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[252] Λαοδίκην ἐσάγουσα can only mean bringing in Laodike with her; but there is no significance in such a description, and the pointless mention of a “κωφὸν πρόσωπον” has naturally given great offence to commentators. Moreover without this line it would be more natural to suppose that his mother came out of the house to meet him. Hence Ar. wrote “ἐς ἄγουσα”, and explained “πρὸς Λαοδίκην πορευομένη”, comparing 7.312 “εἰς Ἀγαμέμνονα” for “εἰς” used with a person. But for the intrans. use of “ἄγειν” he seems to have brought no authority, nor is any to be found in Homer, except the very doubtful “ἐξαγαγόντες” in 7.336. The line looks like an adaptation of 3.124, meant to supply a reason for Hekabe being out of doors. The last half is formal; no surprise need be felt that it is equally applied to Kassandra in 13.365.

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

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