20.  The custom that prohibits persons polluted with blood from
   performing any offices of divine worship before purification, is so
   ancient and universal, that it may be considered a precept of
   natural religion, tending to inspire a horror of bloodshed.  In
   Euripides, Iphigenia argues the impossibility of human sacrifices
   being acceptable to the gods, since they do not permit any one
   defiled with blood, or even polluted with the touch of a dead body,
   to come near their altars.

21.  Paris surprised the King of Phoenecia by night, and carried off
   many of his treasures and captives, among whom probably were these
   Sidonian women.  Tyre and Sidon were famous for works in gold,
   embroidery, etc., and for whatever pertained to magnificence and
   luxury.

22.  This gesture is the only one described by Homer as being used by
   the ancients in their invocations of the gods.

23. [{dia theaon}.]

24.  The employment in which Hector finds Paris engaged, is extremely
   characteristic.—­FELTON.

25.  This address of Helen is in fine keeping with her
   character.—­FELTON.

26. [The bulk of his heroes is a circumstance of which Homer
   frequently reminds us by the use of the word {megas}—­and which
   ought, therefore, by no means to be suppressed.—­TR.]

27.  Love of his country is a prominent characteristic of Hector, and
   is here beautifully displayed in his discharging the duties that
   the public welfare required, before seeking his wife and child. 
   Then finding that she had gone to the tower, he retraces his steps
   to “the Scaean gate, whence he must seek the field.”  Here his wife,
   on her return home, accidentally meets him.

28. [The name signifies, the Chief of the city.—­TR.]

29.  It was the custom to plant about tombs only such trees as elms,
   alders, etc., that bear no fruit, as being most appropriate to the
   dead.

30.  In this recapitulation, Homer acquaints us with some of the great
   achievements of Achilles, which preceded the opening of the poem—­a
   happy manner of exalting his hero, and exciting our expectation as
   to what he is yet to accomplish.  His greatest enemies never upbraid
   him, but confess his glory.  When Apollo encourages the Trojans to
   fight, it is by telling them Achilles fights no more.  When Juno
   animates the Greeks, she reminds them how their enemies fear
   Achilles; and when Andromache trembles for Hector, it is with the
   remembrance of his resistless force.

31.  Drawing water was considered the most servile employment.

32. [The Scholiast in Villoisson calls it {physikon tina kai metrion
   gelota} a natural and moderate laughter.—­TR.]

33.  According to the ancient belief, the fatal period of life is
   appointed to all men at the time of their birth, which no
   precaution can avoid and no danger hasten.