Latin. French. English. Carmine Charme Charm (Song) Agnam Agneau Lamb Lupus Loup Wolf Cerva Cerf Stag (Hind)

and notice that where the English word, e.g. charm, differs in spelling from the Latin, it is because it comes to us through a French channel. Cf. feat from Fr. fait = L. factum.

(iii.) Allusions and Parallel Passages.—In verse these are often numerous and important. Poetry is naturally full of imagery, and borrows from many sources. Thus, for ll. 1-8, compare Hor. Od. I. xii.5:

'Aut in umbrosis Heliconis oris . . . . Arte materna rapidos morantem Fluminum lapsus . . .'

and Verg. G. iv. 510:

'Mulcentem tigris et agentem carmine quercus.'

Shakesp. Hen. VIII. III. i.:

'Orpheus with his lute made trees, And the mountain-tops that freeze, Bow themselves when he did sing';

or read Tennyson's poem 'Amphion.'

Lines 5, 6.—Cf. Isaiah xi. 6: 'The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.'

(iv.) Hints for Verses.—Ovid is the acknowledged master of elegiac verse. Therefore, whenever you have a passage of his elegiacs to translate, you should, if possible, learn it by heart. (The Arion story as told by Ovid is well worth a place in any collection of Ediscenda.) If you cannot do this, notice useful phrases and turns of expression, e.g.:—

Line 1.—A question, instead of a bare statement, where no answer is expected.

Cf. 'Quod crimen dicis praeter amasse meum?'

(Dido to Aeneas, Ov. Her. vii. 164.)

Lines 3, 4.—Parataxis and repetition of idea.

Line 9.—Vocalis Arion, apostrophe.

Line 2.—Simplicity; alliteration.

(v.) The Poem as Literature.—Ovid here depicts in language purposely exaggerated the power of music over the hearts of men, and even over nature, animate and inanimate. This gives point to the strong contrast in the lines which follow, where greed dominates all the feelings. Shakespeare refers to the love of music as a test of character:—

'The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils.'

DEMONSTRATION III.

PART I.

A rash promise rashly believed.

Hannibali alia in his locis bene gerendae rei fortuna oblata est. I M. Centenius fuit cognomine Paenula, insignis inter primipili centuriones et magnitudine corporis et animo. II Is perfunctus militia, per P.Cornelium Sullam praetorem in senatum introductus, petit a Patribus, uti sibi quinque milia militum darentur: III se peritum et hostis et regionum, brevi operae pretium facturum et, quibus artibus ad id locorum nostri et duces et exercitus capti forent, iis adversus inventorem usurum. IV Id non promissum magis stolide, quam stolide creditum, tamquam eaedem militares et imperatoriae artes essent! V Data pro quinque octo milia militum; pars dimidia cives, pars socii. VI Et ipse aliquantum voluntariorum in itinere ex agris concivit, ac prope duplicato exercitu in Lucanos pervenit, ubi Hannibal, nequiquam secutus Claudium, substiterat. VII

LIVY.

A rash promise rashly believed.

Hannibali alia in his locis bene gerendae rei fortuna oblata est. {I} M. Centenius fuit cognomine Paenula, insignis inter primipili centuriones et magnitudine corporis et animo. {II} Is perfunctus militia, per P. Cornelium Sullam praetorem in senatum introductus, petit a Patribus, [uti sibi quinque milia militum darentur]. {III} Centenius dixit se peritum et hostis et regionum, brevi operae pretium facturum: et, [quibus artibus ad id locorum nostri et duceset exercitus capti forent], iis adversus inventorem usurum. {IV} Id non promissum magis stolide, quam stolide creditum: [tamquam eaedem militares et imperatoriae artes essent!] {V} Data pro quinque octo milia militum; {VI} pars dimidia cives, pars socii. Et ipse aliquantum voluntariorum in itinere ex agris concivit, ac prope duplicato exercitu, in Lucanos pervenit, [ubi Hannibal, nequiquam secutus Claudium, substiterat].

LIVY.

DEMONSTRATION III.

LIVY, xxv. 19.

Read the passage through carefully. As you read—

(i.) Make all the use you can of your previous knowledge of History, Geography, and Antiquities.

Thus, Hannibali suggests an episode in the Second Punic War.

M. Centenius is clearly the unfortunate subject of the episode.

in Lucanos ... substiterat helps to fix the date as later than Cannae, 216 B.C.

(ii.) Observe carefully all phrases that will require special care in translating—e.g. bene gerendae rei—inter primipili centuriones—perfunctus militia—operae pretium—ad id locorum.

You will now have a sufficient general idea of the form and general sense of the passage, and may begin to translate sentence by sentence.

I. Hannibali alia in his locis bene gerendae rei fortuna oblata est.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

oblata, cf. ob-lation = an offering and of-fer.

(ii.) Translation.—

oblata est shows that the subject must be fortuna, with which alia must agree, and gerendae rei is dependent genitive. So you may at once translate literally Another fortune (chance) of carrying-on the matter well in these parts was offered to Hannibal. But you must not be satisfied with this, for though literally correct it is neither good History nor good English. So render: In this district Hannibal had another chance presented to him of achieving a success.

Here notice especially the use of the word res,[12] aremarkable example of the tendency of Roman writers to employ the ordinary and simple vocabulary wherever possible instead of inventing a new word. As a writer well says, 'Res is, so to say, ablank cheque, to be filled up from the context to the requisite amount of meaning.' Cf. 'Consilium erat quo fortuna rem daret, eo inclinare vires,' where res = victory.

[Footnote 12: Cf. Introduction, p. 11.] [[Introduction 13 (2)]]

II. M. Centenius fuit cognomine Paenula, insignis inter primipili centuriones et magnitudine corporis et animo.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

primipili = the chief centurion of the triarii (the third, veteran line of the legion), the primipilus, or primus pilus. So Livy vii. 41, 'primus centurio erat, quem nunc (centurionem) primi pili appellant.'

cognomine, i.e. co-nomen, a name added to the nomen, a title, epithet, e.g.:

Publius = the distinctive praenomen. Scipio = nomen, designating his gens. Africanus = cognomen.

(ii.) Translation.—The form of this sentence is quite simple. The subject is M. Centenius, with which insignis agrees. There was a certain M. Centenius, by surname Penula, distinguished among the first-rank (or chief) centurions (of the Triarii) both for his great bodily size and courage.

III. Is perfunctus militia, per P. Cornelium Sullam praetorem in senatum introductus, petit a Patribus, uti sibi quinque milia militum darentur.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

perfunctus, cf. function, and notice force of per = discharge completely.

(ii.) Translation.—The principal verb is clearly petit, and is is the only possible subject (= Centenius), with which introductus agrees. There is one subordinate clause, introduced by ut, telling us the object of his request.

Translate, first literally, He having discharged completely his military service, being introduced into the Senate by P. C. Sulla, the Praetor, asks the Fathers that 5000 soldiers should be given him. Now improve this: get rid at all costs of the having and being, which are not English, and change the asks into the past tense of narration. Thus:—

After he had completed his term of service, and had been introduced to the Senate by P. Corn. Sulla, the Praetor, he petitioned the Fathers that 5000 soldiers should be given him.

IV. Se peritum et hostis et regionum, brevi operae pretium facturum: et, quibus artibus ad id locorum nostri et duces et exercitus capti forent, iis adversus inventorem usurum.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

peritum, cf. ex-peri-enced. [Rt]par-, per-, pierce, go through; so, ex-per-ior, per-iculum, in sense of a trial.

operae pretium = lit. 'what will pay for the trouble,' i.e. worth while, i.e. worth the time (or labour) spent uponit.

artibus—ars. [Rt]ar = fit, join = skill in joining something, skill in producing; so, artist, artisan, artifice, etc.

ad id locorum[13] = to that point of time. The ideas of place and time readily interchange; so, in loco = at the right place or time.

[Footnote 13: Cf. Sallust, Jugurtha, 63 Tamen is ad id locorum talis vir = Such was his character up to this time.]

(ii.) Translation.—The form of the sentence shows that it is reported speech, and not the actual words of the speaker Centenius, who is still the principal subject, and dixit, understood, the principal verb, and se peritum ... usurum the object of dixit. You should now be able to translate without any difficulty, and the logical common-sense rules for the conversion of Or. Recta into Or. Obliqua explain the mood of the verb capti forent in the subordinate clause introduced by quibus.

Literally: Centenius said that he, experienced in both the enemy and the districts, would soon make it worth (their) while: and that he would use against their inventor those arts by which up to that time both our leaders and our armies had been overcome. Notice that the long relative clause quibus artibus ... forent is in Latin placed before the antecedent iis.

You will readily see that this must be improved in several points. Thus:—

(a) Use Oratio Recta—more graphic and better suited to our idiom.

(b) arts. Change this to some more suitable military term—e.g. tactics.

He was well acquainted (he said) both with the enemy and the country, and would shortly make it worth their while, and would employ against their originator those very tactics by which both our leaders and our armies had up to that time been baffled.

V. Id non promissum magis stolide, quam stolide creditum: tamquam eaedem militares et imperatoriae artes essent!

(i.) Vocabulary.—

stolide, cf. stolid = dull, foolish.

(ii.) Translation.—The finite copula est is, as often, omitted; the two principal verbs are promissum (est) and creditum (est) linked by the comparative particles magis—quam, and the subject is id; tamquam—essent! is a subordinate clause modifying the two principal verbs, and expressing contemptuous wonder.

Cf. 'tamquam clausa sit Asia, sic nihil perfertur ad nos.'

You can now translate

Literally: That was promised not more foolishly than it was foolishly believed, just as if the arts of a soldier and of a general were the same.

Here you can make several improvements; avoid the repetition of foolishly, and use a better term than arts, and perhaps break up the sentence into two short ones. Thus:—

The folly of the promise was not greater than that of the credit it received. Just as though the qualities of a soldier and of a general were the same!

VI. Data pro quinque octo milia militum; pars dimidia cives, pars socii.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

dimidia [Rt]med-, mid- = middle, so dimidius = dis + medius.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence is very simple: notice that here, too, sunt and erant are omitted.

Eight thousand soldiers were given him instead of five: half were citizens, half allies.

