,
Trimalchio autem mihi ad nōs vultū respexit et “Vīnum,” inquit,
“sī nōn placet, mūtābō; vōs illud oportet bonum faciātis. Deōrum 10

admonitum, -ī n.: reminder, warning, 1
aēnus, -a, -um: of bronze; noun bronze pot, 2
an: or, whether, if, 6
clārus, -a, -um: clear, distinguished, 3
continuō: immediately, continuously, 4
coquō, -ere, coxī, coctus: to cook, 3
culīna, -ae f.: kitchen
decuria, -ae f.: division (of tens), 3
dīligenter: diligently, carefully, 5
eiusmodī: such, of this manner, 5
ēlēctiō, -ōnis f.: choice, selection
ēmptīcius, -a, -um: bought, purchased
exspectō (1): to wait for, expect, 4
maximus, -a, -um: greatest
mūtō (1): to change, exchange, 3
nātus, -ūs m.: birth
1 eiusmodī: gen. of description with nēniās
rūsticī: country folk; subject
cocī: nom. pl. coquus (cocus)
etiam: also
2 cocum: ~ coquum, acc. sg. coquus
nōn expectātā…nostrā: abl. abs.,
Trimalchio chose the pig for them
3 maximum nātū: the oldest; ‘greatest in
birth,’ superlative and abl. of respect; this is
a common way to express age in Latin
clārā vōce: with…; abl. of manner
Ex quotā decūriā es?: The slaves are
organized into divisions, and Trimalchio
here is asking his cook about his division.
4 Cum…respondisset: when…; plpf. subj.
sē ex quadrāgēsimā (dēcuriā esse): that
he…; ind. disc. and ellipsis; supply inf.
5 domī: at…; locative, domus
nēnia, -ae f.: trifles,. nonsense, foolishness, 3
neuter, neutra, neutrum: neither, 2
obsōnium, -ī n.: meal, dish (food), 3
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
Pansa, -ae m.: Pansa (name)
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing, 7
potentia, -ae f.: power
quadrāgēsimus, -a, -um: fortieth
quotus, -a, -um: which (number), how many
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
respondeō, -ēre, -ndī, -nsus: to answer, 5
rūsticus, -a, -um: rustic; noun country folk, 2
testāmentum, -ī n.: will, 5
viātor, -ōris m.: messenger
vitulus, -ī m.: calf (male), young bullock, 4
vultus, -ūs m.: expression, face, 5
nātus: PPP nāscor
6 relictus sum: i.e. I was bequeathed
Vidē: See to it…; sg. imperative
Ut…pōnās: that…; noun result clause with
pres. subj. pōnō, ‘set/serve (the dishes)’
7 conicī: pres. pass. coniciō
8 cocum…(et) obsōnium dūxit: The warning
of (Trimalchio’s) power led both the cook
(and) the meal into the kitchen.; a difficult
clause maybe made easier with another ‘et’
9 mihi: to…; dat. of reference (viewpoint)
vultū: with…; abl. of manner
10 oportet (ut) faciātis: it is fitting that you
make (x) (y); oportet governs acc. + inf. but
in later Latin can accompany ut + subj. or
just a subjunctive; 2s pres. subj. faciō
governs a double acc.; see also pg. 25

49
 Cena Trimalchionis 48

beneficiō nōn emō, sed nunc quicquid ad salīvam facit, in 1

suburbānō nāscitur eō, quod ego adhūc nōn nōvī. Dīcitur cōnfīne
esse Tarraciniēnsibus et Tarentīnīs. Nunc coniungere agellīs
Siciliam volō, ut cum Āfricam libuerit īre, per meōs fīnēs nāvigem.
Sed nārrā tū mihi, Agamemnōn, quam contrōversiam hodiē 5
dēclāmāstī? Ego etiam sī causās nōn agō, in domūsiōnem tamen
litterās didicī. Et nē mē putēs studia fastīdītum, II bybliothēcās
habeō, ūnam Graecam, alteram Latīnam. Dīc ergō, sī mē amās,
peristasim dēclāmātiōnis tuae.” Cum dīxisset Agamemnōn:
“Pauper et dīves inimīcī erant,” ait Trimalchio “Quid est pauper?” 10

Āfrica, -ae f.: Africa Graecus, -a, -um: Greek, 3

agellus, -ī m.: small estate, little field
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
bibliothēca, -ae f.: library
causa, -ae f.: cause, reason; legal case, 5
cōnfīnis, -e: bordering (dat)
coniungō, -ere, -iūnxī: to join together
contrōversia, -ae f.: dispute, debate, 3
dēclāmātiō, -ōnis f.: declamation, practice in
public speaking
dēclāmō (1): to declaim (practice speaking)
dīves, dīvitis: rich; noun rich man
domūsiō, -ōnis f.: home use, private use, 2
fastīdiō, -īre, -īvī, -itum: to loathe, disdain
fīnis, -is m.: end, boundary, 2
1 beneficiō: because of…; abl. of cause with
a subjective gen.
emō: supply vīnum as obj.
quicquid (vīnum): whatever (wine)…
ad salīvam: for…; expressing purpose
in suburbānō…eō: in that suburban
estate; abl. sg. eō is demonstrative is, ea,id
2 nōvī: 1s pf. nōscō; Trimalchio has not
visited the estate although he owns it
dīcitur cōnfīne esse: neut. sg. suburbānum
is subject of dīcitur, and cōnfine is neut. sg.
nom. pred. of esse
3 coniungere Siciliam: to join together (all
of) Sicily; ‘to unite Sicily,’ an exaggeration
to highlight the number of his properties
4 ut…navigem: so that…might…; purpose
clause with 1s pres. subj.
cum…libuerit: when it…; cum clause with
impersonal pf. subj. governing inf. eō
Āfricam: to…; place to which
50
II: two
inimīcus, ī m.: unfriendly, in rivalry
Latīnus, -a, -um: of Latium; Latin, 2
libet, -ēre) libuit: it pleases, it is pleasing
nāvigō (1): to sail, navigate, 4
pauper, -eris m. (gen. -ōrum): poor man, 3
peristasis, -is f.: subject, topic, theme
salīva, -ae f.: saliva; flavor, mouth-watering
Sicilia, -ae f.: Sicily
studium, -iī n.: eagerness, enthusiasm, 5
suburbānum, -ī n.: suburban estate
Tarentīnus -a -um: Tarentine, of Tarentum, 2
Tarraciniensis, -is, m.: a Tarracinian
5 nārrā: sg. imperative
quam: which…; relative adj. introducing a
relative clause
6 dēclāmā(vi)stī: 2s pf.
etiam sī: even if; the clause is concessive
causās agō: I plead cases; an idiom
in domūsiōnem: for…; expressing purpose
7 litterās: letters; i.e. to read and write
didicī: 1s pf. discō
nē…putēs: you should not…; neg. jussive
(volitive) 2s pres. subj. governs nē
mē…fastīdītum (esse): that I despised…;
ind. disc.; pf. dep. inf. of a non-dep. verb
8 Dīc: sg. imperative dīcō
9 Cum…erant: when…; cum clause with
plpf. subj. dīcō
10 ait Trimalchio: Trimalchio responds in
the main clause
Quid est pauper?: He suggests that wealth
makes him ignorant of the very word itself.
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

“Urbānē,” inquit Agamemnōn et nesciō quam contrōversiam 1

exposuit. Statim Trimalchio “Hoc,” inquit “sī factum est,
contrōversia nōn est; sī factum nōn est, nihil est.” Haec aliaque
cum effūsissimīs prōsequerēmur laudātiōnibus, “Rogō” inquit
“Agamemnōn mihi cārissime, numquid duodecim aerumnās 5
Herculis tenēs, aut dē Ulixe fābulam, quemadmodum illī Cyclōps
pollicem forcipe extorsit? Solēbam haec ego puer apud Homērum
legere. Nam Sibyllam quidem Cūmīs ego ipse oculīs meīs vīdī in
ampullā pendēre, et cum illī puerī dīcerent: Σίβυλλα, τί θέλεις;
respondēbat illa: ἀποθανεῖν θέλω.” 10

aerumna, -ae f.: labor, trouble, toil
ampulla, -ae f.: flask, bottle, jar, 2
apud: at (the house of), near, 3
cārus, -a, -um: dear, precious (dat.) 3
contrōversia, -ae f.: dispute, debate, 3
Cūmae, -ārum f.: Cumae (place)
Cyclōps, -ōpis m.: Cyclops
duodecim: twelve, 3
effūsus, -a, -um: overflowing, immoderate
expōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to explain, 2
extorqueō, -ere, -torsī, -tortus: to twist, 2
forceps, -ipis f.: pair of tongs
Herculēs, -is m.: Hercules
Homēros, -ī m.: Homer, 2
laudātiō, -ōnis f.: praise, 2
1 Urbānē: adv. as if accompanied by a verb
of speaking
nesciō quam: some; ‘I-do-not-know-
what,’ translate as an indefinite adj.
2 exposuit: set out, explained
haec aliaque: neut. pl. acc. obj.
3 cum…prōsequerēmur: after we…; cum
clause with 1p impf. dep. subjunctive
4 effussimīs laudātiōnibus: abl. mean
5 Agamemnon…cārissime: voc. dir. address
6 tenēs (memoriā): you remember, you
recall; ‘hold (in memory)’
illī: that one’s; i.e. Ulysses’; dat. possession
7 forcipe extorsit: Petronius seems to be
highlighting that Trimalchio is confused
and did not read the Odyssey as he claims.
Another possibility is that this is a version
legō, -ere, lēgī, lēctus: to read, pick out, 4
numquid: surely…not? (emphatic num), 3
pendeō, -ēre, pependī: to hang, 4
pollex, -icis m.: thumb, big toe, 2
prōsequor, -ī, prōsecūtus sum: to follow
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
respondeō, -ēre, -ndī, -nsus: to answer, 5
Sibylla, -ae f.: Sibyl
Ulixēs, -is m.: Ulysses, Odysseus, 2
urbānus, -a, -um: clever, witty
ἀποθανεῖν: Grk. apothanein, to die
θέλεις: Grk. theleis, you want
θέλω: Grk. thelō, I want
Σίβυλλα: Grk. Sibylla, Sibyl
τί: Grk. ti, What?
from a more recent play or performance.
haec: neut. pl. acc.
ego puer: As a boy, I…
apud Homērum: in…
8 Sibyllam…in ampullā pendēre: that the
Sibyl…; ind. disc. governed by 1s pf. vīdī;
The Sibyl, priestess of Apollo at Cumae, is
best known as Aeneas’ guide through the
underworld in Vergil’s Aeneid Book 6.
Here, it is suggested that she is immortal
but trapped in a flask for eternity.
Cūmīs: at Cumae; locative;
Cum…dīcerent: when…; with impf. subj.
9 Σίβυλλα, τί θέλεις: Sibyl, What do you
want?
10 ἀποθανεῖν θέλω: I want to die.

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 Cena Trimalchionis 49

49. Nōndum efflāverat omnia, cum repositōrium cum sue ingentī 1

mēnsam occupāvit. Mīrārī nōs celeritātem coepimus et iūrāre, nē
gallum quidem gallīnāceum tam cito percoquī potuisse, tantō
quidem magis, quod longē maior nōbīs porcus vidēbātur esse,
quam paulō ante aper fuerat. Deinde magis magisque Trimalchio 5
intuēns eum “Quid? quid?” inquit, “porcus hic nōn est exinterātus?
Nōn meherculēs est. Vocā, vocā cocum in mediō.” Cum
cōnstitisset ad mēnsam cocus trīstis et dīceret sē oblītum esse
exinterāre, “quid? oblītus?” Trimalchio exclāmat “Putēs illum
piper et cumīnum nōn coniēcisse. Dēspoliā.” Nōn fit mōra, 10

celeritās, celeritātis f.: speed, swiftness
cōnsistō, -ere, -stitī: to stand still, stop, 5
cumīnum, -ī n.: cumin (spice)
dēspoliō (1): to strip off; rob, plunder, 4
efflō (1): to blow or breathe out
exclāmō (1): to exclaim, 4
exinterō (1): to disembowel, 5
gallīnāceus, -a, -um: of a chicken, chicken, 5
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
intueor, -ērī, intuitus sum: look on, gaze
1 efflāverat: Trimalchio is subject
cum sue ingentī: abl. accompaniment;
ingentī is abl. sg. 3rd decl. i-stem adj.
mīrārī: dep. inf.
2 nē gallum quidem…potuisse: that not
even…; ind. disc. with pf. inf. possum;
nē quidem, ‘not even,’ emphasizes the
intervening word
cito: adv.
3 tantō quidem magis, quod: all the more
indeed, because…; ‘by so much more…’
tantō is abl. of degree of difference
4 longē: far; modifies maior
maior: nom. pred., comparative of magnus
nōbīs: to…; dat. of reference (viewpoint)
vidēbātur: impf. passive of videor, which
often translated as ‘seem’ in English
5 quam…: than…; clause of comparison
iūrō (1): to swear, swear an oath, 3
mora, -ae f.: delay, 4
nōndum: not yet, 3
occupō (1): to seize; occupy, 2
paulus, -a, -um: little, small, 2
percoquō, -ere, coxī: to cook thoroughly
piper, -eris, n: pepper; peppercorn, 4
sūs, suis m/f.: pig, swine, 2
trīstis, -e: sad, 2
paulō: a little; ‘by a little’ abl. of degree of
difference modifying ante
6 eum: i.e. the porcus
est exinterātus: exinterātus est; pf. pass.
7 nōn…est: it has not; repeating pf. above
Vocā, vocā: sg. imperative
Cum cōnstitisset…: when…; plpf. subj.
ad…: near…
dīceret: impf. subj. in same cum-clause
sē…oblītum esse: that…; ind dis. with pf.
dep. inf. oblivīscor
9 exinterāre (porcum): add an object
oblītus: pf. dep. PPP oblivīscor
putēs: you would think…; 2s potential subj.
illum…coniēcisse: that that one…; ind.
disc. with pf. inf.
Dēspoliā: sg. imperative; i.e. of his clothes

52
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

dēspoliātur cocus atque inter duōs tortōrēs maestus cōnsistit. 1

Dēprecārī tamen omnēs coepērunt et dīcere: “Solet fierī; rogāmus,
mittās; posteā sī fēcerit, nēmō nostrum prō illō rogābit.” Ego,
crūdēlissimae sevēritātis, nōn potuī mē tenēre, sed inclīnātus ad
aurem Agamemnonis “plānē” inquam “hic dēbet servus esse 5
nēquissimus; aliquis oblīvīscerētur porcum exinterāre? Nōn
meherculēs illī ignōscerem, sī piscem praeterīsset.” At nōn
Trimalchio, quī relaxātō in hilaritātem vultū “Ergō,” inquit, “quia
tam malae memoriae es, palam nōbīs illum exinterā.” Receptā
cocus tunicā cultrum arripuit porcīque ventrem hinc atque illinc 10

arripiō, -ere, -uī, arreptum: to snatch, seize
auris, -is f.: ear, 4
cōnsistō, -ere, -stitī: to stand still, stop, 5
crūdēlis, -e: unfeeling, cruel
culter, -trī m.: knife, 4
dēprecor, -ārī, dēprecātus sum: to plead,
pray (to avert), intercede, 2
dēspoliō (1): to strip off; rob, plunder, 4
exinterō (1): to disembowel, 5
hilaritās, -ātis f.: cheerfulness, merriment, 4
hinc: from here, hence, 6
ignōscō, -ere, īgnōvī, īgnōtus: forgive (dat) 4
illinc: from there, 2
inclīnō (1): to lean, bend, turn; decline, 3
1 dēspoliātur: i.e. from his clothes
2 solet: it is customary; impersonal
fīerī: pres. dep. inf. fiō, ‘happen,’ ‘be done’
(ut eum) mittās: that you…; ind. command
with 2s pres. subj.
3 sī fēcerit, rogābit: if…does (anything),…;
fut. more vivid (sī fut. (pf), fut.); translate
fut. pf. as present with fut. sense
nostrum: partitive gen. pl. Of nōs
prō…: on behalf of…
4 crūdēlissimae sevēritātis: (a man) of…;
gen. of description, in apposition to ego
potuī: 1s pf. possum
mē tenēre: i.e. show restrain
5 inquam: 1s; Encolpius, the narrator, is
speaking
maestus, -a, -um: gloomy, grief-stricken, 2
memoria, -ae f.: memory, 3
nēquam (indecl.): useless, good for nothing, 4
palam: openly, 2
posteā: afterwards, 4
praetereō, -īre, -i(v)ī: to go by, pass by, 2
recipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: to take back
relaxō (1): to loosen, open
sevēritās, sevēritātis f.: severity
tortor, -ōris m.: torturer, tormentor
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
venter, -ris m.: stomach, belly, 3
vultus, -ūs m.: expression, face, 5
6 nēquissimus: most wretched; superlative
nēquam; elsewhere, ‘most worthless’
aliquis: anyone; equiv. to quisquam
6 oblīvīscerētur: could…?; impf. potential
subj., here with dep. oblīvīscor
7 ignōscerem, sī praeterīsset: I would…, if
he had…; mixed contrary to fact (sī plpf.
subj., impf. subj.); plpf subj. praetereō;
i.e. if he failed to clean a fish when cooking
8 relaxātō…vultū: abl. abs.
9 tam malae memoriae: of…; gen. of
description as prediate of es
nōbīs: for…; dat. of interest
receptā…tunicā: abl. abs.; recall that he
was stripped from his clothes in line 1

53
 Cena Trimalchionis 50-1

timidā manū secuit. Nec mora, ex plāgīs ponderis inclīnātiōne 1

crēscentibus tomācula cum botulīs effūsa sunt. 50. Plausum post
hoc automātum familia dedit et “Gāiō fēlīciter” conclāmāvit. Nec
nōn cocus pōtiōne honōrātus est et argenteā corōnā, pōculumque in
lance accēpit Corinthiā. Quam cum Agamemnōn propius 5
cōnsīderāret, ait Trimalchio: “Sōlus sum quī vēra Corinthea
habeam.” Expectābam, ut prō reliquā īnsolentiā dīceret sibi vāsa
Corinthō afferrī. Sed ille melius: “Et forsitan,” inquit, “quaeris,
quārē sōlus Corinthea vēra possideam: quia scīlicet aerārius, ā quō
emō, Corinthus vocātur. Quid est autem Corintheum, nisi quis 10

aerārius, -iī m.: bronzesmith, coppersmith mora, -ae f.: delay, 4

automatus, -a, -um: spontaneous, voluntary
botulus, -ī m.: blood pudding/sausage
conclāmō (1): to shout, 2
cōnsīderō (1): to consider, 3
Corintheus/ius -a -um: Corinthian, bronze, 7
Corinthus, -ī f.: Corinthus (town), 3
corōna, -ae f.: crown, wreath, 5
exspectō (1): to wait for, expect, 4
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
forsitan: perhaps
honōrō (1): to honor, dignify
inclīnātiō, -ōnis f.: pressure, leaning
īnsolentia, -ae f.: insolence, arrogance, 2
lanx, lancis f.: platter, broad dish, 5
1 timidā manū: with…; abl. of manner
mora (est): (there is)…; add linking verb
poderis inclīnātiōne: with…
2 crēscentibus: pres. pple modifying plāgīs
effūsa sunt: pf. pass. effundō
3 familia: household slaves
Gāiō fēlīciter (eveniat): (May it turn out)
happily for Gaius; dat. of interest; the verb
is understood: 3s subj. of wish (optative)
Nec nōn: and also, and likewise; common
post-Augustan expression
5 Corinthiā: Corinthian; i.e. bronze, but the
name ‘Corinthian’ is necessary for the
wordplay below
quam: this; a connective relative is best
translated as a demonstrative in English
cum…cōnsīderāret: when…; cum clause
with impf. subj.
propius: comparative adv. of prope
6 quī…habeam: who…; relative clause of
54
plāga, -ae f.: blow, strike; cut, slit, welt, 3
plausum, -ī n.: applause
pōculum, -ī n.: drinking-cup, 3
pondus, -eris n.: weight; pondō, in pounds, 6
possideō, -ēre, -sēdī, -sessus: possess, hold, 4
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
prope: near (acc.), 5
quaerō, -ere, quaesīvī: to seek or ask (for), 5
reliquus, -a, -um: remaining, 4
secō, -āre, secuī, sectum: to cut up, slash, 2
timidus, -a, -um: fearful
tomāculum, -ī n.: sausage (a type of), 2
vās (vāsum, vāsus), -ī n.: vase, 4
characteristic with 1s pres. subj.
vēra: genuine; neut. pl.
ut…dīceret: that he would…; impf. ob
7 prō reliquā īnsolentiā: according to his
usual arrogance; ‘rest of his arrogance’
sibi vāsa…afferrī Corinthō: that…; ind.
disc. with pres. pass. inf.
8 Corinthō: from…; the Greek city
ille melius (dīxit): he (said) something
better; ‘a better thing,’ substantive from the
neut. acc. sg. comparative adj. of bonus
9 quārē…possideam: why…; ind. question
with 1s pres. subj.
quia: because…; Trimalchio answers his
own ind. question
ā quō: from whom…
10 Corinthus: nom. pred.; He says that all
his bronzes are Corinthian because they are
all made by a man named Corinthus.
nisi quis: if one…not; quis is indefinite
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

Corinthum habet? Et nē mē pūtētis nesapium esse, valdē bene sciō, 1

unde prīmum Corinthea nāta sint. Cum Ilium captum est, Hannibal,
homō vafer et magnus steliō, omnēs statuās aēneās et aureās et
argenteās in ūnum rogum congessit et eās incendit; factae sunt in
ūnum aera miscellānea. Ita ex hāc massā fabrī sustulērunt et 5
fēcērunt catilla et paropsidēs et statuncula. Sīc Corinthea nāta sunt,
ex omnibus in ūnum, nec hoc nec illud. Ignōscētis mihi, quod
dīxerō: ego mālō mihi vitrea, certē nōn olunt. Quod sī nōn
frangerentur, 51. māllem mihi quam aurum; nunc autem vīlia sunt.
Fuit tamen faber quī fēcit phialam vitream, quae nōn frangēbātur. 10

aēneus, -a, -um: of bronze, 3 massa, -ae f.: lump

aes, aeris n.: bronze, copperl money, 3
aurum, -ī n.: gold, 6
capiō, -ere, cēpī, captus: to seize; hold, 3
catillum, -ī n.: small dish, 3
congerō, -ere, -gessī, -gestum: to gather
together, 3
Corintheus/ius -a -um: Corinthian, bronze, 7
Corinthus, -ī f.: Corinthus (town), 3
faber, fabrī m.: craftsman, artisan, 2
frangō, -ere, frēgī, frāctus: break (down), 6
Hannibal, -alis m.: Hannibal
ignōscō, -ere, īgnōvī, īgnōtus: forgive (dat), 4
Ilium, -ī n.: Ilium (city of Troy), 1
incendō, -ere, incendī, incensus: to kindle
1 nē…pūtētis: you should not…; neg. jussive
(volitive) clause; 2p pres. subj.
2 Unde…nāta sint: ind. question with pf.
dep. subj. nāscor
prīmum: first; adverbial acc.
Ilium captum est: Trimalchio appears to
confuse the fall of Troy with the sacking of
Saguntum in 219 BC by Hannibal
steliō: snake; This reptile with a star-like
pattern is used to describe a deceitful or
conniving person. In English, we perfer the
term ‘snake.’
4 factae sunt: the statuae are the subject and
neut. pl. aera misciellānea is the nom. pred.
5 sustulērunt: 3p pf. tollō
7 nec…nec…: neither…nor… ; i.e. not one
particular metal
Ignōscētis: 2s fut.
miscellāneus, -a, -um: mixed, miscellaneous
nesapius, -a, -um: unwise, foolish
olō (oleō): to emit a smell, smell
paropsis, idis f: side dish, dessert-dish, 3
phiala, -ae f.: saucer, bowl, 3
rogus, -ī m.: funeral pyre
statua, -ae f.: statue, 4
statunculum, -ī n.: little statue, statuette
stelio, -ōnis m.: lizard; deceitful person
unde: from where, whence, 5
vafer, -fra, -frum: cunning, crafty
vīlis, -e: cheap, 2
vitreus, -a, -um: made of glass, 5
vitrum, -ī n.: glass
Quod dīxerō: (for) what I am going to say;
relative clause with fut. pf. (translate as fut.
in English)
8 mihi: for myself; reflexive, dat. of interest
certē: at least
quod sī…frangerentur, māllem: but if…
were…, I would…; i.e. if glass were not
breakable; pres. contrary to fact (sī impf.
subj., impf. subj.); impf. subj. mālō, mālle;
quod is a connective relative and acc. of
respect (‘as for this, if…’) which is often
adversative and translated as ‘but’
9 (vitrea) quam: (glass) rather than…; a
clause of comparison often follows mālō
10 Fuit: there was…; Trimalchio tells a new
story
frangēbātur: was not breakable

55
 Cena Trimalchionis 52

Admissus ergō Caesarem est cum suō mūnere, deinde fēcit 1

reporrigere Caesarem et illam in pavīmentum prōiēcit. Caesar nōn
pote valdius quam expāvit. At ille sustulit phialam dē terrā; collīsa
erat tanquam vāsum aēneum; deinde martiolum dē sinū prōtulit et
phialam ōtiō bellē corrēxit. Hōc factō putābat sē solium Iovis 5
tenēre, utique postquam Caesar illī dīxit: ‘Numquid alius scit hanc
conditūram vitreōrum?’ vidē modo. Postquam negāvit, iussit illum
Caesar dēcollārī: quia enim, sī scītum esset, aurum prō lutō
habērēmus. In argentō plānē studiōsus sum. 52. Habeō scyphōs
urnālēs plūs minus C: quemadmodum Cassandra occīdit fīliōs 10

admittō, -ere, -misī, -mīssus: to send, admit
aēneus, -a, -um: of bronze, 3
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
aurum, -ī n.: gold, 6
C: 100, one hundred
Caesar, Caesaris m.: Caesar (name), 6
Cassandra, -ae f.: Cassandra (name), 2
collīdō, -ere, -līsī, -līsum: dent, dash
conditūra, -ae f.: preparing, concocting
corrigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctus: to straighten out,
correct
dēcollō (1): to behead, rob
expavēscō, -ere, -pāvī: grow terrified/pale
fīlius, -iī m.: son, 5
lutum, -ī n.: mud; dirt, 4
martiolus, -ī m.: small hammer
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
negō (1): to deny, refuse, 4
1 Admissus…est: pf. pass.; Faber is subject
(ad) Caesarem: to Caesar; i.e. to the
Emperor
cum…mūnere: i.e. the glass
fēcit…prōiēcit: i.e. the faber had Caesar
extend his arm with the vessel and drop it
on the floor
2 nōn pote (expavescere erat) valdius
quam…: (was) not able (to grow pale)
more than; ellipsis; pote (elsewhere potis) is
a nom. pred.; valdius a comparative adv. of
valdē; and quam introduces a clause of
comparison
3 sustulit: pf. tollō
5 otiō: leisurely; ‘with leisure,’ abl. manner
Hōc factō: abl. abs.
Sē…tenēre: that…; ind. disc.
56
numquid: surely…not? (emphatic num), 3
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
ōtium, -iī n.: leisure
pavīmentum, -ī n.: floor, pavement, 2
phiala, -ae f.: saucer, bowl, 3
potis, pote: able, capable, possible
prōferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to bring forth, 5
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
reporrigō, -ere: to hand back, extend to
scyphus, -ī m.: scyphus (deep drinking cup), 4
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
solium, -iī n.: throne; deep tub, 2
studiōsus, -a, -um: eager, enthustiastic
urnālis, -e: holding an urn (~4 gallons)
utique: in any case, by all means, certainly, 3
vās (vāsum, vāsus), -ī n.: vase, 4
vitreus, -a, -um: made of glass, 5
Iovis: gen. Iuppiter
6 illī: i.e. to the faber; dat. ind obj.
7 vidē modo: a comment to the audience
8 quia enim: because in fact
sī scītum esset,…habērēmus: if it had…,
we would hold; mixed contrary to fact;
impersonal plpf. pass. subj. sciō and impf.
subj. habeō, ‘hold’
prō: as…; ‘in the place of’ or ‘for’
10 plūs (aut) minus : i.e. approximately;
comparative advs. multus and parvus
C: centum; modifying scyphōs
Quemadmondum Cassandra…fīliōs:
how…; There is likely a lacuna before this
clause. Trimalchio notesa scene depicted on
a scyphus and confuses the story of
Cassandra with that of Medea.
 Trimalchio Offers Comic Relief

suōs, et puerī mortuī iacent sīc ut vīvere pūtēs. Habeō capidēs M, 1

quās relīquit patrōnō meō Mummius, ubi Daedalus Niobam in
equum Trōiānum inclūdit. Nam Hermerōtis pugnās et Petraitis in
pōculīs habeō, omnia ponderōsa; meum enim intelligere nūllā
pecūniā vendō.” Haec dum refert, puer calicem prōiēcit. Ad quem 5
respiciēns Trimalchio “Cito,” inquit, “tē ipsum caede, quia nūgāx
es.” Statim puer dēmissō labrō ōrāre. At ille “Quid mē,” inquit,
“rogās? Tanquam ego tibi molestus sim. Suādeō, ā tē impetrēs, nē
sīs nūgāx.” Tandem ergō exōrātus ā nōbīs missiōnem dedit puerō.
Ille dīmissus circā mēnsam percucurrit. . . et “Aquam forās, vīnum 10

caedō, -ere, cecīdī, caesus: to strike; kill, 3 Niobē: Niobe (a name)

calix, -icis m.: drinking cup, 3
capis, -idis f.: jug (sacrificial, one-handled)
Daedalus, -ī m.: Daedalus, 3
dēmittō, -ere, -mīsī: to send down, drop, 2
dīmittō, -ere, -mīsī, -missus: to send away, 2
equus, -ī m.: horse, 2
exōrō (1): pray for (and prevail), plead, 2
forās: out of doors, 5
Hermeros, -otis m.: Hermeros (name), 2
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
impetrō (1): obtain, bring to pass
inclūdō, -ere, -clūsī, -clūsus: to enclose, 2
intellegō, -ere, -lēxī: to understand, realize, 5
labrum, -ī n.: lip; round basin, 5
M: 1000, one thousand
missio, -ōnis f.: send off, release, relief, 3
molestus, -a, -um: annoying, grating; nasty, 5
Mummius, -ī m.: Mummius (name)
1 sīc ut…pūtēs: so that…you would…; result
clause with pres. subj.
(eōs) vivere: that (they)…; ind. disc.,
supply eōs, i.e. puerōs, as acc. subject
pūtēs: come; pluperfect
2 patrōnō meō: dat. ind obj.
Daedalus Niobam…: Again, Trimalchio
wrongly conflates several different myths.
3 pugnās: i.e. depicts of fights between these
two men who are perhaps known gladiators
4 meum intelligere: my judgment; inf. is
used as a substantive with possessive adj.
nūllā pecūniā: for…; abl. of price
5 refert: says
Ad quem: at this one; a connective relative
is often translated as a demonstrative
57
nūgāx, -ācis: worthless, stupid, 2
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
ōrō (1): to plead, beg, pray, 3
patrōnus, -ī m.: patron, 3
pecūnia, -ae f.: money, 2
percurrō, -ere, -cucurrī: run through/over
Petraitēs, -is m.: Petraites (name), 2
pōculum, -ī n.: drinking-cup, 3
ponderōsus, -a, -um: heavy, weighty
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
pugna, -ae f.: fight, battle, 2
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
suādeō, -ēre, suāsī, suāsus: persuade, urge, 4
tandem: finally, 3
Trōiānus, -a, -um: Trojan, 2
vendō, -ere, vendidī, venditus: to sell, 5
6 tē ipsum: your very self; ‘you yourself,’
reflexive and intensive
caede: sg. imperative
7 dēmissō labrō: abl. abs.
ōrāre (coepit): (began)…; add verb
Quid: Why…?
8 tanquam…sim: as if I should be…; with 1s
pres. subj. sum; conditional clause of
comparison
ā tē: from yourself
(ut) impetrēs: that you should…; ind.
command with 2s pres subj.; as often ut is
omitted after suādeō
9 (et) nē sīs: (and) that…; either (1) neg. ind.
command or (2) neg. jussive (Don’t be…,
you should not be…); 2s pres. subj. sum
 Cena Trimalchionis 53

intrō,” clāmāvit…excipimus urbānitātem iocantis, et ante omnēs 1

Agamemnōn, quī sciēbat quibus meritīs revocārētur ad cēnam.
Cēterum laudātus Trimalchio hilarius bibit et iam ēbriō proximus
“Nēmō,” inquit, “vestrum rogat Fortūnātam meam, ut saltet? Crē-
dite mihi: cordācem nēmō melius dūcit.” Atque ipse ērectīs suprā 5
frontem manibus Syrum histriōnem exhibēbat concinente tōtā
familiā: µάδεια περιµάδεια. Et prōdīsset in medium, nisi Fortūnāta
ad aurem accessisset; et crēdō, dīxerit nōn decēre gravitātem eius
tam humilēs ineptiās. Nihil autem tam inaequāle erat; nam modo
Fortūnātam verēbātur, modo ad nātūram suam revertēbātur. 53. Et 10

auris, -is f.: ear, 4 intrō: within

bibō, -ere, bibī: to drink, 2
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
concinō, -ere, -cinui: to sing in unison
cordāx, ācis, m: cordax (a licentious dance)
decet, decēre: to be fitting, befit (acc)
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
ērigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctus: to pick up, erect, 2
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
exhibeō, -ēre, -uī, exhibitum: to present
frōns, frōntis f.: forehead, brow, 5
gravitās, -ātis f.: weight; dignity, importance
hilaris, -e: cheerful, merry, 4
histriō, -ōnis m.: actor, stage-actor
humilis, -e: lowly, humble
inaequālis, -e: inconstant, uneven
ineptiae, -ārum f.: foolishness, absurdities
1 aquam forās, vīnum intrō: i.e. one drinks
wine inside and urinates water outside
iocantis: of the one…; gen. sg. pres. pple
2 quibus meritīs…revocārētur: by what
favors…; ind . question with impf. pass.
subj.; i.e. how to be invited back for dinner
3 hilarius: translate nom. adj. as an adv.
ēbriō: to…; dat. of special adj.
4 vestrum: partitive gen. pl. of vōs
ut saltet: that…; ind. command with pres.
subj.
5 melius: better; comparative adv., bonus
ipse: he himself; Trimalchio
iocor, -ārī, iocātus sum: to joke, 3
laudō (1): to praise, 7
µάδεια: ??, madeia
meritum, -ī n.: merit, kindness, favor
nātūra, -ae f.: nature, 2
περιµάδεια: ??, perimadeia
prōdeō, -īre, -iī: to go forth, advance
proximus, -a, -um: nearest; most recent, 4
revertor, -ī, reversus sum: to return, 2
revocō (1): to call back
saltō (1): to dance, 4
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
Syrus, -a, -um: Syrus (name), 3
urbānitās, -ātis f.: wit, sophistication, 3
vereor, -ērī, veritus sum: to fear
vester, vestra, vestrum: your, 5
ērectīs…manibus: abl. abs.
6 concinente..,familiā: abl. abs.
7 µάδεια περιµάδεια: meaning unknown
prōdīsset…, nīsī…accessisset: he would
have…, if …had not…; past contrary to
fact (sī plpf. subj., plpf. subj.)
8 credō: parenthetical
dīxerit: said; pf. subj.
nōn decēre…ineptiās: that such…; ind.
disc.; tam humilēs ineptiās is acc. subj.
9 modo…modo…: just now…just now…
10 verēbātur: impf. dep. vereor
revertēbātur: impf. dep. revertor

58
 Dancers, Acrobats, Poets, and Party Gifts

plānē interpellāvit saltātiōnis libīdinem actuārius, quī tanquam 1

urbis ācta recitāvit: “VII Kalendās Sextīlēs: in praediō Cūmānō,
quod est Trimalchionis, nātī sunt puerī XXX, puellae XL; sublāta
in horreum ex āreā trīticī mīllia modium quīngenta; bovēs domitī
quīngentī. Eōdem diē: Mithridātēs servus in crucem āctus est, quia 5
Gāī nostrī geniō male dīxerat. Eōdem diē: in arcam relātum est,
quod collocārī nōn potuit, sēstertium centiēs. Eōdem diē:
incendium factum est in hortīs Pompēiānīs, ortum ex aedibus
Nastae vīlicī.” “Quid?” inquit Trimalchio, “Quandō mihi Pompēiānī
hortī ēmptī sunt?” “Annō priōre,” inquit actuārius, “et ideō in 10

actuārius, -iī m.: record keeper, clerk, 2
aedēs, -is, f.: building, home, shrine, 2
arca, -ae f.: box; money chest, treasury
ārea, -ae f.: open space, threshing floor
bōs (bovis), bovis m.: ox, cow; cattle, 6
centiēns (centiēs): 100 times, 3
collocō (1): to invest
crux, crucis f.: cross, 2
Cūmānus, -a, -um: Cumaean, of Cumae
domō, -āre, -uī, dōmatus (domitus): tame, 2
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
horreum, -ī n.: barn, granary
hortus, -ī m.: garden, 2
incendium, -iī n.: fire, 3
interpellō (1): to interrupt, 4
Kalendae, -ārum f.: Kalends (1st of month), 3
libīdō, libidinis f.: passion, desire, lust, 2
mīlle: 1000, 5
Mithridātēs, -is m.: Mithradates
modius, -ī m. (gen. -um): peck (~2 gallons), 2
1 libīdinem: i.e. Trimalchio’s
ācta: transactions; neut. acc. pl.
VII (diē ante): seventh (day before) the
Kalends of Sextilius; July 26th
3 Trimalchionis: gen. poss. as predicate
nātī sunt: pf. pass. nāscor
sublāta (sunt): pf. pass. tollō; add ‘sunt’
4 modium: of pecks; irregular partitive gen.
5 Eōdem diē: abl. time when; idem diēs
āctus est: pf. pass. agō, ‘drive’
6 Gāī nostrī: gen. sg. Gaius Trimalchio
The use of the praenomen suggests a
Familiarity between slaves and master.
geniō: at…; dat. ind. obj.
male dīxerat: i.e. cursed; adv. malus
59
Nasta, -ae m.: Nasta (name)
orior, -īrī, ortus sum: to rise, be born
Pompēiānus -a -um: Pompeian, at Pompeii, 2
praedium, -iī n.: estate
prior, priōris: earlier, previous, first
puella, -ae f.: girl
quandō: when, since, 4
quīngentī, -ae, -a: five hundred, 2
recitō (1): to read aloud, 5
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
saltātiō, -ōnis f.: dancing, dance
Sextīlis, -e: Sixth (month)
trīticum, -ī n.: wheat
urbs, urbis f.: city
VII: seven
vīlicus, -ī m.: overseer, farm manager, 2
XL: forty
XXX: thirty
in arcam: i.e. in reserves or savings
7 quod…potuit: (that) which…; or ‘what…’
the missing antecedent is subject of rēlatum
est; pf. possum
collōcārī: to be invested; common idiom
sēstertium centiēs: 10,000,000 sesterces;
in apposition to the subject; sēstertium is
100,000 sesterces
8 factum est: happened; ‘was made’
ortum: pf. dep. pple orior with incendium
aedibus: house; as often in the plural
9 mihi: for…; dat. of interest
10 ēmptī sunt: pf. pass. ēmō
Annō priōre: abl. time when
 Cena Trimalchionis 53-4

ratiōnem nōndum vēnērunt.” Excanduit Trimalchio et 1

“Quīcunque” inquit “mihi fundī ēmptī fuerint, nisi intrā sextum
mēnsem scierō, in ratiōnēs meās īnferrī vetuō.” Iam etiam ēdicta
aedīlium recitābantur et saltuāriōrum testāmenta, quibus
Trimalchio cum ēlogiō exhērēdābātur; iam nōmina vīlicōrum et 5
repudiāta ā circitōre līberta in balneātōris contuberniō dēprehēnsa
et ātriēnsis Bāiās relēgātus; iam reus factus dispēnsātor et iūdicium
inter cubiculāriōs āctum. Petauristāriī autem tandem vēnērunt.
Bāro īnsulsissimus cum scālīs cōnstitit puerumque iussit per
gradūs et in summā parte ōdāriā saltāre, circulōs deinde ārdentēs 10

aedīlis, -is m.: aedile (magistrate), 3 intrā: within, 5

ārdeō, -ēre, ārsī, ārsum: to burn, be on fire, 3
ātriēnsis, -is m.: house manager, 3
Bāiae, -ārum f.: Baiae (place)
balneātor, -ōris m.: bath-keeper
bāro, -ōnis m.: blockhead, simpleton, 3
circitor, -is m.: watchman, patrolman
circulus, -ī m.: circle (group), ring, hoop; 6
cōnsistō, -ere, -stitī: to stand still, stop, 5
contubernium, -ī n.: cohabitation, slave
marriage
cubiculārius, -ī m.: chamber-servant/valet
dēprehendō, -ere,-ndī, -nsus: catch, arrest, 2
dispēnsātor, -is m.: accountant, treasurer, 7
ēdictum, -ī n.: proclamation, edict
ēlogium, -ī n.: codicil, clause in a will
excandēscō, -ere, -canduī: to glow, burn
(with anger), 2
exhērēdō (1): disinherit, cut out of inheritance
fundus, -ī m.: farm, estate, 5
gradus, -ūs m.: step
īnferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to bring upon
insulsus, -a, -um: witless, stupid
1 ratiōnem: into the calculation/account
2 Quīcunque…fundī ēmptī fuerint… :
whatsoever estates… fut. pf. pass.: translate
as pres. pass. with fut. sense; the missing
antecedent is acc. subject of īnferrī
3 nisi…sci(v)erō: unless…; 1s fut. pf. sciō;
translate as pres. with fut. sense
in ratiōnēs…īnferrī: that…; pass. inf. the
missing acc. subj. is quīcunque… above
iam…iam…iam…: now…now…now…
4 quibus: by which; Tr. asked to be left out.
5 nōmina vīlicōrum (recitābantur): supply
60
iūdicium, iūdici(ī) n.: decision; trial
līberta, -ae f.: freedwoman
mēnsis, -is m.: month, 4
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
nōndum: not yet, 3
ōdārium, -ī n.: song, ode
petauristārius, -ī m.: acrobat, rope-walker, 4
quīcumque, quae-, quod-: whosoever,
whichsoever, 2
ratio, ratiōnis f.: account; calculation, 5
recitō (1): to read aloud, 5
relēgō (1): to send away, relegate, 2
repudiō (1): to divorce
reus, reī m.: defendant, the accused
saltō (1): to dance, 4
saltuārius, -ī m.: forester, forest ranger
scālae, -ārum f.: ladder; stairs
sextus, -a, -um: sixth
tandem: finally, 3
testāmentum, -ī n.: will, 5
vetō (vetuō), -āre, vetuī, vetitus: to forbid, 5
vīlicus, -ī m.: overseer, farm manager, 2
the verb from above
6 repudiāta…dēprehēnsa: a freedwoman…
both PPP modify līberta; the 2nd pple seems
to have been the cause for the 1st pple
7 Bāiās: to…; place to which
reus…iūdicium (recitābantur): add verb
dispēnsātor: nom. pred. of PPP faciō
iudicium…actum: a judgement transacted,
i.e. a dispute having been settled
9 per gradūs: over the rungs (of the ladder)
in summā parte: i.e. of the ladder
10 ōdāriā: with…; abl. accompaniment
 Dancers, Acrobats, Poets, and Party Gifts

trānsilīre et dentibus amphoram sustinēre. Mīrābātur haec sōlus 1

Trimalchio dīcēbatque ingrātum artificium esse. Cēterum duo esse
in rēbus hūmānīs, quae libentissimē spectāret, petauristāriōs et
cornicinēs; reliqua animālia ācroāmata trīcās merās esse. “Nam et
cōmoedōs” inquit “ēmeram, sed māluī illōs Ātellāniam facere, et 5
choraulēn meum iussī Latīnē cantāre.” 54. Cum maximē haec
dīcente Gāiō puer…Trimalchionis dēlāpsus est. Conclāmāvit
familia, nec minus convīvae, nōn propter hominem tam pūtidum,
cuius et cervīcēs frāctās libenter vīdissent, sed propter malum
exitum cēnae, nē necesse habērent aliēnum mortuum plōrāre. Ipse 10

