#Its Value.#--An exercise which is very practical and helpful, and which
may also become extremely delightful, is the rendering into Latin of
English sentences based upon that portion of the Latin text which has
already been carefully studied. This exercise is helpful, because it
calls upon us to put into practice the knowledge which we have acquired
in reading; it may become delightful because it shows us accurately the
measure of our advance and thus affords us the pleasure which comes from
the feeling that one is making sure progress in a given line of study.
#Essentials.#--To write Latin well one needs precisely the things which
we found necessary in reading (page ix). The words and constructions
required in the sentences for translation given on pages 112 to 129 are
illustrated by the corresponding pages of the Latin text. The pupil
should always endeavor to recall the word, inflectional form, phrase, or
construction for himself before referring to his text or to his grammar.
In other words, he should make the exercise one of thought rather than
of mere mechanical copying from a printed model.
#The Object.#--We read the Latin text in order to understand the
thoughts of the writer. So in turning English sentences into Latin our
chief object is to clothe the _thoughts_ which such sentences convey in
proper Latin dress, not merely to substitute Latin _words_ for English
_words_. Every language has its own peculiar expressions, which are
called _idioms_. Such expressions can never be literally translated from
one language into another. Hence in attempting to turn an English
sentence into Latin, we must begin by noting carefully the thought which
it expresses, and then consider how the Romans gave expression to that
thought.
#Choice of Expression.#--In Latin, just as in English, it often happens
that the same thought may be expressed in several ways, which differ
greatly in the words used as well as in the form and expression. In
English it is often impossible to give a reason for the choice of one
form of expression in preference to others. Sometimes the choice is made
consciously for the sake of variety, or because there is a very slight
shade of difference in meaning,--so slight that we can perhaps feel it,
but cannot put it into words; sometimes unconsciously, because every one
falls into the habit of using certain phrases and manners of speech with
no deeper reason than the habit. The same is true of Latin writers.
Their various forms of expression have been noted and collected, and we
find them laid down in the grammars as _rules_. Some of these
expressions are found to be used by the best writers more frequently
than others, and these are considered the best models. But the student
must avoid the error of confining himself absolutely to one iron-bound
form because most stress is laid upon it by the grammars, if he finds
other modes of expression in the writings of good authors. By searching
out the greatest variety of forms in which an idea may be expressed, by
trying to discover the differences in meaning between them, and by
placing yourself as far as possible in the writer's place, you will gain
a far greater grasp and appreciation of the language than by learning a
single rigid rule and forcing it to fit every case.
One of the central ideas of the following exercises, then, should be to
render the thought in as many ways as possible, drawing your authority
from the text on which the exercise is based, as well as from your
grammar.
Examine the tables on pages xvi to xxvi, where you will find several of
the most important constructions treated. Compare the examples given and
try to trace out the reasons for the different forms. In many cases you
will not be able to do so, and are free to choose one of several modes
of expression. In others the meaning of the sentences and the aid of the
grammar will give the reason for your choice.
#Caution.#--The pupil should note that all the words and constructions
necessary to enable him to write in Latin the sentences given below,
pages 112 to 129, are to be found on the pages of the Latin text upon
which the exercises are based. _An English-Latin vocabulary or
dictionary is, therefore, wholly unnecessary._ Additional sentences
based on the text may be made up by student or teacher as required.