A. O. PRICKARD, M.A.

FELLOW AND TUTOR OF NEW COLLEGE, OXFORD.

ἄγε δὴ σιώπα πᾶς ἀνήρ· λέγ ̓ Αἴσχυλε.

London:

MACMILLAN AND CO.

1879

[The Right of Translation is.reserved.]

Cambridge:

PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M.A.

AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

PREFACE.

Though this is not a critical edition, the text has been carefully revised, and the editor has endeavoured to call attention to every passage where the reading given differs from that of the Medicean MS. otherwise than in points of accent, orthography, or punctuation, shewing to whom the alteration is due. His information as to the readings of the MSS. is derived from Hermann's edition of Aeschylus and from Merkel's transcript of the Medicean MS. This MS. has been referred to by its usual symbol M; others are mentioned only in general terms. In the numeration of lines, and doubtless in many other points, Dindorf's Oxford edition of 1852 has been followed. The Scholia are quoted from Dindorf's Oxford edition.

In the notes the editor has aimed at interpreting as simply and clearly as was in his power

the words of Aeschylus; passing over no difficulties which might interfere with the proper understanding of the poet, and raising no questions which would lead into mere digression. He has frequently felt the difficulty, peculiar perhaps to this play, that whereas the language is clear and forcible, and for many readers requires no interpretation, on the other hand the full power of the poet can hardly be felt or brought out but by one who is both an historian and an oriental scholar. Readers should of course have at hand the history of Herodotus, a few extracts from whose wonderful pages will be found in the Introduction and Notes; while Prof. Rawlinson's volumes will supply much information as, to the peoples of the East. But, after every assistance has been obtained, it will remain true, though it may be a truism to say it, that the meaning of Aeschylus is to be had only from the text of his writings.

A simple analysis of the several scenes of the play has been introduced from time to time into the notes, according to the plan adopted (from Klausen) by the late Professor Conington in his edition of the Choephoroe (see his preface p. vi.). A map illustrative of the Battle of Salamis has been inserted, having been, by the kind per