Question

The best translation of neque saxīs neque terra (line 5) is A) whether with rocks or earth B) either with rocks or earth

C) with both rocks and earth D) with neither rocks nor earth

Answer 1

The correct translation of 'neque saxīs neque terra' is 'with neither rocks nor earth', as 'neque...neque' in Latin translates to 'neither...nor' in English, indicating the absence of both elements mentioned.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best translation of neque saxīs neque terra (line 5) is D) with neither rocks nor earth.

In Latin, the word neque...neque is a correlative conjunction that is used to express a negative connection between two clauses or phrases. It specifically means 'neither...nor'. In this context, it's used to indicate that the described action is not happening with rocks (saxīs) nor with earth (terra).

Thus, the phrase is used to deny the presence or use of both things at once. It's important to note that the Latin conjunctions neque...neque directly translate to 'neither...nor' in English, which is a clear indication that option D is the correct translation.