Year Eleven Latin: GCSE Examination Revision List: 2015

There are four GCSE Latin papers, each paper is one hour long:
Language Paper 1
Language Paper 2
Literature Prose set text
Literature Verse set text
Language Paper 1 and 2
Language Paper 1 will consist of two comprehension exercises and an unseen passage based
on the theme of mythology or domestic life.
Language Paper 2 will consist of one comprehension followed by a more challenging unseen
passage based on the theme of history.
Vocabulary
This is a priority for revision for the language paper. You should revise the GCSE vocabulary
lists which you have been given. Any vocabulary which you have not come across before will
be listed at the end of each Latin passage. Make sure that you use the vocabulary help you
are given on the exam paper.
Grammar
You should try to revise all the grammar notes that you have in your language folder. In
addition, use the Taylors Essential GCSE Latin to help you. This book also contains practice
sentences for each grammar point. You should pay particular attention to the following:
Accidence

Forms of regular nouns of all declensions (pages 9-15) and their uses (pages 1-8).

Forms of regular and irregular verbs, (pages 46-70).

indicative active:
present (47), imperfect(48), future (49),
perfect (54-55), pluperfect (58), future
perfect (59)
indicative passive:
present, imperfect, future (page 64-65),
perfect, pluperfect , future perfect (67-68)
subjunctive active & passive:
imperfect (97), pluperfect (106)

Deponent verbs (pages 6970)

Participles (pages 80-87): present (80), perfect passive (82-84), perfect active (85),
future (pages 86)

Infinitives (pages 50, 68, 93)

Imperatives (page 71)

Gerundives (page 90)

Forms of regular adjectives (pages 16-18) and adverbs (pages 22-23)

Comparative and superlative adjectives (pages 19-21) and adverbs (page 24)

Pronouns (pages 25-40)

Syntax

Expressions of time & place (pages 75-77)

Direct questions (pages 72-73) & indirect questions (pages 108-109)

Direct commands (page 71) & indirect commands (pages 100-101)

Noli and nolite (page 71)

Indirect statements: accusative and infinitive (page 92-96)

Purpose clauses introduced by ut and ne (pages 98-99)

Result clauses (page 102-103)

Verbs of fearing and fear clauses (page 104)

Prepositions in the vocabulary list (see also pages 41-43)

The use of the participle (87) including the Ablative Absolute construction (pages 8789)

The use of the gerundive with ad to express purpose (90-91)

Relative clauses (page 35-36)

Literature Prose set text

You should revise all the work you have done on Pliny: A Day in the Life, The Death of My
Uncle and Arria. Look both at the translation and at the notes you have been given. You will
be expected to answer factual questions, a translation question, short analysis questions and
also extended questions on analysis and an overview of the text.
Literature Verse set text
You will need to revise all the lines studied from Virgils Aeneid Book 9: lines 176-196, 308323, 339-356 and 367-445. Look both at the translation and at the notes you have been
given. You will be expected to answer factual questions, a translation question, short
analysis questions and also extended questions on analysis and an overview of the text.
NB
The PowerPoint presentations we have used in class for the Pliny and Virgil have all been
saved on the staff and pupils area. They can be found at this link on the network: R:\STAFFS
& PUPILS\Classics\Latin\GCSE Latin\2015 GCSE Latin set texts.
You have printed versions of the PowerPoint material too.

GCSE Latin Prose Literature

Revision Booklet
Pliny the Younger

This booklet contains:

A translation of the prose set text

Top tips for the extended questions
A glossary of technical literary terms
Practice 8 mark overview questions

You must also take home your translation booklets to revise the
important notes in each.

Name .

A Day in the Life of Pliny the Elder

ante lucem ibat ad Vespasianum imperatorem (nam ille

Before daybreak my uncle used to go to the Emperor Vespasian (for he
quoque noctibus utebatur), deinde ad officium sibi delegatum.
was also making use of his nights), then to the duty assigned to him.
reversus domum reliquum tempus studiis dabat.
Having returned home, he used to give the remaining time to his studies.
saepe post cibum (qui veterum more interdiu levis
Often after food (which in the custom of our forefathers during the day was light
et facilis erat) aestate, si quid otii erat, iacebat in sole, liber

and easily digested) in summer, if there was any leisure time, he would lie in the sun, while a book
legebatur, adnotabat excerpebatque. nihil enim legit quod
was being read, he would make notes and extracts. For he read nothing which
non excerperet; dicere etiam solebat nullum librum esse
he could not make extracts from; he was even accustomed to say that there was not any book
tam malum ut non aliqua parte prodesset. post solem
so bad that it could not be of use in some part. After time in the sun
plerumque aqua frigida lavabatur, deinde gustabat
usually he would be washed with cold water, then he would have a snack
dormiebatque minimum; mox quasi alio die studebat in

10

and sleep a very little; soon as if it was another day he would study until
cenae tempus. super cenam liber legebatur adnotabatur, et
the time for dinner. Over dinner a book would be read and notes would be made, and
quidem cursim.
rapidly indeed.

haec inter medios labores urbisque fremitum. in secessu

He did these things in the midst of his duties and the bustle of the city. Away from the city
solum balinei tempus studiis eximebatur (cum dico balinei,
only time for bathing was taken away from his studies (when I say bathing,
de interioribus loquor, nam dum destringitur tergiturque,

15

I am talking about the actual place of bathing, for while he was being scraped and dried
audiebat aliquid aut dictabat). in itinere quasi solutus
he was listening to or dictating something). On a journey, as if freed
ceteris curis, huic uni vacabat: ad latus notarius cum libro et
from other cares, he used to devote himself to this one care: at his side was a secretary with a book
and
pugillaribus, cuius manus hieme manicis muniebantur, ut
writing tablets, whose hands in winter were protected by long sleeves, so that
ne caeli quidem asperitas ullum studii tempus eriperet;
not even the harshness of the weather should take away any time for study;
qua ex causa Romae quoque sella vehebatur. repeto

20

for this reason he was also carried about Rome in a sedan chair. I remember that
me correptum ab eo, quod ambularem: poteras inquit
I was scolded by him, because I was walking: You could
has horas non perdere; nam perire omne tempus arbitrabatur,
not be wasting those hours, he said; for he used to think that all time was being wasted,
quod studiis non impenderetur. vale.
which was not devoted to studies. Farewell.

