Cicero, On Pompey’s
Command (De Imperio), 27-49
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3. Latin text
with study questions
and vocabulary aid
27: The only way is Pompey
Satis mihi multa verba fecisse videor, qua re esset hoc bellum genere ipso necessarium, magnitudine periculosum. Restat ut de imperatore ad id bellum deligendo ac tantis rebus praeficiendo dicendum esse videatur. Utinam, Quirites, virorum fortium atque innocentium copiam tantam haberetis, ut haec vobis deliberatio difficilis esset, quemnam potissimum tantis rebus ac tanto bello praeficiendum putaretis! Nunc vero – cum sit unus Cn. Pompeius, qui non modo eorum hominum qui nunc sunt gloriam, sed etiam antiquitatis memoriam virtute superarit – quae res est quae cuiusquam animum in hac causa dubium facere possit?
Study Questions:
satis (indeclinable) | enough, sufficient |
qua re (also: quare) | in what way, why (interrogative or relative adverb) |
genus, generis, n. | kind, type |
resto, -are, -iti | to remain (to be dealt with) |
deligo, -igere, -egi, -ectum | to pick out in preference to the rest, choose |
praeficio, -icere, -eci, -ectum | to put in charge (of), set over |
utinam (particle, used to reinforce wishes expressed by the subjunctive) | ‘how I wish that’, ‘if only’ |
fortis, -tis, -te | robust, vigorous, brave, resolute |
innocens, -ntis | blameless, upright, virtuous; harmless |
copia, -ae, f. | plentiful supply, abundance |
quisnam, quaenam, quidnam | [quis + nam] who/what |
potissimum (adverb) | especially, above all, preferably |
unus, -a, -um | one, a single; (here) only, alone |
Cn. | abbreviation of Gnaeus |
quisquam, quicquam | any (single) person, anyone (at all) |
dubius, -a, -um | uncertain what to do, hesitant |
Stylistic Appreciation: Discuss the way in which Cicero positions himself vis-à-vis the audience in this paragraph. You may wish to focus on personal pronouns (mihi, vobis), Cicero’s use of qualifying words or phrases (satis, videor, videatur), his preference for passive or impersonal constructions, as well as rhetorical questions and assertions.
Discussion Point: Cicero argues that the citizens do not really have a choice: there is only one! Is that (ever) true? And do you think that everyone in Cicero’s original audience would have agreed? Who might have registered a protest?
28: The Perfect General, Pompey the Kid, and Mr. Experience
Ego enim sic existimo, in summo imperatore quattuor has res inesse oportere: scientiam rei militaris, virtutem, auctoritatem, felicitatem. Quis igitur hoc homine scientior umquam aut fuit aut esse debuit? qui e ludo atque e pueritiae disciplinis, bello maximo atque acerrimis hostibus, ad patris exercitum atque in militiae disciplinam profectus est; qui extrema pueritia miles in exercitu fuit summi imperatoris, ineunte adulescentia maximi ipse exercitus imperator; qui saepius cum hoste conflixit quam quisquam cum inimico concertavit, plura bella gessit quam ceteri legerunt, plures provincias confecit quam alii concupiverunt; cuius adulescentia ad scientiam rei militaris non alienis praeceptis sed suis imperiis, non offensionibus belli sed victoriis, non stipendiis sed triumphis est erudita. Quod denique genus esse belli potest, in quo illum non exercuerit fortuna rei publicae? Civile, Africanum, Transalpinum, Hispaniense, servile, navale bellum, varia et diversa genera et bellorum et hostium, non solum gesta ab hoc uno, sed etiam confecta nullam rem esse declarant in usu positam militari, quae huius viri scientiam fugere possit.
Study Questions:
existimo, -are, -avi, -atum | to think, judge, suppose (that) |
quattuor (indeclinable) | four |
insum, inesse, infui | to be present (in), be possessed (by) |
oportet, -êre, -uit | it is proper, right, requisite; it is demanded |
scientia, ae f. | knowledge |
virtus, -utis, f. | the quality typical of a true man; excellence, ability; moral excellence, virtue |
auctoritas, -atis, f. | commanding influence, authority, prestige |
felicitas, -atis, f. | good fortune (as a result of divine favour) |
igitur | in that case, then |
debeo, -êre, -ui, -itum | to be under an obligation; should, ought |
sciens, -ntis | aware, conscious, knowledgeable |
ludus, -i, m. | sport, play, game; place of instruction |
pueritia, -ae, f. | childhood, boyhood |
disciplina, -ae, f. | teaching, instruction, training |
militia, ae, f. | military service; warfare |
proficiscor, -ci, profectus sum | to set out, leave, depart (from... to...) |
extremus, -a, -um | situated at the edge; end of |
ineo, -ire, -ii/ivi, -itum | to come in, enter upon, begin |
adulescentia, -ae, f. | (young) adulthood |
confligo, -gere, -xi, -ctum | to collide, clash; do battle, fight; argue |
concerto, -are, -avi, -atum | to contend, fight, vie with; argue, dispute |
lego, -ere, legi, lectum | to pick out; to read |
provincia, -ae, f. | 1. special function/task assigned to a magistrate 2. a provincial command 3. a territory outside Italy under direct Roman control, a province |
conficio, -icere, -eci, -ectum | to do, perform; make; produce, cause; finish off, complete; overwhelm, undo |
concupisco, -iscere, -ivi/ii, -itum | to conceive a strong desire for, covet |
alienus, -a, -um | not one’s own; of/belonging to others |
praeceptum, -i, n. (from praecipio) | a piece of advice, teaching; instruction |
imperium, -i, n. | the right of command invested in Roman high office |
offensio, -onis, f. | the action of striking against; setback, mishap; affront, outrage |
stipendium, -ii, n. | a cash payment, esp. to soldiers; a year or season of military service, campaign |
erudio, -ire, -ivi/ii, -itum | to instruct, train, educate (ad: in) |
exerceo, -ere, -ui, -itum | to train by practice, exercise; occupy |
fortuna, -ae, f. | good or bad fortune; vicissitudes |
Fortuna, -ae, f. | the goddess Fortune |
Transalpinus, -a, -um | situated in the region beyond the Alps [from the point of view of Rome] |
Hispaniensis, -is, -e | of or concerning Spain and its people |
servilis, -is, -e | of, belonging to, involving slaves |
usus, -us, m. | application, use; practical experience |
in usu | in one’s experience |
in usu poni/esse | to be in common use |
fugio, fugere, fugi | to run away, flee from, escape |
Stylistic Appreciation: What are the rhetorical devices Cicero uses to convey a sense of Pompey’s comprehensive knowledge of military matters?
