Nuntius prope ignem sedet et “Possumus multum laborare!” clamat.

(The messenger sits near the fire and shouts: “We can work a lot!”)

Breakdown of Nuntius prope ignem sedet et “Possumus multum laborare!” clamat.

• laborare: to work
• et: and
• multum: a lot
• nos: we
• sedere: to sit
• clamare: to shout
• nuntius: the messenger
• ignis: the fire
• prope: near
• posse: to be able

Questions & Answers about Nuntius prope ignem sedet et “Possumus multum laborare!” clamat.

Why is ignem in the accusative case?

Because prope always takes the accusative case to indicate proximity. In this sentence, ignem (fire) is the object indicating what the messenger is near.

Which tense and person is the verb sedet?

It is the third-person singular, present tense form of the verb sedere. It means he/she sits or he/she is sitting in this context.

Why is Possumus followed by laborare?

Possumus is the first-person plural form of possum, posse, potui (meaning we are able), and it frequently pairs with an infinitive to complete its meaning. Here, laborare (to work) is the complementary infinitive that completes Possumus.

How does multum function in the phrase Possumus multum laborare?

Multum (much, a lot) modifies laborare (to work), indicating the extent or degree of the action. It translates roughly as we can work a lot or we are able to work much.

Why does the sentence use clamat instead of dicit?

Clamat (he/she shouts) is more expressive and forceful than dicit (he/she says). It highlights that the messenger is proclaiming or exclaiming something emphatically rather than merely stating it.