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[645] πάλτο must mean tripped; but it is hard to see how this can be derived from “πάλλομαι”, which always indicates vibrating or throbbing movement (cf. “σφονδυλίων ἔκπαλτο”, throbbed out, 20.483). Perhaps guided by the variant “ἄλτο” (“ἆλτο”) we should read “ἄντυγ᾽ ἔπαλτο” (“ἐπ-ᾶλτο”). Leapt on the rim of his shield is not entirely satisfactory, but it is at least possible (Agar J. P. xxv. 37). If we could with Darbishire read “ϝάλτο” as from root “ϝελ”, twisted himself, the problem would be solved; but the evidence for such a word is too slight to justify a change. — An accident such as this might easily happen with the huge “ποδηνεκής” Mykenaean shield; cf. 6.117 “σφυρὰ τύπτε καὶ αὐχένα δέρμα κελαινόν, ἄντυξ ἣ πυμάτη θέεν ἀσπίδος” (App. B, i. 3).

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

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