VII. Et ipse aliquantum voluntariorum in itinere ex agris concivit, ac prope duplicate exercitu, in Lucanos pervenit, ubi Hannibal, nequiquam secutus Claudium, substiterat.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

aliquantum = considerable, used in the neuter as a noun, with a partitive genitive voluntariorum. Cf. use of satis, parum, etc.

concivit = raised, lit. roused, stirred up. Cf. ci-eo, and our ex-cite, in-cite.

substiterat = had halted. si-st-o is only a form of sto strengthened by reduplication (cf. histmi) with a causal force. Cf. restitit, p. 27, sentenceiv. [[Demonstration II:iv]]

(ii.) Translation.—The principal subject is clearly ipse; there are two principal verbs, concivit and pervenit, coupled by ac, and one subordinate clause, ubi ... substiterat, introduced by ubi, and modifying pervenit.

The sense is so clear that you may translate at once into good English:—

Moreover he himself raised a considerable number of volunteers in the country during his march; and so, with his numbers nearly doubled, he reached Lucania, where Hannibal, after his fruitless chase of Claudius, had halted.

The following version was shown up by a boy of fifteen in a recent scholarship examination:

'Hannibal in carrying on his successful campaign met with some different luck in this district. Marcus Centenius, whose cognomen was Penula, was famous among the centurions of the first rank for his huge limbs and great courage. This man, after having accomplished his years of military training, on being introduced into the Senate by the Prtor P. Cornelius Sulla, requested the Patricians to give him 5000 soldiers. He said that he was well acquainted both with the enemy's tactics and the district round about, and in a short time would convert the engagement into a prize for the State: moreover, he added, Iwill employ the same tactics against the enemy as those by which our generals and troops have been captured in these parts. This was faithfully believed as it was faithfully promised: the tactics of the soldiers and of the commanders were so much alike! He received 8000 men instead of 5000: half of them were Roman citizens, half allies: moreover he himself got some volunteers while on the march in the country districts and so almost doubled his army: he thus reached the territory of the Lucani, where Hannibal after a fruitless pursuit after Claudius, had taken up his position.'

This version is neither bad nor good. The style is, on the whole fair, knowledge of vocabulary very fair, and the rendering generally accurate. It will, however, be of use to you as an object lesson: so notice carefully the following points:—

I. Style.

Sentence IV.—

(i.) The Oratio Obliqua of the original he renders partly as Reported Speech and partly as Oratio Recta. This is, of course, to be avoided. Contrast the rendering given under SentenceIV.

Sentence III.—

(ii.) Is perfunctus ... darentur. He uses too many participles. Contrast version under Sentence III.

Sentences VI., VII.—

(iii.) He translates data pro quinque ... substiterat by one long sentence, instead of breaking it up into two at least.

II. Vocabulary.

Sentence IV.—

Se peritum ... usurum. He confuses pretium with praemium, operae with rei publicae (?). He should have been familiar with the phrase operae pretium.

inventorem he renders by enemy; perhaps a careless mistake, as if the word were inimicum (which after all does not = hostem).

Sentence V.—

stolide he renders by faithfully. A moment's thought given to the English word stolid should have put him on the right track.

Sentence VII.—

concivit he renders by got, vague and inappropriate. He fails to bring out the root-meaning of cieo = to stirup.

III. Construction.

Sentence I.—

This is very bad. Analysis would at once have shown him that the logical order of the sentence was

Alia fortuna bene gerendae rei oblata est Hannibali in his locis,

though he might not see that in his locis must be closely connected with oblata est.

Sentence IV.—

brevi operae pretium facturum. Very bad: due probably to not carefully weighing the meaning of each word.

You will now see that a strict attention to analysis and to the root-meanings of words really familiar would have enabled this candidate to send up a good version.

DEMONSTRATION IV.

PART II.

Rashness justly punished.

Haud dubia res est, quippe inter Hannibalem ducem et centurionem; exercitusque, alterum vincendo veteranum, alterum novum totum, magna ex parte etiam tumultuarium et semiermem. I Ut conspecta inter se agmina sunt, et neutra pars detrectavit pugnam, extemplo instructae acies. II Pugnatum tamen, ut in nulla pari re, duas amplius horas, concitata et, donec dux stetisset, Romana acie. III Postquam is non pro vetere fama solum, sed etiam metu futuri dedecoris, si sua temeritate contractae cladi superesset, obiectans se hostium telis cecidit, fusa extemplo est Romana acies. IV Sed adeo ne fugae quidem iter patuit omnibus viis ab equite insessis, ut ex tanta multitudine vix mille evaserint, ceteri passim alii alia peste absumpti sint. V

LIVY.

Rashness justly punished.

[Transcriber's Note: The braces around the "Postquam..." clause are in the original.]

Haud dubia res est, [quippe inter Hannibalem ducem et centurionem; exercitusque, alterum vincendo veteranum, alterum novum totum, magna ex parte etiam tumultuarium et semiermem.] {I} [Ut conspecta inter se agmina sunt, et neutra pars detrectavit pugnam], extemplo instructae acies. {II} Pugnatum tamen, ut in nulla pari re, duas amplius horas, concitata et, [donec dux stetisset], Romana acie. {III} {Postquam is non pro vetere fama solum, sed etiam metu futuri dedecoris, [si sua temeritate contractae cladi superesset], obiectans se hostium telis cecidit}, fusa extemplo est Romana acies. {IV} Sed adeo ne fugae quidem iter patuit omnibus viis ab equite insessis, [ut ex tanta multitudine vix mille evaserint, ceteri passim alii alia peste absumpti sint]. {V}

LIVY.

DEMONSTRATION IV.

LIVY, xxv. 19.

Read through the Passage carefully.—The context will be familiar to you, as this piece is a continuation of Demonstration III; but, none the less, read the passage through very carefully. Notice, for example, the use of quippe, the various uses and meanings of ut, alterum ... alterum, alii alia.

You can now begin to translate.

I. Haud dubia res est, quippe inter Hannibalem ducem et centurionem; exercitusque, alterum vincendo veteranum, alterum novum totum, magna ex parte etiam tumultuarium et semiermem.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

quippe = qui + pe. pe = a form of que (cf. nempe = nam-pe = indeed) = since of course.

alterum (comparative of al-ius), cf. alter, alternate, either, other.

In distributive clauses, alter—alter = the one, the other.

tumultuarium (cf. tumultus), used of troops brought hurriedly together; so, disorderly.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence is quite simple, consisting of one main statement, Haud dubia res est, and an explanatory subordinate statement of fact introduced by quippe. Notice that the influence of inter extends over the whole of the subordinate clause.

Literally: 'The affair was not doubtful, since, of course, it was between Hannibal as general and a centurion, and between armies, the one grown old in victory, the other wholly new, and for the most part also hurriedly raised and half-armed.'

There are several points in which this rendering must be improved. Thus:—

(a) Affair for res is too vague. You will remember what was said about res in Sentence I. of Part I. pp. 33,34.

(b) You must try to express more strongly the contrast in generalship between Hannibal and a mere centurion. Thus:—

'The result was not doubtful, considering that the contest was between a general such as Hannibal and a (mere) centurion; and between two armies, the one grown old in victory, the other consisting entirely of raw recruits, and for the most part undrilled and half-armed.'

II. Ut conspecta inter se agmina sunt, et neutra pars detrectavit pugnam, extemplo instructae acies.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

neuter = ne + uter (uter = eu-ter or quo-ter-us = comparative in form of quis), neither of two.

detrectavit = declined (de + traho, draw-off).

extemplo = immediately. Ex + templum (dimin. tempulum).

templum [Rt]tem = cut; cf. temn = prop. asection.So

(a) a space marked out, a consecrated place, atemple.

(b) a portion of time; cf. extempore.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence again is quite simple (in form very similar to SentenceI.), consisting of one main statement, extemplo instructae acies, and an introductory subordinate statement of time introduced by ut = when.

'When the armies came in sight of each other, and neither side declined battle, the ranks were at once drawn up in fighting order.'

[14]III. Pugnatum tamen, ut in nulla pari re, duas amplius horas, concitata et, donec dux stetisset, Romana acie.

[Footnote 14: Weissenborn and Mller read:—Pugnatum tamen, ut in nulla pari re, diu: duas amplius horas constitit pugna spe concitante, donec dux stetit, Romanam aciem.]

(i.) Vocabulary.—

concitata = stirred-up, roused. con + ci-eo; cf. ex-cite, incite, cĭ-tus = put in motion, swift,&c.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence is not quite so simple and needs care. Notice—

(a) Pugnatum (est). The Impersonal Pass. serves as the principal subject and predicate.

(b) ut in nulla pari re. ut is here not a conjunction but a relative adverb of manner, referring the assertion pugnatum duas amplius horas to the particular circumstance—i.e. of a battle fought under very unequal conditions. This use of ut = considering occurs frequently—e.g. consultissimus vir ut in illa quisquam esse aetate poterat (Livy). Cf. also p. 124, l.19. [[Selection C17, "ut in re trepida"]]

(c) concitata Romana acie is clearly ablative absolute. To make quite sure that you understand the logical connection of the thought conveyed by this sentence, you may consult the detailed analysis on page47.

In spite of its being such an unequal match, the battle was maintained for more than two hours; the Roman army (as well as [et] the enemy's) being roused (to great exertions) so long as their leader survived.

IV. Postquam is non pro vetere fama solum, sed etiam metu futuri dedecoris, si sua temeritate contractae cladi superesset, obiectans se hostium telis cecidit, fusa extemplo est Romana acies.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

dedecoris = of dis-grace, for de in composition = separation, and so removal of the fundamental idea. Cf. un-, dis-, e.g. dis-par = un-equal.

contractae = brought on, caused. con + traho = bring about, cause.

(ii.) Translation.—The meaning of this sentence should be quite plain to you if you notice carefully that

(a) the principal verb is fusa est, and the principal subject Romana acies, and

(b) that Postquam ... cecidit is a subordinate clause of time modifying the action of the principal verb fusa est.

It would perhaps be well to translate at first literally:—

After that he, not only out of regard for (pro) his old fame, but also from fear of future disgrace, if he should survive a disaster brought about by his own rashness, exposing himself to the weapons of the enemy fell, the Roman army was at once routed.

You will see that this rendering, though verbally correct, is not English, and must be considerably altered before it can be called a good translation. Thus:—

(a) It is too long. You can remedy this by taking postquam ... cecidit as one complete sentence, and fusa ... acies as another.

(b) Exposing himself. Better exposed himself to ... and. Notice here the strictly accurate use of the Pres. participle in Latin.

