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292.
When two qualities of an object are compared,
both adjectives are in the Comparative: -
- longior quam latior acies erat (Liv. xxvii. 48), the
line was longer than it was broad (or, rather long than broad).
- vérior quam grátior (id. xxii. 38), more true
than agreeable.
NOTE: So also with adverbs: as, - libentius quam vérius (Mil. 78), with
more freedom than truth.
a. Where magis is used, both adjectives are in the
positive: -
- disertus magis quam sapiéns (Att. x. 1. 4), eloquent
rather than wise.
- clárí magis quam honestí (Iug. 8), more renowned than
honorable.
NOTE: A comparative and a positive, or even two positives, are
sometimes connected by quam. This use
is rarer and less elegant than those before noticed: -
- clárís mâióribus quam vetustís
(Tac. Ann. iv. 61), of a family more famous than old.
- vehementius quam cauté
(Tac. Agr. 4), with more fury than good heed.