Pliny: the Death of My Uncle

petis ut tibi avunculi mei exitum scribam, quo verius tradere

You ask that I should write to you about the death of my uncle, in order that
posteris possis.
you are able to hand down (the account) more truthfully to posterity.
erat Miseni classemque imperio praesens regebat. Nonum
He was at Misenum and was commanding the fleet in person with imperial power.
kal. Septembres hora fere septima mater mea indicat ei
On the 24th August at about the 7th hour my mother pointed out to him
nubem mirabilem apparere; quae visa est ei, ut eruditissimo

that an unusual cloud was appearing; which seemed to him, as one might expect from a
most scholarly
viro, magna propiusque noscenda. iubet liburnicam parari;
man, to be great and needing closer investigation. He ordered a fast boat to be prepared;
me si venire una vellem rogat; respondi studere me malle,
he asked me if I should wish to come with him; I replied that I preferred to study,
et forte ipse quod scriberem dederat. egrediebatur domo;
and by chance he himself had given me something to write. He was leaving the house;
accipit codicillos Rectinae Tasci imminenti periculo
he received a note from Rectina, wife of Tascius, terrified by the danger
perterritae (nam villa eius subiacebat, nec ulla nisi navibus

10

threatening (for her villa was lying beneath (Vesuvius), nor was there any escape
fuga): orabat ut se tanto discrimini eriperet. vertit ille
except by boats): she was begging that he might rescue her from such great danger. He
changed
consilium et quod studioso animo inceperat obit maximo.
his plan and what he had begun with an inquiring mind he accomplished with an heroic
(spirit).
deducit quadriremes, ascendit ipse non Rectinae modo sed
He launched the warships, he embarked himself not only to bring help to
multis (erat enim frequens amoenitas orae) laturus auxilium.
Rectina but also to many others (for that delightful stretch of coast was densely populated).

festinat illuc unde alii fugiunt, rectumque cursum recta

15

He hurried to that place from where others were fleeing, he held a straight course
gubernacula in periculum tenet adeo solutus metu, ut omnes
and straight rudders right into the danger, he was free from fear to such an extent, that
illius mali motus, omnes figuras ut deprenderat oculis
he was dictating and making notes on all the movements of that disaster, all the
dictaret adnotaretque.
features as he had observed thenm with his own eyes.
iam navibus cinis incidebat, calidior et densior, quo
Now the ash was falling on the ships, hotter and thicker,
propius accederent; iam pumices etiam lapidesque nigri et

20

the nearer they approached; now pumice stones and stones black and
ambusti et fracti igne; iam vadum subitum et litora ruina
scorched and cracked by fire; now there was sudden shallow water and the shore blocked
montis obstantia. haesitat paulisper an retro navigaret;
by debris from the mountain. He hesitated for a short while as to whether he should sail
back;
mox gubernatori ut ita faceret monenti fortes inquit
soon he said to the helmsman, who was advising that he should act in this way,
fortuna adiuvat: Pomponianum pete! Pomponianus erat
Fortune favours the brave: make for Pomponianus! Pomponianus was
Stabiis diremptus sinu medio (nam mare sensim circumactis

25

at Stabiae, separated by the middle of the bay (for the sea runs in where
curvatisque litoribus infunditur); ibi periculum, quamquam
the shorelines gently sweep round and curve); there the danger, although
nondum appropinquabat, tamen valde conspicuum erat;
it was not yet approaching, however was very obvious;
Pomponianus igitur sarcinas posuerat in naves, certus fugae
Pomponianus therefore had put his luggage on boats, resolved to escape
si contrarius ventus resedisset. quo tum secundissimo
if the contrary wind had subsided. Then having been brought into Stabiae on this very
favourable wind

avunculus meus invectus, amplectitur trepidantem

30

my uncle embraced his trembling friend

consolatur hortatur, utque timorem eius sua securitate
cheered him, encouraged him, and in order that he might calm his fear with his own
composure
leniret, iubet ferri in balineum. lotus recumbit cenat, aut
he gave orders to be taken to the bathroom. Having bathed, he lay down and dined, either
hilaris aut (quod est aeque magnum) similis hilari. Interea
he was cheerful or seeming to be cheerful (which is equally as courageous).
e Vesuvio monte pluribus locis latissimae flammae altaque
Meanwhile from Mount Vesuvius in more places very broad flames and high fires were
incendia relucebant, quorum fulgor et claritas tenebris noctis

35

blazing, the glare and clarity of which was being emphasised by the darkness of the night.
excitabatur. ille in remedium formidinis dictitabat ignes
He as a cure for fear kept saying that the country peoples fires
agrestium trepidatione relictos desertasque villas per
which had been abandoned in panic and empty houses were burning in the
solitudinem ardere. tum se quieti dedit et quievit verissimo
deserted areas. Then he gave himself to rest and rested in a very real
quidem somno; nam meatus animae, qui illi propter
sleep indeed; for the passage of his breath, which because of
amplitudinem corporis gravior et sonantior erat, ab eis qui

40

the stoutness of his body was heavier and noisier [than normal],
limini obversabantur audiebatur. sed area ex qua cubiculum
was heard by those who were moving about near his doorway. But the courtyard from
which the bedroom
adibatur ita iam cinere mixtisque pumicibus completa
was approached, full by now with a mixture of ash and pumice,
surrexerat, ut si longior in cubiculo mora esset, exitus
had risen in level in such a way, that if he had delayed in the bedroom any longer,

negaretur. excitatus procedit, seque Pomponiano ceterisque

escape would have been impossible. Having been woken he came out and rejoined
Pomponianus and the others
qui pervigilaverant reddit. inter se consulunt, utrum intra

