[30] There seems an intended allusion to the double sense of προτελεια, both as a marriage and sacrificial rite. See the Cambridge editor, and my note on Æsch. Agam. p. 102, n. 2, ed. Bohn. [31] "Auspicare canistra, id quod proximum est." MUSGR. [32] I think this is the meaning implied by νυμφευσουσα, as in vs. 885. ‛ιν' αγαγοις χαιρουσ' Αχιλλει παιδα νυμφευσουσα σην. Alcest. 317. ου γαρ σε μητηρ ουτε νυμφευσει ποτε. The word seems to refer to the whole business of a mamma on this important occasion. [33] The Cambridge editor on vs. 439, p. 109, well observes, "the actual arrival of Iphigenia having convinced Menelaus that her sacrifice could not any longer be avoided, he bethinks him of removing from his brother's mind the impression produced by their recent altercation; and knowing his open and unsuspicious temper, he feels that he may safely adopt a false position, and deprecate that of which he was at the same time most earnestly desirous." [34] So Markland, but Hermann and the Cambridge editor prefer the old reading μετεστι σοι. [35] This and the two following lines are condemned by Dindorf. [36] Bœckh, Dindorf, and the Cambridge editor rightly explode these three lines, which are not even correct Greek. [37] λησομεν, _latebo faciens_. [38] παρα for παρον, ed. Camb. [39] i.e. by the gift of Venus. For the sense, compare Hippol. 443. [40] Read διαφοροι δε τροποι with Monk, and ορθως with Musgrave. [41] But παιδευομενων is better, with ed. Camb. [42] I have partly followed Markland, partly Matthiæ, in rendering this awkward passage. But there is much awkwardness of expression, and the notes of the Cambridge editor well deserve the attention of the student. εξαλλασσουσαν χαριν seems to refer to μετρια χαρις in vs. 555, and probably signifies that the grace of a reasonable affection leads to the equal grace of a clear perception, the mind being unblinded by vehement impulses of passion. [43] i.e. quiet, domestic. [44] ενων is only Markland's conjecture. The whole passage is desperate. [45] I read μυριοπληθη with ed. Camb. The pronoun ‛ο I can not make out, but by supplying an impossible ellipse. [46] The Cambridge editor rightly reads ιου, ιου, as an exclamation of pleasure, not of pain, is required. [47] Dindorf condemns this whole paragraph. [48] The Cambridge editor thinks these two lines a childish interpolation. They certainly are childish enough, but the same objection applies to the whole passage. [49] But read ‛οι δ' with Dobree. The grooms are meant. [50] Porson condemns these four lines, which are utterly destitute of sense or connection. [51] These "precious" lines are even worse than the preceding, and rightly condemned by all. [52] See Elmsl. on Soph. Œd. C. 273. The student must carefully observe the hidden train of thought pervading Agamemnon's replies.