(c) 'future' may be omitted, as tautological[15] in English. Cf. our inexact idiom 'he promised to come' (Lat. 'that he would come').

[Footnote 15: i.e. needless repetition (tauto legein = to say the same thing).]

At last, both for the sake of his old renown and from the fear of disgrace should he survive a disaster brought on by his own rashness, he threw himself among the enemy's darts and was slain. The Roman army was routed in a moment. —Church andB.

V. Sed adeo ne fugae quidem iter patuit omnibus viis ab equite insessis, ut ex tanta multitudine vix mille evaserint, ceteri passim alii alia peste absumpti sint.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

pătuit = was open. Cf. păte-facio = to make open; păt-ulus = open, spread out; păt-era = a broad, flat dish. English, patent.

insessis = occupied; in + sed-eo = sit upon—so, occupy.

passim = hither and thither, far and wide, formed from passus (pando), expand.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence resembles in form Sentence IV., with one principal verb patuit, and a principal subject iter, and a subordinate clause of result, ut ... absumpti sint, modifying the action of the principal verb patuit. You may conveniently break up this sentence into two, by beginning a new sentence with Ceteri. Thus:—

So completely closed against them was every chance of escape, all the roads being beset by cavalry, that out of so numerous a host hardly a thousand escaped. The rest perished as they fled, some by one death and some by another.

Before laying aside these two passages, you should pay attention to the following points:—

(i.) Vocabulary.—Besides carefully noticing new words, try to form groups of cognates (i.e. related words). One of the best ways to enlarge your vocabulary is to group together words of common origin, and to add to each, where you can, derivative and cognate English words. To take a few examples from this passage:—

Word. Meaning. English Derivative. ALIUS = another (of many). ali-enus = that belong to another alien, alienate. ali-quot = some, several aliquot (parts). al-ter = other of two alter, alternate. ali-bi = elsewhere alibi. etc.

SENATUS = the Council Senate. of the Elders sen-ex = old sen-ior = older senior, sire, sir. sen-ile = belonging to old people sen-ile. sen-ectus = old age. etc.

ITER = (i-tiner) = a going itin-erant. amb-it-io = a going round, ambition. canvassing comes = a comrade. a Count (cum + eo) (Fr. Comte). in-it-ium = a going in, abeginning initial. sed-it-io = a going apart, sedition sedition. etc.

(ii.) Useful Phrases for Latin Prose.—You should try gradually to put together your own phrase-book. You will find this much more useful to you than any ready-made collection. Agood and simple plan is to have a special note-book for this purpose. Mark in the text as you read useful phrases, and in your note-book write the Latin on the right-hand page and a good idiomatic rendering on the left. For example, from this passage you might collect the following:—

English. Latin.

A chance of achieving a success. fortuna bene gerendae rei. After completing his term of service. perfunctus militia. Would make it worth their while. operae pretium facturum. Up to that time. ad id locorum. The result was not doubtful. haud dubia res est. Though the fight was so unequal. ut in nulla parire. Some by one death and some by another. alii alia peste.

(iii.) HANNIBAL.—Read some good short estimate of Hannibal as a patriot, statesman, and soldier—such as may be found in Mommsen's or Ihne's History of Rome. If you have time, you will find much to interest you in the Hannibal ('Heroes of the Nations') by O'Connor Morris.

DEMONSTRATION IV.

SENTENCE

Kind of Sentence CONNECTIVE SUBJECT Simple Enlarged PREDICATE Simple Enlarged OBJECT Simple Enlarged

Sentence III.

Pugnatum tamen, ut in nulla pari re, duas amplius horas; concitata et, donec dux stetisset, Romana acie.

Complex tamen (THE BATTLE) PUGNATUM (EST) 1. duas amplius horas (time) 2. ut in nulla pari re (manner) 3. concitata ... Romana acie (manner)

Sentence IV.

A. Postquam is non pro vetere fama solum, sed etiam metu futuri dedecoris, si sua temeritate contractae cladi superesset, obiectans se hostium telis cecidit, fusa extemplo est Romana acies.

Complex Postquam ACIES Romana FUSA EST 1. extemplo (time) 2. Postquam is ... cecidit (time)

A1. Postquam is ... cecidit

Subordinate adv. to FUSA EST in A Postquam is non pro vetere ... OBIECTANS telis cecidit

A2. si sua ... superesset

Subordinate adv. to OBIECTANS in A1 si (he) superesset cladi sua temeritate contractae

DEMONSTRATION V.

The Happy Life.

(a) Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas, I Atque metus omnes et inexorabile fatum Subiecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari! Fortunatus et ille, deos qui novit agrestes, II Panaque, Silvanumque senem, Nymphasque sorores! 5 Illum non populi fasces, non purpura regum III Flexit et infidos agitans discordia fratres, Aut coniurato descendens Dacus ab Histro, Non res Romanae, perituraque regna; neque ille IV Aut doluit miserans inopem aut invidit habenti. 10

VERGIL.

The Happy Life.

(b) Felix, (qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas, I Atque metus omnes et inexorabile fatum Subiecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari!) Fortunatus et ille, (deos qui novit agrestes, II Panaque, Silvanumque senem, Nymphasque sorores!) 5 Illum non populi fasces, non purpura regum III Flexit et infidos agitans discordia fratres, Aut coniurato descendens Dacus ab Histro, Non res Romanae, perituraque regna; neque ille IV Aut doluit miserans inopem aut invidit habenti. 10

VERGIL.

DEMONSTRATION V.

VERGIL, Georg. ii. 490-499.

Read the Passage carefully.—Notice as you read the many allusions and key-words in the passage, e.g. Acherontis, Pana, Silvanum, Nymphas, Dacus ab Istro, res Romanae, rerum causas, and populi fasces. These, taken in connection with the main predicates felix, fortunatus, non flexit, neque doluit, aut invidit, will readily suggest to you the main thought of the passage:—

Happy is Nature's bard who knows and fears not: happy he too who knows the gods of the country. He is not distressed by ambition, nor wars, nor pain, nor envy.

I.

Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas, Atque metus omnes et inexorabile fatum Subiecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari!

(i.) Vocabulary.—

inexorabile = relentless; lit. that cannot be moved by entreaty. in (not) + +ex+ (easily) + +orabilis+ (entreated).

For oro cf. s = mouth; orator = speaker; oratio = speech.

fatum = fate, i.e. of death, as the common lot of all men, the decree of nature.

fatum = that which is said, espec. prophetically. [Rt]fa, pha. Cf. for (f-ri), speak; f-ma, report; f-bula, a story; in-fans, that cannot speak; f-cundus, eloquent.

strepitum = roar; lit. a wild, confused noise, din of any kind; cf. obstreperous.

Acherontis = Acheron = (a) a river in the Lower World; (b) the Lower World itself. Perh. Acheron = ho achea rhen = the stream of woe; cf. Kkutos = Cocytus, river of wailing.

(ii.) Translation.— You cannot be in doubt about the principal subject and predicate. Felix is the only word outside the subordinate clause from qui ... avari. The sense, too, of these lines is clear, so you may translate at once; but you must take special care to use dignified and appropriate language:—

Happy the man who has availed to know the causes of things, and so trampled under foot all fears and fate's relentless decree, and the roar of insatiate Acheron.

II.

Fortunatus et ille, deos qui novit agrestes, Panaque, Silvanumque senem, Nymphasque sorores!

(i.) Vocabulary.—

agrestes = of the country; cf. ager (agros), agrarius, agrarian; peragro (per + ager), travel over. Perhaps to be traced to the same root as ag-o = drive, ager and agros being so named a pecore agendo (cf. Germ. trift = pasturage, treiben = drive).

Silvanum = Silvanus = Latin god of fields and woods (silva), sylvan.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence closely resembles in form Sentence I, Ille Fortunatus being the principal subject and predicate.

He too is blest who knows the gods of the country, Pan, and old Silvanus, and the sisterhood of the Nymphs.

III.

Illum non populi fasces, non purpura regum Flexit, et infidos agitans discordia fratres; Aut coniurato descendens Dacus ab Histro, Non res Romanae, perituraque regna;

(i.) Vocabulary.—

fasces = fasces, i.e. honours; populi, i.e. conferred by the people.

fascis = a bundle, espec. of wood.

fasces = the lictors' rods (rods + axe in certain cases) carried before the highest magistrates, as an emblem of authority.

purpura, i.e. the purple robe worn by kings and magistrates.

Cf. [16]'Purpura Pompeium summi velabit honoris.'

OV. Ex Ponto IV. iv. 25.

[Footnote 16: 'The purple (the insignia) of the highest office shall clothe Pompeius.']

agitans = driving, i.e. moving, impelling.

discordia = discord. Notice force of dis- = separation, negation; cf. dis-crimen, dis-par.

coniurato = united by oath, sworn confederate.

Dacus, the Dacians, akin to the Thracians, N. of Danube, conquered by Trajan. Cf. modern Roumanians.

Histro = the Lower Danube.

(ii.) Translation.—You will see there is only one principal verb, flexit (or flexerunt), with several principal subjects, fasces, purpura, discordia, res Romanae, perituraque regna, and no subordinate clauses. You may therefore translate at once:—

(a) Him fasces of the people or purple of kings sway not, not maddening discord among treacherous brethren, nor the Dacians swarming down from the leagued Danube, not the Roman State, or realms destined to decay;

OR

(b) He is not (1) moved by honours that the people confer, or the purple of empire, or civil feuds, that make (2) brothers swerve from brothers' duty; or the Dacian coming down from the Hister, his sworn (2) ally; no, nor by the great Roman State and the death-throes of subject kingdoms.

N.B.—(b) is superior to (a)in—

(1) the use of Passive for Active;

(2) the predicative use of agitans, infidos, coniurato.

IV.

neque ille Aut doluit miserans inopem, aut invidit habenti.

(i.) Vocabulary.—You will probably know the meanings of the words in this sentence. Thus the meaningof—

doluit is suggested by dolor. miserans " " miser. Cf. miser-able. inopem " " in + ops. Cf. op-ulent. invidit " " invidia. Cf. envy.

(ii.) Translation.—You have here two principal verbs, doluit, invidit, joined by aut, and a principal subject ille.

Notice that inopem must be the object of the participle miserans, and that habenti is used as a noun.

He never felt the pang of pity for the poor, or of envy for the rich.