ācroāma, -atis n.: recitation, entertainment, 2
aliēnus, -ī m.: stranger, one of another’s house
amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6
animal, -is n.: animal
artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
Ātellānia, -ae f.: an Atellanian play; farce
cervīx, cervīcis f.: neck, 5
choraulēs, -ae, (acc. –en) m.: aulos-player, 2
cōmoedus, -ī m.: comic actor; comic company
conclāmō (1): to shout, 2
cornicen, -cinis m.: hornblower, trumpeter, 3
dēlābor, -ī, dēlāpsus sum: to glide, slip
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
exitus, -ūs m.: end; death, destruction, 3
frangō, -ere, frēgī, frāctus: break (down), 6
hūmānus, -a, -um: human, 2
1 circulōs: hoops
dentibus: abl. means
mīrābātur: impf. dep.
haec: these things
2 ingrātum…esse: that this craft is thankless
cēterum: besides
duo esse: that there are two…
3 quae…spectāret: which he…; subj. of
subordinate clause in ind. disc.; impf. subj.
4 reliqua…esse: that…; ind. disc.; trīcās
merās is the acc. pred.
et: even
5 ēmeram: 1s plpf ēmō
māluī: 1s pf. mālō
illōs: i.e the cōmoedōs
Ātellāniam facere: perform an Atellanian
play
6 Latīnē: i.e. Latin melodies
haec: neut. acc. pl. object of dīcente
61
ingrātus, -a, -um: thankless; unpleasant
Latīnē: in Latin, 2
libenter: gladly, willingly, 4
maximē: especially
merus, -a, -um: pure, undiluted; genuine, 5
necesse: necessary
petauristārius, -ī m.: acrobat, rope-walker, 4
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
pūtidus, -a, -um: filthy, rotten, 3
reliquus, -a, -um: remaining, 4
spectō (1): to look at, 6
sustineō, -ēre, -uī, sustentus: to sustain, 4
trānsiliō, -īre, -uī: to leap over or across
trīcae, -ārum f.: nonsense
7 dīcente Gāiō: while…; abl. abs., i.e. Gaius
Trimalchio
puer: i.e. the choraulēs
(in bracchium) Trimalchionis: (against
the arm) of Trimalchio; as made clear
below
8 familia: the household slaves
nec minus: and no less; litotes: i.e. just as
much; comparative adv. parvus
9 cuius…vīdissent: whose…would have…;
plpf. subj. is past contrary to fact (past
unreal potential)
et: in fact
cervīcēs: translate plural as singular
nē necesse (esse) habērent: lest they
consider that it be necessary…; fearing
clause with impf. subj. governing ind. disc.
with impersonal inf. necesse est
 Cena Trimalchionis 54-5

Trimalchio cum graviter ingemuisset superque brāchium tanquam 1

laesum incubuisset, concurrēre medicī, et inter prīmōs Fortūnata
crīnibus passīs cum scyphō, miseramque sē atque infēlīcem
prōclāmāvit. Nam puer quidem, quī cecīderat, circumībat iam
dūdum pedēs nostrōs et missiōnem rogābat. Pessimē mihi erat, nē 5
hīs precibus per rīdiculum aliquid catastropha quaererētur. Nec
enim adhūc exciderat cocus ille, quī oblītus fuerat porcum
exinterāre. Itaque tōtum circumspicere trīclīnium coepī, nē per
parietem automātum aliquod exīret, utique postquam servus
verberārī coepit, quī brāchium dominī contūsum albā potius quam 10

albus, -a, -um: white, 6 infēlīx, infēlīcis: unfortunate, unhappy

automatum, -ī n.: mechanism ingemēscō, -ere, -muī: to groan, sigh, 2
brāchium, -iī n.: arm, 2 laedō, -ere, laesī, laesus: to hurt, harm
cadō, -ere, cecidī, cāsum: to fall, 4 miser, misera, miserum: wretched, sad, 2
catastropha, -ae f.: dramatic/comic twist missio, -ōnis f.: send off, release, relief, 3
circumeō, -īre, -iī, circuitus: to go around, 2 pariēs, parietis m.: wall, 4
circumspiciō, -ere, -spexī: to look around, 2 passus, -a, -um (pandō): spread out; dried, 4
concurrō, -ere, -cucurrī, -cursus: to run pessimus, -a, -um: very bad, worst, 2
together potius: rather, more, 2
contundō, -ere, -tudī, -tūsum: bruise, beat prex, precis f.: prayer
crīnis, -is m.: hair prōclāmō (1): to cry out; declare, 5
excidō, -ere, -cidī: to fall/slip away, 3 quaerō, -ere, quaesīvī: to seek or ask (for), 5
exinterō (1): to disembowel, 5 rīdicul(e)us, -a, -um: laughable, ridiculous, 2
graviter: heavily, deeply scyphus, -ī m.: scyphus (deep drinking cup), 4
iamdūdum: now for a long time, 4 utique: in any case, by all means, certainly, 3
incumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to lie/lean over (dat), 3 verberō (1): to whip, flog, beat, 2
1 cum…ingemuisset…incubuisset: cum nē…quaererētur: that…; ‘lest…’ fearing
clause with plpf. subj. clause with impf. pass. subj.
superque brāchium: and over… 6 hīs precibus: abl. means
2 laesum: PPP laedō exciderat (ex animō meō): had slipped
concurrēre (coepērunt): (began)… (from my mind); i.e. been forgotten
3 crīnibus passīs: abl. abs. 7 oblītus fuerat: plpf. dep. oblīvīscor
sē (esse) miseram atque infēlīcem: acc. 8 nē…exīret: lest…; ‘that…’ fearing clause
subj. and pred.; add a linking verb with impf subj. exeō
4 cecīderat: plpf. cadō albā (lanā involvēbat): abl. of means,
iam dūdum: often, as one word: iamdudum supply the noun and verb from the clause
5 Pessimē mihi erat: I felt very badly; ‘it that follows
was very badly for me’ quam…: than…; clause of comparison

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 Dancers, Acrobats, Poets, and Party Gifts

conchȳliātā involverat lānā. Nec longē aberrāvit suspīcio mea; in 1

vicem enim poenae vēnit dēcrētum Trimalchionis, quō puerum
iussit līberum esse, nē quis posset dīcere, tantum virum esse ā
servō vulnerātum. 55. Comprobāmus nōs factum et quam in
praecipitī rēs hūmānae essent, variō sermōne garrīmus. “Ita,” inquit 5
Trimalchio “nōn oportet hunc cāsum sine īnscrīptiōne trānsīre”
statimque cōdicillōs poposcit et nōn diū cōgitātiōne distortā haec
recitāvit: “Quod nōn expectēs, ex trānsversō fit…—et suprā nōs
Fortūna negōtia cūrat. quārē dā nōbīs vīna Falerna, puer.” ab hōc
epigrammate coepit poētārum esse mentio diūque summa carminis 10

aberrō (1): to go astray, be mistaken lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7

carmen, carminis n.: song, poem
cāsus, -ūs m.: misfortune, chance, event
cōdicillus, -ī m.: writing tablet; letter
cōgitātio, -tiōnis f.: thought, reflection, 2
comprobō (1): to approve
conchȳliātus, -a, -um: purple-dyed, 2
dēcrētum, -ī n.: decree, decision, 1
distorqueō, -ere, -torsī, -tortum: to twist
diū: for a long time, 6
epigramma, -atis n.: epigram, inscription
exspectō (1): to wait for, expect, 4
Falernum, -ī n.: Falernian, a kind of wine, 3
fortūna, -ae f.: fortune, chance, 5
garriō, -īre, garriī, garrītum: to chatter
hūmānus, -a, -um: human, 2
īnscrīptio, -ōnis f.: inscription, 4
involvō, -ere, -volvī, -volūtus: to roll, wrap, 4
1 longē: far
2 in vicem: instead of…, in place of… + gen.
quō: by which…; abl. means
3 nē quis posset: so that,…; purpose with
impf. subj. possum
tantum…vulnerātum: that…; ind. disc.
with pf. pass. vulnerō
4 factum: the deed; ‘thing done,’ PPP as
substantive
quam…essent: how…; ind question with
impf. subj. subj.; rēs humanae is nom.
in praecipitī: on a precipice; i.e. in
uncertainty
6 hanc cāsum: this occasion
īnscriptiōne: This could mean nothing
more than a record on a wax tablet or an
epigram.
63
līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7
mentio, mentiōnis f.: mention
negōtium, -iī n.: business, 3
poena, -ae f.: punishment, 3
poēta, -ae m.: poet
praeceps, -pitis n.: precipice, steep place
recitō (1): to read aloud, 5
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
suspīcio, -iōnis f.: suspicion, mistrust, 2
trānseō, -īre, -iī, trānsitus: go across, pass, 3
trānsversus, -a, -um: sideways, crosswise
varius, -a, -um: spotted, variegated; various 3
vicis, vicis f.: turn, change; in vicem, in
exchange, 2
vir, virī m.: man, 3
vulnerō (1): to wound
7 nōn diū cōgiātiōne distortā: abl. abs.
haec: these things
8 Quod…expectēs: What…; ‘that which…’
relative clause of characteristic with 2s pres.
subj.; the missing antecedent is subject of fit
ex trānversō: unexpectedly; i.e. from out of
nowhere, from sideways, crosswise
9 quārē: for this reason; ‘because of which
thing;’ quā rē, abl. of cause; a connective
relative is often translated as ademonstrative
dā: sg. imperative, dō, dare
puer: voc. direct address
10 poētārum mentio: i.e. a discussion; nom.
subj.
summa carminis: the highest rank of
poetry
 Cena Trimalchionis 55

penes Mopsum Thrācem memorāta est dōnec Trimalchio “Rogō,” 1

inquit, “Magister, quid putās inter Cicerōnem et Pūblilium
interesse? Ego alterum putō disertiōrem fuisse, alterum
honestiōrem. Quid enim hīs melius dīcī potest?
‘Luxuriae rictū Mārtis marcent moenia.
Tuō palātō clausus pāvō pascitur
plūmātō amictus aureō Babylōnicō,
gallīna tibi Numidica, tibi gallus spadō;
amiciō, -īre, -uī, amictus: cover, clothe
Babylōnicus, -a, -um: Babylonian
Cicerō, Cicerōnis m.: Cicero
claudō, -ere, -sī, -sus (clūsus): to close off, 2
disertus, -a, -um: eloquent, expressive
dōnec: until, 5
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
intersum, -esse, -fuī: to be different/present, 2
luxuria, -ae f.: luxury, 2
magister, -trī m.: master, teacher, 6
marceō, -ēre: languish, waste away, wither
Mārs, Mārtis m.: Mars, 2
1 penes: in the power of… + acc.
memorāta est: was awarded; ‘was named’
or ‘was remembered (to be)’
Mopsum Thrācem: Trimalchio confuses
the Thracian singer Orpheus with Mopsus,
the seer of the Argonauts
2 Magister: i.e. Agamemnon; voc. direct
address
Quid…interesse: What (difference) there
is...; Trimalcio is putting on airs of literary
discussion. Publilius Syrus was a writer of
mimes and contemporary of Marcus Tullius
Cicero. Both men wrote extensively.
3 alterum…fuisse, alterum…(fuisse):
that one…(and) that the other…; ind. disc.
with pf inf. sum;
4 hīs: than…; abl. of comparison
5
8
memorō (1): to remember, recall
moenia, moenium n., pl.: walls
Mopsus, -ī m.: Mopsus (name)
Numidicus, -a, -um: Numidian
palātum, -ī n.: palate, mouth
pascor, -ī: to feed, nourish
pāvō, -ōnis m/f.: peacock, peahen, 2
penes: in the hands of, the power of (acc.)
plūmō (1): to cover with feathers, feather
Pūblilius, -ī m.: Publilius (name)
rictus, -ūs m.: gapping jaws, open mouth
spado, -ōnis m.: eunuch, 3
Thrāx (Thraex) -ācis m/f.: Thracian, 2
melius: comparative adj. of bonus; nom.
pred. of pass. inf. dīcī
5 Luxuriae rictū: because of…; abl. cause
moenia Mārtis: nom. subj.
6 Tuō palātō: for…; dat. of interest
clausus: i.e. imprisoned, caged; PPP
7 plūmātō…aureō Babylōnicō: with
Babylonian golden feathers
amictus: PPP
8 tibi: for you; dat. of interest
gallīna Numidica (clausus pascitur):
ellipsis: add PPP and verb from above;
i.e. the Guinea fowl native to north Africa
(et) gallus spadō (clausus pascitur):
supply PPP and verb from above; a
castrated rooster, called a ‘capon,’ is said to
produce better meat than a typical rooster

64
 Dancers, Acrobats, Poets, and Party Gifts

cicōnia etiam, grāta peregrīna hospita 1

pietāticultrīx gracilipēs crotalistria,
avis exul hiemis, titulus tepidī temporis,
nēquitiae nīdum in caccabō fēcit modo.
Quō margarīta cāra tibi, bācam Indicam? 5
An ut mātrōna ornata phalerīs pelagiīs
tollat pedēs indomita in strātō extrāneō?
Smaragdum ad quam rem viridem, pretiōsum vitrum?
Quō Carchēdoniōs optās ignēs lapideōs,
nisi ut scintillet probitās ē carbunculīs? 10

an: or, whether, if, 6 mātrōna, -ae f.: matron

avis, -is f.: bird, 5
bāca, -ae f.: berry
caccabus, -ī m.: saucepan, 2
carbunculus, -ī m.: carbuncle, pricey stone
Carchēdonius, -a, -um: Carthaginian
cārus, -a, -um: dear, precious, 3
cicōnia, -ae f.: stork
crotalistria, -ae f.: wearing rattles
extrāneus, -a, -um: foreign, of another
exul, exulī m.: exile (one who is banished)
gracilipēs, -pedis: thin-legged
grātus, -a, -um: beloved, pleasing, dear
hiems, hiemis f.: winter
hospita, -ae f.: guest, visitor; host, 1
ignis, -is m.: fire
Indicus, -a, -um: of India, Indian
indomitus, -a, -um: untamed, wild
lapideus, -a, -um: of stone, 3
margarīta, -ae f. (margaritum, -ī n.): pearl, 3
1 cicōnia: As we learn in line 4, the bird is in
a pot and being cooked
grāta peregrīna hospita: in apposition to
cicōnia, along with many of the nom. forms
that follow below
2 titulus: a sign
temporis: of…weather
4 nēquitiae: of your iniquity; with caccabō
modo: just now
5 quō: For what reason?
Margarīta cāra tibi (optās): (do you
desire)…; margarīta is neut. acc. pl.; supply
verb from line 9
bācam Indicam: in apposition to margarīta
6 An ut…tollat: (is it) so that…may…?; in
65
nēquitia, -ae f.: iniquity, wickedness
nīdus, -ī m.: nest; brood
optō (1): to desire, wish for, 2
ornō (1): to adorn, decorate
pelagius, -a, -um: of the sea
peregrinus, -a, -um: foreign
phalerae, -ārum f.: medals; ornament
pietāticultrīx, -īcis f.: care-giver, maternal
pretiōsus, -a, -um: expensive, valuable, 2
probitās, -tātis f.: honesty, uprightness
scintillō (1): to glow
smaragdus, -ī m/f: emerald, jasper
strātum, -ī n.: bed, covering, 3
tempus, temporis n.: time, weather, 4
tepidus, -a, -um: warm, tepid
titulus, -ī m.: label, title; notice, card, 7
viridis, -e: green
vitrum, -ī n.: glass
reply to the question; a purpose clause with
pres subj. tollō; i.e. so that the woman who
receives the gift can open her legs as an
invitation for sex for another
phalerīs pelagiīs: i.e. the pearls mentioned
above; abl. means with PPP ornō
8 ad quam rem (optās): for what reason (do
you desire)…?; supply verb
pretiōsum vitrum: in apposition to
Smaragdum
9 Quō: For what reason?
Carchēdoniōs ignēs lapideōs: fiery
Carthaginian stones
10 nisi ut: if not so that…may…; purpose
clause with pres. subj.
 Cena Trimalchionis 56

Aequum est induere nuptam ventum textilem, 1

palam prōstāre nūdam in nebulā līneā?’
56. “Quod autem,” inquit “putāmus secundum litterās difficillimum
esse artificium? Ego putō medicum et nummulārium: medicus, quī
scit quid homunciōnēs intrā praecordia sua habeant et quandō 5
febris veniat, etiam sī illōs ōdī pessimē, quod mihi iubent saepe ana-
tīnam parārī; nummulārius, quī per argentum aes videt. Nam mūtae
bēstiae labōriōsissimae bovēs et ovēs: bovēs, quōrum beneficiō 8

aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
aes, aeris n.: bronze, copper, money, 3
anatīna, -ae f.: duck-meat, duck
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
bēstia, -ae f.: beast, creature, 3
bōs (bovis), bovis m.: ox, cow; cattle, 6
difficilis, -e: difficult
febris, -is f.: fever
homunciō, -ōnis m.: poor man, the poor, 5
induō, -ere, induī, indūtus: put on, clothe
intrā: within, 5
labōriōsus, -a, -um: busy with work, 2
līneus, -a, -um: made of linen, linen
mūtus, -a, -um: inarticulate, dumb, mute
1 aequum est: It is…; impersonal
inducere nuptam…(et) palam prōstāre:
that the bride…(and)…; ind. disc.; supply
‘et;’ nuptam is acc. subject
3 Quod…putāmus: What…?; quod is acc.
subject of ind. disc. governed by putāmus
secundam litterās: following literature; i.e.
second to literature
difficillimum: superlative with artificium
5 quid…habeant: what…; ind. question
with pres. subj.
quandō…veniat: ind. question, pres. subj.
6 etiam sī: even if…
nebula, -ae f.: cloud
nūdus, -a, -um: nude, bare, 4
nummulārius, -ī m.: money-changer, 2
nupta, -ae f.: bride
ōdī, ōdisse: to hate
ovis, -is m.: sheep, 2
palam: openly, 2
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
pessimus, -a, -um: very bad, worst, 2
praecordia, -ōrum n.: entrails; heart
prōstō, -āre, prostitī: to stand in front
quandō: when, since, 4
saepe: often, 2
secundum: along, following; behind (acc), 4
textilis, -e: woven
ventus, -ī m.: wind
pessimē: so badly; i.e. especially
quod: because…
mihi: dat. Ind. obj. of iubent
anatīnam parārī: that…; ind. disc.; i.e.
doctors make him eat duck
7 per argentum aes videt: i.e. can tell when
something is pure silver or plated silver
with bronze underneath
8 (sunt) bovēs et ovēs: nom. pred., supply
a linking verb
quōrum beneficiō: by whose service…; a
relative clause; subjective gen.

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 Dancers, Acrobats, Poets, and Party Gifts

pānem mandūcāmus; ovēs, quod lānā illae nōs glōriōsōs faciunt. Et 1

facinus indignum, aliquis ovillam ēst et tunicam habet. Apēs enim
ego dīvīnās bēstiās putō, quae mel vomunt, etiam sī dīcuntur illud
ā Iove afferre; ideō autem pungunt, quia ubicunque dulce est, ibi et
acidum inveniēs.” Iam etiam philosophōs dē negōtiō dēiciēbat, 5
cum pittacia in scyphō circumferrī coepērunt, puerque super hoc
positus officium apophorēta recitāvit. “Argentum Scelerātum”:
allāta est perna, super quam acētābula erant posita. “Cervīcal”:
offla collāris allāta est. “Sērisapia et Contumēlia”: xērophagī ex
sapā datae sunt et contus cum mālō. “Porrī et Persica”: flagellum et 10

acētābulum, -ī n.: vinegar bottle mandūcō (1): to eat, chew, 2

acidus, -a, -um: sour, bitter; shrill, sharp, 3
apis, -is f.: bee, 2
apophorēta, -ōrum n.: party favors, guest-
gifts, (especially at the Saturnalia), 2
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
bēstia, -ae f.: beast, creature, 3
cervīcal (cervīcāle) -ālis n.: pillow, 3
collāris, -e: of the neck; ~lamb neck
contumēlia, -ae f.: insult
contus, -ī m.: stick, pole
dēiciō, -ere, -iēci, -īctum: throw out, eject, 2
dīvīnus, -a, -um: divine
dulcis, -e: sweet, pleasant, 3
edō, ēsse, ēdī, ēsus: to eat, 2
facinus, facinoris n.: deed, crime
flagellum, -ī n.: whip, 3
glōriōsus, -a, -um: glorious, conceited, 3
ibi: there; then, 2
indignus, -a, -um: unworthy, undeserving
lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7
mālum, -ī n.: apple; fruit, 2
1 quod: because…
illae: i.e. the ovēs; nom. subj.
faciunt: make (x)(y); acc. obj. and pred.
2 (est) facinus indignum (cum) aliquis: (it
is)…(when)….
ēst: eats; 3s present edō
3 etiam sī: although…; ‘even if’
illud: i.e. the neuter sg. mel
4 ā Iove: from…; abl. source, Iuppiter
acidum: something bitter
inveniēs: 2s fut.
5 dē negōtiō dēiciēbat: was throwing…out of
business
67
mel, mellis n.: honey, 6
negōtium, -iī n.: business, 3
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
offla (offula), -ae f.: small piece (of meat), 3
ovillus, -a, -um: of sheep; f. mutton, meat
ovis, -is m.: sheep, 2
perna, -ae f.: ham (with the leg), 3
persicum, -ī n.: peach
philosophus, -ī m.: philospher, 2
pittacium, -ī n.: ticket, tag, 2
porrus, -ī m.: leek, 2
pungō, -ere, pupugī: to sting, prick
recitō (1): to read aloud, 5
sapa, -ae f.: must (boiled-down fresh wine), 2
scelerātus, -a, -um: tainted, wicked, 2
scyphus, -ī m.: scyphus (deep drinking cup), 4
Sērisapia, -ae f.: "wise too late" (a dish)
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
ubīcumque: wherever, whenever
vomō, -ere, -uī, -itus: to vomit; belch, 2
xērophagius, -ī m.: dry food (biscuit?)
6 super hoc…officium: over…
7 positus: PPP pōnō
apophorēta: the guest-gifts; clever
wordplays connected with the gifts
8 allāta est: pf. pass. afferō
perna: Grk. skelos, means ‘leg,’ thus,
scelerātum indirectly suggests a leg of ham
erant posita: plpf. pass. pōnō
9 collāris: cervix and collum mean ‘neck’
xērophagī: biscuits; play on syllables: Sēri-
xēro, sapia-sapā, contu-contus, mēlia-mālō
10 datae sunt: fem. pl. Sērisapia, Contumēlia
flagellum: since leeks make people cry
 Cena Trimalchionis 57

cultrum accēpit; “Passerēs et Muscārium”: ūvam passam et mel 1

Atticum. “Cēnātōria et Forēnsia”: offlam et tabulās accēpit.
“Canāle et Pedāle”: lepus et solea est allāta. “Mūraena et Littera”:
mūrem cum rānā alligātā fascemque bētae accēpit. Diū rīsimus:
sexcenta huiusmodī fuērunt, quae iam excidērunt memoriae meae. 5
57. Cēterum Ascyltos, intemperantis licentiae, cum omnia sublātīs
manibus ēlūderet et usque ad lacrimās rīdēret, ūnus ex collībertīs
Trimalchionis excanduit, is ipse quī suprā mē discumbēbat, et
“Quid rīdēs,” inquit, “vervex? An tibi nōn placent lautitiae dominī
meī? Tū enim beātior es et convīvāre melius solēs. Ita tūtēlam 10

alligō (1): to tie/fasten to; bind to, 4
an: or, whether, if, 6
Ascyltos, -ī m.: Ascyltus (name), 5
Atticus, -a, -um: Attic, 2
beātus, -a, -um: blessed, happy, 2
bēta, -ae f.: beet; beta (alphabet letter), 2
canālis, -is m.: canal, conduit, pipe
cēnātōria, -ōrum n.: dinner clothes
collībertus, -ī m., or f.: fellow freedman, 4
convīvō (1): to live, live (together)
culter, -trī m.: knife, 4
discumbō, -ere, -cubuī, -cubitus: to recline, 7
diū: for a long time, 6
ēlūdō, -ere, -sī, -sus: make fun of, mock
excandēscō, -ere, -canduī: to glow, burn
(with anger), 2
excidō, -ere, -cidī: to fall/slip away, 3
fascis, -is m.: a bundle; pl. fascēs, rods, 2
forēnsis, -e: outdoor; n. outdoor clothes
hūiusmodī: of this sort
intemperāns, -ntis: unrestrained, immoderate
lacrima, -ae f.: tear, 2
1 cultrum: ‘Persica’ suggests sica, a sword
ūvam passam: a play on the syllable ‘pass’
mel Atticum: perhaps because a swarm of
flies is similar to a swarm of bees
2 offlam et tabulās: The preceding neuters
mean ‘clothes for dinner and for outside’
but can also mean ‘things for dinner and
things for the forum’
lepus et solea: Canāle suggests a canis,
‘dog,’ that hunts rabbits, while a foot
suggests a slipper or, perhaps, a type of fish
allāta est: pf. pass. afferō
4 Mūrem cum rāna: a play on syllables:
68
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
lepus, leporis m.: rabbit, hare, 3
licentia, -ae f.: licentiousness, presumption
mel, mellis n.: honey, 6
memoria, -ae f.: memory, 3
mūraena, -ae m.: muraena (kind of eel)
mūs, mūris m.: mouse, 5
muscārium, -ī n.: flyswatter
offla (offula), -ae f.: small piece (of meat), 3
passer, passeris m.: sparrow
passus, -a, -um (pandō): spread out; dried, 4
pedālis, -is f.: a foot (unit of measure)
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing, 7
rāna, -ae f.: frog, 3
sexcentī, -ae, -a: six hundred
solea, -ae f.: slipper, sole (fish)
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
tabula, -ae f.: tablet; (gaming) board, 5
tūtēla, -ae f.: protection, guardianship
ūsque: up to, continuously, 6
ūva, -ae f.: grape, cluster of grapes, 4
vervēx, -cis, m: mutton-head; sheep’s head
Mūr-Mūrem, raena-rana
bētae: bēta is both a letter and a vegetable
5 memoriae meae: from…; dat. compound
6 Ascyltos: nom. sg.
intemperantis licentiae: of…; gen. of
description
sublātīs manibus: abl. abs., PPP tollō
8 is quī: he who…; in apposition to ūnus;
this man is angry and threatens Ascyltos
9 Quid: why…?
Tū enim beātior: for…; he answers the
question that he just posed
10 melius: better; comparative adv. bonus
 Ascyltos and Giton are Chewed Out

huius locī habeam propitiam, ut ego sī secundum illum 1

discumberem, iam illī bālātum duxīssem. Bellum pōmum, quī
rīdeātur aliōs; larifuga nesciō quis, nocturnus, quī nōn valet lōtium
suum. Ad summam, sī circummīnxerō illum, nesciet quā fugiat.
Nōn meherculēs soleō cito fervere, sed in molle carne vermēs 5
nāscuntur. Rīdet. Quid habet quod rīdeat? Numquid pater fētum
emit lamnā? Eques Rōmānus es: et ego rēgis fīlius. ‘Quārē ergō
servīvistī?’ Quia ipse mē dedī in servitūtem et māluī cīvis Rōmānus
esse quam tribūtārius. Et nunc spērō mē sīc vīvere, ut nēminī iocus
sim. Homō inter hominēs sum, capite apertō ambulō; assem 10

ambulō (1): to walk, 4 lōtium, -iī n.: urine

aperiō, -īre, -uī, apertus: to open, reveal, 3
assis, -is m.: as (copper coin), 7
bālātus, -ūs m.: bleating (of a sheep)
caro, carnis f.: meat, flesh
circummingō, -ere, -nxī: to urinate around, 2
cīvis, -is m/f.: citizen
discumbō, -ere, -cubuī, -cubitus: to recline, 7
eques, equitis m.: horseman, 2
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
fētus, -ūs m.: offspring
fīlius, -iī m.: son, 5
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
iocus, -ī m.: joke
lāmina (lāmna) -ae f.: metal plate, coin, 3
larifuga, -ae m.: vagabond
1 habeam: May I…; 1s pres. subj. of wish
ut, sī…discumberem,…duxissem: so that,
if I were…, I would have…; a result clause
with mixed contrary to fact condition within
2 illī: from…; dat. of interest
duxīssem: I would have drawn out; plpf.
subj.; The speaker just called Ascyltos a
sheep-head and here wishes to make him
bleat like a sheep.
Bellum pōmum: a beautiful fruit-tree;
3 rīdeatur: 3s pres. subj. dep. (usually active)
in a relative clause of characteristic
nesciō quis: some; ‘I-do-not-know-what,’ is
a common indefinite pronoun; nom. sg.
valet: is not worth; + acc.
4 Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
sī circummīnxerō, nesciet: a future more
vivid (sī fut. (pf.), fut.): translate the fut. pf.
as present with future sense
69
mollis, -e: soft, mild, gentle, 3
nocturnus, -a, -um: nocturnal, 3
numquid: surely…not? (emphatic num), 3
pater, patris m.: father, 7
pōmum, -ī n.: fruit; fruit-tree, 5
propitius, -a, -um: favorable, propitious, 4
rēx, rēgis m.: king, 3
Rōmānus, -a, -um: Roman, 2
secundum: along, following; behind (acc), 4
serviō, -īre, servīvī: to serve, be a slave, 5
servitūs, servitūtis f.: slavery
spērō (1): to hope, 4
tribūtārius, -a, -um: tributary; n. taxpayer
valeō, -ēre, valuī: fare well, be strong (as), 5
vermis, -is m.: worm
4 quā fugiat: where he is to…; ind.
deliberative pres. subj.
6 quod rīdeat: which he is laughing at; pres.
subj. in a relative clause of characteristic
7 lamnā: for a coin; ablative of price
Eques…fīlius: i.e. if you’re an equestrian
then I am royalty!; This is sarcasm.
‘Quārē…servīvisitī?’: You may ask “for
what reason…?”; The freedman imagines
that Ascyltos is asking a question.
8 Quia: because…; in reply to the question
māluī: 1s pf. mālō
9 tribūtārius: i.e. a tax-paying provincial
ut…sim: that…; result with pres. subj. sum
A provincial sells himself into slavery in
order to be freed later as a Roman citizen.
nēminī: to…; dat. of interest, nēmō
10 capite apertō: abl. abs.; i.e. with head high
 Cena Trimalchionis 57-8

aerārium nēminī dēbeō; cōnstitūtum habuī nunquam; nēmō mihi in 1

forō dīxit, ‘redde quod dēbēs.’ Glēbulās ēmī, lāmellulās parāvī;
vīgintī ventrēs pāscō et canem; contubernālem meam redēmī, nē
quis in sinū illīus manūs tergēret; mīlle dēnāriōs prō capite solvī;
sēvir grātis factus sum; spērō, sīc moriar, ut mortuus nōn 5
ērubescam. Tū autem tam labōriōsus es, ut post tē nōn respiciās? In
aliō peduclum vidēs, in tē ricinum nōn vidēs. Tibi sōlī ridiclēī
vidēmur; ecce magister tuus, homo maior nātus: placēmus illī. Tū
lacticulōsus, nec ‘mu’ nec ‘ma’ argūtās, vāsus fictilis, immō lorus
in aquā, lentior nōn melior. Tū beātior es: bis prandē, bis cēnā. Ego 10

aerārius, -a, -um: of bronze or copper mīlle: 1000, 5

argūtō (1): to prattle about, chatter about, 2
beātus, -a, -um: blessed, happy, 2
bis: twice, 3
cōnstitūtum, -ī n.: agreement (contract)
contubernālis, -is m/f.: spouse (of a slave), 4
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
ērubescō, -ere, -rubuī: to grow red, blush
with shame at, 3
fictilis, -e: made of clay, 3
forum, -ī n.: forum, 3
glēbula, -ae f.: small lump of earth or farm
grātīs: for free, without pay
labōriōsus, -a, -um: busy with work, 2
lacticulōsus, -a, -um: unweaned, suckling
lāmellula, -ae f.: little coin; small metal piece
lentus, -a, -um: soft, pliant; slow, 2
lorus, -ī m.: leather strap
ma: ma (random syllable, not a word)
magister, -trī m.: master, teacher, 6
1 nēminī: to…; dat. sg. nēmō
cōnstitūtum: an agreement; ‘something
agreed’ i.e. a formal contract to repay a debt
2 quod: what…; ‘(that) which…’ relative
clause with antecedent understood
parāvī: I acquired, I got
3 nē quis…tergēret: lest anyone…; i.e. for
fear that the master will sexually abuse the
woman; fearing clause with pres. subj.; quis
is an indefinite pronoun before nē
4 illīus: gen. sg. ille
mille dēnāriōs: equiv. to 4,000 sesterces
prō capite: for her life
5 grātis: without fees
moriar: I will…; 1s fut. deponent (not pres.
70
morior, morī, mortuus sum: to die, 5
mu: mu (random syllable, not a word)
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
pāscō, -ere, pāvī, pāstum: to feed, 2
pediculus (peduclus), -ī m.: louse (pl. lice)
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing, 7
prandeō, -ēre, prandī: take lunch
reddō, -ere, -didī, -ditus: to return, render, 4
redimō, -imere, -ēmī: buy back (of slavery), 3
ricinus, -ī m.: tick (bug)
rīdicul(e)us, -a, -um: laughable, ridiculous, 2
sēvir, -ī m.: One of the Six, Augustan priest, 3
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
solvō, -ere, -vī, -ūtus: release, solve, pay, 2
spērō (1): to hope, 4
tergeō, -ēre, tersī, tersus: to wipe; clean, 4
vās (vāsum, vāsus), -ī n.: vase, 4
venter, -ris m.: stomach, belly, 3
vīgintī: twenty, 2
subj.); cf. pp. 46-7 for fut. following sperō
ut…ērubescam: that…; result clause with
1s pres. subj.
mortuus: (when)…
6 ut…respiciās: that…; another result clause
in aliō: on another
7 Tibi: to…; dat. of reference (viewpoint)
8 vidēmur: we seem; 1p videor, ‘seem’ with
nom. pred.
magister tuus: i.e. Agamemnon
maior: older; ‘greater (in birth)’
nātus: PPP nāscor
9 nec…nec…: neither…nor…
melior: better; comparative adj. bonus
10 prandē, cēnā: two sg. imperatives
 Ascyltos and Giton are Chewed Out

fidem meam mālō quam thēsaurōs. Ad summam, quisquam mē bis 1

poposcit? Annīs quadrāgintā servīvī; nēmō tamen sciit, utrum
servus essem an līber. Et puer capillātus in hanc colōniam vēnī;
adhūc basilica nōn erat facta. Dedī tamen operam, ut dominō satis
facerem, hominī maiēstō et dignitossō, cuius plūris erat unguis, 5
quam tū tōtus es. Et habēbam in domō, quī mihi pedem oppōnerent
hāc illāc; tamen—geniō illīus grātiās— ēnatāvī. Haec sunt vēra
āthla; nam in ingenuum nāscī tam facile est quam ‘accēde istōc.’
Quid nunc stupēs tanquam hircus in erviliā?” 58. Post hoc dictum
Gitōn, quī ad pedēs stābat, rīsum iam diū compressum etiam 10

