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[104] Considerable suspicion attaches to this line. γῆ for “γαῖα” is a rather late form (only three times again in Il., 15.24, 19.259, 21.63 (cf. 17.595), seven times in Od., but often in Hes.). ἡμεῖς (or “ἡμέες”?) is metrically assured in only three other places, 14.369, Od. 1.76, Od. 3.81, the older form being probably “ἡμές” uncontracted (Menrad Contr. p. 106). Finally, the mention of the third lamb on the part of the Greeks is curious; in the sequel it would seem that Trojan lambs only are used. The line may have been added because Zeus is prayed to in 276, and it was thought that he too ought to have his lamb. Without this line we should naturally suppose that the white lamb was for the heavenly, and the black for the infernal deities in general (276-9). On the other hand, the mention of the male and female lamb suits the male and female deity (cf. 11.729), and the question is not at all clear.

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

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