Kitap 9
2.49
or when we concede to our opponents qualities which we are unwilling that they should seem to possess. This is specially effective when we possess these qualities and they do not, as in the following passage, Aen. xi. 383. Turnus addresses Drances, who has been attacking him as the cause of the war and bidding him fight himself, if he would win Lavinia for his bride. Brand me as coward, Drances, since thy sword Has slain such hosts of Trojans. A like result is produced by reversing this method when we pretend to own to faults which are not ours or which even recoil upon the heads of our opponents, as for example, 'Twas I that led the Dardan gallant on To storm the bridal bed of Sparta's queen! Aen. x. 92. Juno ironically pretends to have brought about the rape of Helen, which was in reality the work of Venus.
2.50
Further, this device of saying the opposite of what we desire to imply is not merely restricted to persons, but may be extended to things, witness the whole of the exordium of the pro Ligario and disparaging phrases such as Forsooth, ye great gods! or Fit task, I ween, for gods! Aen. iv,. 379. Dido mocks the excuse of Aeneas that he had received the direct command of heaven to leave Carthage.
