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DE RUSTICO ET ARATRO SUO

 

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Source: Aesop's Fables, 1687 (illustrated by Francis Barlow).

 

Introduction: This fable is an illustration of the famous English saying, "God helps them that help themselves" (a saying included in Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac, published in 1757). In this fable, the god in question is Hercules, who was a cult figure through the ancient Roman world. For example, there is a Roman exclamation, "Mehercle!" which is an expression of amazement or wonder, "By Hercules!" Hercules was also a cult figure in the ancient Greek world, where he was known by the name "Heracles." For another fable in which a person in trouble calls upon supernatural powers, see the story of the old man and Death. For another fable about the dangers of being idle, see the story of the heifer and the ox.

 

Latin Text:

 

Rustici aratrum haeret in profundo luto. Mox prostratus, Herculem implorat, cum statim vox a caelo auditur: "Inepte, flagellato equos et ipse totis viribus umerisque annitere rotis! Et deinde Herculem invocato! Tunc enim tibi propitius Hercules aderit."

 

Here is a segmented version to help you see the grammatical patterns:

 

Rustici aratrum haeret

in profundo luto.

Mox prostratus,

Herculem implorat,

cum statim vox

a caelo auditur:

"Inepte,

flagellato equos

et ipse

totis viribus umerisque

annitere rotis!

Et deinde Herculem invocato!

Tunc enim tibi

propitius Hercules aderit."

 

Translation: A countryman's plow was stuck in deep mud. Immediately the farmer threw himself down on the ground and was begging Hercules for help when suddenly a voice was heard from the sky. "Idiot, whip your horses while you push with all your strength and shoulders against the wheels! And after that, call upon Hercules; then indeed a favorable Hercules will attend you."

 

[This translation is meant as a help in understanding the story, not as a "crib" for the Latin. I have not hesitated to change the syntax to make it flow more smoothly in English, altering the verb tense consistently to narrative past tense, etc.]

 

Parallels: For parallel versions, see Perry 291.

 

Related Links: Crossword Puzzle

 

Illustration: Here is an illustration from this edition, by the renowned artist Francis Barlow; click on the image for a larger view.

 

 

 

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