without measure. This custom was much more ancient than the time of
the Trojan war, and we find it practised in the banquet given by
Joseph to his brethren.

13. [Diverse interpretations are given of this passage. I have adopted
that which to me appeared most plausible. It seems to be a caution
against the mischiefs that might ensue, should the horses be put
under the management of a driver with whom they were
unacquainted.--The scholium by Villoisson much countenances this
solution.--TR.]

14. [Here Nestor only mentions the name of Ereuthalion, knowing the
present to be an improper time for story-telling; in the seventh
book he relates his fight and victory at length. This passage may
serve to confute those who charge Nestor with indiscriminate
loquacity.--TR.]

15. The first Theban war, previously alluded to, took place
twenty-seven years before the war of Troy. Sthenelus here speaks of
the second, which happened ten years after the first. For an
account of these wars see Grecian and Roman Mythology.

16. This is a most animated description. The onset, the clashing of
spears, the shield pressed to shield, the tumult of the battle, the
shouts and groans of the slayer and the dying--all are described in
words, the very sound of which conveys the terrible meaning. Then
come the exploits performed by individual heroes. The student must
bear in mind, that the battles of the heroic age depended in a
great measure upon the prowess of single chieftains. Hence the
appropriateness of the following enumeration.--FELTON.

17. So called from the river Simois, near which he was born. It was an
eastern custom to name children from the most remarkable accident
of their birth. The Scriptures furnish many examples. In the Old
Testament princes were also compared to trees, and Simoeisius is
here resembled to a poplar.

18. Homer occasionally puts his readers in mind of Achilles, and finds
occasion to celebrate his valor with the highest praise. Apollo
here tells the Trojans they have nothing to fear, since Achilles
fights not.

19. [{Akrokomoi}. They wore only a lock of hair on the crown of the
head.]

Footnotes for Book V:
1. In each battle there is one prominent person who may be called the
hero of the day. This arrangement preserves unity, and helps to fix
the attention of the reader. The gods sometimes favor one hero, and