45

who had stayed awake all night. They debated amongst themselves, as to
tecta maneant an in aperto vagentur. nam crebris
whether they should remain inside the buildings or go out into the open. For
ingentibusque tremoribus tecta nutabant, et quasi emota
the buildings were shaking with large and frequent tremors, and as if torn
sedibus suis nunc huc nunc illuc abire aut referri videbantur.
from their foundations they seemed to sway backwards and forwards, now this way, now
that.
sub dio rursus casus pumicum metuebatur, quamquam
Outside on the other hand there was the fear of the falling of pumice stones, although
levium exesorumque, quod tamen periculorum collatio

50

light and porous, however a comparison of the dangers suggested the latter
elegit; et apud illum quidem ratio rationem, apud alios
choice; in my uncles case (one) reason conquered (another) reason, for the
timorem timor vicit. cervicalia capitibus imposita linteis
others (one) fear conquered (another) fear. They tied down pillows, which they had placed
on their heads, with linen cloths;
constringunt; id munimentum contra incidentia fuit.
that was protection against falling (objects).
iam dies alibi, illic nox omnibus noctibus nigrior
Elsewhere it was already daylight, there night was darker and denser than all other nights;
densiorque; quam tamen faces multae variaque lumina

55

which however many torches and various lamps

solvebant. placuit egredi in litus, et ex proximo adspicere,
were relieving. He decided to go down to the shore, and to investigate at close quarters,
num mare fugam praeberet; quod adhuc vastum et
as to whether the sea might provide an escape; but it was still remaining

adversum manebat. ibi in abiecto linteo recumbens semel

swollen and hostile. There lying on a thrown down sheet time
atque iterum frigidam aquam poposcit hausitque. Deinde
and again he demanded and gulped down cold water. Then
flammae flammarumque praenuntius odor sulphuris alios

60

the flames and the smell of sulphur, the warning sign of fires,
in fugam vertunt, excitant illum. innitens servis duobus
turned the others to flight, and caused my uncle to get up. Leaning on two slaves
surrexit et statim concidit. spiritus enim, ut ego credo,
he got up and collapsed at once. For his breathing, as I believe,
densiore caligine obstructus erat, claususque stomachus
had been obstructed by thick fumes, and his windpipe blocked
qui illi natura invalidus et angustus et saepe aestuans erat.
which was by nature weak and narrow and often inflamed.
ubi dies redditus est (is ab eo quem novissime viderat

65

When the daylight returned (that was the third (day) from that (day) which he had seen
last),
tertius), corpus inventum est integrum inlaesum
his body was found intact and uninjured
opertumque ut fuerat indutus: habitus corporis dormienti
and covered as he had been dressed: the appearance of his body was
quam mortuo similior.
more similar to one who was sleeping than one who was dead.

Arria: An extract from a letter to (Maecilius) Nepos

C. Plinius Nepoti suo S.

Gaius Plinius sends greetings to his friend (Maecilius) Nepos.
aegrotabat Caecina Paetus, maritus Arriae; aegrotabat et
Caecina Paetus, the husband of Arria, was ill; their son was also ill,
filius, uterque gravissime, ut videbatur. filius mortuus est,
both very seriously, as it seemed. The son died,
iuvenis pulcherrimus et verecundus et parentibus carus.
a young man who was very handsome and modest and dear to his parents.
huic Arria ita funus paravit, ita duxit exsequias, ut ignarus
Arria prepared the funeral for this son in such a way, she led the funeral procession in such way that
esset maritus; quin immo quotiens cubiculum eius intraret,

her husband should be unaware of it; indeed whenever she entered his bedroom,
vivere filium atque etiam commodiorem esse simulabat, ac
she would pretend that her son was alive and even getting stronger, and
persaepe marito roganti, quid ageret puer, respondebat:
as her husband would ask very often, how the boy was getting on, she would reply:
bene dormivit, libenter cibum consumpsit. deinde, cum
He slept well and ate his food willingly. Then, when
lacrimae diu cohibitae eam vincerent prorumperentque,
the tears which had been held back for a long time were overcoming her and breaking out,

egrediebatur; tum se dolori dabat; satiate siccis oculis

10

she would go out; then she would give herself over to her grief; having had her fill, with her eyes
dried
composito vultu in cubiculum redibat, tamquam orbitatem
her face composed, she would return to the bedroom, as if she had left
foris reliquisset.
the bereavement outside (the door).
praeclarum quidem illud factum eiusdem, ferrum stringere,
Remarkable indeed was that action of that same woman, to draw a blade,
perfodere pectus, extrahere pugionem, porrigere marito,
to stab her breast, to withdraw the dagger, to offer it to her husband,
addere vocem immortalem ac paene divinam: Paete, non

15

to add in an immortal and almost divine voice: Paetus, it does not

dolet.
hurt.
....
Scribonianus arma in Illyrico contra Claudium moverat;
Scribonianus had taken up arms against Claudius in Illyricum;
fuerat Paetus in partibus, et occiso Scriboniano Romam
Paetus had been involved in the conspiracy, and after Scribonianus was killed
trahebatur. erat ascensurus navem; Arria milites orabat ut
he was being dragged to Rome. He was about to board the ship; Arria was begging the soldiers that
simul imponeretur. nonne inquit dabitis consulari viro

20

she might be put on board at the same time. She said, Surely you will give some slaves

servos aliquos, quorum e manu cibum capiat, a quibus

to a man of consular rank, from whose hand he might take food, by whom
vestiatur, a quibus calcietur? omnia haec ego sola praestabo.
he might be dressed, by whom he might have his shoes put on? All these things I alone will take care
of.
non impetravit: conduxit piscatoriam naviculam,
She did not get permission: she hired a small fishing boat,
ingentemque navem minima secuta est.
and her tiny boat followed the great ship.
deinde apud Claudium uxori Scriboniani, cum illa

25

Then in the presence of Claudius she said to the wife of Scribonianus, when she
profiteretur indicium, egone inquit te audiam, cuius in
was volunteering evidence, Should I listen to you, in whose
gremio Scribonianus occisus est, et vivis? ex quo
lap Scribonianus died, and you are alive? From which
manifestum est ei consilium pulcherrimae mortis non
it is clear that her plan for a most glorious death had not
subitum fuisse. quin etiam, cum Thrasea gener eius
been impulsive. Indeed, when her son-in-law Thrasea
deprecaretur ne mori pergeret, interque alia dixisset: vis

