_T._ Do they ever use the comparative for the positive? _C. thinks, then_, Certior factus sum.
_T._ Well, perhaps; however, here, “maxime” may mean _special_, may it not? _C. And I had a special proof of it_, cùm, initio civilis belli, per literas te consuluissem, _when, on the commencement of the civil war, I had written to ask your advice_, quid mihi faciendum esse censeres, _what you thought I ought to do_, eundumne ad Pompeium, an manendum in Italiâ, _to go to Pompey, or to remain in Italy_.
_T._ Very well, now stop. Dubitanti mini, quod scit Atticus noster. You construed quod, _as_. _C._ I meant the relative _as_.
_T._ Is _as_ a relative? _C. As_ is used in English for the relative, as when we say _such as_ for _those who_.
_T._ Well, but why do you use it here? What is the antecedent to “quod”? _C._ The sentence Dubitanti mihi, etc.
_T._ Still, construe “quod” literally. _C. A thing which._
_T._ Where is _a thing?_ _C._ It is understood.
_T._ Well, but put it in. _C._ Illud quod.
_T._ Is that right? what is the common phrase? _C. is silent._
_T._ Did you ever see “illud quod” in that position? is it the phrase? _C. is silent._
_T._ It is commonly “id quod,” isn’t it? id quod. _C._ Oh, I recollect, id quod.
_T._ Well, which is more common, “quod,” or “id quod,” when the sentence is the antecedent? _C._ I think “id quod.”
_T._ At least it is far more distinct; yes, I think it is more common. What could you put instead of it? _C._ Quod quidem.
_T._ Now, dubitanti mihi; what is “mihi” governed by? _C._ Accessit.
_T._ Does “accessit” govern the dative? _C._ I thought it did.
_T._ Well, it may; but would Cicero use the dative after it? what is the more common practice with words of motion? Do you say, Venit mihi, _he came to me_? _C._ No, Venit ad me;—I recollect.
_T._ That is right; venit ad me. Now, for instance, “incumbo:” what case does “incumbo” govern? _C._ Incumbite remis?
_T._ Where is that? in Cicero? _C._ No, in Virgil. Cicero uses “in”; I recollect, incumbere in opus … ad opus.
_T._ Well, then, _is_ this “mihi” governed by “accessit”? _what_ comes after accessit? _C._ I see; it is, accessit ad tollendam dubitationem.
_T._ That is right; but then, what after all do you do with “mihi”? how is it governed? _C. is silent._