[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.
[53] τα Μενελεω κακα must mean the ills resulting from Menelaus, the mischiefs and toils to which his wife led, as in Soph. Antig. 2. των απ Οιδιπου κακων, "the ills brought about by the misfortunes or the curse of Œdipus." But I should almost prefer reading λεχη for κακα, which would naturally refer to Helen.
[54] This line is metrically corrupt, but its emendation is very uncertain.
[55] I have endeavored to convey the play upon the words as closely as I could. Elmsley well suggests that the proper reading is ‛εστηξεις in vs. 675.
[56] οφθηναι κοραις, "non, ut hic, a viris et exercitu." BRODÆUS.
[57] Porson on Orest. 1090, remarks on that ‛ο κυριος was the term applied to the father or guardian of the bride. We might therefore render, "Jove gave her away," etc.
[58] If this be the correct reading, we must take καλως ironically. But I think with Dindorf, that κακως, αναγκαιως δε.
[59] This verse is condemned by the Cambridge editor.