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[111] It has been supposed that Hera's guile lies in substituting σ῀ης γενέθλης for “σεῦ”, answering to the “ἐμεῦ” of 105. The oath is thus made to include all Zeus' descendants as well as his immediate offspring. But γενε̂ης (105) seems to shew that Zeus meant his words to be taken in the wider sense; “ἐξ ἐμεῦ εἰσίν” does not necessarily imply actual fatherhood. It is simpler and sufficient to suppose that the “ἄτη” lies in Zeus' rashness in swearing an unconditional oath, limited to a single day, forgetting that Hera's functions gave her some control in these matters. The rhythm seems to shew that we must construe “ἔξεισιν αἵματος σῆς γενέθλης”, are sprung of the blood of thy stock. Cf., however, Od. 13.130 “Φαίηκες, τοί πέρ τε ἐμῆς ἔξεισι γενέθλης”, which is in favour of taking “αἵματος” by itself, as in 105. In the same way we have “ἔξειμι” in 6.100, 24.377, 387, 397, note.

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

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