Discussion Point: Consider the four qualities that Cicero views as essential attributes of the perfect general: scientia rei militaris, virtus, auctoritas, felicitas. Are they still relevant qualities for military commanders today? Which qualities would your perfect general have?
29: His Excellence (and Excellences)
Iam vero virtuti Cn. Pompei quae potest oratio par inveniri? Quid est quod quisquam aut illo dignum aut vobis novum aut cuiquam inauditum possit adferre? Neque enim illae sunt solae virtutes imperatoriae, quae vulgo existimantur, labor in negotiis, fortitudo in periculis, industria in agendo, celeritas in conficiendo, consilium in providendo; quae tanta sunt in hoc uno, quanta in omnibus reliquis imperatoribus, quos aut vidimus aut audivimus, non fuerunt.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: What are the lexical and rhetorical devices Cicero uses in this paragraph to elevate Pompey’s claim to virtus above that of everyone else?
Discussion Point:
iam | at this point, now - in a transition to a new topic |
(often strengthened by vero): | further, besides |
par, paris | matching, equal |
+ dative | measuring up to, equal to, adequate |
invenio, -enire, -eni, -entum | to encounter, come upon; discover, learn; to devise |
inauditus, -a, -um | unheard (of) |
adfero, -rre, attuli, allatum | to bring, fetch; adduce, relate |
imperatorius, -a, -um | of or belonging to a commanding officer |
vulgo (adv.) | in a way common to all, publicly, commonly |
existimo, -are, -avi, -atum | to form or hold an opinion of, judge; to think, suppose (that) |
negotium, -(i)i, n. | work, business; (pl.) public affairs |
industria, -ae, f. | diligence, application, industry |
provideo, -idere, -idi, -isum | to see in advance, see beforehand, to exercise forethought |
30: Witnesses to the Truth!
Testis est Italia, quam ille ipse victor L. Sulla huius virtute et subsidio confessus est liberatam. Testis est Sicilia, quam multis undique cinctam periculis non terrore belli, sed consilii celeritate explicavit. Testis est Africa, quae magnis oppressa hostium copiis eorum ipsorum sanguine redundavit. Testis est Gallia, per quam legionibus nostris iter in Hispaniam Gallorum internecione patefactum est. Testis est Hispania, quae saepissime plurimos hostes ab hoc superatos prostratosque conspexit. Testis est iterum et saepius Italia, quae cum servili bello taetro periculosoque premeretur, ab hoc auxilium absente expetivit, quod bellum exspectatione eius attenuatum atque imminutum est, adventu sublatum ac sepultum.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: What rhetorical effect does the repetition of Testis est... at the beginning of each sentence create?
Discussion Point: Does it matter that some of the wars to which Cicero here alludes were civil wars? Which ones are they? How does he allude to them?
subsidium, -(i)i, n. |
reinforcement, support; assistance, help |
confiteor, -fiteri, -fessus sum |
to admit, confess |
undique (adverb) |
from all sides or directions |
cingo, -gere, -xi, -ctum |
to surround, encircle |
explico, -are, -avi/-ui, -atum/-itum |
to free from, extricate |
opprimo, -imere, -essi, -essum |
to press on/against, smother, overpower, crush |
redundo, -are, -avi, -atum |
[re- + undo] to overflow, pour out |
iter, itineris, n. |
path, road; journey |
internecio, -onis, f. |
total destruction of life, massacre |
patefacio, -facere, -feci, -factum |
to make visible, reveal; to open, make accessible |
prosterno, -ernere, -ravi, -ratum |
to lay low, strike down, defeat utterly |
conspicio, -icere, -exi, -ectum |
to catch sight of, see, witness, discern |
taeter, -tra, -trum |
foul, horrible; morally offensive, vile |
expeto, -ere, -ivi/-ii, -itum |
to ask for, request, beg; seek after, try to obtain |
exspectatio, -onis, f. |
the state of waiting in suspense; expectation |
attenuo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to make thin/slender, weaken, reduce |
imminuo, -uere, -ui, -utum |
to reduce in amount or size, diminish |
adventus, -us, m. |
arrival |
tollo, -ere, sustuli, sublatum |
to raise, lift; remove, take away, get rid of |
sepelio, -elire, -elivi/-elii, -ultum |
to bury; submerge, overcome |
31: Pacifying the Pond, or: Pompey and the Pirates
Testes nunc vero iam omnes orae atque omnes exterae gentes ac nationes, denique maria omnia, cum universa, tum in singulis oris omnes sinus atque portus. quis enim toto mari locus per hos annos aut tam firmum habuit praesidium, ut tutus esset, aut tam fuit abditus, ut lateret? quis navigavit, qui non se aut mortis aut servitutis periculo committeret, cum aut hieme aut referto praedonum mari navigaret? hoc tantum bellum, tam turpe, tam vetus, tam late divisum atque dispersum quis umquam arbitraretur aut ab omnibus imperatoribus uno anno aut omnibus annis ab uno imperatore confici posse?
Study Questions:
vero | moreover, indeed |
nunc | (here introducing the final, climactic item in Cicero’s list of witnesses:) as it is |
ora, -ae, f. | coast |
exter, -era, -erum | foreign |
gens, -tis, f. | nation, people, ethnicity; a (Roman) clan |
natio, -onis, f. | people, nation, ethnicity |
denique | finally, at last |
mare, -ris, (ablative: mari), n. | the sea |
cum... tum... | (correlating two circumstances, with tum indicating the more noteworthy one) both... and..., as well as |
universus, -a, -um | the whole of, entire |
singuli, -ae, -a (plural) | each one of, every single |
praesidium, -(i)i, n. | defence, protection, stronghold |
abditus, -a, -um | hidden from sight, concealed; remote, secluded |
lateo, -ere, -ui | to hide, be concealed, escape notice |
committo, -ittere, -isi, -issum | to bring into contact with; expose to |
hiems, -mis, f. | winter; winter weather; storm |
refertus, -a, -um (here + genitive) | crammed or stuffed full of |
praedo, -onis, m. | pirate |
turpis, -is, -e | offensive, disgusting, shameful, disgraceful |
vetus, -eris | old, veteran, long-standing, chronic |
late (adverb) | over a large area, widely |
divido, -idere, -isi, -isum | to separate, divide, distribute |
dispergo, -gere, -si, -sum | to spread about, scatter, disperse |
conficio, -icere, -eci, -ectum | to do, perform, accomplish; bring to completion |
Stylistic Appreciation: Analyse the rhetorical design of the first sentence (Testis est ... sinus atque portus): how does its form reinforce its theme?