an: or, whether, if, 6
āthlum, -ī n.: struggle, contest, feat
basilica, -ae f.: basilica (hall), town hall
bis: twice, 3
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
colōnia, -ae f.: town, colony; farm, estate, 4
comprimō, -ere, -pressī: to suppress, keep in
dignitōsus, -a, -um: dignified, respectable
diū: for a long time, 6
ēnatō (1): to swim away (~escaped)
ervilia, -ae f.: vetch (plant produing pulses)
facilis, -e: easy, 2
fidēs, fideī f.: trust, credibility (reputation), 4
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
Gitōn, -ōnis m.: Giton (name), 6
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
hircus, -ī m.: he-goat
1 fidem: reputation
quam: rather than…; a clause of
comparison often follows mālō
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
2 poposcit: i.e. ask for (payment of a debt)
Annīs quadrāgintā: for…; dat. of time
within;one expects an acc. of duration
sci(v)it: 3s pf.
utrum…an…: whether…or…; ind.
question with pres. subj. sum
3 puer capillātus: as…
4 erat facta: plpf. pass. faciō
Dedī: pf. dō
ut…facerem: so that…; clause of effort
or purpose with 1s impf.
dominō: for…; dat. of interest
5 hominī…: in apposition to dominō
cuius: whose; gen. poss. with nom. unguis
71
hāc: this way, on this side, here
illāc: that way, on that side, there
ingenuus, -a, -um: free-born, born free
istōc: that way, to there, yonder
līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7
maiestus, -a, -um: majestic
opera, -ae f.: effort, work, 3
oppōnō, -ere: to place facing/in the way, 3
quadrāginta: forty
quisquam, quicquam: someone, anyone, 2
serviō, -īre, servīvī: to serve, be a slave, 5
stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
stupeō, -ēre, -uī: be stunned, stand agape at, 4
thēsaurus, -ī m.: treasure, riches, 3
unguis, -is m.: fingernail; toenail, 3
utrum: whether (begins a double question)
plūris: of more (worth); gen. of value as a
predicate
6 quam…: than…; clause of comparison
tōtus: i.e. in you entire body
quī…oppōneret: (those) who…; relative
clause of characteristic with impf. subj.; i.e.
tried to trip me up
mihi: in my way; dat of compound verb
geniō illīus grātiās (agō): (I give)…; dir.
obj. and dat. ind. obj.: supply the verb
7 illīus: gen. sg. ille; i.e. of the dominus
nāscī: dep. inf.
8 tam facile est quam: is as easy as…;
a clause of comparison
‘accēde istōc’: (to say)…; sg. imperative
9 Quid: Why…?
dictum: speech; PPP as substantive
10 ad: near…; Giton waits at his feet.
 Cena Trimalchionis 58

indecenter effūdit. Quod cum animadvertisset adversārius Ascyltī, 1

flexit convīcium in puerum et “Tū autem,” inquit, “etiam tū rīdēs,
caepa cirrāta? Iō Sāturnālia, rogō, mēnsis December est? Quandō
vīcēsimam numerāstī? Nescit quid faciat, crucis offla, corvōrum
cibāria. Cūrābō, iam tibi Iovis īrātus sit, et istī quī tibi nōn imperat. 5
Ita satur pāne fīam, ut ego istud collībertō meō dōnō; aliōquīn iam
tibi dēpraesentiārum reddidissem. Bene nōs habēmus, at istī nūgae,
quī tibi nōn imperant. Plānē quālis dominus, tālis et servus. Vix mē
teneō, nec sum nātūrā caldicerebrius, sed cum coepī, mātrem
meam dupundīī nōn faciō. Rēctē, vidēbō tē in pūblicum, mūs, 10

adversārius, ī m.: adversary, antagonist iō: hurray, oh

aliōquīn: in other respects; besides, else, 6
animadvertō, -ere, -tī, -sus: to notice, 2
Ascyltos, -ī m.: Ascyltus (name), 5
caepa, -ae f.: onion
caldicerebrius, -ī m.: hothead, 2
cibāria, -ōrum n.: food; food ration
cirrātus, -a, -um: curled, curly-haired
collībertus, -ī m., or f.: fellow freedman, 4
convīcium, -ī n.: abuse, mockery, insult, 4
corvus, -ī m.: raven, 2
crux, crucis f.: cross, 2
December, -bris m.: December
dēpraesentiārum: at present, now, 2
dōnō (1): to give, grant, 4
dupundium (dupondium), -iī: two pennies, 2
flectō, -ere, flexī, flexus: to bend, 3
imperō (1): to order, command, 3
indecenter: improperly, unfittingly, 2
1 effūdit: pf. effundō
quod: this; acc. obj.; a connective relative
cum animadvertisset: cum with plpf. subj.
3 caepa cirrāta: voc. dir. address
Iō Sāturnālia: Io Saturnalia!; a celebratory
shout; During Saturnalia, slaves and masters
change roles in status. The speaker suggests
sarcastically that the Giton is not behaving
according to his status as a slave.
4 vīcēsimam: a tax paid upon manumission
quid faciat: ind. question with pres. subj.
crucis offla: voc. dir. address; the flesh torn
from bodies left on a cross as punishment
5 Cūrābō (ut)…sit: I will take care (that)…
be…; clause of effort with pres. subj.; add ut
tibi…et istī: toward…; dat. of interest
72
īrātus, -a, -um: angry, 2
māter, mātris f.: mother, 3
mēnsis, -is m.: month, 4
mūs, mūris m.: mouse, 5
nātūra, -ae f.: nature, 2
nūgae, -ārum f.: nonsense, trifles, jokes, 3
numerō (1): to count, 4
offla (offula), -ae f.: small piece (of meat), 3
pūblicus, -a, -um: public, 2
quālis, -e: what sort, 3
quandō: when, since, 4
rectē: rightly, 4
reddō, -ere, -didī, -ditus: to return, render, 4
satur, -a, -um: full, filled, 3
Sāturnālia, -ium n., pl.: Saturnalia, 3
tālis, -e: such, the following, 3
vīcēsimus -a -um: 1/20th (manumission tax), 2
vix: hardly, scarcely, 5
istī: toward that one; dat. of interest
tibi nōn imperat: i.e. your master, who
does not correct you as he should
6 ita satur…fiam, ut…donō: may I be made
full with bread as I condone that (deed) of
yours for my fellow-freedman (Trimalchio);
1s pres. subj. of wish (optative); ita…ut
introduces a clause of comparison with
indicative; collībertō is a dat. of interest
7 tibi…reddisissem: I would have given you
(what you deserve); contrary to fact
Bene habēmus: we are holding out well
istī (sunt) nūgae: those men (are) jokes…
8 quālis (est)…tālis (est): add. linking verb
10 dupundiī: care two pennies for; gen. price
in pūblicum: equiv. to in pūblicō
 Ascyltos and Giton are Chewed Out

immō terrae tūber: nec sursum nec deorsum nōn crēscō, nisi 1
dominum tuum in rūtae folium nōn coniēcī, nec tibi parserō, licet
meherculēs Iovem Olympium clāmēs. Cūrābō, longē tibi sit
comula ista besālis et dominus dupunduārius. Rectē, veniēs sub
dentem: aut ego nōn mē nōvī aut nōn dērīdēbis, licet barbam 5
auream habeās. Athāna tibi īrāta sit, cūrābō, et quī tē prīmus
deurode fēcit. Nōn didicī geōmetriās, critica et alogiās nēniās, sed
lapidāriās litterās sciō, partēs centum dīcō ad aes, ad pondus, ad
nummum. Ad summam, sī quid vīs, ego et tū spōnsiunculam: exī,
dēferō lāmnam. Iam sciēs patrem tuum mercēdēs perdidisse, 10

aes, aeris n.: bronze, copperl money, 3
alogia, -ae f.: folly, absurdity
Athāna (Athēna), -ae f.: Athena
barba, -ae f.: beard, 2
besālis, -e: two-thirds (of an as), worthless
centum: one hundred, 6
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
comula, -ae f.: pretty hair
critica, -ōrum n., pl.: (literary) criticism
dēferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: put down, 2
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
deorsum: downward, down, 2
dērīdeō, -ēre, -rīsī, -rīsus: laugh; mock, 4
deurode: (come) hither (Grk. δεῦρο δή)
dipundārius (dupondārius), -ī m.: twopenny,
two-bit, penniless, worthless, 2
folium, -iī n.: leaf, 2
geōmetria, -ae f.: geometry
1 mūs, immō terrae tūber: mouse, or rather
toad-stool!; voc.direct address as an insult
nec…nec…nōn crescō: I am not growing
either…or…; double negative
nisi…nōn coniēcī: unless I have…; double
negative; translate 1s pf. as present pf.
2 in…folium: into a leafy bed
parserō: 1s fut. pf.: translate as fut.
licet (ut)…clāmēs: it is permitted that you
shout for; Some argue that ‘ut’ is missing
but, in fact, licet is distinct from clāmēs
which is a 2s jussive subj.: ‘it is allowed.
You should shout for…’
3 Cūrābō (ut)… longē tibi sit: I will take
care (that)…be far away for you; i.e. be of
no use to you; clause of effort with pres.
subj. sum; add ut
73
īrātus, -a, -um: angry, 2
lāmina (lāmna) -ae f.: coin; metal plate, 3
lapidārius, -a, -um: of stone, cut in stone
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
mercēs, mercēdis f.: fee; payment, wages
nēnia, -ae f.: trifles,. nonsense, foolishness, 3
nummus, -ī m.: coin, money, 7
Olympius, -a, -um: Olympic
parcō, -ere, pepercī (parsī): to spare (dat), 2
pater, patris m.: father, 7
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
pondus, -eris n.: weight; pondō, in pounds, 6
rectē: rightly, 4
rūta, -ae f.: rue (a bitter herb), 2
spōnsiuncula, -ae f.: little bet, stipulation
sub: under, 6
sursum (susum): upward, from below, 3
tūber, -eris n.: swelling; truffle; ~molehill
4 veniēs: 2s fut.
sub dentem: i.e. in extreme danger
5 aut…aut…: either…or…
licet…habeās: although…; licet introduces
the equiv. of a concessive clause
barbam auream: i.e. a beard like a god;
statues of gods, at times, had gilded beards
6 Althāna…sit, cūrābō: I will take care (that)
Athena…; a verb of effort with pres. subj.
et (istī) quī: and to that one who…
7 didicī: 1s pf. discō
8 lapidāriās: i.e. block letters in inscriptions
partēs centum: divisions by 100s
ad aes…: by asses, pounds, and sesterces
sī quid vīs: if you want anything; 2s volō
exī: sg. imperative exeō
10 sciēs: 2s fut. mercēdēs: school fees
 Cena Trimalchionis 58-9

quamvīs et rhētoricam scīs. Ecce ‘Quī dē nōbīs longē veniō, lātē 1

veniō? Solve mē.’ Dīcam tibi, quī dē nōbīs currit et dē locō nōn
movētur; quī dē nōbīs crēscit et minor fit. Curris, stupēs, satagis,
tanquam mūs in matellā. Ergō aut tacē aut meliōrem nōlī
molestāre, quī tē nātum nōn putat; nisi sī mē iūdicās ānulōs buxeōs 5
cūrāre, quōs amīcae tuae involāstī. Occupōnem propitium. Eāmus
in forum et pecūniās mūtuēmur: iam sciēs hoc ferrum fidem
habēre. Vah, bella rēs est volpis ūda. Ita lucrum faciam et ita bene
moriar aut populus per exitum meum iūret, nisi tē ubīque togā
perversā fuerō persecūtus. Bella rēs et iste, quī tē haec docet, 10

ānulus, -ī m.: ring, 5 mūtuor, -ārī: to borrow

buxeus, -a, -um: of a boxwood tree, 2
currō, -ere, cucurrī, cursus: to run, 6
doceō, -ēre, docuī, doctus: to teach, 5
exitus, -ūs m.: end; death, destruction, 3
ferrum, -ī n.: iron, 3
fidēs, fideī f.: trust, credibility (reputation), 4
forum, -ī n.: forum, 3
involō (1): to rush and carry off, fly in, 3
iūdicō (1): to judge, decide
iūrō (1): to swear, swear an oath, 3
lātē: widely, far and wide
lucrum, -ī n.: profit, gain, 2
matella, -ae f.: chamber-pot, 4
molestō (1): to annoy
morior, morī, mortuus sum: to die, 5
moveō, -ēre, mōvī, mōtus: to move, 4
mūs, mūris m.: mouse, 5
1 et: also
Ecce: Below is a series of three riddles.
Quī dē nōbīs longēs veniō (et) lātē veniō:
what (part) of us (am I?), I come…; i.e.
which body part; quī is an interrogative adj.
and agrees with 1s veniō: This is the 1st
riddle, and the answer is ‘foot.’
2 quī dē nōbīs: which (part) of us…; The
answer of this 2nd riddle is ‘eye.’
3 quī dē nōbīs: which (part) of us…; The
answer of this 3rd riddle is ‘hair.’
4 aut…aut…: either…or…
tacē: sg. imperative
meliōrem: (someone) better
nōlī molestāre: Don’t…; a neg. imperative;
lit. ‘be unwilling to annoy
5 tē nātum (esse): that…; i.e. does not know
74
Occupō, -nis m.: Occupo (god of business)
pecūnia, -ae f.: money, 2
persequor, -ī, persecūtus sum: to follow, 4
pervertō, -ere, -vertī, -versum: to reverse
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
propitius, -a, -um: favorable, propitious, 4
quamvīs: even though, although
rhētorica, -ae f.: rhetoric, oratory
satagō, -ere, satēgī, satāctum: bustle about
solvō, -ere, -vī, -ūtus: release, solve, pay, 2
stupeō, -ēre, -uī: be stunned, stand agape at, 4
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
toga, -ae f.: toga
ubīque: everywhere, in every instance, 2
ūdus, -a, -um: wet, damp, soaked; ~drunk, 2
Vah: Vah (an exclamation), 2
vulpēs (volpis), -is f.: fox, 2
that you even exist; ind. disc., pf. nāscor
nisi sī: except if…
ānulōs buxeōs: your rings of boxwood;
The speaker imagines Ascyltos’ equestrian
gold ring is really just a cheap trinket.
6 amīcae tuae: from…; dat. of compound
(habeam) Occupōnem: (May I hold)…
Eāmus: Let us…; 1p hortatory subj. eō, ire
mūtuēmur: Let us…; 1p hortatory subj.
7 hoc ferrum (anūlum): that this iron (ring)
8 faciam…moriar…iūret: May I...may I
…and let the people; subj. of wish, jussive
9 nisī…fuerō persecūtus: if I do not pursue
fut. pf. dep.: translate pres. with fut. sense
togā perversā: with toga turned inside out;
a custom for judges in capitol cases
Bella…iste: that one is a charming creature
 Ascyltos and Giton are Chewed Out

mufrius, nōn magister. Nōs didicimus, dīcēbat enim magister: ‘Sunt 1

vestra salva? Rēctā domum; cavē, circumspiciās; cavē, maiōrem
maledīcās. Aut numerā mapālia: nēmō dupondiī ēvādit.’ Ego, quod
mē sīc vidēs, propter artificium meum dīīs grātiās agō.” 59.
Coeperat Ascyltos respondēre convīciō, sed Trimalchio dēlectātus 5
collībertī ēloquentiā “Agite,” inquit, “scordaliās dē mediō. Suāviter
sit potius, et tū, Hermeros, parce adulēscentulō. Sanguen illī fervet,
tū melior esto. Semper in hāc rē quī vincitur, vincit. Et tū cum
essēs cāpō, cocococo, atque cor nōn habēbās. Sīmus ergō, quod
melius est, ā prīmitiīs hilarēs et Homēristās spectēmus.” Intrāvit 10

adulēscentulus, -ī m.: young man, 2 magister, -trī m.: master, teacher, 6

artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
Ascyltos, -ī m.: Ascyltus (name), 5
cāpō, -ōnis m.: capon (a neutered rooster)
caveō, -ēre, cāvī, cautus: to beware, 4
circumspiciō, -ere, -spexī: to look around, 2
cocococo: cock-a-doodle-doo
collībertus, -ī m., or f.: fellow freedman, 4
convīcium, -ī n.: abuse, mockery, insult, 4
cor, cordis n. heart, 3
dēlector, -ārī, dēlectātus sum: to delight, 5
dupundium (dupondium), -iī: two pennies, 2
ēloquentia, -ae f.: eloquence
ēvādō, -ere, ēvāsī, ēvāsus: turn out, go out
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
Hermeros, -otis m.: Hermeros (name), 2
hilaris, -e: cheerful, merry, 4
Homērista, -ae m.: (Homeric) rhapsode, 3
1 didicimus: 1p pf. discō
dicēbat enim magister: for (our) teacher
used to say; customary impf.
2 vestra: your (possessions)
rēctā domum: (go) straightaway to home;
supply a verb; rēctā is an abl. as adv.
circumspiciās: you should…; jussive subj.
(nē) maledīcās: that you not…; fearing
clause with missing ‘nē;’ 2s pres. subj.
maiōrem (natū): your elder; ‘greater (by
age)’
3 dupondiī: worth two pennies; ‘of two
pennies’ gen. of price
4 dīīs: dat. ind. obj. deus
agō: I give; gratiās agō is an idiom
5 convīciō: to…; dat. ind. obj.
75
maledīcō, -ere, -dīxi, -dictum: to insult
mapālia, -ium n.: shack; hut
mufrius, -ī m.: ??, chatter-box
numerō (1): to count, 4
parcō, -ere, pepercī (parsī): to spare (dat), 2
potius: rather, more, preferable, 2
prīmitus, -a, -um: first (fruits); beginning, 2
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
rēctus, -a, -um: straight up or along, direct, 4
respondeō, -ēre, -ndī, -nsus: to answer, 5
salvus, -a, -um: safe, intact, 5
sanguen (sanguis), sanguinis n.: blood, 3
scordalia, -ae f.: quarrel, wrangling
semper: always, 4
spectō (1): to look at, 6
vester, vestra, vestrum: your, 5
vincō, -ere, vīcī, victus: to conquer, beat, 4
6 Agite: drive away
dē mediō: from our midst
suāviter sit potius: rather, let it be pleasant
7 Hermeros: The name of the guest who has
been abusive to Ascyltos is finally revealed.
Sanguen: sanguis; nom. sg.
8 melior: comparative, bonus
s esto: sg. fut. imperative, sum
quī vincitur, vincit: (the one) who…; a
maxim; i.e. the one who withdraws from
such a quarrel commands greater respect
et cum essēs: even when…; impf. subj. sum
cocococo: (you cried) cock-a-doodle-doo
9 Sīmus: Let…; 1p hortatory, sum
10 melius: neut. sg. comparative adj. bonus
spectēmus: Let…; 1p hortatory
 Cena Trimalchionis 59-60

factio statim hastīsque scūta concrepuit. Ipse Trimalchio in pulvīnō 1

cōnsēdit, et cum Homēristae Graecīs versibus colloquerentur, ut
īnsolenter solent, ille canōrā vōce Latīnē legēbat librum. Mox
silentiō factō “scītīs,” inquit, “quam fābulam agant? Diomēdēs et
Ganymēdēs duo frātrēs fuērunt. Hōrum soror erat Helena. 5
Agamemnōn illam rapuit et Diānae cervam subiēcit. Ita nunc
Homēros dīcit, quemadmodum inter sē pugnent Trōiānī et
Parentīnī. Vīcit scīlicet et Īphigenīam, fīliam suam, Achillī dedit
uxōrem. Ob eam rem Aiāx īnsānit et statim argūmentum
explicābit.” Haec ut dīxit Trimalchio, clāmōrem Homēristae 10

Achillēs, -is m.: Achilles (name)
Aiāx, -ācis m.: Ajax, 2
argūmentum, -ī n.: proof, evidence, theme
canōrus, -a, -um: singing, melodious, 2
cerva, -ae f.: hind (female deer)
clāmor, clāmōris: shout, cry, noise, 4
colloquor, -ī, collocūtus sum: to converse
concrepō, -āre, -crepuī: snap, clack, rattle, 2
cōnsīdō, -ere, -sēdī, -sessus: to sit down, 2
Diāna, -ae f.: Diana (goddess)
Diomēdēs, -is m.: Diomedes
explicō (1): to reveal, unfold; explain
factio, -ōnis f.: faction; band, company
fīlia, -ae f.: daughter, 2
frāter, frātris m.: brother, 3
Ganymēdēs, -is m.: Ganymede, 2
Graecus, -a, -um: Greek, 3
hasta, -ae f.: spear
Helena, -ae f.: Helena (name)
Homērista, -ae m.: (Homeric) rhapsode, 3
Homēros, -ī m.: Homer, 2
1 factio: a company (of actors); nom. sg.
2 cum…colloquerentur: when they were
talking to one another; impf. dep. colloquor
ut…(colloquī) solent: as…; parenthetical
ille: i.e. Trimalchio
3 canōrā vōce: with…; abl. of manner
4 silentiō factō: abl. abs.
scītis: 2s pres. sciō
quam…agant: which...they are performing
ind. question with pres. subj.; fabulam agere
is the idiom for ‘perform a play’
Diomēdes…: Trimachio confuses the roles
of participiants in the epics. Diomedes is a
Greek, and Ganymede, a Trojan prince.
76
īnsāniō, -īre, -īvī: to become mad/insane, 2
īnsolenter: insolently, arrogantly, pompously
Īphigenīa, -ae f.: Iphigenia (name)
Latīnē: in Latin, 2
legō, -ere, lēgī, lēctus: to read, pick out, 4
liber, librī m.: book, 2
mox: soon
ob: on account of, because of (acc)
Parentīnus, -ī m.: Parentinian (people)
pugnō (1): to fight, 3
pulvīnus, -ī m.: pillow
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
rapiō, -ere, rapuī, raptus: to seize, snatch, 5
scūtum, -ī n.: shield, 2
silentium, -iī n.: silence
soror, -is f.: sister
subiciō, -ere, -iēcī: place under, substitute, 2
Trōiānus, -a, -um: Trojan, 2
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
versus, -ūs m.: verse, line, 2
vincō, -ere, vīcī, victus: to conquer, beat, 4
6 Agamemnon: Paris, not Agamemnon,
seized Helen, who is not sister of D. of G.
Diānae: Agamemnon failed to sacrifice to
Diana at Aulis, and she prevented the ships
from sailing until he sacrificed Iphigeneia.
subiēcit: throw (acc) in place of (dat); i.e.
substituted an (acc) for (dat)
…pugnent: ind. question with pres. subj.
Parentīnī: Trimalchio confuses participants:
The Greeks, not Parentinians, fight Trojans.
8 (Agamemnon) vīcit: pf. vincō
9 uxōrem: as…; Trimalchio again errs.
ob eam rem: for this reason
10 ut: as…, when…; haec is neut. pl. obj.
 Trimalchio Recalls Homer and Brings down the Roof

sustulērunt, interque familiam discurrentem vitulus in lance 1

dōnāriā ēlixus allātus est, et quidem galeātus. Secūtus est Aiāx
strictōque gladiō, tanquam īnsānīret, concīdit, ac modo versā modo
supīnā gesticulātus mucrōne frusta collēgit mīrantibusque vitulum
partītus est. 60. Nec diū mīrārī licuit tam ēlegantēs strophās; nam 5
repente lacūnāria sonāre coepērunt tōtumque trīclīnium intremuit.
Cōnsternātus ego exsurrēxī et timuī, nē per tēctum petauristārius
aliquis dēscenderet. Nec minus reliquī convīvae mīrantēs ērēxēre
vultūs, expectantēs quid novī dē caelō nūntiārētur. Ecce autem
dīductīs lacunāribus subitō circulus ingēns, dē cūpā vidēlicet 10

Aiāx, -ācis m.: Ajax, 2 intremō, -ere, -uī: to tremble

circulus, -ī m.: circle (group), ring, hoop; 6
collēga, collēgae m.: colleague
concīdō, -ere, concīdī: to cut up, cut down
cōnsternō (1): to confound, perplex, 3
cūpa, -ae f.: large cask, barrel
dēscendō, -ere, -ndī, -nsus: to descend, 2
dīdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductum: to draw apart, 2
discurrō, -ere, -currī, -cursus: to run about, 3
diū: for a long time, 6
dōnārius, -a, -um: presenting, offering
ēlegāns, ēlegantis: elegant
ēlixus, -a, -um: boiled
ērigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctus: to pick up, erect, 2
exspectō (1): to wait for, expect, 4
exsurgō, -ere, -surrēxī: to rise up; rise
frustum, -ī n.: piece, slice, 4
galeātus, -a, -um: wearing a helmet
gesticulor, -ārī: to mime, gesticulate, 2
gladius, -iī m.: sword, 3
īnsāniō, -īre, -īvī: to become mad/insane, 2
1 sustulērunt: pf. tollō; add ‘a shout’ as obj.
familiam: the slaves
in lance dōnāriā: on a presentation dish
2 allātus est: pf. pass. afferō
Secūtus est: pf. dep. sequor
3 Strictō gladiō: abl. abs.
Tanquam īnsānīret: as if…; conditional
clause of comparison with impf. subj.
modo…modo…: now…now…
versā (mucrōne)…supīnā (mulcrōne):
with…; i.e. with the edge and with the flat
of the sword; abl. means
mīrantibus: (to those)…; dat. ind. obj. of
lacūnar, āris, n: paneled ceiling, panels, 2
lanx, lancis f.: platter, broad dish, 5
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
mucro, -ōnis m.: point, edge, 2
nūntiō (1): to announce
partior, -īrī, partītus sum: to distribute
petauristārius, -ī m.: acrobat, rope-walker, 4
reliquus, -a, -um: remaining, 4
repente: suddenly, 2
sonō (1): to sound, resound, echo, 3
stringō, -ere, strīnxī, strictum: to draw out, 4
stropha, -ae f.: twists; trick, artifice
supīnus, -a, -um: on the back
tēctum, -ī n.: roof
timeō, -ēre, timuī: to fear, 5
vertō, -ere, vertī, versus: to turn (facing) 4
vidēlicet: it is easy to see; clearly, plainly
vitulus, -ī m.: calf (male), young bullock, 4
vultus, -ūs m.: expression, face, 5
the pres. pple
5 partītus est: pf. dep. partior
7 licuit: impersonal pf. licet
nē…dēscenderet: lest…; ‘that…’ fearing
clause with impf subj.
8 nec minus: no less; i.e. also; comparative
adv., parvus
ērēxēr(unt): syncopated 3p pf.
9 Quid novī: whatever news…; ‘what of new’
in an ind. question with impf. subj.
10 dīductīs lacunāribus: abl. abs.
dē cūpā: i.e. metal hoops used to bind the
wood on a cask of wine

77
 Cena Trimalchionis 60-1

grandī excussus, dēmittitur, cuius per tōtum orbem corōnae aureae 1

cum alabastrīs unguentī pendēbant. Dum haec apophorēta iubēmur
sūmere, respiciēns ad mēnsam…iam illīc repositōrium cum
placentīs aliquot erat positum, quod medium Priāpus ā pistōre
factus tenēbat, gremiōque satis amplō omnis generis pōma et ūvās 5
sustinēbat mōre vulgātō. Avidius ad pompam manūs porrēximus,
et repente nova lūdōrum remissiō hilaritātem hīc refēcit. Omnēs
enim placentae omniaque pōma etiam minimā vexātiōne contācta
coepērunt effundere crocum, et usque ad ōs molestus ūmor
accidere. Ratī ergō sacrum esse fericulum tam religiōsō apparātū 10

accidō, -ere, accīdī: fall on; strike (senses)
alabaster, -trī m.: alabaster vessel
aliquot: some, several, 7
amplus, -a, -um: large, spacious, ample, 2
apophorēta, -ōrum n.: party favors, guest-
gifts, (especially at the Saturnalia), 2
apparātus, -ūs m.: equipment, provision, 2
avidē: eagerly
contingō, -ere, contigī, contāctus: to touch,
happen (+ inf.), 4
corōna, -ae f.: crown, wreath, 5
crocus, i m.: saffron; saffron color, 2
dēmittō, -ere, -mīsī, -missum: to send down,
drop, 2
excutiō, -ere, -cussī, -cussum: to shake off
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
grandis, grande: full-grown; large, 5
gremium, -iī n.: lap, bosom, 2
hīc: here, 6
hilaritās, -ātis f.: cheerfulness, merriment, 4
illīc: there
lūdus, -ī m.: game, joke, play, 4
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
molestus, -a, -um: annoying, grating; nasty, 5
1 grandī: 3rd decl. i-stem adj. modifies cūpā
cuius per…: over…of which; of the hoop;
2 respiciēns ad mensam…: there is a lacuna,
and the rest of the sentence is incomplete
4 erat positum: plpf. pass. pōnō
quod medium: which (place) in the
middle…
5 omnis generis: gen. of description
6 sustinēbat: i.e. Priapus, a fitting depiction
since Priapus is the god of gardens
mōre vulgātō: according to…
mōs, mōris m.: custom, 4
orbis, -is m.: circle, orb, 4
ōs, ōris n.: mouth, face, 4
pendeō, -ēre, pependī: to hang, 4
pistor, -ōris, m: baker, 4
placenta, -ae f.: cake, 3
pompa, -ae f.: procession; array
pōmum, -ī n.: fruit; fruit-tree, 5
porrigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctum: to hold out, 3
Priāpus, -ī m.: Priapus (god of gardens)
reficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectus: to renew, restore, 2
religiōsus, -a, -um: observant, religious, 2
remissio, -ōnis f.: repetition; a sending back
reor, rērī, ratus sum: to reckon, calculate, 2
repente: suddenly, 2
sacer, sacra, sacrum: sacred, holy
sūmō, -ere, sūmpsī, sūmptus: to take, 3
sustineō, -ēre, -uī, sustentus: to sustain, 4
ūmor, -oris m.: liquid, fluid, moisture
usque: up to, continuously, 6
ūva, -ae f.: grape, cluster of grapes, 4
vexātiō, vexātiōnis f.: pressure, agitation
vulgātus, -a, -um: well-known, ordinary
Avidius: rather greedily; comparative adv.
7 nova…refēcit: a new round of spectacles
here renewed our merriment
8 etiam: even
molestus ūmor (coepit): add main verb
10 accidere: to spurt; ‘to strike’
Ratī: pf. dep. pple reor: translate as ‘having
Xed’
sacrum esse…: that the dish…; ind. disc.
religiōsō apparātū: i.e. saffron is used in
certain sacred rites
78
 Trimalchio Recalls Homer and Brings down the Roof

perfūsum, cōnsurrēximus altius et “Augustō, patrī patriae, 1

fēlīciter,” dīximus. Quibusdam tamen etiam post hanc
venerātiōnem pōma rapientibus et ipsī mappās implēvimus, ego
praecipuē, quī nūllō satis amplō mūnere putābam mē onerāre
Gitōnis sinum. Inter haec trēs puerī candidās succīnctī tunicās 5
intrāvērunt, quōrum duo Larēs bullātōs super mēnsam posuērunt,
ūnus pateram vīnī circumferēns “Dīī propitiī,” clāmābat. Aiēbat
autem ūnum Cerdōnem, alterum Feliciōnem, tertium Lucriōnem
vocārī. Nōs etiam vēram imāginem ipsīus Trimalchionis, cum iam
omnēs bāsiārent, ērubuimus praeterīre. 61. Postquam ergō omnēs 10

altus, -a, -um: high, tall, deep
amplus, -a, -um: large, spacious, ample, 2
Augustus, -ī m.: Augustus
bāsiō (1): to kiss, 5
bullātus, -a, -um: wearing a bulla (locket)
candidus, -a, -um: white, 3
Cerdo, -ōnis m. (Grk.): Gain (personified)
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
cōnsurgō, -ere, -surrēxī: to rise, rise up, 3
ērubescō, -ere, -rubuī: to grow red, blush
with shame at, 3
Fēlīcio, -ōnis m.: Lucky (personified), 2
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
Gitōn, -ōnis m.: Giton (name), 6
imāgō, imāginis f.: image, 3
impleō, -ēre, implēvī, implētus: to fill up, 3
Lār, Laris m.: Lar; household god, 2
Lucrio, -ōnis m.: Profit (personified)
mappa, -ae f.: napkin, handkerchief, 3
1 altius: comparative adv. altus
Augustō, patrī patriae, fēlīciter (eveniat):
(May it turn out) happily for…; dat. of
interest; add 3s subj. of wish (optative)
patrī: dat. in apposition to Augustō
2 quibusdam…rapientibus: with some…;
abl. abs.
etiam: even
3 ipsī: (we) ourselves; 1p intensive
4 nūllō…mūnere: with not sufficiently large
gift; abl. means with onerāre
5 sinum: lap
haec: these things; i.e. everything occuring
candidās tunicās: in…; acc. of respect
succīnctī: having tucked up; The end of the
long tunic was folded up under a cingulum,
79
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
onerō (1): to weigh down, load; stow, 5
pater, patris m.: father, 7
patera, -ae f.: broad saucer (for libations)
patria, -ae f.: country, 3
perfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: pour on, soak, 3
pōmum, -ī n.: fruit; fruit-tree, 5
praecipuē: especially, particularly, 3
praetereō, -īre, -i(v)ī: to go by, pass by, 2
propitius, -a, -um: favorable, propitious, 4
quīdam, quae-, quid-: certain person/thing
rapiō, -ere, rapuī, raptus: to seize, snatch, 5
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
succingō, -ere, -cīnxī, -cīnctus: to wrap up, 3
tertius, -a, -um: third, 3
trēs, tria: three, 5
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
venerātiō, -ōnis f.: reverence, veneration
‘belt,’ to create a doublefold and
unencumbered legs. This PPP is reflexive
and best translated as dep. with an acc. obj.
6 quōrum duo (puerī): of whom…; partitive
gen.; duo is nom. while Larēs is acc. pl.
Larēs: i.e. figurines of Larēs
7 ūnus (puer): i.e. the third boy
Dīī (sint) propitiī: May…be ; supply 3p
subj. of wish (optative), sum; nom. pl. deus
8 ūnum…vocārī: that one is called…
another (is called)…(and) the third (is
called)…; ind. disc.; The Lares are
individually named.
9 ipsīus: of…himself; gen. sg. intensive
cum bāsiārent: i.e. the image of
Trimalchio; cum clause with impf. subj.
 Cena Trimalchionis 61-2

bonam mentem bonamque valītūdinem sibi optārunt, Trimalchio 1

ad Nīcerōtem respexit et “solēbās,” inquit, “suāvius esse in
convictū; nesciō quid nunc tacēs nec muttīs. Ōrō tē, sīc fēlīcem mē
videās, nārrā illud quod tibi ūsū vēnit.” Nīceros dēlectātus
affābilitāte amīcī “omne mē,” inquit, “lucrum trānseat, nisi iam 5
dūdum gaudimōniō dissiliō, quod tē tālem videō. Itaque hilaria
mera sint, etsī timeō istōs scholasticōs, nē mē rīdeant. Vīderint:
nārrābō tamen: quid enim mihi aufert, quī rīdet? Satius est rīdērī
quam dērīdērī.” Haec ubi dicta dedit, tālem fābulam exōrsus est:
“Cum adhūc servīrem, habitābāmus in vīcō angustō; nunc Gavillae 10

affābilitās, -ātis f.: affability, friendliness mēns, mentis f.: mind, 3

angustus, -a, -um: narrow, 2
auferō, -ferre, abstulī, -lātus: carry away, 5
convīctus, -ūs m.: dinner party, feast
dēlector, -ārī, dēlectātus sum: to delight, 5
dērīdeō, -ēre, -rīsī, -rīsus: laugh at; mock, 4
dissiliō, -īre, -uī: to leap up, 2
etsī: although, even, if, 2
exōrdior, -īrī, exōrsus sum: to begin
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
gaudimōnium, -ī n.: joy, enjoyment
Gavilla, -ae f.: Gavilla (name)
habitō (1): to inhabit, dwell, 5
hilaris, -e: cheerful, merry, 4
iamdūdum: now for a long time, 4
lucrum, -ī n.: profit, gain, 2
1 bonam mentem: good will
sibi: for each other; dat. of interest
optā(vē)unt: 3p pf.
2 suāvius: a more agreeable (creature); a
neut. comparative adj.
3 nesciō quid…: I do not know why…; not an
indefinite pronoun here; quid introduces an
ind. question without subjunctive
4 videās: May you…; 2s subj. of wish
narrā: sg. imperative
tibi: dat. of interest
quod…ūsu vēnit: has come by experience
to you; i.e. what has happened; dat. of
interest and abl. of means
5 omne…trānseat: May…pass by…; i.e. 3s
subj. of wish (optative) trānseō
iam dūdum: often as one word: iamdūdum
6 quod…videō: because…; causal; videō
merus, -a, -um: pure, undiluted; genuine, 5
mūttiō, -īre: to mutter, mumble
Nīceros, -ōtis m.: Niceros (name), 3
optō (1): to disire, wish for, 2
ōrō (1): to plead, beg, pray, 3
satius (comp. satis): preferrable, enough
scholasticus, -ī m.: rhetorician, scholar, 2
serviō, -īre, servīvī: to serve, be a slave, 5
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
tālis, -e: such, the following, 3
timeō, -ēre, timuī: to fear, 5
trānseō, -īre, -iī, trānsitus: to go across, 3
ūsus, -ūs m.: use, practice, experience
valītūdō, valītūdinis f.: good health, 2
vīcus, -īī m.: village, neighborhood, 2
tālem: as such; i.e. so joyful; acc. pred.
7 sint: May…; 3s subj. of wish (optative) sum
etsī: although…
istōs scholasticōs: An example of prolepsis
(anticipation): this object is better translated
as subject of rideant that follows.
6 nē…rīdeant: lest…; fearing clause with
pres subj.
7 Vīderint: Let…; 3p pf. jussive subj.
8 mihi: from…; dat. of compound verb
quī: (the one) who…; antecedent is subject
of aufert
Satis est: it is…; impersonal
9 ubi: when…
Haec dicta: these words; ‘things said’
tālem: the folllowing…; ‘this sort’
10 Cum…servīrem: When…; 1s impf. subj.
Gravillae: Gravilla’s; dat. of possession

