Apuleius - Apologia

The law courts did things differently 2000 years ago. Apuleius defends his modest possessions in a charge of witchcraft. Peram et baculam tu philosophis exprobrares. You would reproach philosophers with a satchel and a staff. Peram (satchel or bag ) is the a declension feminine noun in the accusative singular form. Et (and) Baculum (Staff or stick) is the o declension neuter noun in the accusative singular form. Tu (you). Exprobrares (would reproach) is the second person singular imperfect active subjunctive of "exprobrare." Philosophis (philosophers) is the dative plural form of "philosopha," being the indirect object of the action. NB the dative case is the recipient of the action, in this instance a criticism against the philosophers. The satchel and staff are the objects used to criticise. So the philosophers are being criticized in connection with the satchel and staff, not that the satchel and staff are being criticised with or for the philosophers.