[173] ὡς: introduces a wish; cf. “αἴθ̓ ὄφελες κτλ. Α 415. — ὄφελεν”: see on 1.353.
κακός: the standing epith. of death; it is contrasted with “ἁδεῖν”. “Would that I had chosen death rather” etc. Helen rarely misses an opportunity to express penitent consciousness of her guilt, cf. vs. 404, 412, 6.344 ff., “ὅς μ̓ ἄγαγε Τροίηνδ̓: ὡς πρὶν ὤφελλον ὀλέσθαι Ω” 764. See on 2.356. Her penitence always wins indulgence and sympathy.This text is part of:
Homer's Iliad, Books I-III. Thomas D. Seymour. Boston. Ginn and Company. 1891.
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