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ἔφη—when long passages of Oratio Obliqua are attempted in Greek, the verb of ‘saying’ is frequently repeatcd. The structure of this c. is similar to II. 13. ξενοτροφοῦντας—these mercenaries were partly Sicel, partly Arcadian. Mercenary service was traditional among the Arcadians. It only became general in Greece after the Pel. war. The Pel. employed many—probably 3000—in 426 against Demosthenes in Aetolia, and Brasidas had 1000 in Thrace. Cf. c. 19.4. ἐν περιπολίοις—forts for the protection of the open country, with home-garrisons, as distinct from στρατειαί. Cf. VI. 45 of the Syr., ἐς τὰ περιπόλια τὰ ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ φρουρὰς ἐσεκόμιζον. ἔτι—besides. βόσκοντας—when used of men, βόσκειν implies contempt or trouble. Cf. Herod. VI. 39 βόσκων ἐπικούρους. The participles belong to ἀπορεῖν and ἀμηχανήσειν alike. τὰ μὲν ἀπορεῖν κ.τ.λ.—were in difficulties, and would hereafter be at a loss. ἀπορεῖν refers to want of money, ἀμηχανήσειν to the diminution of their παρασκευὴ which would result from this ἀπορία. ἔτι—with the future is used thus in threats and prophecies. ἤν τε . . . ἐκλίπωσι—contrast c. 13.1 εἰ ἀφαιρήσομέν τι καὶ βραχὺ τῆς τηρήσεως, and see on c. 8.1 for the difference in the protasis. τῆς νῦν παρασκευῆς—their present forces, depending on ὀτιοῦν. Of course the forces would fall off if the pay were not forthcoming. ἐπικουρικὰ—mercenaries would serve for anyone that hired them. But the Athenians served δι᾽ ἀνάγκης, as men compellcd by law and duty.
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