e to its meaning,
which was undoubtedly some physical truth connected with the ether
and the atmosphere.--E.P.P.

38. [The reader, in order that he may partake with the gods in the
drollery of this scene, should observe that the crippled and
distorted Vulcan had thrust himself into an office at all other
times administered either by Hebe or Ganymede.--TR.]

39. As Minerva or Wisdom was among the company, the poet's making
Vulcan act the part of peace-maker, would appear to have been from
choice, knowing that a mirthful person may often stop a quarrel, by
making himself the subject of merriment.

Footnotes for Book II:
1. The poem now becomes more exciting; the language more animated; the
descriptions more lively and figurative. Homer seems to kindle with
his subject, and to press all the phenomena of nature into his
service for the purpose of illustration and adornment. Jupiter
prepares to keep his promise of avenging Achilles, by drawing
Agamemnon into a deceitful expectation of taking the city. The
forces are arranged for battle, which gives occasion for the
celebrated catalogue.--FELTON.

2. The whole action of the Dream is natural. It takes the figure of
one much beloved by Agamemnon, as the object that is most in our
thoughts when awake, is the one that oftenest appears to us in our
dreams, and just at the instant of its vanishing, leaves so strong
an impression, that the voice seems still sounding in his ear.

The Dream also repeats the words of Jupiter without variation,
which is considered as a great propriety in delivering a message
from the father of gods and men.

3. King of Pylus, an ancient city of Elis.

4. [Agamemnon seems to entertain some doubts lest the army should so
resent his treatment of their favorite Achilles, as to be
indisposed to serve him.--TR.]

5. [Mercury.]

6. [Argus.]

7. Homer, in a happy and poetical manner, acquaints us with the high
descent of Agamemnon, and traces the origin of his power to the
highest source, by saying, that the sceptre had descended to him
from the hand of Jupiter.

8. The power of Agamemnon as a monarch refers to his being the leader
of an army. According to the form of royalty in the heroic age, a
king had only the power of a magistrate, except as he held the
office of priest. Aristotle defines a king as a Leader of war, a
Judge of controversies, and Pr