Note 291 — Chapter XXIII
L. Dora Schmitz translation
Iliad, XXIV. 228:—Ἦ, καὶ φωριαμῶν ἐπιθήματα κάλ’ ἀνέῳγεν, where the “beautiful lids” remind us of the terra-cotta pattern which Dr. Schliemann takes for the inlaying of a chest. (No. 77, p. 129). In the Iliad, XVI., 221, Achilles opens the lid of the beautiful decorated chest (χηλοῦ δ’ ἀπὸ πῶμ’ ἀνέῳγεν καλῆς δαιδαλέης), to take out the goblet for pouring his libation. The contents of Priam’s chests may also be well compared with the articles of the Treasure:—
“He chose twelve gorgeous shawls, twelve single cloaks, As many rugs, as many splendid robes, As many tunics; then of gold he took Ten talents full; two tripods, burnished bright, Four caldrons; then a cup of beauty rare, A rich possession, which the men of Thrace Had given, when there he went ambassador; E’en this he spared not, such his keen desire His son to ransom.”—[Ed.]