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[592] “λείουσιν, ϝλίεσσιν” Brandreth, see on 5.782. A consonant has apparently been lost at the beginning of the word, but it is more probably “ς” than “ϝ” (Schulze Q. E. p. 70). The line would naturally describe the first assault upon the ships, after the crossing of the wall; it stands much less naturally of a renewed attack of an army which is already at the ships. The whole of the following passage in fact looks like an exordium to a new rhapsody. The prophetic character of 596-604 is rare in H., and has raised doubts as to its originality. Possibly 597-604 may be a later addition, designed to bring back the motive of the “Μῆνις” to the hearer's recollection after long oblivion.

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

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