Latin Literature Messalina Lines 17-26

se caelibem, orbum, nuptiis et adoptando Britannico paratum.

He was single, childless, ready for marriage and adopting Britannicus.

Eandem Messalinae potentiam mansuram esse, addita securitate, si praevenirent Claudium, qui insidiis incautus sed ad iram celer esset.

For Messalina, the same power would remain, with added security, if they forestalled Claudius, who was oblivious to treachery but swift to anger.

Messalina, non amore in maritum, sed verita ne Silius summa adeptus se sperneret, diu haesitavit; sed tandem persuasum.

Messalina hesitated for a long time, not because of love towards her husband, but fearing that Silius, if he obtained supreme power, might spurn her; but finally, she was persuaded.

Nomen enim matrimonii concupivit ob magnitudinem infamiae.

For she craved the title of marriege because of the magnitude of the ignominy.

NEc ultra morata quam dum sacrificii gratia Claudius Ostiam proficisceretur, cuncta nuptiarum sollemnia celebrat.

Not delaying any further than until Claudius set out for Ostia for a sacrifice, she celebrated all the rites of marriage.

Caelibem, orbum, nuptiis… paratum.: Line 17/18

This is asyndeton, which emphasises Silius’s eligibility for marriage.

adoptando Britannico: Line 18

Inclusion of this by Tactitus shows how Silius wants to be head of the imperial family - may be marrying her just for personal gains.

‘Addita securitate.’ Line 19

This means that Messalina would have more power if she married Silius now leading to Claudius finding out, rather than waiting for Claudius to find out.

‘Insidiis incautus’ Line 20

The repetition of ‘n’ emphasises the treachery as this is often used to suggest plotting.

‘Non amore in maritum’ Line 21

This phrase is included a) to remind that it should be the reason and b) to show the disgrace as she doesn’t love her husband.

‘Silius summa’ :Line 21/22

Shows how Messalina is insecure about her relationship - doesn’t trust him

‘Se spernet’ Line 22

Sibilance emphasises her insecurity/hostility to Silius.