Copy of a rendering shown up by a boy of fifteen in a recent scholarship examination:—

'Happy is the man who is able to discern the reasonof things, and controls under his feet all changes and inexorable destiny, and the groaning of greedy Acheron! I Blessed also is he who knows the rustic gods, Pan and old Silvanus, and those sisters, the nymphs! II He is not moved by the people's axes, nor by the regal purple, nor by discord that rouses brothers to distrust each other. He is not moved by Dacus, coming down from the sacred Danube, nor by the affairsof Rome, and the realms about to perish. III He neither grieves for nor pities the helpless, nor does he envy the rich.' IV

The above version is fair, but notice the following points:—

Sentence I.—

is able ... and controls. The connection in thought is not shown: 'He is happy because he knows and [therefore] fears not.'

groaning—i.e. gemitum; strepitum = roar, din.

Sentence III.—

by the people's axes. This suggests quite a wrong idea; contrast the version, 'by the honours that the people confer.'

sacred. This is quite wrong. con-iurato = allied by oath.

the affairs of Rome. A very weak, and inadequate rendering.

Sentence IV.—

grieves for nor pities. This quite obscures the point. Vergil says that a country life, with its absence of poverty, so commonly met with in a town, saves a man from the necessity of feeling a pang of pity for the poor.

Before you put aside this passage, try to avail yourself of some of the following suggestions. Thus:—

I. For the Poet Vergil[17] (70 B.C.-19 B.C.).—The chief facts of his life and the subject of his great poems are clearly and shortly given in the Student's Companion to Latin Authors (auseful and convenient book of reference).

[Footnote 17: See Short Lives, p. 343.] [[Appendix VI]]

II. For the Georgics, Poems on Husbandry. (The passage for translation is taken from Georgic II. lines 490-499.) See—

(i.) Student's Companion to Latin Authors, pp. 157-8. (ii.) Nettleship's Vergil, pp. 37-45. (iii.) Sellar's Vergil, pp. 174-198.

Notice especially the political purpose of the Georgics—to help the policy of Augustus, which aimed at checking the depopulation of the country districts. Compare the alarming migration from the country to the towns in England at the present day.

III. Relation of Lucretius to the Georgics.

(i.) Sellar's Vergil, pp. 199-243.

(ii.) Munro's Lucretius, Notes on Book i. line 78, and Book iii. line 449.

Notice in this connection the opening lines of the passage, Felix qui potuit ... Acherontis avari, which may be summarised as follows: 'Happy he who knows the laws of Nature, and has therefore ceased to fear natural phenomena and has learnt to despise the fabled terrors of Hades.' Munro says: 'Ifeel that by his Felix qui Vergil does mean a poet-philosopher, who can only be Lucretius.'

Cf. also Lucretius, iii. 1-30. His address to Epicurus.

For the thought, cf. Wordsworth's Happy Warrior—

'He therefore does not stoop, nor lie in wait For wealth, or honours, or for worldly state.'

DEMONSTRATION VI.

The Tomb of Archimedes.

(a) Archimedis ego quaestor ignoratum ab Syracusanis, cum esse omnino negarent, saeptum undique et vestitum vepribus et dumetis, indagavi sepulcrum. II Tenebam enim quosdam senariolos, quos in eius monumento esse inscriptos acceperam: qui declarabant in summo sepulcro sphaeram esse positam cum cylindro. III Ego autem, cum omnia collustrarem oculis est enim ad portas Agragantinas magna frequentia sepulcrorum animadverti columellam non multum e dumis eminentem, in qua inerat sphaerae figura et cylindri. IV Atque ego statim Syracusanis erant autem principes mecum dixi me illud ipsum arbitrari esse quod quaererem. V Immissi cum falcibus multi purgarunt locum. VI Quo cum patefactus esset aditus, accessimus: VII apparebat in sepulcro epigramma, exesis posterioribus partibus versiculorum, dimidiatis fere.

CICERO.

The Tomb of Archimedes.

(b) {I} Archimedis ego quaestor ignoratum ab Syracusanis, [cum esse omnino negarent,] saeptum undique et vestitum vepribus et dumetis, indagavi sepulcrum. {II} Tenebam enim quosdam senariolos, [quos in eius monumento esse inscriptos acceperam]: [qui declarabant in summo sepulcro sphaeram esse positam cum cylindro.] {III} Ego autem, [cum omnia collustrarem oculis]—est enim ad portas Agragantinas magna frequentia sepulcrorum—animadverti columellam non multum e dumis eminentem, [in qua inerat sphaerae figura et cylindri]. {IV} Atque ego statim Syracusanis—erant autem principes mecum—dixi me illud ipsum arbitrari esse [quod quaererem]. {V} Immissi cum falcibus multi purgarunt locum. {VI} [Quo cum patefactus esset aditus], accessimus: {VII} apparebat in sepulcro epigramma, exesis posterioribus partibus versiculorum, dimidiatis fere.

CICERO.

DEMONSTRATION VI.

CICERO, Tusc. v. 23. 64.

Read the Passage through carefully.—As you read you will notice many allusions and key-words, e.g. Archimedes, ego quaestor, Syracusanis, sepulcrum, etc. These, taken in connection with the heading and the author, will suggest to you the main subject of the passage—the finding of the Tomb of Archimedes by Cicero.

I. Archimedis ego quaestor ignoratum ab Syracusanis, cum esse omnino negarent, saeptum undique et vestitum vepribus et dumetis, indagavi sepulcrum.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

Quaestor (contr. from quaestor—quaero), i.e. investigator, originally two main functions:—

(a) The preparation of evidence in public prosecutions (this about 240 B.C. transferred to the Tribunes).

(b) Treasurers of State. Of these the Quaestores urbani stayed at Rome, while the Quaestores provinciales or militares acted as financial assistants to the Consuls or Praetors for the provinces.

saeptum = hedged in; saepes = a hedge, fence.

vepribus = with bramble-bushes.

dumetis = with brushwood.

indagavi = I traced out. A metaphor from hunting.Cf.

'Dum trepidant alae, saltusque indagine cingunt.'

Verg. Aen. iv. 121.

'While the scouts (beaters) are all busy, and are encircling the coverts with nets.'

(ii.) Translation.—The form of the sentence is quite simple. The principal verb is indagavi, with subject ego quaestor, and object sepulcrum. From ignoratum ... dumetis describes sepulcrum, and the subordinate clause cum ... negarent emphasises ignoratum a Syracusanis. You may now translate

(a) literally: I, when Quaestor, traced out the tomb of Archimedes, not known of by the Syracusans, for they said it was not there at all, hedged in on all sides and covered with brambles and brushwood.

(b) A better rendering: When I was Quaestor I was able to trace the tomb of Archimedes, overgrown and hedged in with brambles and brushwood. The Syracusans knew nothing of it, and entirely denied its existence.

Notice here the improvement made by breaking up the one long sentence into two.

II. Tenebam enim quosdam senariolos, quos in eius monumento esse inscriptos acceperam: qui declarabant in summo sepulcro sphaeram esse positam cum cylindro.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

senariolos = some lines, i.e. of poetry—dimin. of senarius (seni) = consisting of six each, especially of the iambic senarii.

sphaeram = a sphere, globe—sphaira.

cylindro = a cylinder, kulindros.

(ii.) Translation.—The only principal verb is clearly tenebam (with subject contained in the verb), and the principal object senariolos (sc. versus). From quos ... cylindro we have two subordinate adjectival clauses enlarging senariolos.

The fact is, I remembered some iambic lines which I had been told were inscribed on his monument, and which set forth that his tomb was surmounted by a sphere and a cylinder.

III. Ego autem, cum omnia collustrarem oculis—est enim ad portas Agragantinas magna frequentia sepulcrorum—animadverti columellam non multum e dumis eminentem, in qua inerat sphaerae figura et cylindri.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

collustrarem = I was surveying on all sides; con (cum) + lustro.

lustro, perhaps akin to luc-eo, lu-men; so, il-lustris = lighted up, illustrious.

frequentia = a large number; cf. frequens, [Rt]phrak, farc; cf. phrag-ma = a fence, farc-io = pack close together; so, con-fer-tus = crowded, freq-uens = repeated, frequent.

columellam = a small column, dimin. of columen, [Rt]cel; cf. cel-sus = lofty; cf. ex-cello, col-umen (= cul-men) = the summit; cf. culminate.

(ii.) Translation.—This sentence is apparently not quite so simple, but if you carefully bracket the subordinate clauses you will see that the only principal verb is animadverti, with subject ego and object columellam. Notice next that—

(a) cum ... oculis modifies the principal verb animadverti and is an adverbial clause of time.

(b) The parenthetical clause est enim ... sepulcrorum explains collustrarem.

(c) in qua ... cylindri is an adjectival clause enlarging columellam.

You may now translate into your best English, following closely the thought and the order of the Latin:—

Well, as I was surveying the whole place (there is a large number of tombs at[18] the Agrigentine gate) Iperceived a small column just showing above the undergrowth, on which appeared the figure of a sphere and a cylinder.

[Footnote 18: Var. lect. ad portas Achradinas.]

IV. Atque ego statim Syracusanis—erant autem principes mecum—dixi me illud ipsum arbitrari esse, quod quaererem.

(i.) Vocabulary.—The words of this sentence present no difficulty.

(ii.) Translation.—With the practice you have now had, you may translate at once; but notice carefully that—

(a) the parenthetical clause erant ... mecum enlarges Syracusanis; and

(b) quod quaererem describes illud ipsum.

So I immediately said to the Syracusans who were with me (some people of importance) that I thought that was the very thing I was looking for.

V. Immissi cum falcibus multi purgarunt locum.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

falcibus = with bill-hooks; falx perh. akin to flect-o = bend, from its shape. Cf. falcon (from its hooked claws).

purgarunt = cleared; purgo, contr. from pur-igo = purum + ago = purge. Cf. pur-us.

(ii.) Translation.—

Some men sent in with bill-hooks cleared out the space.

VI. Quo cum patefactus esset aditus, accessimus.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

patefactus = laid open: pateo + facio. Cf. patent.

(ii.) Translation.—

As soon as the way was open, we went up toit.

VII. Apparebat in sepulcro epigramma, exesis posterioribus partibus versiculorum, dimidiatis fere.

(i.) Vocabulary.—

epigramma = inscription. Cf. epi-gram.

exesis = lit. 'eaten out'; ex + edo. Cf. ed-ible.

dimidiatis = halved = dis + medius, i.e. divided into halves.