Discussion Point: What does the claim ‘Pompey brought the war against the pirates to an end’ imply? How did he do it?
32: The Pirates of the Mediterranean
Quam provinciam tenuistis a praedonibus liberam per hosce annos? quod vectigal vobis tutum fuit? quem socium defendistis? cui praesidio classibus vestris fuistis? quam multas existimatis insulas esse desertas, quam multas aut metu relictas aut a praedonibus captas urbes esse sociorum? Sed quid ego longinqua commemoro? Fuit hoc quondam, fuit proprium populi Romani, longe a domo bellare, et propugnaculis imperii sociorum fortunas, non sua tecta defendere. Sociis ego nostris mare per hos annos clausum fuisse dicam, cum exercitus vestri numquam Brundisio nisi hieme summa transmiserint? Qui ad vos ab exteris nationibus venirent captos querar, cum legati populi Romani redempti sint? Mercatoribus tutum mare non fuisse dicam, cum duodecim secures in praedonum potestatem pervenerint?
Study Questions:
vectigal, -alis, n. | revenue |
tutus, -a, -um | safe, secure, protected from danger |
praesidium, -(i)i, n. | defence, protection |
classis, -is, f. | a naval force, fleet; a class or grade |
metus, -us, m. (f.) | fear, alarm, apprehension |
longinquus, -a, -um | situated at a distance, far-off, remote |
commemoro, -are, -avi, -atum | to recall, mention, relate |
quondam (adv.) | formerly, in ancient days; some day |
proprius, -a, -um | one’s own, personal, peculiar to, special |
bello, -are, -avi, -atum | to wage war, fight |
propugnaculum, -i, n. | a bulwark, rampart, defence |
fortuna, -ae, f. | fortune, chance, prosperity |
in plural: | wealth, property |
tectum, -i, n. | roof; house, dwelling |
claudo, -dere, -si, -sum | to close, shut; blockade |
legatus, -i, m. | an ambassador, envoy; legate |
redimo, -imere, -emi, -emptum | to buy back, ransom, rescue |
mercator, -oris, m. | merchant, trader |
duodecim (indeclinable) | twelve |
securis, -is, f. | an axe |
pervenio, -enire, -eni, -entum | to come to, arrive at, to pass into the hands of, to come under the control of |
Stylistic Appreciation: The paragraph contains nine rhetorical questions. Can you identify sets and patterns?
Discussion Point: How would you define the way in which Cicero interacts with his audience in this paragraph?
33: Pirates ante portas!
Cnidum aut Colophonem aut Samum, nobilissimas urbes, innumerabilesque alias captas esse commemorem, cum vestros portus atque eos portus, quibus vitam et spiritum ducitis, in praedonum fuisse potestate sciatis? An vero ignoratis portum Caietae celeberrimum ac plenissimum navium inspectante praetore a praedonibus esse direptum? ex Miseno autem eius ipsius liberos, qui cum praedonibus antea bellum gesserat, a praedonibus esse sublatos? Nam quid ego Ostiense incommodum atque illam labem atque ignominiam rei publicae querar, cum prope inspectantibus vobis classis ea, cui consul populi Romani praepositus esset, a praedonibus capta atque oppressa est? Pro di immortales! tantamne unius hominis incredibilis ac divina virtus tam brevi tempore lucem adferre rei publicae potuit, ut vos, qui modo ante ostium Tiberinum classem hostium videbatis, nunc nullam intra Oceani ostium praedonum navem esse audiatis?
Study Questions:
Cnidus, -i, m. | Cnidus (a town in the extreme South-West of Caria) |
Colophon, -onis, m. | Colophon (a city in Ionia) |
Samos, -i, f. - acc. -um or -on | Samos (an island off the coast of Asia Minor) |
spiritus, -us, m. | the action of breathing, respiration; |
breath (of life) | |
scio, -ire, -ii/-ivi, -itum | to know, be aware of |
ignoro, -are, -avi, -atum | to have no knowledge of, be ignorant of |
celeber, -bris, -bre | much used, busy, frequented; |
famed, celebrated, distinguished | |
inspecto, -are, -avi, -atum | to look at, watch, observe; look on |
diripio, -ipere, -ipui, -eptum | to pull to pieces, tear to shreds |
to seize as plunder, loot | |
liberi, -um (or -orum), m. pl. | sons and daughters, children |
tollo, -ere, sustuli, sublatum | to pick up, take away, remove, carry off |
Ostiensis, -is, -e | of or belonging to Ostia |
incommodum, -i, n. | detriment, harm, disadvantage; |
misfortune, trouble, set-back | |
labes, -is, f. | disaster, defect; |
stain upon honour or reputation, disgrace | |
ignominia, -ae, f. | disgrace |
queror, -ri, -stus | to regret, complain, grumble, protest |
prope | in close proximity, near by; |
(modifying a hyperbole): almost, pretty well | |
praepono, -onere, -osui, -ositum | to place in front; to put in charge of |
modo (adverb) | only recently |
ostium, -(i)i, n. | a door, aperture, opening; mouth |
- ostium Oceani | the strait of Gibraltar |
Stylistic Appreciation: How does Cicero maintain the supernatural colouring he introduces in his discourse with the exclamation pro di immortales! in the subsequent sentence?
Discussion Point: Why does Cicero refer to the pirates’ attack on Ostia as a national disgrace? What qualifies as a ‘national disgrace’ nowadays?
34: Pompey’s Cruise Control (I): ‘I Have a Fleet – and Need for Speed’
Atque haec qua celeritate gesta sint, quamquam videtis, tamen a me in dicendo praetereunda non sunt. Quis enim umquam aut obeundi negotii aut consequendi quaestus studio tam brevi tempore tot loca adire, tantos cursus conficere potuit, quam celeriter Cn. Pompeio duce tanti belli impetus navigavit? qui nondum tempestivo ad navigandum mari Siciliam adiit, Africam exploravit, in Sardiniam cum classe venit, atque haec tria frumentaria subsidia rei publicae firmissimis praesidiis classibusque munivit.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: How does Cicero convey Pompey’s extraordinary speed of operation in his prose?
