Note 43 — BOOK THE FIRST.

Footnote 43: (return) So called from their inviolability,—άσνλον γαρ και θείον το γένος των κηρύκων.—Schol. Και εζήν αντοίς πανταχόσε άδεώς ίεναι.—Pollux, viii. They were properly sacred to Mercury (id. iv. 9. Cf. Feith, Antiq. Homer, iv. 1), but are called the messengers of Jove, as being under his special protection, with a reference to the supporting of regal authority.