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γυναῖκα. Strabo (513) simply repeats H.; for a similar custom among the Agathyrsi cf. iv. 104; among the Nasamones, iv. 172. 2 n.; M. Polo (ii. 47; ii. 54, 56) found it in Caindu (i.e. Yunnan), where ‘a hat’ was hung up as a sign that a stranger was in possession. For its bearing on the theory of communal marriage cf. Westermarck, p. 72 seq. There is clear evidence for a system of marriage among the Massagetae, but they were polyandrous, ib. 454 seq. Myres (A. and C. p. 155) says: ‘It can hardly be accident that every one of the strange marriage customs which H. mentions happens to be typical of a widespread type.’


τῆς γὰρ ἐπιθυμήσῃ. For the omission of ἄν cf. iv. 46, and Goodwin, p. 208 (§ 540).

οὖρος ἄλλος is explained by the following; for the same custom among the Indians cf. iii. 99. 1; among the Issedones, iv. 26. 1 (where see n.).

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