2. The swarms of locusts that sometimes invade whole countries in the
East, have often been described. It seems that the ancient mode of
exterminating them was, to kindle a fire, and thus drive them into
a lake or river. The simile illustrates in the most striking manner
the panic caused by Achilles.--FELTON.

3. According to the Scholiast, Arisba was a city of Thrace, and near
to the Hellespont; but according to Eustathius, a city of Troas,
inhabited by a colony from Mitylene.

4. It was an ancient custom to cast living horses into rivers, to
honor, as it were, the rapidity of their streams.

5. This gives us an idea of the superior strength of Achilles. His
spear pierced so deep in the ground, that another hero of great
strength could not disengage it, but immediately after, Achilles
draws it with the utmost ease.

6. [{'Akrokelainioon}.--The beauty and force of this word are
wonderful; I have in vain endeavored to do it justice.]--TR.

7. [The reason given in the Scholium is, that the surface being
hardened by the wind, the moisture remains unexhaled from beneath,
and has time to saturate the roots.--See Villoisson.]--TR.

8. [{Amboladen}.]

9. Homer represents Aphrodite as the protector of AEneas, and in the
battle of the Trojans, Ares appears in a disadvantageous light; the
weakness of the goddess, and the brutal confidence of the god are
described with evident irony. In like manner Diana and the
river-god Scamander sometimes play a very undignified part. Apollo
alone uniformly maintains his dignity.--MULLER.

10. This is a very beautiful soliloquy of Agenor, such as would
naturally arise in the soul of a brave man going upon a desperate
enterprise. From the conclusion it is evident, that the story of
Achilles being invulnerable except in the heel, is an invention of
a later age.

Footnotes for Book XXII:
1. This simile is very striking. It not only describes the appearance
of Achilles, but is peculiarly appropriate because the star was
supposed to be of evil omen, and to bring with it disease and
destruction. So Priam beholds Achilles, splendid with the divine
armor, and the destined slayer of his son.--FELTON.

2. The usual cruelties practised in the sacking of towns. Isaiah
foretells to Babylon, that her children shall be dashed in pieces
by the Medes. David says to the same city, "Happy shall he be that
taket