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Welcome to Lesson 175 of the Latinum Institute Classical Latin Course. This lesson focuses on licet, one of Latin’s most important impersonal verbs, expressing permission and legal allowance.
Link to Course Index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Licet (frequency rank: 175) is an impersonal verb meaning “it is permitted,” “it is lawful,” or “one may.” Unlike most verbs, licet has no personal subject—it appears only in the third person singular. The construction works differently from English: -
English: “I may speak” (I = subject) -
Latin: “mihi loquī licet“ = “to me to speak it is permitted” → “I may speak”
The person receiving permission appears in the dative case (mihi = “to me”), while the action being permitted is expressed by an infinitive (loquī = “to speak”). This construction reflects Roman legal thinking: permission is something granted to a person, not something a person inherently possesses.
Licet has two distinct functions: -
Permission Verb: “it is permitted” + dative + infinitive -
Mihi abīre licet = “I may leave” (literally: “to me to leave it is permitted”) -
Concessive Conjunction: “although” + subjunctive -
Licet sapiēns sīs = “although you are wise” -
This developed from the idea “granted that...” → “although”
In this lesson, we focus primarily on the permission construction, with some examples of the concessive usage.
-
licet (3rd sg. present) - it is permitted -
licēre (present infinitive) - to be permitted -
licuit (3rd sg. perfect) - it was permitted -
licitum est (perfect passive) - it has been permitted
From licet and its derivatives come English words: -
license (freedom to act) -
licentious (unrestrained) -
illicit (not permitted, unlawful) -
leisure (through Old French from licēre)
Q: How do you translate “licet” in Latin?
A: Licet translates as “it is permitted,” “it is lawful,” “one may,” or simply “may.” It’s an impersonal verb, so it always appears in the third person singular. The person who receives permission is in the dative case, and the action being permitted is expressed by an infinitive. For example: tibi discēdere licet = “you may depart” (literally: “to you to depart it is permitted”).
-
Licet is an impersonal verb appearing only in 3rd person singular -
Construction: DATIVE (person) + INFINITIVE (action) + licet -
The dative shows who receives permission, NOT who performs the action -
Negation: nōn licet = “it is not permitted” -
Questions: licetne...? = “is it permitted...?” / “may...?” -
Also functions as concessive conjunction meaning “although” (+ subjunctive)
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175.1a Mihi loquī licet 175.1b Mihi (ˈmi.hiː) to-me loquī (ˈlɔ.kʷiː) to-speak licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.2a Tibi abīre nōn licet 175.2b Tibi (ˈtɪ.biː) to-you abīre (aˈbiː.rɛ) to-go-away nōn (noːn) not licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.3a Nōbīs hīc manēre licet 175.3b Nōbīs (ˈnoː.biːs) to-us hīc (hiːk) here manēre (maˈneː.rɛ) to-remain licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.4a Licetne mihi rogāre? 175.4b Licetne (ˈlɪ.kɛt.nɛ) is-it-permitted-QUESTION mihi (ˈmi.hiː) to-me rogāre (rɔˈɡaː.rɛ) to-ask
