[89] Ensemque clipeumque. This lengthening of the first ‘que’ in arsis (in imitation of the Homeric lengthening of τε in similar circumstances) is a licence not indulged in by any Roman poet before Virg. See Excursus to this book. The ‘cornua’ of a helmet appear to have been projections in which the crest was fixed: comp. Livy 27. 33, “In arborem illatus impetu equi ad eminentem ramum cornu alterum galeae perfregit.” (Fore.) Serv. strangely explains it of the horsehair itself: saying that ‘cornu’ properly means a curl, and comparing κέρας. Cerda well compares A. 6. 780, “Viden' ut geminae stant vertice cristae.” “Cristaque tegit galea aurea rubra” of Turnus 9. 50.
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of. Virgil. , with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. and Henry Nettleship, M.A. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane;. George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1876.
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