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[43] οἵ τε κυβερν̂ηται, sc. “ἔσαν”, the subst. verb being omitted as so often in a relative clause. οἴηϊα, steering-oars, only here in Il., see M. & R. Od. p. 544. If it were not for the predominant interest in questions of feeding shewn throughout the book, one would suppose 43-44 to be a later gloss. As it is, the author seems to have thought it right that the all-important commissariat department should not lack its bard. He therefore explains that the non-combatants are employed as helmsmen when at sea and as superintendents of supply on shore. They are usually too much engaged in official duties, it seems, to waste time in attending assemblies.

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

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