In margine a Tib. I 3 (e a un ipotesto terenziano)

In Tibullus I 3,4 the secondary reading mors precor atra has been sometimes preferred to mors modo nigra of the better manuscripts: the epithet atra seems more commonly associated with death and the position and meaning of modo are hardly convincing. The paper, discussing Tibullus’ and other poets’ use of colour terms, their stylistic value and the recurrence of the adverb in commands and requests, provides evidence pertinent to modo nigra. Furthermore, the last scene of the elegy (vv. 83-92), reminiscent of Ter. Haut. 275-307, can support the reading passus in Haut. 290.