30

was begging her not to carry out her resolve to die, and among other things he had said: Do you
wish
ergo filiam tuam, si mihi pereundum fuerit, mori mecum?,
therefore your daughter, if I had to die, to die with me?,

respondit: si tam diu tantaque concordia vixerit tecum

she replied: If she had lived so long and with such harmony with you
quam ego cum Paeto, volo. auxerat hoc responso curam
as I have with Paetus, I wish it. With this response she had increased the concern
suorum; diligentius custodiebatur; hoc sensit et nihil agitis
of her household; she was being watched over more carefully; she realised this and said: You are
accomplishing nothing
inquit; potestis enim efficere ut male moriar, ut non moriar

35

for you can see to it that I die painfully, but you cannot see to it that
non potestis. dum haec dicit, exsiluit e sede adversoque
I do not die. While she was saying this, she leapt out of her chair and
muro caput ingenti impetu impegit et decidit. focilata
dashed her head against the wall opposite with great force and collapsed. Having been resuscitated
dixeram inquit vobis me inventuram esse quamlibet
she said: I had said to you that I would find a way to death however
duram ad mortem viam, si vos facilem negavissetis. vale.
hard, if you had denied me the easy way. Farewell.

GCSE Latin literature top tips for extended questions

10 mark analysis questions
Include a quote + translation for every point you make
You must cover the suggestions in the bullet points
Aim for 7 points overall
Avoid quoting whole lines you will be penalised for this focus on
individual words
You must include discussion of stylistic techniques in your answer if your
answer is just about content you will never score more than 6/10
Make sure that for each point you make your point links clearly back to the
question and that your point is suitably developed. Do not leave
statements unexplained.

8 mark overview questions

You must answer the question in every point you make
You must refer to the whole set text i.e. your range of points must cover
beginning, middle and end of the story
You can use extracts from the exam paper but you must also make points
from sections not included on the paper
Make at least 5 detailed points (8 vague points will not score as highly)
A specific reference to the text must be used in each point for it be
credited
Latin quotes are not necessary you can refer to the English translation in
this question
Stylistic analysis is not necessary but these points will be credited

GCSE Latin literary terms

The following is a list of technical terms that can be used to describe certain
literary effects in the set text:

Alliteration: repetition of consonant sounds

Anaphora: repetition of an introductory word
Assonance: Interior rhyme or repetition of vowel sounds
Chiasmus: Mirrored word order used for emphasis: A B B A
Asyndeton: Omission of connectives
Polysyndeton: use of more connectives than are necessary
Onomatopoeia: sound suggests sense
Apostrophe: Direct address to someone or something
Pleonasm: Use of more words than is necessary for clear expression
Tautology: A phrase or expression in which the same thing is expressed
twice using different words
Euphemism: Use of pleasant for unpleasant or lewd
Hyperbole: Overstatement/exaggeration
Metaphor: Implied comparison (no like or as)
Oxymoron: Juxtaposition of contradictory words
Personification: Giving human capability to an object
Simile: Comparison using like or as
Historic infinitive: Use of the infinitive form as a substitute for a past tense
indicative verb an epic flourish
Hendiadys: two words linked by a conjunction to express a single idea
Synecdoche: use of a part to refer to the whole i.e. a motor = a car
Hyperbaton: confused word order

Pliny the Younger

Practice 8 mark overview questions

Task: choose a question from the selection below and then create a mind map
which includes at least 5 points with specific evidence from the text to support
each point.
1. What makes Pliny a good storyteller?
2. In what ways might Pliny the Elder and Arria be described as selfless individuals?
3. What are the similarities and differences between the characters of Pliny the
Elder and Arria?
4. From the extracts you have read about Pliny the Younger and Arria, what can we
learn about Roman values?
5. Do you like the people that Pliny writes about?
6. Why do you think people still read Pliny today?
7. How does Pliny interest and engage his audience?
8. In what ways might Pliny the Elder and Arria be described as foolish individuals?

GCSE Latin Verse Literature

Revision Booklet
Aeneid 9

This booklet contains:

A translation of the entire verse set text

Top tips for the extended questions
A glossary of technical literary terms
Practice 10 mark analysis questions
Practice 8 mark overview questions

You must also take home your analysis booklets and translation
booklets to revise the important notes in each.

Name .

Virgil Section 1

Nisus and Euryalus are introduced to us. They are hungry for battle and Nisus hatches a plan to
attack the Rutulians in their camp.
Lines 176-196

Nisus erat portae custos, acerrimus armis,

Nisus, most fierce in arms, was the guardian of the gate,
Hyrtacides, comitem Aeneae quem miserat Ida
the son of Hyrtacus, whom the huntress Ida had sent as a companion for Aeneas,
venatrix iaculo celerem levibusque sagittis,
swift with the javelin and light arrows,
et iuxta comes Euryalus, quo pulchrior alter
and next to him his companion Euryalus, whom no other was more handsome than
non fuit Aeneadum Troiana neque induit arma, ............................................................ 180
among the people of Aeneas nor those who wore Trojan armour,
ora puer prima signans intonsa iuventa.
a boy showing the first signs of youth on his unshaven face.
his amor unus erat pariterque in bella ruebant;
For these men there was one love and they used to charge into battle side by side;
tum quoque communi portam statione tenebant.
then too they were guarding the gate at the same sentry-post.
Nisus ait: 'dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,
Nisus said, Do the gods put this passion into our minds,
Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido? .................................................................. 185
Euryalus, or for each man does his own wild desire become a god?
aut pugnam aut aliquid iamdudum invadere magnum
My mind has long been urging me to charge into battle or some other great (deed),
mens agitat mihi, nec placida contenta quiete est.
it is not content with peaceful rest.
cernis quae Rutulos habeat fiducia rerum:
You see what confidence in their situation grips the Rutulians :

lumina rara micant, somno vinoque soluti

their watch-fires gleam only here and there, they lie down relaxed by wine and sleep
procubuere, silent late loca. percipe porro .................................................................... 190
the places are silent far and wide. Furthermore consider
quid dubitem et quae nunc animo sententia surgat.
what I am thinking about and what plan is now arising in my mind.
Aenean acciri omnes, populusque patresque,
Everyone, both common people and leaders, demand for Aeneas to be summoned
exposcunt, mittique viros qui certa reportent.
and for men to be sent to relay the news (to him).
si tibi quae posco promittunt (nam mihi facti
If they promise to you those (things) which I am asking for (for the glory of the deed
fama sat est), tumulo videor reperire sub illo ................................................................ 195
is enough for me), I think I can find a way beyond that mound
posse viam ad muros et moenia Pallantea.'
to the walls and city of Pallanteum.

