I have two questions concerning #13 from the Practice & Review:
1) Is "Propter istam virtutem" also acceptable? Is there a difference in nuance between the meaning of "animi" and "virtus"?On account of that courage of yours those (men) will lead no troops into these places tomorrow.
Benissimus' Key: Propter istos animos, illi nullas copias in haec loca ducent.
My translation: Propter istam virtutem, illi nullas copias in hos locos ducent.
2) I understand why "haec loca" is a better translation, but I'm still confused by the vocabulary entry for locus, which is listed as masculine in the singular and masculine (and neuter?) in the plural. Why does the noun change gender in the plural? Are there other common "gender benders" like locus that I should be aware of?
Also, would someone please check my translation of the following sentences from the short passage exercise. I bolded the phrase that gave me trouble.
Thanks,Tolle, igitur, istas excusationes: "Nondum satis pecuniae habeo. Si quando illud satis habebo, tum me totum philosophiae dabo. Incipe nunc philosophiae, non pecuniae, studere.
My translation: Therefore, take away those excuses: "I don't yet have enough money. If I ever [will] have enough money, then I will give myself the whole of philosophy." Now begin devoting yourself to philosophy, not money.
Jeff