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[385] οὔ τι μάχης ἐπεδεύετ᾽ Ἀχαιῶν, he was not behindhand (never hung back) from the battle of (against) the Achaians, a curious variation of a phrase which recurs several times (13.310, with note, 17.142, 23.670). The harshness is in the constr. of the gen. “Ἀχαιῶν”. We may indeed take this not as dependent on “μάχης” but as co-ordinate with it after “ἐπεδεύετο”, he did not fall short of the Achaians in battle; cf. 23.483 “ἄλλά τε πάντα δεύεαι Ἀργείων”. But this alternative is as harsh as the former and gives a weaker sense. Owing to this difficulty it is fashionable to reject the line altogether. But this resource cannot be commended; it is far more natural that Hermes, having soothed Priam's fears, should be the first to shew that he recognizes him, than that Priam, who is anxious to pass unnoticed, should accidentally betray himself, as would be the case if the words “σὸς πάϊς” were omitted. There is no reason for Priam to express surprise at the recognition; he has been face to face with the Greek host only a few days before (in “Γ”).

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

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