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domus est. Ibi, quōmodo dīī volunt, amāre coepī uxōrem Terentiī 1
cōpōnīs: nōverātis Mēlissam Tarentīnam, pulcherrimum
bacciballum. Sed ego nōn meherculēs corporāliter illam aut propter
rēs veneriās cūrāvī, sed magis quod benemōria fuit. Sī quid ab illā
petiī, nunquam mihi negātum; fēcit assem, sēmissem habuī; 5
quicquid habuī, in illīus sinum dēmandāvī, nec unquam fefellitus
sum. Huius contubernālis ad vīllam suprēmum diem obiit. Itaque
per scūtum per ocream ēgī, agināvī quemadmodum ad illam
pervenīrem: scītis autem, in angustiīs amīcī appārent. 62. Forte
dominus Capuam exierat ad scrūta scīta expedienda. Nactus ego 10

aginō (1): to strive, devise, scheme
angustiae, -ārum f.: narrow or tight place
appāreō, -ēre, -uī: to appear, are visible, 2
assis, -is m.: as (copper coin), 7
bacciballum, -ī n.: ??, round thing
benemōrius, -a, -um: good-natured
Capua, -ae f.: Capua
contubernālis, -is m/f.: spouse (of a slave), 4
cōpō (caupō), cōpōnis m.: innkeeper, 3
corporāliter: bodily, physically
dēmandō (1): to entrust, commend
expediō, -īre, -iī: to untangle, resolve, 2
fallō, -ere, fefellī, falsus (fefellitus): to
deceive; pass. be mistaken, 2
forte: by chance (abl. fors), 3
ibi: there; then, 2
Melissa, -ae f.: Melissa (name), 2
nancīscor, -ī, nactus sum: to obtain; meet, 3
negō (1): to deny, refuse, 4
1 quōmodo…: just as…; ‘in what manner…’ 8 per scūtum (et) per ocream ēgī (et)
introducing a relative clause of comparison;
dīī: nom. pl. deus
2 nōverātis: you knew; ‘you had learned of,’
pulcherrimum: superlative adj.
4 rēs veneriās: sex; ‘matters of Venus’
quid: anything; =aliquid, indefinite after sī
5 negātum (est): (it was)…; 3s pf. pass.
fēcit…habuī: i.e. she shared everything; N. 10 dominus: Niceros’ master
Note: N. gives her more than she gives back
6 illīus: gen. sg. Illa; i.e. Melissa
sinum: pocket
fefellitus sum: 1s pf. Pass. fallō
7 huius: gen. sg. haec; i.e. of Melissa
contubernālis: nom. sg.; i.e. the innkeeper
ad vīllam: near…
obeō, obīre, obi(v)ī, obitum: to meet; die, 2
ocrea, -ae f.: greave (bronze shin-guards)
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
petō, petere, peti(v)ī: to seek, head for, 4
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
pulcher, pulchra, pulchrum: beautiful
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
scītus, -a, -um: ingenious, clever, neat, 1
scrūta, -ōrum, n: silly business
scūtum, -ī n.: shield, 2
sēmis, sēmissis: half, one half, 2
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
suprēmus, -a, -um: highest (superus)
Tarentīnus -a -um: Tarentine, of Tarentum, 2
Terentius, -iī m.: Terentius
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
venerius, -a, -um: of Venus; sexual, of sex
vīlla, -ae f.: villa, estate, 4
agināvī: i.e. I did everything that I could
ēgī: I drove forward; 1s pf. agō
quemadmodum…: how…; ind. question
with impf. subj. governed by agināvī
9 scītis: 2s pres. sciō
in angustiīs: in tight spots; i.e. in difficult
times, true friends stay with you
Capuam: to…; acc. place to which
exierat: plpf. exeō
ad…expedienda: for resolving…; ad + acc.
+ gerundive expressing purpose: translate
this gerundive (going to be Xed) as a
gerund (-ing); scīta is not the PPP of sciō
nactus: pf. dep. pple nancīscor
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 Cena Trimalchionis 62

occāsiōnem persuādeō hospitem nostrum, ut mēcum ad quīntum 1

mīliārium veniat. Erat autem mīles, fortis tanquam Orcus.
Apoculāmus nōs circā gallicinia, lūna lūcēbat tanquam merīdiē.
Vēnīmus intrā monimenta: homo meus coepit ad stēlās facere,
sedeō ego cantābundus et stēlās numerō. Deinde ut respexī ad 5
comitem, ille exuit sē et omnia vestīmenta secundum viam posuit.
Mihi anima in nāsō esse, stābam tanquam mortuus. At ille
circummīnxit vestīmenta sua, et subitō lupus factus est. Nōlīte mē
iocārī putāre; ut mentiar, nūllīus patrimōnium tantī faciō. Sed,
quod coeperam dīcere, postquam lupus factus est, ululāre coepit et 10

anima, -ae f.: breath, spirit, 4 mīliārium, -ī n.: mile-stone

apoculō (1): to depart, remove (oneself), 2
cantābundus, -a, -um: singing, full of song
circummingō, -ere, -nxī: to urinate around, 2
comes, comitis m/f.: companion, comrade
exuō, -ere, exuī, exūtus: to take off, strip
fortis, -e: brave; strong, 4
gallicinium, -ī n.: cock-crowing time, dawn
hospes, hospitis m.: guest; stranger; host, 2
intrā: within, 5
iocor, -ārī, iocātus sum: to joke, 3
lūceō, -ēre, lūxī: to shine
lūna, -ae f.: moon, 2
lupus, -ī m.: wolf, 3
mentior, -īrī, mentītus: to lie, 5
merīdiēs, merīdiēī m.: midday, 2
mīles, mīlitis m.: soldier, 2
1 hospitem nostrum: a guest of ours; acc.
obj. where one expects dat. with persuādeō
ut…veniat: that…; ind. command with
pres. subj.
2 mīliārum: i.e. fifth mile marker outside the
city
Erat: he was…; i.e. the guest
4 monimenta: i.e. the tombs that line both
sides of the road outside the city
ad stēlās facere: to make for…; i.e. headed
for the tombs, likely to relieve himself; or
‘to do (his business) near the…’
5 ut: as…, when…
7 mihi anima…esse: my spirit was…; a dat.
of possession; esse is an historical inf.,
which typically, as here, governs a nom.
monumentum, -ī n.: memorial, monument, 7
nāsus, -ī m.: nose
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
numerus, -ī m.: number, amount; perfect, 4
occāsiō, occāsiōnis f.: opportunity, 2
Orcus, -ī m.: Orcus (Pluto); underworld, 4
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
persuādeō, -ēre, -sī: to persuade, urge, 2
quīntus, -a, -um: fifth
secundum: along, following; behind (acc), 4
sedeō, -ēre, sēdī, sessus: to sit, 4
stēla, -ae f.: stele, gravestone; pillar, 2
stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
ululō (1): to howl
via, -ae f.: street, road, path, 2
subject and is translated in the simple past.
Niceros is in such fear that his soul has
almost left his body.
8 lupus: nom. pred. of pf. pass. faciō
Nōlīte…putāre: Don't…; a neg. command
(lit. ‘be unwilling to think’), pl. nōlō
mē iocārī: that…; ind. disc. with dep. inf.
9 ut mentiar: that I would …; result clause
with 1s pres. dep. subj. following tantī
nūllīus patrimōnium: for the patrimony of
not anyone; acc. obj. and gen. sg. nūllus
tantī facit: I care so much for; + acc.; gen.
of price; he values truth over any fortune
10 quod: (as for) what…; ‘(in respect to the
thing) which’ the missing antecedent is acc.
of respect; see p. 39 for another example

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 Werewolves, Witches, and Guard Dogs

in silvās fūgit. Ego prīmitus nesciēbam ubi essem, deinde accessī, 1

ut vestīmenta eius tollerem: illa autem lapidea facta sunt. Quī morī
timōre nisi ego? Gladium tamen strīnxī et in tōtā viā umbrās
cecīdī, dōnec ad vīllam amīcae meae pervenīrem. Ut lārva intrāvī,
paene animam ēbullīvī, sūdor mihi per bifurcum volābat, oculī 5
mortuī, vix unquam refectus sum. Melissa mea mīrārī coepit, quod
tam sērō ambulārem, et ‘Sī ante,’ inquit, ‘vēnissēs, saltem nōbīs
adiūtāssēs; lupus enim vīllam intrāvit et omnia pecora perculit,
tanquam lanius sanguinem illīs mīsit. Nec tamen dērīsit, etiam sī
fūgit; servus enim noster lanceā collum eius trāiēcit.’ Haec ut 10

adiūtō (1): to help, serve, come to aid, assist
ambulō (1): to walk, 4
anima, -ae f.: breath, spirit, 4
bifurcus, -a, -um: two-pronged; noun crotch
caedō, -ere, cecīdī, caesus: to strike; kill, 3
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
dērīdeō, -ēre, -rīsī, -rīsus: laugh at; mock, 4
dōnec: until, 5
ēbulliō, -īre: to bubble up; breathe out, 2
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
gladius, -iī m.: sword, 3
lanius, -iī m.: butcher
lancea, -ae f.: lance, spear
lapideus, -a, -um: of stone, 3
lārva, -ae f.: skeleton; ghost; 3
lupus, -ī m.: wolf, 3
Melissa, -ae f.: Melissa (name), 2
morior, morī, mortuus sum: to die, 5
paene: almost, 7
1 prīmitus: at first
ubi essem: ind. question, 1s impf. subj. sum
2 ut…tollerem: so that…; purpose clause
with impf. subj.
lapidea: nom. pred. after pf. pass. faciō
quī morī: Who was dying; an historical dep.
inf. of morior with quī as nom. subject
3 timōre: because of…, out of…; abl. cause
4 cecīdī: 1s pf. of caedō (note: cecidī with
short –i is pf. of cadō)
dōnec…pervenīrem: until…; governs a
subj. when expressing purpose or
expectation
Ut: as…, when…
lārva: just as a ghost
5 animam (meam) ēbullīvī: i.e. I almost died
83
pecus, pecoris f.: herd, 2
percellō, -ere, perculī, perculsum: to strike
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
prīmitus, -a, -um: first (fruits); beginning, 2
reficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectus: to renew, restore, 2
saltem: at least
sanguen (sanguis), sanguinis n.: blood, 3
sērō: late
silva, -ae f.: woods
stringō, -ere, strīnxī, strictum: to draw out, 4
sūdor, sūdōris m.: sweat, 2
timor, timōris m.: fear
trāiciō, -icere, -iēcī, -iectum: to pierce, 3
umbra, -ae f.: shadow
via, -ae f.: street, road, path, 2
vīlla, -ae f.: villa, estate, 4
vix: hardly, scarcely, 5
volō (1): to fly, 3
mihi: dat. of interest or possession
oculī (erant) mortuī: add linking verb
6 refectus sum: pf. pass. reficiō, ‘recover’
quod…ambulārem: because…; quod _
subj. of alleged cause (from a character’s
rather than speaker’s point of view)
7 Sī vēnissēs, adiūtā(vi)ssēs: if you had…,
you would have…; past contrary to fact (sī
plpf. subj., plpf. subj.)
9 illīs: their; ‘of those’ dat. of possession
mīsit: let...go; i.e. let flow
etiam sī: even if…; concessive
10 lanceā: abl. of means
eius: i.e. the wolf’s; gen. sg. is, ea, id
ut: as…
 Cena Trimalchionis 63

audīvī, operīre oculōs amplius nōn potuī, sed lūce clārā Gāī nostrī 1
domum fūgī tanquam cōpō compīlātus, et postquam vēnī in illum
locum, in quō lapidea vestīmenta erant facta, nihil invēnī nisi
sanguinem. Ut vērō domum vēnī, iacēbat mīles meus in lectō
tanquam bovis, et collum illīus medicus cūrābat. Intellēxī illum 5
versipellem esse, nec posteā cum illō pānem gustāre potuī, nōn sī
mē occīdissēs. Vīderint aliī quid dē hōc exopīnissent; ego sī
mentior, geniōs vestrōs īrātōs habeam.” 63. Attonitīs admīrātiōne
ūniversīs “Salvō” inquit “tuō sermōne” Trimalchio “sī qua fidēs
est, ut mihi pilī inhorruērunt, quia sciō Nicerōnem nihil nūgārum 10

admīrātiō, -ōnis f.: admiration, 3 lapideus, -a, -um: of stone, 3

amplius: more, longer; further, 6
attonō, -āre, -uī, attonitus: to thunder at
audiō, -īre, -ivī, audītus: to hear, listen to, 5
bōs (bovis), bovis m.: ox, cow; cattle, 6
clārus, -a, -um: clear, distinguished, 3
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
compīlō (1): to pillage, rob
cōpō (caupō), cōpōnis m.: innkeeper, 3
exopīnissō (1): to think
fidēs, fideī f.: trust, credibility (reputation), 4
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
iaceō, -ēre, iacuī: to lie, 6
inhorreō, -ēre, -uī: shudder, bristle
intellegō, -ere, -lēxī: to understand, realize, 5
īrātus, -a, -um: angry, 2
1 lūce clārā: i.e. in the daylight; abl. time
when
Gaī nostrī: of our Gaius; the former
dominus of Niceros and Trimachio. Gaius
Pompeius
2 domum: to….; acc. place to which
3 erant facta: facta erant; 3p plpf. pass.
4 Ut: as…, when…
domum: to….; acc. place to which
5 illīus: gen. sg. ille
illum…esse: that that one…; ind. disc., sum
6 potuī: 1s pf. possum
nōn sī…occīdissēs: not if…had…; protasis
of a past contrary to fact (sī plpf. subj., plpf.
lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6
lūx, lūcis f.: light, daylight, 2
mentior, -īrī, mentītus: to lie, 5
mīles, mīlitis m.: soldier, 2
Nīceros, -ōtis m.: Niceros (name), 3
nūgae, -ārum f.: nonsense, trifles, jokes, 3
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
operiō, -īre, -uī, opertum: to cover, hide, 2
pilus, -ī m.: hair (something of no value), 2
posteā: afterwards, 4
salvus, -a, -um: safe, intact, sound, 5
sanguen (sanguis), sanguinis n.: blood, 3
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
ūniversus, -a, -um: entire, all, 2
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
versipellis, -is m.: shapeshifter; werewolf
vester, vestra, vestrum: your, 5
subj.) with a suppressed apodosis
7 Vīderint: let…; 3p pf. jussive subj.
quid…exopīnissent: ind. question with
pres. subj. exopīnissō
8 habeam: May…; 1s subj. of wish (optative)
Attonitīs…ūniversīs: abl. abs.
9 Salvō…sermōne: your story (being) sound;
abl. abs., subject and predicate: supply pple;
The abs. may be concessive: ‘although the
story…’
9 qua: any; qua is indefinite after sī
10 ut…: how…!; in exclamation
mihi: my; dat. of possession

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 Werewolves, Witches, and Guard Dogs

nārrāre: immō certus est et minimē linguōsus. Nam et ipse vōbīs 1

rem horribilem nārrābō: asinus in tēgulīs. Cum adhūc capillātus
essem, nam ā puerō vītam Chiam gessī, ipsimī nostrī dēlicātus
dēcessit, meherculēs margarītum, zacrītus et omnium numerum.
Cum ergō illum māter misella plangeret et nōs tum plūrēs in 5
tristimōniō essēmus, subitō strigae strīdere coepērunt; putārēs
canem lepōrem persequī. Habēbāmus tunc hominem Cappadocem,
longum, valdē audāculum et quī valēbat: poterat bovem īrātum
tollere. Hic audācter strictō gladiō extrā ōstium prōcucurrit,
involūtā sinistrā manū cūriōsē, et mulierem tanquam hōc locō— 10

asinus, -ī m.: ass, donkey, 2 margarīta, -ae f. (margaritum, -ī n.): pearl, 3

audācter: boldly, confidently, rashly, 2
audāculus, -a, -um: a little bold
bōs (bovis), bovis m.: ox, cow; cattle, 6
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
Cappadox, -ocis m.: Cappadocian , 2
Chius, -a, -um: Chian (shameless)
cūriōsus, -a, -um: careful, diligent, 3
dēcēdō, -ere, -cessī, -cessus: to depart, die, 2
dēlicātus, -a, -um: pleasureable, delightful;
pleasure-seeking, indulgent; pet (=dēliciae), 3
extrā: outside, beyond, 3
gerō, -ere, gessī, gestus: carry on, conduct
gladius, -iī m.: sword, 3
horribilis, -e: dreadful, horrible
involvō, -ere, -volvī, -volūtus: to roll, wrap, 4
ipsimus, -ī m.: master, owner, 3
īrātus, -a, -um: angry, 2
lepus, leporis m.: rabbit, hare, 3
linguōsus, -a, -um: talkative, chatty, 2
1 certus: reliable
Nam et: indeed…also
vōbīs: dat. ind. obj., vōs
2 asinus in tēgulīs: i.e a story that astonishes
others (i.e. how did the donkey get there?)
Cum…essem: impf. subj. sum
3 ā puerō: from boyhood
vītam Chiam: Chios is an Greek island,
here synonymous with shameless living.
ipsimī nostrī: gen. sg.; the master shared
by Niceros: Gaius Pompeius
dēlicātus: the favorite; a term for the
favored boy of the master
4 dēcessit: i.e. from life; a common idiom
omnium numerum: complete in all
85
māter, mātris f.: mother, 3
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
misellus, -a, -um: poor, wretched, 2
numerus, -ī m.: number, amount; perfect, 4
ōstium, ōstiī n.: door, 2
persequor, -ī, persecūtus sum: to follow, 4
plangō, -ere, plānxī, planctus: to wail, 2
prōcurrō, -ere, -cucurrī: to run (forward), 2
sinister, -a, -um: left, 3
strīdō, -ere: to screech, make a shrill noise
striga, -ae f.: witch, 2
stringō, -ere, strīnxī, strictum: to draw out, 4
tēgula, -ae f.: roof-tile, tile
tristimōnium, -ī n.: sadness, grief
tum: then, at that time, 5
tunc: then, at that time, 7
valeō, -ēre, valuī: fare well, be strong (as), 5
vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
zacrītus, -a, -um: excellent (Grk. diacritos)
respects; ‘a part of all’
5 Cum…plangeret: cum clause with impf.
subj.; beating one’s chest was a common
part of the mourning process.
illum: i.e. the favorite
māter misella: (his)…; i.e. the favorite’s
plūrēs: many; comparative of multus
6 essēmus: 1p impf. subj. sum
putārēs: you would…; impf. subj. contrary
to fact (past potential)
poterat: impf. possum
9 strictō gladiō: abl. abs.
10 involūtā…cūriōsē: abl. abs. i.e. as a shield
(in) hōc lōcō: Trimalchio points to a place
on his body.
 Cena Trimalchionis 63-4

salvum sit, quod tangō—mediam trāiēcit. Audīmus gemitum, et— 1

plānē nōn mentiar—ipsās nōn vīdimus. Bāro autem noster
intrōversus sē prōiēcit in lectum, et corpus tōtum līvidum habēbat
quasi flagellīs caesus, quia scīlicet illum tetigerat mala manus. Nōs
clūsō ōstiō redīmus iterum ad officium, sed dum māter amplexāret 5
corpus fīliī suī, tangit et videt manuciolum dē strāmentīs factum.
Nōn cor habēbat, nōn intestīna, nōn quicquam: scīlicet iam puerum
strigae involāverant et supposuerant strāmentīcium vavatōnem.
Rogō vōs, oportet crēdātis, sunt mulierēs plūssciae, sunt nocturnae,
et quod sursum est, deorsum faciunt. Cēterum bāro ille longus post 10

amplexor, -ārī: to embrace, hug mentior, -īrī, mentītus: to lie, 5

audiō, -īre, -ivī, audītus: to hear, listen to, 5
bāro, -ōnis m.: blockhead, simpleton, 3
caedō, -ere, cecīdī, caesus: to strike; kill, 3
claudō, -ere, -sī, -sus (clūsus): to close off, 2
cor, cordis n. heart, 3
corpus, corporis n.: body, 5
deorsum: downward, down, 2
fīlius, -iī m.: son, 5
flagellum, -ī n.: whip, 3
gemitus, -ūs m.: groaning; groan
intestīnum, -ī n. (intestīna, -ae): intestines, 3
intrōversus: inwards
involō (1): to rush and carry off, fly in, 3
iterum: again, 3
lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6
līvidus, -a, -um: bluish, black and blue
manuciolum, -ī m.: small bundle
māter, mātris f.: mother, 3
1 salvum sit, quod tangō: May (this place)
which I touch be safe; 3s subj. of wish
(optative) sum; Through superstition,
Trimalchio wishes to avert receiving the
same wound that he is talking about.
mediam: in the middle; with mulierem
2 mentiar: 1s fut. dep.
ipsās (strigās): intensive, supply ‘witches’
3 intrōversus: i.e. into the house
4 tetigerat: plpf. tangō
5 clūsō ōstiō: abl. abs., PPP claudō
redīmus: pf. redeō
ad officium: i.e. mourning for the dēlicātus
who had recently died
nocturnus, -a, -um: nocturnal, 3
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
ōstium, ōstiī n.: door, 2
plūsscius, -a, -um: rather wise, wiser
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
quasi: as if, 3
quisquam, quicquam: someone, anyone, 2
redeō, -īre, -iī: to go back, 3
salvus, -a, -um: safe, intact, 5
strāmenticius, a-, -um: made of straw
strāmentum, -ī n.: straw, bedding, 2
striga, -ae f.: witch, 2
suppōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to put up,
substitute, 2
sursum (susum): upward, from below, 3
tangō, -ere, tetigī, tāctus: to touch, 7
trāiciō, -icere, -iēcī, -iectum: to pierce, 3
vavatō, -ōnis m.: ??; doll, puppet
Dum…amplexāret: while…; impf. subj.
amplexor, which is here act., not dep.
6 fīliī suī: i.e. of the deceased, the dēlicātus
7 quicquam: anything; neut. sg. indefinite
9 oportet (ut) crēdātis: it is fitting that…;
oportet governs acc. + inf. but in later Latin
can accompany ut + subj. or just a subj.; 2p
pres. subj. crēdō
sunt: Add strigae as subject.
10 Quod…est: what…; ‘(that) which…’ the
missing antecedent is obj. of faciunt
faciunt: make (x)(y); governs a double acc.
(obj. and pred.)
longus: tall

86
 Werewolves, Witches, and Guard Dogs

hoc factum nunquam colōris suī fuit, immō post paucōs diēs 1
phrenēticus periit.” 64. Mīrāmur nōs et pariter crēdimus,
ōsculātīque mēnsam rogāmus Nocturnās, ut suīs sē teneant, dum
redīmus ā cēnā. Et sānē iam lucernae mihi plūrēs vidēbantur ārdēre
tōtumque trīclīnium esse mūtātum, cum Trimalchio, “tibi dīcō,” 5
inquit, “Plocame, nihil nārrās? Nihil nōs dēlectāris? Et solēbās
suāvius esse, canturīre bellē dēverbia, adicere melicam. Heu heu,
abīstis, dulcēs cāricae.” “Iam,” inquit ille, “quadrīgae meae
dēcucurrērunt, ex quō podagricus factus sum. Aliōquīn cum essem
adulēscentulus, cantandō paene tisicus factus sum. Quid saltāre? 10

abeō, -īre, -iī, abitum: to go away, 5 nocturnus, -a, -um: nocturnal, 3

adulēscentulus, -ī m.: young man, 2
aliōquīn: in other respects; besides, else, 6
ārdeō, -ēre, ārsī, ārsum: to burn, be on fire, 3
canturiō, -īre: to recite (in song)
cārica, -ae f.: dried fig, Carian fig
color, colōris m.: color
dēcurrō, -ere, -cucurrī: to run its course
dēlector, -ārī, dēlectātus sum: to delight, 5
dēverbium, -iī n.: spoken lines of a play
(without musical accompaniment), 2
dulcis, -e: sweet, pleasant, 3
heu: alas, oh, 5
melica, -ae f.: a lyric song/poem
mūtō (1): to change, exchange, 3
1 colōris suī: of the same complexion; ‘of his
own color,’ gen. of description as pred.
3 ōsculātīque mēnsam: pf. dep. pple:
translate ‘having Xed;’ this act is intended t
to ward off evil
Nocturnās: Night-riders; i.e. the witches
ut…teneant: that…; ind. command with
pres. subj.; the Nocturnae are the subject
suīs: in their own (homes)
4 mihi: to…; dat. of reference (viewpoint)
plūrēs: comparative adj.s multus
vidēbantur: seemed; impf. videor, ‘seem’
5 tōtumque trīclīnium (vidēbātur) esse
mūtātum: supply verb; mūtātum esse is a
pf. pass. inf. following vidēbantur
6 Plocame: voc. dir. address
nihil…dēlectāris: Are you not at all…?;
nihil is an inner acc.
7 suāvius: a more agreeable (creature); a
neut.—not masculine—comparative adj.
87
ōsculor, -ārī, ōsculātus sum: to kiss, 3
paene: almost, 7
pariter: equally, together, side by side, 3
paucī, -ae, -a: few
pereō, -īre, -iī, peritūs: to perish, 4
phrenēticus, -a, -um: mad, frantic
Plocamus, -ī m.: Plocamus (name)
podagricus, -a, -um: struck with gout
quadrīgae, -ārum f.: team of four horses
redeō, -īre, -iī: to go back, 3
saltō (1): to dance, 4
sānē: soberly, sensibly; to be sure, indeed, 5
tisicus (phthisicus), -a, -um: consumptive
canturīre, adicere: governed by solēbās
bellē: adv. of bellus
dēverbia: These are dialogues in plays that
are not accompanied by instruments during
the performance.
8 abīstis: you have…; 2s present pf., abeō
dulcēs cāricae: voc. dir. address;
Trimalchio may be quoting a work and
suggesting that the feast has passed its high
point and the best times are behind them.
ille: i.e. Plocamus
quadrīgae..dēcucurrērunt: i.e. my best
times have passed by
9 ex quō (tempore): from which (time)
cum essem: when…; cum clause with 1s
impf. subj. sum
10 cantandō: abl. means of a gerund (-ing)
Quid saltāre: What (about) dancing?;
The infinitive is here a substantive.
 Cena Trimalchionis 64

Quid dēverbia? Quid tonstrīnum? Quandō parem habuī nisi ūnum 1

Apellētem?” Appositāque ad ōs manū nesciō quid taetrum
exsībilāvit, quod posteā Graecum esse affirmābat. Nec nōn
Trimalchio ipse cum tubicinēs esset imitātus, ad dēliciās suās
respexit, quem Croesum appellābat. Puer autem lippus, 5
sordidissimīs dentibus, catellam nigram atque indecenter pinguem
prasinā involvēbat fasciā pānemque sēmissem pōnēbat super torum
atque hāc nauseā recūsantem sagīnābat. Quō admonitus officiī
Trimalchio Scylacem iussit addūcī “praesidium domūs
familiaeque.” Nec mora, ingentis fōrmae adductus est canis catēnā 10

addūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to lead, bring, 4
admoneō, -ēre, -monuī, -monitus: to
admonish, remind of (gen.), 3
affirmō (1): to strengthen, support, assert
Apellēs, -is, or, -itis m.: Apelles (name)
appellō (1): to call (by name), name, 5
appōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positum: place, put
catella, -ae f.: puppy (female), 4
catēna, -ae f.: chain, fetter, 2
Croesus, -ī m.: Croesus (name), 2
dēlicia, -ae f.: pleasure, delight,; pl. favorite, 4
dēns, dentis m.: tooth, 7
dēverbium, -iī n.: spoken lines of a play
(without musical accompaniment), 2
exsībilō (1): to hiss out
fascia, -ae f.: band, fillet; rank, pedigree, 3
fōrma, -ae f.: shape; beauty, 2
Graecus, -a, -um: Greek, 3
imitor, -ārī, imitātus sum: to imitate, 6
indecenter: improperly, unfittingly, 2
involvō, -ere, -volvī, -volūtus: to roll, wrap, 4
1 Quid…?: What (about)…?
tonstrīnum: What (about)…?
parem: an equal; a substantive
nisi ūnum…: except one (man), Apelles
2 Appositā…manū: abl. abs.
nesciō quid: something; ‘I-do-not-know-
what’ ’ is used as an indefinite pronoun
3 Graecum: i.e. in the Greek language
Nec nōn: and also, and likewise
4 cum…esset imitātus: after…; cum clause
with plpf. dep. imitor
dēliciās suās: his favorite; translate as sg.: a
young male slave that Trimalchio favors
5 appellābat: governs a double acc.
88
lippus, -a, -um: bleary eyed, 2
mora, -ae f.: delay, 4
nausea, -ae f.: nausea, illness, 2
niger, nigra, nigrum: black, 4
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
ōs, ōris n.: mouth, face, 4
pār, paris: equal, like (+dat.), 3
pinguis, -e: fat. thick, dense, 3
posteā: afterwards, 4
praesidium, -iī n.: protection
prasinus, -a, -um: leek-green, 3
quandō: when, since, 4
recūsō (1): to refuse, reject
sagīnō (1): to cram, stuff; fatten
Scylax, -ācis m.: Scylax (name of a dog), 3
sēmis, sēmissis: half, one half, 2
sordidus, -a, -um: dirty
taeter, -tra, -trum: repulsive, vile, hideous, 4
tonstrīnum, (-einum), -ī n.: barber’s craft, 2
torus, -ī m.: couch, bed, 4
tubicen, -inis m.: trumpeter, 2
6 sordidissimīs dentibus: with…; abl. of
quality modifying puer
7 prasinā fasciā: abl. means; perhaps in
support of the Green faction
8 hāc nauseā: because of…; abl. cause
(catellam) recūsantem: pres. pple, supply
the missing acc. sg. noun
Quō: by this; a connective relative
officiī: of his duty; gen. obj. of PPP
9 Scylacem: scylax is also Greek for ‘puppy’
praesidium…: in apposition to Scylacem,
domūs: 4th decl. gen. sg.
10 Nec mora (est): and (there is)…
ingentis fōrmae: of…; gen. of description
 Werewolves, Witches, and Guard Dogs

vīnctus, admonitusque ōstiāriī calce, ut cubāret, ante mēnsam sē 1

posuit. Tum Trimalchio iactāns candidum pānem “nēmō,” inquit,
“in domō meā mē plūs amat.” Indignātus puer, quod Scylacem tam
effūsē laudāret, catellam in terram dēposuit hortātusque est, ut ad
rixam properāret. Scylax, canīnō scīlicet ūsus ingeniō, taeterrimō 5
lātrātū trīclīnium implēvit Margarītamque Croesī paene lacerāvit.
Nec intrā rixam tumultus cōnstitit, sed candēlābrum etiam super
mēnsam ēversum et vāsa omnia crystallina comminuit et oleō
ferventī aliquot convīvās respersit. Trimalchio nē vidērētur iactūrā
mōtus, bāsiāvit puerum ac iussit super dorsum ascendere suum. 10

admoneō, -ēre, -monuī, -monitus: to
admonish, remind, 3
aliquot: some, several, 7
ascendō, -ere, ascendī, ascēnsus: to ascend
bāsiō (1): to kiss, 5
calx, calcis f.: heel; kick, 2
candēlābrum (-us) -ī n.: candlestand, 2
candidus, -a, -um: white, 3
canīnus, -a, -um: of a dog, canine, 3
catella, -ae f.: puppy (female), 4
comminuō, -ere, -minuī: break into pieces
cōnsistō, -ere, -stitī: to stand still, stop, 5
Croesus, -ī m.: Croesus (name), 2
crystallinus, -a, -um: made of crystal/glass, 2
cubō, -āre, cubuī, cubitum: to recline
dēpōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to put down
dorsum, -ī n.: the back
effūsē: freely, immoderately, overflowingly
ēvertō, -ere, -vertī, -versus: to overturn
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
hortor, -ārī, hortātus sum: urge, encourage
iactō (1): to throw, cast; boast, (cast words), 3
iactūra, -ae f.: loss, sacrifice, 3
1 ōstiāriī calce: by a kick from the door-man
ut cubāret: that…; ind. question, impf.
3 plūs: comparative adv., multus
quod…laudāret: because…; impf. subj. of
alleged cause (from a character’s rather than
speaker’s point of view)
4 in terram: onto…
hortātus est: pf. dep. hortor
ut…properāret: that…; ind. command
with impf. subj.
5 canīnō…ingeniō: abl. obj. of pple ūsus
ūsus: pf. dep. pple ūtor + abl.; translate as
89
impleō, -ēre, implēvī, implētus: to fill up, 3
indignor, -ārī, -ātus sum: to be indignant,
angry
ingenium, -iī n.: nature, disposition, ability, 2
intrā: within, 5
lacerō (1): to tear up, lacerate, 5
lātrātus, -ūs m.: barking; baying
laudō (1): to praise, 7
margarīta, -ae f. (margaritum, -ī n.): pearl, 3
moveō, -ēre, mōvī, mōtus: to move, 4
oleum, -ī n.: oil, olive oil
ōstiārius, -ī m.: door-keeper, porter , 5
paene: almost, 7
properō (1): to hasten
respergō, -ere, -spersī: to sprinkle over
rixa, -ae f.: quarrel, brawl, 4
Scylax, -ācis m.: Scylax (name of a dog), 3
taeter, -tra, -trum: repulsive, vile, hideous, 4
tum: then, at that time, 5
tumultus, -ūs m.: tumult, confusion, 3
ūtor, ūtī, ūsus sum: use, make use of (abl.), 2
vās (vāsum, vāsus), -ī n.: vase, 4
vinciō, -īre, vīnxī, vīnctum: to tie up, bind, 3
‘having Xed’
taeterrimō: superlative adj. with lātrātū
6 Margarītam Croesī: Croesus’ Margarita;
the name of Croesus’ obese puppy, we now
learn, is Margarita, ‘Pearl’
7 sed…etiam: but also…
candēlābrum: a tall lamp-stand
8 vāsa omnia crystallina: neut. pl. acc. obj.
oleō ferventī: with…; abl. means; ferventī
is a pres. pple: abl. sg. 3rd-decl. i-stem adj.
9 nē vidērētur: so that... seem; neg. purpose
10 super dorsum…suum: onto…
 Cena Trimalchionis 65

Nōn mōrātus ille ūsus est equō manūque plēnā scapulās eius 1
subinde verberāvit, interque rīsum prōclāmāvit; “Bucca, bucca,
quot sunt hīc?” repressus ergō aliquamdiū Trimalchio camellam
grandem iussit miscērī…pōtiōnēs dīvidī omnibus servīs, quī ad
pedēs sedēbant, adiectā exceptiōne: “Sī quis,” inquit, “nōluerit 5
accipere, caput illī perfunde. Interdiū sevēra, nunc hilaria.” 65.
Hanc hūmānitātem īnsecūtae sunt matteae, quārum etiam
recordātio mē, sī qua est dīcentī fidēs, offendit. Singulae enim
gallīnae altilēs prō turdīs circumlātae sunt et ōva ānserīna pilleāta,
quae ut comessēmus, ambitiōsissimē ā nōbīs Trimalchio petiit 10

aliquamdiū: for some time, for a while
altilis, -e: fattened, fat; subst. fattened bird, 4
ambitiōsus, -a, -um: insistent, ingratiating
ānserīnus, -a, -um: of a goose
bucca, -ae f.: mouth, cheek; cheekful, 5
camella, -ae f.: bowl, goblet
dīvidō, -ere, dīvīsī, dīvīsus: to divide, 4
equus, -ī m.: horse, 2
exceptiō, -ōnis f.: exception, limitation
fidēs, fideī f.: trust, credibility (reputation), 4
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
grandis, grande: full-grown; large, 5
hilaris, -e: cheerful, merry, 4
hūmānitās, -ātis f.: kindness, 2
īnsequor, -ī, īnsecūtus sum: to follow after, 5
interdiū: by day
mattea, -ae f.: delicacy, savoury, 2
misceō, -ēre, miscuī, mixtus: mix, mingle, 2
moror, -ārī, morātus sum: to delay, 3
1 mōrātus: pf. dep pple: ‘having Xed’
equō: (his) horse; i.e. Trimalchio; obj. of
ūsus est
eius: gen. sg. is, ea, id
2 Bucca…hīc: A phrase apparently used in a
child’s game where a blindfolded player is
asked how many fingers others are pressing
against her cheek.
4 omnibus servīs: among…; dat. ind. obj.
ad pedēs: near…
5 adiectā exceptiōne: abl. abs.
Sī quis…nōluerit accipere (vinum),
perfunde: if anyone…; variation of a future
more vivid condition (sī fut. (pf.), fut.) but
with an imperative in the apodosis; translate
the fut. pf. nōlō as pres. with fut. sense and
90
offendō, -ere, -dī: to displease, vex, upset, 3
perfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: pour on, soak, 3
petō, petere, peti(v)ī: to seek, head for, 4
pilleātus -a -um: wearing a cap of freedom, 4
plēnus, -a, -um: full, 5
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
prōclāmō (1): to cry out; declare, 5
quot: how many, as many as, 2
recordātiō, -ōnis f.: recollection
reprimō, -ere, -pressī, -pressus: to restrain
scapulae, ārum, f: shoulder-blades
sedeō, -ēre, sēdī, sessus: to sit, 4
sevērus, -a, -um: serious, severe
singulī, -ae, -a: individual, one by one, 5
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
turdus, -ī m.: thrush (bird), 3
ūtor, ūtī, ūsus sum: use, make use of (abl.), 2
verberō (1): to whip, flog, beat, 2
supply vīnum as object
6 illī: that one’s; dat. of possession
interdiū sevēra, nunc hilaria: Neuter pl.
substantives expressing yet another maxim.
The recent mention of lamps suggests that
evening is approaching.
7 matteae: a dish following the main course
7 quārum: of which; objective gen. with
recordātio
8 qua: any; indefinite adj. modifying fidēs
dīcentī: pres. pple. and dat. of possession
9 prō turdīs: in place of…
10 ut comessēmus: that…; ind. command
with impf. subj. comedō following petiit
ambitiōsissimē: superlative adv.
ā nōbis: from…
 Habinnas Crashes the Party

dīcēns exossātās esse gallīnās. Inter haec trīclīniī valvās līctor 1

percussit, amictusque veste albā cum ingentī frequentiā cōmissātor
intrāvit. Ego maiestāte conterritus praetōrem putābam vēnisse.
Itaque temptāvī assurgere et nūdōs pedēs in terram dēferre. Rīsit
hanc trepidātiōnem Agamemnōn et “Continē tē,” inquit, “homō 5
stultissime. Habinnās sēvir est īdemque lapidārius, quī vidētur
monumenta optimē facere.” Recreātus hōc sermōne reposuī
cubitum, Habinnamque intrantem cum admiratīōne ingentī
spectābam. Ille autem iam ēbrius uxōris suae umerīs imposuerat
manūs, onerātusque aliquot corōnīs et unguentō per frontem in 10

admīrātiō, -ōnis f.: admiration, 3 māiestās, -ātis f.: greatness; majesty

albus, -a, -um: white, 6
aliquot: some, several, 7
amiciō, -īre, -uī, amictus: cover, clothe
assurgō, -ere, -surrēxī, -surrēctus: rise up
cōmissātor, -is m.: fellow partygoer, reveler
conterreō, -ēre, -uī, -itus: to frighten, terrify
contineō, -ēre, continuī: to contain, restrain, 4
corōna, -ae f.: crown, wreath, 5
cubitum, -ī n.: elbow, 3
dēferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: put down, 2
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
exossō (1): to deprive of bones, debone
frequentia, -ae f.: crowd, throng, 2
frōns, frōntis f.: forehead, brow, 5
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
lapidārius, -ī m.: stone mason
līctor, -ōris m.: lictor, attendant (of a sēvir)
1 exossātās esse…: that…; ind. disc. with pf.
pass. inf.
līctor: lictor; the dinner is interrupted by
new guests, led into the room by the lictor,
bodyguard, who knocks on the door
2 ingentī: abl. sg. 3rd-decl. i-stem adj. ingēns
cōmmissātor: called ‘Habinnās’ below
3 praetōrem vēnisse: that…; ind. disc. with
pf. inf. governed by putābam
4 in terram: onto…
monumentum, -ī n.: memorial, monument, 7
nūdus, -a, -um: nude, bare, 4
onerō (1): to weigh down, load; stow, 5
optimus, -a, -um: best, excellent; very well, 5
percutiō, -ere, -cussī: to strike; stun, 4
praetor, praetoris m.: praetor
recreō (1): to relieve, revive, renew
repōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to put back
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
sēvir, -ī m.: One of the Six, Augustan priest, 3
spectō (1): to look at, 6
stultus, -a, -um: foolish
temptō (1): to try, 3
trepidātiō, -ōnis f.: trepidation, anxiety
umerus, -ī m.: shoulder
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
valvae, ārum f.: pair of folding doors
vestis, -is f.: clothing, 2
5 continē: sg. imperative
homo stultissime: voc. dir. address
6 īdemque: and likewise; ‘and the same’
vidētur: is seen; i.e. has a reputation for
7 optimē: superlative adv., bonus
reposuī cubitum: i.e. reclined again
9 uxōris suae: gen. sg.
umerīs: on…; dat. of compound verb
10 unguentō…fluente: abl. abs.
per frontem: down over his forehead

91
 Cena Trimalchionis 66

oculōs fluente praetōriō locō sē posuit continuōque vīnum et 1

caldam poposcit. Dēlectātus hāc Trimalchio hilaritāte et ipse
capāciōrem poposcit scyphum quaesīvitque quōmodo acceptus
esset. “Omnia,” inquit, “habuimus praeter tē; oculī enim meī hīc
erant. Et meherculēs bene fuit. Scissa lautum novendiāle servō suō 5
misellō faciēbat, quem mortuum manū mīserat. Et putō, cum
vicensimāriīs magnam mantissam habet; quīnquāgintā enim
mīllibus aestimant mortuum. Sed tamen suāviter fuit, etiam sī
coāctī sumus dīmidiās pōtiōnēs super ossucula eius effundere.” 66.
“Tamen,” inquit Trimalchio, “quid habuistis in cēnā?” “Dīcam,” 10

aestimō (1): to value, appraise, estimate
caldus (calidus), -a, -um: hot, hot water, 5
capāx, -ācis: spacious
cōgō, cogere, coēgī, coāctus: compel, force, 2
continuō: immediately, continuously, 4
dēlector, -ārī, dēlectātus sum: to delight, 5
dīmidius, -a, -um: half, halved
fluō, -ere, flūxī, fluxus: to flow
hīc: here, 6
hilaritās, -ātis f.: cheerfulness, merriment, 4
lautus, -a, -um: splendid; washed, clean, 3
mantissa, -ae f.: ??; deal, fuss, trouble
mīlle: 1000, 5
1 praetōriō locō: in the praetorian position;
i.e the lowest position on the middle couch
2 caldam (aquam): hot water
hāc: wth hilaritāte
et: also
3 quōmodo…esset: how…; ind. question
with plpf. pass. subj.
4 oculī…hīc erant: i.e. I was imagining that I
was here with you.
5 bene fuit: it was fine
5 lautum novendiāle (epulum): a splendid
ninth-day (feast); a dinner celebrated on the
ninth day after a funeral
servō suao misellō: for…; dat. interest
misellus, -a, -um: poor, wretched, 2
novendiālis, -e: of 9 days; n. 9th day (feast)
ossiculum (ossuculum), -ī n.: small bone
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
praeter: beyond; except, 3
praetōrius, -a, -um: praetorian
quaerō, -ere, quaesīvī: to seek or ask (for), 5
quīnquāgintā: fifty
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
Scissa, -ae f.: Scissa (name)
scyphus, -ī m.: scyphus (deep drinking cup), 4
vīcēnsimārius, -ī m.: tax-collector (5% fee)
6 manū mīserat: she had manumitted; ‘had
sent from her power,’ abl. of separation
cum vicensimāriīs: with the tax-collectors;
There was a 5% tax paid for manumission.
Freedmen often paid this fee, but since this
slave was dead, Scissa was called to pay it.
7 quīnquāgintā mīllibus: for 50,000
sesterces; abl. of price
8 suāviter fuit: it was agreeable
etiam sī: even if…; concessive in sense
9 super ossucula eius: a wine offering to
commemorate the dead
10 Dīcam: 1s fut.

