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[350] ἐπὶ οἴνοπα: so MSS.; Ar. “ἐπ᾽ ἀπείρονα”, perhaps on the ground that “οἴνοπα” is inconsistent with “πολιῆς”. But, if the epithets are to be pressed, it might be urged that there is very vivid truth in the contrast of the ‘purple deep’ with the greenish grey of the shallow water near the shore, which is almost always the meaning of “ἅλς.” 21.59 is almost the only exception. Ameis thinks that the ‘infinite’ sea intensifies the feeling of despair and desolation — a German rather than a Greek idea.

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

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