The Homeric Hymns A New Prose Translation; and Essays, Literary and Mythological

Excerpt

To translate the Hymns usually called “Homeric” had long been my wish, and, at the Publisher’s suggestion, I undertook the work.  Though not in partnership, on this occasion, with my friend, Mr. Henry Butcher (Professor of Greek in the University of Edinburgh), I have been fortunate in receiving his kind assistance in correcting the proofs of the longer and most of the minor Hymns.  Mr. Burnet, Professor of Greek in the University of St. Andrews, has also most generously read the proofs of the translation.  It is, of course, to be understood that these scholars are not responsible for the slips which may have wandered into my version, p. viiithe work of one whose Greek has long “rusted in disuse.”  Indeed I must confess that the rendering “Etin” for πελωρ is retained in spite of Mr. Butcher, who is also not wholly satisfied with “gledes of light,” and with “shieling” for a pastoral summer station in the hills.  But I know no word for it in English south of Tweed.