[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.