[78] Arva, though constantly used in the general sense of ‘territory,’ may here, especially in connexion with ‘avertere praedas,’ be meant to suggest the idea of soil from which the invaders might reap profit. Comp. 3. 136, “connubiis arvisque novis operata iuventus.” But to understand the words ‘iugo premere’ (as Wagn. does) of ploughing, whether in a general sense or with special reference to 7. 157, would be to strain them too far. They imply no more than ‘to oppress,’ which is Juno's way of saying ‘to occupy.’ Comp. 8. 148, “quin omnem Hesperium penitus sua sub iuga mittant.” “Animum iugo premit Cupido turpis” Sen. Ag. 134 (Forc.). ‘Avertere,’ the regular word for carrying off plunder: in Virg. we have “avertere equos” (1. 472) and “tauros” 8. 208. Comp. also “vertere praedas” 1. 528.
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of. Virgil. , with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. and Henry Nettleship, M.A. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane;. George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1876.
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