Welcome to Lesson 5 of the Latinum Institute Neo-Latin Colloquia series! This lesson explores Erasmus’s Formulae Valedicendi (Farewell Formulas), the essential phrases for leave-taking in Renaissance Latin society. Where previous lessons taught greetings and health inquiries, this lesson completes the conversational cycle by teaching you how to end interactions gracefully.
Farewells in Renaissance culture were not casual afterthoughts. They involved elaborate courtesy, often including promises to return, commendations to divine care, and expressions of continued affection or respect. Erasmus collected dozens of variations, from the simple “Vale!” to complex formulas appropriate for different social relationships and situations.
For complete course index and methodology, visit:
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What is this dialogue about? This section presents systematic farewell formulas arranged by increasing formality and complexity. Speakers learn to: announce their departure, request permission to leave, promise to return, commend others to God’s care, and offer final assistance before parting. These weren’t empty formulas—they reflected genuine Renaissance values of courtesy, reciprocal obligation, and Christian fellowship.
Word Order Pattern Preview: This lesson introduces future tense constructions (Mox te videbo - Soon you I-will-see), compound verbs with prefixes (abeo = ab + eo, discedo = dis + cedo), double object constructions (Te Deo commendo = You to-God I-entrust), and conditional farewell offers (Si quid vis, dic = If anything you-want, say). Temporal adverbs like “cras” (tomorrow) and “mox” (soon) anchor future-oriented speech.
Key Takeaways: -
Master essential farewell formulas -
Learn future tense formation and usage -
Understand compound verb construction -
Practice double object syntax (commendation) -
Acquire temporal deixis (cras, mox, hodie) -
Navigate register variation (informal to formal) -
Build social competence in leave-taking rituals
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Orthographic Conventions: Compound verbs in this lesson combine prefixes with base verbs: ab-eo (go away), dis-cedo (depart), re-deo (return back). Renaissance texts sometimes wrote these as single words (abeo) or hyphenated (ab-eo); we follow modern convention of single words. The verb valedico combines vale (farewell) + dico (say), literally “I say farewell.”
Note the temporal adverb cras (tomorrow) versus heri (yesterday) - these are fundamental time markers. The phrase in crastinum means “until tomorrow” (literally “into the next-day”).
Pronunciation Guide: Compound verbs maintain the stress patterns of their bases: -
valedico - Classical: /wa.leː.ˈdi.koː/ | Ecclesiastical: /va.le.DI.ko/ -
abeo - Classical: /ˈa.be.oː/ | Ecclesiastical: /A.be.o/ (stress on first syllable) -
dimitto - Classical: /diː.ˈmit.toː/ | Ecclesiastical: /di.MIT.to/ -
discedo - Classical: /dis.ˈkeː.doː/ | Ecclesiastical: /dis.KE.do/ -
commendo - Classical: /kom.ˈmen.doː/ | Ecclesiastical: /kom.MEN.do/ -
cras - Classical: /kraːs/ | Ecclesiastical: /kras/ (monosyllabic, long vowel) -
mox - Classical: /moks/ | Ecclesiastical: /moks/ (monosyllabic)
The future tense endings are stressed: videbo (wi-DEH-bo), redibo (reh-DEE-bo).
