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[491] δὶς τόσσον. This must mean twice as far as the distance given in sup. 473. The design of Odysseus is to row out of range; but the expression introduces an inconsistency, for to be out of range of shot must be to be out of hearing, if the first position (473) is described as ὅσσον τε γέγωνε βοήσας. But that they were not out of hearing is implied by the intention of Odysseus to address the giant, “καὶ τότ̓ ἐγὼ Κ. προσηύδων”, and we have no right to add to the picture by supposing that the Cyclops had come down to the water's edge, or was even wading in the sea.

ἅλα πρήσσειν is analogous to “κέλευθον πρήσσειν” Od.13. 83; the commoner construction being “πρήσσειν ὁδοῖο” Od.3. 476.This usage is imitated in the later epicists, as “κώπῃσι διέπρησσον μέλαν ὕδωρ” Quint. Smyrn. 14. 404.

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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