7 Coleridge, Classic Poets, p. 276.

8 Preface to her Homer.

9 Hesiod. Opp. et Dier. Lib. I. vers. 155, &c.

0 The following argument of the Iliad, corrected in a few particulars,

is translated from Bitaube, and is, perhaps, the neatest summary

that has ever been drawn up:--"A hero, injured by his general, and

animated with a noble resentment, retires to his tent; and for a

season withdraws himself and his troops from the war. During this

interval, victory abandons the army, which for nine years has been

occupied in a great enterprise, upon the successful termination of

which the honour of their country depends. The general, at length

opening his eyes to the fault which he had committed, deputes the

principal officers of his army to the incensed hero, with commission

to make compensation for the injury, and to tender magnificent

presents. The hero, according to the proud obstinacy of his

character, persists in his animosity; the army is again defeated,

and is on the verge of entire destruction. This inexorable man has a

friend; this friend weeps before him, and asks for the hero's arms,

and for permission to go to the war in his stead. The eloquence of

friendship prevails more than the intercession of the ambassadors or

the gifts of the general. He lends his armour to his friend, but

commands him not to engage with the chief of the enemy's army,

because he reserves to himself the honour of that combat, and

899

The Iliad of Homer