175.5a Omnibus cīvibus in forō stāre licet 175.5b Omnibus (ˈɔm.nɪ.bʊs) to-all-DAT cīvibus (ˈkiː.wɪ.bʊs) to-citizens-DAT in (ɪn) in forō (ˈfɔ.roː) forum-ABL stāre (ˈstaː.rɛ) to-stand licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.6a Servīs domum intrāre nōn licēbat 175.6b Servīs (ˈsɛr.wiːs) to-slaves-DAT domum (ˈdɔ.mʊm) house-ACC intrāre (ɪnˈtraː.rɛ) to-enter nōn (noːn) not licēbat (lɪˈkeː.bat) it-was-permitted
175.7a Nunc mihi discēdere licet 175.7b Nunc (nʊŋk) now mihi (ˈmi.hiː) to-me discēdere (dɪsˈkeː.dɛ.rɛ) to-depart licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.8a Rōmae fēminīs in senātū sedēre nōn licuit 175.8b Rōmae (ˈroː.maɛ) at-Rome fēminīs (ˈfeː.mɪ.niːs) to-women-DAT in (ɪn) in senātū (sɛˈnaː.tuː) senate-ABL sedēre (sɛˈdeː.rɛ) to-sit nōn (noːn) not licuit (ˈlɪ.kʊ.ɪt) it-was-permitted
175.9a Puērīs in viā lūdere licet 175.9b Puērīs (pʊˈɛː.riːs) to-boys-DAT in (ɪn) in viā (ˈwi.aː) street-ABL lūdere (ˈluː.dɛ.rɛ) to-play licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.10a Mīlitibus castra relinquere numquam licet 175.10b Mīlitibus (miːˈlɪ.tɪ.bʊs) to-soldiers-DAT castra (ˈkas.tra) camp-ACC-PL relinquere (rɛˈlɪŋ.kʷɛ.rɛ) to-abandon numquam (ˈnʊm.kʷam) never licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) it-is-permitted
175.11a Cīcerō dīxit: “quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās“ 175.11b Cīcerō (ˈkiː.kɛ.roː) Cicero-NOM dīxit (ˈdiː.ksɪt) said: “quae (kʷaɛ) which-things-ACC iam (jam) now mēcum (ˈmeː.kʊm) with-me licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) although-it-is-permitted recognōscās (rɛ.kɔɡˈnoːs.kaːs) you-may-review-SUBJ”
175.12a Senātuī rem pūblicam dēfendere licēbit 175.12b Senātuī (sɛˈnaː.tuː.iː) to-senate-DAT rem (rɛm) thing-ACC pūblicam (ˈpuː.blɪ.kam) public-ACC dēfendere (deːˈfɛn.dɛ.rɛ) to-defend licēbit (lɪˈkeː.bɪt) it-will-be-permitted
175.13a Caesarī lēgēs novās facere licuit 175.13b Caesarī (kaɛˈsa.riː) to-Caesar-DAT lēgēs (ˈleː.ɡeːs) laws-ACC novās (ˈnɔ.waːs) new-ACC facere (ˈfa.kɛ.rɛ) to-make licuit (ˈlɪ.kʊ.ɪt) it-was-permitted
175.14a Tibī mē dē hāc rē monēre liceat 175.14b Tibī (ˈtɪ.biː) to-you-DAT mē (meː) me-ACC dē (deː) about hāc (haːk) this-ABL rē (reː) matter-ABL monēre (mɔˈneː.rɛ) to-warn liceat (ˈlɪ.kɛ.at) may-it-be-permitted-SUBJ
175.15a Neminem in templō arma ferre licēre putō 175.15b Neminem (ˈneː.mɪ.nɛm) no-one-ACC in (ɪn) in templō (ˈtɛm.ploː) temple-ABL arma (ˈar.ma) weapons-ACC ferre (ˈfɛr.rɛ) to-carry licēre (lɪˈkeː.rɛ) to-be-permitted-INF putō (ˈpʊ.toː) I-think
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175.1 Mihi loquī licet “I may speak”
175.2 Tibi abīre nōn licet “You may not leave”
175.3 Nōbīs hīc manēre licet “We may remain here”
175.4 Licetne mihi rogāre? “May I ask?”
175.5 Omnibus cīvibus in forō stāre licet “All citizens may stand in the forum”
175.6 Servīs domum intrāre nōn licēbat “It was not permitted for slaves to enter the house”
175.7 Nunc mihi discēdere licet “Now I may depart”
175.8 Rōmae fēminīs in senātū sedēre nōn licuit “At Rome it was not permitted for women to sit in the senate”
175.9 Puērīs in viā lūdere licet “Boys may play in the street”
175.10 Mīlitibus castra relinquere numquam licet “Soldiers may never abandon the camp”
175.11 Cīcerō dīxit: “quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās” “Cicero said: ‘which things you may now review with me’” (though you are permitted to review)