(ii.) Translation.—There was the inscription on the tomb: the latter part of each line was gone, nearly half the verse.

Note.—Notice here the rendering of the Lat. abl. absol., an idiom foreign to our language except for example in the so-called nom. absol. of Milton. Cf. Introduction, p. 12(5). [[Introduction 13 (5)]]

Cicero adds the following reflection:—'Ita nobilissima Graeciae civitas, quondam vero etiam doctissima, sui civis unius acutissimi monumentum ignorasset, nisi ab hoimine Arpinate didicisset.'

Thus it was that one of the most renowned of Greek cities, and in ancient times one of the most enlightened, would have remained ignorant of the monument of the greatest genius it ever produced, if it had not learnt it from a man born at Arpinum.[19]

[Footnote 19: Also the birthplace of Marius. Cf. p. 163.] [[Selection B4]]

Some Suggestions and Authorities.

Before you leave this passage, try to notice some of the following points, and if possible consult some of these authorities:—

(i.) Read (e.g. in Church and Brodribb's translation) Livy's account of the siege of Syracuse by Marcellus, 214-212 B.C., Book xxiv. cap. 34; Book xxv. caps. 23-31.

(ii.) Freeman's History of Sicily. Notice especially the admirable plan of Syracuse illustrating the siege by Nicias.

Or Sicily—'Story of the Nations' Series.

(iii.) Some good Life of Archimedes. The Encyclopaedia Britannica supplies a good short life and refers to Cicero's finding the Tomb of Archimedes, and to the still extant work of Archimedes on the Sphere and the Cylinder.

(iv.) For Cicero's Quaestorship in Sicily, 75 B.C., consult some Life of Cicero, e.g. Forsyth's, pp. 38-58, where reference is made to this incident.

(v.) For the Tusculanae Disputationes (conversations between Cicero and a friend at his Tusculan villa, the subject of which is the chief essentials of happiness) consult the admirable introduction to the edition by T. W. Dougan, Camb. Press.



PASSAGES

FOR

TRANSLATION AT SIGHT



REGAL PERIOD, 753-509 B.C.

D1

The Vision of Anchises.—The Kings that are tobe.

Quin et avo comitem sese Mavortius addet Romulus, Assaraci quem sanguinis Ilia mater Educet. Viden' ut geminae stant vertice cristae, Et pater ipse suo superum iam signat honore? 780 En huius, nate, auspiciis illa incluta Roma Imperium terris, animos aequabit Olympo, Septemque una sibi muro circumdabit arces, Felix prole virum. . . . . . . . Quis procul ille autem ramis insignis olivae Sacra ferens? Nosco crines incanaque menta Regis Romani; primam qui legibus urbem 810 Fundabit, Curibus parvis et paupere terra Missus in imperium magnum. Cui deinde subibit, Otia qui rumpet patriae residesque movebit Tullus in arma viros et iam desueta triumphis Agmina. Quem iuxta sequitur iactantior Ancus, 815 Nunc quoque iam nimium gaudens popularibus auris. Vis et Tarquinios reges animamque superbam Ultoris Bruti fascesque videre receptos?

VERGIL, Aen. vi. 777-784, 808-818.

[Linenotes: 777. Avo = grandsire, i.e. Numitor, the father of the Vestal Rhea or Ilia. Mavortius = child of Mavors, old and poetic name for Mars. 778. Assaraci: King of Phrygia and grandfather of Anchises. 779. geminae cristae. The double-crested helm, adistinction of Mars. 780. superum = for the world above, i.e. as a god. Acc. Sing. 808. ille = Numa Pompilius (716-673 B.C.), a native of Cures (811) in Sabine country, whom the Romans regarded as the founder (fundabit, 811) of their religious and legal institutions. 813. qui = Tullus Hostilius (673-640 B.C.), a man of war, destroyed Alba. resides = sluggish, lazy (re + sedeo). 815. Ancus Martius (640-616 B.C.), conqueror of the Latins. 817. Tarquinios reges = (i.) Tarquinius Priscus (616-578 B.C.) of Tarquinii in Etruria; (ii.) Tarquinius Superbus (534-509 B.C.), expelled by Brutus. Vergil omits Servius Tullius (578-534 B.C.). 817-818. animamque ... receptos. Brutus, nephew of T. Superbus, roused Rome to expel the Tarquins and found the Republic: and thus the fasces (the sign of power) were recovered (receptos) by the people. —Sidgwick.]

D2

ROMULUS, 753-716 B.C.

A. The Passing of Romulus.

His immortalibus editis operibus cum ad exercitum recensendum contionem in campo ad Caprae paludem haberet, subito coorta tempestas cum magno fragore tonitribusque tam denso regem operuit nimbo, ut conspectum eius contioni abstulerit; nec {5} deinde in terris Romulus fuit. Romana pubes, sedato tandem pavore, postquam ex tam turbido die serena et tranquilla lux rediit, ubi vacuam sedem regiam vidit, etsi satis credebat patribus, qui proxumi steterant, sublimem raptum procella, tamen velut {10} orbitatis metu icta maestum aliquamdiu silentium obtinuit. Deinde a paucis initio facto deum deo natum, regem parentemque urbis Romanae salvere universi Romulum iubent; pacem precibus exposcunt, uti volens propitius suam semper sospitet progeniem. {15}

LIVY, i. 16.

[Linenotes: 2-3. ad Caprae paludem = near the Goat's pool. 4. operuit = enveloped (ob + pario = get for, put upon, cover), cf. opposite a-per-io = get from, uncover. 5. abstulerit = auferret. The event is regarded simply as past, without reference to other past events. 5-6. nec deinde ... fuit, cf. 'Quirinus Martis equis Acheronta fugit.' Hor. Od. iii. 3.15. 7. sdato = settled, calmed. Sd-o = cause to sit, cf. sd-es, and our seat, settle. 11. orbitatis = of orphanhood; cf. orb-us = bereaved, and our orphan. 15. volens propitius, an ellipse of et, cf. optimus maximus. sospitet = he may keep safe, preserve, cf. sospes = safe.]

B. The Mystery explained.

Pulcher et humano maior trabeaque decorus Romulus in media visus adesse via, Et dixisse simul: 'Prohibe lugere Quirites, Nec violent lacrimis numina nostra suis. 4 Tura ferant placentque novum pia turba Quirinum, Et patrias artes militiamque colant.'

OVID, Fasti, ii. 379-384.H. [II. 503-508]

[Linenotes: 1-6. Romulus appears as a god to Proculus Julius, an honourable man, bidding him tell his people not to mourn for him, but to worship him as Quirinus, and practise valour and all warlike virtues. 1. trabea = in the (striped) robe of state. 3-5. Quirites (cf. Quirinus = the deified Romulus) = lit. spearmen. Connected with Cures and curis (Sabine word for a spear), used of Roman citizens as opposed to Roman soldiers.]

D3

NUMA POMPILIUS, 716-673 B.C.

The Gate of Janus, open in war but shut in peace.

A. Qui regno ita potitus urbem novam, conditam vi et armis, iure eam legibusque ac moribus de integro condere parat. Quibus cum inter bella adsuescere videret non posse, quippe efferari militia animos, mitigandum ferocem populum armorum {5} desuetudine ratus Ianum ad infimum Argiletum indicem pacis bellique fecit, apertus ut in armis esse civitatem, clausus pacatos circa omnes populos significaret.

LIVY, i. 19.

[Linenotes: 1. Qui = Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome. 4-5. quippe ... animos = since (he thought that) men's tempers were made savage (brutalised) by warfare. efferari = orat. obl. part of Numa's thoughts. 6. desuetudine = by disuse, i.e. by a cessation from the use of. Cf. de-docre = unteach. Ianum ... Argiletum = (a temple of) Janus at the foot of the Argiletum, aslope to the N.E. of the Forum. (Prob. = the clayey ground, from argilla = white clay.) 8. clausus. It was closed for a short time, circ. 238 B.C., and again by Augustus 29-25 B.C.]

B.

Sunt geminae Belli portae, sic nomine dicunt, Religione sacrae et saevi formidine Martis: Centum aerei claudunt vectes aeternaque ferri Robora, nec custos absistit limine Ianus. 610 Has, ubi certa sedet patribus sententia pugnae, Ipse Quirinali trabea cinctuque Gabino Insignis reserat stridentia limina Consul; Ipse vocat pugnas; sequitur tum cetera pubes, Aereaque adsensu conspirant cornua rauco.

VERGIL, Aen. vii. 607-615.

[Linenotes: 609. vectes = bolts or bars, prob. from [Rt]veh = carry. Cf. vect-gal. 612. Quir. trabea = in the state robe of Romulus, i.e. the striped robe of state, purple, with white stripes across. cinctu Gabino = with the Gabine girdle, formed by girding the toga tight round the body by one of its loose ends. 613. reserat = un-bars. For sĕro = join, cf. our series.]

Parallel Passages. Ovid, F. i. 115-132. Cf. Hor. Od. iv. 15. 9. Verg. Aen. i. 293-4.

Numa Pompilius. 'The name of Numa is significant, and denotes an organiser or lawgiver. (For Numa cf. numerus, nummus, nomos.) As Romulus was the founder of the State and of political and military order, so the legend regards Numa as the founder of the national religion.' —Ihne.

D4

TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS, 534-509 B.C.

The Purchase of the Sibylline Books.

In antiquis annalibus memoria super libris Sibyllinis haec prodita est. Anus hospita atque incognita ad Tarquinium Superbum regem adiit, novem libros ferens, quos esse dicebat divina oracula: eos velle venundare. Tarquinius pretium percontatus {5} est: mulier nimium immensum poposcit. Rex, quasi anus aetate desiperet, derisit. Tum illa foculum coram eo cum igne apposuit, et tres libros ex novem deussit; et, ecquid reliquos sex eodem pretio emere vellet, regem interrogavit. Sed enim {10} Tarquinius id multo risit magis dixitque anum iam procul dubio delirare. Mulier ibidem statim tres libros alios exussit; atque id ipsum denuo placide interrogavit, an tres reliquos eodem pretio emat. Tarquinius ore iam serio, atque attentiore animo fit; eam {15} constantiam confidentiamque non insuper habendam intelligit: libros tres reliquos mercatur nihilo minore pretio, quam quod erat petitum pro omnibus.... Libri tres in sacrarium conditi Sibyllini appellati. Ad eos, quasi ad oraculum, quindecimviri {20} adeunt, cum dii immortales publice consulendi sunt.