Discussion Point: What according to Cicero are Pompey’s priorities?
gero, -rere, -ssi, -stum |
to bear, carry, perform, do |
praetereo, -ire, -ii/-ivi, -itum |
to pass by, go past; omit, pass over |
obeo, -ire, -ivi/-ii, -itum |
to meet with, visit; to attend |
consequor, -qui, -cutus |
to come after, follow; pursue; reach, achieve |
quaestus, -us, m. |
the acquisition of income, production of profit |
studium, - (i)i, n. |
zeal, enthusiasm, eagerness; pursuit |
impetus, -us, m. |
force, impetus; charge, assault; vigorous effort |
tempestivus, -a, -um |
seasonable; ready; suitable, opportune |
frumentarius, -a, -um |
of or concerned with corn; corn- |
subsidium, -(i)i, n. |
reserves; a supply kept in reserve |
munio, -ire, -ivi/-ii, -itum |
to fortify, guard from attack, safeguard |
35: Pompey’s Cruise Control (II): ‘I Have a Fleet – and Need for Speed’
Inde cum se in Italiam recepisset, duabus Hispaniis et Gallia Transalpina praesidiis ac navibus confirmata, missis item in oram Illyrici maris et in Achaiam omnemque Graeciam navibus Italiae duo maria maximis classibus firmissimisque praesidiis adornavit, ipse autem, ut Brundisio profectus est, undequinquagesimo die totam ad imperium populi Romani Ciliciam adiunxit: omnes, qui ubique praedones fuerunt, partim capti interfectique sunt, partim unius huius se imperio ac potestati dediderunt. Idem Cretensibus, cum ad eum usque in Pamphyliam legatos deprecatoresque misissent, spem deditionis non ademit obsidesque imperavit. Ita tantum bellum, tam diuturnum, tam longe lateque dispersum, quo bello omnes gentes ac nationes premebantur, Cn. Pompeius extrema hieme apparavit, ineunte vere suscepit, media aestate confecit.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: This is the last of several paragraphs that Cicero devotes to Pompey’s campaign against the pirates. What are the rhetorical means by which he generates a sense of closure?
Discussion Point: Why did the Cretans prefer to surrender to Pompey, who was far away in Pamphylia, rather than to another Roman general in their vicinity?
inde (adverb) |
from that place, thence, from there |
recipio, -ipere, -epi, -eptum |
to admit, receive, acquire, accept |
se recipere |
to turn back, withdraw, retire; return, get back |
item (adverb) |
similarly, likewise |
adorno, -are, -avi, -atum |
to get ready, prepare; equip, furnish; adorn |
proficiscor, -icisci, -ectus |
to set out, depart |
undequinquagesimus, -a, -um |
forty-ninth |
adiungo, -gere, -xi, -ctum |
to connect, link, attach; annex, acquire |
ubique (adverb) |
in any place whatever, anywhere; everywhere |
partim (adverb) |
partly |
interficio, -ficere, -feci, -fectum |
to kill, destroy |
dedo, -ere, -idi, -itum (reflexive) |
to give (oneself) up, surrender |
legatus, -i, m. |
an ambassador, envoy, delegate; legate |
deprecator, -oris, m. |
one who pleads for clemency, intercessor |
usque (adverb) |
all the way to, as far as (with ad or in + acc.) |
deditio, -onis, f. |
surrender |
adimo, -imere, -emi, -emptum |
to remove, take away, deny, preclude |
obses, -idis, m./(f.) |
hostage; surety, pledge, guarantee |
apparo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to prepare, make ready, organize |
ver, -ris, n. |
spring |
36: ‘Thou Art More Lovely and More Temperate’: Pompey’s Soft Sides
Est haec divina atque incredibilis virtus imperatoris: quid? ceterae, quas paulo ante commemorare coeperam, quantae atque quam multae sunt! Non enim bellandi virtus solum in summo ac perfecto imperatore quaerenda est, sed multae sunt artes eximiae huius administrae comitesque virtutis. Ac primum quanta innocentia debent esse imperatores! quanta deinde in omnibus rebus temperantia! quanta fide, quanta facilitate, quanto ingenio, quanta humanitate! quae breviter qualia sint in Cn. Pompeio consideremus: summa enim omnia sunt, Quirites, sed ea magis ex aliorum contentione quam ipsa per sese cognosci atque intellegi possunt.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Cicero has reached a pivotal moment in his argument: after discussion of Pompey’s prowess as military leader, he now focuses on his personal qualities more broadly. Discuss the stylistic devices he uses to emphasize their importance.
Discussion Point: Can you find contemporary parallels for Cicero’s claim that good military leaders ought to possess ‘soft qualities’ of the kind he discusses here, to complement strategic or martial excellence?
paulum, -i, n. |
a small amount, little, a little bit |
ars, -tis, f. |
skill, craftsmanship; |
personal characteristic, quality |
|
a systematic body of knowledge |
|
eximius, -a, -um |
outstanding, exceptional; special, distinct |
administra, -ae, f. |
a (female) assistant, ‘hand-maiden’ |
comes, -itis, m./f. |
companion, partner, associate |
innocentia, -ae, f. |
freedom from guilt, innocence; |
uprightness, integrity |
|
temperantia, -ae, f. |
self-control, moderation, restraint |
fides, -ei, f. |
trust, guarantee, promise, assurance; |
good faith, honesty, honour; |
|
trustworthiness, reliability |
|
facilitas, -atis, f. |
facility, ease; good nature, indulgence |
ingenium, -(i)i, n. |
natural disposition, natural abilities, talent |
humanitas, -atis, f. |
human nature; humane character, kindness |
qualis, -is, -e (interrogative) |
of what kind or quality |
contentio, -onis, f. |
exercise, effort; contention, competition; |
contrast, comparison |
37: SPQR Confidential
Quem enim imperatorem possumus ullo in numero putare, cuius in exercitu centuriatus veneant atque venierint? quid hunc hominem magnum aut amplum de re publica cogitare, qui pecuniam ex aerario depromptam ad bellum administrandum aut propter cupiditatem provinciae magistratibus diviserit aut propter avaritiam Romae in quaestu reliquerit? Vestra admurmuratio facit, Quirites, ut agnoscere videamini, qui haec fecerint: ego autem nomino neminem; quare irasci mihi nemo poterit, nisi qui ante de se voluerit confiteri. Itaque propter hanc avaritiam imperatorum quantas calamitates, quocumque ventum est, nostri exercitus ferant, quis ignorat?
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: How does Cicero generate an atmosphere of outraged collusion with his audience?
