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528. Dum , modo , dummodo, and tantum ut , introducing a Proviso, take the Subjunctive. The negative with these particles is :
  1. ōderint dum metuant (Off. 1.97) , let them hate, if only they fear.
  2. valētūdō modo bona sit (Brut. 64) , provided the health be good.
  3. dummodo inter atque mūrus intersit (Cat. 1.10) , provided only the wall (of the city) is between us.
  4. tantum ut sciant (Att. 16.11.1) , provided only they know.
  5. modo sit ex pecudum genere (Off. 1.105) , provided [in pleasure] he be not of the herd of cattle.
  6. id faciat saepe, dum lassus fīat (Cato R. R. 5.4) , let him do this often, provided he does not get tired.
  7. dummodo ea (sevēritās) “ variētur(Q. Fr. 1.1.20) , provided only it (strictness) be not allowed to swerve.
  8. tantum noceat (Ov. M. 9.21) , only let it do no harm.

Note.--The Subjunctive with modo is hortatory or optative; that with dum and dummodo, a development from the use of the Subjunctive with dum in temporal clauses, § 553 (compare the colloquial so long as my health is good, I don't care).

a. The Hortatory Subjunctive without a particle sometimes expresses a proviso:—

  1. sint Maecēnātēs, nōn deerunt Marōnēs (Mart. 8.56.5 ) , so there be Mœcenases, Virgils will not be lacking.

b. The Subjunctive with ut (negative ) is sometimes used to denote a proviso, usually with ita in the main clause:—

  1. probāta condiciō est, sed ita ut ille praesidia dēdūceret (Att. 7.14.1) , the terms were approved, but only on condition that he should withdraw the garrisons.

Note.--This is a development of the construction of Characteristic or Result.

For a clause of Characteristic expressing Proviso, see § 535. d.

hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references to this page (3):
    • J. B. Greenough, G. L. Kittredge, Select Orations of Cicero, Allen and Greenough's Edition., AG Cic. 1.5
    • J. B. Greenough, G. L. Kittredge, Select Orations of Cicero, Allen and Greenough's Edition., AG Cic. 1.9
    • J. B. Greenough, G. L. Kittredge, Select Orations of Cicero, Allen and Greenough's Edition., AG Cic. 2.7
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