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[216] μάχη seems to be used here in a concrete sense, as in old English, of the embattled hosts: the battle was ranged in order, i.e. the lines were re-formed. Cf. 12.43, 15.303. It will be noticed that from ἐν δ᾽ Ἀγαμέμνων to 220 the expressions used would naturally apply only to the opening of the battle (cf. 91-2, and note “πρῶτος” in 219). Erhardt suggests that we have here what was originally a parallel “ἀριστεία” to that beginning with 91-2. It would seem more reasonable, on Erhardt's theory of the addition of 163-215, or rather of 181215 only (see on 163-4), to suppose that a few lines had been added here from existing material (compare 218-9 with 14.508-9, 218 = 2.484) in order to effect the return to the original story.

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

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