Discussion Point: What are the mechanisms by which ancient and modern governments ensure the proper use of public funds by elected officials? What laws against bribery and embezzlement existed in ancient Rome – as compared to contemporary Britain?
ullo in numero |
of any account/in any esteem |
centuriatus, -us, m. |
the office of centurion |
veneo, -ire, -ii (-itum) |
[used as passive of vendo:] |
to be sold |
|
Not to be confused with: |
|
venio, venire, veni, ventum |
to come |
amplus, -a, -um |
great, wide, spacious; glorious, magnificent |
aerarium, -i, n. |
(Rome’s) public treasury |
depromo, -ere, -prompsi, -promptum |
to draw out/forth, fetch |
divido, -ere, -visi, -visum |
to separate, divide; distribute, apportion |
quaestus, -us, m. |
acquisition, profit, advantage |
- pecuniam in quaestu relinquere |
to let out money at interest |
admurmuratio, -onis, f. |
a murmuring, murmur (here: of disapproval) |
agnosco, -noscere, -novi, -notum |
to know well; declare, announce; recognize |
nomino, -are, -avi, -atum |
to call by name, name; mention, accuse |
irascor, irasci, iratus |
to be angry (at) |
(most frequently, as here, with dative) |
|
confiteor, confiteri, confessus |
to acknowledge, confess, avow |
38: Of Locusts and Leeches
Itinera, quae per hosce annos in Italia per agros atque oppida civium Romanorum nostri imperatores fecerint, recordamini: tum facilius statuetis, quid apud exteras nationes fieri existimetis. Utrum plures arbitramini per hosce annos militum vestrorum armis hostium urbes an hibernis sociorum civitates esse deletas? Neque enim potest exercitum is continere imperator, qui se ipse non continet, neque severus esse in iudicando, qui alios in se severos esse iudices non vult.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: In the utrum... an... clause, how do the elements in the utrum-part match up with the elements in the an-part?
Discussion Point: How does Cicero construe the relationship between ‘army’ and ‘general’ in this paragraph?
iter, itineris, n. |
journey, march |
-ce (hosce) a deictic particle, usually ‘enclitic’1
recordor, -ari, -atus |
to think over, be mindful of, recollect |
statuo, -uere, -ui, -utum |
to place, fix, stand; to establish, decide, uphold |
exter, extera, exterum |
outside, external, foreign |
existimo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to value, esteem; form an opinion, judge; think |
utrum... an... |
(introducing a disjunctive question, the second |
alternative introduced by an): whether... or... |
|
hiberna, -orum, n. pl. |
winter encampment, winter quarters |
contineo, -inere, -inui, -entum |
to hold together, link, connect; keep within; |
to keep under control |
39: Pompey the Peaceful, or: Imperialism with Gloves
Hic miramur hunc hominem tantum excellere ceteris, cuius legiones sic in Asiam pervenerint, ut non modo manus tanti exercitus, sed ne vestigium quidem cuiquam pacato nocuisse dicatur? Iam vero quem ad modum milites hibernent cotidie sermones ac litterae perferuntur. Non modo ut sumptum faciat in militem nemini vis adfertur, sed ne cupienti quidem cuiquam permittitur. Hiemis enim, non avaritiae perfugium maiores nostri in sociorum atque amicorum tectis esse voluerunt.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: What are the rhetorical devices Cicero uses to emphasise the good behaviour of Pompey’s forces in Asia?
Discussion Point: Cicero ends this section by invoking the normative force of the ancestors. Are ‘older generations’ by definition ethically superior – in ancient Rome and elsewhere in history?
miror, -ari, -atus |
to be surprised, amazed, bewildered; marvel |
manus, -us, f. |
hand; in the plural: band, troop |
ne... quidem |
not even [negating the enclosed word] |
vestigium, -(i)i, n. |
footprint, track |
pacatus, -a, -um |
tranquil, peaceable, disposed to peace |
paco, -are, -avi, -atum |
to impose a settlement on, bring under control, subdue |
noceo, -ere, -ui, -itum |
(regularly with dative): to harm, injure |
iam vero |
further, now, besides |
quem ad modum/quemadmodum |
(interrogative) in what way? how? |
(relative) in the manner in which |
|
hiberno, -are, -avi, -atum |
to spend the winter (esp. of troops) |
cotidie (adverb) |
every day, daily |
sermo, -onis, m. |
speech, talk; conversation, dialogue; gossip |
litterae, -arum, f. |
letters |
perfero, -rre, pertuli, perlatum |
to carry/convey to, deliver; tolerate, endure |
sumptus, -us, m. |
expenditure, outlay, expense |
- sumptum facere |
to expend money |
hiems/hiemps, -mis, f. |
winter |
avaritia, ae, f. |
greed, avarice, rapacity |
perfugium, -(i)i, n. |
a place of refuge, shelter |
tectum, -i, n. |
roof, ceiling; house, dwelling |
40: No Sight-Seeing or Souvenirs for the Perfect General
Age vero ceteris in rebus qua ille sit temperantia, considerate. Unde illam tantam celeritatem et tam incredibilem cursum inventum putatis? Non enim illum eximia vis remigum aut ars inaudita quaedam gubernandi aut venti aliqui novi tam celeriter in ultimas terras pertulerunt, sed eae res, quae ceteros remorari solent, non retardarunt: non avaritia ab instituto cursu ad praedam aliquam devocavit, non libido ad voluptatem, non amoenitas ad delectationem, non nobilitas urbis ad cognitionem, non denique labor ipse ad quietem; postremo signa et tabulas ceteraque ornamenta Graecorum oppidorum, quae ceteri tollenda esse arbitrantur, ea sibi ille ne visenda quidem existimavit.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Explore the rhetorical effect of negations in the passage.
Discussion Point: Describe and discuss the Romans’ attitude to Greece that comes through in this paragraph. How does Pompey differ from the ceteri?
age (vero)! |
(a call for attention:) come! |
unde |
from which place, whence, where |
cursus, -us, m. |
the action of running; charge, onrush, motion, |
movement, speed |
|
journey, voyage, passage |
|
invenio, -enire, -eni, -entum |
to encounter, meet; to find, discover, come by |
eximius, -a, -um |
outstanding, exceptional, remarkable |
remex, -igis, m. |
oarsman, rower |
remoror, -ari, -atus |
to wait, linger, dally; delay, hold up |
retardo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to hinder the progress of, hold up, inhibit |
devoco, -are, -avi, -atum |
to call down; to call away, summon, divert |
amoenitas, -atis, f. |
allurement, attraction, charm; pleasant spot |
delectatio, -onis, f. |
pleasure, delight |
nobilitas, -atis, f. |
renown, celebrity, distinction; nobility |
cognitio, -onis, f. |
the act of getting to know, study, investigation |
quies, -etis, f. |
rest, repose, relaxation |
signum, -i, n. |
sign; (here) statue |
tabula, -ae, f. |
board, plank, panel of wood; writing-tablet; |
painting |
|
tollo, -ere, sustuli, sublatum |
to pick up, carry off, remove, eliminate |
ne... quidem |
not even |
viso, -ere, -i |
to go and look, view, visit |
41: Saint Pompey
Itaque omnes nunc in iis locis Cn. Pompeium sicut aliquem non ex hac urbe missum, sed de caelo delapsum intuentur; nunc denique incipiunt credere, fuisse homines Romanos hac quondam continentia, quod iam nationibus exteris incredibile ac falso memoriae proditum videbatur; nunc imperii vestri splendor illis gentibus lucem adferre coepit; nunc intellegunt non sine causa maiores suos tum, cum ea temperantia magistratus habebamus, servire populo Romano quam imperare aliis maluisse. Iam vero ita faciles aditus ad eum privatorum, ita liberae querimoniae de aliorum iniuriis esse dicuntur, ut is qui dignitate principibus excellit, facilitate infimis par esse videatur.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Discuss how Cicero employs the temporal adverbs quondam, iam and nunc in his argument.