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5.1a Vale! Be-well/Farewell [IMP]
5.1b Vale (WAH-leh) Be-well
5.2a Valete Be-well(plural)/Farewell [IMP.PL]
5.2b Valete (wa-LEH-teh) Be-well(plural)
5.3a Bene well vale! be-well [IMP + ADV]
5.3b Bene (BEH-neh) well vale (WAH-leh) be-well
5.4a Optime very-well vale! be-well [IMP + SUPERL]
5.4b Optime (OP-ti-meh) very-well vale (WAH-leh) be-well
5.5a Vale farewell et and me me(acc) ama! love(imperative) [IMP + COORD]
5.5b Vale (WAH-leh) farewell et (et) and me (meh) me ama (AH-ma) love
5.6a Iam now abeo I-go-away [TEMP + VERB]
5.6b Iam (yam) now abeo (AH-beh-o) I-go-away
5.7a Tempus time est is abire to-go-away(inf) [IMPERSONAL]
5.7b Tempus (TEM-pus) time est (est) is abire (a-BEE-reh) to-go-away
5.8a Mihi to-me(dat) eundum going(gerundive) est is [NECESSITY]
5.8b Mihi (MI-hi) to-me eundum (eh-UN-doom) going est (est) is
5.9a Dimitte dismiss(imperative) me me(acc) [IMP.PERM]
5.9b Dimitte (di-MIT-teh) dismiss me (meh) me
5.10a Sine allow(imperative) me me(acc) discedere to-depart(inf) [IMP + INF]
5.10b Sine (SI-neh) allow me (meh) me discedere (dis-KEH-deh-reh) to-depart
5.11a Licetne is-it-allowed(question) mihi to-me(dat) abire? to-go-away(inf) [POLITE.REQUEST]
5.11b Licetne (LI-ket-neh) is-it-allowed mihi (MI-hi) to-me abire (a-BEE-reh) to-go-away
5.12a Mox soon redibo I-will-return [FUT]
5.12b Mox (moks) soon redibo (reh-DEE-bo) I-will-return
5.13a Cras tomorrow te you(acc) videbo I-will-see [FUT]
5.13b Cras (kras) tomorrow te (teh) you videbo (wi-DEH-bo) I-will-see
5.14a Usque until cras tomorrow vale! farewell [TEMP.LIMIT]
5.14b Usque (US-kweh) until cras (kras) tomorrow vale (WAH-leh) farewell
5.15a Vale farewell in into/until crastinum! tomorrow(acc) [TEMP.FAREWELL]
5.15b Vale (WAH-leh) farewell in (in) until crastinum (KRAS-ti-num) tomorrow
5.16a In for hoc this(acc) biduum two-days(acc) vale! farewell [DURATION]
5.16b In (in) for hoc (hok) this biduum (bi-DU-um) two-days vale (WAH-leh) farewell
5.17a Si if me me(acc) dimittis you-dismiss cito quickly revertar I-will-return [COND + FUT]
5.17b Si (see) if me (meh) me dimittis (di-MIT-tis) you-dismiss cito (KI-to) quickly revertar (reh-WER-tar) I-will-return
5.18a Num (question) quid something aliud other vis? you-want [FINAL.OFFER]
5.18b Num (noom) question-particle quid (kwid) something aliud (AH-li-ud) other vis (wis) you-want
5.19a Si if quid anything vis you-want dic say(imperative) [COND.IMP]
5.19b Si (see) if quid (kwid) anything vis (wis) you-want dic (deek) say
5.20a Nihil nothing aliud other habeo I-have [CLOSING]
5.20b Nihil (NI-hil) nothing aliud (AH-li-ud) other habeo (HA-beh-o) I-have
5.21a Te you(acc) Deo to-God(dat) commendo I-entrust [COMMEND]
5.21b Te (teh) you Deo (DEH-o) to-God commendo (kom-MEN-do) I-entrust
5.22a Deus God tecum with-you sit! may-be(subjunctive) [OPT]
5.22b Deus (DEH-us) God tecum (TEH-kum) with-you sit (sit) may-be
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5.1 Vale! [IMP] Farewell! / Goodbye!
5.2 Valete! [IMP.PL] Farewell (you all)!
5.3 Bene vale! [IMP + ADV] Farewell well! / Goodbye!
5.4 Optime vale! [IMP + SUPERL] Farewell in the best way!
5.5 Vale et me ama! [IMP + COORD] Farewell and love me!
5.6 Iam abeo. [TEMP + VERB] I am going away now.
5.7 Tempus est abire. [IMPERSONAL] It is time to go away.
5.8 Mihi eundum est. [NECESSITY] I must go. / It is necessary for me to go.
5.9 Dimitte me. [IMP.PERM] Dismiss me. / Let me go.
5.10 Sine me discedere. [IMP + INF] Allow me to depart.
5.11 Licetne mihi abire? [POLITE.REQUEST] Is it permitted for me to go away? / May I leave?
5.12 Mox redibo. [FUT] I will return soon.
5.13 Cras te videbo. [FUT] I will see you tomorrow.
5.14 Usque cras vale! [TEMP.LIMIT] Farewell until tomorrow!
5.15 Vale in crastinum! [TEMP.FAREWELL] Farewell until tomorrow!
5.16 In hoc biduum vale! [DURATION] Farewell for these two days!
5.17 Si me dimittis, cito revertar. [COND + FUT] If you dismiss me, I will return quickly.
5.18 Num quid aliud vis? [FINAL.OFFER] Do you want anything else?
5.19 Si quid vis, dic. [COND.IMP] If you want anything, say so.
5.20 Nihil aliud habeo. [CLOSING] I have nothing else.
5.21 Te Deo commendo. [COMMEND] I entrust you to God.
5.22 Deus tecum sit! [OPT] May God be with you!
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5.1 Vale!
