XXXI. Annos==annonam, yearly produce, cf. G. 14: expectare annum. So often in the Poets.—In frumentum. For supplies. The reading of this clause is much disputed. The text follows that of W. and R. and is approved by Freund. For the meaning of egerunt, cf. praedam egesserunt, H. 3, 33.
Silvis—emuniendis==viis per silvas et paludes muniendis. E.
Semel. Once for all, G. 19.—Emit, sc. tributis pendendis; pascit, sc. frumento praebendo. E.
Portus, quibus exercendis. W. and Dr. explain this of collecting revenue at the ports (i.e. farming them), a thing unknown to the early Britons; Wr. of rowing, servile labor. Why not refer it to the construction or improvement of harbors? By rendering exercendis, working, improving, we make it applicable alike to harbors, mines and fields.—Reservemur. Subj. in a relative clause denoting a purpose. H. 500; Z. 567.
Potuere. Observe the ind., where we use the potential. It is especially frequent with possum, debeo, &c. Z. 518 and 519.
Nonne implies an affirmative answer. Z. 352, and H. 346, II. 1. 2.
In poenitentiam, al. in praesentiam. The general idea is essentially the same with either reading. Non in praesentiam==not to obtain our freedom, for the present merely. Non in poenitentiam==not about to obtain our freedom merely to regret it, i.e. in such a manner as the Brigantes, who forthwith lost it by their socordia.
XXXII. Nisi si==nisi forte, cf. note, G. 2: nisi si patria.
Pudet dictu. The supine after pudet is found only here. Quintilian however has pudendum dictu. Cf. Or. in loc.; and Z. 441. 443.
Commendent, etc. Although they give up their blood to (i.e. shed it in support of) a foreign tyrant.—Tamen is antithetic to licet: although they give, yet longer enemies, than slaves (of Rome).