Book 17
2
WHENEVER I read the book of an early writer, I tried afterwards, for the purpose of quickening my memory, to recall and review any passages in the book which were worthy of note, in the way either of praise or censure; and I found it an exceedingly helpful exercise for ensuring my recollection of elegant words and phrases, whenever need of them should arise. For example, in the first book of the Annals of Quintus Claudius, which I had read on the preceding two days, I noted these passages: The greater number, says he, Frag. 22, Peter2. threw away their arms and hid themselves unarmed. The verb inhatebrant, for hid themselves, seemed poetic, but neither improper nor harsh. While these things were going on, he says, Frag. 13, Peter2. the Latins, their spirits raised because of their easy victory, form a plan. Subnixo animo is. significant and carefully chosen expression with the force of raised and elevated in spirit; and it indicates loftiness and confidence of spirit, since we are, as it were, raised and lifted up by that upon which we depend.