Discussion Point: Can you think of contemporary public figures who combine dignitas with facilitas?
intueor, -eri, -itus |
to look at, watch; observe, see; consider; |
to look upon, regard as |
|
delabor, -bi, -psus |
to fall, drop; descend, glide down; slip |
incipio, -ipere, -epi, -eptum |
to begin |
falsus, -a, -um |
erroneous, untrue; incorrect, wrong |
prodo, -ere, -idi, -itum |
(here) to hand down, transmit |
splendor, -oris, m. |
brightness, brilliance, radiance; lustre; glory |
coepi, -isse, -tum |
to begin |
malo, -lle, -lui |
to wish rather, prefer |
aditus, -us, m. |
approach, access, right of entry |
privatus, -i, m. |
one who holds no public office; individual |
querimonia, -ae, f. |
an expression of grievance, complaint, protest |
iniuria, -ae, f. |
unlawful conduct, injustice, injury |
excello, -ere, -ui |
to be pre-eminent, surpass, excel |
facilitas, -atis, f. |
ease, facility, indulgence |
infimus, -a, -um |
lowest in position, most undistinguished, |
humblest |
|
par, paris |
matching, equal, similar, like |
42: Peace for our Time
Iam quantum consilio, quantum dicendi gravitate et copia valeat, in quo ipso inest quaedam dignitas imperatoria, vos, Quirites, hoc ipso ex loco saepe cognovistis. Fidem vero eius quantam inter socios existimari putatis, quam hostes omnes omnium generum sanctissimam iudicarint? Humanitate iam tanta est, ut difficile dictu sit, utrum hostes magis virtutem eius pugnantes timuerint an mansuetudinem victi dilexerint. Et quisquam dubitabit quin huic hoc tantum bellum permittendum sit, qui ad omnia nostrae memoriae bella conficienda divino quodam consilio natus esse videatur?
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Discuss the rhetorical effect of Cicero’s use of quantus, -a, -um and tantus, -a, -um.
Discussion Point: Cicero argues that the secret of Pompey’s ability to bring wars to a successful conclusion derives in large part from his ‘soft qualities’ – the reliability of his ‘word’ (fides) and his human kindness (humanitas). Is that a principle that holds true elsewhere in history?
gravitas, -atis, f. |
weight, heaviness; dignity, importance, gravity |
copia, -ae, f. |
abundant power, wealth, riches, fullness, copiousness, multitude, abundance |
valeo, -ere, -ui, -itum |
to be strong; to have power, force, influence |
to avail, prevail, be strong, effective |
|
insum, inesse, infui |
to be in or upon; to be contained in, to be in, |
to belong to, to appertain to |
|
dignitas, -atis, f. |
dignity, greatness, grandeur, authority, rank |
imperatorius, -a, -um |
of or belonging to a general |
cognosco, -ere, cognovi, cognitum |
to become thoroughly acquainted with, |
to perceive, understand |
|
genus, -eris, n. |
birth, descent, origin; kind, type, character |
sanctus, -a, -um |
sacred, inviolable |
mansuetudo, -inis, f. |
mildness, gentleness, clemency |
diligo, -ere, dilexi, dilectum |
to value/esteem highly, love |
permitto, -ere, permisi, permissum |
to let go through; to give up, intrust, surrender, commit; to give leave, let, allow, suffer, grant, permit |
quin (conjunction + subjunctive) |
that |
memoria, -ae, f. |
memory, recollection |
the period of recollection, time |
|
nascor, nasci, natus sum |
to be born, to rise, to arise, to spring forth |
43: Rumour and Renown: Pompey’s auctoritas
Et quoniam auctoritas quoque in bellis administrandis multum atque in imperio militari valet, certe nemini dubium est quin ea re idem ille imperator plurimum possit. Vehementer autem pertinere ad bella administranda, quid hostes, quid socii de imperatoribus nostris existiment, quis ignorat, cum sciamus homines in tantis rebus, ut aut contemnant aut metuant, aut oderint aut ament, opinione non minus et fama quam aliqua ratione certa commoveri? Quod igitur nomen umquam in orbe terrarum clarius fuit? cuius res gestae pares? de quo homine vos, id quod maxime facit auctoritatem, tanta et tam praeclara iudicia fecistis?
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: In the indirect statement dependent on sciamus Cicero switches into an ‘anthropological register’ with a statement about how humans behave in extreme situations. What is the rhetorical effect of this switch?
Discussion Point: Can you think of figures in your life who are formally invested with power of one sort or another because of their social role or office (= potestas) but have little or no auctoritas (‘commanding respect’) – or, conversely, of individuals who do not possess any formal powers but nevertheless command respect and obedience? How would you explain this?
quoniam |
since, seeing that, inasmuch as, because |
quoque |
in the same way, too, likewise, no less |
valeo, -ere, -ui, -itum |
to be powerful, be well, be potent; to have the ability or power (with infinitive or internal accusative) |
dubius, -a, -um |
hesitant, undecided, doubtful, uncertain |
quin (conjunction + subjunctive) |
that |
possum, posse, potui |
to be able (to); to have power, influence, or importance |
vehementer (adverb) |
with great force, violently, firmly |
pertineo, -ere, -ui |
to extend, reach; pertain to, be a concern |
contemno, -nere, -psi, -ptum |
to regard with contempt, look down on; to disregard |
metuo, -ere, -i |
to fear, be afraid |
odi, -isse |
to hate, dislike |
opinio, -onis, f. |
opinion, belief; fancy, imagination |
fama, -ae, f. |
news, tidings; rumour, hearsay; |
public opinion; fame, glory, renown |
|
commoveo, -overe, -ovi, -otum |
to move, shake, agitate; to interest, stimulate, prompt, strike |
clarus, -a, -um |
loud, sonorous; bright, shining; celebrated, famous |
par, paris |
matching, equal, similar, like |
praeclarus, -a, -um |
very clear/bright; excellent, famous, celebrated |
44: Case Study I: The Socio-Economics of Pompey’s auctoritas
An vero ullam usquam esse oram tam desertam putatis, quo non illius diei fama pervaserit, cum universus populus Romanus referto foro completisque omnibus templis, ex quibus hic locus conspici potest, unum sibi ad commune omnium gentium bellum Cn. Pompeium imperatorem depoposcit? Itaque, ut plura non dicam neque aliorum exemplis confirmem, quantum auctoritas valeat in bello, ab eodem Cn. Pompeio omnium rerum egregiarum exempla sumantur: qui quo die a vobis maritimo bello praepositus est imperator, tanta repente vilitas annonae ex summa inopia et caritate rei frumentariae consecuta est unius hominis spe ac nomine, quantum vix in summa ubertate agrorum diuturna pax efficere potuisset.
