M&F Unit 17 Latin to English

[bingley]

Latin to English, Exercise I. 2

Unum illud timebam ne quid turpius facerem, vel dicam, iam efficissem

Unum illud – neuter singular accusative
timebam – 1st singular active imperfect indicative
turpius – neuter singular accusative adjective or comparative adverb
facerem – 1st singular active imperfect subjunctive
dicam -- 1st singular active future indicative or 1st singular active present subjunctive
efficissem -- 1st singular active pluperfect subjunctive

I was afraid of that one thing, that I would do something more foul, or let me say, I had already brought about.

But what does it mean? Any help or suggestions gratefully received.

[benissimus]

Your translation seems right, but using a "rather ____" construction for turpius would probably make more sense. The author feared that he might do something rather shameful(ly), or that he has already done it (without knowing). That is my interpretation.

[bingley]

In the cold light of day, that does seem the most reasonable interpretation. Thanks o bestest of men.

[RobertJS]

Just out of interest, this appears to be an adaptation of Cicero (Epist. Ad Att. IX.VII.1):

"Unum illud extimescebam, ne quid turpiter facerem vel dicam iam effecissem"