175.12 Senātuī rem pūblicam dēfendere licēbit “It will be permitted for the senate to defend the republic”
175.13 Caesarī lēgēs novās facere licuit “Caesar was permitted to make new laws”
175.14 Tibī mē dē hāc rē monēre liceat “May it be permitted for you to warn me about this matter”
175.15 Neminem in templō arma ferre licēre putō “I think it is not permitted for anyone to carry weapons in the temple”
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175.1 Mihi loquī licet
175.2 Tibi abīre nōn licet
175.3 Nōbīs hīc manēre licet
175.4 Licetne mihi rogāre?
175.5 Omnibus cīvibus in forō stāre licet
175.6 Servīs domum intrāre nōn licēbat
175.7 Nunc mihi discēdere licet
175.8 Rōmae fēminīs in senātū sedēre nōn licuit
175.9 Puērīs in viā lūdere licet
175.10 Mīlitibus castra relinquere numquam licet
175.11 Cīcerō dīxit: “quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās”
175.12 Senātuī rem pūblicam dēfendere licēbit
175.13 Caesarī lēgēs novās facere licuit
175.14 Tibī mē dē hāc rē monēre liceat
175.15 Neminem in templō arma ferre licēre putō
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These are the grammar rules for LICET in Classical Latin:
Licet belongs to a special class of Latin verbs called impersonal verbs. These verbs: -
Have no personal subject (no “I,” “you,” “he,” etc.) -
Appear only in the 3rd person singular -
Use “it” in English translation as a dummy subject
Think of licet as describing a state of permission that exists, rather than an action someone performs.
The standard pattern is:
[PERSON in DATIVE] + [ACTION in INFINITIVE] + licet
Example breakdown: -
mihi (dative) = “to me” → the person receiving permission -
abīre (infinitive) = “to leave” → the action being permitted -
licet (verb) = “it is permitted”
Literal translation: “To me to leave it is permitted” Natural English: “I may leave”
Word order is flexible in Latin. All these mean the same thing: -
Mihi abīre licet -
Licet mihi abīre -
Abīre mihi licet
The dative case shows to whom permission is granted: -
mihi = to me (I may) -
tibi = to you (you may) -
eī = to him/her (he/she may) -
nōbīs = to us (we may) -
vōbīs = to you (plural) (you may) -
eīs = to them (they may)
Important: The dative is NOT the subject. It’s the recipient of permission. The grammatical subject is the infinitive (or the dummy “it” in English).
The infinitive tells us what is permitted: -
loquī = to speak -
abīre = to go away -
manēre = to remain -
intrāre = to enter -
discēdere = to depart
The infinitive can take its own objects and modifiers: -
domum intrāre = “to enter the house” (domum = accusative object) -
in forō stāre = “to stand in the forum” (in forō = prepositional phrase)
Present: licet = “it is permitted” -
Mihi loquī licet = “I may speak”
Imperfect: licēbat = “it was permitted” (ongoing in past) -
Mihi loquī licēbat = “I was allowed to speak”
Future: licēbit = “it will be permitted” -
Mihi loquī licēbit = “I will be allowed to speak”
Perfect: licuit / licitum est = “it was permitted” (completed) -
Mihi loquī licuit = “I was allowed to speak”
Pluperfect: licuerat / licitum erat = “it had been permitted” -
Mihi loquī licuerat = “I had been allowed to speak”
Future Perfect: licuerit / licitum erit = “it will have been permitted” -
Mihi loquī licuerit = “I will have been allowed to speak”
To negate, simply add nōn:
nōn licet = “it is not permitted” / “one may not” -
Mihi abīre nōn licet = “I may not leave” -
Tibi hīc manēre nōn licēbat = “You were not allowed to remain here”
To form a question, add -ne to licet:
Licetne...? = “Is it permitted...?” / “May...?” -
Licetne mihi rogāre? = “May I ask?” -
Licetne nōbīs discēdere? = “May we depart?”
Licet can appear in the subjunctive for various purposes:
Present Subjunctive: liceat = “may it be permitted” -
Used in wishes, indirect questions, purpose clauses
Imperfect Subjunctive: licēret = “it would be permitted” -
Used in contrary-to-fact conditions
Example: -
Tibī mē monēre liceat = “May you be permitted to warn me”
Licet developed a secondary function as a concessive conjunction meaning “although” or “granted that.” In this usage: -
Licet takes a subjunctive clause -
Only present and perfect subjunctive are used (by sequence of tenses) -
The meaning shifts from permission to concession
Examples: -
Licet sapiēns sīs = “Although you are wise” -
Licet dīcat = “Although he says” / “Granted that he says”
This developed from the idea: “It is granted [that]...” → “Although...”
From Cicero (In Catilinam I.3): -
quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās = “which you may now review with me” (though it is permitted)
Latin has several verbs expressing permission, each with slightly different nuances: -
permittō, -ere = “to permit, allow” (transitive, takes accusative + infinitive) -
sinō, sinere = “to allow, let” (transitive) -
patior, patī = “to allow, permit, endure” (deponent, often implies tolerance)
Licet is unique in being impersonal and in emphasizing legal or formal permission.