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 Habinnas Crashes the Party

inquit, “sī potuerō; nam tam bonae memoriae sum, ut frequenter 1

nōmen meum oblīvīscar. Habuimus tamen in prīmō porcum pōculō
corōnātum et circā saviunculum et gizeria optimē facta et certē
bētam et pānem autopȳrum dē suō sibi, quem ego mālō quam
candidum; et vīrēs facit, et cum meā rē [causā] faciō, nōn plōrō. 5
Sequēns ferculum fuit scriblīta frīgida et super mel caldum
īnfūsum excellente Hispānum. Itaque dē scriblītā quidem nōn
minimum ēdī, dē melle mē usque tetigī. Circā cicer et lupīnum,
calvae arbitrātū et māla singula. Ego tamen duo sustulī et ecce in
mappā alligātā habeō; nam sī aliquid mūneris meō vernulae nōn 10

alligō (1): to tie/fasten to; bind to, 4
arbitrātus, -ūs, m: choice, selection; decision
autopȳrus, -a, -um: wholemeal
bēta, -ae f.: beet; beta (alphabet letter), 2
caldus (calidus), -a, -um: hot, hot water, 5
calva, -ae f.: hazelnut, nut; bald head
candidus, -a, -um: white, 3
causa, -ae f.: cause, reason; legal case, 5
cicer, -eris, n: chickpea, 2
corōnō (1): to crown, surround
edō, ēsse, ēdī, ēsus: to eat, 2
excellēns, -entis: surpassing; beautiful, 2
frequenter: frequently, 2
frīgidus, -a, -um: cool, cold, 4
gizēria, -ōrum n.: gizzards, giblets
Hispānus, -a, -um: Spanish
īnfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: to pour upon, 4
lupīnus, -ī m.: lupin (bean)
1 …sī potuerō: a fut. more vivid condition (sī
fut. (pf.), fut.): translate fut. pf. possum as
pres. with fut. sense
bonae memoriae: of…; gen. of description
as pred.
ut…oblīvīscar: that…; result clause with 1s
pres. subj.; a little sarcasm from Habinnas
2 in prīmō pōculō…corōnātum: i.e. the first
serving of wine cups ringed the first dish
3 circā: around (it)
optimē…et certē: superlative adv., bonus
and positive adv. certus, ‘reliable’
4 dē suō sibi: either (1) from their own
(household) for themselves; i.e. homemade
or more likely (2) pure; ‘(made) from its
own self for itself’
quam: rather than…; clause of comparison
93
mālum, -ī n.: apple; fruit, 2
mappa, -ae f.: napkin, handkerchief, 3
mel, mellis n.: honey, 6
memoria, -ae f.: memory, 3
minimus, -a, -um: least, smallest, 6
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
optimus, -a, -um: best, excellent; very well, 5
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
pōculum, -ī n.: drinking-cup, 3
saviunculum, -ī n.: honeyed cake
scriblīta, -ae f.: a tart, 3
singulī, -ae, -a: individual, one by one, 5
tangō, -ere, tetigī, tāctus: to touch; moisten, 7
usque: up to, continuously, 6
vernula, -ae, m/f.: little home-born slave
vīs, vis f.: force; pl. vīrēs, strength
candidum (panem): supply noun
5 vīrēs facit: it gives you strength; pl. vīs
meā rē facere: I relieve myself; ‘to act in
my own interest,’ a euphemism; meā rē is
an abl. of cause; see also p. 47
6 Sequēns ferculum: i.e. the second dish;
neut sg. pres. pple sequor modifies ferculum
7 īnfūsum: PPP modifying Hispānum vīnum
excellente Hispānum (vīnum): add noun
8 minimum: superlative, parvus
mē usque tetigī: I lavished myself
continously; pf. tangō, synonymous with
tingō, ‘wet, imbue, dye’
circā: around (them)
9 arbitrātū: by choice; i.e. a choice of nuts
10 habeō: supply duo as object
aliquid mūneris: some of a gift; partitive
 Cena Trimalchionis 66-7

tulerō, habēbō convīcium. Bene mē admonet domina mea. In 1

prōspectū habuimus ursīnae frustum, dē quō cum imprūdēns
Scintilla gustāsset, paene intestīna sua vomuit; ego contrā plūs
lībram comēdī, nam ipsum aprum sapiēbat. Et sī, inquam, ursus
homunciōnem comēst quantō magis homuncio dēbet ursum 5
comesse? In summō habuimus cāseum mollem ex sapā et cocleās
singulās et cordae frusta et hēpatia in catillīs et ōva pilleāta et
rāpam et senape et catillum concacātum, pāx Palamēdēs. Etiam in
alveō circumlāta sunt oxycomina, unde quīdam etiam improbē
ternōs pugnōs sustulērunt. Nam pernae missiōnem dedimus. Sed 10

admoneō, -ēre, -monuī, -monitus: to mollis, -e: soft, mild, gentle, 3

admonish, remind, 3
alveus, -ī m.: basket, cavity
cāseus, -ī m.: cheese
catillum, -ī n.: small dish, small meal, 3
cochlea (coclea), -ae f.: snail, 2
concacō (1): to mince (i.e. meat); shit on
contrā: against; in reply; worth (acc.), 5
convīcium, -ī n.: abuse, mockery, insult, 4
corda (chorda), -ae f.: tripe, intestine
domina, -ae f.: mistress, owner, 4
ferō, ferre, tulī, lātus: to bear, carry, report, 6
frustum, -ī n.: piece, slice, 4
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
hēpatia, -ōrum n.: liver
homuncio, -ōnis m.: poor man, the poor, 5
improbus, -a, -um: dishonest, bad, wicked
imprūdēns, -entis: unexpecting unaware, 2
intestīnum, -ī n. (intestīna, -ae): intestines, 3
lībra, -ae f.: pound (12 oz.); balance/scales, 4
missio, -ōnis f.: send off, dispatching, 3
1 sī…tulerō, habēbō: if…; a fut. more vivid:
translate fut. pf. ferō as pres. with fut. sense
domina mea: i.e. his wife, Scintilla
2 dē quō: from which
Cum…gustā(vi)sset: cum clause with plpf.
subj.
imprūdens: translate nom. adj. as an adv.
3 contrā: in response; adverb
plūs (quam) lībram: more (than)…; supply
quam introducing a clause of comparison
4 sapiēbat: (the bear) tasted like…
comēst: 3s comedō
5 quantō magis: how much the more…?; ‘by
how much…’ abl. of degree of difference
94
oxycomina, -ōrum n.: pickled olives
paene: almost, 7
Palamēdēs, -is m.: Palamedes
pāx: ??; enough! Be quiet!
perna, -ae f.: ham (with the leg), 3
pilleātus -a -um: wearing a cap of freedom, 4
prōspectus, -ūs m.: sight, view
pugnus, -ī m.: fist; fistful, handful
quantus, -a, -um: how great/many/much, 3
quīdam, quae-, quid-: certain person/thing
rāpa, -ae f.: turnip
sapa, -ae f.: must (boiled-down fresh wine), 2
sapiō, -ere, sapivī: to taste of; be intelligent
senāpe (sināpī) -is n.: mustard
singulī, -ae, -a: individual, one by one, 5
ternī, -ae, -a: three each or at once
unde: from where, whence, 5
ursīna, -ae f.: bear meat
ursus, -ī m.: bear, 2
vomō, -ere, -uī, -itus: to vomit; belch, 2
6 comesse: inf. comedō
In summō: in sum; i.e. in short
8 Pāx Palamedes: Enough Palamedes!; This
interjection is of unknown origin, perhaps
from a work about the mythical character
Palamedes. Pāx is is not the 3rd decl. noun
pāx, ‘peace,’ and the juxtaposition may be
‘ nothing more than an alliteration. Compare
this to ‘hold your horses!’ or ‘Wait for it!
circumlāta sunt: pf. pass. circumferō
9 quīdam: some (people)
improbē: dishonestly; adv.
10 sustulērunt: pf. tollō, ‘lift,’ ‘carry off’
pernae…: We gave a pass to the ham
 Habinnas Crashes the Party

nārrā mihi, Gāī, rogō, Fortūnāta quārē nōn recumbit?” 67. 1

“Quōmodo nōstī,” inquit, “illam,” Trimalchio, “nisi argentum
composuerit, nisi reliquiās puerīs dīvīserit, aquam in ōs suum nōn
coniciet.” “Atquī,” respondit Habinnās, “nisi illa discumbit, ego
mē apoculō” et coeperat surgere, nisi signō datō Fortūnāta quater 5
amplius ā tōtā familiā esset vocāta. Vēnit ergō galbinō succīncta
cingillō, ita ut īnfrā cerasina appārēret tunica et periscelidēs tortae
phaecasiaeque inaurātae. Tunc sūdāriō manūs tergēns, quod in
collō habēbat, applicat sē illī torō, in quō Scintilla Habinnae
discumbēbat uxor, ōsculātaque plaudentem “Est tē,” inquit, 10

amplius: more, longer; further, 6 periscelis, -idis, f.: anklet, leg-band, 2

apoculō (1): to depart, remove (oneself), 2
appāreō, -ēre, -uī: to appear, are visible, 2
applicō (1): to attach, join, place to/near
argentum, -ī n.: silver, 7
atquī: nevertheless; indeed
cerasinus, -a, -um: cherry-colored, 2
cingillum, -ī, n.: small girdle, waist band
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
compōnō, -ere, -posuī, -pōsitus: to arrange;
calm, compose, 2
discumbō, -ere, -cubuī, -cubitus: to recline, 7
dīvidō, -ere, dīvīsī, dīvīsus: to divide, 4
galbinus, -a, -um: yellow, greenish-yellow
inaurātus, -a, -um: golden; gold-trimmed, 2
īnfrā: below, beneath, 3
ōs, ōris n.: mouth, face, 4
ōsculor, -ārī, ōsculātus sum: to kiss, 3
1 nārrā: sg. imperative
Gāī: voc. direct. address, i.e. Trimalchio
Fortūnāta quārē…: for what reason…?;
a direct question: rogō is parenthetical
2 Quōmodo nō(vi)stī…: just as you have…;
2s pf. nōscō: quōmodo introduces a clause
of comparison and not a direct question
nisi…nisi…coniciet: if not…if not…; fut.
more vivid (sī fut (pf.), fut.): translate the
fut. pf. verbs as present with fut. sense;
Fortunāta is the understood 3s subject
3 puerīs: among the slaves; dat. ind. obj.
4 nisi…discumbit, …apoculō: a simple
present condition (sī pres. ind., pres. ind.)
5 nisi…esset vocāta: if…had not…; protasis
of a past contrary to fact condition with a
phaecasia, ae, f.: (type of) white shoe
plaudō, -ere, plausī, plausum: to clap, 5
quater: four times
quōmodo: how, in what way, 7
recumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to recline, 4
reliquiae, -ārum f.: remains, leftovers
respondeō, -ēre, -ndī, -nsus: to answer, 5
succingō, -ere, -cīnxī, -cīnctus: to wrap up, 3
sūdārium, -iī n.: handkerchief, 2
surgō, -ere, surrēxī, surrēctus: to rise, 2
tergeō, -ēre, tersī, tersus: to wipe; clean, 4
torqueō, -ēre, torsī, tortum: to twist, 3
torus, -ī m.: couch, bed, 4
tunc: then, at that time, 7
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
uxor, uxōris f.: wife, 6
suppressed apodosis: (he would have left,)
if she had not…; plpf. pass. vocō
signō datō: abl. abs.
6 galbinō…cingillō: abl. means
ut…appārēnt: so that…; result with impf.
subj.
īnfrā: underneath; i.e. the belt
8 tergēns: nom. sg. pres. pple
9 illī torō: on…; dat. of compound verb
9 Habinnae uxor: i.e. Scintilla
ōsculāta: pf. dep. pple: translate as ‘having
Xed’
(uxorem) plaudentem: supply ‘uxorem’ as
object of osculāta and noun modified by
the pres. pple
10 Est: Is it (allowed that)…?; equiv. to licet

95
 Cena Trimalchionis 67

“vidēre?” Eō deinde perventum est, ut Fortūnāta armillās suās 1

crassissimīs dētraheret lacertīs Scintillaeque mīrantī ostenderet.
Ultimō etiam periscelidēs resolvit et rēticulum aureum, quem ex
obrussā esse dīcēbat. Notāvit haec Trimalchio iussitque afferrī
omnia et “Vidētis,” inquit, “mulieris compedēs: sīc nōs barcalae 5
dēspoliāmur. Sex pondō et sēlībram dēbet habēre. Et ipse nihilō
minus habeō decem pondō armillam ex mīllēsimīs Mercuriī
factam.” Ultimō etiam, nē mentīrī vidērētur, statēram iussit afferrī
et circumlātum approbārī pondus. Nec melior Scintilla, quae dē
cervīce suā capsellam dētrāxit aureolam, quam Feliciōnem 10

approbō (1): to approve, prove, 2 mentior, -īrī, mentītus: to lie, 5

armilla, -ae f.: bracelet, 3
aureolus, -a, -um: golden
barcala, -ae m.: dummy, fool
capsella (capsula), -ae f.: small box, coffer
cervīx, cervīcis f.: neck, 5
compēs, -pedis f.: shackle, fetter (on foot)
crassus, -a, -um: thick, fat
decem: ten, 3
dēspoliō (1): to strip off; rob, plunder, 4
dētrahō, -ere, -trāxī: pull off/away, remove, 3
eō: to there, there
Fēlīcio, -ōnis m.: Lucky (personified), 2
lacertus, -ī m.: arm, upper arm, 2
1 Eō: to this point; Eō is an adv. formed from
is, ea, id
perventum est: it came; impersonal pass.
ut…dētraheret…ostenderet: that…; noun
result clause
2 crassissimīs lacertis: from…; dat. of
compound verb
Scintillaeque mīrantī: dat. ind. obj. with
pres. pple
3 Ultimō: at last; abl. as adv.
3 haec: neut. acc. pl. hic
5 nōs barcalae: nom. subj.
6 Sex…et sēlībram: acc. obj. in jewelry
pondō: in pounds; abl. of respect
dēbet habēre: she must have…
ipse: I myself; 1s subject
nihilō minus (quam): no less (than)…;
Mercurius, -iī m.: Mercurius, 3
mīllēsimus, -a, -um: the thousandth (gains)
obrussa, -ae f.: pure gold
ostendō, -ere, ostendī: to show, 3
periscelis, -idis, f.: anklet, leg-band, 2
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
pondus, -eris n.: weight; pondō, in pounds, 6
resolvō, -ere, -solvī, -solūtus: to loosen
rēticulum, -ī n.: hair net; net
sēlībra, -ae f.: half-pound, 2
sex: six
statēra, -ae f.: balance, scales, 2
ultimus, -a, -um: last; adv. ūltimō, at last, 5
comparative with abl. of degree of
difference (i.e. by nothing); supply quam,
which is sometimes missing in Petronius
7 armillam: i.e. a single bracelet
mīllēsimīs Mercuriī: i.e. equiv. to the
percentage or fraction of his profit that he
put aside in honor of Mercury, god of trade
8 Ultimō: at last; abl. as adv.
nē…vidērētur: so that he…; neg. purpose
clause with impf. subj. videor, ‘seem’
statēram…afferrī: that…; pres. pass. inf.
9 circumlātum: PPP circumferō modifying
neut. sg. pondus
nec melior (est): i.e. she is just as bad;
nom. pred. comparative
10 Feliciōnem: Lucky

96
 Habinnas Crashes the Party

appellābat. Inde duo crotalia prōtulit et Fortūnātae in vicem 1

cōnsīderanda dedit et “Dominī,” inquit, “meī beneficiō nēmō habet
meliōra.” “Quid?” inquit Habinnās “excatarissāstī mē, ut tibi
emerem fabam vitream. Plānē sī fīliam habērem, auriculās illī
praecīderem. Mulierēs sī nōn essent, omnia prō lutō habērēmus; 5
nunc hoc est caldum meiere et frīgidum pōtāre.” Interim mulierēs
sauciae inter sē rīsērunt ēbriaeque iūnxērunt ōscula, dum altera
dīligentiam mātris familiae iactat, altera dēliciās et indīligentiam
virī. Dumque sīc cohaerent, Habinnās fūrtim cōnsurrēxit pedēsque
Fortūnātae correptōs super lectum immīsit. “Au au,” illa 10

appellō (1): to call (by name), name, 5 fūrtim: secretly, stealthily

au: Ah; goodness (exclamation), 2
auricula, -ae f.: little ear
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
caldus (calidus), -a, -um: hot, hot water, 5
cohaereō, -ēre, -haesī, -haesum: to cling or
adhere together
cōnsīderō (1): to consider, 3
cōnsurgō, -ere, -surrēxī: to rise, rise up, 3
corripiō, -ere, -ripuī, -reptum: snatch, grab
crotalia, -ōrum n.: rattling ear-rings
dēlicia, -ae f.: pleasure, delight,; pl. favorite, 4
dīligentia, -ae f.: diligence; attentiveness
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
excatarissō (1): to shake out, rob
faba, -ae f.: bean, 2
fīlia, -ae f.: daughter, 2
frīgidus, -a, -um: cool, cold, 4
1 appellābat: governs a double acc. (obj. and
pred.)
prōlulit: pf. prōferō
Fortūnātae: dat. ind. obj.
2 cōnsīderanda: to be considered; ‘(going) to
be considered,’ a gerundive (fut. pass. pple)
modifying neut. acc. pl. crotalia
Dominī meī: i.e. her husband; subjective
gen. with beneficiō
beneficiō: because of…; abl. of cause
3 meliōra: neut. acc. pl. comparative, bonus
excatarissā(vi)stī: 2s pf.
ut…emerem: that…; ind. command with 1s
impf. subj. emō
4 sī…haberem, praecīderem: If I had…, I
would…; pres. contrary to fact condition (sī
impf. subj., impf. subj.)
97
iactō (1): to throw, cast; boast, (cast words), 3
immittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to send in, 3
inde: from there, from then, 2
indīligentia, -ae f.: lack of attention
iungō, -ere, iūnxī, iūnctus: to join, 2
lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6
lutum, -ī n.: mud; dirt, 4
māter, mātris f.: mother, 3
meiō, -ere, mixī, mictus: to urinate
ōsculum, -ī n.: lip, kiss
pōtō (1): to drink, 3
praecīdō, -ere, -cīdī, -cīsum: to cut off, 2
prōferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to bring forth, 5
saucius, -a, -um: tipsy, drunk, wounded
vicis, vicis f.: turn, change; in vicem, in turn, 2
vir, virī m.: man, 3
vitreus, -a, -um: made of glass, 5
illī: of that one; dat. of possession or dat. of
compound (from that one)
5 sī…essent, habērēmus: if they were…;
another contrary of fact; impf. subj. sum
prō: instead of…
6 hoc est…potāre: this is…; i.e. one loses
more than one gains
7 altera…altera…: one…the other…
8 mātris familiae: of materfamilias
iactat: boasts
dēliciās: the favorite; i.e. the slave boy
favored by the husband
9 virī: of (her) husband
10 correptōs…immīsit: Latin often uses a
PPP and finite verb where English prefers
two main verbs: ‘grabbed and threw…’
 Cena Trimalchionis 68

prōclāmāvit aberrante tunicā super genua. Composita ergō in 1

gremiō Scintillae incēnsissimam rubōre faciem sūdāriō abscondit.
68. Interpositō deinde spatiō cum secundās mēnsās Trimalchio
iussisset afferrī, sustulērunt servī omnēs mēnsās et aliās attulērunt,
scobemque crocō et miniō tīnctam sparsērunt et, quod nunquam 5
ante vīderam, ex lapide speculārī pulverem trītum. Statim
Trimalchio “poteram quidem,” inquit, “hōc fericulō esse contentus;
secundās enim mēnsās habētis. Sed sī quid bellī habēs, affer.”
Interim puer Alexandrīnus, quī caldam ministrābat, lusciniās coepit
imitārī clāmante Trimalchione subinde: “Mūtā.” Ecce alius lūdus. 10

aberrō (1): to go astray, wander luscinia, -ae f.: nightingale

abscondō, -ere, abscondī: to conceal, hide
Alexandrīnus, -a, -um: Alexandrian, 2
caldus (calidus), -a, -um: hot, hot water, 5
clāmō (1): to call, shout, 6
compōnō, -ere, -posuī, -pōsitus: to arrange;
calm, compose, 2
contentus, -a, -um: content, satisfied, 4
crocus, i m.: saffron; saffron color, 2
faciēs, faciēī f.: appearance, 4
genū, genūs n.: knee, 2
gremium, -iī n.: lap, bosom, 2
imitor, -ārī, imitātus sum: to imitate, 6
incēnsus, -a, -um: inflamed, fiery, hot
interpōnō, -ere, -posuī, -posītus: to place
between, interpose, intervene, 2
lapis, lapidis m.: stone
lūdus, -ī m.: game, joke, play, 4
1 aberrante tunicā: abl. abs. with pres. pple
Composita: (Scintilla), having been
calmed; i.e. having sought solace
2 rubōre: with blushing
3 interpositō…spatiō: abl. abs.
cum…iussisset: cum clause with plpf. subj.
iubeō
secundās mensās: desserts; The slaves
misinterpret the request and bring out
not another course but another set of tables.
4 afferrī: pres. pass. inf.
sustulērunt: pf. tollō
attulērunt: pf. afferō
5 tīnctam: PPP tingō modifies fem. scobem
quod…: what…; ‘that which…’
6 speculārī: abl. of a 3rd decl. i-stem adj., a
lapis specularis, is a ‘transparent stone’
98
ministrō (1): to serve up, attend to
minium, -ī n.: cinnabar
mūtō (1): to change, exchange, 3
prōclāmō (1): to cry out; declare, 5
pulvis, pulveris m.: dust
rubor, rubōris m.: red; blushing
scobis, -is f.: sawdust,
secundus, -a, -um: second; following, 2
spargō, -ere, -rsī, -rsum: sprinkle, scatter, 5
spatium, -iī n.: space, 2
speculāris, -e: of a mirror, transparent
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
sūdārium, -iī n.: handkerchief, 2
terō, -ere, trīvī, trītum: to grind, rub, wear, 2
tingō, -ere, -xī, tinctum: to dye, color; wet
tunica, -ae f.: tunic, 6
such as mica, often used in a mirror
pulverem trītum: i.e. a powder, something
ground up so fine so as to be like dust
7 poteram…: I could…; impf. possum; Tr.
makes a slight joke. The slaves fulfilled
his request for ‘secundās mensās’ by
providing a second set of tables rather than
what he really wanted: a tray of desserts.
8 quid bellī: something nice; i.e. desserts;
indefinite quid before sī and partitive gen.
affer: sg. irreg. imperative
9 caldam (aquam): supply the noun aquam
10 clāmante Trimalchione subinde: abl.
abs.
Mūtā: sg. Imperative; i.e the tune
(erat) alius lūdus: (there was)…
 Habinnas Crashes the Party

Servus quī ad pedēs Habinnae sedēbat, iussus, crēdō, ā dominō suō 1

prōclāmāvit subitō canōrā vōce: “Intereā medium Aenēās iam
classe tenēbat.” Nūllus sonus unquam acidior percussit aurēs meās;
nam praeter errantis barbariae aut adiectum aut dēminūtum
clāmōrem miscēbat Ātellānicōs versūs, ut tunc prīmum mē etiam 5
Vergilius offenderit. Plausum tamen, cum aliquandō dēsīsset,
adiēcit Habinnās et “nunquam,” inquit, “didicit, sed ego ad
circulātōrēs eum mittendō ērudībam. Itaque parem nōn habet, sīve
mūliōnēs volet sīve circulātōrēs imitārī. Dēspērātum valdē
ingeniōsus est: īdem sūtor est, īdem cocus, īdem pistor, omnis 10

acidus, -a, -um: sour, bitter; shrill, sharp, 3
Aenēās, -ae m.: Aeneas
aliquandō: at some time, at length, 2
Ātellānicus, -a, -um: of Atellanian farce
auris, -is f.: ear, 4
barbaria, -ae f.: barbarousness, (in dialect)
canōrus, -a, -um: singing, melodious, 2
circulātor, -is m: street vendor/entertainer, 2
clāmor, clāmōris: shout, cry, noise, 4
classis, -is f.: fleet; division, class, 2
dēminuō, -ere, -uī, -ūtum: lower, diminish
dēsinō, -ere, -siī, -situs: to leave off, cease, 2
dēspērātus, -a, -um: desperate
errō (1): to wander about; be mistaken, 3
ērudiō, -īre, -iī, -ītum: to instruct, train, 2
imitor, -ārī, imitātus sum: to imitate, 6
ingeniōsus, -a, -um: talented, gifted, 3
intereā: meanwhile
1 ad: near, at
iussus…ā dominō suō: PPP, iubeō
crēdō: parenthetical
2 canōrā vōce: with…; abl. of manner
Intereā medium Aenēās…tenēbat:
Vergil’s Aeneid V.1
medium (mare): the middle (of the sea)
4 praeter…versūs: in addition to either the
raising or lowering cry of his meandering
barbarousness, he was mixing in Atellanian
verses; praeter governs clāmōrem, which in
turn is modified by two PPPs; the slave
included comic rhythms while singing epic
verse.
5 ut…offenderit: so that…; result clause
with pf. subj.
misceō, -ēre, miscuī, mixtus: mix, mingle, 2
mūlio, -ōnis m.: muledriver, 2
nūllus, -a, -um: not any, no, 7
offendō, -ere, -dī: to displease, vex, upset, 3
pār, paris: equal, like (+dat.), 3
percutiō, -ere, -cussī: to strike; stun, 4
pistor, -ōris, m: baker, 4
plausum, -ī n.: applause
praeter: beyond; except, 3
prōclāmō (1): to cry out; declare, 5
sedeō, -ēre, sēdī, sessus: to sit, 4
sīve: whether; or if, 2
sonus, -ī m.: sound, 2
sūtor, -ōris m.: cobbler
tunc: then, at that time, 7
Vergilius, -iī m.: Vergil
versus, -ūs m.: verse, line, 2
etiam: even
6 cum…dēsīsset: after…; plpf. dēsinō
didicit: pf. discō; Habinnas seems unaware
that his slave is a poor singer and likely bad
in all the things that Habinnas notes below.
8 circulātorēs: i.e. street entertainers, who
like those selling wares, form a ring
(circulus) of bystanders as spectators
eum mittendō: by…; abl. means of the
gerund (-ing) of mittō
parem: an equal; i.e. in talent for singing
sīve…sīve: whether…or…; translate fut.
volō as pres. with fut. sense
9 dēspērātum: desperately; adverbial acc.
10 īdem: He is likewise…; ‘the same one
is…’ nom. sg. Īdem, eadem, idem

99
 Cena Trimalchionis 69

mūsae mancipium. Duo tamen vitia habet, quae sī nōn habēret, 1

esset omnium numerum: recutītus est et stertit. Nam quod
strabonus est, nōn cūrō: sīcut Venus, spectat. Ideō nihil tacet, vix
oculō mortuō unquam. 69. Illum ēmī trecentīs dēnāriīs.”
Interpellāvit loquentem Scintilla et “plānē,” inquit, “nōn omnia 5
artificia servī nēquam nārrās. Agaga est; at cūrābō, stigmam
habeat.” Rīsit Trimalchio et “adcognōscō,” inquit, “Cappadocem:
nihil sibi defraūdit, et meherculēs laudō illum; hōc enim nēmō
parentat. Tū autem, Scintilla, nōlī zēlotypa esse. Crēde mihi, et vōs
nōvimus. Sīc mē salvum habeātis, ut ego sīc solēbam ipsumam 10

adcognōscō, -ere, cognōvī: to recognize recutītus, -a, -um: cirumcised (=Judaean)

agaga, -ae m.: ??, gigolo, male prostitute
artificium, -iī n.: craft, trade; tricks, 6
Cappadox, -ocis m.: Cappadocian, 2
dēfraudō, -ere: to cheat; deny for oneself
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
interpellō (1): to interrupt, 4
ipsima (ipsuma), -ae f.: mistress, owner
laudō (1): to praise, 7
mancipium, -ī n.: slave; property, 2
Mūsa, -ae f.: Muse; talent, pursuit
nēquam (indecl.): useless, good for nothing, 4
numerus, -ī m.: number, amount; perfect, 4
parentō (1): honor the dead (with offering)
1 omnis mūsae: of…; gen. poss.
sī habēret, esset: if he had…, would…;
pres. contrary to fact with impf. subj. sum
2 omnium numerum: complete in all
respects; ‘a part of all;’ see also pg. 85;
Habinnas seems not to have noticed his
slave’s poor singing and likely much more.
quod: as for the fact that…; ‘in respect
to…’ the entire clause is an acc. of respect
3 sīcut Venus, spectat: he look out just as
Venus (does)
nihil: not at all; inner acc.
4 vix oculō mortuō umquam: with his eyes
(being)…; i.e he rarely shuts his eyes; abl.
abs., supply the participle ‘being’
ēmī: pf. ēmō
trecendīs dēnāriīs: for…; abl. of price
5 loquentem: (the one)…; pres. pple
6 artificia: tricks; here with neg. connotation
nēquam: indeclinable adj. modifing servī
salvus, -a, -um: safe, intact, 5
sīcut: just as, 4
spectō (1): to look at, 6
stertō, -ere: to snore, 5
stigma, -ae f. (-atis n.): mark (of disgrace), 2
strabōnus, -a, -um: squinting; cross-eyed
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
trecentī, -ae, -a: three-hundred
Venus, -eris f.: Venus (goddess), 2
vitium, -iī n.: fault, vice, crime
vix: hardly, scarcely, 5
zēlotypus, -a, -um: jealous, 2
Cūrābō (ut)…habeat: I will take care
(that)…; a clause of effort with pres. subj.;
7 Cappadocem: (that he is) Cappadocian;
i.e. willing to make money by any means
8 nihil: acc. obj.
sibi: for himself…; dat. of interest
hōc: with this; i.e. i.e. you will not be
honored with such pleasure when you are
dead
9 nōlī…esse: Don’t…; neg. imperative, lit.
‘Be unwilling to…’
vōs (fēminās): you (women); i.e. the entire
gender
10 nōvimus: pf. nōscō
habeātis: May you…; 2p pres subj. of wish
(optative); habeō, ‘consider’
ut…: as…; begins a clause of comparison
10 ipsumam meam: my mistress; when
Trimaclhio was a slave

100
 Habinnas Crashes the Party

meam dēbattuere, ut etiam dominus suspicārētur; et ideō mē in 1

vīlicātiōnem relēgāvit. Sed tacē, lingua, dabō pānem.” Tanquam
laudātus esset nēquissimus servus, lucernam dē sinū fictilem
prōtulit et amplius sēmihōrā tubicinēs imitātus est succinente
Habinnā et īnferius lābrum manū dēprimente. Ultimō etiam in 5
medium prōcessit et modo harundinibus quassīs choraulās imitātus
est, modo lacernātus cum flagellō mūliōnum fāta ēgit, dōnec
vocātum ad sē Habinnās bāsiāvit, pōtiōnemque illī porrēxit et
“Tantō melior,” inquit, “Massa, dōnō tibi calīgās.” Nec ūllus tot
malōrum fīnis fuisset, nisi epidīpnis esset allāta, turdī silīgineī ūvīs 10

amplius: more, longer; further, 6 mūlio, -ōnis m.: muledriver, 2

bāsiō (1): to kiss, 5
caliga, -ae f.: boots, soldier’s boots
choraulēs, -ae, (acc. –en) m.: aulos-player, 2
dēbattuō, -ere: bang (slang for sex), punch
dēprimō, -ere, -pressī: to press down
dōnec: until, 5
dōnō (1): to give, grant, 4
epidīpnis, -idis f.: dessert
fātum (fātus), -ī n.: fate, destiny, 5
fictilis, -e: made of clay, 3
fīnis, -is m.: end, boundary, 2
flagellum, -ī n.: whip, 3
harundō, -inis f.: rod; limed (sticky) rod, 2
imitor, -ārī, imitātus sum: to imitate, 6
īnferior, -ius: lower, 2
lābrum, -ī n.: lip; round basin, 5
lacernātus, -a, -um: wearing a cloak
laudō (1): to praise, 7
lingua, -ae f.: tongue; language, 4
Massa, -ae m.: Massa (name)
1 ut etiam…suspicārētur: that even…; result
2 tacē: sg. imperative
lingua: voc. dir. address
dabō (tibi) panem: i.e. to shut it up
tanquam laudātus esset: as if…had…; a
conditional clause of comparison with plpf.
pass. subj. laudō
3 nēquissimus: superlative of nēquam
4 prōtulit: pf. prōferō
4 sēmihōrā: than…; abl. of comparison
succinente Habinnā…dēprimente: a
lengthy abl. abs. with one subject and two
pres. pples
5 īnferius: comparative adv., inferior
101
nēquam (indecl.): useless, good for nothing, 4
porrigō, -ere, -rēxī, -rēctum: to hold out, 3
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
prōcēdō, -ere, -cessī, -cessus: to advance, 2
prōferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to bring forth, 5
quatiō, -ere, quassī, quassum: to shake
relēgō (1): to send away, relegate, 2
sēmihōra, -ae f.: half-hour, half an hour
silīgineus, -a, -um: of winter wheat
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
succinō, -ere: to sing along
suspicor, -ārī, suspicātus sum: to suspect, 2
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
tot: so many, 3
tubicen, -inis m.: trumpeter, 2
turdus, -ī m.: thrush (bird), 3
ūllus, -a, -um: any, 2
ultimus, -a, -um: last; adv. ūltimō, at last, 5
ūva, -ae f.: grape, cluster of grapes, 4
vīlicātiō, -ōnis f.: management of an estate
manū: abl. means
Ultimō: at last
6 modo…modo…: now…now…
harundinibus quassīs: abl. abs.; i.e. the
reeds of the aulos/flute
7 fāta ēgit: he performed the lives; ‘he
performed the fates,’ pf. agō
9 Tantō melior: So much the better!; i.e.
bravo!; ‘by so much,’ abl. degree difference
Massa: voc. dir address; the slave’s name
10 Fuisset, nisi esset allāta: would have…,
if…had been…; past contrary to fact with
plpf. subj. sum and pass. afferō
silīgineī: i.e. made out of winter wheat
 Cena Trimalchionis 70

passīs nucibusque farsī. Īnsecūta sunt Cydōnia etiam māla spīnīs 1

cōnfīxa, ut echīnōs efficerent. Et haec quidem tolerābilia erant, sī
nōn fericulum longē mōnstrōsius effēcisset, ut vel famē perīre
māllēmus. Nam cum positus esset, ut nōs putābāmus, ānser altilis
circāque piscēs et omnia genera avium, “Amīcī,” inquit Trimalchio, 5
“quicquid vidētis hīc positum, dē ūnō corpore est factum.” Ego,
scīlicet homo prūdentissimus, statim intellēxī quid esset, et
respiciēns Agamemnonem “mīrābor,” inquam, “nisi omnia ista dē
fimō facta sunt aut certē dē lutō. Vīdī Rōmae Sāturnālibus
eiusmodī cēnārum imāginem fierī.” 70. Necdum fīnieram 10

altilis, -e: fattened, fat; subst. fattened bird, 4
ānser, ānseris m.: goose, 3
avis, -is f.: bird, 5
cōnfīgō, -ere, -fīxī, -fīxus: to fix, pierce
corpus, corporis n.: body, 5
Cydōnius, -a, -um: Cydonian/Cretan
echīnus, -ī m.: sea-urchin
efficiō, -ere, -fēcī: to make, bring it about, 2
eiusmodī: such, of this manner, 5
fames, -is f.: hunger, famine, 2
farciō, -īre, farsī, farsum: to stuff
fimus, -ī m.: filth, dirt, dung
fīniō, -īre, fīnīvī, fīnītus: to finish (off), end, 3
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
imāgō, imāginis f.: image, 3
1 ūvīs passīs nucibusque: i.e. raisins; abl.
means;
farsī: PPP modifying turdī
Cydōnia māla: i.e. a quince (fruit)
2 Ut…efficerent: so that…; result with impf.
subj.; sea-urchins are spiny and round
sī…effecisset: if…had brought it about
3 longē: far
mōnstrōsius: neut. acc. sg. comparative
ut…māllēmus: that…; noun result clause
following effēcisset with impf. subj. mālō
vel: actually
4 cum positus esset: cum clause with plpf.
pass. subj. pōnō
ut…: as…; parenthetical
5 circā: around (it)
īnsequor, -ī, īnsecūtus sum: to follow after, 5
intellegō, -ere, -lēxī: to understand, realize, 5
lutum, -ī n.: mud; dirt, 4
mālum, -ī n.: apple; fruit, 3
mōnstrōsus, -a, -um: spectacular
necdum: nor yet, 2
nux, nucis f.: nut
passus, -a, -um (pandō): spread out; dried, 4
pereō, -īre, -iī, peritūs: to perish, 4
prūdēns, prūdentis: prudent
Rōma, -ae f.: Rome, 5
Sāturnālia, -ium n., pl.: Saturnalia, 3
spīna, -ae f.: thorn, spine
tolerābilis, -e: tolerable, endurable
vel, -ve: or; adv. actually, even, 5
6 quicquid: whatever…; neut. sg.
dē ūnō corpore: from…
est factum: pf. pass., the subject is the
missing antecedent of quicquid…positum
7 homo rūdentissimus: in apposition to ego;
quid esset: ind. question with impf. subj.
sum
8 inquam: I said; 1s
dē…dē…: from…from…
9 Rōmae: at…; locative
Sāturnālibus: at…; abl. of time when
10 eiusmodī: modifies cēnārum
cenārum: modifies imāginem
imāginem fierī: that a pale imitation…;
ind. disc. with inf. fiō; imāginem suggests a
dinner that fails to live up to expectation:

