t of land as a reward. When Sarpedon, in the 12th Book,
exhorts Glaucus to behave valiantly, he reminds him of these
possessions granted by his countrymen.

16. The laws of hospitality were considered so sacred, that a
friendship contracted under their observance was preferred to the
ties of consanguinity and alliance, and regarded as obligatory even
to the third and fourth generation. Diomede and Glaucus here became
friends, on the ground of their grandfathers having been mutual
guests. The presents made on these occasions were preserved by
families, as it was considered obligatory to transmit them as
memorials to their children.

17. [{Xeinoi patroioi}.]

18. The Scaean gate opened to the field of battle, and was the one
through which the Trojans made their excursions. Close to this
stood the beech tree sacred to Jupiter, and often mentioned in
connection with it.

19. There is a mournfulness in the interview between the hero and his
mother which is deeply interesting. Her urging him to take wine and
his refusal were natural and simple incidents, which heighten the
effect of the scene.--FELTON.

20. The custom that prohibits persons polluted with blood from
performing any offices of divine worship before purification, is so
ancient and universal, that it may be considered a precept of
natural religion, tending to inspire a horror of bloodshed. In
Euripides, Iphigenia argues the impossibility of human sacrifices
being acceptable to the gods, since they do not permit any one
defiled with blood, or even polluted with the touch of a dead body,
to come near their altars.

21. Paris surprised the King of Phoenecia by night, and carried off
many of his treasures and captives, among whom probably were these
Sidonian women. Tyre and Sidon were famous for works in gold,
embroidery, etc., and for whatever pertained to magnificence and
luxury.

22. This gesture is the only one described by Homer as being used by
the ancients in their invocations of the gods.

23. [{dia theaon}.]

24. The employment in which Hector finds Paris engaged, is extremely
characteristic.--FELTON.

25. This address of Helen is in fine keeping with her
character.--FELTON.

26. [The bulk of his heroes is a circumstance of which Homer
frequently reminds us by the use of the word {megas}--and which
ought, therefore, by no means to be suppressed.--TR.]