VF: Lesson - Reading Passage, Part 2
Reading Passage: Via Falsa, part 2
The story continues. Before continuing, a reminder that you can use the VF Reading Help Links to an external site.. handout to access the full Latin text along with notes on vocabulary and grammar. Some additional notes will be included as well. If you see a word or phrase highlighted in bold, check below the passage for additional information.
Part 1 concluded with Pseudolus apologizing to Maecenas and promising to keep silent about any information he has already heard.
Chapter 4: Via Falsa, part 2
Maecenas remained silent for a long time. Finally, he spoke, "Do you think that Agrippa is the killer? I have also heard these most vile rumors (famas pessimas). Answer me truthfully. You life depends on your response."
Pseudolus quickly responded, "Perhaps, but I am not sure. Many clues have pointed to the argument. I have heard Agrippa's name most often (saepissime)."
| Maecenas offes a deal. |
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Iterum Maecenas tacebat. Subito autem annuit, "Quod veritatem narravisti, tuae vitae parcam. Tamen, tu Agrippam accusare non potes! De re, es in via falsa! Via ad mortem tuam modo ducet (note: future tense). Et praeterea est praepostera: Agrippa Marcellum certissime (note: superlative) non interfecit. Si alium petiveris, te adiuvabo. Informationem, quam tu non potes, obtinere possum. Concurrisne?" Notes:
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Guiding Questions
Use the following context clues to help read the final paragraphs correctly. Also, don't forget to check your reading log for additional notes on vocabulary and grammar, if you need any help!
- What question does Maecenas put to Pseudolus?
- What will be determined by Pseudolus’ answer?
- What does Maecenas forbid Pseudolus from doing?
- Where does Maecenas say that Pseudolus is?
Chapter 4: Via Falsa, conclusion
Pseudolus breviter contemplavit et tum respondit, "Necesse, Domine, est mihi concurrere. Vetus dictum mihi occurrit: a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi. Es potentior quam lupus! Tu autem fuisti aequissimus. Quod interfector non est Agrippa, necesse est mihi alium petere. Potesne mihi viam novam indicare?"
Maecenas risit, "Ita! Qui haec fecit non erat Agrippa, sed erat aliquis proximus Marcello. Res cognovi: medicus imperialis venenum in corpore Marcelli invenit. Venenum Marcellum interfecit. Clare, Marcellus sibi venenum non dedit! Si illud inveneris, invenies interfectorem eius. Dicam tibi mox. Eheu, est ultima res: noli umquam iterum dicere Annae sine permissu meo."
Notes:
- a fronte praecipitum a tergo lupi: a precipice before me and wolves behind – English equivalent: stuck between a rock and a hard place
- potentior quam lupus: comparative + quam = more ____ than ____
- Qui haec fecit: The one who did this – Latin can use a pronoun (Qui) as both the subject (the one) and the pronoun (who).
- cognovi: I have learned or I know
- sibi: reflexive: to himself.
- Si..inveneris: future perfect following si translates in the present: If you find…
- illud: refers to venenum
Investigation Notes: Part 2 and Conclusion
Maecenas and Pseudolus continue their conversation. Maecenas makes a proposal.
- When Maecenas asks the critical question, he claims to have also heard rumors. Where do you think Maecenas heard these rumors?
- How does Pseudolus answer the question? Is he honest?
- What does Maecenas offer and in exchange for what?
- What is the meaning of "a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi"? Why does Pseudolus recall this saying?
- What major detail does Maecenas reveal to Pseudolus concerning Marcellus’ death?
- Why does Maecenas decide not to have Pseudolus killed? What value do you think he finds in continuing the investigation? What does Maecenas get out of this?
- Why does Pseudolus agree to drop his investigation of Agrippa? Does Maecenas present compelling evidence to prove Agrippa’s innocence? Does this alter your view of Pseudolus? of Maecenas?
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