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[116] The three curious adverbs are “ἅπαξ λεγόμενα” in Greek — evidently ‘noncewords’ formed for the sake of the jingle on the analogy of “ἔσαντα” and “ἔναντα”, and meaning no more than “ἀνά, κατά, παρά”. The first two have, however, the corresponding adjectives “ἀνάντης” and “κατάντης” in classical Greek. Uphill, downhill, along-hill, and across will give the sense — we need not inquire too closely into the difference between the last two. The line has attained a fame, perhaps beyond its merits, as an imitation of the sound of the stamping feet.

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

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