AULUS GELLIUS (fl. 143 A.D.), i.19.

[Linenotes: 1, 2. libris Sibyllinis, i.e. acollection of prophecies uttered by the legendary prophetess who lived at Cumae, near Naples. 5. venundare = to sell. Cf. ven-eo (= venum + eo), ven-do, and our vendor. 12. delirare = to be out of her mind. Lit. to make a crooked furrow in ploughing; de + lira (afurrow). 19. sacrarium = the place for the keeping of holy things, i.e. the Capitol. The original Sibylline Books were burnt in the fire on the Capitol, 82 B.C., but a fresh collection was made by Augustus, and deposited in the temple of Apollo on the Palatine. 20. quindecimviri (sacris faciundis), i.e. acollege of priests who had charge of the Sibylline Books.]

Parallel Passages. Verg. Aen. vi., espec. ll. 42-101, for the Cumaean Sibyl.

The Sibylline Books. 'There existed also Etruscan libri fatales (Books of Fate), and these, together with the Sibylline Books, were kept in the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter. Nothing seemed more natural than to suppose that Tarquin, who built that temple, purchased also the sacred books of the Sibyl.' —Ihne.

D5

TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS, 534-509 B.C.

A. Sextus Tarquinius at Gabii.

Inde in consilia publica adhiberi. . . . Ita cum sensim ad rebellandum primores Gabinorum incitaret, ipse cum promptissimis iuvenum praedatum atque in expeditiones iret, et dictis factisque omnibus ad fallendum instructis vana accresceret fides, dux ad {5} ultimum belli legitur. Ibi cum inscia multitudine, quid ageretur, proelia parva inter Romam Gabiosque fierent, quibus plerumque Gabina res superior esset, tum certatim summi infimique Gabinorum Sex. Tarquinium dono deum sibi missum ducem credere. {10} Apud milites vero obeundo pericula ac labores pariter, praedam munifice largiendo tanta caritate esse, ut non pater Tarquinius potentior Bomae quam filius Gabiis esset.

LIVY, i. 54.

[Linenotes: 1. Inde, i.e. after the tale he told of his father's cruelty had gained credit with the men of Gabii. adhiberi = he was admitted. Historic Infin. 2. ad rebellandum = to renew the war. 4-5. ad fallendum instructis = were framed to deceive. 8. Gabina res = the cause of Gabii. For res cf. p. 11(2). [[Introduction 13 (2)]] 11. obeundo pariter = by facing alike ...]

B. The Sequel: the Fall of Gabii.

Iamque potens misso genitorem appellat amico, Perdendi Gabios quod sibi monstret iter. Hortus odoratis suberat cultissimus herbis, Sectus humum rivo lene sonantis aquae. 4 Illic Tarquinius mandata latentia nati Accipit, et virga lilia summa metit. Nuntius ut rediit, decussaque lilia dixit, Filius 'Agnosco iussa parentis' ait. 8 Nec mora: principibus caesis ex urbe Gabina, Traduntur ducibus moenia nuda suis.

OVID, Fasti, ii. 543-552.H. [II. 701-710]

[Linenotes: 1. genitorem appellat ... = he calls on his father (to tell him) ... 6. virga = with a switch. summa = the tallest. 10. ducibus suis, abl., after nuda = deprivedof.]

Reference. Hor. Ep. ii. 1. 23-27. Horace refers to the treaty made by Tarquinius with Gabii.

Historic Parallel. Compare the extraordinary self-sacrifice of Zpyrus, which enabled him to betray Babylon to his master Darius. Herod, iii. 153-158.

D6

The Position of Rome, the future Mistress of the World.

Urbi autem locum Romulus incredibili opportunitate delegit. Neque enim ad mare admovit—quod ei fuit illa manu copiisque facillimum, ut in agrum Rutulorum Aboriginumve procederet, aut in ostio Tiberino, quem in locum multis post annis rex {5} Ancus coloniam deduxit, urbem ipse conderet,—sed hoc vir excellenti providentia sensit ac vidit, non esse opportunissimos situs maritimos urbibus eis quae ad spem diuturnitatis conderentur atque imperi. Itaque urbem perennis amnis et aequabilis et {10} in mare late influentis posuit in ripa, quo posset urbs et accipere ex mari, quo egeret, et reddere, quo redundaret: ut mihi iam tum divinasse ille videatur, hanc urbem sedem aliquando et domum summo esse imperio praebituram: nam hanc rerum tantam {15} potentiam non ferme facilius alia in parte Italiae posita urbs tenere potuisset. Urbis autem ipsius is est tractus ductusque muri cum Romuli tum etiam reliquorum regum sapientia definitus ex omni parte arduis praeruptisque montibus. Locumque delegit {20} et fontibus abundantem et in regione pestilenti salubrem.

CICERO, De Rep. ii. 3. 5, 6(selected).

[Linenotes: 3-6. quod ei fuit ... = lit. which he might very easily have done with that band (of men) and those forces, so that ... 4. Rutulorum. S. of Rome. Turnus their King. Capital, Ardea. 6. coloniam, i.e. Ostia, the harbour of Rome and chief naval station. 7-8. non esse opportunissimos, e.g. as exposed to sudden attacks, and likely to contain a too large foreign element. 12-13. quo redundaret = its own superabundance. 17-18. is tractus ductusque = the plan and direction. 19. definitus = bounded. 20. arduis praeruptisque montibus. 'The amphitheatre of seven hills which encloses the meadows (afterwards the Campus Martius) in the bend of the Tiber, varying from 120 to 180 feet above the stream, offered heights sufficiently elevated and abrupt for fortification, yet without difficulties for the builder or cultivator.']

N.B.—In this passage be careful to translate Cicero's long, periodic sentences by two or more separate sentences in English.

The Position of Rome. 'There was no place better fitted for an emporium of the Tiber and sea traffic, and for a maritime frontier fortress than Rome. It combined the advantages of a strong position and of immediate vicinity to the river.' Mommsen.

D7

THE PRAISE OF ITALY.

'Salve, magna parens frugum, Saturnia tellus.'

Sed neque Medorum silvae ditissima terra, Nec pulcher Ganges atque auro turbidus Hermus Laudibus Italiae certent, non Bactra, neque Indi Totaque turiferis Panchaia pinguis harenis. Haec loca non tauri spirantes naribus ignem 140 Invertere satis immanis dentibus hydri, Nec galeis densisque virum seges horruit hastis; Sed gravidae fruges et Bacchi Massicus umor Implevere; tenent oleae armentaque laeta. Hinc bellator equus campo sese arduus infert; 145 Hinc albi, Clitumne, greges, et maxima taurus Victima, saepe tuo perfusi flumine sacro, Romanos ad templa deum duxere triumphos. Hic ver assiduum atque alienis mensibus aestas; Bis gravidae pecudes, bis pomis utilis arbor. 150 At rabidae tigres absunt et saeva leonum Semina, nec miseros fallunt aconita legentes, Nec rapit immensos orbis per humum, neque tanto Squameus in spiram tractu se colligit anguis.

VERGIL, Georg. ii, 136-154.

[Linenotes: 136. silvae ditissima = most rich in forests. —Sidgwick. 137. Hermus, auriferous river of Lydia, cf. the R. Pactolus. 138. Bactra, modern Balk, N. of Afghanistan. 139. Panchaia, i.e. Arabia, the Eldorado of the Old World. 141. satis ... hydri = where the enormous dragon's teeth were sown. hydri (hudros), lit. awater-snake. 143. Massicus umor = Massic juice, i.e. of Mt. Massicus in N.W. Campania, famous for its wine, espec. the Falernian. 144. implevere (sc. haec loca) = fill it all. 146. Clitumne. R. of Umbria, famous for its white cattle.[20] 146-148. White cattle were required for the sacrifices of the Triumphs. 149. alienis mensibus = in months not her own, i.e. in months properly belonging to winter. 150. bis gravidae pecudes = twice the cattle give increase, Conington. 151, 152. saeva leonum semina = the fierce lion-brood. —Mackail. aconita, a deadly poison—monkshood. 153, 154. neque—anguis = nor with so vast a sweep gather himself into a coil, i.e. the snakes in Italy are not so large as elsewhere.]

R. Clitumnus. Compare Pliny's beautiful letter (viii.8) describing its source.

[Footnote 20: Cf. the Chillingham 'Wild Cattle.']



EARLY REPUBLIC, 509-366 B.C.

D8

ETRUSCAN INVASION UNDER PORSENA, 507 B.C.(1)

'How well Horatius kept the Bridge In the brave days of old.'

A.

Nec non Tarquinium eiectum Porsenna iubebat Accipere, ingentique urbem obsidione premebat; Aeneadae in ferrum pro libertate ruebant. Illum indignanti similem, similemque minanti Aspiceres, pontem auderet quia vellere Cocles, 650 Et fluvium vinclis innaret Cloelia ruptis.

VERGIL, Aen. viii. 646-651.

Venus brings Aeneas his new armour: he gazes at the shield whereon were wrought scenes of the story of Rome tobe.

[Linenotes: 646. Porsenna. 'Lars Porsena of Clusium By the nine gods he swore That the great house of Tarquin Should suffer wrong no more.' —Macaulay. 648. in ferrum ruebant = were flinging themselves on the sword. —C. 651. Cloelia, a Roman hostage, who escaped by swimming the Tiber.]

B. Pons sublicius iter paene hostibus dedit, ni unus vir fuisset, Horatius Cocles.... Qui positus forte in statione pontis, cum captum repentino impetu Ianiculum atque inde citatos decurrere hostes vidisset, {10} trepidamque turbam suorum arma ordinesque relinquere, reprehensans singulos, obsistens obtestansque deum et hominum fidem testabatur nequiquam deserto praesidio eos fugere; si transitum pontem a tergo reliquissent, iam plus hostium in Palatio {15} Capitolioque quam in Ianiculo fore. Itaque monere, praedicere, ut pontem ferro, igni, quacunque vi possint, interrumpant; se impetum hostium, quantum corpore uno posset obsisti, excepturum. Vadit inde in primum aditum pontis, insignisque inter {20} conspecta cedentium pugnae terga, obversis cominus ad ineundum proelium armis, ipso miraculo audaciae obstupefecit hostes.

LIVY, ii. 10.

