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[18] ἄγχιστα δέδηε, a difficult phrase here. The obvious sense is ‘has come to very close quarters’ — a singularly inappropriate expression to use in the midst of the only pause in the battle since the beginning of “Λ”. But if we remember that this introduction really belongs to the Theomachy at the end of “Φ” which takes place in heaven just as the great crisis, the death of Hector, is being accomplished on earth, the words gain their proper significance, and it is needless to seek for any other, such as ‘is on the point of bursting out’ or ‘is kindled very nigh Olympos(?),’ or ‘has come to a crisis,’ or ‘now most nearly concerns us’ (the gods, Agar in C. R. xi. 101). There are obvious objections to all these interpretations.

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

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