Homeric Questions and On the Cave of the Nymphs

ASophocles in Alcmaeon:
"Would that I might somehow see you well-disposed, properly master original: "epibolon" of your wits."

Plato in Laws, Book 1:
"Having become masters original: "epiboloi" of the most beautiful song." Hyperides in his speech Against Demades:
"Never to become masters original: "epibolous" of war or of the state."

BArchippus in Wealth:
"Now that I have become master original: "epibolos" of wealth."

The poetic language is indeed Attic. What these words signify, therefore, has been shown. And the phrase, "as it seemed to you to be more profitable," is spoken with gravity. Telemachus says, "I will not sail on a foreign ship, for I am not a master original: "epitykhēs" of my own vessel, nor do I possess rowers." This is what appeared more beneficial to you; that is, that I should not own a private ship, but sail as a passenger. He refers to the fact that they have reduced him to poverty. For he said previously:

C> Is it not enough that you devoured many and noble

Possessions of mine, suitors, when I was yet a child?

The meaning is thus: instead of a ship-owner, I have become a passenger because of you, having consumed my own means.

DSince the poet frequently points out the fires which the men made upon the command of Hector, such as:

Gather much wood,
E> So that all night long until the early-born dawn
We may burn many fires; and let the light reach the sky. And again:
For near the ships and the wall the high-spirited Trojans
And the far-called allies encamped,
Burning many fires through the army. And again:
They, gazing at the Trojan plain, marveled at the many fires
Burning before Ilium.