Study Questions:
an |
introducing direct questions with a notion of |
surprise/indignation: ‘can it really be that...?’ |
|
usquam |
in any place, anywhere |
pervado, -dere, -si, -sum |
to cross, traverse; pervade, penetrate |
refercio, -cire, -si, -tum |
to cram or stuff full |
forum, -i, n. |
the forum |
compleo, -ere, -evi, -etum |
to fill, to occupy a space, throng |
conspicio, -icere, -exi, -ectum |
to see, stare at, watch, discern |
deposco, -scere, -posci |
to demand (peremptorily), ask for |
confirmo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to strengthen, corroborate |
egregius, -ia, -ium |
outstanding, excellent, splendid, pre-eminent |
sumo, -mere, -mpsi, -mptum |
to take, put on, seize, get, procure |
maritimus, -a, -um |
relating to the sea, naval |
praepono, -onere, -osui, -ositum |
to place in front, set in authority over, |
put in charge of |
|
repente (adverb) |
without warning, suddenly; in an instant |
vilitas, -atis, f. |
lowness of price, cheapness |
annona, -ae, f. |
(annual) marketable output, produce; |
the supply of corn; corn, food |
|
inopia, -ae, f. |
lack of wealth, poverty; dearth; |
shortage, scarcity |
|
caritas, -atis, f. |
dearness, high price; love, affection, esteem |
res frumentaria |
the corn-supply |
consequor, -qui, -cutus |
to go or come after, to follow |
vix (adverb) |
with difficulty, hardly, barely, just |
ubertas, -atis, f. |
productiveness, fruitfulness, fertility, abundance |
Stylistic Appreciation: Discuss the ways in which Cicero relates Pompey to the Roman commonwealth (and the world as a whole) with reference to the comprehensive, superlative, and extreme expressions in the paragraph (e.g. ullam ... oram, tam desertam, universus populus Romanus, omnibus templis, ad commune omnium gentium bellum, omnium rerum egregiarum exempla, tanta vilitas, ex summa inopia et caritate, in summa ubertate agrorum, diuturna pax).
Discussion Point: Explore the correlation between the appointment of Pompey as general in the war against the pirates and the ensuing drop in the price of corn in Rome. Why is this ‘cause-and-effect’ relationship between a political decision and its economic consequences such a brilliant illustration of Pompey’s auctoritas?
45: Case Study II: Pompey’s auctoritas and psychological warfare
Iam accepta in Ponto calamitate ex eo proelio, de quo vos paulo ante invitus admonui, cum socii pertimuissent, hostium opes animique crevissent, satis firmum praesidium provincia non haberet, amisissetis Asiam, Quirites, nisi ad ipsum discrimen eius temporis divinitus Cn. Pompeium ad eas regiones fortuna populi Romani attulisset. Huius adventus et Mithridatem insolita inflatum victoria continuit et Tigranem magnis copiis minitantem Asiae retardavit. Et quisquam dubitabit, quid virtute perfecturus sit, qui tantum auctoritate perfecerit? aut quam facile imperio atque exercitu socios et vectigalia conservaturus sit, qui ipso nomine ac rumore defenderit?
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: How does the syntax of the first sentence reinforce Cicero’s themes and rhetorical agenda?
Discussion Point: What entity/force does Cicero refer to with fortuna populi Romani?
accipio, -ipere, -epi, -eptum |
to receive, acquire, get |
proelium, -(i)i, n. |
battle |
paulum, -i, n. |
a small amount, little, a little bit |
invitus, -a, -um |
unwilling, reluctant |
admoneo, -ere, -ui, -itum |
to give a reminder to, to remind (of or that) |
pertimesco, -escere, -ui |
to become very scared, take excessive fright |
ops, opis, f. |
power, ability |
plural: |
domination, influence, resources |
animus, -i, m. |
mind; courage, spirit, morale |
cresco, -ere, crevi, cretum |
to be born, arise; develop, grow, increase |
amitto, -ittere, -isi, -issum |
to send away, dismiss; to forfeit, lose |
discrimen, -inis, n. |
a separating line, a point in which things differ; a decisive stage, critical point, crisis |
divinitus (adverb) |
by divine agency or inspiration, providentially |
insolitus, -a, -um |
unusual, unfamiliar |
inflo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to fill with air, puff out, inflate; cause to swell |
minitor, -ari, -atus (+ dative) |
to threaten (somebody/something) |
retardo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to hinder the progress of, inhibit |
dubito, -are, -avi, -atum |
to be in doubt, be uncertain |
vectigal, -alis, n. |
revenue |
rumor, -oris, m. |
noise, rumour, reputation, esteem |
46: auctoritas Supreme
Age vero illa res quantam declarat eiusdem hominis apud hostes populi Romani auctoritatem, quod ex locis tam longinquis tamque diversis tam brevi tempore omnes huic se uni dediderunt: quod a communi Cretensium legati, cum in eorum insula noster imperator exercitusque esset, ad Cn. Pompeium in ultimas prope terras venerunt eique se omnes Cretensium civitates dedere velle dixerunt! Quid? idem iste Mithridates nonne ad eundem Cn. Pompeium legatum usque in Hispaniam misit? eum quem Pompeius legatum semper iudicavit, ii quibus erat molestum ad eum potissimum esse missum, speculatorem quam legatum iudicari maluerunt. Potestis igitur iam constituere, Quirites, hanc auctoritatem, multis postea rebus gestis magnisque vestris iudiciis amplificatam, quantum apud illos reges, quantum apud exteras nationes valituram esse existimetis.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: What are the stylistic devices Cicero uses to highlight Pompey’s auctoritas?