When licet appears with an infinitive in indirect statement:
Neminem in templō arma ferre licēre putō “I think that it is not permitted for anyone to carry weapons in the temple”
Here licēre (infinitive) is in indirect statement after putō.
-
Treating the dative as subject: ❌ Mihi means “I” → ✓ Mihi means “to me” -
Using accusative instead of dative: ❌ Mē abīre licet → ✓ Mihi abīre licet -
Expecting plural forms: ❌ Licent → ✓ Licet (always singular) -
Confusing with licēt (conjunction): Context determines whether it’s the verb or the concessive conjunction -
Word order anxiety: Latin word order is flexible. All these are correct: -
Mihi licet loquī -
Licet mihi loquī -
Loquī mihi licet
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The verb licet sits at the intersection of Roman legal thinking and social hierarchy. Understanding its usage reveals important aspects of Roman culture:
Ius vs. Licentia: -
Ius (right, law) = what one is entitled to by law -
Licentia (license, freedom) = what one is permitted to do -
Licet operates in this space: formal, often legal permission
Romans distinguished between having a right to do something (ius) and being permitted to do it (licēre). The latter often depended on social status, context, and authority.
Roman society was highly stratified, and permission was granted (or denied) based on:
Status: -
Cīvibus Rōmānīs...licet = “Roman citizens may...” (legal rights) -
Servīs...nōn licet = “Slaves may not...” (restricted freedom) -
Fēminīs...nōn licuit = “Women were not permitted...” (gender restrictions)
Example from the texts: Rōmae fēminīs in senātū sedēre nōn licuit = “At Rome women were not permitted to sit in the senate”
This reflects the exclusion of women from formal political life, though they could wield significant informal influence.
The Roman Forum was the center of public life—commercial, legal, and political. The phrase in forō stāre licet (”it is permitted to stand in the forum”) relates to: -
Legal proceedings: Parties could speak and be heard -
Commercial activity: Merchants could trade -
Political assembly: Citizens could gather to vote or hear speeches
However, certain activities were forbidden (nōn licet) in sacred spaces or at specific times.
The phrase mīlitibus castra relinquere numquam licet (”soldiers may never abandon camp”) reflects the extreme discipline of Roman military culture: -
Desertion was punishable by death -
Soldiers required explicit permission (licentia) to leave camp -
The verb licet in military contexts carried legal force
Senātuī...licēbit (”it will be permitted for the senate”) appears in contexts of constitutional crisis. During the late Republic, debates raged about what the senate was permitted to do: -
Could it declare martial law (senātūs cōnsultum ultimum)? -
Could it suspend civic rights? -
What permissions did extraordinary magistrates (dictators) have?
Cicero’s orations frequently invoke licet when arguing about constitutional permissions.
In templō arma ferre...nōn licēre (”to carry weapons in the temple is not permitted”) reflects Roman religious law: -
Temples were sacred spaces (loca sacra) -
Armed entry was sacrilege (violation of fas, divine law) -
Only specific priests and magistrates had permission to bear symbols of authority
The development from “it is permitted” to “although” (concessive) is fascinating:
Logical path: “It is granted/permitted [that you say X]...” → “Although you say X...”
This semantic shift reflects Roman rhetorical practice: conceding a point formally before refuting it. Cicero uses this frequently in debate.
Licet + interrogative: Polite permission request -
Licetne rogāre? = “May I ask?” (formal politeness) -
Licetne dīcere? = “May I speak?” (requesting the floor)
Sī tibi licet: “If you please” (conditional politeness)
Quod licēre putō: “Which I think is permitted” (justifying an action)
In Roman law, licet appeared in formal declarations: -
Licet appellāre = “It is permitted to appeal” (legal right) -
Licēre dēbet = “It ought to be permitted” (legal argument)
The derived adjective licitus, -a, -um (”lawful, permitted”) became a technical legal term, still reflected in English “illicit.”
Licet is stylistically neutral—neither particularly elevated nor colloquial. It appears in: -
Legal documents (formal permission) -
Philosophical works (discussing ethics and freedom) -
Historical narrative (what was/wasn’t allowed) -
Oratory (arguing permissions and rights) -
Everyday speech (requesting permission)
This versatility made it one of the most frequently used verbs in Latin literature.
Latin licet corresponds roughly to Greek ἔξεστι (exesti), also impersonal: “it is possible, it is permitted.” Both languages developed similar structures for expressing permission impersonally, reflecting shared Indo-European patterns.
