Which languages can I read Horatius at the Bridge in?

English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. Pick the language you want to read and the one to keep beside it: every paragraph sits next to its translation, so you can check a sentence without losing your place.

In translation, German, Spanish, French and Italian are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.

About 722 words: around 5 min of reading, with the translation beside it. The time depends on the edition's level: an easier edition is read more slowly.

Yes. Read it online with no account. The e-reader files (EPUB, and AZW3 and MOBI for Kindle) need a free account; the PDF doesn't.

Can I read it on a Kindle or Kobo?

Yes. Download the EPUB for Kobo, Apple Books and most e-readers, or the AZW3 or MOBI for a Kindle, with each paragraph followed by its translation. There is also a side-by-side PDF to print, and each language on its own.

Classic

Horatius an der Brücke

James Baldwin (1841–1925)

In each language: Horatius at the Bridge · Horatius an der Brücke · Horacio en el puente · Horatius au pont · Orazio al ponte

A huge Etruscan army marches on Rome, heading straight for the wooden bridge across the river. While the Romans hack the bridge down behind him, a guard named Horatius decides to stay at the far end with two companions and hold back the enemy.

In English, German, Spanish, French and Italian · about 700 words · 5 min to read.

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Comment ça commence

GermanEnglish

Einst gab es einen Krieg zwischen dem römischen Volk und den Etruskern, die in den Städten auf der anderen Seite des Tiber lebten. Porsena, der König der Etrusker, hob ein großes Heer aus und marschierte auf Rom zu. Die Stadt war noch nie in so großer Gefahr gewesen.

Once there was a war between the Roman people and the Etruscans who lived in the towns on the other side of the Tiber River. Porsena, the King of the Etruscans, raised a great army, and marched toward Rome. The city had never been in so great danger.

Die Römer hatten zu jener Zeit nicht viele kampffähige Männer und wussten, dass sie nicht stark genug waren, um den Etruskern in einer offenen Schlacht entgegenzutreten. Also blieben sie hinter ihren Mauern und stellten Wachen auf, um die Straßen zu bewachen.

The Romans did not have very many fighting men at that time, and they knew that they were not strong enough to meet the Etruscans in open battle. So they kept themselves inside of their walls, and set guards to watch the roads.

Eines Morgens sah man das Heer des Porsena von Norden her über die Hügel kommen. Es waren Tausende von Reitern und Fußsoldaten, die direkt auf die hölzerne Brücke zumarschierten, welche den Fluss bei Rom überspannte.

One morning the army of Porsena was seen coming over the hills from the north. There were thousands of horsemen and footmen, and they were marching straight toward the wooden bridge which spanned the river at Rome.

Les premiers paragraphes, tels que le lecteur les affiche. Lire la suite

Languages

Horatius at the Bridge · English (original)722 words · ~5 min
Horatius an der Brücke · GermanB1 Intermediate · 734 words · ~5 min
Horacio en el puente · SpanishB1 Intermediate · 710 words · ~5 min
Horatius au pont · FrenchB1 Intermediate · 720 words · ~5 min
Orazio al ponte · ItalianB1 Intermediate · 681 words · ~5 min

Open in the reader: German with English · Spanish with English · French with English · Italian with English

Reading it as a parallel text

A parallel text puts a story next to its translation, paragraph by paragraph. Read in the language you are working on and glance across only when a sentence stops you: the story keeps moving, and the words you look up stay in context. More in how to read with a parallel text.

Questions

Which languages can I read Horatius at the Bridge in?: English, German, Spanish, French and Italian. Pick the language you want to read and the one to keep beside it: every paragraph sits next to its translation, so you can check a sentence without losing your place.
What level is it?: In translation, German, Spanish, French and Italian are B1 Intermediate. Levels follow the Common European Framework, from A1 (beginner) to C2.
How long is it?: About 722 words: around 5 min of reading, with the translation beside it. The time depends on the edition's level: an easier edition is read more slowly.
Is it free?: Yes. Read it online with no account. The e-reader files (EPUB, and AZW3 and MOBI for Kindle) need a free account; the PDF doesn't.
Can I read it on a Kindle or Kobo?: Yes. Download the EPUB for Kobo, Apple Books and most e-readers, or the AZW3 or MOBI for a Kindle, with each paragraph followed by its translation. There is also a side-by-side PDF to print, and each language on its own.