in thermis - 2/23

Near the baths was a temple, built by a Roman craftsman.  King Cogidubnus with chiefs and salves was sitting in front of the temple.  Quintus was standing near the king's chair.  The king and chiefs were guarded by a band of soldiers.  In front of the temple was a huge altar, which all were looking towards.  Memor, wearing a toga with a purple border, was standing near the altar.

Two priests, leading a black lamb, advanced slowly towards the altar.  After, the king gave the signal, one priest sacrificed the lamb.  Then Memor, who was now trembling and sweating, to the other priest,

"I order you," he said, "inspect the opens.  Tell me: what do you see?"

The priest, after inspecting the lamb's liver, was anxious,

"The liver is lead-colored," he said, "Does this not mean death?  Does this not mean the death of a famous man?"

Memor, who was growing pale with terror, replied to the priest....

Final Piece defixiones - 2/22

In the name of Hera, I ask that she punish all those who take their power for granted and usurp it to abuse those in need.  Break their bodies and bones to dust.  May their houses burn and they become blind and mute so that all they may do is listen to the chaos they have created.  In the name of the Gods, curse them...

(Mr. Warren, I put "him" but I changed it to "they" since there is probably more than one...)

Lack of Literature - 2/22

I am not able to bring my book because I never went and got it.  The day that I did go, the man was not there and I was forced to keep my blue book.  I intended to go get it right after Christmas break ended, but I never remembered in time to get it.  My fourth period class is choir, the class where I tend to force myself to forget everything that irritates me and just let it out.  Then, from fourth period, I go and relax--and usually sleep--during fifth period lunch so that I can last for the rest of the day.  Hence, my lack of the required Latin literature for this class due to a persistently weak will and drive.

Although I do enjoy Latin and find it a fascinating language, this year seems to find me as a new person.  A new, more scatter-brained person.  I have discovered that when one is loaded with two AP classes, performing arts, designing arts, out-of-school teaching, and a job... One seems to be a bit less "on the spot" than the usual state.  And, may I add, the bothersome trouble of a messy family separation.  At the moment, we are picking up the broken pieces off the ground, but we are slowly gathering the shards together and will very soon be picking up the metaphorical hot glue gun.

I have found it very inhibiting to my learning experience that I do not have a book.  I, unlike some, actually want to do my work so that I don't have to worry about another dropping grade.  However, when another opportunity for retrieving the green Latin books presents itself, I will try my hardest to switch out the blue book--which I have--for the green one.

Rough Draft - 2/13

In the power of the mighty goddess Hera, may her wrath be brought down upon the one so unworthy, Severe Elderfar.  May his bones be crushed under a falling column and his skin be torn apart by the hungry dogs.  May his house burn down and turn him blind so he may fall off a cliff.  May he become sterile and never again be accepted by mankind into the inner circles of society so that he may continue to wander endlessly until at last he might even take his own life.

Aeneas Description - under construction.

Considering that we have not read far enough into the Aeneas story to actually discover his character... I will edit this post when I have some material to cover.

Pros and Cons of Respect - 2/3

The pros of respect aren't that hard to see.  When you are respectful to someone--especially someone of authority--those receiving your respect are instantly more likely to do what you want them to.  If you treat someone respectfully, then it increases the chances of things going your way.  People are nicer to you when you treat them nicely, and it isn't uncommon in the work place for bosses to be particular about people's manners.  "Please" and "thank you" are two harmless, yet incredible useful words that will help you not only when you are young, but when you go on into life.
There aren't many cons of respect.  Sure, being respectful takes longer, but honestly it has a much higher benefit than it does a downside.  Being respectful requires you to pay attention to the person you are speaking to, but if you pay attention you may just learn something.  It isn't unheard of that people respond badly to disrespect, though some people are more tolerant than others.  It is a blessing to find someone who is tolerant of disrespect, especially to young people who haven't really experienced the world yet.  However, tolerance can only go so far.  If you are more interested in the ease of not having to be respectful in this world and take advantage of a tolerant person, you don't deserve their kindness.