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[226] βράσσων: the comp. of “βραχύς”, for “βραχjων”, though the adj. is not found elsewhere in H. The sense will be, ‘his mind does not reach so far,’ he is ‘shorter of sight’ as we should say. It has generally been referred to “βραδύς”, which gives a better sense, as quickness of perception is the point in 224; but “βραδ-jων” could only make “βράζων”. It was probably the knowledge of this which led Aristarchos to the strange idea that “βράσσων” is a participle meaning ‘confused,’ ‘perturbed,’ “ταρασσόμενος. λεπτή”: only here and 23.590 (the same phrase) in a metaphorical sense. It means thin, narrow, cf. Od. 6.264 “λεπτὴ εἰσίθμη”, and is very different from the familiar Attic sense subtle. Even if one alone does mark, his ideas are ‘short and thin’ compared with those of a pair of men.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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