Lupus et Agnus (Latin) with translations in English

The wolf and the lamb

This parallel text is part of The wolf and the lamb equilang.

Text by Phaedrus written in year 1596 in Latin.

The original version.

Translation by Henry Thomas Riley written in year 1887 in English.

Source: Phaedrus (1887). The Comedies of Terence and The Fables of Phædrus (Henry Thomas Riley, Trans.). GEORGE BELL & SONS, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/25512/25512-h/25512-h.htm

Lupus et Agnus

The Wolf and the Lamb

Ad rivum eundem lupus et agnus venerant, siti compulsi.

Driven by thirst, a Wolf and a Lamb had come to the same stream;

Superior stabat lupus, longeque inferior agnus.

the Wolf stood above, and the Lamb at a distance below.

Tunc fauce improba latro incitatus iurgii causam intulit;

Then, the spoiler, prompted by a ravenous maw, alleged a pretext for a quarrel.

'Cur' inquit 'turbulentam fecisti mihi aquam bibenti?'

“Why,” said he, “have you made the water muddy for me while I am drinking?”

Laniger contra timens 'Qui possum, quaeso, facere quod quereris, lupe? A te decurrit ad meos haustus liquor'.

The Fleece-bearer, trembling, answered: “Prithee, Wolf, how can I do what you complain of? The water is flowing downwards from you to where I am drinking.”

Repulsus ille veritatis viribus 'Ante hos sex menses male' ait 'dixisti mihi'.

The other, disconcerted by the force of truth, exclaimed: “Six months ago, you slandered me.”

Respondit agnus 'Equidem natus non eram'.

“Indeed,” answered the Lamb, “I was not born then.”

'Pater hercle tuus' ille inquit 'male dixit mihi':

“By Hercules,” said the Wolf, “then ’twas your father slandered me;”

Atque ita correptum lacerat iniusta nece.

and so, snatching him up, he tore him to pieces, killing him unjustly.

Haec propter illos scripta est homines fabula qui fictis causis innocentes opprimunt.

This Fable is applicable to those men who, under false pretences, oppress the innocent.

Latin