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The decorative initial A with a rather sad lion looking as if he is choking on the letter, which is itself adorned with foliate motifs, is a common motif around the 12th century. Given that there are many positive and honourable characteristics that were attributed to lions in the medieval bestiaries, I have no idea why they drew them in such an uncomfortable situation. |
| Note the punctuation marks of a dot, or a dot and slash. Hyphens are present when a word carries from line to line. Capital letters are used sparingly, and not for the first letters of names. The majuscule N in the second letter of annum at the beginning is a decorative rather than grammatical device. | |
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| Suetonius De Vita Caesarum, late 12th century (British Library, Egerton 3055, f.2) All images by permission of the British Library. | |
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| Click on each of the above to walk your way through a segment of the text. The transcript will appear in a separate window so that you can use it for reference at any time. These exercises are designed to guide you through the text, not test you, so you can cheat as much as you like. | |
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