5.2 Valete!
5.3 Bene vale!
5.4 Optime vale!
5.5 Vale et me ama!
5.6 Iam abeo.
5.7 Tempus est abire.
5.8 Mihi eundum est.
5.9 Dimitte me.
5.10 Sine me discedere.
5.11 Licetne mihi abire?
5.12 Mox redibo.
5.13 Cras te videbo.
5.14 Usque cras vale!
5.15 Vale in crastinum!
5.16 In hoc biduum vale!
5.17 Si me dimittis, cito revertar.
5.18 Num quid aliud vis?
5.19 Si quid vis, dic.
5.20 Nihil aliud habeo.
5.21 Te Deo commendo.
5.22 Deus tecum sit!
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These are the grammar rules for this text.
Word Order Analysis - Farewell Patterns
This lesson showcases several distinctive word order patterns associated with leave-taking:
Future Tense Reference [FUT]: Latin future tense allows speakers to make commitments and promises. “Cras te videbo” (Tomorrow you I-will-see) places the temporal marker first for emphasis, then the object, then the future verb. This is commissive language—the speaker commits to a future action. Word order is flexible: “Te cras videbo” also works, but fronting “cras” emphasizes the time frame.
Permissive Imperative [IMP.PERM]: “Dimitte me” (Dismiss me) uses imperative mood to make a request rather than give a command. This might seem paradoxical—using command forms to ask permission—but it’s softened by context and relationship. The formula is polite because it acknowledges the other person’s authority to grant or refuse. Compare the more formal “Licetne mihi abire?” (Is-it-permitted to-me to-go-away?).
Commissive Statements [COMM]: “Mox redibo” (Soon I-will-return) demonstrates how Latin uses future tense for promises. These aren’t predictions about the future; they’re commitments the speaker makes. The temporal adverb “mox” (soon) or “cras” (tomorrow) specifies the timeframe.
Commendation Formulas [COMM.FORM]: “Te Deo commendo” (You to-God I-entrust) shows double object construction. The verb “commendo” takes two objects: direct object in accusative (te = you) and indirect object in dative (Deo = to God). This pattern appears with all verbs of giving, entrusting, or transferring.
Conditional Farewells [COND.IMP]: “Si quid vis, dic” (If anything you-want, say) combines conditional clause with imperative. This is a final offer before departure: “If there’s anything else, speak now.” The structure shows courtesy through offering one last opportunity for interaction.
Core Grammar Concepts
The Future Tense: Latin forms future tense differently for different conjugations. First and second conjugation add -bo, -bis, -bit, -bimus, -bitis, -bunt to the present stem: videbo (I will see), habebis (you will have). Third, third-io, and fourth conjugation use -am, -es, -et, -emus, -etis, -ent: dicam (I will say), audies (you will hear). Irregular verbs like “sum” (to be) have unique future forms: ero, eris, erit (I will be, you will be, he/she/it will be).
Compound Verbs with Prefixes: Latin creates many verbs by adding prefixes to base verbs. “Abeo” = ab (away from) + eo (go) = I go away. “Redeo” = re (back) + eo (go) = I return. “Discedo” = dis (apart) + cedo (go) = I depart/withdraw. The prefix modifies the meaning predictably: ab- (away), re- (back), dis- (apart), ad- (toward), ex- (out of), in- (into). Once you know the base verb, you can understand many compounds.
Double Object Construction: Some verbs take two objects. “Commendo” (I entrust) takes accusative for the thing entrusted and dative for the recipient. “Te Deo commendo” = I entrust you (acc) to God (dat). Other double object verbs: “do” (I give), “trado” (I hand over), “ostendo” (I show). Pattern: X (acc) Y (dat) VERB = “I VERB X to Y.”
