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τῶν δὲ μή. Cf. 460 C and 461 C. It seems to me certain from these passages that Plato in this book lends his sanction to infanticide. This has often been denied, but without sufficient reason. The subject is discussed in App. IV. ἀκρότατον. Cf. (with Schneider) σφόδρα ἄκρων in B above and ὡς ἀκρότατον in Laws 730 E. Stephanus' ἀκρατότατον is neat, but unnecessary, in spite of καθαρόν in 460 C. ἀγέλη, like ποίμνιον, is intended “to recall the analogy of the lower animals” (J. and C.). Cf. 451 C note αὖ serves the same purpose, by suggesting that ἀγέλη has another and a more primitive signification. ἑορταὶ κτλ. As the ἱερὸς γάμος was celebrated with a procession and sacrifices, ending with the κλίνη τῆς Ἥρας, so Plato's ἱεροὶ γάμοι are attended with religious rites and ceremonies: see 458 E note Plato apparently does not intend these State-marriages to last beyond the duration of a single festival. At each successive festival fresh unions would be tried.
The Republic of Plato. James Adam. 1902. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press.
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