[Linenotes: 7. Pons sublicius = the pile-bridge, built by Ancus Marcius to connect Rome proper with the Janiculum-hill, or ridge. 8. Cocles = the one-eyed, from loss of an eye in battle. 10. citatos = at full speed. Adj. use of participle; cf. citato equo. 11. trepidamque turbam = panic-stricken and in disorder. 12. reprehensans = seizing them by the arm one after another. 14-15. si transitum ... reliquissent = if they left the bridge free for the enemy to cross by. transitum = noun, in appos. to pontem. 21-22. obversis armis = as he faced about.]

D9

ETRUSCAN INVASION UNDER PORSENA, 507 B.C.(2)

'How well Horatius kept the Bridge In the brave days of old.'

Duos tamen cum eo pudor tenuit, Sp. Larcium ac T. Herminium, ambos claros genere factisque. Cum his primam periculi procellam et quod tumultuosissimum pugnae erat, parumper sustinuit; deinde eos quoque ipsos, exigua parte pontis relicta, revocantibus, {5} qui rescindebant, cedere in tutum coegit. Circumferens inde truces minaciter oculos ad proceres Etruscorum nunc singulos provocare, nunc increpare omnes: servitia regum superborum, suae libertatis immemores alienam oppugnatum venire. {10} Cunctati aliquamdiu sunt, dum alius alium, ut proelium incipiant, circumspectant. Pudor deinde commovit aciem, et clamore sublato undique in unum hostem tela coniciunt. Quae cum in obiecto cuncta scuto haesissent, neque ille minus obstinatus ingenti {15} pontem obtineret gradu, iam impetu conabantur detrudere virum, cum simul fragor rupti pontis, simul clamor Romanorum alacritate perfecti operis sublatus, pavore subito impetum sustinuit. Tum Cocles 'Tiberine pater,' inquit, 'te sancte precor, haec arma {20} et hunc militem propitio flumine accipias.' Ita sic armatus in Tiberim desiluit, multisque superincidentibus telis incolumis ad suos tranavit, rem ausus plus famae habituram ad posteros quam fidei.

LIVY, ii. 10.

[Linenotes: 7. ad proceres = on the chiefs. For prŏcer cf. procrus = tall. 8-9. provocare ... increpare. Historic Infinitives = Indic. 9. servitia = the slaves = servos. Abstract for concrete, freq. in Livy. Cf. Hor. Od. ii. 8. 18. (servitus = servi.) 14. obiecto = presented, i.e. to the enemy. 15-16. ingenti gradu = with mighty (heroic) stand. Cf. 'firm as a rock.' 18. alacritate perfecti operis = from joy at the completion of the work. 24. plus famae ... fidei = destined to win more fame than credit with posterity. 'Oh Tiber! father Tiber! To whom the Romans pray, A Roman's life, a Roman's arms, Take thou in charge this day!' So he spake, and speaking sheathed The good sword by his side, And with his harness on his back, Plunged headlong in the tide. —Macaulay.]

D10

ETRUSCAN INVASION UNDER PORSENA, 507 B.C.(3)

How C. Mucius lost his Hand, but won a Name.

A. Obsidio erat nihilo minus et frumenti cum summa caritate inopia, sedendoque expugnaturum se urbem spem Porsena habebat, cum C. Mucius, adulescens nobilis, ... primo sua sponte penetrare in hostium castra constituit; dein metuens, ne, si consulum {5} iniussu et ignaris omnibus iret, forte deprehensus a custodibus Romanis retraheretur ut transfuga, fortuna tum urbis crimen affirmante, senatum adit. 'Transire Tiberim,' inquit, 'patres, et intrare, si possim, castra hostium volo, non praedo nec populationum {10} in vicem ultor; maius, si di iuvant, in animo est facinus.' Approbant patres; abdito intra vestem ferro proficiscitur. Ubi eo venit, in confertissima turba prope regium tribunal constitit.

LIVY, ii. 12.

[Linenotes: 1. cum summa caritate = involving (cum) a very high price. 2. sedendo = by sitting down before, of a besieging army. 3. Mucius. From this incident surnamed Scaevola = the left-handed. After his time, afrequent surname in the Gens Mucia. 7-8. fortun ... affirmante = (acharge which) the present condition of the city would confirm (substantiate). 10-11. non praedo ... ultor = not to plunder nor to retaliate on (lit. 'an avenger in turn on') our plunderers.]

B.

Cum peteret regem decepta satellite dextra Ingessit sacris se peritura focis. Sed tam saeva pius miracula non tulit hostis Et raptum flammis iussit abire virum. Urere quam potuit contempto Mucius igne, 5 Hanc spectare manum Porsena non potuit. Maior deceptae fama est et gloria dextrae: Si non errasset, fecerat illa minus.

MARTIAL, Ep. I. xxi.

[Linenotes: 1. sătellite = the attendant, i.e. the scribe or secretary of Porsena. 2. ingessit = thrust into (in + gero). 3. tam saeva miracula = such a miracle of stern fortitude. —S. pius = feeling, as opposed to unnatural. 7-8. i.e. to have killed Porsena would have been less glorious than to display such heroism. —Stephenson.]

Porsena. Livy tells us that Mucius, in gratitude for the magnanimity of Porsena, revealed to him that 300 Roman youths had sworn to attempt the same deed that he had undertaken. Whereupon Porsena feared to distress the Romans any longer, and made peace with them.

D11

LATIN WAR. BATTLE OF LAKE REGILLUS, 498 B.C.

The Dictator and his Master of the Horse.

Ibi alia inter proceres coorta pugna. Imperator Latinus, ubi cohortem exulum a dictatore Romano prope circumventam vidit, ex subsidiariis manipulos aliquot in primam aciem secum rapit. Hos agmine venientes T. Herminius legatus conspicatus, interque {5} eos insignem veste armisque Mamilium noscitans, tanto vi maiore, quam paulo ante magister equitum, cum hostium duce proelium iniit, ut et uno ictu transfixum per latus occiderit Mamilium, et ipse inter spoliandum corpus hostis veruto percussus, {10} cum victor in castra esset relatus, inter primam curationem exspiraverit. Tum ad equites dictator advolat obtestans, ut fesso iam pedite descendant ex equis et pugnam capessant. Dicto paruere; desiliunt ex equis, provolant in primum, et pro antesignanis {15} parmas obiciunt. Recipit extemplo animum pedestris acies, postquam iuventutis proceres aequato genere pugnae secum partem periculi sustinentes vidit. Tum demum impulsi Latini, perculsaque inclinavit acies. {20}

LIVY, ii. 20.

[Linenotes: 1. inter proceres. The Battle of Lake Regillus was, in the main, aHomeric battle of single combats between the opposing chiefs. 1-2. Imperator Latinus, i.e. Mamilius of Tusculum, son-in-law of Tarquin. 5. T. Herminius, one of 'the dauntless Three,' who kept the bridge. 7. magister equitum, i.e. T. Aebutius. The Master of the Horse, the second in command, was nominated by the Dictator. 10. veruto = with a javelin, cf. veru = a spit. 11-12. inter primam curationem = at the first attempt to dress his wound. —Rawlins. 13. dictator, i.e. Aulus Postumius. The Dictator (magister populi = master of the army) was appointed by one of the two Consuls (= colleagues) in a time of national danger to avoid the possible want of unity between the two consuls in time of war. 15. in primum = in primam aciem. antesignanis, i.e. the first line fighting in front of the standards. 17. iuventutis proceres = the young noblemen, i.e. the cavalry are not only the younger men (in Livy often = iuvenes) but also patricians.]

Reference. Macaulay, The Battle of Lake Regillus.

D12

FIRST SECESSION OF THE PLEBS, 494 B.C.

The Fable of the Belly and the Members. Tribunes of the People.

Pavor ingens in urbe, metuque mutuo suspensa erant omnia.... Placuit igitur oratorem ad plebem mitti Menenium Agrippam, facundum virum et, quod inde oriundus erat, plebi carum. Is intromissus in castra prisco illo dicendi et horrido modo nihil {5} aliud quam hoc narrasse fertur: Tempore, quo in homine non, ut nunc, omnia in unum consentientia, sed singulis membris suum cuique consilium, suus sermo fuerit, indignatas reliquas partes sua cura, suo labore ac ministerio ventri omnia quaeri, ventrem in {10} medio quietum nihil aliud quam datis voluptatibus frui; conspirasse inde, ne manus ad os cibum ferrent, nec os acciperet datum, nec dentes conficerent. Hac ira dum ventrem fame domare vellent, ipsa una membra totumque corpus ad extremam tabem {15} venisse. Inde apparuisse ventris quoque haud segne ministerium esse, nec magis ali quam alere eum, reddentem in omnes corporis partes hunc, quo vivimus vigemusque, divisum pariter in venas, maturum confecto cibo sanguinem. Comparando hinc, quam {20} intestina corporis seditio similis esset irae plebis in patres, flexisse mentes hominum. Agi deinde de concordia coeptum concessumque in condiciones, ut plebi sui magistratus essent sacrosancti, quibus auxili latio adversus consules esset, neve cui patrum capere {25} eum magistratum liceret. Ita tribuni plebei creati duo, C. Licinius et L. Albinus.

LIVY, ii. 32, 33.

[Linenotes: 1-2. Pavor ingens ... omnia. One of the Roman armies (mainly recruited from Plebeians) refused to obey orders, entrenched itself on Mons Sacer, and threatened to secede from Rome altogether. 2. oratorem (i.e. legatum) = spokesman, charged with a verbal message. 4. inde, i.e. from the Plebs. 10-11. ventrem ... quietum = whereas the belly resting calmly in their midst. —Rawlins. 13. conficerent = grind, and so aid digestion. Cf. confecto l.20. 19-20. maturum confecto cibo = brought to perfection only when the food is digested. —R. 24. sacrosancti = consecrated and inviolable. 24-25. quibus ... esset, i.e. as official protectors of the Plebs, by their right of veto on the official actions of all other magistrates.]

For the Fable, cf. Seneca de Ira ii. 31, and 1 Corinthians, xii. 12-27.

D13

WAR WITH THE VOLSCIANS, 493 B.C.

Veturia and her son Coriolanus.