Temporal Expressions: Latin has specific adverbs for time reference. “Cras” (tomorrow) points to the next day. “Heri” (yesterday) to the previous day. “Hodie” (today) to the current day. “Mox” (soon) indicates near future without specific time. “Statim” (immediately) means right now. These are temporal deixis—words that point to time relative to the speaker’s present moment.
Gerundive of Necessity: “Mihi eundum est” (To-me going is) = I must go. The gerundive (verbal adjective ending in -ndus) + “est” expresses necessity or obligation. With dative of agent (mihi = for me), it means “I must...” This is more formal than simple “debeo ire” (I ought to go).
Impersonal Expressions: “Tempus est abire” (Time is to-go-away) = It is time to go. Latin often uses neuter nouns as subjects with infinitives: “Tempus est” + INF = It is time to... Similarly: “Licet mihi abire” = It is permitted to me to go = I may go. “Oportet te discedere” = It behooves you to depart = You ought to leave.
Optative Subjunctive: “Deus tecum sit!” (God with-you may-be!) = May God be with you! Present subjunctive expresses wishes. “Sit” (may it be) instead of indicative “est” (it is) marks this as a wish or prayer. Often found in blessings and curses.
Polite Request Strategies: Latin has multiple ways to make polite requests: -
Imperative: “Dimitte me” (Dismiss me) - direct but context makes it polite -
Imperative + infinitive: “Sine me discedere” (Allow me to-depart) - softer -
Question: “Licetne mihi abire?” (Is-it-permitted?) - most formal Each strategy involves different levels of indirection and politeness.
Temporal Phrases with Accusative: “In crastinum” (until tomorrow) uses accusative to show time toward which. “In hoc biduum” (for these two days) uses accusative of duration. The preposition “in” + accusative shows extent in time or space.
Word Order Patterns Summary
Future Reference: “Cras te videbo” - Temporal marker can be fronted for emphasis (Tomorrow you I-will-see).
Permission Request: “Dimitte me” - Imperative used politely to request release (Dismiss me = Please let me go).
Commissive Future: “Mox redibo” - Future tense signals commitment/promise (Soon I-will-return).
Commendation: “Te Deo commendo” - ACC + DAT + VERB for double object (You to-God I-entrust).
Conditional Offer: “Si quid vis, dic” - Protasis + imperative for final offer (If anything you-want, say).
Temporal Farewell: “Vale in crastinum” - Imperative + temporal phrase (Farewell until tomorrow).
Common Mistakes
Beginners often: -
Confuse future tense formations between conjugations - 1st/2nd use -bo series, 3rd/4th use -am series -
Forget that compound verbs keep the conjugation of their base verb -
Use wrong case with “commendo” - needs ACC (thing) + DAT (recipient) -
Translate “dimitte me” as rude command instead of polite request -
Mix up “cras” (tomorrow) and “heri” (yesterday) -
Forget that “vale” is imperative, not an infinitive or noun -
Use indicative instead of subjunctive for wishes (sit not est)
Comparison with English
English uses helping verbs for future: “I WILL see you.” Latin uses inflected forms: “videbo” (I-will-see). English needs multiple words for necessity: “I HAVE TO go.” Latin uses gerundive: “mihi eundum est” (to-me going is). English separates time words from verbs: “Tomorrow I will see you.” Latin can place them together or apart: “Cras te videbo” or “Te videbo cras.” English uses preposition “to” for double objects: “I entrust you TO God.” Latin uses dative case: “Te Deo” (You to-God). These differences show Latin’s synthetic (inflectional) nature versus English’s analytic (word-order-based) structure.
