Attic Nights, Vol. II

Of which class is the preposition 'pro'. For I saw that 'pontifices pro on behalf of/for the college have decreed' is said one way, and 'a witness introduced to speak pro for/in support of testimony' another way; M. Cato in the fourth book of Origines wrote 'a battle was fought pro in front of the camp,' and likewise in the fifth book: 'cities and islands all are pro for/at the value of Illyrian land.' It is said still another way 'pro aede temple of Castor,' another 'pro rostris the speakers' platform,' another 'pro tribunali tribunal/judgment seat,' another 'pro contione assembly,' and yet another 'the tribune of the plebs has interceded pro by virtue of his power.' But I judged that anyone who would consider all these expressions either entirely similar and equal or everywhere different was mistaken; for I thought that such variety was indeed of the same font and source, but not of the same end. This, of course, anyone will easily understand if they apply intention to their meditation and possess a more common usage and knowledge of ancient oratory.

IV

In what manner Q. Ennius emulated the verses of Euripides.

The verses of Euripides are in the Hecuba, distinguished and illustrious in words, thought, and brevity; Hecuba is saying to Ulysses:

Your authority, even if it speaks what is wrong,
prevails; for a word coming from the disreputable
and from those in high standing does not possess the same power.

These verses Q. Ennius, when he was translating that tragedy,