R. B. (Reginald Bainbridge) Appleton
Fabulae, virginibus puerisque aut narrandae aut recitandae
"Fabulae, virginibus puerisque aut narrandae aut recitandae" by R. B. Appleton is a collection of Latin stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology aims to provide engaging narratives that can be narrated or read aloud, ideal for younger audiences or students learning Latin. The stories are drawn from various classical sources, blending myth, fable, and moral tales. The opening of this collection sets the stage for a variety of whimsical and magical stories. It begins with the narrator recounting an encounter in Thessaly, where they and their companions, weary from travel, come across a sage named Meroë. As night falls, tension builds with the arrival of two mysterious women who seem to be involved in a perilous act. The narrator experiences a chilling ordeal that leads to a morbid discovery and a troubling sequence of events, hinting at themes of danger and the supernatural. Overall, this opening portion introduces readers to a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, effectively engaging the audience's curiosity.