Theocritus Bion and Moschus Rendered into English Prose Part 24

{105} Reading [Greek].

{106a} Reading [Greek].

{106b} [Greek].

{106c} [Greek], and in the next line [Greek].

{106d} [Greek].

{107} Reading, with Fritzsche -

[Greek]

The lines seem to contain two popular saws, of which it is difficult to guess the meaning. The first saw appears to express helplessness; the second, to hint that such comforts as lamps lit all night long exist in towns, but are out of the reach of poor fishermen.

{108a} Reading [Greek]. Asphalion first hooked his fish, which ran gamely, and nearly doubled up the rod. Then the fish sulked, and the angler half despaired of landing him. To stir the sullen fish, he reminded him of his wound, probably, as we do now, by keeping a tight line, and tapping the b.u.t.t of the rod. Then he slackened, giving the fish line in case of a sudden rush; but as there was no such rush, he took in line, or perhaps only showed his fish the b.u.t.t (for it is not probable that Asphalion had a reel), and so landed him. The Mediterranean fishers generally toss the fish to land with no display of science, but Asphalion's imaginary capture was a monster.

{108b} It is difficult to understand this proceeding. Perhaps Asphalion had some small net fastened with strings to his boat, in which he towed fish to sh.o.r.e, that the contact with the water might keep them fresher than they were likely to be in the bottom of the coble. On the other hand, Asphalion was fis.h.i.+ng from a rock. His dream may have been confused.

{111} [Greek] appear to have been 'fire sticks,' by rubbing which together the heroes struck a light.

{118} Or [Greek], 'wash the spears,' as in the Zulu idiom.

{124} In line 57 for [Greek] read Wordsworth's conjecture [Greek] = [Greek].

{127} Odyssey. xix. 36 seq. (Reading [Greek] not [Greek].) 'Father, surely a great marvel is this that I behold with mine eyes meseems, at least, that the walls of the hall ... are bright as it were with flaming fire' ... 'Lo! this is the wont of the G.o.ds that hold Olympus.'

{128} [Greek], prae timore non lacrymantem (Paley).

{129} Reading, after Fritzsche, [Greek]. We should have expected the accursed ashes (like those of Wyclif) to be thrown into the river; cf. Virgil, Ecl. viii. 101, 'Fer cineres, Amarylli, foras, rivoque fluenti transque caput lace nec respexeris.' Virgil's knowledge of these observances was not inferior to that of Theocritus.

{130} Reading [Greek]. If [Greek] is read, the phrase will mean 'pure br.i.m.m.i.n.g water.'

{135} Reading [Greek].

{143} Reading [Greek], as in Wordsworth's conjecture, instead of [Greek].

{144} Reading [Greek].

{145} [Greek], a play on words difficult to retain in English.

Compare Idyl xiii. line 74.

{147} The conjecture [Greek] gives a good sense, mea vero Helena me potius ultra pet.i.t.

{148} Reading, as in Wordsworth's conjecture, [Greek].

{150a} Reading [Greek], with Fritzsche. Compare the conjecture of Wordsworth, [Greek].

{150b} See Wordsworth's explanation.

{153} Syracuse.

{165} Reading, [Greek] (that is, the Corinthian founders of Syracuse), and following Wordsworth's other conjectures.

{167} This epigram may have been added by the first editor of Theocritus, Artemidorus the Grammarian.

{176} This conjecture of Meineke's offers, at least, a meaning.

{181} Les hommes sont tous cond.a.m.nes a mort, avec des sursis indefinis.--VICTOR HUGO.

{205} Alcmena bore Iphicles to Amphictyon, Hercules to Zeus.

{208} Reading, with Weise, [Greek].

{210} For the translations into verse I have to thank Mr. Ernest Myers.