102
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sermōnem, cum Trimalchio ait: “Ita crēscam patrimōniō, nōn 1

corpore, ut ista cocus meus dē porcō fēcit. Nōn potest esse
pretiōsior homo. Volueris, dē vulvā faciet piscem, dē lārdō
palumbum, dē pernā turturem, dē cōlēpiō gallīnam. Et ideō ingeniō
meō impositum est illī nōmen bellissimum; nam Daedalus vocātur. 5
Et quia bonam mentem habet, attulī illī Rōmā mūnus cultrōs
Nōricō ferrō.” Quōs statim iussit afferrī īnspectōsque mīrātus est.
Etiam nōbīs potestātem fēcit, ut mucrōnem ad buccam
probārēmus. Subitō intrāvērunt duo servī, tanquam quī rixam ad
lacum fēcissent; certē in collō adhūc amphorās habēbant. Cum 10

amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6
bucca, -ae f.: mouth, cheek; cheekful, 5
cōlēpium, -ī n.: ??, knuckle of pork
collum, -ī m. neck, 6
corpus, corporis n.: body, 5
culter, -trī m.: knife, 4
Daedalus, -ī m.: Daedalus, 3
ferrum, -ī n.: iron, 3
gallīna, -ae f.: hen, 6
impōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to put on,
impose, 6
ingenium, -iī n.: nature, disposition, ability, 2
īnspiciō, -ere, -spexī, -spectus: to look on, 2
lacus, -ūs m.: reservoir, cistern; lake
lārdum, -ī n.: bacon, lard, 3
mēns, mentis f.: mind, 3
1 crēscam: 1s fut.
patrimōniō, nōn corpore: in…not in…;
abl. of respect
2 ita…ut: just as…so…; ut. Introduces a
clause of comparison with the indicative
ista: those things; neut. acc. pl.
cocus: coquus
esse: to exist
3 pretiōsior: nom. pred. comparative
homo: i.e. the cocus; nom. subj.
Volueris,…faciet: you want (it), he will
make; equiv. to a fut. more vivid (sī fut.
(pf.), fut.); volueris is fut. pf. which we
translate as present with fut. sense; faciet is
3s fut.
dē…: from…; same below
4 ingeniō meō: because of…; abl. of cause
5 illī: on…; dat. of compound verb
Daedalus: The same name as the craftsman
103
mucro, -ōnis m.: point, edge, 2
mūnus, mūneris n.: gift, service; spectacle, 7
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
Nōricus, -a, -um: Norican
palumbus, -ī m.: woodpigeon, ring-dove
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
perna, -ae f.: ham (with the leg), 3
potestās, potestātis f.: power, 2
pretiōsus, -a, -um: valuable, expensive, 2
probō (1): to test, prove, approve
rixa, -ae f.: quarrel, brawl, 4
Rōma, -ae f.: Rome, 5
sermō, sermōnis m.: conversation, 6
turtur, -uris m.: turtle-dove
vulva, -ae f.: womb
who built the Labyrinth and flew with
Icarus.
6 attulī: 1s pf. afferō
illī: to…; dat. of compound verb or interest
Rōmā: from…; place from which
cultrōs: acc. in apposition to mūnus
7 Nōricō ferrō: of…; abl. of quality
Quōs: these; a connective relative is better
translated as a demonstrative in English
afferrī: pres. pass. inf.
8 potestātem fēcit: he allowed; ‘made an
opportunity’ + dat. of interest, nōs
ad buccam: on…
tanquam quī…fēcissent: as if someone
had…; a conditional clause of comparison
with plpf. subj.; quī is indefinite following
tanquam
ad lacum: near…; the lacus is likely a
water reservior or cistern
 Cena Trimalchionis 70-1

ergō Trimalchio iūs inter lītigantēs dīceret, neuter sententiam tulit 1

dēcernentis, sed alterīus amphoram fūste percussit. Cōnsternātī nōs
īnsolentiā ēbriōrum intentāvimus oculōs in proeliantēs
notāvimusque ostrea pectinēsque ē gastrīs lābentia, quae collēcta
puer lance circumtulit. Hās lautitiās aequāvit ingeniōsus cocus; in 5
crāticulā enim argenteā cochleās attulit et tremulā taeterrimāque
vōce cantāvit. Pudet referre, quae sequuntur: inaudītō enim mōre
puerī capillātī attulērunt unguentum in argenteā pēlve pedēsque
recumbentium ūnxērunt, cum ante crūra tālōsque corollīs
vīnxissent. Hinc ex eōdem unguentō in vīnārium atque lucernam 10

aequō (1): to make equal, be a match for
amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6
capillātus, -a, -um: long-haired, 6
cochlea (coclea), -ae f.: snail, 2
colligō, -ere, -lēgī, -lēctus: to collect, gather, 3
cōnsternō (1): to confound, perplex, 3
corolla, -ae f.: small garland or wreath
crāticula, -ae f.: small grill, gridiron, 3
crūs, -ūris n.: shin, leg, 3
dēcernō, -ere, -ēvī, -ētus: to decide, decree, 2
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
ferō, ferre, tulī, lātus: to bear, carry, report, 6
fūstis, -is m.: club, knobbed stick
gastra, -ae f.: belly (of a pot)
hinc: from here, hence, 6
inaudītus, -a, -um: unheard
ingeniōsus, -a, -um: talented, gifted, 3
īnsolentia, -ae f.: insolence, arrogance, 2
intentō (1): to extend, focus, stretch toward
iūs, iūris n.: right, law, justice, 4
lābor, -ī, lapsus sum: to glide, slip, spill
lanx, lancis f.: platter, broad dish, 5
1 iūs…dīceret: pronounced judgment; a
common idiom; impf subj. in cum clause
lītigantēs: litigants; pres. pple
tulit: accepted; ‘endured’ pf. ferō
2 dēcernentis: (of the one)…; pres. pple
alterīus: of each other; gen. sg. pronomial
adj.
percussit: supply uter, ‘each slave,’ from
neuter above as logical subject
3 īnsolentiā: by…; abl. of cause
in proeliantēs: upon (those)…; pres. pple
4 lābentia: neut. pl. pres. pple modifying
both ostrea and pectinēs
104
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
lītigō (1): to quarrel, litigate (legal dispute)
mōs, mōris m.: custom, 4
neuter, neutra, neutrum: neither, 2
ostreum, -ī n.: oyster
pecten, pectinis m.: cockles (~scallops)
pēlvis, -is f.: basin
percutiō, -ere, -cussī: to strike; stun, 4
proelior, -ārī, proeliātus sum: to battle
pudet, -ēre, puduit: it causes shame, 2
recumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to recline, 4
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
secō, -āre, secuī, sectum: to cut up, slash, 2
sententia, -ae f.: opinion
taeter, -tra, -trum: repulsive, vile, hideous, 4
tālus, -ī m.: ankle
tremulus, -a, -um: trembling, quivering 4
ungō (unguō), -ere, ūnxī, ūnctus: to anoint, 3
vīnārium, -ī n.: mixing bowl, 2
vinciō, -īre, vīnxī, vīnctum: to tie up, bind, 3
5 lance: on a dish
circumtulit: pf. circumferō
6 attulit: pf. afferō
7 pudet (mihi): it…; impersonal construction
referre: to report; inf.
quae…: (the things) which…; neut. pl.
relative, supply the missing antecedent
inaudītō mōre: according to an unheard
custom; i.e. unknown custom; abl. manner
attulērunt: pf. afferō
9 recumbentium: of (those)…; pres. pple
cum ante: after beforehand…; plpf. subj.
10 eōdem: abl. īdem, eadem, idem
 Trimalchio’s Tomb

aliquantum est īnfūsum. Iam coeperat Fortūnāta velle saltāre, iam 1

Scintilla frequentius plaudēbat quam loquēbātur, cum Trimalchio
“Permittō,” inquit, “Philargyre et Cario, etsī prasiniānus es
fāmōsus, dīc et Menophilae, contubernālī tuae, discumbat.” Quid
multa? paene dē lectīs dēiectī sumus, adeō tōtum trīclīnium familia 5
occupāverat. Certē ego notāvī super mē positum cocum, quī dē
porcō ānserem fēcerat, muriā condīmentīsque fētentem. Nec
contentus fuit recumbere, sed continuō Ephesum tragoedum coepit
imitārī et subinde dominum suum spōnsiōne prōvocāre “sī prasinus
proximīs circēnsibus prīmam palmam.” 71. Diffūsus hāc 10

adeō: to such a degree, so, 3 lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6

aliquantum, ī n.: some, a little
ānser, ānseris m.: goose, 3
Cario, -ōnis m.: Cario (name), 2
circēnsēs, -ium m.: games (in the circus)
condīmentum, -ī n.: seasoning, spice
contentus, -a, -um: content, satisfied, 4
continuō: immediately, continuously, 4
contubernālis, -is m/f.: spouse (of a slave), 4
dēiciō, -ere, -iēci, -īctum: throw out, eject, 2
diffundō, -ere, -dī, -fūsus: cheer up, relax
discumbō, -ere, -cubuī, -cubitus: to recline, 7
Ephesus, -ī m.: Ephesus (a tragedian)
etsī: although, even, if, 2
fāmōsus, -a, -um: renowned, notorious
fēteō, -ēre: to stink
frequenter: frequently, 2
imitor, -ārī, imitātus sum: to imitate, 6
īnfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: to pour upon, 4
1 est īnfusum: pf. pass. īnfundō
velle: pres. inf. volō
2 frequentius: comperative adv. frequenter
quam: than…; clause of comparison
3 Permittō (ut discumbātis): I allow (that
you recline); a heavy ellipsis made clear as
the sentence progresses
Philargyre et Cario: voc. dir. address
prasinānus: wearer of the green; i.e. a
supporter of the Green faction in the circus:
Trimalchio does not support the Green
faction.
es: 2s, here Cario alone is subject
4 dīc: sg. imperative
et: also
Menophilae: dat. ind. obj.
105
Menophila, -ae f.: Menophila (name)
muria, -ae f.: brine
occupō (1): to seize; occupy, 2
paene: almost, 7
palma, -ae f.: prize, palm (tree); hand
permittō, -ere, -misī, -missus: to permit, 2
Philargyrus, -ī m.: Philargyrus (name), 2
plaudō, -ere, plausī, plausum: to clap, 5
prasiniānus, -ī m.: wearer of leek-green, (fan
of the green team in the chariot races)
prasinus, -a, -um: leek-green, 3
prōvocō (1): to summon, challenge
proximus, -a, -um: nearest; most recent, 4
recumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to recline, 4
saltō (1): to dance, 4
spōnsiō, -ōnis f.: bet, wager, guarantee
subinde: immediately after; over and over, 7
tragoedus, -ī m.: tragic actor, tragedian
contubernālī tuae : dat. in apposition
(ut) discumbat: that she…; ind. command
following dīc
Quid multa: What more (should I say)?
5 adeō tōtum: so full...
familia: household slaves
6 super mē: i.e. on the couch
cocum: coquum
dē: from…
7 fētentem: pres. pple modifying ānserem
9 spōnsiōne: with…; abl. of means
prasinus: The Green faction (should carry
off)…; supply the main verb
10 proximīs circēnsibus: in…; abl. time
when
prīmam palmam: i.e. first place
 Cena Trimalchionis 71

contentiōne Trimalchio “Amīcī,” inquit, “et servī hominēs sunt et 1

aequē ūnum lactem bibērunt, etiam sī illōs malus fātus oppressit.
Tamen mē salvō cito aquam līberam gustābunt. Ad summam,
omnēs illōs in testāmentō meō manū mittō. Philargyrō etiam
fundum lēgō et contubernālem suam, Cariōnī quoque īnsulam et 5
vīcēsimam et lectum strātum. Nam Fortūnātam meam hērēdem
faciō, et commendō illam omnibus amīcīs meīs. Et haec ideō
omnia pūblicō, ut familia mea iam nunc sīc mē amet tanquam
mortuum.” Grātiās agere omnēs indulgentiae coeperant dominī,
cum ille oblītus nūgārum exemplar testāmentī iussit afferrī et 10

aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
bibō, -ere, bibī: to drink, 2
Cario, -ōnis m.: Cario (name), 2
commendō (1): to entrust, commend
contentiō, -ōnis f.: contention, rivalry
contubernālis, -is m/f.: spouse (of a slave), 4
exemplar, -is n.: example
fātum (fātus), -ī n.: fate, destiny, 5
fundus, -ī m.: farm, estate, 5
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
gustō (1): to taste, taste of; experience, 6
hērēs, hērēdis m/f.: heir, 2
indulgentia, -ae f.: indulgence, kindness, 2
īnsula, -ae f.: island; apartment block
1 hāc contentiōne: abl. means
amīcī: voc. dir. address
et servī: Slaves also…; nom. subj.
2 ūnum lactem: i.e. the same milk
malus fatus: equiv. to malum fatum
3 mē salvō: while I am alive; ‘me (being)
sound,’ abl. abs.: supply the pple
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
4 manū mittō: I manumit; ‘I send from my
power,’ abl. of separation
Philargyrō: to…; dat. ind. obj. of lēgō
5 Cariōnī (lēgō): dat. ind. obj., supply verb
6 vīcēsimam: i.e. the tax that all freedmen
had to pay when manumitted
lacte, -is n. (nom. lac, acc. lactem): milk, 2
lectus, -ī m.: couch; litter, 6
lēgō (1): to bequeath
līber, lībera, līberum: free, 7
nūgae, -ārum f.: nonsense, trifles, jokes, 3
opprimō, -ere, -pressī: to overwhelm
Philargyrus, -ī m.: Philargyrus (name), 2
pūblicō (1): to make public, 2
quoque: also, 6
salvus, -a, -um: safe, intact, sound, 5
sternō, -āre, strāvī, strātum: spread (with
coverings)
testāmentum, -ī n.: will, 5
vīcēsimus -a -um: 1/20th (manumission tax), 2
stātum: PPP sternō
7 faciō: I make (x)(y); governs a double acc.
(obj. and pred.)
omnibus…meīs: to…; dat. ind. obj.
8 ut…amet: so that…may…; purpose clause
with pres. subj. amō
9 gratiās agere: to give thanks; a common
idiom
indulgentiae: for…; gen. of exchange
dominī: to…; dat. ind obj. with agere
10 oblītus: pf. dep. pple oblīvīscor: translate
‘having Xed’
nūgārum: gen. obj. of oblītus
afferrī: pres. pass. inf.

106
 Trimalchio’s Tomb

tōtum ā prīmō ad ultimum ingemēscente familiā recitāvit. 1

Respiciēns deinde Habinnam “quid dīcis,” inquit. “amīce cāris-
sime? Aedificās monumentum meum, quemadmodum tē iussī?
Valdē tē rogō, ut secundum pedēs statuae meae catellam pōnās et
corōnās et unguenta et Petraitis omnēs pugnās, ut mihi contingat 5
tuō beneficiō post mortem vīvere; praetereā ut sint in fronte pedēs
centum, in agrum pedēs ducentī. Omne genus enim pōma volō sint
circā cinerēs meōs, et vīneārum largiter. Valdē enim falsum est
vīvō quidem domōs cultās esse, nōn cūrārī eās, ubi diūtius nōbīs
habitandum est. Et ideō ante omnia adicī volō: ‘hoc monumentum 10

aedificō (1): to build, 4 habitō (1): to inhabit, dwell, 5

ager, agrī m.: field; in agrum, in depth, 2
beneficium, -iī n.: service, kindness, 6
cārus, -a, -um: dear, precious, 3
catella, -ae f.: puppy (female), 4
centum: one hundred, 6
cinis, cineris m., or f.: ashes
contingō, -ere, contigī, contāctus: to touch,
happen (+ inf.), 4
corōna, -ae f.: crown, wreath, 5
colō, colere, -uī, cultus: to adorn, cultivate, 3
diūtius: longer, 4
ducentī: two hundred
fallō, -ere, fefellī, falsus (fefellitus): to
deceive; pass. be mistaken, 2
frōns, frōntis f.: forehead, brow, 5
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
1 tōtum (exemplar): i.e. the testamentum
ingemēscente familiā: abl. abs.
2 amīce cārissime: voc. dir. address
Aedificās: present with fut. sense
4 ut…pōnās: that…; ind. command with 2s
pres. subj.
secundum: alongside… + acc.
5 Petraitis: of Petraites; a gladiator
ut…contingat: so that it may happen…;
purpose with pres. subj. impersonal
mihi: for…; dat. of interest
6 tuō beneficiō: because of…; abl. cause
praetereā (rogō) ut sint…: in addition (I
ask) that…; ind. command with pres. subj.
sum; supply rogō from above
pedēs centum: i.e. in distance
7 in agrum: in depth; i.e. into a field
pedēs ducentī: i.e. in distance
107
ingemēscō, -ere, -muī: to groan, sigh, 2
largiter: in abundance, generously
monumentum, -ī n.: memorial, monument, 7
mors, mortis f.: death
Petraitēs, -is m.: Petraites (name), 2
pōmum, -ī n.: fruit; fruit-tree, 5
praetereā: besides, in addition, 4
pugna, -ae f.: fight, battle, 2
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
recitō (1): to read aloud, 5
secundum: along, following; behind (acc), 4
statua, -ae f.: statue, 4
ultimus, -a, -um: last; adv. ūltimō, at last, 5
vīnea, -ae f.: grapevine
vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living, 6
omne genus pōma: fruit trees, every
kind,…; genus is in apposition to pōma
volō (ut) sint: I wish that…may be; pres.
subj. of wish (optative) sum; supply ‘ut’
8 vīneārum: partitive gen. pl. with largiter
falsum est: it is mistaken; impersonal
9 vīvō: for…; dat. of interest, vīvus
domōs cultās esse: that…; ind. disc. with
pf. pass. inf.; domōs is fem. pl. acc. subj.
(sed) nōn cūrārī eās: (but) that they…; acc.
subj. eās refers to fem. pl. domōs
ubi: when…
nōbīs: dat. of agent with pass. periphrastic
10 habitandum est: it must be…; ‘is going to
be…’ gerundive + sum in an impersonal
passive periphrastic expressing obligation
or necessity
adicī: pass. inf. adiciō
 Cena Trimalchionis 71-2

hērēdem nōn sequitur.’ Cēterum erit mihi cūrae, ut testāmentō 1

caveam, nē mortuus iniūriam accipiam. Praepōnam enim ūnum ex
lībertīs sepulcrō meō custōdiae causā, nē in monumentum meum
populus cacātum currat. Tē rogō, ut nāvēs etiam…monumentī meī
faciās plēnīs vēlīs euntēs, et mē in tribūnālī sedentem praetextātum 5
cum ānulīs aureīs quīnque et nummōs in pūblicō dē sacculō
effundentem; scīs enim, quod epulum dedī bīnōs dēnāriōs.
Faciātur, sī tibi vidētur, et trīclīnia. Faciās et tōtum populum sibi
suāviter facientem. Ad dexteram meam pōnās statuam Fortūnātae
meae columbam tenentem: et catellam cingulō alligātam dūcat: et 10

alligō (1): to tie/fasten to; bind to, 4
ānulus, -ī m.: ring, 5
bīnī, -ae, -a: two by two, 2
cacō (1): to defecate, shit
catella, -ae f.: puppy (female), 4
causa, -ae f.: cause, reason; legal case, 5
caveō, -ēre, cāvī, cautus: to beware, 4
cingulum, -ī n.: belt, band, 2
columba, -ae f.: dove (term of affection)
cūra, -ae f.: care, concern
currō, -ere, cucurrī, cursus: to run, 6
custōdia, -ae f.: protection, guard
dēnārius, -iī m.: denarius (silver/gold coin), 6
dexter, dext(e)ra, dext(e)rum: right (side), 6
epulum, -ī n.: banquet, 2
hērēs, hērēdis m/f.: heir, 2
iniūria, -ae f.: injury, injustice, insult.
lībertus, -ī m.: freedman, ex-slave, 5
1 nōn sequitur: i.e. is not passed down to an
erit: it…; impersonal fut. sum
mihi cūrae: as a care for me; a double dat.
(dat. interest and dat. of purpose)
ut…caveam: that…; noun result clause
with 1s pres. subj.
testāmentō: with my will; abl. means
2 nē…accipiam: lest…; ‘that,’ fearing clause
Praepōnam: 1s fut.
3 sepulcrō meō: over…; dat. compound verb
causā: for the sake of; + preceding gen.
nē…currat: so that…; neg. purpose clause
in…: upon…
4 cacātum: the acc. supine (PPP + um)
expresses purpose with a verb of motion
‘ and is best translated as an infinitive.
ut…faciās: that…; ind. command, 2s pres.
108
monumentum, -ī n.: memorial, monument, 7
nāvis, -is f.: ship, 5
nummus, -ī m.: coin, money, 7
plēnus, -a, -um: full, 5
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
praepōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positum: to put in
charge of/over, 2
praetextātus, -a, -um: wearing the toga
praetexta (bordered toga)
pūblicus, -a, -um: public, 2
quīnque: five, 3
sacculus, -ī m.: small sack
sedeō, -ēre, sēdī, sessus: to sit, 4
sepulcrum, -ī n.: tomb, grave, 3
statua, -ae f.: statue, 4
testāmentum, -ī n.: will, 5
tribūnal, -is n.: platform, 2
vēlum, -ī n.: sail, awning, canvas, 2
monumentī meī: (in the front of) my tomb
5 plēnīs vēlīs: abl. abs.; supply pple ‘being’
euntēs: pres. pple, eō, īre modifying nāvēs
in tribūnālī: i.e. as Trimalchio was with a
toga praetexta when he served as sēvir,
nūmmōs…effundentem: pple modifies mē
6 in pūblicō: i.e. publicly
7 scīs…quod: you know that…; ind. disc.
bīnōs dēnāriōs: for 2 denarii per person
8 faciātur…trīclīnia: let…; 3s jussive subj.
with neut. pl. subject; et: also
Faciās: you should…; 2s jussive subj.
sibi…facientem: doing well for themselves
i.e. enjoying themselves; dat. interest
9 pōnās: you should…; jussive subj.
10 columbam, catellam: i.e. love and fidelity
dūcat: Let her be leading; jussive subj.
 Trimalchio’s Tomb

cicarōnem meum, et amphorās cōpiōsās gypsātās, nē effluant 1

vīnum. Et urnam licet frāctam sculpās, et super eam puerum
plōrantem. Hōrologium in mediō, ut quisquis hōrās īnspiciet, velit
nōlit, nōmen meum legat. Īnscrīptio quoque vidē dīligenter sī haec
satis idōnea tibi vidētur: ‘C. Pompēius Trimalchio Maecēnātiānus 5
hīc requiēscit. Huic sēvirātus absentī dēcrētus est. Cum posset in
omnibus decuriīs Rōmae esse, tamen nōluit. Pius, fortis, fidēlis, ex
parvō crēvit, sēstertium relīquit trecentiēs, nec unquam
philosophum audīvit. Valē: et tū.’ ” 72. Haec ut dīxit Trimalchio,
flēre coepit ūbertim. Flēbat et Fortūnāta, flēbat et Habinnās, tōta 10

absens, absentis: being absent īnscrīptio, -ōnis f.: inscription, 4

amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6
audiō, -īre, -ivī, audītus: to hear, listen to, 5
C.: Gaius, 5
cicaro, -ōnis m.: little boy, 2
cōpiōsus, -a, -um: plentiful, 2
dēcernō, -ere, -ēvī, -ētus: to decide, decree, 2
decuria, -ae f.: division (of tens), 3
dīligenter: diligently, carefully, 5
effluō, -ere, -xi: to flow out, slip away
fidēlis, -e: faithful
fleō, -ēre, flēvī, flētus: to cry, 5
fortis, -e: brave; strong, 4
frangō, -ere, frēgī, frāctus: break (down), 6
gypsō (1): to seal/whiten with gypsum, 2
hōra, -ae f.: hour
hōrologium, -ī n.: sundial, clock
idōneus, -a, -um: suitable, fitting
īnspiciō, -ere, -spexī, -spectus: to look into, 2
1 cicarōnem supply verb pōnās above
nē effluant: so that…may not; neg. purpose
2 licet (ut) sculpās: it is permitted (that)…;
Some argue that ‘ut’ missing but, in fact,
licet is distinct from the 2s jussive subj.:
3 Hōrologium (sculpās): add verb
ut…legat: so that…may…; purpose clause
quisquis…īnspiciet: whoever…; missing
antecendent is subject of legat
velit, nōlit: let him…(or) let him…; jussive
subj. of volō, nōlō; i.e. if he wishes or not
4 Īnscrīptio…haec: An example of prolepsis
(anticipation). Make this nom. the subject
of the conditional sī…vidētur that follows.
vidē: sg. imperative and main verb
5 vidētur: seems
109
legō, -ere, lēgī, lēctus: to read, pick out, 4
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
Maecenatianus, -ī m.: Maecenatianus
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
philosophus, -ī m.: philospher, 2
pius, -a, -um: dutiful, pious, 2
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
Pompēius, -ī m.: Pompeius, 3
quoque: also, 6
relinquō, -ere, relīquī, relictus: to leave, 7
requiēscō, -ere, requiēvī, requiētum: rest
Rōma, -ae f.: Rome, 5
sculpō, -ere, -sculpsī, sculptum: to carve
sēvirātus, -ūs m: the office of Sexvirate
trecentiēs (tricentiēs): 300 times, 3
ūbertim: copiously
urna, -ae f.: urn (pot of 4 gallons)
valeō, -ēre, valuī: fare well, be strong (as), 5
C. Pompēius Trimalchio Maecēnātiānus:
When freed, Tr. was given the name of his
dominus, Gaius Pompeius. Maecēnātiānus
is not noted in Ch. 30 and may be a pretense
to recall Maecenas, a famous patron of the
arts, and suggest that Tr. is also generous.
6 Huic: for…; dat. sg.
absentī: (while)…; i.e. an honor that he did
not openly seek for himself
Cum posset…: although he…; concessive
In omnibus dēcuriīs: among all the
divisions (of priesthoods)
7 Rōmae: at…; locative ex parvō: from little
8 sēsterium: 10,000 sesterces
9 Valē: et tū: Farewell (Trimalchio), and
you too (farewell, passerby)
 Cena Trimalchionis 72

dēnique familia, tanquam in fūnus rogāta, lāmentātiōne trīclīnium 1

implēvit. Immō iam coeperam etiam ego plōrāre, cum Trimalchio
“Ergō,” inquit, “cum sciāmus nōs moritūrōs esse, quārē nōn
vīvāmus? Sīc vōs fēlīcēs videam, coniciāmus nōs in balneum, meō
perīculō, nōn paenitēbit. Sīc calet tanquam furnus.” “Vērō, vērō,” 5
inquit Habinnās, “dē ūnā diē duās facere, nihil mālō,” nūdīsque
cōnsurrēxit pedibus et Trimalchionem plaudentem subsequī coepit.
Ego respiciēns ad Ascyltōn “Quid cōgitās?” inquam, “ego enim sī
vīderō balneum, statim expīrābō.” “Assentēmur,” ait ille, “et dum
illī balneum petunt, nōs in turbā exeāmus.” Cum haec placuissent, 10

Ascyltos, -ī m.: Ascyltus (name), 5 morior, morī, mortuus sum: to die, 5

assentor, -ārī: to say “yes”
caleō, -ēre, -uī: to be hot, be warm
cōgitō (1): to think
cōnsurgō, -ere, -surrēxī: to rise, rise up, 3
dēnique: finally, at last, 2
exspīrō (1): to breathe out; die
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
fūnus, fūneris n.: funeral; death, 2
furnus, -ī m.: oven
impleō, -ēre, implēvī, implētus: to fill up, 3
lāmentātiō, -ōnis f.: wailing, lamentation
1 familia: the household slaves
in fūnus: to…
3 cum sciāmus: cum clause with pres. subj.
nōs moritūrōs esse: that…; ind. disc. with
fut. act. inf.
4 Vīvāmus: should we…?; i.e. live well; 1p
deliberative subj.
videam: May…; 1s subj. of wish (optative)
coniciāmus: Let…; 1p hortatory subj.
meō perīculō: at my own peril; i.e. I
guarantee; a parenthetical comment
6 dē: from..
duās (diēs): add noun; One bathed before a
cēna, so Habinnas notes that they are going
to bathe yet again on the same day.
6 nihil (quam): nothing (more than)…; nihil
is obj. of mālō; supply a missing quam and
nūdus, -a, -um: nude, bare, 4
paenitet, -ēre, -uit: it causes regret
perīculum, -ī n.: danger
petō, petere, peti(v)ī: to seek, head for, 4
placeō, -ēre, -uī: to please, be pleasing, 7
plaudō, -ere, plausī, plausum: to clap, 5
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
subsequor, -ī, secūtus sum: follow behind
turba, -ae f.: uproar, commotion, 3
vērō: adv. indeed, in fact; but, 7
make dē ūnā…facere the obj. of comparison
nūdīs pedibus: with…; abl. manner
7 plaudentem: pres. pple
subsequī: pres. dep. Inf.
8 Ascyltōn: Grk. acc.
enim: enim introduces an explanation for
the preceding question: ‘(I ask this) for…’
sī vīderō,…expīrābō: if…; fut. more vivid
(sī fut. (pf.), fut.); translate fut. pf. videō as
pres. with fut. sense
9 Assentēmur: Let…; 1p hortatory subj.
illī: that one’s; dat. of possession
10 exeāmus: let…; 1p hortatory subj. exeō
cum…placuissent: since…; causal cum
clause with plpf. placeō
haec: these things; neut. acc. pl.

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 Another Bath and a Lovers’ Quarrel

ducente per porticum Gitōne ad iānuam vēnimus, ubi canis 1

catēnārius tantō nōs tumultū excēpit, ut Ascyltos etiam in piscīnam
ceciderit. Nec nōn ego quoque ēbrius, quī etiam pictum timueram
canem, dum natantī opem ferō, in eundem gurgitem tractus sum.
Servāvit nōs tamen ātriēnsis, quī interventū suō et canem plācāvit 5
et nōs trementēs extrāxit in siccum. Et Gitōn quidem iam dūdum sē
ratiōne acūtissimā redēmerat ā cane; quicquid enim ā nōbīs
accēperat dē cēnā, lātrantī sparserat, at ille āvocātus cibō furōrem
suppresserat. Cēterum cum algentēs utique petīssēmus ab ātriēnse,
ut nōs extrā iānuam ēmitteret, “Errās,” inquit, “sī putās tē exīre hāc 10

acūtus, -a, -um: sharp, piercing, 3 lātrō (1): to bark

algeō, algēre, alsī: to be cold, feel cold
Ascyltos, -ī m.: Ascyltus (name), 5
ātriēnsis, -is m.: house manager, 3
āvocō (1): to call away
cadō, -ere, cecidī, cāsum: to fall, 4
catēnārius, -a, -um: on a chain
cibus, -ī m.: food, 3
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
ēmittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to send out, 3
errō (1): to wander about; be mistaken, 3
excipiō, -ere, -cēpī, -ceptus: take; welcome, 7
extrā: outside, beyond, 3
extrahō, -ere, -trāxī, -tractum: to draw out
ferō, ferre, tulī, lātus: to bear, carry, report, 6
furor, furōris m.: rage, passion, fury
Gitōn, -ōnis m.: Giton (name), 6
gurges, -itis m.: whirl, whirlpool
iamdūdum: now for a long time, 4
iānua, -ae f.: door, 5
interventus, -ūs m.: intervention
1 ducente…Gitōne: abl. abs.
2 tantō tumultū: with…; abl. of manner
excēpit: welcomed
3 ut…ceciderit: that…; result clause with pf.
subj. cadō
Nec nōn: and also, and likewise
etiam: even
pictum: PPP pingō
4 timueram: 1s plpf. timeō
natantī: (to the one)…; dat. sg. pres. pple
ferō: I bring; common idiom with opem
eundem: acc. sg. īdem, eadem, idem
5 interventū suō: because of…; abl. cause
et…et…: both…and…
111
natō (1): to swim, float, 3
ops, opis f.: help; pl. resources, wealth
petō, petere, peti(v)ī: to seek, head for, 4
pingō, -ere, pīnxī, pictus: to paint, 6
piscīna, -ae f.: fishpond (impluvium?)
plācō (1): to placate, soothe
porticus, -ūs f.: portico, colonnade, 4
quoque: also, 6
ratio, ratiōnis f.: account; calculation, 5
redimō, -imere, -ēmī: buy back (of slavery), 3
servō (1): to save, protect, preserve, 5
siccus, -a, -um: dry; ~sober, temperate, 2
spargō, -ere, -rsī, -rsum: sprinkle, scatter, 5
supprimō, -ere, -pressī: to suppress, check
timeō, -ēre, timuī: to fear, 5
trahō, -ere, trāxī, tractus: to pull, drag, draw
tremō, -ere, tremuī: to tremble, 2
tumultus, -ūs m.: tumult, confusion, 3
utique: in any case, by all means, certainly, 3
6 in siccum: onto the dry (floor)
iam dūdum: often as one word: iamdūdum
7 ratiōne acūtissima: with a very sharp
calculation; i.e. good plan; abl. of means
redēmerat: i.e. ransomed himself
ā: from…
quicquid…dē cēnā: whatever…; i..e food;
the missing antecedent is obj. of sparserat
lātrantī: to (the one)..; i.e. canis; pres. pple
just as Sibyl fed Cerberus in Aeneid 6.420-1
8 cibō: abl. means with PPP āvocō
9 ab ātriēnse: from…
10 ut…ēmitteret: that…; ind. command
hāc: by this one; i.e. ianuā
 Cena Trimalchionis 73

posse, quā vēnistī. Nēmō unquam convīvārum per eandem iānuam 1

ēmissus est; aliā intrant, aliā exeunt.” Quid faciāmus hominēs
miserrimī et novī generis labyrinthō inclūsī, 73. quibus lavārī iam
coeperat vōtum esse? Ultrō ergō rogāvimus, ut nōs ad balneum
dūceret, prōiectīsque vestīmentīs, quae Gitōn in aditū siccāre 5
coepit, balneum intrāvimus, angustum scīlicet et cisternae
frīgidāriae simile, in quō Trimalchio rēctus stābat. Ac nē sīc
quidem pūtidissimam eius iactātiōnem licuit effugere; nam nihil
melius esse dīcēbat quam sine turbā lavārī, et eō ipsō locō
aliquandō pistrīnum fuisse. Deinde ut lassātus cōnsēdit, invītātus 10

aditus, -ūs m.: entrance, access, 2 Labyrinthus, -ī m.: the Labyrinth

aliquandō: at some time, at length, 2
angustus, -a, -um: narrow, 2
cisterna, -ae f.: cistern (reservoir for water)
cōnsīdō, -ere, -sēdī, -sessus: to sit down, 2
effugiō, -ere, effūgī: to flee, escape
ēmittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to send out, 3
frīgidārius, -a, -um: of cooling, cold
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
Gitōn, -ōnis m.: Giton (name), 6
iactātiō, iactātiōnis f.: boasting, bragging
iānua, -ae f.: door, 5
inclūdō, -ere, -clūsī, -clūsus: to enclose, 2
invītō (1): to invite, summon, 3
1 posse: inf. possum
quā (ianuā): by which (door); Guests
cannot use the same door that they used to
enter the house.
eandem: fem. acc. sg. īdem, eadem, idem
2 aliā (ianuā)…aliā: by one…by another…
exeunt: 3p pres. exeō
faciāmus: are we to…; 1s pres. deliberative
subj.
hominēs miserrimī: in apposition to the 1p
understood subject ‘we’; superlative miser
3 novī generis: of…; gen. of description
modifying labyrinthō
inclūsī: PPP modifying 1p subject
quibus: for whom; dat. of interest
lavārī: to wash; subject of coeperat; this
pass. inf. is reflexive in sense
4 ut…dūceret: that (he)…; ind. command
lassō (1): to tire out, wear out
licet, -ēre, licuit: it is permitted, 7
miser, misera, miserum: wretched, sad, 2
pistrīnum, -ī n.: bakery; mill
prōiciō, -icere, iēci: throw down/off; drop, 6
pūtidus, -a, -um: filthy, rotten, 3
rēctus, -a, -um: straight up or along, direct, 4
siccō (1): to make dry, dry out
similis, -e: similar to (dat)
stō, -āre, stetī, statum: to stand, 6
turba, -ae f.: uproar, commotion, 3
ultrō: furthermore, beyond; voluntarily
vōtum, -ī n.: wish, desire; vow, prayer
with impf. subj.
5 prōiectīs vestimentīs: abl. abs.
siccāre: i.e. the clothes had become wet
when they fell into the piscina
6 cisternae frīgidāriae: dat. of special adj.
simile, which is neut. acc. with balneum
7 rēctus: nom. adj. as adv.
nē…quidem: not even…; emphasizing the
intervening word
8 eius: i.e. Trimalchio’s; gen. sg. is, ea, id
licuit: impersonal pf. licet
9 melius: better; neut. sg. comparative, bonus
lavārī: see above
eō ipsō locō: on…; abl. place where; eō is a
demonstrative: ‘this’
10 …pistrīnum fuisse: that…; ind. disc. with
pf. inf. sum
ut: as…, when…