Reminder: This lesson is for English speakers learning Classical Latin, focusing on the impersonal verb construction that differs significantly from English modal verbs like “may” or “can.”
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Note: This section features an authentic excerpt from Cicero’s First Oration Against Catiline, demonstrating licet in classical rhetorical context.
From Marcus Tullius Cicero, In Catilinam I.3 (63 BCE)
F.1a Quid est, Catilīna? F.1b Quid (kʷɪd) what est (ɛst) is, Catilīna (ka.tɪˈliː.na) Catiline-VOC?
F.2a Teneris undique F.2b Teneris (ˈtɛ.nɛ.rɪs) you-are-held-PASS undique (ˈʊn.dɪ.kʷɛ) on-all-sides
F.3a Lūce sunt clāriōra nōbīs tua cōnsilia omnia F.3b Lūce (ˈluː.kɛ) than-light-ABL sunt (sʊnt) are clāriōra (klaːˈri.oː.ra) clearer-NOM-PL nōbīs (ˈnoː.biːs) to-us tua (ˈtʊ.a) your-NOM-PL cōnsilia (kɔnˈsɪ.lɪ.a) plans-NOM-PL omnia (ˈɔm.nɪ.a) all-NOM-PL
F.4a Quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās F.4b Quae (kʷaɛ) which-things-ACC iam (jam) now mēcum (ˈmeː.kʊm) with-me licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) you-may-though recognōscās (rɛ.kɔɡˈnoːs.kaːs) review-PRES-SUBJ-2SG
Cicero, In Catilinam I.3
Quid est, Catilīna, quod iam amplius exspectēs? Mūtā iam istam mentem, mihi crēde. Teneris undique; lūce sunt clāriōra nōbīs tua cōnsilia omnia; quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās.
“What is it, Catiline, that you now wait for further? Change that mind of yours now, believe me. You are held fast on all sides; all your plans are clearer to us than daylight; you may now review them with me.”
M. Tullius Cicero, In Catilinam Ōrātiō I, III.7
Quid est, Catilīna, quod iam amplius exspectēs, si neque nox tenebris obscūrāre coetus nefāriōs nec prīvāta domus parietibus continēre vōcēs coniūrātiōnis tuae potest, sī illūstrantur, sī ērumpunt omnia? Mūtā iam istam mentem, mihi crēde, oblīvīscere caedis atque incendiōrum. Teneris undique; lūce sunt clāriōra nōbīs tua cōnsilia omnia; quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās.
Context: In 63 BCE, Marcus Tullius Cicero, serving as consul, delivered this famous oration directly addressing Lucius Sergius Catilina, who was plotting to overthrow the Roman Republic. Cicero had discovered the conspiracy and called Catiline before the Senate to expose him publicly.
The phrase: quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās
This is a masterful use of licet in its concessive function:
Structure breakdown: -
quae (relative pronoun, neuter plural accusative) = “which things” (referring to Catiline’s plots) -
iam (adverb) = “now” -
mēcum (preposition cum + ablative pronoun mē) = “with me” -
licet (verb, functioning as concessive conjunction) = “although,” “you may” -
recognōscās (2nd person singular present subjunctive) = “you may review”
Translation ambiguity:
This phrase works on two levels: -
Concessive: “although you may now review them with me” -
Cicero grants Catiline permission to review his own plots -
Rhetorical irony: Cicero knows them better than Catiline does -
Permissive: “you may now review them with me” -
Straightforward invitation to examine the evidence -
Implies Cicero’s confidence in his knowledge
Why subjunctive?
When licet functions as a concessive conjunction, it ALWAYS takes the subjunctive. Here recognōscās is present subjunctive because of the sequence of tenses (primary sequence with present tense licet).
Rhetorical force:
Cicero is being devastatingly ironic. By saying “you may review your plans with me,” he: -
Demonstrates his complete knowledge of the conspiracy -
Humiliates Catiline publicly -
Invites Catiline to confirm what Cicero already knows -
Shows confidence that the evidence is overwhelming
Word order significance:
The placement of mēcum (”with me”) before licet recognōscās emphasizes Cicero’s role: “with ME [you may review].” He’s not just accusing—he’s demonstrating possession of complete information.
For English speakers learning Latin:
This example shows how licet evolved from simple permission (”it is permitted”) to sophisticated rhetorical concession (”although”). The ambiguity between the two meanings creates dramatic tension: is Cicero granting permission or conceding a point before devastating his opponent?
