19.  Homer’s rich invention gives us five beautiful similes on the
   march of the army.  This profusion and variety can never be
   sufficiently admired.

20.  The superior knowledge that the poet here attributes to the Muses
   as divine beings, and then his occasional invocations to them,
   gives an air of importance to his subject and has an imposing
   effect.

21.  However fabulous the other parts of Homer’s poems may be, this
   account of the princes, people, and countries, is by far the most
   valuable piece of history and geography left us in regard to the
   state of Greece in that early period.  Greece was then divided into
   several dynasties, which Homer has enumerated under their
   respective princes; and his division was considered so correct,
   that many disputes respecting the boundaries of Grecian cities were
   decided upon his authority.  Eustathius has collected together the
   following instances:  The city of Calydon was adjudged to the
   AEtolians, notwithstanding the pretensions of AEolia, because it was
   ranked by Homer as belonging to the former.  Sestos was given to
   those of Abydos, upon the plea that he had said the Abydonians were
   possessors of Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe.  When the Milesians and
   people of Priene disputed their claim to Mycale, a verse of Homer
   gave it to the Milesians.  The Athenians were put in possession of
   Salamis by another which was cited by Solon, or (according to some)
   interpolated by him for that purpose; and Porphyry says, that the
   catalogue was so highly esteemed, that the youths of some nations
   were required to commit it to memory.

Professor Felton remarks, “The student is advised to give particular attention to this important passage.  He will find it the most interesting fragment of geography extant; interesting for the poetical beauty of the verse, the regular order which is followed, and the little characteristic touches which denote the peculiarities of the several provinces.  The more he examines this catalogue with the subsidiary lights of geography, history and travels, the more cause will he find of wonder, that a description so ancient should combine so much accuracy, beauty, and interest.  It is recommended to the student, to trace the provinces and cities on some good map of ancient Greece.”

22. [Some say Thebes the less, others, the suburbs of Thebes the
   greater.  It is certain that Thebes itself sent none.—­TR.]

23.  It was the custom of these people to shave the fore parts of their
   heads, that their enemies might not seize them by the hair; on the
   hinder part they allowed it to grow, as a valiant race that would
   never turn their backs.  Their manner of fighting was hand to hand,
   without quitting their javelins.

24 Menelaus is occasionally distinguished by his activity, which shows
   his personal concern in the war.