Discussion Point: If you were a member of one of Rome’s established senatorial families, how would you react to Cicero’s rhetoric in this paragraph?
declaro, -are, -avi, -atum |
to make known, declare, tell, reveal; testify to, show |
dedo, -ere, -idi, -itum |
to yield possession of, give up, surrender |
commune, -is, n. |
property of rights held in common; commonwealth, state, collective body |
usque (ad/in) (adverb) |
all the way (to), right up (to), as far (as) |
molestus, -a, -um |
troublesome, annoying, vexing |
potissimum (adverb) |
especially, above all |
speculator, -oris, m. |
a spy |
constituo, -uere, -ui, -utum |
to set up, establish, locate; arrange, agree on |
valeo, -ere, -ui, -itum |
to have strength, be powerful, have weight |
47: Felicitas, or how not to ‘Sull(a)y’ Pompey
Reliquum est ut de felicitate, quam praestare de se ipso nemo potest, meminisse et commemorare de altero possumus, sicut aequum est homines de potestate deorum, timide et pauca dicamus. Ego enim sic existimo, Maximo, Marcello, Scipioni, Mario, et ceteris magnis imperatoribus non solum propter virtutem, sed etiam propter fortunam saepius imperia mandata atque exercitus esse commissos. Fuit enim profecto quibusdam summis viris quaedam ad amplitudinem et ad gloriam et ad res magnas bene gerendas divinitus adiuncta fortuna. De huius autem hominis felicitate, de quo nunc agimus, hac utar moderatione dicendi, non ut in illius potestate fortunam positam esse dicam, sed ut praeterita meminisse, reliqua sperare videamur, ne aut invisa dis immortalibus oratio nostra aut ingrata esse videatur.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Cicero declares that he wishes to speak about Pompey’s felicitas ‘timide et pauca’. What are the rhetorical ploys by which he puts this principle into practice?
Discussion Point: felicitas indicates divine support. Can you think of contemporary politicians who appeal to the supernatural sphere as a source of support in governance?
reliquus, -qua, -quum |
the rest of, the remaining |
reliquum est |
for the rest |
praesto, -are, -iti (-avi), -atum (-itum) |
to be outstanding/superior, excel; to make available, furnish, supply; vouch for |
sicut |
in the same way as, just as... (so)... |
timide (adverb) |
apprehensively, nervously |
propter (preposition + accusative) |
because of, on account of, thanks to |
mando, -are, -avi, -atum |
to hand over, deliver, entrust |
committo, -ittere, -isi, -issum |
to join, engage; entrust to; bring about |
profecto (adverb) |
without question, undoubtedly, assuredly |
amplitudo, -inis, f. |
size, bulk, extent; distinction, eminence, prestige |
divinitus |
by divine agency or inspiration |
adiungo, -gere, -xi, -ctum |
to connect, link up, attach to, assign |
ago, agere, egi, actum |
to drive |
agere de |
to speak about, treat, discuss |
utor, uti, usus + ablative |
to use, employ |
moderatio, -onis, f. |
moderation, restraint |
praeteritus, -a, -um |
that has occurred, been done; past, bygone |
invisus, -a, -um |
hateful, odious, disliked, unpopular |
ingratus, -a, -um |
ungrateful, thankless, unappreciative; |
+ dative |
unwelcome to, displeasing to, unpopular with |
48: The Darling of the Gods
itaque non sum praedicaturus, quantas ille res domi militiae, terra marique, quantaque felicitate gesserit, ut eius semper voluntatibus non modo cives adsenserint, socii obtemperarint, hostes oboedierint, sed etiam venti tempestatesque obsecundarint: hoc brevissime dicam, neminem umquam tam impudentem fuisse, qui ab dis immortalibus tot et tantas res tacitus auderet optare, quot et quantas di immortales ad Cn. Pompeium detulerunt: quod ut illi proprium ac perpetuum sit, Quirites, cum communis salutis atque imperii, tum ipsius hominis causa, sicuti facitis, velle et optare debetis.
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: Explore the ways in which Cicero hints at a quasi-divine status for Pompey without actually turning him into a god.
Discussion Point: What relationship between Pompey and the gods does Cicero posit in this paragraph?
praedico, -are, -avi, -atum |
to make known, proclaim, declare |
voluntas, -atis, f. |
will, intention, disposition |
adsentio, -tire, -si, -sum |
to agree, assent, approve |
obtempero, -are, -avi, -atum |
to be submissive to, comply with, obey |
oboedio, -ire, -ivi/-ii, -itum |
to obey, submit to |
obsecundo, -are, -avi, -atum |
to act in compliance or support, fall in with |
impudens, -ntis |
shameless, impudent, brazen |
tacitus, -a, -um |
silent, quiet, secret |
audeo, -ere, -sus |
to dare, venture |
opto, -are, -avi, -atum |
to wish, desire, pray for |
defero, -rre, detuli, delatum |
to carry, convey, bring; transfer; confer, |
proprius, -a, -um |
belonging, one’s own, one’s own property |
perpetuus, -a, -um |
continuous, permanent |
causa (preposition + genitive) |
because of, on account of |
49: Summing Up
Quare cum et bellum sit ita necessarium, ut neglegi non possit, ita magnum, ut accuratissime sit administrandum, et cum ei imperatorem praeficere possitis, in quo sit eximia belli scientia, singularis virtus, clarissima auctoritas, egregia fortuna, dubitatis, Quirites, quin hoc tantum boni, quod vobis ab dis immortalibus oblatum et datum est, in rem publicam conservandam atque amplificandam conferatis?
Study Questions:
Stylistic Appreciation: What are the rhetorical devices Cicero uses to render his summing-up both clear and memorable?
Discussion Point: What relationship does Cicero construe between the gods and the Roman citizens?
neglego, -gere, -xi, -ctum |
to disregard, ignore, do nothing about |
accuratus, -a, -um |
carefully performed or prepared, meticulous |
praeficio, -icere, -eci, -ectum |
to put in charge (of), set over |
eximius, -a, -um |
outstanding, exceptional, remarkable, special |
singularis, -is, -e |
alone, peculiar, special; remarkable, unusual |
clarus, -a, -um |
sonorous; bright, shining; celebrated, famous |
egregius, -a, -um |
outstanding, excellent, splendid |
tantum, -i, n. (pronoun) |
such a quantity, so much |
bonum, -i, n. |
any good, boon, advantage, blessing |
offero, -rre, obtuli, oblatum |
to put in the path of, provide, supply, offer |
amplifico, -are, -avi, -atum |
to enlarge, increase; extol, exalt, magnify |
confero, -rre, contuli, collatum |
to carry, convey; direct, aim; confer, bestow; |
to bring together; compare |
1 ‘enclitic’ is a linguistic term deriving from the Greek enklinein = ‘to lean on’; it is a word that does not stand on its own so gets attached to (‘leans on’) the preceding one.