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[140] ἀτρύγετος, as an epithet of the sea, is commonly connected with “τρυγᾶν”, ‘to gather in the fruits,’ the word thus meaning ‘unharvested,’ ‘barren,’ in contrast with the land, which is “πολύφορβος”, Il.14. 200.(In Il.17. 425“ἀτρύγετος” is used as an epithet of “αἰθήρ”.) This was the general view of the older commentators, but Herodian is quoted as referring the word to “τρύω” and understanding by it “ἀκαταπόνητος”, ‘inexhaustible,’ ‘not to be wearied.’ Curtius s.v. is not indisposed to adopt this rendering, supposing the form to come through “ἀτρύϝετος”, and applying the meaning to the restless waves. Others connect “ἀτρύγετος” with “τρύζειν”, understanding by it the ‘murmuring’ or ‘seething’ sound of the sea. But this signification is not applicable to “αἰθήρ”.

πέμψω expresses rather her inability than her refusal to obey the order “ἀποπεμπέμεν” sup. 112. ‘I cannot send him away, for I have no ships.’

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

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