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[274] σθένος ἕξομεν, a very obscure phrase explained by Ar. “τῆι βουλῆι κρατήσομεν”, in the assembly (sc. by deliberation) we shall find strength. This does not suit the acc. of duration “νύκτα”, as P. can hardly mean that they are to debate all night long. Hence it is generally taken to mean ‘through the night we will keep our force (army) in the place of assembly,’ instead of letting them disperse to their homes. This sense of “σθένος” is not Homeric; the word occurs only in the sense of physical force or in periphrasis, “σθένος Ὠρίωνος”. It is however found in Soph. Aj. 438 in a remotely analogous phrase (“ἐπελθὼν οὐκ ἐλάσσονι σθένει”). So in prose we have “παντὶ σθένει βοηθεῖν”, and “δύναμις” occurs in this sense in Herod. and It Xen. is better to understand ‘we will keep (husband) our strength (by resting) in the agora.’ The local use of “ἀγορή”= forum may be defended by Od. 6.266 and Od. 8.5 “Φαιήκων ἀγορήνδ᾽ ἥ σφιν παρὰ νηυσὶ τέτυκτο”. But the whole phrase smacks of post-Homeric diction.

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

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hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Homer, Odyssey, 6.266
    • Homer, Odyssey, 8.5
    • Sophocles, Ajax, 438
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