[*] 528. Dum , modo , dummodo, and tantum ut , introducing a Proviso, take the Subjunctive. The negative with these particles is nē :
- “ōderint dum metuant ” (Off. 1.97) , let them hate, if only they fear.
- “valētūdō modo bona sit ” (Brut. 64) , provided the health be good.
- “ dummodo inter mē atque tē mūrus intersit ” (Cat. 1.10) , provided only the wall (of the city) is between us.
- “ tantum ut sciant ” (Att. 16.11.1) , provided only they know.
- “ modo nē sit ex pecudum genere ” (Off. 1.105) , provided [in pleasure] he be not of the herd of cattle.
- “id faciat saepe, dum nē lassus fīat ” (Cato R. R. 5.4) , let him do this often, provided he does not get tired.
- dummodo ea (sevēritās) “nē variētur” (Q. Fr. 1.1.20) , provided only it (strictness) be not allowed to swerve.
- “ tantum nē 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:—- “ sint Maecēnātēs, nōn deerunt Marōnēs ” (Mart. 8.56.5 ) , so there be Mœcenases, Virgils will not be lacking.
- “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.