Virgil Section 2
Nisus, Euryalus, encouraged by Ascanius and the Trojans, set out for the enemy camp. They set eyes
on their foe and plan their attack.
Lines 308-323

protinus armati incedunt; quos omnis euntis

Armed, they advanced straight away; the whole band of leaders,
primorum manus ad portas, iuvenumque senumque,
both young and old men, escorted them as they went to the gates
prosequitur votis. nec non et pulcher Iulus, .................................................................. 310
with prayers. And no less handsome, Iulus,
ante annos animumque gerens curamque virilem,
displaying beyond his years both the spirit and worry of a man,
multa patri mandata dabat portanda; sed aurae
was giving many instructions to be carried to his father; but the breezes
omnia discerpunt et nubibus inrita donant.
scattered them all and gave them in vain to the clouds.
Egressi superant fossas noctisque per umbram
Having left, they passed over the ditches and through the shadow of the night
castra inimica petunt, multis tamen ante futuri ............................................................. 315
they headed for the enemy camp, however for many men before (their deaths) they would be
exitio. passim somno vinoque per herbam
the source of destruction. Everywhere they saw bodies stretched out
corpora fusa vident, arrectos litore currus,
on the grass in drunken sleep, chariots upended on the shore,
inter lora rotasque viros, simul arma iacere,
men among the leather reins and wheels, at the same time weapons and also
vina simul. prior Hyrtacides sic ore locutus:
wine glasses were lying around. First the son of Hyrtacus spoke thus with his mouth:
'Euryale, audendum dextra: nunc ipsa vocat res. ........................................................... 320

Euryalus, deeds of daring need a (strong) right hand: now the situation itself calls for this.
hac iter est. tu, ne qua manus se attollere nobis
Here is the way. So that no band of men is able to rise up at us from behind,
a tergo possit, custodi et consule longe;
you, stand guard and watch across a wide area;
haec ego vasta dabo et lato te limite ducam.'
I shall cause havoc here and shall lead you by a broad path.

Virgil Section 3
Nisus and Euryalus slaughter the sleeping Rutulians.
Lines 339-356

impastus ceu plena leo per ovilia turbans

(He was) just like a hungry lion causing havoc through full sheep-pens
(suadet enim vesana fames) manditque trahitque ........................................................ 340
(for maddening hunger drives him on) he both chews and drags around
molle pecus mutumque metu, fremit ore cruento.
the flock, gentle and mute with fear, and he roars from a blood-stained mouth.
nec minor Euryali caedes; incensus et ipse
No less (awful) was the slaughter caused by Euryalus; incensed he himself also
perfurit ac multam in medio sine nomine plebem,
raged furiously and attacked many ordinary men in his path who were nameless and caught
unawares,
Fadumque Herbesumque subit Rhoetumque Abarimque
Fadus and Herbesus, Rhoetus and Abaris;
ignaros; Rhoetum vigilantem et cuncta videntem, ......................................................... 345
but Rhoetus, keeping watch and seeing everything,
sed magnum metuens se post cratera tegebat.
fearing hid himself behind a large mixing-bowl.
pectore in adverso totum cui comminus ensem
Euryalus close up buried the whole of his sword in the front of his chest
condidit adsurgenti et multa morte recepit.
as he (Rhoetus) was rising up, and he withdrew it with abundant death.
purpuream vomit ille animam et cum sanguine mixta
He vomited his crimson lifes breath and brought back wine mixed with blood
vina refert moriens, hic furto fervidus instat. .......................................................................
as he was dying, impetuous he [Euryalus] pressed on stealthily.
iamque ad Messapi socios tendebat; ibi ignem

350

And he was already making his way towards the comrades of Messapus; there
deficere extremum et religatos rite videbat
he saw that the watch-fire was almost out and the tethered horses were duly
carpere gramen equos, breviter cum talia Nisus
grazing on the grass, when Nisus spoke briefly such words as these,
(sensit enim nimia caede atque cupidine ferri)
(for he sensed that he [Euryalus] was being carried away by excessive eagerness for/and slaughter)
'absistamus' ait, 'nam lux inimica propinquat. ............................................................... 355
Let us stop, he said for the light that is our enemy is drawing near.
poenarum exhaustum satis est, via facta per hostis.'
We have drunk our fill of vengeance, a way has been made through the enemy.

Virgil Section 4
Disaster! Euryalus is captured and killed. Nisus, unable to save his friend, gets his revenge but is
killed in the process.
Lines 367-445

interea praemissi equites ex urbe Latina,

Meanwhile the horsemen which had been sent ahead from the city of the Latins,
cetera dum legio campis instructa moratur,
while the rest of the army had been drawn up and was waiting on the plains,
ibant et Turno regi responsa ferebant,
were going and were bringing replies to king Turnus,
ter centum, scutati omnes, Volcente magistro. ............................................................ 370
three hundred, all of them equipped with shields, with Volcens as their leader.
iamque propinquabant castris murosque subibant
And now they were approaching the camp and coming up to the walls
cum procul hos laevo flectentis limite cernunt,
when they saw them in the distance heading on the path to the left,
et galea Euryalum sublustri noctis in umbra
and the helmet in the glimmering shadow of the night betrayed
prodidit immemorem radiisque adversa refulsit.
Euryalus who had forgotten he was wearing it and facing the moons rays it flashed them back.
haud temere est visum. conclamat ab agmine Volcens: ................................................ 375
What had been seen was not ignored. Volcens cried out from the group:
'state, viri. quae causa viae? quive estis in armis?
Halt, you men. What is the reason for your journey? Or who are you, armed as you are?
quove tenetis iter?' nihil illi tendere contra,
Or where are you holding your journey to? They offered nothing in reply,
sed celerare fugam in silvas et fidere nocti.
But speeded up their flight into the woods and put their trust in the night.
obiciunt equites sese ad divortia nota

