Helen, which
the sight of her countrymen, and the recollection of her home, her
child, her companions, excite in her bosom, are among the most
skilful touches of natural feeling.--FELTON.

12. The character of a benevolent old man is well preserved in Priam's
behavior to Helen. Upon observing her confusion, he attributes the
misfortunes of the war to the gods alone. This sentiment is also
natural to old age. Those who have had the longest experience of
life, are the most inclined to ascribe the disposal of all things
to the will of Heaven.

13. This view of the Grecian leaders from the walls of Troy, is
admired as an episode of great beauty, and considered a masterly
manner of acquainting the reader with the figure and qualifications
of each hero.

14. Helen sees no where in the plain her two brothers Castor and
Pollux. Her inquiry is a natural one, and her self-reproach
naturally suggests her own disgrace as the cause of their not
appearing among the other commanders. The two lines in which the
poet mentions their death are simple and touching.--FELTON.

15. Homer here gives the whole ceremonial of the solemn oath, as it
was then observed by the nations of whom he writes.

16. It must be borne in mind that sacrificing was the most solemn act
of religion, and that kings were also chief-priests.

17. The armor of both Greeks and Trojans consisted of six portions,
and was always put on in the order here given. The greaves were for
the defence of the legs. They were made of some kind of metal, and
probably lined with cloth or felt. The cuirass or corselet for the
body, was made of horn cut in thin pieces and fastened upon linen
cloth, one piece overlapping another. The sword hung on the left
side by means of a belt which passed over the right shoulder. The
large round shield, sometimes made of osiers twisted together and
covered with several ox-hides, and bound round the edge with metal.
In the Homeric times it was supported by a belt; subsequently a
band was placed across the inner side, in which the left arm was
inserted, and a strong leather strap fastened near the edge at
certain distances, which was grasped by the hand. The helmet, made
of metal and lined with felt. Lastly the spear, and in many cases
two. The heavy-armed soldiery were distinguished from the light.
The covering of the latter consisted of skins, and