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 Another Bath and a Lovers’ Quarrel

balneī sonō dīdūxit usque ad cameram ōs ēbrium et coepit 1

Menecratis cantica lacerāre, sīcut illī dīcēbant, quī linguam eius
intellegēbant. Cēterī convīvae circā lābrum manibus nexīs
currēbant et gingiliphō ingentī clāmōre exsonābant. Aliī autem aut
rēstrictīs manibus ānulōs dē pavīmentō cōnābantur tollere aut 5
positō genū cervīcēs post terga flectere et pedum extrēmōs pollicēs
tangere. Nōs, dum aliī sibi lūdōs faciunt, in solium, quod
Trimalchionī vapōrābātur, dēscendimus. Ergō ēbrietāte discussā in
aliud trīclīnium dēductī sumus, ubi Fortūnāta disposuerat lautitiās
suās ita ut suprā lucernās…aēneolōsque piscātōrēs notāverim et 10

aēneolus, -a, -um: of bronze intellegō, -ere, -lēxī: to understand, realize, 5

ānulus, -ī m.: ring, 5
camera, -ae f.: vaulted room or ceiling, 3
canticum, -ī n: ditty, song (in comedy), 3
cervīx, cervīcis f.: neck, 5
cēterī, -ae, -a: the other; the rest, 3
clāmor, clāmōris: shout, cry, noise, 4
cōnor, -āre, cōnātus sum: to try, attempt, 6
currō, -ere, cucurrī, cursus: to run, 6
dēdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to lead away, 2
dēscendō, -ere, -ndī, -nsus: to descend, 2
dīdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductum: to draw apart, 2
discutiō, -ere, -cussī, -cussus: to shake off, 2
dispōnō, -ere, -pōsuī, -pōsitus: to place out, 2
ēbrietās, -tātis f.: drunkenness, intoxication, 2
ēbrius, -a, -um: drunk, 6
exsonō, -āre, -sonuī: to sound out, resound
extrēmus, -a, -um: farthest, extreme, tip of, 3
flectō, -ere, flexī, flexus: to bend, 3
genū, genūs n.: knee, 2
gingiliphum, -ī n.: ??, pealing laughter
1 balneī sonō: abl. means with invītātus
dīdūxit…ōs ēbrium: ōs is neut. acc. sg.
cantica: neut. acc. pl.
Menecratis: gen., possibly the Menecrates
honored by Nero as a citharoedus, ‘player
of the cithara/lyre’ in Suetonius (Nero, 30)
2 sīcut…intellegēbant: i.e. it was difficult to
understand what Trimalchio was singing
3 lābrum: an above ground circular tub
manibus nexīs: abl. abs.; i.e. hand in hand
4 gingiliphō: abl. means; a word of uncertain
meaning but likely of Greek origin.
ingentī clāmōre: abl. means, perhaps in
apposition to gingiliphō to clarify the
113
lābrum, -ī n.: lip; round basin, 5
lacerō (1): to tear up, lacerate, 5
lautitia, -ae f.: delicacies, luxuries, 7
lingua, -ae f.: tongue; language, 4
lūdus, -ī m.: game, joke, play, 4
Menecrates, -is m.: Menecrates (name)
nectō, -ere, nexī, nexus: to join, connect
ōs, ōris n.: mouth, face, 4
pavīmentum, -ī n.: floor, pavement, 2
piscātor, -ōris m.: fisherman
pollex, -icis m.: thumb, big toe, 2
rēstringō, -ere, -nxi, -ictum: to draw back
sīcut: just as, 4
solium, -iī n.: throne; (seat of) the deep tub, 2
sonus, -ī m.: sound, 2
suprā: above, beyond (acc.), 7
tangō, -ere, tetigī, tāctus: to touch, 7
tergum, -ī n.: back (of men or animals)
usque: up to, continuously, 6
vapōrō (1): to heat up with steam, steam
word’s meaning
4 aliī…aliī…: some…others…
aut…aut…: either…or…
5 rēstrictīs manibus: abl. abs.; PPP restringō
suggests they are bound behind their backs
6 positō genū: Abl. abs.; i.e. kneeling
post: behind + acc.
pedum: gen. pl. pēs
extrēmōs: tips of the
7 sibi: for themselves; dat. of interest
solium: a deep tub or the step in the tub
8 Trimalchionī: for…; dat. of interest
ēbrietāte discussā: abl. abs.
10 ut notāverim: that I…; result, pf. subj.
 Cena Trimalchionis 74

mēnsās tōtās argenteās calicēsque circā fictilēs inaurātōs et vīnum 1

in cōnspectū saccō dēfluēns. Tum Trimalchio “Amīcī,” inquit,
“hodiē servus meus barbātōriam fēcit, homo praefiscinī frūgī et
mīcārius. Itaque tangomenas faciāmus et usque in lūcem
cēnēmus.” 74. Haec dīcente eō gallus gallīnāceus cantāvit. Quā 5
vōce cōnfūsus Trimalchio vīnum sub mēnsā iussit effundī
lucernamque etiam merō spargī. Immō ānulum trāiēcit in dexteram
manum et “nōn sine causā,” inquit “hic būcinus signum dedit; nam
aut incendium oportet fīat, aut aliquis in vīcīniā animam abiciet.
Longē ā nōbīs. Itaque quisquis hunc indicem attulerit, corōllārium 10

abiciō, -ere, -iēcī: to throw down, cast away, 2
anima, -ae f.: breath, spirit, 4
ānulus, -ī m.: ring, 5
barbātōria, -ae f.: rite of first beardshaving
būcinus, -ī m.: trumpeter
calix, -icis m.: drinking cup, 3
causa, -ae f.: cause, reason; legal case, 5
cōnfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsum: to confound,
disturb
cōnspectus, -ūs m.: look, sight, view, 2
corōllārium, -ī n.: reward (enough for a small
garland)
dēfluō, -ere, -fluxī, -fluxus: to flow down
dexter, dext(e)ra, dext(e)rum: right (side), 6
fictilis, -e: made of clay, 3
frūgī (indecl.): frugal, thrifty, honest, sober, 2
gallīnāceus, -a, -um: of a chicken, chicken, 5
1 tōtās: pure; ‘entire’
circā: all around
2 in cōnspectū: in sight; i.e. before all
saccō: from a sack; i.e. the wine was being
strained through the sack cloth as strainer
dēfluēns: neut. pres. pple modifies vīnum
Amīcī: voc. dir. address
3 fēcit: celebrated
homo: in apposition to servus meus
praefiscinī: no harm intended; employed to
negate any offense among the spirits for
offering another praise
frūgī: indeclinable, modifies homo
4 tangomēnās faciāmus: let us drink up; 1p
hortatory subj., the meaning of tangomēnās
is unknown
lūcem: i.e. dawn
5 cēnēmus: Let…; 1p hortatory subj.
114
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
inaurātus, -a, -um: golden; gold-trimmed, 2
incendium, -iī n.: fire, 3
index, indicis m.: informer; witness, 2
lūx, lūcis f.: light, daylight, 2
merus, -a, -um: pure, undiluted; genuine, 5
mīcārius, -a, -um: crumb-saving, thrifty
praefiscinī: adv. no harm intended
saccus, -ī m.: sack, bag; wallet
spargō, -ere, -rsī, -rsum: sprinkle, scatter, 5
sub: under, 6
tangomēnās (tengomēnās): ??; + facere,
drink up, 2
trāiciō, -icere, -iēcī, -iectum: to pierce, 3
tum: then, at that time, 5
usque: up to, continuously, 6
vīcīnia, -ae f.: vicinity, neighborhood, 3
haec dīcente eō: (while) this one…; abl.
abs. eō is an abl. sg. demonstrative and haec
is neut. pl. acc. obj.
Quā voce: by this utterance; connective
relative:translate as a demonstrative
effundī: pres. pass. inf.
7 spargī: pres. pass. inf.
trāiēcit: i.e. from his left to his right hand
8 sine causā: i.e. the rooster crowed
9 aut…aut…: either…or…
oportet (ut) fīat: it is fitting that…; oportet
in later Latin can accompany ut + subj. or
just a subj.; here, 3s pres. subj. fiō
abiciet: will throw away; i.e. perish
10 Longē: far; adv.
Quisquis…attulerit, accipiet: whoever…;
translate fut. pf. afferō as pres. with fut.
sense
 Another Bath and a Lovers’ Quarrel

accipiet.” Dictō citius dē vīcīniā gallus allātus est, quem 1

Trimalchio occīdī iussit, ut aēnō coctus fieret. Lacerātus igitur ab
illō doctissimō cocō, quī paulō ante dē porcō avēs piscēsque
fēcerat, in caccabum est coniectus. Dumque Daedalus pōtiōnem
ferventissimam haurit, Fortūnāta molā buxeā piper trīvit. Sūmptīs 5
igitur matteīs respiciēns ad familiam Trimalchio “Quid vōs,”
inquit, “adhūc nōn cēnāstis? Abīte, ut aliī veniant ad officium.”
Subiit igitur alia classis, et illī quidem exclāmāvēre: “Valē, Gāī,”
hī autem: “Avē, Gāī.” Hinc prīmum hilaritās nostra turbāta est; nam
cum puer nōn īnspeciōsus inter novōs intrāsset ministrōs, invāsit 10

abeō, -īre, -iī, abitum: to go away, 5 īnspeciōsus, -a, -um: unattractive

aēnus, -a, -um: of bronze; noun bronze pot, 2
avē: hail, (greeting from (h)aveō, -ēre)
avis, -is f.: bird, 5
buxeus, -a, -um: of boxwood tree, 2
caccabus, -ī m.: saucepan, 2
classis, -is f.: fleet; division, class, 2
coquō, -ere, coxī, coctus: to cook, 3
Daedalus, -ī m.: Daedalus, 3
doceō, -ēre, docuī, doctus: to teach, 5
exclāmō (1): to exclaim, 4
fervō (ferveō), -ere, fervī: to boil, be hot, 6
gallus, -ī m.: rooster, male bird of any kind, 6
hauriō, -īre, hausī, hastus: to drain, drink
hilaritās, -ātis f.: cheerfulness, merriment, 4
hinc: from here, hence, 6
igitur: therefore, 3
1 Dictō citius: faster than said; abl. of
comparison with comparative adv. cito
allātus est: pf. pass. afferō
occīdī: pres. pass. inf.
2 ut…fieret: so that…may…; purpose with
impf. subj. fiō
aēnō: in…; abl. place where
ab: by…; abl. of agent
3 doctissimō: most learned; superlative
cocō: abl. coquus
paulō: a little; ‘by a little,’ abl. degree of
difference with antē
4 est coniectus: pf. pass. coniciō
5 ferventissimum: superlative from fervēns,
the pres. pple of ferveō
molā buxeā: abl. means
invādō, -ere, -vāsī, -vāsum: rush/go upon
lacerō (1): to tear up, lacerate, 5
mattea, -ae f.: delicacy, savoury, 2
minister, ministrī m.: attendant, servant, 2
mola, -ae f.: mill(stone), 2
occīdō, -ere, occīdī, occīsum: to kill, 6
officium, -iī n.: service, duty, 7
paulus, -a, -um: little, small, 2
piper, -eris, n: pepper; peppercorn, 4
pōtio, -ōnis f.: drink, 7
subeō, -īre, -iī, subitus: to go up, approach
sūmō, -ere, sūmpsī, sūmptus: to take, eat, 3
terō, -ere, trīvī, trītum: to grind, rub, wear, 2
turbō (1): to disturb, set in confusion
valeō, -ēre, valuī: fare well, be strong (as), 5
vīcīnia, -ae f.: vicinity, neighborhood, 3
Sūmptīs matteīs: abl. abs.
6 Quid: Why…?; ‘in respect to what?’
7 cēnā(vi)stis: 2p pf. cēnō
Abīte: pl. imperative, abeō, abīre
ut…veniant: so that…may…; purpose with
pres. subj.
8 alia classis: i.e. a second shift of slaves,
who are replacing the first shift
illī: those; i.e. servī, who were leaving
exclāmāvēr(unt): syncopated 3p pf.
Gāī: voc. direct address Gaius
9 hī (exclāmāvērunt): add verb, i.e.
these slaves who are beginning to work
prīmum: for the first time; adverbial acc.
10 intrā(vi)sset: cum clause; plpf. subj.
inter novōs…ministrōs: among…

115
 Cena Trimalchionis 74

eum Trimalchio et ōsculārī diūtius coepit. Itaque Fortūnāta, ut ex 1

aequō iūs firmum approbāret, male dīcere Trimalchionī coepit et
pūrgāmentum dēdecusque praedicāre, quī nōn continēret libīdinem
suam. Ultimō etiam adiēcit: “canis.” Trimalchio contrā offensus
convīciō calicem in faciem Fortūnātae immīsit. Illa tanquam 5
oculum perdidisset, exclāmāvit manūsque trementēs ad faciem
suam admōvit. Cōnsternāta est etiam Scintilla trepidantemque sinū
suō texit. Immō puer quoque officiōsus urceolum frīgidum ad
malam eius admōvit, super quem incumbēns Fortūnāta gemere ac
flēre coepit. Contrā Trimalchio “Quid enim?” inquit, “Ambūbāia 10

admoveō, -ēre, -mōvī, -mōtus: move to, 2
aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
ambūbaia, -ae f.: flute-playing courtesan
approbō (1): to prove, approve, commend, 2
calix, -icis m.: drinking cup, 3
cōnsternō (1): to confound, perplex, 3
contineō, -ēre, continuī: to contain, restrain, 4
contrā: against; in reply; worth (acc.), 5
convīcium, -ī n.: abuse, mockery, insult, 4
dēdecus, dēdecōris n.: shame, disgrace
diūtius: longer, 4
exclāmō (1): to exclaim, 4
faciēs, faciēī f.: appearance, 4
firmus, -a, -um: firm, strong
fleō, -ēre, flēvī, flētus: to cry, 5
frīgidus, -a, -um: cool, cold, 4
gemō, -ere, gemuī: to groan, sigh
immittō, -ere, -mīsī, -mīssus: to send in, 3
1 ōsculārī: dep. inf.
diūtius: for too long; comparative adv. diū
the comparative can, as here, suggest excess
ut…approbāret: so that she might prove
her rights based on equality; purpose clause
male dicere: to curse; ‘speak poorly,’ often
as one word
Trimalchionī: dat. ind. obj.
3 pūrgāmentum dēdecusque praedicāre:
publically called (him)…; governed by
coepit
3 quī…continēret: who was not containing…
relative clause of cause (i.e. quī = cum is,
‘since he…’); impf. subj.
4 Ultimō: at last; abl. as adv.
“canis”: Hound!; i.e. shameless, since dogs
are willing to do things in public (e.g. have
116
incumbō, -ere, -cubuī: to lie/lean over (dat), 3
iūs, iūris n.: right, law, justice, 4
libīdō, libidinis f.: passion, desire, lust, 2
mala, -ae f.: cheek-bone, jaw, 2
offendō, -ere, -dī: to displease, vex, upset, 3
officiōsus, -a, -um: officious, compliant
ōsculor, -ārī, ōsculātus sum: to kiss, 3
perdō, -ere, perdidī: to lose, ruin, destroy, 6
praedicō (1): to proclaim, announce
pūrgāmentum, -ī n.: rubbish, things to be
swept up, 3
quoque: also, 6
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
tegō, -ere, texī, tectus: to cover, shield, 2
tremō, -ere, tremuī: to tremble, 2
trepidō (1): to tremble, be agitated, 3
ultimus, -a, -um: last; adv. ūltimō, at last, 5
urceolus, -ī m.: small pitcher, bucket
sex, defecate) that upright people do not do
5 contrā: in reply
immīsit: launched, threw
tanquam…perdidisset: as if…; conditional
clause of comparison with plpf. subj.
7 etiam also
trepidantem: (the one)…; pres. pple,
i.e. Fortunata, who sought comfort from
Scintilla
sinū suō: in her bosom; abl. means, sinus
can be anything curved: a lap or bosom
9 malam: cheek; ‘jaw’
eius: i.e. Fortunata’s; gen. sg. is, ea, id
10 Contrā: in reply
Quid enim?: What?; or ‘Why not?’
Ambūbāia: Tr. Is addresses his wife in
public as a flute-playing courtesan
 Another Bath and a Lovers’ Quarrel

nōn meminit, sed dē māchinā illam sustulī, hominem inter hominēs 1

fēcī. At īnflat sē tanquam rāna, et in sinum suum nōn spuit, cōdex,
nōn mulier. Sed hic, quī in pergulā nātus est, aedēs nōn somniātur.
Ita genium meum propitium habeam, cūrābō, dōmata sit Cassandra
caligāria. Et ego, homo dipundiārius, sēstertium centiēs accipere 5
potuī. Scīs tū mē nōn mentīrī. Agathō, unguentārius herae
proximae, sēdūxit mē et ‘Suādeō,’ inquit ‘nōn patiāris genus tuum
interīre.’ At ego dum bonātus agō et nōlō vidērī levis, ipse mihi
asciam in crūs impēgī. Rēctē, cūrābō, mē unguibus quaerās. Et ut
dēpraesentiārum intelligās quid tibi fēcerīs: Habinna, nōlō, 10

aedēs, -is, f.: home; building, shrine, 2
Agathō, -ōnis m.: Agatho (name)
ascia, -ae f.: ax, a carpenter's ax
bonātus, -a, -um: good-natured, benign
caligārius, -a, -um: wearing boots
Cassandra, -ae f.: Cassandra (name), 2
centiēns (centiēs): 100 times, 3
cōdex (caudex), -icis m.: log, trunk, block
crūs, -ūris n.: shin, leg, 3
dēpraesentiārum: at present, now, 2
dipundārius (dupondārius), -ī m.: twopenny,
two-bit, penniless, worthless, 2
domō, -āre, -uī, dōmatus (domitus): tame, 2
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
genus, generis n.: kind; birth; way, method, 7
hera (era), -ae f.: mistress of the house, lady
impingō, -ere, -pēgī, -pāctus: plant, strike, 3
īnflō, -āre, -flāvī, -flātus: blow on, puff out, 2
intellegō, -ere, -lēxī: to understand, realize, 5
1 meminit: defective 3s pf.: translate as pres.
dē māchinā: i.e. auction platform for slaves
sustulī: 3s pf. tollō
hominem inter…: i.e. one among equals
2 fēcī: I made (you); governs a double acc.
(obj. and pred.); supply ‘tē’ as acc. obj.
in sinum suum nōn spuit: Spitting into
one’s bosom is an apotropaic custom to
ensure that good luck will continue. Tr.
complains that she is boastful and does not
humble herself as she should.
3 hic, quī…: this (one) who; i.e. ‘one who…’
a general truth with unspecified subject
nātus est: pf. dep. nāscor
somniātur: pres. dep., hic is subject
4 habeam: May I hold…; 1s subj. of wish
117
intereō, -īre, -iī: to perish
levis, -e: light, trivial, fickle
māchina, -ae f.: sale platform; machine
meminī, -isse: to remember, recollect (gen.), 5
mentior, -īrī, mentītus: to lie, 5
patior, -ī, passus sum: to suffer; allow
pergula, -ae f.: stall, booth (often a shop)
propitius, -a, -um: favorable, propitious, 4
proximus, -a, -um: nearest; most recent, 4
quaerō, -ere, quaesīvī: to seek or ask (for), 5
rāna, -ae f.: frog, 3
rectē: rightly, 4
sēdūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to draw aside
sinus, -ūs m.: fold, pocket, lap; curve, 7
somniō (somnior) -āre: to dream (of)
spuō, -ere, spuī, spūtum: to spit
suādeō, -ēre, suāsī, suāsus: persuade, urge, 4
unguentārius, -ī m.: perfumer, potion seller, 2
unguis, -is m.: fingernail; toenail, 3
Cūrābō (ut)…dōmata sit: I will take care
(that)…; clause of effort with pf. pass. subj.
dōmō; add ut
5 sēstertium: 100,000 sesterces
accipere (in dōtem): to receive (in a
dowry); Tr. laments that he did not accept a
different marriage offer with a large dowry
6 herae proximae: gen. sg. i.e. a neighbor
7 Suādeō (ut) patiāris: …that you allow; ind.
command with 2s dep. subj. patior
genus tuum: that your lineage…; ind. disc.
8 agō: I carry on; ‘I carry on/behave’
9 cūrābō…quaerās: see note above; i.e. I
will make you want to attack me
(Audī) ut…intelligās: (Listen) so that…;
10 Quid…fēcerīs: ind. question with pf. subj.
 Cena Trimalchionis 75

statuam eius in monumentō meō pōnās, nē mortuus quidem lītēs 1

habeam. Immō, ut sciat mē posse malum dare, nōlō, mē mortuum
bāsiet.” 75. Post hoc fulmen Habinnās rogāre coepit, ut iam
dēsineret īrāscī et “Nēmō,” inquit, “nostrum nōn peccat. Hominēs
sumus, nōn deī.” Idem et Scintilla flēns dīxit ac per genium eius 5
Gāium appellandō rogāre coepit, ut sē frangeret. Nōn tenuit ultrā
lacrimās Trimalchio et “Rogō,” inquit, “Habinna, sīc pecūlium tuum
frūnīscāris: sī quid perperam fēcī, in faciem meam īnspue. Puerum
bāsiāvī frūgālissimum, nōn propter formam, sed quia frūgī est:
decem partēs dīcit, librum ab oculō legit, Thraecium sibi dē diāriīs 10

appellō (1): to call (by name), name, 5
bāsiō (1): to kiss, 5
decem: ten, 3
dēsinō, -ere, -siī, -situs: to leave off, cease, 2
diārium, -ī n.: allowance; pay, wages
faciēs, faciēī f.: appearance, 4
fleō, -ēre, flēvī, flētus: to cry, 5
fōrma, -ae f.: shape; beauty, 2
frangō, -ere, frēgī, frāctus: break (down), 6
frūgālis, -e: thrifty, 1
frūgī (indecl.): frugal, thrifty, honest, sober, 2
frūnīscor, -ī, frūnītus sum: to enjoy, 3
fulmen, fulminis n.: lightening, thunderbolt
genius, -iī m.: genius (a guardian spirit), 6
īnspuō, -spuere, -spuī, -spūtum: spit in/on
1 (ut) tatuam…pōnās: that you…; pres.
subj. nōlō can govern a pres. subj. of wish
without ut
eius: i.e. Fortunata’s; gen. sg. is, ea, id
nē…habeam: lest…; neg. purpose clause
with 1s pres. subj.
2 ut sciat: so that…; another purpose clause
with 1s pres. subj.
malum: trouble; ‘a bad thing’
(ut) mē…bāsiet: that she…; pres. subj.;
nōlō governs a pres. subj. of wish without ut
3 ut…dēsineret: that…; ind. command with
impf. subj.
īrāscī: from…; pres. dep. inf.
4 nostrum: partitive gen. pl. nōs
5 Idem: neuter acc. obj. īdem, eadem, idem
et: also
Per genium eius: through his genius; she
īrāscor, -ī, īrātus sum: to grow angry, 5
lacrima, -ae f.: tear, 2
legō, -ere, lēgī, lēctus: to read, pick out, 4
liber, librī m.: book, 2
līs, lītis f.: lawsuit, legal dispute, 7
monumentum, -ī n.: memorial, monument, 7
peccō (1): to commit a wrong; injure, 3
pecūlium, -ī n.: savings, private property, 2
perperam: wrongly
propter: on account of, because of (acc), 7
statua, -ae f.: statue, 4
Thraecium, -iī n.: Thracian-style gladiator's
armor
ultrā any more, any longer, beyond
appeals to his genius, guiding spirit
6 Gāium' appellandō: abl. means of a
gerund (-ing) of appellō, ‘call by name’
ut sē frangeret: that he bend; ‘that he break
himself’ i.e. soften his stance
tenuit: hold back
7 Habinna: voc. dir. address
sīc…frūnīscārīs: that you…; ind. command
with pres. dep. subj. and missing ‘ut’
8 quid: anything; indefinite after sī
9 frūgālissimum: superlative of frūgālis
10 decem partēs: his divisions by tens; i.e. he
is able to divide numbers by 10s
ab oculō: at sight
Thraecium: Thracian-style gladiator’s
armor
sibi: for…; dat. of interest
dē diāriīs: from…

118
 Another Bath and a Lovers’ Quarrel

fēcit, arcisellium dē suō parāvit et duās trullās. Nōn est dignus 1

quem in oculīs feram? sed Fortūnāta vetat. Ita tibi vidētur,
fulcipedia? suādeō, bonum tuum concoquās, milva, et mē nōn
faciās ringentem, amāsiuncula: aliōquīn experiēris cerebrum
meum. Nōstī mē: quod semel dēstināvī, clāvō tabulārī fīxum est. 5
Sed vīvōrum meminerīmus. Vōs rogō, amīcī, ut vōbīs suāviter sit.
Nam ego quoque tam fuī quam vōs estis, sed virtūte meā ad hoc
pervēnī. Corcillum est quod hominēs facit, cētera quisquilia omnia.
‘Bene emō, bene vendō;’ alius alia vōbīs dīcet. Fēlīcitāte dissiliō.
Tū autem, stertēia, etiamnum plōrās? iam cūrābō, fātum tuum 10

aliōquīn: in other respects; besides, else, 6
amāsiuncūlus, ī m. (-a, -ae f.): little darling, 2
arcisellium, -ī n.: round-backed chair
cerebrum, -ī n.: brain; thinking, temper, 3
cēterī, -ae, -a: the other; the rest, 3
clāvus, -ī m.: nail (fastener)
concoquō, -ere, -cōxī: to digest, stomach
corcillum, -ī n.: good sense (lit. a little heart)
dēstinō (1): to intend, design, 3
dignus, -a, -um: worthy, 2
dissiliō, -īre, -uī: to leap up, 2
etiamnum: still, even now
experior, -īrī, expertus sum: test, find out, 2
fātum (fātus), -ī n.: fate, destiny, 5
fēlīcitās, -ātis f.: happiness, good fortune
ferō, ferre, tulī, lātus: to bear, carry, report, 6
fīgō, -ere, fīxī, fīxus: to fix, fasten, 3
fulcipedia, -ae m.: ??, high-heeled one
1 dē suō: from his own (money)
Nōn est…: Is not…?
2 quem…feram: (the one) whom I hold
dear; relative clause of characteristic with
1s pres. subj.; the antecedent is subject of
est; in oculīs ferre is an idiom
tibi: to…; dat. of reference (viewpoint)
vidētur: it seems
3 Suādeō (ut) concoquās…faciās…: ind.
command with 2s subj. with missing ‘ut’
bonum tuum: what is good for you
4 ringentem: pres. pple; i.e. like a threatened
wild animal
experiēris: 2s fut. dep.
5 Nō(vi)stī: 2s pf. nōscō
quod…: what…; ‘that which…’
clāvō tabulārī: abl. of means with 3rd decl.
119
meminī, -isse: to remember, recollect (gen.), 5
milva, -ae f.: vulture (a bird of prey)
parō (1): to prepare, build, design, 7
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
quisquilia, -ōrum, n: rubbish, odds and ends
quoque: also, 6
ringor, -ī: to show teeth, open mouth wide
semel: once, 4
sterteia, -ae f.: snorer (female)
suādeō, -ēre, suāsī, suāsus: persuade, urge, 4
tabulāris, -e: of a wooden board, board
trulla, -ae f.: small ladle, dipper
vendō, -ere, vendidī, venditus: to sell, 5
vetō (vetuō), -āre, vetuī, vetitus: to forbid, 5
virtūs, virtūtis f.: manliness, 2
vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living, 6
i-stem adj.; i.e. a long nail for thick boards
6 meminerīmus: fut. pf.: translate as fut.
ut…suāviter sit: that it be agreeable; ind.
command with pres. subj. sum
vōbīs: dat. interest, vōs
7 tam…quam: just as…; ‘so…as’ where one
expects talis…qualis, ‘such…as’
virtūte meā: because of…; abl. cause
ad hoc: at this (point of success)
8 corcillum est: it is…
cētera (sunt) quisquilia: add. linking verb
9 alius alia: one person…one thing, another
…another thing; nom. subj. and acc. obj.
dissiliō: I am bursting
10 cūrābō (ut) plōrēs: I will take care that…
clause of effort with pres. subj.: add ‘ut’
 Cena Trimalchionis 76

plōrēs. Sed, ut coeperam dīcere, ad hanc mē fortūnam frūgālitās 1

mea perdūxit. Tam magnus ex Āsiā vēnī quam hic candelabrus
est. Ad summam, quotīdiē mē solēbam ad illum mētīrī, et ut
celerius rōstrum barbātum habērem, labra dē lucernā ungēbam.
Tamen ad dēliciās fēmina ipsīmī dominī annōs quattuordecim fuī. 5
Nec turpe est, quod dominus iubet. Ego tamen et ipsimae dominae
satis faciēbam. Scītis quid dīcam: taceō, quia nōn sum dē
glōriōsīs. 76. Cēterum, quemadmodum dī volunt, dominus in domō
factus sum, et ecce cēpī ipsīmī cerebellum. Quid multa?
cohērēdem mē Caesarī fēcit, et accēpī patrimōnium lāticlāvium. 10

Āsia, -ae: Asia, 2 ipsimus, -ī m.: master, owner, 3

barbātus, -a, -um: bearded, 2
Caesar, Caesaris m.: Caesar (name), 6
candēlābrum (-us) -ī n.: candlestand, 2
capiō, -ere, cēpī, captus: to seize; hold, 3
celer, celeris, celere: swift, quick
cerebellum, -ī n.: brain
cohērēs, -hērēdis m./f.: co-heir, fellow-heir
dēlicia, -ae f.: pleasure, delight,; pl. favorite, 4
domina, -ae f.: mistress, owner, 4
fortūna, -ae f.: fortune, chance, 5
frūgālitās, -ātis f.: thriftiness, frugality
glōriōsus, -a, -um: glorious, conceited, 3
ipsima (ipsuma), -ae f.: mistress, owner
1 ut: as, when
2 tam magnus…quam: as tall…as; clause of
comparison
Ad summam: to the point; i.e. in sum
3 ad illum: i.e. ad candelabrum
ut…habērem: so that…; purpose clause
with 1s impf. subj.
4 celerius: comparative adv. celer
5 ad dēliciās (fēmina) ipsīmī (dominī)
annōs quattuordecim fuī: I served as the
favorite—the woman—of the man himself
—my master—for 15 years; The repetition
of expressions (ad dēliciās = fēmina;
ipsīmī = dominī) suggests that Trimalchio is
using repetition in order to be emphatic.
ad dēliciās…fuī: I served as a favorite;
esse ad + acc. is an idiomatic expression;
fēmina is nom. pred. in apposition to ad
fēliciās, which is in the predicative position
annōs quattuordecim: for…; acc. duration
6 turpe: neut. sg. pred.
120
lābrum, -ī n.: lip; round basin, 5
lāticlāvius, -a, -um: broadstriped/senatorial, 2
mētior, -īrī, mēnsus sum: to measure, 2
patrimōnium, -iī n.: inheritance, 6
perdūcō, -ere, -dūxī: to bring over/through
plōrō (1): to weep, whine, lament, 7
quattuordecim: fourteen
quemadmodum: in what manner, how, 7
quotīdiē: every day, daily, 2
rōstrum, -ī n.: snout (nose, lip); beak
taceō, -ēre, -uī, tacitus: to be silent/quiet, 6
turpis, -e: shameful, indecent, ugly, 2
ungō (unguō), -ere, ūnxī, ūnctus: to anoint, 3
quod: (that) which…; subject of turpe est
et: also
ipsīmae dominae: the woman herself—my
mistress; dat. interest; ipsīma is a synonym
for domina, so the repetition would seem to
serve the same purpose as line 5
7 satis faciēbam: I used to satisfy; customary
impf.
quid dīcam: what I mean; ind. question
with 1s pres. subj.
dē glōriōsīs: from (a family of) boasters
8 dī: nom. pl. deus
9 cēpī ipsīmī cerebellum: I took over my
master’s thoughts
Quid multa: What more (should I say)?
10 Caesārī: along with…; Making an emperor
a co-heir showed loyalty and likely ensured
that the rest would go to the rightful heirs.
lāticlāvium: i.e. the fortune of a senator,
enough money to meet the qualifications of
the senatorial class in the census
 Trimalchio’s Delivers his own Eulogy

Nēminī tamen nihil satis est. Concupīvī negōtiārī. Nē multīs vōs 1

mōrer, quīnque nāvēs aedificāvī, onerāvī vīnum—et tunc erat
contrā aurum—mīsī Rōmam. Putārēs mē hoc iussisse: omnēs
nāvēs naufragārunt, factum, nōn fābula. Ūnō diē Neptūnus
trecentiēs sēstertium dēvorāvit. Putātis mē dēfēcisse? Nōn, 5
meherculēs mī haec iactūra gustī fuit, tanquam nihil factī. Alterās
fēcī maiōrēs et meliōrēs et fēlīciōrēs, ut nēmō nōn mē virum
fortem dīceret. Scītis, magna nāvis magnam fortitūdinem habet.
Onerāvī rūrsus vīnum, lārdum, fabam, sēplasium, mancipia. Hōc
locō Fortūnāta rem piam fēcit; omne enim aurum suum, omnia 10

aedificō (1): to build, 4 moror, -ārī, morātus sum: to delay, 3

aurum, -ī n.: gold, 6
concupiō, -ere: to be very eager, desire
contrā: against; in reply; worth (acc.), 5
dēficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectus: fail, give up, 2
dēvorō (1): to devour, swallow, 2
faba, -ae f.: bean, 2
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
fortis, -e: brave; strong, 4
fortitūdō, fortitūdinis f.: bravery
gustus, -ūs, m. (dat. gustī): taste, 2
iactūra, -ae f.: loss, sacrifice, 3
lārdum, -ī n.: bacon, lard, 3
mancipium, -ī n.: slave; property, 2
1 Nēminī: dat. sg. of interest of nēmō in a
double negative: translate ‘anyone’
nē…mōrer: Let…not; 1s jussive dep. subj.
multīs: with many (details); means
2 onerāvī vīnum: i.e. on the ships
erat: vīnum is subject
3 contrā: worth its weight in + acc.; ‘weighed
against…’
Rōmam: place to which
Putārēs: you would…; pres. contrary to fact
(past potential), 2s impf. subj. putō
mē…iussisse: that…; ind. disc. with pf. inf.
iubeō
hoc: i.e. the event that follows
4 naufragā(vē)runt: 3p pf.
factum: a fact; ‘something done’
Ūnō diē: in…; dat. of time when
5 sēstertium: 100,000 sesterces
mē dēfēcisse: ind. disc., pf. inf. dēficiō
naufragō (1): to be shipwrecked
nāvis, -is f.: ship, 5
negōtior, -ārī, negōtiātus sum: do business, 2
Neptūnus, -ī m.: Neptunus
onerō (1): to weigh down, load; stow, 5
pius, -a, -um: dutiful, pious, 2
quīnque: five, 3
Rōma, -ae f.: Rome, 5
rūrsus: back; again, in addition, 3
sēplasium, -ī n.: perfume
trecentiēs (tricentiēs): 300 times, 3
tunc: then, at that time, 7
vir, virī m.: man, 3
Nōn: No!
6 Mī…gustī fuit: served as a taste for me; a
double dat. (interest and purpose); mī is dat.
sg. mihi
nihil factī: nothing happened; partitive gen.
of a PPP of faciō
alterās (nāvēs): supply fem. pl. nāvēs
7 maiōrēs, meliōrēs, fēlīciōrēs: comparatives
of magnus, bonus, and fēlīx
ut…dīceret: so that…would…; result
clause with impf. subj.
nōn mē (esse) virum fortem: that…; ind.
disc. with missing inf. sum
9 Hōc locō: at this place in time; time when
rem piam: an act of devotion
10 omne aurum suum (et) omnia: acc. obj.
In contrast to Trimalchio’s earlier abuse,
Fortunata was key to Trimalchio’s success.

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 Cena Trimalchionis 76-7

vestīmenta vēndidit et mī centum aureōs in manū posuit. Hoc fuit 1

pecūliī meī fermentum. Cito fit, quod dī volunt. Ūnō cursū centiēs
sēstertium corrotundāvī. Statim redēmī fundōs omnēs, quī patrōnī
meī fuerant. Aedificō domum, vēnālicia coemō iūmenta; quicquid
tangēbam, crēscēbat tanquam favus. Postquam coepī plūs habēre, 5
quam tōta patria mea habet, manum dē tabulā: sustulī mē dē
negōtiātiōne et coepī lībertōs faenerāre. Et sānē nōlentem mē
negōtium meum agere exhortāvit mathēmaticus, quī vēnerat forte
in colōniam nostram, Graeculio, Serapa nōmine, cōnsiliātor
deōrum. Hic mihi dīxit etiam ea, quae oblītus eram; ab aciā et acū 10

acia, -ae f.: thread, yarn
acus, -ūs m.: needle
aedificō (1): to build, 4
centiēns (centiēs): 100 times, 3
centum: one hundred, 6
coemō, -ere, -ēmī, -ēmptum: to buy up
colōnia, -ae f.: town, colony; farm, estate, 4
cōnsiliātor, -ōris m.: counsellor, adviser
corrotundō (1): to make round, round off, 2
cursus, -ūs m.: course; journey, trip, 2
exhortor, -ārī (hortāvī): to encourage
faenerō, -āre: lend on interest to, invest in
favus, -ī m.: honey-comb, 5
fermentum, -ī n.: leaven, yeast
forte: by chance (abl. fors), 3
fundus, -ī m.: farm, estate, 5
Graeculio, -ōnis, m.: little Greek, Greekling
1 mī: mihi; dat. of interest or possession
centum aureōs: one aureus is 100 sesterces
2 pecūliī meī: for…; objective gen.; Tr.
admits that Fortunata brought him success.
fit: 3s fiō
quod…: what…; ‘(that) which…’
dī: nom. pl. deus
Ūnō cursū: on…
3 sēsterium: 100,000 sesterces
corrotundāvī: slang; i.e. made about
patrōnī meī: gen. poss. as predicate
4 fuerant: plpf. sum
quicquid: whatever…; neut. sg.
quam…: than…; clause of comparison
6 manum dē tabulā: (I took my) hand from
the tablet; i.e. stopped working; perhaps a
iūmentum, -ī n.: oxen, pack animal
lībertus, -ī m.: freedman, ex-slave, 5
mathēmaticus, -ī m.: astrologer, 2
negōtiātiō, -ōnis f.: business, 2
negōtium, -iī n.: business, 3
nōmen, nōminis n.: name, 7
patria, -ae f.: country, 3
patrōnus, -ī m.: patron, 3
pecūlium, -ī n.: savings, private property, 2
redimō, -imere, -ēmī: buy back (of slavery), 3
sānē: soberly, sensibly; to be sure, indeed, 5
Serapa, -ae f.: Serapa (name)
tabula, -ae f.: tablet; (gaming) board, 5
tangō, -ere, tetigī, tāctus: to touch, 7
vēnālicius, -a, -um: for sale
vendō, -ere, vendidī, venditus: to sell, 5
school command equivalent to a teacher
shouting ‘pencils down’ at the end of a test.
sustulī: 1s pf. tollō
7 nōlentem: pres. pple modifying mē
8 negōtium meum agere: to do business;
complementary inf. with nōlentem
forte: abl. as adv. fors
9 Graeculio: in apposition to mathēmaticus
Serapa: in apposition
nōmine: by name; abl. of respect
10 ea: those things; neut. pl. demonstrative
oblītus eram: plpf dep. oblīvīscor
ab aciā et acū: from thread and needle;
i.e. from the beginning; just as an article of
clothing takes its beginning from thread and
needle

122
 Trimalchio’s Delivers his own Eulogy

mī omnia exposuit; intestīnās meās nōverat; tantum quod mihi nōn 1

dīxerat, quid prīdiē cēnāveram. Putāssēs illum semper mēcum
habitāsse. 77. Rogō, Habinna—putō, interfuistī—‘Tū dominam
tuam dē rēbus illīs fēcistī. Tū parum fēlīx in amīcōs es. Nēmō
unquam tibi parem grātiam refert. Tū lātifundia possidēs. Tū 5
vīperam sub ālā nūtrīcās’ et, quod vōbīs nōn dīxerim, et nunc mī
restāre vītae annōs trīgintā et mēnsēs quattuor et diēs duōs.
Praetereā cito accipiam hērēditātem. Hoc mihi dīcit fātus meus.
Quod sī contigerit fundōs Āpūliae iungere, satis vīvus pervēnerō.
Interim dum Mercurius vigilat, aedificāvī hanc domum. Ut scītis, 10

aedificō (1): to build, 4 Mercurius, -iī m.: Mercurius, 3

āla, ālae f.: wing, armpit, 2
Āpulia, -ae f.: Apulia
contingō, -ere, contigī, contāctus: to touch,
happen (+ inf.), 4
domina, -ae f.: mistress, owner, 4
expōnō, -ere, -posuī, -positus: to explain, 2
fātum (fātus), -ī n.: fate, destiny, 5
fēlīx, fēlīcis: fortunate, happy, lucky, 6
fundus, -ī m.: farm, estate, 5
grātia, -ae f.: favor; gratitude; thanks, 7
habitō (1): to inhabit, dwell, 5
hērēditās, -tātis f.: inheritance, 2
intersum, -esse, -fuī: to be different/present, 2
intestīnum, -ī n. (intestīna, -ae): intestines, 3
iungō, -ere, iūnxī, iūnctus: to join, 2
lāti-fundium, -ī n.: large estate/farm
mēnsis, -is m.: month, 4
1 mī: mihi; dat. ind. obj.
intestīnās meās: my guts; i.e. my thoughts
nōverat: knew; ‘had learned,’ plpf. nōscō
tantum quod…: The only thing which…;
2 quid…cēnāveram: (was) what…; ind.
question with plpf ind. where one expects
subj. (cenāvissem); supply a linking verb
Putā(vi)ssēs: You would have…; contrary
to fact (past potential), plpf. subj.
2 illum…habitā(vi)sse: that…; ind. disc.
3 Habinna: voc. dir. address
putō: I suppose; parenthetical
interfuistī: 2s pf. intersum
‘Tū dominam…fecistī: You brought about
your wife…; Trimalchio recalls a speech
that the astrologer delivered to him. The
vagueness of the language may reflect the
123
nūtrīcō (1): to nourish, feed, rear
pār, paris: equal, like (+dat.), 3
parum: adv. too little, 2
perveniō, -īre, -vēnī, -ventus: reach, arrive, 7
possideō, -ēre, -sēdī, -sessus: possess, hold, 4
praetereā: besides, in addition, 4
prīdiē: day before, 2
quattuor: four, 6
referō, -ferre, rettulī, relātus: to bring back,
report, 6
restō, -āre, restitī: to remain, is left; resist
semper: always, 4
sub: under, 6
trīgintā: thirty
vigilō (1): to be awake, be vigilant
vīpera, -ae f.: viper, 2 vīta, -ae f.: life, 6
vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living, 6
tricks that astrologers use to be believable.
4 dē rēbus tuīs: from your wealth
in amīcōs: in respect to friends
6 Quod…dīxerim: what I should…; ‘that
which…’ with pf. subj.
nunc mī restāre…duōs: that…remains
for me; ind. disc. mī (mihi) is dat. of interest
7 vītae: of my life; partitive gen.
accipiam: 1s fut.
8 fātus meus: nom., equiv. to fātum meum
9 Quod sī: but if; ‘as for this, if’ an acc. of
respect often adversative in sense
sī contigerit, pervēnerō: if it happens (for
me)…, I will have…; fut. more vivid:
translate fut. pf. as pres. with fut. sense
Āpūliae: to Apulia; dat. obj. of iungere
vīvus: while alive
 Cena Trimalchionis 78

casula erat; nunc templum est. Habet quattuor cēnātiōnēs, cubicula 1

vīgintī, porticūs marmorātōs duōs, susum cēnātiōnem, cubiculum
in quō ipse dormiō, vīperae huius sessōrium, ōstiāriī cellam
perbonam; hospitium hospitēs capit. Ad summam, Scaurus cum
hūc vēnit, nusquam māvoluit hospitārī, et habet ad mare paternum 5
hospitium. Et multa alia sunt, quae statim vōbīs ostendam. Crēdite
mihi: assem habeās, assem valeās; habēs, habēberis. Sīc amīcus
vester, quī fuit rāna, nunc est rēx. Interim, Stiche, prōfer vītālia, in
quibus volō mē efferrī. Prōfer et unguentum et ex illā amphorā
gustum, ex quā iubeō lavārī ossa mea.” 78. Nōn est morātus 10

amphora, -ae f.: amphora (jug), 6 ostendō, -ere, ostendī: to show, 3

assis, -is m.: as (copper coin), 7
capiō, -ere, cēpī, captus: to seize; hold, 3
casula, -ae f.: little house, cottage, 3
cella, -ae f.: room, 4
cēnātiō, -ōnis f.: dining-room, 2
cubiculum, -ī n.: bedroom, 3
dormiō, -īre, dormīvī: to sleep
efferō, -ferre, extulī, ēlātus: to carry away, 3
gustus, -ūs, m. (dat. gustī): taste, 2
hospes, hospitis m.: guest; stranger; host, 2
hospitium, -iī n.: guest-lodging, hospitality, 2
hospitor, -ārī: to be a guest, to lodge
hūc: to here, hither, 2
mare, -is n.: sea, 2
marmorō (1): to overlay with marble
moror, -ārī, morātus sum: to delay, 3
nusquam: nowhere
os, ossis n.: bone, 2
2 susum: upstairs
3 vīperae huius: gen. sg.; i.e. Fortunāta
ōstiāriī: gen. sg., even the lowly doorman
has his own room
4 capit: receives; hospitium is subject
Ad summum: to the point; i.e. in sum
Scaurus: an aristocratic name, not here
identified with any particular person
5 nusquam: nowhere (else)
māvoluit: 3s pf. mālō (māvolō)
et habet…hospitium: and he…; He adds
that Scaurus prefers Trimaclhio’s place to
his own
ad mare: near…
6 sunt: there are…
ostendam: 1s fut.
124
ōstiārius, -ī m.: door-keeper, porter , 5
paternus, -a, -um: ancestral; of one’s father
perbonus, -a, -um: very good, very fine
porticus, -ūs f.: portico, colonnade, 4
prōferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to bring forth, 5
quattuor: four, 6
rāna, -ae f.: frog, 3
rēx, rēgis m.: king, 3
Scaurus, -ī m.: Scaurus (name)
sessōrium, -ī n.: sitting room, parlor
Stichus, -ī m.: Stichus (name), 3
sursum (susum): upward, from below, 3
templum, -ī n.: temple
valeō, -ēre, valuī: fare well, be strong (as), 5
vester, vestra, vestrum: your, 5
vīgintī: twenty, 2
vīpera, -ae f.: viper, 2
vītālia, -ium n.: burial clothes, graveclothes
7 (sī) assem habeās, assem valeās: (if) you
should…you would be worth…; equiv. to a
fut. less vivid (sī pres. subj., pres subj.), a
subj. of wish and potential opt.; valeō here
means ‘be as strong as’ or ‘be worth’
(sī) habēs, habēberis: (if) you have
(something), you will be held (to be
something); i.e. one’s possessions influence
one’s reputation; equiv. to a simple
condition; 2s pres and 2s fut. pass. habeō
amīcus vester: i.e. Trimalchio himself
Stiche: voc. direct address
8 prōfer: sg. irregular imperative
9 efferrī: inf., i.e. in the burial procession
10 est morātus: pf. dep. moror
 Trimalchio’s Delivers his own Eulogy