Historical outcome:
This speech forced Catiline to flee Rome. He was later killed in battle, and his co-conspirators were executed—a decision that would haunt Cicero’s later political career.
The Catilinarian Conspiracy (63 BCE) was one of the most serious internal threats to the Roman Republic. Lucius Sergius Catilina, a patrician who had failed multiple times to win the consulship, organized a conspiracy to: -
Assassinate the consuls (including Cicero) -
Seize power through armed rebellion -
Cancel debts and redistribute property -
Burn Rome and massacre political opponents
Cicero’s discovery and response:
Through informants, Cicero learned of the plot before it could be executed. Rather than arresting Catiline immediately, he chose to expose him publicly in the Senate—a high-risk strategy designed to: -
Discredit Catiline politically -
Rally senatorial support -
Force the conspirators into the open -
Justify extraordinary measures
The Four Catilinarian Orations:
Cicero delivered four famous speeches against Catiline: -
In Catilinam I (November 8, 63 BCE): Delivered in the Senate with Catiline present, forcing him to flee Rome -
In Catilinam II (November 9): Delivered to the people, justifying Cicero’s actions -
In Catilinam III (December 3): Announcing the capture of co-conspirators -
In Catilinam IV (December 5): Arguing for the death penalty for the conspirators
Our passage comes from the first oration, the most dramatic of the four. Cicero begins with the immortal words:
Quō usque tandem abūtēre, Catilīna, patientiā nostrā? “How long, O Catiline, will you abuse our patience?”
Rhetorical style:
Cicero’s oratory combines: -
Direct address (apostrophe): speaking directly to Catiline as if in dialogue -
Rhetorical questions: Quid est...? (”What is it...?”) -
Vivid imagery: lūce sunt clāriōra (”clearer than daylight”) -
Ironic permission: licet recognōscās (”you may review”) -
Accumulated clauses: building intensity through parallel structure
Historical significance:
Cicero’s handling of the Catilinarian Conspiracy: -
Immediate: Made him a hero—he was hailed as pater patriae (”father of the fatherland”) -
Long-term: Became controversial when he executed conspirators without trial -
Political: His enemies later used this to force him into exile (58 BCE) -
Literary: These orations became models of Latin prose style for centuries
The phrase licet recognōscās in context:
When Cicero tells Catiline licet recognōscās (”you may review [your plots] with me”), he’s displaying supreme confidence. The dramatic situation is: -
The Senate chamber (Curia) -
Catiline sitting isolated (other senators moved away from him) -
Cicero standing, delivering this devastating speech -
Complete public humiliation of a patrician nobleman
The use of licet transforms what could be simple accusation into theatrical confrontation. Cicero isn’t just stating facts—he’s offering Catiline the “opportunity” to confirm his own guilt.
Influence on later literature:
This speech influenced: -
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (Mark Antony’s funeral oration) -
Political rhetoric through the ages -
The concept of “unmasking” conspiracies through dramatic accusation
For modern learners:
Reading Cicero’s Catilinarians provides: -
Excellent examples of classical Latin prose at its peak -
Historical insight into late Republican politics -
Models of persuasive rhetoric -
Complex grammar in authentic contexts
The first oration is particularly accessible to intermediate students because of its dramatic, direct style.
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Note: This section presents a fictional but historically plausible Senate debate about civic permissions in Republican Rome, demonstrating licet in various deliberative contexts.
From Marcus Tullius Cicero, In Catilinam I.3 (63 BCE)
F.1a Quid est, Catilīna? F.1b Quid (kʷɪd) what est (ɛst) is, Catilīna (ka.tɪˈliː.na) Catiline-VOC?