Coriolanus prope ut amens consternatus ab sede sua cum ferret matri obviae complexum, mulier in iram ex precibus versa 'Sine, priusquam complexum accipio, sciam' inquit, 'ad hostem an ad filium venerim, captiva mater-ne in castris tuis sim. In {5} hoc me longa vita et infelix senecta traxit, ut exulem te, deinde hostem viderem? Potuisti populari hanc terram, quae te genuit atque aluit? Non tibi, quamvis infesto animo et minaci perveneras, ingredienti fines ira cecidit? Non, cum in conspectu {10} Roma fuit, succurrit: Intra illa moenia domus ac penates mei sunt, mater, coniunx liberique? Ergo ego nisi peperissem, Roma non oppugnaretur; nisi filium haberem, libera in libera patria mortua essem.' ... Uxor deinde ac liberi amplexi, fletusque ab {15} omni turba mulierum ortus et conploratio sui patriaeque fregere tandem virum. Complexus inde suos dimittit; ipse retro ab urbe castra movit. Abductis deinde legionibus ex agro Romano invidia rei oppressum perisse tradunt alii alio leto. {20}

LIVY, ii. 40.

[Linenotes: 1. Coriolanus. Gaius Marcius received the cognomen of Coriolanus for his bravery at the capture of the Volscian town of Corioli (S.E. of Rome). After this, in a time of famine at Rome, C. advised that the corn obtained elsewhere should not be distributed, unless the Plebeians would give up their Tribunes. For this he was impeached and went into voluntary exile among the Volsci. consternatus = in strong emotion—lit. 'stretched on the ground.' 7. potuisti = had you the heart to—question indicated by tone of the voice. 10-11. non ... succurrit = did it not occur to you? 19-20. invidia rei oppressum = overwhelmed by the unpopularity of his action. 20. alii alio leto, e.g. i. by a voluntary death; ii. put to death by the Volscians; iii. lived to old age in exile.]

References. Cic. Brutus x. (compared to Themistocles). Plutarch, Coriolanus.

'The germ from which the whole legend sprang is the story of the filial love of Coriolanus, and of the great authority exercised in olden times by Roman matrons over their sons and husbands.' Ihne.

Shakespeare, Coriolanus, V. iii.

D14

WAR WITH VEII, 483-474 B.C.

The Destruction of the Fabii at the Cremera, 477 B.C.

Campus erat, campi claudebant ultima colles Silvaque montanas occulere apta feras. In medio paucos armentaque rara relinquunt, Cetera virgultis abdita turba latet. 4 Ecce velut torrens undis pluvialibus auctus Aut nive, quae Zephyro victa tepente fluit, Per sata perque vias fertur, nec, ut ante solebat, Riparum clausas margine finit aquas: 8 Sic Fabii vallem latis discursibus implent, Quodque vident sternunt, nec metus alter inest. Quo ruitis, generosa domus? male creditis hosti: Simplex nobilitas, perfida tela cave. 12 Fraude perit virtus. In apertos undique campos Prosiliunt hostes, et latus omne tenent. Quid faciant panci contra tot millia fortes? Quidve, quod in misero tempore restet, adest? 16 Sicut aper longe silvis Laurentibus actus Fulmineo celeres dissipat ore canes, Mox tamen ipse perit: sic non moriuntur inulti Vulneraque alterna dantque feruntque manu. 20 Una dies Fabios ad bellum miserat omnes; Ad bellum missos perdidit una dies.

OVID, Fasti, ii. 175-196, H. [II. 215-236]

Context. To protect their territory from the constant raids of the Veientines, the noble house of the Fabii offered to undertake the war themselves. The consul Kaeso Fabius marched out of the city at the head of his clan, followed by the blessings and good wishes of the admiring people. He erected a fortified camp near the R. Cremera (atributary of the Tiber), and from this spot plundered Veientine territory.

[Linenotes: 1. campus. 'Ovid here paints from fancy: there are, however, deep hollows admirably calculated to conceal an ambushed foe.' —Ramsay. 9. discursibus = runnings to and fro, of soldiers dispersing to plunder. 10. metus alter = fear of a second enemy, i.e. of one in ambush. 17. silvis Laurentibus. Laurentum on the coast of Latium between Ostia and Ardea. Wild boars are still found in the swampy thickets. 18. Fulmineo ore = with flashing tusk. —Hallam.]

Parallel Passage. Livy, ii. 48,49.

'The story probably came from the Chronicles of the Fabian Clan, perhaps through Fabius Pictor, the first Roman annalist.' Rawlins, Cf. Ihne, vol. i. cap.vi.

D15

WAR WITH THE AEQUIANS, 458 B.C.

A. Cincinnatus called from the Plough.

Sed Aequos praecipue Quinctius Cincinnatus domuit, ille dictator ab aratro, qui obsessa et paene iam capta L. Minuci consulis castra egregia victoria recuperavit. Medium erat tempus forte sementis, cum patricium virum innixum aratro suo lictor in {5} ipso opere deprehendit. Inde in aciem profectus, ne quid a rustici operis imitatione cessaret, more pecudum victos sub iugum misit. Sic expeditione finita redit ad boves rursus triumphalis agricola. Intra quindecim dies coeptum peractumque bellum, {10} prorsus ut festinasse, dictator ad relictum opus videretur.

FLORUS, I. xi. 12-15.

[Linenotes: 1. Aequos, mountaineers (closely allied to the Sabines) who lived in the mountains forming the E. boundary of Latium. Cincinnatus. 'The true type of primeval virtue, abstinence, and patriotism.' —Ihne. 2-4. qui ... recuperavit. The Aequian general, Gracchus Cloelius, had defeated the consul, L. Minucius, and blockaded him in his camp on Mt. Algidus, the E. spur of the Alban range. Cincinnatus makes a wonderful night march from Rome of 20 miles, blockades in turn the investing Aequian force, and compels an unconditional surrender. 4. sementis = of the seed-time. Formed from semen, cf. sero.]

B. 'In the brave days of old.'

Restat, ut inveniam, quare toga libera detur Lucifero pueris, candide Bacche, tuo. 2 . . . . . . . An quia, cum colerent prisci studiosius agros, Et patrio faceret rure senator opus, 4 Et caperet fasces a curvo consul aratro, Nec crimen duras esset habere manus, Rusticus ad ludos populus veniebat in urbem: Sed dis, non studiis, ille dabatur honor. 8

OVID, Fasti, iii. 729-742,H. [III. 771-784]

[Linenotes: 1. toga libera (or virilis), the man's dress of unornamented white wool. Lbera (lber), free from the restraints of boyhood. 2. lucifero = lit. morning-star. Here poet. for die. 5. consul, e.g. Cincinnatus, who was called to be Dictator. 8. sed ... honor, i.e. in 'the good old days' worship, not amusement, was the chief object of the visit to Rome. 3-8. Ovid says one reason why the toga libera was assumed at the Liberalia (the Feast of Bacchus—the vintage, festival) was because it was the most crowded festival of the year.]

References. Livy, iii. 26-28. Ihne, vol. i. cap.v.

D16

THE DECEMVIRATE. THE TWELVE TABLES, 451-449 B.C.

Iam redierant legati cum Atticis legibus. Eo intentius instabant tribuni, ut tandem scribendarum legum initium fieret. Placet creari decemviros sine provocatione, et ne quis eo anno alius magistratus esset ... Tum legibus condendis opera dabatur; {5} ingentique hominum expectatione propositis decem tabulis populum ad contionem advocaverunt et, quod bonum, faustum felixque rei publicae, ipsis liberisque eorum esset, ire et legere leges propositas iussere. Se, quantum decem hominum ingeniis provideri {10} potuerit, omnibus, summis infimisque, iura aequasse; plus pollere multorum ingenia consiliaque. Versarent in animis secum unamquamque rem, agitarent deinde sermonibus atque in medium, quid in quaque re plus minusve esset, conferrent.... Cum ad {15} rumores hominum de unoquoque legum capite editos satis correctae viderentur, centuriatis comitiis decem tabularum leges perlatae sunt, qui nunc quoque in hoc immenso aliarum super alias acervatarum legum cumulo, fons omnis publici privatique {20} est iuris.

LIVY, iii. 32, 34.

[Linenotes: 1. cum Atticis legibus, i.e. with a copy of the Laws of Solon (the great Athenian Lawgiver, 594 B.C.). 1-3. Eo intentius ... fieret, because up to this time the knowledge of law and its interpretation was confined to the Patricians (cf. the Scribes of the N.T.). This could only be remedied by writng the laws down and making them public. 3-4. sine provocatione = without appeal. Lit. 'challenging.' 4-5. ne quis ... esset. The Decemvirs were to supersede temporarily both Consuls and Tribunes. 14-15. quid ... conferrent = 'Should point out in the interest of all (lit. should contribute to the public good) any faults of excess or defect in the several articles.' —Stephenson. 15-17. ad rumores hominum = in accordance with (ad) public opinion. 17. centuriatis comitiis. Servius Tullius divided the people into five classes, according to the value of their property. The people (Patricians and Plebeians alike) voted by centuries; but as 98 centuries (and [therefore] 98 votes) were allotted to the richest class and only 95 to the other four classes, the influence of wealth was decisive in the elections.]

Parallel Passages. Cic. De Republica ii. 33-37, and De Legibus ii.23.

The Twelve Tables. 'They were essentially only a written embodiment of the existing public and private law.' —Mommsen. Cf. Magna Carta.

D17

SECOND SECESSION OF THE PLEBS, 448 B.C.

The Death of Verginia not in vain.

Concitatur multitudo partim atrocitate sceleris, partim spe per occasionem repetendae libertatis. In contionem Appius escendit; sequuntur Horatius Valeriusque. Eos contio audit; decemviro obstrepitur. Iam pro imperio Valerius discedere a privato {5} lictores iubebat, cum fractis animis Appius vitae metuens in domum se propinquam foro insciis adversariis capite obvoluto recipit. M. Duillius deinde tribunus plebis plebem rogavit plebesque scivit, qui plebem sine tribunis reliquisset quique magistratum {10} sine provocatione creasset, tergo ac capite puniretur. Haec omnia ut invitis, ita non adversantibus patriciis transacta, quia nondum in quemquam unum saeviebatur. Fundata deinde et potestate tribunicia et plebis libertate tum tribuni aggredi singulos tutum {15} maturumque iam rati accusatorem primum Verginium et Appium reum deligunt. Spe incisa, priusquam prodicta dies adesset, Appius mortem sibi conscivit. M. Claudius assertor Verginiae, die dicta damnatus ipso remittente Verginio ultimam poenam {20} dimissus Tibur exulatum abiit; manesque Verginiae, mortuae quam vivae felicioris, per tot domos ad petendas poenas vagati nullo relicto sonte tandem quieverunt.