La, la, tin, tin! Hear it ring, ring! Ancient Romans spoke not like us They spoke Latin, language ancient Let us hear some and be patient Homo sapiens likes to talk Many options it has thus And although Latin is dead We still hear it every day Sensu stricto it’s still used In Vatican, courts, and thus: Doctor may say: “femur’s broken!” Zoologist: “But it’s spoken! When I see a genus new Only Latin can be used!” A botanist standing by nods her head and says: “You’re right!” Each new flower that we find Gets a name in Latin fine: For example, Lavatera That reminds me much of pleura.” English language too likes Latin: a.m., p.m. sound like satin P. E. is there not included But to muscles Latin’s suited: From sartorius in your leg to deltoid close to chest! Lawyer also here agrees Bona fide offers these: “My comments are here pro bono De futuro and de novo Ergo vide in personam Lingua franca ad valorem Nihil novi here I speak Fiat! Imprimatur! Eek!” If you think that Latin’s dead Think again and shake your head “Veni, vidi, vici,” say all those Who of Latin charms now know If you own tabula rasa You may write a ratio scripta That to know a Roman language Is a very much advantage Try it, speak it, turn to English Rara avis becomes rare bird Carpe diem seizes day Et cetera, finis, bye! Alea iacta est - we have reached our final verse!