Latin for Beginners · Lesson LXXV · Part 15: Gerunds, reported speech and special cases
75. Vocabulary review; the dative of purpose
Goal: Your child translates the dative of purpose ('as a guard for the camp', 'of great use to someone').
You'll need
- The book (the lesson page and the word lists in §§ 521 and 522)
- A notebook and pencil
- Index cards from earlier lessons
What's in the book
A vocabulary review (§ 435, word lists in §§ 521 and 522), examples of the dative of purpose (§ 436), the rule and three set phrases (§ 437), then Latin and six English sentences.
The lesson, step by step
Vocabulary review
Go through the word lists in §§ 521 and 522. Note the slow words.
The new idea
A dative can show what something serves as, often with a second dative for the person affected:
Duās legiōnēs praesidiō castrīs relīquit
He left two legions as a guard for the camp.
Hoc erat magnō impedīmentō Gallīs
This was a great hindrance to the Gauls (literally 'for a great hindrance').
Set phrases
Learn the three phrases:
cōnsilium omittere, to give up a plan
locum castrīs dēligere, to choose a place for a camp
alicui magnō ūsuī esse, to be of great advantage to some one
Latin to English
Translate the sentences. Two of them:
Caesar mīsit explōrātōrēs ad locum dēligendum castrīs.
Tam dēnsa erat silva ut prōgredī nōn possent.
The exercise mixes in earlier constructions: footnotes point out a purpose clause, an indirect question and a result clause.
English to Latin
Write the six sentences. Words like '(for)' in parentheses hint at a dative of purpose.
Wrap-up
Your child explains praesidiō castrīs word by word. Memorize the rule and the phrases.
Answers to the book's problems
Items 1 and 4 have two sentences each. 1. He asked why those forces had been left. They answered that those forces were a guard for the camp. 2. Caesar sent scouts to choose a place for a camp. 3. Each one thought that the very name of Caesar would be a great terror to the barbarians. 4. At daybreak the same army began a fierce battle, but the severe wounds of his men were a great concern to the general. 5. The king answered that the friendship of the Roman people ought to be an honor and a protection to him. 6. Who was in command of the cavalry which the allies had sent to help Caesar? 7. To some people success is the greatest disaster, and misfortune is of wonderful use. 8. It was a great hindrance to the Gauls in the fight that the cavalry was pressing them on the right wing. 9. The memory of their former courage, no less than fear of the enemy, was of great use to our men. 10. The forest was so dense that they could not advance.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.