[168] Of the two readings, “ἄλιστοι” is the better; throughout the hymn Hermes makes a point of being recognised as a god, to whom gifts and prayers belong. Moreover, “ἄπαστοι” is unsuitable; Hermes and his mother were not starving, with “ἀμφίπολοι”, and stores of nectar and ambrosia (248). Ridgeway (J. P. xvii. p. 109) need not have objected to the form “ἄλιστος”, although “ἄλλιστος” is elsewhere found (see L. and S. ); for the double form cf. “πολύλιστος” and “πολύλλιστος”.
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The Homeric Hymns, edited, with preface, apparatus criticus, notes, and appendices. Thomas W. Allen. E. E. Sikes. London. Macmillan. 1904.
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