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[381] εἰ δ᾽ ἄγετ᾽ in apodosis as Od. 4.832, and see 24.407. “ πειρηθῶμεν ”, a late contracted form for “πειρηθἥομεν” (through -“έωμεν”). We may admit the possibility that “πειρηθῆτον” (10.444), and perhaps “ἀμερθῆις” (22.58), “ἰανθῆις” (19.174), “χολωθῆις” (9.33) and even “φανῆι” (9.707) may be instances of the primitive subj. with long stem-vowel (though the lateness of the books in which most of them are found is against this); but the same cannot be said of “δαῶμεν” (2.299), “μεθῶμεν” (10.449), “συνώμεθα” (13.381). For “νεμεσσηθῶμεν,” 24.53, see note there. There are no other instances from -“ε” stems in Iliad (7 in Od.). Thus there is very strong ground for doubting the antiquity of the form; and though γνῶμεν in the next line is much less suspicious in itself (H. G. § 81), it is not in good company, nor is either capable of emendation without violence: Brandreth's “πειρηθείω” (-“ήω”) . . “γνώω” is perhaps the best suggestion. The proposed evolution, too, is curious and hardly suits the situation; it seems to be a sort of ‘reconnaissance in force,’ let us make trial in arms round about the city. But this rather suits the temper of the tactical interpolator whom we already know (see on 2.362, 4.303, etc.) than of Achilles. The words will not bear the sense ‘let us try to storm the city,’ nor do 382-84 suit this. Hence Hoffmann, von Christ, Fick and others have good reason for rejecting 381-90. Moreover in the “Μῆνις” it seems that the body of Patroklos was not originally brought back to the ships at all (see Introd. to P). Other difficulties are noted below.

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

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