Note 154 — THE THEOGONY.
George Chapman translation
Is there one Who hides some fresh grief.]
This whole passage is found among the fragments attributed to Homer. This sentiment of the power of poesy and the subjects chosen by the bard is entirely in the spirit of antiquity, when mythology and heroism were the favourite themes. Achilles is described by Homer as diverting the uneasiness of his mind by warlike odes which he accompanied on the lyre, Il. ix. 189:
Arriving soon Among the Myrmidons, their chief they found Soothing his sorrows with the silver-framed Harmonious lyre, spoil taken when he took Æetion’s city: with that lyre his cares He soothed, and glorious heroes were his theme. Cowper.