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[98] αὐτίκα, his mother's word taken up and repeated with emphasis. ἄρ᾽ ἔμελλον, we ought probably to read “ἄρα μέλλον” for the rhythm, as the text introduces the forbidden caesura into the fourth foot. Achilles says, Let me die at once, since it was not my lot to succour my comrade as he fell; it was his fault that he was not at hand in the hour of need (“οὐ γενόμην φάος” 102), and he will gladly expiate it by his death. Platt (J. P. xxi. 41) translates, ‘Then may I die immediately after, since otherwise it appears I was not destined to have avenged Patroclus.’ But the pres. part. κτεινομένωι shews that there can be no idea of avenging subsequently in “ἐπαμῦναι”. This famous passage was much quoted in ancient times, notably by Plato Apol. 28 C. For Aischines see App. Crit.

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

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    • Plato, Apology, 28c
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