Proposition 33.
The straight lines joining equal and parallel straight lines (at the
extremities which are) in the same directions (respectively) are themselves
also equal and parallel.
Let AB, CD be equal and parallel, and let the straight lines AC, BD join them
(at the extremities which are) in the same direction (respectively);
I say that AC, BD are also equal and parallel.
Let BC be joined.
Then, since AB is parallel to CD, and BC has fallen upon them,
the alternate angles ABC, BCD are equal to one another.
And, since AB is equal to CD, and BC is common,
the two sides AB, BC are equal to the two sides DC, CB;
therefore the base AC is equal to the base BD,
and the triangle ABC is equal to the triangle DCB, and the remaining
angles will be equal to the remaining angles respectively, namely those
which the equal sides subtend;
therefore the angle ACB is equal to the angle CBD.
And, since the straight line BC falling on the two straight lines AC, BD has
made the alternate angles equal to one another,
AC is parallel to BD.
And it was also proved equal to it.
Therefore etc.
Q.E.D
Ralph H. Abraham, 28 April, 1996.