GCSE Latin set text Pliny 'Dolphin' p5

constat Octavium Avitum, legatum proconsulis,

It is known too that Octavius Avitus, the legate of the proconsul,

in litus educto religione prava superfudisse unguentum,

because of some abnormal superstition, poured ointment over the dolphin after it had brought itself up onto the shore,

cuius illum novitatem odoremque in altum refugisse,

and that the dolphin fled the unusual treatment and the smell of this into the deep sea

nec nisi post multos dies visum languidum et maestum,

and that it was not seen again until many days later, listless and unhappy;

mox redditis viribus priorem lasciviam et solita ministeria repetisse.

soon, when it had recovered its strength, it resumed its previous playfulness and usual services.

confluebant omnes ad spectaculum magistratus,

All the magistrates flowed together to see the sight,

quorum adventu et mora modica res publica novis sumptibus atterebatur.

by whose arrival and delay the small community was being worn down by new expenses.

postremo locus ipse quietem suam secretumque perdebat:

At last the place itself began to lose its tranquillity and privacy.

placuit occulte interfici, ad quod coibatur.

So it was decided that the thing for which they were gathering should be killed secretly.

haec tu qua miseratione, qua copia deflebis ornabis attolles! vale.

With what compassion and with what eloquence you will bewail, embellish, elevate these things! Goodbye.