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[327] φρένας ἐκπεπαταγμένος is a somewhat difficult phrase. The word “πατάσσω” is used of the beating of the heart from fear ( Il.7. 216. Il., 13. 282) or excitement ( Il.23. 370): hence the meaning might be ‘frightened out of his wits,’ or else ‘stirred to madness.’ Two MSS. have ἐκπεπετασμένος, and perhaps a better sense, or at least one more suitable to the context, may be obtained by connecting this word with the obscure “πετάσειε” of l. 160. If “πετάννυμι” said of the mind means ‘to set agog’ or ‘intoxicate,’ the participle would express the restless excitement that Melantho complains of.

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