[306] In ill plight—Sine decore.
[307] For interested bounty—Largitio. "The word signifies liberal treatment of others with a view to our own interest; without any real goodwill." Müller. "He intends a severe stricture on his own age, and the manners of the Romans." Dietsch.
[308] About forty days. Waiting, apparently, for the return of Marius.
[309] CIV. Having failed in the object, etc.—Infecto, quo intenderat, negotio. Though this is the reading of most of the manuscripts, Kritzius, Müller, and Dietach, read confecto, as if Marius could not have failed in his attempt.
[310] Are always verging to opposite extremes.—Semper in adversa mutant. Rose renders this "are always changing, and constantly for the worse;" and most other translators have given something similar. But this is absurd; for every one sees that all changes in human affairs are not for the worse. Adversa is evidently to be taken in the sense which I have given.
[311] CV. At his discretion—Arbitratu. Kritzius observes that this word comprehends the notion of plenary powers to treat and decide: der mit unbeschränkter Vollmacht unterhandeln könnte.
[312] Presenting—Intendere. The critics are in doubt to what to refer this word; some have thought of understanding animum; Cortius, Wasse, and Müller, think it is meant only of the bows of the archers; Kritzius, Burnouf, and Allen, refer it, apparently with better judgment, to the arma and tela in general.
[313] CVI. To dispatch their supper—Coenatos esse. "The perfect is not without its force; it signifies that Sylla wished his orders to be performed with the greatest expedition." Kritzius. He orders them to have done supper.
[314] CVII. And blind parts of his body—Caecum corpus. Imitated from Xenephon, Cyrop. iii. 3, 45: [Greek: Moron gar to kratein boulomenous, ta tuphla, tou somatos, kai aopla, tauta enantia tattein tois polemiois pheugontas.] "It is folly for those that desire to conquer to turn the blind, unarmed, and handless parts of the body, to the enemy in flight."
[315] At being an instrument of his father's hostility—Quoniam hostilia faceret. "Since he wished to deceive the Romans by pretended friendship." Müller.