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abeo, abire, abii/abivi, abitum - verb, irregular (compound of eo): to go away, depart, leave; from ab- (away from) + eo (go); present: abeo, abis, abit, abimus, abitis, abeunt; perfect “abii” (contracted from “abivi”); intransitive; “iam abeo” = I am going away now
alius, alia, aliud - adjective/pronoun: other, another, different; genitive singular “alterius” (irregular); “quid aliud” = what else, something other; “nihil aliud” = nothing else; from PIE *h₂élyos; related to “alter” (the other of two)
ama, amare, amavi, amatum - verb, 1st conjugation: to love, like, be fond of; imperative “ama” (love!); from PIE *h₂em- (take); “vale et me ama” = farewell and love me; present: amo, amas, amat; related to “amicus” (friend), “amor” (love)
biduum, bidui (n.) - noun, 2nd declension neuter: period of two days, two-day span; from bi- (two) + dies (day); accusative of duration “biduum” = for two days; “in hoc biduum vale” = farewell for these two days
bene - adverb: well, rightly, thoroughly; comparative “melius” (better), superlative “optime” (best); from “bonus” (good); “bene vale” = farewell well; intensifies farewells
cito - adverb: quickly, speedily, soon; from “citus” (swift, quick); comparative “citius,” superlative “citissime”; “cito revertar” = I will return quickly; related to “celer” (swift)
commendo, commendare, commendavi, commendatum - verb, 1st conjugation: to entrust, commend, commit to care; from com- (together/intensive) + mando (entrust); takes double object: ACC (thing) + DAT (recipient); “te Deo commendo” = I entrust you to God; Christian farewell formula
cras - adverb (indeclinable): tomorrow, on the next day; from PIE *kres- (tomorrow); “cras te videbo” = I will see you tomorrow; opposite “heri” (yesterday); temporal deixis pointing to future proximal
crastinum, crastini (n.) - noun, 2nd declension neuter: tomorrow, the next day; from “cras”; “in crastinum” = until tomorrow; accusative of time toward which; “vale in crastinum” = farewell until tomorrow
Deus, Dei (m.) - noun, 2nd declension masculine: God, deity; dative “Deo”; vocative “Deus”; from PIE *dyew- (sky, shine); “te Deo commendo” = I entrust you to God; Christian usage capitalized
dic, dicere, dixi, dictum - verb, 3rd conjugation: to say, speak, tell; imperative singular “dic” (say!); from PIE *deyk- (show, point out); “si quid vis, dic” = if you want anything, say so; present: dico, dicis, dicit
dimitto, dimittere, dimisi, dimissum - verb, 3rd conjugation: to send away, dismiss, let go, release; from dis- (apart) + mitto (send); “dimitte me” = dismiss me / let me go; polite request for permission to leave; present: dimitto, dimittis, dimittit
discedo, discedere, discessi, discessum - verb, 3rd conjugation: to depart, withdraw, go away, leave; from dis- (apart) + cedo (go); “sine me discedere” = allow me to depart; more formal than “abeo”; present: discedo, discedis, discedit; related to “discessus” (departure)
eundum - gerundive of eo (go): going, that must be gone; neuter singular nominative; used in gerundive of necessity construction; “mihi eundum est” = I must go (literally: to-me going is = going is necessary for me)
habeo, habere, habui, habitum - verb, 2nd conjugation: to have, hold, possess, consider; “nihil aliud habeo” = I have nothing else; from PIE *gʰeh₁bʰ- (give, receive); present: habeo, habes, habet; related to English “habit”
iam - adverb: now, already, at this point; emphasizes immediacy or completion; “iam abeo” = I am going away now; from PIE *yeh₂- (go); can mean “now” (present) or “already” (perfect)
licet, licere, licuit/licitum est - verb, 2nd conjugation impersonal: it is permitted, it is lawful; with dative + infinitive; “licetne mihi abire?” = is it permitted for me to go? = may I leave?; from PIE *leyk- (leave over); “-ne” makes it a question
mihi - pronoun, dative singular of ego: to me, for me; dative of agent with gerundive; “mihi eundum est” = I must go; also indirect object: “dic mihi” = tell me; from PIE *me-
mox - adverb (indeclinable): soon, presently, next; temporal vagueness in near future; “mox redibo” = I will return soon; from PIE *mok-s-; doesn’t specify exact time, just “before long”
nihil/nil - pronoun/noun, indeclinable neuter: nothing, not at all; “nihil aliud” = nothing else; from ne (not) + hilum (trifle); completely negative; used as subject or object
num - interrogative particle: (1) introduces question expecting negative answer: “You’re not...are you?”; (2) “whether” in indirect questions; “num quid aliud vis?” = do you want anything else? (expecting “no”); doesn’t translate directly
