Aeneid 3 Imp.pass. in middle sense

Latin Learning Latin
1

Hi everyone. I just would to understand this passage. Why " velare" is an impersonal passive in middle voice ? ( the commentators say that)

“Quin ubi transmissae steterint trans aequora classes
et positis aris iam vota in litore solves,
purpureo velare comas adopertus amictu, 405
ne qua inter sanctos ignis in honore deorum
hostilis facies occurrat et omina turbet.”

2

Hi Lucas,
Abbreviations can sometimes be confusing. This is an imperative being used in the middle sense of the passive, because Helenus is commanding Aeneas to cover his hair (i.e., do something to himself) when he performs the votive ritual. Covering one’s hair was a standard Roman practice when offering prayers or making sacrifices.

3

I originally took velare as the adjective from velaris… but of course it’s the passive imperative from velo. The question is how to explain the accusative comas when Latin passives do not take a direct object, and Vergil is mimicking the Greek middle voice, which can take an accusative. It is also sometimes explained as an accusative of respect, which is also more of a Greek usage than Latin. Vergil could rest assured that his primary audience, very familiar with Greek, would easily figure out what he was doing.

4

Page translates it as “Cover thou thy hair”. Perhaps hair is being used synecdochally (I think that’s a word!) for your head (caput), which in turn could mean yourself. I’m probably overthinking it. Ironically, the Greeks didn’t cover their heads during prayer or sacrifice.

5

thanks for your kind responses. I confused imperative with impersonal. Concerns ‘Adopertus’ the Aeneas’ body? Aeneas is already with the cloak ( in the body) and Helenus command him to cover the head with cloak’s veil ? Is that ?

6

I believe it is one garment. Aeneas is to wear a purple cloak (purpureo adopertus amictu) and cover his hair (comas velare) with it as well, when making his votive ritual. At least in later times, a Roman would pull up the top fold of his toga to cover his head. What Vergil is doing in these lines is showing the origin of this ritual practice.

7

thanks for your helpful answer. Yes, i was trying to say that ( cloak) and not veil in the body.