Homeric and the early ages of the Bible history, to which I have
adverted. It is real and important; it affords a standard of the
feelings with which we ought to read the Iliad, if we mean to read
it as it deserves; and it explains and sets in the true point of
view numberless passages, which the ignorance or frivolity of
after-times has charged with obscurity, meanness or error. The Old
Testament and the Iliad reflect light mutually on each other; and
both in respect of poetry and morals (for the whole of Homer's
poetry is a praise of virtue, and every thing in him tends to this
point, except that which is merely superfluous and for ornament) it
may with great truth be said, that he who has the longest studied,
and the most deeply imbibed, the spirit of the Hebrew Bible, will
the best understand and the most lastingly appreciate the tale of
Troy divine.--H.N. COLERIDGE.

9. [I have given this sense to the word {Zoroteron}--on the authority
of the Venetian Scholium, though some contend that it should be
translated--_quickly_. Achilles, who had reproached Agamemnon with
intemperate drinking, was, himself, more addicted to music than to
wine.]--TR.

10. [It is not without authority that I have thus rendered {kreion
mega}. Homer's banquets are never stewed or boiled; it cannot
therefore signify a kettle. It was probably a kitchen-table,
dresser, or tray, on which the meat was prepared for the spit.
Accordingly we find that this very meat was spitted afterward.--See
Schaufelbergerus.]--TR.

11. There are no speeches in the Iliad better placed, better timed, or
that give a greater idea of Homer's genius than these of the
ambassadors to Achilles. They are not only demanded by the
occasion, but skilfully arranged, and in a manner that gives
pleasure to the reader.

12 [Dacier observes, that he pluralizes the one wife of Menelaus,
through the impetuosity of his spirit.]--TR.

13. According to some ancient writers, Achilles was but twelve years
of age when he went to the wars of Troy. And from what is here
related of his education under Phoenix, it may be inferred, that
the fable of his having been taught by Chiron is an invention of a
later age and unknown to Homer.

14. The ancients gave the name of Jupiter not only to the God of
heaven, but also to the God of hell, as is seen here; and to the
God of the sea, as appears