optime - adverb, superlative: very well, best, excellently; from “bene” (well); superlative degree; “optime vale” = farewell in the best way; degree: bene, melius, optime
quid - pronoun, neuter accusative/nominative of quis: what, something, anything; interrogative; “quid aliud?” = what else?; “si quid vis” = if you want anything; from PIE *kʷid; related to English “what”
redeo, redire, redii/redivi, reditum - verb, irregular (compound of eo): to return, go back, come back; from re- (back) + eo (go); future “redibo” = I will return; present: redeo, redis, redit; intransitive; “mox redibo” = I will return soon
revertor, reverti, reversus sum - verb, 3rd conjugation deponent: to turn back, return, come back; from re- (back) + verto (turn); future “revertar” = I will return; deponent = passive forms, active meaning; alternative to “redeo”
sine, sinere, sivi, situm - verb, 3rd conjugation: to allow, permit, let; with accusative + infinitive; “sine me discedere” = allow me to depart; from PIE *sē(y)- (let go); present: sino, sinis, sinit; imperative “sine” common in polite requests
sit - verb, 3rd person singular present subjunctive of sum, esse: may he/she/it be, let it be; used in wishes and prayers; “Deus tecum sit” = May God be with you; optative subjunctive; subjunctive of “est” (he/she/it is)
tecum - preposition + pronoun: with you (singular); from cum + te; cum becomes postpositive with pronouns; “Deus tecum sit” = God with-you may-be = May God be with you; compare “mecum” (with me), “nobiscum” (with us)
tempus, temporis (n.) - noun, 3rd declension neuter: time, period, season, occasion; “tempus est abire” = it is time to go away; from PIE *temp- (stretch); related to “tempestas” (weather, storm); genitive “temporis”
te - pronoun, accusative singular of tu: you (as object); “te videbo” = I will see you; “te Deo commendo” = I entrust you to God; from PIE *twe-; accusative serves as direct object
usque - adverb/preposition: all the way, continuously, until; with time expressions; “usque cras” = until tomorrow; from PIE *upske; emphasizes continuation to a limit; can mean “all the way to” or “continuously”
vale/valete - verb, imperative of valeo, valere: farewell, goodbye, be well; singular “vale,” plural “valete”; most common Latin farewell; from PIE *walh₂- (be strong); literally means “be strong/well”; standard parting formula from classical through Renaissance Latin
video, videre, vidi, visum - verb, 2nd conjugation: to see, perceive, observe; future “videbo” = I will see; “cras te videbo” = I will see you tomorrow; from PIE *weyd- (see, know); present: video, vides, videt; related to English “video,” “vision”
volo, velle, volui - verb, irregular: to want, wish, be willing; present “vis” = you want; “si quid vis” = if you want anything; from PIE *welh₁- (wish, choose); present: volo, vis, vult, volumus, vultis, volunt; highly irregular conjugation
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Farewell Dialogue for Beginners
A: Vale! B: Vale! Cras te videbo. A: Bene! Optime vale!
A: Iam abeo. B: Mox redibis? A: Ita. Mox redibo.
A: Dimitte me. B: Vale in crastinum! A: Te Deo commendo.
B: Deus tecum sit! A: Bene vale! B: Valete omnes!
Translation of Simplified Version:
A: Farewell! B: Farewell! I will see you tomorrow. A: Good! Farewell very well!
A: I am going away now. B: Will you return soon? A: Yes. I will return soon.
A: Let me go. B: Farewell until tomorrow! A: I entrust you to God.
B: May God be with you! A: Farewell well! B: Farewell everyone!
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From Erasmus, Familiarum Colloquiorum Formulae (1518), “Formulae Valedicendi”
Vale! Valete! Bene vale! Optime vale! Vale et me ama!
Iam abeo. Tempus est abire. Mihi eundum est.
Dimitte me. Sine me discedere. Licetne mihi abire?
Mox redibo. Cras te videbo.
Usque cras vale! Vale in crastinum! In hoc biduum vale!
Si me dimittis, cito revertar.
Num quid aliud vis? Si quid vis, dic. Nihil aliud habeo.
Te Deo commendo. Deus tecum sit!
Historical Context:
The Formulae Valedicendi represents Erasmus’s systematic collection of farewell expressions arranged by increasing complexity and formality. Unlike the spontaneous farewells of casual speech, these are carefully graduated formulas designed to teach students the full range of leave-taking options available in Latin.
Social Significance of Farewells:
In Renaissance culture, farewells involved complex social negotiations. The simple “Vale!” sufficed between equals in casual contexts, but formal departures required elaborate courtesy. “Te Deo commendo” (I entrust you to God) wasn’t empty formula—it expressed genuine Christian fellowship and concern for the other’s spiritual and physical welfare during separation.