The horsemen took up their positions at the crossroads that they knew
hinc atque hinc, omnemque aditum custode coronant. ................................................ 380
here and there, and surrounded every access point with a guard.
silva fuit late dumis atque ilice nigra
The wood was bristling far and wide with thickets and black oak,
horrida, quam densi complerant undique sentes;
which dense thorns had filled on all sides;
rara per occultos lucebat semita callis.
here and there the path was shining through the hidden tracks.
Euryalum tenebrae ramorum onerosaque praeda
The darkness of the branches and the burdensome plunder
impediunt, fallitque timor regione viarum. .................................................................... 385
was slowing Euryalus up, and fear made him go wrong in the direction of the paths.
Nisus abit; iamque imprudens evaserat hostis
Nisus went off; and now without realising it he had got away from the enemy
atque locos qui post Albae de nomine dicti
and the places which afterwards were called Alban from the name of Alba
Albani (tum rex stabula alta Latinus habebat),
(At that time king Latinus had his tall cattle enclosures there),
ut stetit et frustra absentem respexit amicum:
when he stopped and looked around in vain for his missing friend:
'Euryale infelix, qua te regione reliqui? .......................................................................... 390
Unlucky Euryalus, in what area did I leave you behind?
quave sequar?' rursus perplexum iter omne revolvens
Or where shall I go after you? Threading his way again along all the confusing path
fallacis silvae simul et vestigia retro
of the deceitful forest at the same time and observing the footprints
observata legit dumisque silentibus errat.
he traced them back and wandered in the silent thickets.

audit equos, audit strepitus et signa sequentum;

he heard horses, he heard noises and the signals of the men following him;
nec longum in medio tempus, cum clamor ad auris ....................................................... 395
and no long time had passed, when a shouting came to his ears
pervenit ac videt Euryalum, quem iam manus omnis
and he saw Euryalus, whom now every hand
fraude loci et noctis, subito turbante tumultu,
when he was overwhelmed by the trickery of the place and of the night, by the sudden confusing
uproar,
oppressum rapit et conantem plurima frustra.
was seizing, and he was resisting strongly in vain .
quid faciat? qua vi iuvenem, quibus audeat armis
What should he do? With what violence, with what arms should he dare
eripere? an sese medios moriturus in enses .................................................................. 400
to rescue the young man? Or should he intending to die throw himself into the middle of their
swords
inferat et pulchram properet per vulnera mortem?
and hasten his beautiful death through wounds?
ocius adducto torquet hastile lacerto
Quickly having drawn back his arm he hurled his spear
suspiciens altam Lunam et sic voce precatur:
looking up at the Moon on high and prayed with his voice like this:
'tu, dea, tu praesens nostro succurre labori,
You, goddess, you be at hand to help our time of difficulty,
astrorum decus et nemorum Latonia custos. .......................................................................
glory of the stars and guardian of the groves daughter of Latona.

si qua tuis umquam pro me pater Hyrtacus aris

if my father Hyrtacus ever brought any gifts to your altars
dona tulit, si qua ipse meis venatibus auxi

405

for me, if I myself have increased them in any way with my hunting
suspendive tholo aut sacra ad fastigia fixi,
or I have hung them from the dome or fixed them to the holy gable,
hunc sine me turbare globum et rege tela per auras.
allow me to throw this mob into confusion and direct my weapons through the breezes.
dixerat et toto conixus corpore ferrum .......................................................................... 410
He had said this and having strained with his whole body
conicit. hasta volans noctis diverberat umbras
he threw the iron. The spear flying split apart the shadows of the night
et venit aversi in tergum Sulmonis ibique
and went into Sulmos back which was turned towards him and there
frangitur, ac fisso transit praecordia ligno.
it broke, and as the wood split went through his heart.
volvitur ille vomens calidum de pectore flumen
He rolled over vomiting a hot river from his chest
frigidus et longis singultibus ilia pulsat. .......................................................................... 415
cold and beats his sides in long gasps.
diversi circumspiciunt. hoc acrior idem
In different directions they looked around. Made braver by this, the same man
ecce aliud summa telum librabat ab aure.
look, he was poising another weapon high up by his ear.
dum trepidant, it hasta Tago per tempus utrumque
While they were trembling, the spear went to Tagus through both his temples
stridens traiectoque haesit tepefacta cerebro.
and whirring stuck fast, growing warm from the brain it had passed through.
saevit atrox Volcens nec teli conspicit usquam .............................................................. 420
Fierce Volcens went wild and he did not spot anywhere the origin of the weapon
auctorem nec quo se ardens immittere possit.
nor where in his burning rage he could hurl himself.

