09-20-2007, 03:18 AM
Paul McDonnell-Staff wrote: It would seem in each case that rather than "the State" (presumably in the form of the Senate) providing arms etc, the senate directs an individual, usually one or both consuls, to equip and arm the army he is raising. This implies that the individual may be the one paying for the arming.
No Paul, it does not imply this. It merely shows the responsibilities of a consul---he oversaw the arming of his troops. Dionysius X 24 “Quintius, when he learned that he had been appointed dictator, far from being pleased at receiving so great an honour, was actually vexed, and said: "This year's crop too will be ruined, then, because of my official duties, we shall all go dreadfully hungry." X 25. And when the senate wanted him (Quintius) to accept as much of the conquered land as he wished, together with slaves and money out of the spoils, and to relieve his poverty with deserved riches which he had acquired most honourably from the enemy by his own toils, he refused to do so. Also when his friends and relations offered him magnificent gifts and placed their greatest happiness in assisting such a man, he thanked them for their zeal, but would accept none of their presents. Instead, he retired again to that small farm of his and resumed his life of a farmer working his own land in preference to the life of a king, glorying more in his poverty than others in their riches.â€
No Paul, it does not imply this. It merely shows the responsibilities of a consul---he oversaw the arming of his troops. Dionysius X 24 “Quintius, when he learned that he had been appointed dictator, far from being pleased at receiving so great an honour, was actually vexed, and said: "This year's crop too will be ruined, then, because of my official duties, we shall all go dreadfully hungry." X 25. And when the senate wanted him (Quintius) to accept as much of the conquered land as he wished, together with slaves and money out of the spoils, and to relieve his poverty with deserved riches which he had acquired most honourably from the enemy by his own toils, he refused to do so. Also when his friends and relations offered him magnificent gifts and placed their greatest happiness in assisting such a man, he thanked them for their zeal, but would accept none of their presents. Instead, he retired again to that small farm of his and resumed his life of a farmer working his own land in preference to the life of a king, glorying more in his poverty than others in their riches.â€
