ies are multitudinous between the
natural and intellectual sun; but Helios and Apollo were
two.--E.P.P.

2. There is something exceedingly venerable in this appearance of the
priest. He comes with the ensigns of the gods to whom he belongs,
with the laurel wreath, to show that he was a suppliant, and a
golden sceptre, which the ancients gave in particular to Apollo, as
they did one of silver to Diana.

3. The art of this speech is remarkable. Chryses considers the army of
Greeks, as made up of troops, partly from the kingdoms and partly
from democracies, and therefore begins with a distinction that
includes all. Then, as priest of Apollo, he prays that they may
obtain the two blessings they most desire--the conquest of Troy and
a safe return. As he names his petition, he offers an extraordinary
ransom, and concludes with bidding them fear the god if they refuse
it; like one who from his office seems to foretell their misery,
and exhorts them to shun it. Thus he endeavors to work by the art
of a general application, by religion, by interest, and the
insinuation of danger.

4. Homer is frequently eloquent in his silence. Chryses says not a
word in answer to the insults of Agamemnon, but walks pensively
along the shore. The melancholy flowing of the verse admirably
expresses the condition of the mournful and deserted father.

5. [So called on account of his having saved the people of Troas from
a plague of mice, _sminthos_ in their language meaning a
mouse.--TR.]

6. Apollo had temples at Chrysa, Tenedos, and Cilla, all of which lay
round the bay of Troas. Mueller remarks, that "the temple actually
stood in the situation referred to, and that the appellation of
Smintheus was still preserved in the district. Thus far actual
circumstances are embodied in the mythus. On the other hand, the
action of the deity as such, is purely ideal, and can have no other
foundation than the belief that Apollo sternly resents ill usage of
his priests, and that too in the way here represented, viz., by
sending plagues. This belief is in perfect harmony with the idea
generally entertained of the power and agency of Apollo; and it is
manifest that the idea placed in combination with certain events,
gave birth to the story so far as relates to the god. We have not
yet the means of ascertaining whether it is to be regarded as a
historical