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[209] οἵ τε, so MSS. This, however, is hardly to be explained except of the beleaguering force, as it is continuative of what immediately precedes, while “ἄστεος ἐκ σφετέρου” must refer to the besieged (it cannot mean ‘far from their own city,’ as that sense can only be given by “ἀπό”). Hence Heyne conj. “οἱ δέ”, which has been adopted by most editors; this will mean the besieged, as “δέ” gives the required change of subject, and all is plain — they have been striving all day in battle from their city-walls. The picture is no doubt taken from a sudden descent of pirates upon a small island town. Zen.'s “ἄστυ περὶ” (or “ποτὶ”) “σφέτερον” does not make things clearer.

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

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