with a point, fitted
to the obtuse end of the spear, for the purpose of planting that
end of it in the ground. It might probably be taken off at
pleasure.]--TR.

5. The dogs represent the watch, the flocks the Greeks, the fold their
camp, and the wild beast that invades them, Hector. The place,
position, and circumstances are represented with the utmost life
and nature.

6. [_Sable_, because the expedition was made by night, and _each with
a lamb_, as typical of the fruit of their labors.]--TR.

7. It required some address in Diomede to make a choice without
offending the Grecian princes, each one of whom might consider it
an indignity to be refused such a place of honor. Diomede,
therefore, chose Ulysses, not for his valor, but for his wisdom. On
this point, the other leaders all yielded to him.

8. The heroes are well armed for their design. Ulysses has a bow and
arrows, that he may be able to wound the enemy at a distance, and
Diomede a two-edged sword. They both have leathern helmets, as the
glittering of the metal might betray them to the enemy.

9. [Autolycus was grandfather of Ulysses by the mother's side.]--TR.

10. Making these military presents to brave adventurers was an ancient
custom. "Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him,
and gave it to David; and his garments, even to his sword, and his
bow, and his girdle." 1 Sam. xviii. v.

11. These lines show how careful the poet always was to be true to
nature. The little circumstance that they could not _see_ the
heron, but only heard him, stamps the description with an air of
verisimilitude which is at once recognized.--FELTON.

12. This passage sufficiently justifies Diomede for his choice of
Ulysses. Diomede, who was most renowned for valor, might have given
a wrong interpretation to this omen, and have been discouraged from
proceeding in the attempt. For though it really signified that, as
the bird was not seen, but only heard, so they should not be
discovered by the Trojans, but perform actions of which all Troy
should hear with sorrow; yet, on the other hand, it might imply
that, as they discovered the bird by the noise of its wings, so the
noise they should make would betray them to the Trojans. Pallas
does not send the bird sacred to herself, but the heron, because
that is a bird of prey, and denoted that they should spoil the
Trojans.