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[588] Aristonikos remarks that the description of Menelaos as a μαλθακὸξ αἰχμητ́ηξ is placed in the mouth of an enemy, and is not to be regarded as the poet's own; for he elsewhere calls him “ἀρηΐφιλος”. This is no doubt in allusion to Plato Symp. 174B “Ὅμηρος ποιήσας τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονα διαφερόντως ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα τὰ πολεμικά, τὸν δὲ Μενέλεων μαλθακὸν αἰχμητήν”. It is, however, true that there is often something disparaging in the way in which Menelaos is spoken of, though in action he always proves better than his reputation.

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

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    • Plato, Symposium, 174b
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