F.2a Teneris undique F.2b Teneris (ˈtɛ.nɛ.rɪs) you-are-held-PASS undique (ˈʊn.dɪ.kʷɛ) on-all-sides
F.3a Lūce sunt clāriōra nōbīs tua cōnsilia omnia F.3b Lūce (ˈluː.kɛ) than-light-ABL sunt (sʊnt) are clāriōra (klaːˈri.oː.ra) clearer-NOM-PL nōbīs (ˈnoː.biːs) to-us tua (ˈtʊ.a) your-NOM-PL cōnsilia (kɔnˈsɪ.lɪ.a) plans-NOM-PL omnia (ˈɔm.nɪ.a) all-NOM-PL
F.4a Quae iam mēcum licet recognōscās F.4b Quae (kʷaɛ) which-things-ACC iam (jam) now mēcum (ˈmeː.kʊm) with-me licet (ˈlɪ.kɛt) you-may-though recognōscās (rɛ.kɔɡˈnoːs.kaːs) review-PRES-SUBJ-2SG
175.16 Senātor prīmus: “Patrēs cōnscrīptī, dē novīs lēgibus dēlīberāre nōbīs licet” First senator: “Conscript fathers, we are permitted to deliberate about new laws”
175.17 “Cīvibus Rōmānīs in comitiīs līberē sententiās dīcere licēre dēbet” “Roman citizens ought to be permitted to speak their opinions freely in assemblies”
175.18 Senātor secundus: “Immō, omnibus omnīnō loquī licēre nōn potest” Second senator: “Rather, it cannot be permitted for absolutely everyone to speak”
175.19 “Servīs et peregrīnīs in rē pūblicā vōcem dare numquam licuit” “It was never permitted for slaves and foreigners to have a voice in public affairs”
175.20 Cōnsul: “Licetne mihi interrogāre uter vestrum vērum dīcat?” Consul: “May I ask which of you speaks the truth?”
175.21 Senātor tertius: “Tibī, cōnsul, omnēs nōs interrogāre licet” Third senator: “You, consul, are permitted to question all of us”
175.22 “Sed cūr dē iūre cīvium dubitāmus?” “But why do we doubt the rights of citizens?”
175.23 “Māiōrēs nostrī cōnstituērunt quibus in forō stāre licēret” “Our ancestors established for whom it would be permitted to stand in the forum”
175.24 Senātor quārtus: “Vērum dīcis. Lēgēs antīquae clārē dēfīniunt quid cuique liceat” Fourth senator: “You speak truly. The ancient laws clearly define what is permitted to each person”
175.25 “Patrōnō clientem dēfendere nōn sōlum licet sed etiam necesse est” “For a patron to defend his client is not only permitted but also necessary”
175.26 Tribūnus plēbis: “Patrēs cōnscrīptī, vōbīs populum Rōmānum vincere semper licuit?” Tribune of the plebs: “Conscript fathers, was it always permitted for you to constrain the Roman people?”
175.27 “Plēbī leges novās petere et rogāre liceat!” “May it be permitted for the plebs to seek and propose new laws!”
175.28 Senātor cōnservātīvus: “Licet hoc dīcās, tribūne, tamen respūblica maiōrum mōribus stāre dēbet” Conservative senator: “Although you say this, tribune, nevertheless the republic ought to stand by ancestral customs”
175.29 Cōnsul: “Satis! Senātuī dēcrētum facere nunc licet” Consul: “Enough! It is now permitted for the senate to make a decree”
175.30 “Quī prō lēge novā sunt, surgere liceat; quī contrā, sedēre licet” “Those who are for the new law, may they rise; those against, may remain seated”
175.16 Senātor prīmus: “Patrēs cōnscrīptī, dē novīs lēgibus dēlīberāre nōbīs licet”
175.17 “Cīvibus Rōmānīs in comitiīs līberē sententiās dīcere licēre dēbet”
175.18 Senātor secundus: “Immō, omnibus omnīnō loquī licēre nōn potest”
175.19 “Servīs et peregrīnīs in rē pūblicā vōcem dare numquam licuit”
175.20 Cōnsul: “Licetne mihi interrogāre uter vestrum vērum dīcat?”
175.21 Senātor tertius: “Tibī, cōnsul, omnēs nōs interrogāre licet”
175.22 “Sed cūr dē iūre cīvium dubitāmus?”
175.23 “Māiōrēs nostrī cōnstituērunt quibus in forō stāre licēret”
175.24 Senātor quārtus: “Vērum dīcis. Lēgēs antīquae clārē dēfīniunt quid cuique liceat”
175.25 “Patrōnō clientem dēfendere nōn sōlum licet sed etiam necesse est”
175.26 Tribūnus plēbis: “Patrēs cōnscrīptī, vōbīs populum Rōmānum vincere semper licuit?”
175.27 “Plēbī leges novās petere et rogāre liceat!”
