4.
Silanus proposes death; Caesar, perpetual imprisonment. Caesar's proposition discussed.
haec (with a gesture), all this, i.e. city, citizens, and government. amplectitur, adopts. pro, in accordance with. versatur in, exhibits. mortem, etc.: a doctrine of the Epicureans, to which sect Caesar and many other eminent Romans belonged. et ea: cf. note on p. 136, l. 17. municipus dispertiri, Sc. eos in custodiam. iniquitatem, since it might expose them to danger, and it would be unjust to choose among so many; difficultatem, since they might decline the service.
statueritis: subj. of integral part. dignitatis: § 343, c (214, d) ; cf. B. 198, 3; G. 366, R.1; H 439, 3 (401, N.2); cf. H.-B. 340. adjungit, he [Caesar] adds to his proposal. ruperit: § 592, 2 (341, c) ; cf. B. 323; G. 366; H. 439 (401); H.-B. 536, a. sancit, ordains (under penalties). per senatum, by an executive decree; per populum, by a law. uno, Sc. dolore. itaque, etc.: an artful way of making the punishment of death seem less cruel; since death is a relief, these myths, says Cicero, have been invented to give it terror. eis remotis: equiv. to a fut. protasis; § 521, a (310, a); G. 593,2 ; H. 638, 2 (549, 2); H.-B. 578, 6.
