be added, that if the providence of heavenly
powers to their creatures is expressed by the love of a mother to
her child, if men in regard to them are but as sleeping infants,
and the dangers that seem so great to us, as easily warded off as
the simile implies, the conception appears sublime, however
insignificant the image may at first seem in regard to a hero.

8. From this we learn that the Lydians and Carians were famous for
their skill in dying purple, and that their women excelled in works
of ivory; and also that there were certain ornaments that only
kings and princes were privileged to wear.

9. This speech of Agamemnon over his wounded brother, is full of noble
power and touching eloquence. The Trojans have violated a truce
sanctioned by a solemn sacrifice to the gods. The reflection that
such perjury cannot pass with impunity, but that Jove will, sooner
or later, punish it, occurs first to the mind of the warrior. In
the excitement of the moment, he predicts that the day will surely
come when sacred Troy shall fall. From this impetuous feeling his
mind suddenly returns to the condition of his brother, and imagines
with much pathos, the consequences that will follow from his death,
and ends with the wish, that the earth may open before him when
that time shall come.--FELTON.

10. The poet here changes the narration, and apostrophises the reader.
Critics commend this figure, as the reader then becomes a
spectator, and his mind is kept fixed on the action.

11. In the following review of the army, we see the skill of an
accomplished general as well as the characters of the leaders whom
Agamemnon addresses. He begins with an address to the army in
general, and then turns to individuals. To the brave he urges their
secure hopes of conquest, since the gods must punish perjury; to
the timid, their inevitable destruction if the enemy should burn
their ships. After this he flies from rank to rank, skilfully
addressing each ally, and presents a lively picture of a great mind
in the highest emotion.

12. The ancients usually in their feasts divided to the guests in
equal portions, except they took particular occasion to show
distinction. It was then considered the highest mark of honor to be
allotted the best portion of meat and wine, and to be allowed an
exemption from the laws of the feast in drinking wine unmingled and