[573] ἄδοτος, “without receiving presents” from Hermes, Latin ultro. Γέρας: this present from Hades to Hermes can only be explained by the preceding line; i.e. the right to be the “ἄγγελος εἰς Ἀΐδην”. Entrance to the underworld by the gods is spoken of as a favour granted by Hades. Hermes is superis deorum gratus et imis ( Od.i. 10. 19). It is just possible that the “present” is mystic, i.e. death (cf. the story of Cleobis and Bito ); “δώσει” would then be general, like “δηλήσομαι” 541, and the recipients would be men; but the context is against this view.
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The Homeric Hymns, edited, with preface, apparatus criticus, notes, and appendices. Thomas W. Allen. E. E. Sikes. London. Macmillan. 1904.
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