92

 

 

Ablative Absolute

    

93

 
  Latin often reports the circumstances surrounding the events     Noun and participle/td>
  described in a sentence by appending two words in the    

Eurydicê vîsâ, Orpheus laetus erat.
  ablative. These words may be 2 nouns, a noun and an    

When Eurydice was seen, Orpheus was happy.
  adjective, or a noun and a participle. The most common      
  combination is a noun and a participle.    

Orpheô audîto, orbis Ixionis stupuit.
       

When Orpheus was heard, the wheel of Ixion was stunned.
  Because such an "absolute" construction is uncommon in      
  English, it is usually better to translate an ablative absolute     Noun and Adjective
  with a subordinate clause beginning with 'when,' 'while,'    

Caesare vîvô, rês publca salva erat.
  'because,' or 'although.'    

When Caesar was alive, the republic was safe.
         
  Two Nouns      
 

Caesare Bibulôque cônsulibus, Rômânî laetî erant.

     
 

When Caesar and Bibulus were consuls, the Romans

      
 

were happy.

      
         
 

Caesare dûce, Rômânî vincêbant.

      
 

When Caesar was leader, the Romans used to

     
 
conquer.
      
         
         
         
         
         
         

<< • >>

Close Birdbook • Return to Table of Contents