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[227] ἀποβήσομαι, i.e. when the time comes I will dismount to fight, “ἐπιβήσεο” (221) referring to the present moment, mount the chariot in order to reach the scene of action. This entirely agrees with the Homeric style of fighting, where the heroes use their chariots only for movement from one part of the field to another, and do the serious work on foot. Compare especially 17.480, where the reading is certain. The variant “ἐπιβήσομαι” is due no doubt to the fact that in the sequel (275 ff., 294) Pandaros does make his spear-cast from the chariot. That, however, is an irregularity which Aineias does not contemplate. It is curious that Ar. while reading “ἀποβήσομαι” gave the perverse interpretation “οἷον τῆς ἵππων φροντίδος”, I will resign the care of the horses.

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

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