The Roman Poets of the Republic, 2nd edition

by W. Y. Sellar

'Non enim es in senticeto, eo non sentis.' Captivi, 857.

[212] Alliterations and assonances:—'Vi veneris vinctus.' 'Cottabi crebri crepent.' 'Laetus, lubens, laudes ago.' 'Collus collari caret.'

'Atque mores hominum moros et morosos efficit,' etc., etc.

Asyndeta:—

'Laudem, lucrum, ludum, iocum, festivitatem, ferias.'

'Vorsa, sparsa, tersa, strata, lauta, structaque omnia ut sint.' etc., etc.

These are not occasional, but constantly recurring characteristics of his style. The thought and matter they express must, in a great measure, be due to his own invention.

[213] Roman formulae:—'Quae res bene vortat.' 'Conceptis verbis.' 'Quod bonum felix, faustum, fortunatumque sit.' 'Ut gesserit rempublicam ductu, imperio, auspicio suo,' etc., etc.

[214] Proverbs:—'Sarta tecta.' 'Sine sacris haereditas.' 'Inter saxum et sacra.' 'Vae victis.' 'Ad incitas redactust,' etc., etc.

[215] Expressions of courtesy:—'Tam gratiast.' 'Benigne.' 'Num quid vis?' etc.