[149] ἄνασσα. This form of address is only elsewhere used in Homer of Demeter, Il.14. 326, and Athena, Od.3. 380.There is thus a special compliment implied in the application of it to a woman.
Compare with the sentiment Virg. Aen.1. 331‘quam te memorem, virgo? namque haud tibi vultus mortalis, nec vox hominem sonat; o dea certe,an Phoebi soror, an nympharum sanguinis una?’ Also Ovid, Ov. Met.4. 312‘qui te genuere beati,
et frater felix, et fortunata profecto
si qua tibi soror est, et quae dedit ubera nutrix.’
