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[338] The contrast intended would naturally be expressed by “ἑταίρους μὲν σῦς ἔθηκας ἐμὲ δ᾽ αὐτὸν κελεύεις κ.τ.λ.” For a similar loose opposition introduced by “μέν” and “δέ” cp. Il.4. 123“νευρὴν μὲν μαζῷ πέλασεν, τόξῳ δὲ σίδηρον”, where formal accuracy requires “μαζῷ μὲν νευρήν”. But the antithesis is really given equally well in the present passage by the juxtaposition of ἑταίρους and αὐτόν.

350-1. These verses look much like a later addition (see crit. note), for the present γίγνονται is very awkward, and the words read like a description of Naiads, Dryads, and Nereids. With “γίγνονται” Ameis compares such presents as “πέλονται” Od.5. 79, “φαίνονται” Od.16. 161, “χρίεται” Od.18. 194, as expressing certain general customs of the gods: but the cases are hardly parallel. The four maidens may possibly be intended to symbolise the seasons, and would as such be appropriate attendants on Circe, the daughter of the Sun, as Scholl. Q. V. B. suggest: “οἱ δὲ ἀλληγοροῦσι Κίρκην μὲν λέγοντες τὸν ἐνιαυτὸν, τέσσαρας δὲ θεραπαινίδας τὰς ὥρας”. According to this idea, we have Spring spreading her carpet of grass and flowers; Summer bringing her store of fruit and corn; Autumn supplying her wine; and Winter lighting the fire on the hearth.

Homer's Odyssey. W. Walter Merry. James Riddell. D. B. Monro. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1886-1901.

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