'tu tamen interea calido mihi sanguine poenas

You however in the meantime will pay me with your hot blood the penalty
persolves amborum' inquit; simul ense recluso
for both he said; at the same time drawing his sword
ibat in Euryalum. tum vero exterritus, amens,
he began to go towards Euryalus. Then indeed terrified, out of his mind,
conclamat Nisus nec se celare tenebris .......................................................................... 425
Nisus cried out and was not able to hide himself in the shadows
amplius aut tantum potuit perferre dolorem:
any longer or bear such great grief:
'me, me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum,
It was me, it was me, I am here, the one who did it, turn your iron onto me,
o Rutuli! mea fraus omnis, nihil iste nec ausus
Rutulians! All the trick was mine, that man dared nothing
nec potuit; caelum hoc et conscia sidera testor;
nor could he; I call to witness this the sky and the stars which know the truth;
tantum infelicem nimium dilexit amicum.' ..................................................................... 430
he only loved his unhappy friend too much.
talia dicta dabat, sed viribus ensis adactus
He was giving such words, but the sword driven with strength
transadigit costas et candida pectora rumpit.
drove through his ribs and burst his white chest.
volvitur Euryalus leto, pulchrosque per artus
Euryalus rolled over in death, and through his beautiful limbs.
it cruor inque umeros cervix conlapsa recumbit:
came the gore and his neck sinking onto his shoulders fell back:
purpureus veluti cum flos succisus aratro ...................................................................... 435
it was just like when a purple flower cut down by a plough
languescit moriens, lassove papavera collo

droops dying, or a poppies with weary neck

demisere caput pluvia cum forte gravantur.
drop their head when by chance they are weighed down by the rain.
at Nisus ruit in medios solumque per omnis
But Nisus rushed into their midst and headed through them all
Volcentem petit, in solo Volcente moratur.
for Volcens alone, on Volcens alone he fixed his attention.
quem circum glomerati hostes hinc comminus atque hinc ............................................ 440
The enemy massing around him fighting hand to hand here and there
proturbant. instat non setius ac rotat ensem
drove him back. Just as fiercely he pressed on and whirled his sword
fulmineum, donec Rutuli clamantis in ore
like lightning, until as the Rutulian was shouting he buried it
condidit adverso et moriens animam abstulit hosti.
full in his mouth and dying took the life from his enemy.
tum super exanimum sese proiecit amicum
Then over his lifeless friend he threw himself forward
confossus, placidaque ibi demum morte quievit. ........................................................... 445
pierced through, and there finally he grew still in the calm of death.
The End.

GCSE Latin literature top tips for extended questions

10 mark analysis questions
Include a quote + translation for every point you make
You must cover the suggestions in the bullet points
Aim for 7 points overall
Avoid quoting whole lines you will be penalised for this focus on
individual words
You must include discussion of stylistic techniques in your answer if your
answer is just about content you will never score more than 6/10
Make sure that for each point you make your point links clearly back to the
question and that your point is suitably developed. Do not leave
statements unexplained.

8 mark overview questions

You must answer the question in every point you make
You must refer to the whole set text i.e. your range of points must cover
beginning, middle and end of the story
You can use extracts from the exam paper but you must also make points
from sections not included on the paper
Make at least 5 detailed points (8 vague points will not score as highly)
A specific reference to the text must be used in each point for it be
credited
Latin quotes are not necessary you can refer to the English translation in
this question
Stylistic analysis is not necessary but these points will be credited

GCSE Latin literary terms

The following is a list of technical terms that can be used to describe certain
literary effects in the set text:

Alliteration: repetition of consonant sounds

Anaphora: repetition of an introductory word
Assonance: Interior rhyme or repetition of vowel sounds
Chiasmus: Mirrored word order used for emphasis: A B B A
Asyndeton: Omission of connectives
Polysyndeton: use of more connectives than are necessary
Onomatopoeia: sound suggests sense
Apostrophe: Direct address to someone or something
Pleonasm: Use of more words than is necessary for clear expression
Tautology: A phrase or expression in which the same thing is expressed
twice using different words
Euphemism: Use of pleasant for unpleasant or lewd
Hyperbole: Overstatement/exaggeration
Metaphor: Implied comparison (no like or as)
Oxymoron: Juxtaposition of contradictory words
Personification: Giving human capability to an object
Simile: Comparison using like or as
Historic infinitive: Use of the infinitive form as a substitute for a past tense
indicative verb an epic flourish
Hendiadys: two words linked by a conjunction to express a single idea
Synecdoche: use of a part to refer to the whole i.e. a motor = a car
Hyperbaton: confused word order

GCSE Latin Verse practice 10 mark questions

Aeneid Book 9
Question 1 (Lines 176-185)
Nisus erat portae custos, acerrimus armis,
Hyrtacides, comitem Aeneae quem miserat Ida
venatrix iaculo celerem levibusque sagittis,
et iuxta comes Euryalus, quo pulchrior alter
non fuit Aeneadum Troiana neque induit arma,
ora puer prima signans intonsa iuventa.
his amor unus erat pariterque in bella ruebant;
tum quoque communi portam statione tenebant.
Nisus ait: 'dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,
Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido?

180

185

How does Virgil create an interesting depiction of the Trojan warriors, Nisus and Euryalus, in
these lines?
[10]
You may wish to consider the following points:
The description and words of Nisus
The description of Euryalus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.
Question 2 (Lines 186-196)
aut pugnam aut aliquid iamdudum invadere magnum
mens agitat mihi, nec placida contenta quiete est.
cernis quae Rutulos habeat fiducia rerum:
lumina rara micant, somno vinoque soluti
procubuere, silent late loca. percipe porro
quid dubitem et quae nunc animo sententia surgat.
Aenean acciri omnes, populusque patresque,
exposcunt, mittique viros qui certa reportent.
si tibi quae posco promittunt (nam mihi facti
fama sat est), tumulo videor reperire sub illo
posse viam ad muros et moenia Pallantea.'

190

195

How does Virgils use of language add to our understanding of Nisus in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

The source of Nisus motivation
Nisus observations of the Rutulians and his emerging plan
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.

Question 3 (Lines 314-323)

Egressi superant fossas noctisque per umbram
castra inimica petunt, multis tamen ante futuri
exitio. passim somno vinoque per herbam
corpora fusa vident, arrectos litore currus,
inter lora rotasque viros, simul arma iacere,
vina simul. prior Hyrtacides sic ore locutus:
'Euryale, audendum dextra: nunc ipsa vocat res.
hac iter est. tu, ne qua manus se attollere nobis
a tergo possit, custodi et consule longe;
haec ego vasta dabo et lato te limite ducam.'

