Meta Description: Join Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle for Gurgle Episode 4. We continue our journey into the Ars Memoriae with 8 more essential Latin sententiae from King David, Urbano Appendini, and Verinus.
Introduction: Gurgling Again
Welcome back to the “Vomitorium,” listeners! After a small hiatus spent breathing, relaxing, and doing some long-form podcasting, we are back for Gurgle Part 4 .
In this episode, hosts Dr. David Noe and Dr. Jeff Winkle continue their deep dive into why you should memorize Latin and how to do it.
Why memorize? Whether you are a Latin teacher, a student, or just an aficionado, slipping a little Latin into your everyday conversation “augments and elevates” it. It is a beautiful language, and filling your spare time with it expands the mind.
In Part 1, we covered the first 12 Loci Recitandi (passages to be recited). Today, we pick up at number 13. These selections are drawn from scripture and from Laura Gibbs’ excellent collection Brevissima: 1001 Tiny Latin Poems, a public domain treasure trove of Latin wit.
The Loci Recitandi: Part II (Numbers 13-20)
13. Hope in the Lord (King David)
Et nunc quid expecto Domine? Spes mea ad te est.
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope rests with you.”
The Context: From Psalm 39:7 (Apud David). It is King David having a conversation with God.
Latin Grammar:
- Apud David: Dr. Noe notes that Hebrew names like David often do not decline in Latin, so it remains David rather than becoming Davidum.
- Spes mea ad te est: This is highly idiomatic. Instead of a dative (“My hope is for you”), it uses the preposition ad (“My hope is [next] to you”). It suggests nearness and reliance .
- Word Order: It teaches good style. Instead of the standard Subject-Object-Verb, we get Et nunc quid (“And now what?”), placing the interrogative third in the sentence for rhythm.
14. The Necessity of Friendship (Urbano Appendini)
Ad bene vivendum, quicquid natura paravit,
Nil datum amicitia gratius est homini.
“For living well, whatever nature has provided, nothing has been given to man that is more pleasing than friendship.”
The Context: From the Italian scholar Urbano Appendini (Apud Appendinum).
The Meaning: Friendship isn’t just a luxury; it is the greatest gift nature has provided for a good life . Latin Grammar:
- This is an Elegiac Couplet (Hexameter + Pentameter).
- Ad bene vivendum: A Gerund showing purpose (“for living well”).
- Gratius: A Comparative Adjective (“more pleasing”).
- Word Placement: Dr. Noe points out the brilliant placement of amicitia (friendship) at the very end of the line, and homini (to man) at the end of the first hemistich. The structure “embraces” the meaning.
15. True Wealth (Verinus)
Divitiae non sunt argenti pondus et auri;
virtutes veras, accipe, divitias.
“Riches are not the weight of silver and gold; understand that virtue is true wealth.”
The Context: From Verinus (Apud Verinum), in his work De moribus puerorum disticha (Two-liners on good character for children). The Meaning: It is a “preachy” but true sentiment. If you have wealth but are a wretched person, you are not truly rich. Latin & Grammar:
- Apo koinu: The adjective veras (true) is placed between virtutis (virtue) and divitias (wealth). It grammatically agrees with divitias, but its placement allows it to apply to both: “Virtue is true wealth” / “True virtue is wealth”. This is a poetic device Latin can employ that English cannot.
16. The Inescapable Witness (Giuseppe Gatti)
Vive pie; semper frustra peccata teguntur.
Nullus in his terris est sine teste locus.
“Live piously; sins are always covered in vain. There is no place in these lands without a witness.”
The Context: From Giuseppe Gatti (Apud Gattum), 1703, in his Sales Poetici (Witty Poeticisms). The Meaning: You can’t hide your sins. Someone—or God—is always watching. “Your sins are going to find you out”. Latin Grammar:
- Word Picture: In the second line (Nullus in his terris…), the word Nullus (no) is at the start, and locus (place) is at the very end. The negative “embraces” the line, reinforcing that there is no place to hide .
17. Waiting on God (King David/Calvin)
Omnēs quī tē expectant, nōn pudefīent: pudefīant quī perfidē agunt sine causā.
“All those who wait upon you will not be put to shame; let them be put to shame who behave shamefully for no reason.”
The Context: Psalm 25:3 (Apud David), using John Calvin’s Latin translation . Latin & Grammar:
- Fio/Fieri: This uses the irregular verb fio (to become/be made) compounded with pudor (shame).
- Mood Shift: Dr. Noe highlights the shift from Pudefient (Future Indicative: “will not be put to shame”) to Pudefiant (Subjunctive: “Let them be put to shame”). Latin can change the entire mood of a sentence by altering one vowel (e vs a) .
18. The Mind of God (Florilegium)
Cursus fatorum nescit mens ulla virorum;
Solius est proprium scire futura dei.
“No mind of man knows the courses of the fates; it belongs to God alone to foretell the future.”
The Context: From an anthology (Florilegium); the specific author is unknown. The Meaning: Human beings cannot predict destiny; that is the province of the Divine.
19. Just Say It (Julius Wegeler)
Qui dare vult aliis, non debet dicere: Vultis?
Sed dicat plene: Dulcis amice, tene!
“The one who wants to give to others shouldn’t say ‘Do you want some?’; but he should simply state, ‘Have it,’ sweet friend.”
The Context: From Julius Wegeler (Apud Wegelerum). The Meaning: Don’t hide behind polite questions like “Do you want a burger?” Just give the gift. It simplifies human communication and removes the “self-protection mechanism” of false courtesy.
20. The Future Most Vivid (Apostle John)
Si quid petieritis in nomine meo, ego faciam.
“If you shall ask for anything in my name, I will do it.”
The Context: John 14:14 (Apud Ioannem).
Latin Grammar:
- Future Most Vivid Conditional: This is a “painless way” to learn this construction.
- Protasis (If clause): Petieritis (Future Perfect: “If you shall have asked”).
- Apodosis (Then clause): Faciam (Future: “I will do it”).
- Aliquis drop: “After si, nisi, num, and ne, all the ali‘s drop away.” Si aliquid becomes Si quid (“If anything”).
How to Memorize These (Three Ways)
Dr. Noe shares a personal insight: he finds it easier to memorize Latin than English because of its highly structured syntax. The “unfamiliarity” makes it sticky. He also visualizes the text in his head when he speaks.
If you want to build your own treasury, here are your options:
- Free: Listen to this episode on repeat and take notes.
- Patreon ($1.99/mo): Join at the “Lucan Level” at patreon.com/latinperdiem to get the PDF and high-quality audio recordings.
- Hardcore: Sign up for the LLPSI class for full immersion.
Sponsors
- Hackett Publishing: hackettpublishing.com
- Ratio Coffee: ratiocoffee.com
Valete!
