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[394] Whether Ar.'s γε μάσσεται for “γαμέσσεται” is founded on MS. authority, or is a ‘palmary conjecture,’ we are not in a position to say. Its rightness is shewn by the rhythm, for it removes the forbidden trochaic caesura in the fourth foot. γε gives the emphasis of contempt, ‘as for a wife,’ a tone which is already present in the ironical θην. μάσσεται is fut. of “μαίομαι” (later “μάομαι”), will seek, cf. 4.190 “ἐπιμάσσεται”. The simple verb recurs in Od. 13.367, Od. 14.356 in rather different senses. “γαμέεσθαι” in the sense ‘get a wife (for a son)’ would be unique; the mid. of course means ‘to give (one's self or a daughter) in marriage.’

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

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