[548] The superlative _dextimus_ does not differ in meaning from the positive _dexter_. See Zumpt, S 114, note 1. [549] _Minime cari_; that is, _maxime viles_, 'who were most indifferent,' or 'valueless to him,' whose lives he was least inclined to spare. [550] 'As if he had not placed (there) any commander.' _Imponere_, used absolutely, 'to appoint;' namely, in the place spoken of. _Nullo_ for _nemine_, the ablative as well as the genitive of _nemo_ not being in use. [551] _Cogebat_; supply _armatos intentosque esse_. [552] Construe _neque secus castra munire, atque iter facere_; that is, his care in securing the camp was as great as that which he displayed in marching. [553] The singular _in porta_ is here used because the author is speaking especially of that gate which faced the enemy (the _porta praetoria_ opposite the _porta decumana_). At this gate a strong body of outposts (_excubitores_) was stationed, consisting of the most trustworthy soldiers. [554] _Futurum, quae imperavisset_, an old-fashioned mode of speaking for _futura esse, quae_. Besides this passage, there is no other certain instance of such an expression in the classical writers of Rome; but the grammarian Gellius has proved, by many examples, that in the earlier times it was by no means uncommon. [555] 'Than that the exertion, if equally shared with them (soldiers) by the commander, should be agreeable to the soldiers.' _Aliquid mihi est volenti_. See p. 139, note 1 [note 441]. [556] _Malum_ is here the same as 'punishment,' or _poena_. [557] _Nisi tamen_ introduces a modification or limitation of the doubt expressed before respecting the real motive of Marius's indulgence. Compare p. 92, note 2 [note 153].