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[489] The authority of MSS. is in favour of ἐθέλεις against “ἐθέλοις”, which is adopted by many editors in order to maintain the formal correspondence with the apodosis “ἐελποίμην”. But Hector should assume Aineias' willingness, not imagine it as if it were a matter of doubt. In other words, Aineias' willingness is not really made a condition of Hector's hoping to take the steeds — that condition is already implied in the word “κακοῖσιν” (whether we read “τώ” or “τῶ”); the assumption that Aineias is willing to help is added as a matter of course. In 23.894, where a similar question occurs, the circumstances are different; see note there. ἐφορμηθέντε νῶϊ may be taken in two ways: (1) The participle and pronoun may be in agreement, both standing in the acc. In this we must assume a change in the construction; the sentence begins as though “τλαῖεν μεῖναι” or the like were to follow (cf. 1.534), and the verb is then changed for one which cannot govern an accusative. There is no analogy for construing “νῶϊ τλαῖεν”, face us. Or (2) we may take “ἐφορμηθέντε” as governing “νῶϊ”, they would not set upon us and dare to stand and face us. This is obviously involved; the dual part. has to be separated from the dual pronoun and put into awkward relation with the plur. στάντες, thus making the sentence very obscure; the party assailing must be opposed to, not identified with, those who stand their ground. This explanation is given by van L., who also reads “νῶϊν”; but “ἐφορμᾶσθαι” takes the acc., not the dat., see 15.691, 20.461. Thus the first explanation is to be preferred.

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

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