The phrase “Vale et me ama” (Farewell and love me) appears in actual letters between Renaissance humanists, showing genuine affection between correspondents. Erasmus himself used such expressions in letters to friends like Thomas More and John Colet.
Temporal Precision:
Notice how Renaissance Latin developed precise temporal expressions. “Vale in crastinum” (Farewell until tomorrow) specifies exactly when the separation will end. “In hoc biduum vale” (Farewell for these two days) measures the duration precisely. This reflects the increasingly scheduled nature of Renaissance urban life, where educated people kept calendars and made specific future appointments.
Permission Requests:
The progression from “Dimitte me” (Dismiss me) through “Sine me discedere” (Allow me to depart) to “Licetne mihi abire?” (May I leave?) shows increasing formality and deference. Social hierarchy determined which formula was appropriate. A student asking a master would use the most formal; equals would use simpler forms.
Commissive Language:
Future tense statements like “Mox redibo” (I will return soon) and “Cras te videbo” (Tomorrow I will see you) aren’t mere predictions—they’re commitments. The speaker binds himself to return. Failure to keep such promises damaged reputation. This reflects Renaissance emphasis on honor and keeping one’s word.
Christian Formulas:
“Te Deo commendo” became the standard Christian farewell, replacing classical formulas. It combined Roman syntax (double object construction) with Christian content (entrusting to divine care). Similarly, “Deus tecum sit” (May God be with you) adapted classical optative grammar to Christian theology.
Manuscript Tradition:
The 1518 Froben edition places these formulas in the third section of the Familiarum Colloquiorum Formulae, after greetings and health inquiries. Later editions expanded with more elaborate variants, but this core collection remained stable. The systematic progression from simple to complex made the text pedagogically effective across ability levels.
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The Latinum Institute Approach
Since 2006, the Latinum Institute has been creating comprehensive Latin learning materials based on authentic texts and natural language acquisition principles. Our approach emphasizes:
Comprehensible Input: You’re now five lessons into systematic Latin study. If you’ve worked through Lessons 1-4, you’ve internalized basic greeting patterns, health inquiries, medical discourse, and now farewell formulas. Each lesson builds vocabulary and grammar incrementally, ensuring nothing overwhelms.
Authentic Neo-Latin Texts: Erasmus’s Formulae weren’t invented for modern students—they were the actual phrases Renaissance Europeans used daily. By mastering these authentic materials, you’re learning real Latin as it functioned in living culture, not artificial textbook language.
Progressive Difficulty: Lesson 5 introduces future tense (critical for making promises and arrangements), compound verbs (expandable vocabulary through prefixes), and double object syntax (essential for many common verbs). These build on the perfect tense, conditionals, and participial constructions from Lesson 4.
Complete Transparency: Notice how every word gets glossed, every construction explained, every pattern marked. You’re never left guessing. This comprehensive approach accelerates acquisition because you understand everything you encounter.
Text-Based Autodidact Method: By Lesson 5, you should be developing the ability to read simple Latin texts with decreasing reliance on glosses. Try reading Section C (Latin Only) before looking at translations. See how much you can understand through pattern recognition.
Conversational Competence: You can now greet people (Lessons 1-2), inquire about health (Lesson 3), discuss illness and recovery (Lesson 4), and take leave appropriately (Lesson 5). These aren’t isolated grammar points—they’re functional communication tools. You’re building genuine Latin conversational ability.
Future tense acquisition: This lesson introduces one of Latin’s most important tenses. The future allows you to make promises, predictions, and commitments—essential for any functional communication. You’ll encounter future tense constantly in Latin literature from all periods.
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Next Steps:
Lesson 6 will introduce daily routine vocabulary through Cordier’s “De Mane Surgendo” (Morning Routine), teaching you how to describe waking up, getting dressed, and beginning the day. This shifts from social formulas to descriptive narrative, expanding your productive vocabulary significantly.
Continue practicing Lessons 1-5 until you can produce the formulas spontaneously. True mastery means being able to greet, inquire about health, discuss illness, and take leave without consciously translating from English. This comes through repetition and active use.
Vale et cras redi ad discendum! (Farewell and return tomorrow for learning!)
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