Stichus, sed et strāgulam albam et praetextam in trīclīnium 1

attulit…iussitque nōs temptāre, an bonīs lānīs essent cōnfecta.
Tum subrīdēns “Vidē tū,” inquit, “Stiche, nē ista mūrēs tangant aut
tineae? aliōquīn tē vīvum combūram. Ego glōriōsus volō efferrī, ut
tōtus mihi populus bene imprecētur.” Statim ampullam nardī 5
aperuit omnēsque nōs ūnxit et “Spērō,” inquit, “futūrum ut aequē
mē mortuum iuvet tanquam vīvum.” Nam vīnum quidem in
vīnārium iussit īnfundī et “Putāte vōs,” ait, “ad Parentālia mea
invītātōs esse.” Ībat rēs ad summam nauseam, cum Trimalchio
ēbrietāte turpissimā gravis novum ācroāma, cornicinēs, in 10

ācroāma, -atis n.: recitation, entertainment, 2 mūs, mūris m.: mouse, 5

aequus, -a, -um: equal; fair, just, 6
albus, -a, -um: white, 6
aliōquīn: in other respects; besides, else, 6
ampulla, -ae f.: flask, bottle, jar, 2
an: or, whether, if, 6
aperiō, -īre, -uī, apertus: to open, reveal, 3
combūrō, -ere, -bussī, -bustum: to burn up
cōnficiō, -ere, -fēcī, -fectus: complete, make
cornicen, -cinis m.: hornblower, trumpeter, 3
ēbrietās, -tātis f.: drunkenness, intoxication, 2
efferō, -ferre, extulī, ēlātus: to carry away, 3
glōriōsus, -a, -um: glorious, conceited, 3
gravis, -e: heavy, weighed down, serious
imprecor, -ārī, -ātus sum: to pray, call down
(in prayer) (dat)
īnfundō, -ere, -fūdī, -fūsus: to pour upon, 4
invītō (1): to invite, summon, 3
iuvō, -āre, iūvī, iūtus: to help; please, 2
lāna, -ae f.: wool, 7
1 praetextam (togam): bordered toga; to
reflect his previous status as a sēvir
attulit: pf. afferō
2 temptāre: to test
an…essent cōnfecta: whether…; ind.
question with plpf. pass. subj.
Vidē: see to it; i.e. bring it about
3 Nē…tangant: that…not…; neg. clause of
efffort with pres. subj.
ista (vītālia): those clothes; acc. obj.
4 combūram: 1s fut.
glōriōsus: translate nom. adj. as adv.
efferrī: pass. inf.
ut…imprecētur: so that…may…; purpose
clause with pres. pass. subj.
125
nardus, ī, f: nard (plant); nard oil
nausea, -ae f.: nausea, 2
Parentālia, -ium n.: Parentalia (Roman
festival honoring the dead, mid-February)
populus, -ī m.: people, 7
praetexta, -ae f.: bordered (toga)
spērō (1): to hope, 4
Stichus, -ī m.: Stichus (name), 3
strāgula, -ae f.: shroud; covering, 2
subrīdeō, -ēre, -rīsī, -rīsum: to laugh a little
tangō, -ere, tetigī, tāctus: to touch, 7
temptō (1): to try, test, 3
tinea, -ae f.: moth; gnawing worm
tum: then, at that time, 5
turpis, -e: shameful, indecent, ugly, 2
ungō (unguō), -ere, ūnxī, ūnctus: to anoint, 3
vīnārium, -ī n.: mixing bowl, 2
vīvus, -a, -um: alive, living, 6
6 futūrum (esse) ut..iuvet: that it will please
me…; a periphrastic fut. inf.: verbs that do
not have a participial stem to form a fut. inf.
(here, iuvō, iuvāre) form the inf. with
“futurum esse ut” + subj.
7 īnfundī: pass. inf.
8 Putāte: imagine; Imagining the funeral
earlier, Trimalchio now wants guests to
honor him, as if dead, at his Parentalia
vōs…invītātōs esse: that…; inf. disc.
9 Ībat rēs…: the situation was coming…;
impf. eō; This is Encolpius’ commentary.
10 ēbrietāte turpissimā: abl. with gravis,
which modifies Trimalchio
 Cena Trimalchionis 78

trīclīnium iussit addūcī, fultusque cervīcālibus multīs extendit sē 1

super torum extrēmum et “Fingite mē,” inquit, “mortuum esse.
Dīcite aliquid bellī.” Cōnsonuēre cornicinēs fūnebrī strepitū. Ūnus
praecipuē servus libitīnāriī illīus, quī inter hōs honestissimus erat,
tam valdē intonuit, ut tōtam concitāret vīcīniam, Itaque vigilēs, quī 5
cūstōdiēbant vīcīnam regiōnem, ratī ārdēre Trimalchionis domum,
effrēgērunt iānuam subitō et cum aquā secūribusque tumultuārī suō
iūre coepērunt. Nōs occāsiōnem opportūnissimam nactī
Agamemnonī verba dedimus raptimque tam plānē quam ex
incendiō fūgimus. 10

addūcō, -ere, -dūxī, -ductus: to lead, bring, 4
ārdeō, -ēre, ārsī, ārsum: to burn, be on fire, 3
cervīcal (cervīcāle) -ālis n.: pillow, 3
concitō (1): to incite, rouse up, wake up
cōnsonō, -āre, cōnsonuī: to resound in unison
cornicen, -cinis m.: hornblower, trumpeter, 3
custōdiō, -īre, custōdīvī, custōdītus: to guard
effringō, -ere, -frēgī, -frāctus: break open
extendō, -ere, -tendī, -tēnsus: extend, exert, 2
extrēmus, -a, -um: farthest, extreme, tip of, 3
fingō, -ere, fīnxī, fīctus: imagine
fugiō, -ere, fūgī: to flee, escape, 7
fulciō, -īre, fulsī, fultum: prop up, support
fūnebris, -e: funereal, of a funeral
honestus, -a, -um: honorable, respectable, 7
iānua, -ae f.: door, 5
incendium, -iī n.: fire, 3
intonō, -āre, -uī: to thunder
1 iussit: pf. iubeō
addūcī: pass. inf.
fultus: PPP fulciō
2 torum extrēmum: edge of the couch
mē…esse: that…; ind. disc.
3 aliquid bellī: something nice; partitive gen.
Cōnsonuēr(unt): syncopated 3p pf.
Fūnebrī: abl. 3rd decl. I-stem adj.
4 libitīnāriī illīus: of…; gen. sg.; that
undertaker described in Ch. 39 (pg. 24)
5 intonuit: i.e. blaring his horn
ut…concitāret: that…; result with impf.
subj.
iūs, iūris n.: right, law, justice, 4
libitīnārius, -ī m.: undertaker, 2
nancīscor, -ī, nactus sum: to obtain; meet, 3
occāsiō, occāsiōnis f.: opportunity, 2
opportūnus, -a, -um: suitable, convenient
praecipuē: especially, particularly, 3
raptim: suddenly, quickly
regio, regiōnis f.: region
reor, rērī, ratus sum: to reckon, calculate, 2
secūris, -is f.: ax, 2
strepitus, -ūs m.: blare, din, noise
torus, -ī m.: couch, bed, 4
tumultuor, -ārī: make a tumult or uproar
verbum, -ī n.: word, 3
vīcīnus, -a, -um: neighboring
vīcīnia, -ae f.: vicinity, neighborhood, 3
vigil, -is m.: watchman
6 ratī: pf. dep. pple reor
ārdēre…domum: that…; ind. disc.
7 suō iūre: by their own right; abl. manner
8 nactī: pf. dep. pple nancīscor
9 Agamemnonī: dat. ind. obj.; Agamemnon
was the invited guest who asked Encolpius
and the rest to attend uninvited.
verba dedimus: gave (empty) words; i.e.
gave the slip; an idiom: Encolpius told
Agamemnon one thing and did another
tam plānē quam ex incendiō (fugerēmus):
as unmistakably as if…; conditional clause
of comparison with verb omitted

126
Glossary
128 Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives

1st Declension 2nd Declension (m.) 2nd Declension (n.)

Nom. copia copiae legatus legatī proelium proelia
Gen. copiae copiārum legatī legatōrum proeliī proeliōrum
Dat. copiae copiīs legatō legatīs proeliō proeliīs
Acc. copiam copiās legatum legatōs proelium proelia
Abl. copiā copiīs legatō legatīs proeliō proeliīs

3rd Declension (m/f) 3rd Declension (n.)

Nom. mīles mīlites iter itinera
Gen. mīlitis mīlitum itineris itinerum
Dat. mīlitī mīlitibus itinerī itineribus
Acc. mīlitem mīlitēs iter itinera
Abl. mīlite mīlitibus itinere itineribus

4th Declension (m/f) 4th Declension (n.)

Nom. manus manūs cornū cornua
Gen. manūs manuum cornūs cornuum
Dat. manuī manibus cornū cornuibus
Acc. manum manūs cornū cornua
Abl. manū manibus cornū cornuibus

5th Declension (m/f)

Nom. rēs rēs
Gen. rēī rērum
Dat. rēī rēbus
Acc. rem rēs
Abl. rē rēbus
Selected Pronouns
Nom. is he ea she id it
Gen. eius his eius her eius its
Dat. eī to/for him eī to/for her eī to/for it
Acc. eum him eam her id it
Abl. eō with/from him eā with/from her eō with/from it

Nom. eī they eae they ea they

Gen . eōrum their eārum their eōrum their
Dat. eīs to/for them eīs to/for them eīs to/for them
Acc. eōs them eās them ea them
Abl. eīs with/from them eīs with/from them eīs with/from them

*is, ea, id is a demonstrative and often translated “this/that” in the singular and “these/those” in the plural.

Nom. quī quae quod quī quae quae who, which, that
Gen. cuius cuius cuius quōrum quārum quōrum whose, of whom/which
Dat. cuī cuī cuī quibus quibus quibus to whom/which
Acc. quem quam quod quōs quās quae whom, which, that
Abl. quō quā quō quibus quibus quibus by/with/from whom/which
 Nouns, Pronouns, and Adjectives 129

Nom. ille illa illud that hic haec hoc this

Gen. illīus illīus illīus of that huius huius huius of this
Dat. illī illī illī to/for that huic huic huic to/for this
Acc. illum illam illud that hunc hanc hoc this
Abl. illō illā illō with/from that hōc hāc hōc b/w/f this

Nom. illī illae illa those hī hae haec these

Gen. illōrum illārum illōrum of those hōrum hārum hōrum of these
Dat. illīs illīs illīs to those hīs hīs hīs to these
Acc. illōs illās illa those hōs hās haec these
Abl. illīs illīs illīs with/from those hīs hīs hīs with/from these

reflexive pronoun possessive reflexive adjective

Nom. --- suus sua suum suī suae sua
Gen. suī suī suae suī suōrum suārum suōrum
Dat. sibi suō suae suō suīs suīs suīs
Acc. sē suum suam suum suōs suās sua
Abl. sē suō suā suō suīs suīs suīs

Adjectives and Adverbs

Decl. Positive Comparative Superlative

1st/2nd altus, -a, -um altior, altius altissimus, -a, -um

high higher highest, very high, most high
altē altius altissimē
deeply more deeply very highly, most highly
3rd fortis, forte fortior, fortius fortissimus, -a, -um
brave braver, more brave bravest, very brave, most brave

fortiter fortius fortissimē

bravely more bravely very bravely, most bravely

Irregular Adjectives and Adverbs

Positive Comparative Superlative

bonus, -a, -um melior, melius optimus, -a, -um
good better best
magnus, -a, -um maior, maius maximus, -a, -um
great greater greatest
parvus, -a, -um minor, minus minimus, -a, -um
small smaller smallest
multus, -a, -um ---, plus plurimus, -a, -um
much more most
130 Synopsis: 1st Conjugation

amō, amāre, amāvī, amātum: to love

active translation passive translation
Indicative
Pres. amō amāmus I love amor amāmur I am loved
amās amātis amāris amāminī
amat amant amātur amantur
Impf. amābam amābāmus I was loving amābar amābāmur I was being loved
amābās amābātis amābāris amābāminī
amābat amābant amābātur amābantur
Fut. amābō amābimus I will love amābor amābimur I will be loved
amābis amābitis amāberis amābiminī
amābit amābunt amābitur amābuntur
Perf. amāvī amāvimus I have loved amāta sum amātae sumus I have been loved
amāvistī amāvistis amāta es amātae estis was loved
amāvit amāvērunt amāta est amātae sunt
Plpf. amāveram amāverāmus I had loved amāta eram amātae erāmus I had been loved
amāverās amāverātis amāta erās amātae erātis
amāverat amāverant amāta erat amātae erant
Fut. Pf amāverō amāverimus I will have amāta erō amātae erimus I will have been
amāveris amāveritis loved amāta eris amātae eritis loved
amāverit amāverint amāta erit amātae erunt

Subjunctive
Pres. amem amēmus same as amer amēmur same as
amēs amētis indicative amēris amēminī indicative
amet ament ametur amentur
Impf. amārem amārēmus amārer amārēmur
amārēs amārētis amārēris amārēminī
amāret amārent amāretur amārentur
Perf. amāverim amāverīmus amāta sim amātae sīmus
amāverīs amāverītis amāta sīs amātae sītis
amāverit amāverint amāta sit amātae sint
Plpf. amāvissem amāvissēmus amāta essem amātae essēmus
amāvissēs amāvissētis amāta essēs amātae essētis
amāvisset amāvissent amāta esset amātae essent

Imperative
amā amāte love!
Participle
Pres. amāns (amantis) loving
Perf. amātus, -a, -um having been loved
Fut. amātūrus, -a, -um going to love amandus, -a, -um going to be loved
Infinitive
Pres. amāre to love amārī to be love
Perf. amāvisse to have loved amātum esse to have been loved
Fut. amātūrum esse to be going to love
 Synopsis: 2nd Conjugation 131

videō, vidēre, vīdī, visum: to see

active translation passive translation
Indicative
Pres. videō vidēmus I see videor vidēmur I am seen
vidēs vidētis vidēris vidēminī
videt vident vidētur videntur
Impf. vidēbam vidēbāmus I was seeing vidēbar vidēbāmur I was being seen
vidēbās vidēbātis vidēbāris vidēbāminī
vidēbat vidēbant vidēbātur vidēbantur
Fut. vidēbō vidēbimus I will see vidēbor vidēbimur I will be seen
vidēbis vidēbitis vidēberis vidēbiminī
vidēbit vidēbunt vidēbitur vidēbuntur
Perf. vīdī vīdimus I have seen vīsa sum vīsae sumus I have been seen
vīdistī vīdistis vīsa es vīsae estis was seen
vīdit vīdērunt vīsa est vīsae sunt
Plpf. vīderam vīderāmus I had seen vīsa eram vīsae erāmus I had been seen
vīderās vīderātis vīsa erās vīsae erātis
vīderat vīderant vīsa erat vīsae erant
Fut.pf. vīderō vīderimus I will have vīsa erō vīsae erimus I will have been
vīderis vīderitis seen vīsa eris vīsae eritis seen
vīderit vīderint vīsa erit vīsae erunt

Subjunctive
Pres. videam videāmus same as videar videāmur same as
videās videātis indicative videāris videāminī indicative
videat videant videatur videantur
Impf. vidērem vidērēmus vidērer vidērēmur
vidērēs vidērētis vidērēris vidērēminī
vidēret vidērent vidērētur vidērentur
Perf. vīderim vīderīmus vīsa sim vīsae sīmus
vīderīs vīderītis vīsa sīs vīsae sītis
vīderit vīderint vīsa sit vīsae sint
Plpf. vīdissem vīdissēmus vīsa essem vīsae essēmus
vīdissēs vīdissētis vīsa essēs vīsae essētis
vīdisset vīdissent vīsa esset vīsae essent

Imperative
vidē vidēte see!
Participle
Pres. vidēns (videntis) seeing
Perf. vīsus, -a, -um having been seen
Fut. vīsūrus, -a, -um going to see videndus, -a, -um going to be seen
Infinitive
Pres. vidēre to see vidērī to be seen
Perf. vīdisse to have seen vīsum esse to have been seen
Fut. vīsūrum esse to be going to see
132 Synopsis: 3rd Conjugation

dūcō, dūcere, dūxī, ductum: to lead

active translation passive translation
Indicative
Pres. dūcō dūcimus I lead dūcor dūcimur I am led
dūcis dūcitis dūceris dūciminī
dūcit dūcunt dūcitur dūcuntur
Impf. dūcēbam dūcēbāmus I was leading dūcēbar dūcēbāmur I was being led
dūcēbās dūcēbātis dūcēbāris dūcēbāminī
dūcēbat dūcēbant dūcēbātur dūcēbantur
Fut. dūcam dūcēmus I will lead dūcar dūcēmur I will be led
dūcēs dūcētis dūcēris dūcēminī
dūcet dūcent dūcetur dūcentur
Perf. dūxī dūximus I have led ducta sum ductae sumus I have been led
dūxistī dūxistis ducta es ductae estis was led
dūxit dūxērunt ducta est ductae sunt
Plpf. dūxeram dūxerāmus I had led ducta eram ductae erāmus I had been led
dūxerās dūxerātis ducta erās ductae erātis
dūxerat dūxerant ducta erat ductae erant
Fut. Pf dūxerō dūxerimus I will have ducta erō ductae erimus I will have been
dūxeris dūxeritis led ducta eris ductae eritis led
dūxerit dūxerint ducta erit ductae erunt

Subjunctive
Pres. dūcam dūcāmus same as dūcar dūcāmur same as
dūcās dūcātis indicative dūcāris dūcāminī indicative
dūcat dūcant dūcatur dūcantur
Impf. dūcerem dūcerēmus dūcerer dūcerēmur
dūcerēs dūcerētis dūcerēris dūcerēminī
dūceret dūcerent dūceretur dūcerentur
Perf. dūxerim dūxerīmus ducta sim ductae sīmus
dūxerīs dūxerītis ducta sīs ductae sītis
dūxerit dūxerint ducta sit ductae sint
Plpf. dūxissem dūxissēmus ducta essem ductae essēmus
dūxissēs dūxissētis ducta essēs ductae essētis
dūxisset dūxissent ducta esset ductae essent

Imperative
dūc ducite lead!
Participle
Pres. ducēns (dūcentis) leading
Perf. ductus, -a, -um having been led
Fut. ductūrus, -a, -um going to lead ducendus, -a, -um going to be led
Infinitive
Pres. dūcere to lead dūcī to be lead
Perf. dūxisse to have led ductum esse to have been led
Fut. ductūrum esse to be going to lead
 Synopsis: 3rd-io Conjugation 133

capiō, capere, cēpī, captum: to take

active translation passive translation
Indicative
Pres. capiō capimus I take capior capimur I am taken
capis capitis caperis capiminī
capit capiunt capitur capuntur
Impf. capiēbam capiēbāmus I was taking capiēbar capiēbāmur I was being taken
capiēbās capiēbātis capiēbāris capiēbāminī
capiēbat capiēbant capiēbātur capiēbantur
Fut. capiam capiēmus I will take capiar capiēmur I will be taken
capiēs capiētis capiēris capiēminī
capiet capient capietur capientur
Perf. cēpī cēpimus I have taken capta sum captae sumus I have been taken
cēpistī cēpistis capta es captae estis was taken
cēpit cēpērunt capta est captae sunt
Plpf. cēperam cēperāmus I had taken capta eram captae erāmus I had been taken
cēperās cēperātis capta erās captae erātis
cēperat cēperant capta erat captae erant
Fut. Pf cēperō cēperimus I will have capta erō captae erimus I will have been
cēperis cēperitis taken capta eris captae eritis taken
cēperit cēperint capta erit captae erunt

Subjunctive
Pres. capam capāmus same as capar capāmur same as
capās capātis indicative capāris capāminī indicative
capat capant capatur capantur
Impf. caperem caperēmus caperer caperēmur
caperēs caperētis caperēris caperēminī
caperet caperent caperetur caperentur
Perf. cēperim cēperīmus capta sim captae sīmus
cēperīs cēperītis capta sīs captae sītis
cēperit cēperint capta sit captae sint
Plpf. cēpissem cēpissēmus capta essem captae essēmus
cēpissēs cēpissētis capta essēs captae essētis
cēpisset cēpissent capta esset captae essent

Imperative
cape capite take!
Participle
Pres. capiēns (capientis) taking
Perf. captus, -a, -um having been taken
Fut. captūrus, -a, -um going to take capiendus, -a, -um going to be taken
Infinitive
Pres. capere to take capī to be take
Perf. cēpisse to have taken captum esse to have been taken
Fut. captūrum esse to be going to take
134 Synopsis: 4th Conjugation

audiō, audīre, audīvī, audītum: to hear

active translation passive translation
Indicative
Pres. audīō audīmus I hear audior audīmur I am heard
audīs audītis audīris audīminī
audiit audiunt audītur audiuntur
Impf. audiēbam audiēbāmus I was hearing audiēbar audiēbāmur I was being heard
audiēbās audiēbātis audiēbāris audiēbāminī
audiēbat audiēbant audiēbātur audiēbantur
Fut. audiam audiēmus I will hear audiar audiēmur I will be heard
audiēs audiētis audiēris audiēminī
audiet audient audiētur audiēntur
Perf. audīvī audīvimus I have heard audīta sum audītae sumus I have been heard
audīvistī audīvistis audīta es audītae estis was heard
audīvit audīvērunt audīta est audītae sunt
Plpf. audīveram audīverāmus I had heard audīta eram audītae erāmus I had been heard
audīverās audīverātis audīta erās audītae erātis
audīverat audīverant audīta erat audītae erant
Fut.pf audīverō audīverimus I will have audīta erō audītae erimus I will have been
audīveris audīveritis heard audīta eris audītae eritis heard
audīverit audīverint audīta erit audītae erunt

Subjunctive
Pres. audiam audiāmus same as audiar audiāmur same as
audiās audiātis indicative audiāris audiāminī indicative
audiat audiant audiātur audiantur
Impf. audīrem audīrēmus audīrer audīrēmur
audīrēs audīrētis audīrēris audīrēminī
audīret audīrent audīretur audīrentur
Perf. audīverim audīverīmus audīta sim audītae sīmus
audīverīs audīverītis audīta sīs audītae sītis
audīverit audīverint audīta sit audītae sint
Plpf. audīvissem audīvissēmus audīta essem audītae essēmus
audīvissēs audīvissētis audīta essēs audītae essētis
audīvisset audīvissent audīta esset audītae essent

Imperative
audī audīte hear!
Participle
Pres. audiēns (audientis) hearing
Perf. audītus, -a, -um having been heard
Fut. audītūrus, -a, -um going to hear audiendus, -a, -um going to be heard
Infinitive
Pres. audīre to hear audīrī to be heard
Perf. audīvisse to have heard audītum esse to have been heard
Fut. audītūrum esse to be going to hear
 Synopsis: sum and possum 135

sum, esse, fuī, futūrum: to be possum, posse, potuī, -- : to be able, can

translation translation
Indicative
Pres. sum sumus I am possum possumus I am able, can
es estis potes potestis
est sunt potest possunt
Impf. eram erāmus I was poteram poterāmus I was able, could
erās erātis poterās poterātis
erat erant poterat poterant
Fut. erō erimus I will be poterō poterimus I will be able
eris eritis poteris poteritis
erit erunt poterit poterunt
Perf. fuī fuimus I have been, potuī potuimus I have been able,
fuistī fuistis I was potuistī potuistis I was able, could
fuit fuērunt potuit potuērunt
Plpf. fueram fuerāmus I had been potueram potuerāmus I had been able
fuerās fuerātis potuerās potuerātis
fuerat fuerant potuerat potuerant
Fut. Pf. fuerō fuerimus I will have been potuerō potuerimus I will have been able
fueris fueritis been potueris potueritis
fuerit fuerint potuerit potuerint

Subjunctive
Pres. sim sīmus same as possim possīmus same as
sīs sītis indicative possīs possītis indicative
sit sint possit possint
Impf. essem essēmus possem possēmus
essēs essētis possēs possētis
esset essent posset possent
Perf. fuerim fuerīmus potuerim potuerīmus
fuerīs fuerītis potuerīs potuerītis
fuerit fuerint potuerit potuerint
Plpf. fuissem fuissēmus potuissem potuissēmus
fuissēs fuissētis potuissēs potuissētis
fuisset fuissent potuisset potuissent

Imperative
xxx xxx

Infinitive
Pres. esse to be posse to be able
Perf. fuisse to have been potuisse to have been heard
Fut. futūrum esse* to be going to be ----

* fore is a common indeclinable alternative for futūrum esse.

136 Synopsis: eō, īre and Deponent Verb

eō, īre, i(v)ī, itūrum: to go sequor, sequī, secūtus-a-um sum: to follow

active translation deponent translation
Indicative
Pres. eō īmus I go sequor sequimur I follow
īs ītis sequeris sequiminī
it eunt sequitur sequuntur
Impf. ībam ībāmus I was going sequēbar sequēbāmur I was following
ībās ībātis sequēbāris sequēbāminī
ībat ībant sequēbātur sequēbantur
Fut. ībō ībimus I will go sequar sequēmur I will follow
ībis ībitis sequēris sequēminī
ībit ībunt sequētur sequentur
Perf. iī iimus I have gone, secūta sum secūtae sumus I have followed
īstī īstis went secūta es secūtae estis
iit iērunt secūta est secūtae sunt
Plpf. ieram ierāmus I had gone secūta eram secūtae erāmus I had followed
ierās ierātis secūta erās secūtae erātis
ierat ierant secūta erat secūtae erant
Fut. Pf. ierō ierimus I will have gone secūta erō secūtae erimus I will have
ieris ieritis secūta eris secūtae eritis followed
ierit ierint secūta erit secūtae erunt
Subjunctive
Pres. eam eāmus same as sequar sequāmur
eās eātis indicative sequāris sequāminī
eat eant sequātur sequantur
Impf. īrem īrēmus sequerer sequerēmur
īrēs īrētis sequerēris sequerēminī
īret īrent sequerētur sequerentur
Perf. ierim ierimus secūta sim secūtae sīmus
ieris ieritis secūta sīs secūtae sītis
ierit ierunt secūta sit secūtae sint
Plpf. īssem īssēmus secūta essem secūtae essēmus
īssēs īssētis secūta essēs secūtae essētis
īsset īssent secūta esset secūtae essent
Imperative
ī īte go! sequere sequitor follow!

Participle
Pres. iēns (euntis) going sequēns (gen. sequentis) following
Perf. --- secūtus, -a, -um having followed
Fut. itūrus, -a, -um going to go secūtūrus, -a, -um going to follow

Infinitive
Pres. īre to go sequī to follow
Perf. īsse to have gone secūtum esse to have followed
Fut. ītūrum esse to be going to go secūtūrum esse to be going to follow
 Synopsis: volō, velle, voluī 137

volō, velle, voluī: to wish, want

active translation
Indicative
Pres. volō volumus I wish ß Irregular Present Indicative
vīs vultis
vult volunt
Impf. volēbam volēbāmus I was wishing
volēbās volēbātis
volēbat volēbant
Fut. volam volēmus I will wish
volēs volētis
volet volent
Perf. voluī voluimus I have wished
voluistī voluistis
voluit voluērunt
Plpf. volueram voluerāmus I had wished
voluerās voluerātis
voluerat voluerant
Fut. Pf. voluerō voluerimus I will have wished
volueris volueritis
voluerit voluerint
Subjunctive
Pres. velim velimus same as indicative ß Irregular Present Subjunctive
velis velitis
velit velint
Impf. vellem vellēmus ß Irregular Imperfect Subjunctive
vellēs vellētis
vellet vellent
Perf. voluerim voluerīmus
voluerīs voluerītis
voluerit voluerint
Plpf. voluissem voluissēmus
voluissēs voluissētis
voluisset voluissent

Imperative
xxxx xxxx wish!

Participle
Pres. volēns (gen. volentis) wishing
Perf. xxxx
Fut. xxxx

Infinitive
Pres. velle to wish ß Irregular Infinitive
Perf. voluisse to have wished
Fut. xxxx
 139

Alphabetized Core Vocabulary List

(Words 8 or More Times)
This is an alphabetized list of the 229 running core vocabulary found at the beginning of this
commentary. To use this book properly, readers should master the running core vocabulary
before they read the relevant text. If you encounter a word in the text that is not found in the
facing vocabulary, you will find that word in the following alphabetized list. The number of
occurrences of each word, indicated below at the end of the entry, was tabulated by the author.

ā, ab: (away) from, by, 34

ac: and, also, 15
accēdō, -ere, accessī, accessūrus: to approach, 9
accipiō, -ere, accēpī, acceptus: to receive, 22
ad: to, towards, at; up to, 98
adhūc: thus far, to this point, still, 11
adiciō, adicere, adiēcī, adiectus: to throw to, add, 10
afferō, afferre, attulī, allātus: to bring, 27
Agamemnōn, -onis m.: Agamemnon (name), 14
agō, -ere, ēgī, āctus: drive, do; celebrate, 17
aiō: to say, affirm, say yes, 10
aliquis, aliquid (quī, quid): someone, something; some, any, 20
alius, alia, aliud: other, another, 20
alter, altera, alterum: other of two, 25
amīcus, -ī m.: friend (male); friendly, 20
amō (1): to love, 9
annus, -ī m.: year, 8
ante: before, in front of (acc), 8
aper, aprī m.: wild boar, 9
aqua, -ae f.: water, 12
argenteus, -a, -um: of silver, piece of silver, 13
at: but, at least, 11
atque: and, also, 12
aureus, -a, -um: golden; noun gold coin, 15
aut: or, either...or, 27
autem: however; moreover, 37
balneus (balneum), -ī m.: bath, 10
bellus, -a, -um: handsome, pretty, beautiful, 10
bene: well, 30
bonus, -a, -um: good (melior, better), 38
caelum (caelus), -ī n.: sky, heaven, 8
canis, -is m/f.: dog, 12
cantō (1): to sing, play, 9
caput, capitis n.: head, 9
cēna, -ae f.: dinner, 13
cēnō (1): to dine, 10
certus, -a, -um: sure, fixed, reliable, 8
140 Alphabetized Core Vocabulary

cēterum: moreover, in addition; otherwise, 13

circā: around, 14
circumferō, -ferre, -tulī, -lātus: to carry around, spread, publish, 9
cito: quickly, 8
cocus (coquus), -ī m.: cook, 16
coepī, coepisse, coeptus: to begin, 46
comedō, comesse, -ēdī, -ēsum: to eat, 8
coniciō, -ere, -iēcī, -iectum: to throw, hurl, 9
convīva, -ae m.: guest (at a meal), 10
crēdō, -ere, -didī, crēditus: trust, believe, 12
crescō, -ere, crēvī, crētus: to grow, increase, 13
cum: with (abl.); when; since; although, 108
cūrō (1): to care for, take care of, 14
dē: down from, about, 57
dēbeō, -ēre, dēbuī: to owe; ought, has to, 8
deinde then, next, 13
deus, -ī m. (pl. diī, dīīs, dīibus): god, 13
dīcō, -ere, dīxī, dictus: to say, tell, speak, 70
diēs, -ēī m/f.: day, 18
discō, -ere, didicī: to learn, 8
dō, dare, dedī, datus: to give, 34
dominus, -ī m.: master, owner, 19
domus, -ī f.: house, home domī at home, 20
dūcō, -ere, dūxī, ductus: to lead; consider, 9
dum: while, until; provided that, 20
duō, duae, duo: two, 19
ē, ex: out of, out from, 41
ecce: behold, 9
effundō, -ere, effūdī, effūsus: to pour out, 8
ego: I, me, 178
emō, -ere, ēmī, ēmptus: to buy, 14
enim: in fact, for, 45
eō, īre, iī, itum: to go, 9
ergō: and so, then, therefore, 33
et: and; both…and, 413
etiam: also, even, 51
exeō, exīre, exiī, exitus: to go out, 8
fābula, -ae f.: story, 8
faciō, -ere, fēcī, factus: do, make; value, 101
familia, -ae f.: household; slave; family, 18
ferculum (fericulus), -ī n.: tray (of food), 9
fiō, fierī, factus sum: to be made, become, happen, 19
Fortūnāta, -ae f.: Fortunata (name), 22
Gāius, -iī m. Gaius (name), 8
 Alphabetized Core Vocabulary 141

habeō, -ēre, habuī: to have, hold, 102

Habinnas, -ae f.: Habinnas (name), 17
hic, haec, hoc: this, these, 124
hodiē: today, 9
homō, hominis m.: person, people, man, 35
iam: now; already, 53
īdem, eadem, idem: same; also, 15
ideo: for this reason, 11
ille, illa, illud: that, those, 149
immō: rather, but rather, no indeed, 11
in: in, on; into, 228
ingēns, ingentis: huge, 10
inquam, inquis, inquit: to say, 87
inter: between, among, 26
interim: meanwhile, 9
intrō (1): to enter, 20
inveniō, -īre, invēnī, inventus: to find, discover, 11
ipse, ipsa, ipsum: himself, her-, it-, them-, 34
is, ea, id: he, she it, they; this, that, 45
iste, ista, istud: that, those (of yours), 12
ita: thus, so, 14
itaque: and so, therefore, 32
iubeō, -ēre, iussī, iussus: to order, 33
Iūppiter (Iovis), Iovis m.: Jupiter, 8
lavō, -āre, lāvī, lōtus (lautus): to wash, 9
littera, -ae f.: alphabet letter; pl. literature, 9
locus, locī m.: place, region, 10
longus, -a, -um: long, tall; adv. far (away), 12
loquor, loquī, locūtus sum: to speak, 9
lucerna, -ae f.: lamp, oil-lamp, 8
magis: more, 9
magnus, -a, -um: great (maior, greater) 16
mālō, mālle, māluī: to prefer, 10
malus, -a, -um: bad, evil, trouble; noun, an evil; adv. poorly, badly, 21
manus, -ūs f.: hand; group, 35
medicus, -ī m.: doctor, physician, 8
medius, -a, -um: middle, middle of, 17
meherculēs: by Hercules, 16
mēnsa, -ae f.: table, 18
meus, -a, -um: my, mine, 77
mīror, -ārī, mīrātus sum: marvel, be astonished/amazed, 13
mittō, -ere, mīsī, missus: to send; let go, 10
modo: now, just now; only, 19
mortuus, -a, -um: dead, 16
mulier, -is f.: woman, 11
142 Alphabetized Core Vocabulary

multus, -a, -um: much, many, 13

nam: for, 36
nārrō (1): to relate, tell, 9
nāscor, -ī, nātus sum: to be born, 23
nē: (so) that…not, in order…not; lest, 29
nec: nor; and not, 50
nēmō, nēminis m/f.: no one, 24
nesciō, -īre, nēscivī, nēscītus: not know, 12
nihil, nīl n.: nothing, 25
nisi: if...not; unless, except, 19
nōlō, nōlle, nōluī: to be unwilling, 12
nōn: not, 161
nōs: we; us, 63
nōscō, -ere, nōvī, nōtus: to learn, know, 8
noster, nostra, nostrum: our, ours, 25
notō (1): to mark, sign, censure, 10
novus, -a, -um: new, 8
numquam: never, 9
nunc: now, 19
oblīvīscor, -ī, oblītus sum: to forget, 8
oculus, -ī m.: eye, 13
omnis, -e: every; all, 68
oportet, -ēre, oportuit: to it is proper/right, 9
ōvum, -ī n.: egg, 8
pānis, -is m.: bread, 13
pars, partis f.: part; share, portion; direction, 15
parvus, -a, -um: small (minor, minus less), 14
per: through, 15
pēs, pedis m.: foot, 21
piscis, -is m.: fish; Pisces (constellation), 8
plānē: clearly, 14
plūs, plūris n.: more, many, 16
pōnō, -ere, posuī, positus: to place, serve, 20
porcus, -ī m.: pig, 13
poscō, -ere, poposcī: to demand, ask for, 8
possum, posse, potuī: to be able, 35
post: after; afterwards, 9
postquam: after, 9
prīmus, -a, -um: first, 14
prō: in front of; on behalf of, for, instead of (abl.), 11
puer, puerī m.: boy, slave, 46
putō (1): to think, 40
quārē: why (for which reason); therefore, 9
que: and, 111
 Alphabetized Core Vocabulary 143

quī, quae, quod (quis, quid): who, what, because (who, which), 364
quia: because, 15
quidem: indeed; nē…quidem, not even, 26
quisquis, quicquid: whoever, whichever, 18
repositōrium, -ī n.: portable tray stand, 8
rēs, reī f.: matter, affair, thing, 23
respiciō, -ere, respexī, respectum: to look back, 11
rīdeō, -ēre, rīsī, rīsus: to laugh, 19
rogō (1): to ask, 24
satis: enough, 8
scīlicet: certainly, 8
Scintilla, -ae f.: Scintilla (name), 11
sciō, -īre, scīvī, scītus: to know, 32
sē: himself, herself, itself (reflexive), 46
sed: but, 69
sequor, -ī, secūtus sum: to follow, accompany, 9
servus, -ī m.: slave, 29
sēstertius -ī m.: sesterce; neut. 10,000 sesterces, 8
sī: if, 68
sīc: thus, 28
signum, -ī n.: mark, statue, password, 8
sine: without (abl.), 9
soleō, -ēre, solitus sum: to used to, be accustomed, 16
sōlus, -a, -um: alone, only, 8
statim: immediately, 18
suāvis, -e: sweet, pleasant, agreeable, 8
subitō: suddenly, 8
sum, esse, fuī, futūrus: to be, 386
summus, -a, -um: highest, top of; noun summa, sum, point, 16
super: over (acc.), 35
suus, -a, -um: his/her/its/their own, 55
tam: so, 25
tamen: nevertheless, however, 39
tamquam: just as, 35
tantus, -a, -um: so much/many/great; adv. only, 10
teneō, -ēre, -uī, tentus: to hold; remember, 11
terra, -ae f.: land, 11
tollō, -ere, sustulī, sublātus: to raise; remove, destroy, 24
tōtus, -a, -um: whole, entire, 26
trīclīnium, -iī n.: triclinium (dining room), 23
Trimalchio, Trimachiōnis m.: Trimalchio (name), 92
tū: you, 77
tuus, -a, -um: your, 16
ubī: where, when, 9
144 Alphabetized Core Vocabulary

umquam: ever, 9
unguentum, -ī n.: perfume, 8
ūnus, -a, -um: one, 22
ut, utī: so that; as, when; how, 91
valdē: very, very much; comp. valdius, 9
veniō, -īre, vēnī, ventum: to come, 29
vērus, -a, -um: real, true; vērum, but, 8
vestīmentum, -ī n.: garment, clothes (pl.), 8
videō, -ēre, vidī, vīsus: to see, 60
vīnum (vīnus) vīnī n.: wine, 20
vīvō, -ere, vīxī: to live, 11
vocō (1): to call, summon, invite, 10
volō, velle, voluī: to wish, want, 24
vōs: you, 18
vōx, vōcis f.: voice, 11