12 [To Jove, the source of all oracular information.]

13.  Jupiter, in answer to the prayer of Agamemnon, sends an omen to
   encourage the Greeks.  The application of it is obvious:  The eagle
   signified Hector, the fawn denoted the fear and flight of the
   Greeks, and being dropped at the altar of Jupiter, indicated that
   they would be saved by the protection of that god.

14.  This simile is very beautiful, and exactly represents the manner
   of Gorgythion’s death.  There is so much truth in the comparison,
   that we pity the fall of the youth and almost feel his wound.

15. [{Eniklan}.—­The word is here metaphorical, and expresses, in its
   primary use, the breaking of a spear against a shield.—­TR.]

16. [The following lines, to the end of this paragraph, are a
   translation of some which Barnes has here inserted from the second
   Alcibiades of Plato.]

17.  The simile is the most magnificent that can be conceived.  The
   stars come forth brightly, the whole heaven is cloudless and
   serene, the moon is in the sky, the heights, and promontories, and
   forests stand forth distinctly in the light, and the shepherd
   rejoices in his heart.  This last simple and natural circumstance
   is inexpressibly beautiful, and heightens the effect of the visible
   scene, by associating it, in the most direct and poetical manner,
   with the inward emotion that such a scene must produce.—­FELTON.

Footnotes for Book IX: 
1. [In the original the word is—­{melanydros}—­dark-watered; and it is
   rendered—­deep—­by the best interpreters, because deep waters
   have a blackish appearance. {Dnopheron ydor} is properly water that
   runs with rapidity; water—­{meta doneseos pheromenon}—­See
   Villoisson.]—­TR.

2.  This is the language of a brave man, boldly to affirm that courage
   is above crowns and sceptres.  In former times they were not
   hereditary, but the recompense of valor.

3. [The observation seems made with a view to prevent such a reply
   from Agamemnon to Diomede as might give birth to new dissensions,
   while it reminds him indirectly of the mischiefs that had already
   attended his quarrel with Achilles.]—­TR.

4.  This speech of Nestor is happily conceived.  It belonged to him as
   the aged counsellor to begin the debate, by laying the subject
   before the assembly, especially as it was necessary to impale the
   blame of the present unfortunate condition of the army to
   Agamemnon.  It would have been presumptuous in any other, and it was
   a matter of difficulty and delicacy even for Nestor.—­FELTON.

5.  In the heroic age, the bridegroom, before marriage, was obliged to
   make two presents, one to his betrothed wife, and one to his
   father-in-law.  This was also an ancient custom of the Hebrews. 
   Abraham’s servant gave presents to Rebekah:  Gen. xxiv. 22.  Shechem
   promised a dowry and gift to Jacob for his daughter:  Gen. xxiv. 12. 
   And in after times, Saul said he desired no dowry for Michal: 
   1 Sam. xviii. 25.