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[471] ἐπάρχεσθαι denotes the libation of a few drops taken by a ladle from the mixing bowl, “κρητήρ”, and poured into the drinking cups (“δεπάεσσιν” being a locative dat.). “ἄρχεσθαι” is particularly used of ritual acts of all sorts, and “ἐπί” implies ‘going round’ the guests. They first poured out these drops to the gods and then had their cups filled to drink. (See Buttmann Lexil. p. 169, and M. and R. on Od. 3.340.) The difficulty here is that the libation is mentioned when the drinking is ended (“πόσιος” 469), contrary to the rule. The whole passage from 451 to 486 entirely consists of lines or phrases appearing elsewhere, except 456, 472, 474, 478; and it seems to be betrayed by this oversight as an unskilfully made cento — unless, with Düntzer, it be preferred to reject 469-74 altogether. Ar. athetized 474 partly because he did not allow the meaning sing to “μέλπειν” (see on 13.637), partly on account of the tautology; and the two participles, with “κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν” interposed evidently by an adaptation of 22.391, are certainly awkward.

The Iliad, edited, with apparatus criticus, prolegomena, notes, and appendices. Walter Leaf. London. Macmillan. 1900.

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