This concept is not novel. Many traditional textbooks such as Wheelock’s Latin provide short excerpts from authentic Latin sources to reinforce the presentation of grammatical concepts. However, because many textbooks committed to the “reading method” avoid these types of passages early in the series, teachers should be encouraged to gather a variety of authentic Latin selections to illustrate the constructions that they are covering in class.
The first poem listed below can be used to help students understand demonstrative pronouns; the second poem can be used to illustrate the ablative of comparison.
Martial 5.43
Thais habet nigros, niveos Laecania dentes.
Quae est ratio? emptos haec habet, illa suos.
Possible glosses:
niger, nigra, nigrum = black
niveus, -a, -um = snowy
ratio, rationis, f. = reason
emptus, -a, -um = bought, purchased
Martial 1.109.1-5
Issa est passere nequior Catulli,
Issa est purior osculo columbae,
Issa est blandior omnibus puellis,
Issa est carior Indicis lapillis,
Issa est deliciae catella Publi.
Possible glosses:
Issa = name of Publius’ lap-dog
passer, passeris, m. = sparrow
nequior = comparative form of the adjective nequam = more naughty
blandus, -a, -um = charming
lapillus, -i, m. = little stone, pebble
deliciae, -arum, f. = delight, darling
catella, -ae, f. = puppy, lap-dog
Publi = Publii