315

320

How does Virgil create a vivid scene in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

The description of the Rutulian camp
Nisus speech to Euryalus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.
Question 4 (Lines 339-348)
impastus ceu plena leo per ovilia turbans
(suadet enim vesana fames) manditque trahitque
molle pecus mutumque metu, fremit ore cruento.
nec minor Euryali caedes; incensus et ipse
perfurit ac multam in medio sine nomine plebem,
Fadumque Herbesumque subit Rhoetumque Abarimque
ignaros; Rhoetum vigilantem et cuncta videntem,
sed magnum metuens se post cratera tegebat.
pectore in adverso totum cui comminus ensem
condidit adsurgenti et multa morte recepit.

340

345

How does Virgil create a vivid and dramatic scene in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

The description of Nisus
The violent rampage undertaken by Euryalus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.

Question 5 (Lines 367-377)

Interea praemissi equites ex urbe Latina,
cetera dum legio campis instructa moratur,
ibant et Turno regi responsa ferebant,
ter centum, scutati omnes, Volcente magistro.
iamque propinquabant castris murosque subibant
cum procul hos laevo flectentis limite cernunt,
et galea Euryalum sublustri noctis in umbra
prodidit immemorem radiisque adversa refulsit.
haud temere est visum. conclamat ab agmine Volcens:
'state, viri. quae causa viae? quive estis in armis?
quove tenetis iter?'

370

375

How does Virgil create a sense of drama and suspense in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

The description of the Rutulian cavalry
The moment at which the Rutulians see Nisus and Euryalus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.
Question 6 (Lines 377-385)
nihil illi tendere contra,
sed celerare fugam in silvas et fidere nocti.
obiciunt equites sese ad divortia nota
hinc atque hinc, omnemque aditum custode coronant.
silva fuit late dumis atque ilice nigra
horrida, quam densi complerant undique sentes;
rara per occultos lucebat semita callis.
Euryalum tenebrae ramorum onerosaque praeda
impediunt, fallitque timor regione viarum.

380

385

How does Virgils use of language emphasise the danger facing the Trojans in these lines? [10]
You may wish to consider the following points:
The actions of the Rutulian cavalry
The description of the forest
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.

Question 7 (Lines 391-401)

rursus perplexum iter omne revolvens
fallacis silvae simul et vestigia retro
observata legit dumisque silentibus errat.
audit equos, audit strepitus et signa sequentum;
nec longum in medio tempus, cum clamor ad auris
pervenit ac videt Euryalum, quem iam manus omnis
fraude loci et noctis, subito turbante tumultu,
oppressum rapit et conantem plurima frustra.
quid faciat? qua vi iuvenem, quibus audeat armis
eripere? an sese medios moriturus in enses
inferat et pulchram properet per vulnera mortem?

395

400

How does Virgil create a dramatic scene in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

Nisus discovery of Euryalus and his reaction to this
The situation for Euryalus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.
Question 8 (Lines 410-419)
dixerat et toto conixus corpore ferrum
conicit. hasta volans noctis diverberat umbras
et venit aversi in tergum Sulmonis ibique
frangitur, ac fisso transit praecordia ligno.
volvitur ille vomens calidum de pectore flumen
frigidus et longis singultibus ilia pulsat.
diversi circumspiciunt. hoc acrior idem
ecce aliud summa telum librabat ab aure.
dum trepidant, it hasta Tago per tempus utrumque
stridens traiectoque haesit tepefacta cerebro.

410

415

How does Virgils use of language in these lines give emphasis to this violent and dramatic
episode?
[10]
You may wish to consider the following points:
The actions of Nisus
The description of the deaths of Sulmo and Tagus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.

Question 9 (Lines 420-430)

saevit atrox Volcens nec teli conspicit usquam
auctorem nec quo se ardens immittere possit.
'tu tamen interea calido mihi sanguine poenas
persolves amborum' inquit; simul ense recluso
ibat in Euryalum. tum vero exterritus, amens,
conclamat Nisus nec se celare tenebris
amplius aut tantum potuit perferre dolorem:
'me, me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum,
o Rutuli! mea fraus omnis, nihil iste nec ausus
nec potuit; caelum hoc et conscia sidera testor;
tantum infelicem nimium dilexit amicum.'

420

425

430

How does Virgil create an intense scene in these lines?

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

The words and actions of Volcens
The words and actions of Nisus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.
Question 10 (Lines 438-445)
at Nisus ruit in medios solumque per omnis
Volcentem petit, in solo Volcente moratur.
quem circum glomerati hostes hinc comminus atque hinc
proturbant. instat non setius ac rotat ensem
fulmineum, donec Rutuli clamantis in ore
condidit adverso et moriens animam abstulit hosti.
tum super exanimum sese proiecit amicum
confossus, placidaque ibi demum morte quievit.

How does Virgil create a memorable scene in these lines?

440

445

[10]

You may wish to consider the following points:

Nisus attack on Volcens
The description of the deaths of Volcens and Nisus
You must refer to the Latin and discuss any stylistic features such as choice, sound and
position of words.

Aeneid 9
Practice 8 mark questions
Task: choose a question from the selection below and then create a mind
map which includes at least 5 points with specific evidence from the text to
support each point.
1. What details in Virgils tale of Nisus and Euryalus strike you as tragic?
2. How does Virgil create suspense in the tale of Nisus and Euryalus?
3. What makes Virgils account of Nisus and Euryalus story dramatic?
4. How does Virgil portray the characters of both Nisus and Euryalus?
5. How does Virgil sustain our interest in the story of Nisus and Euryalus?
6. What do you think are the key themes in Virgils story of Nisus and Euryalus?
7. What are the similarities and differences between the characters of Nisus and
Euryalus?
8. How sympathetically does Virgil treat Nisus and Euryalus?
9. How does Virgil engage the audience in the story of Nisus and Euryalus?
10. In your opinion, do Nisus and Euryalus deserve their fate?
11. This story is much more likely to appeal to a Roman audience than a modern one. To
what extent do you agree with this statement?
12. There are some vividly portrayed characters in the extracts from Aeneid 9. What
examples do you find?
13. A vivid, dramatic story with non-stop action. But not everyone will like it! Is this a
fair review of Virgils story of Nisus and Euryalus?
14. Why might you recommend the story of Nisus and Euryalus to a reader today?