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[4] σάκε᾽ ὤμοισι κλίναντες, see 11.593, 13.488. In both these cases the formation is destined to receive a charge of the enemy. How it could serve in an advance is by no means clear, as the soldiers' right arms would be impeded. It may mean that the approach to the walls is a mere reconnaissance carried out with all defensive precautions. But even so we should rather have expected the “ὑψόσ᾽ ἀνασχόμενοι” of 12.138. Platt (J. P. xix. p. 48) suggests that the same phrase may indicate two different manœuvres. Here it might possibly imply throwing the shield back, so that the whole weight lay on the shoulders, as the Homeric warrior did when no attack was likely (8.94, 11.545). But this is not satisfactory.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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