175.28 Senātor cōnservātīvus: “Licet hoc dīcās, tribūne, tamen respūblica maiōrum mōribus stāre dēbet”
175.29 Cōnsul: “Satis! Senātuī dēcrētum facere nunc licet”
175.30 “Quī prō lēge novā sunt, surgere liceat; quī contrā, sedēre licet”
This Senate deliberation demonstrates several advanced uses of licet:
Indirect Questions with Subjunctive (175.20, 175.23, 175.24): -
quibus...stāre licēret = “for whom it would be permitted to stand” (imperfect subjunctive in indirect question) -
quid cuique liceat = “what is permitted to each” (present subjunctive in indirect question)
Infinitive in Indirect Statement (175.17): -
licēre dēbet = “it ought to be permitted” (the infinitive licēre serves as subject of dēbet)
Jussive/Optative Subjunctive (175.27, 175.30): -
liceat = “may it be permitted” (present subjunctive expressing wish/permission)
Concessive Usage (175.28): -
Licet hoc dīcās = “Although you say this” (concessive conjunction with present subjunctive)
Imperfect Subjunctive in Secondary Sequence (175.23): -
licēret = “it would be permitted” (imperfect subjunctive after historical perfect cōnstituērunt)
Formal Senate Terminology: -
Patrēs cōnscrīptī = “Conscript fathers” (formal address to senators) -
tribūnus plēbis = “tribune of the plebs” (elected official representing common people) -
dēcrētum facere = “to make a decree” (official senate resolution) -
comitia = “assemblies” (voting assemblies of Roman citizens)
Political Context Vocabulary: -
maiōrum mōribus = “by ancestral customs” (conservative appeal to tradition) -
plēbs = “the plebs, common people” (non-patrician citizens) -
patrōnus/cliens = “patron/client” (fundamental Roman social relationship) -
iūs cīvium = “the rights of citizens” (legal status and privileges)
This genre section illustrates how licet functioned in Roman political discourse to negotiate permissions, rights, and legal boundaries—core concepts in Republican constitutional debates.
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The Latinum Institute Classical Latin Course teaches Latin through a frequency-based approach, presenting the most common words in Classical Latin in order of their importance. This method, developed through decades of research, ensures that students learn the vocabulary they will encounter most often in actual Latin texts.
Full course materials and lesson index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
This lesson is based on the Dickinson College Core Vocabulary, which identifies the most frequent Latin words drawn from major classical authors including Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, Horace, Ovid, and others. By learning words in frequency order, students build reading competency systematically.
The Latinum Institute employs the construed reading method, where students learn to read Latin in its natural word order rather than translating into English first. Each word is glossed individually, allowing students to understand grammatical structure while maintaining the flow of Latin syntax.
Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has provided online Latin learning materials emphasizing: -
Frequency-based vocabulary acquisition -
Authentic classical texts -
Construed reading technique -
Systematic grammar presentation -
Cultural and historical context
The Latinum Institute has helped thousands of students worldwide. See reviews at: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Classical Latin is: -
The language of Roman civilization, which shaped Western culture -
Essential for reading original philosophical, historical, and literary texts -
The foundation of Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian) -
A powerful tool for understanding English vocabulary (60% of English words have Latin roots) -
The language of law, medicine, science, and scholarship for over 2000 years
Each lesson builds on previous vocabulary and grammar, creating a cumulative learning experience. By Lesson 175, students have already encountered 174 of the most common Latin words, providing a solid foundation for reading authentic texts.
This lesson features authentic excerpts from Cicero’s orations, demonstrating how licet functions in actual classical prose. Students learn not from artificial examples but from the Latin that Romans actually wrote and spoke.
These lessons are designed for self-directed learners who want to master Latin independently. Each lesson is self-contained, with complete grammatical explanations, cultural context, and authentic examples.
For questions, additional materials, or support: https://latinum.substack.com
This lesson uses the Dickinson College Core Vocabulary compiled by Christopher Francese and based on the work of numerous classical scholars. The construed reading method draws on centuries of Latin pedagogy, adapted for modern autodidact learners.
After mastering licet, continue with Lesson 176 to build your Classical Latin vocabulary systematically. Each lesson brings you closer to fluent reading of Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, and other classical authors.
Vale et studiōse labōrā! (Farewell and study diligently!)
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End of Lesson 175: LICET
© Latinum Institute 2025 Based on the Dickinson College Core Vocabulary Lesson generated using frequency-based pedagogy and authentic classical sources
◊ᴺᵉˣᵃˡ Impersonal Verb Construction - Permission and Legal Allowance in Classical Latin
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