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who were embossed on the goblet, we must understand that two were affixed to each handle, whether we choose to fancy that the damsels were represented under the form of birds or under human form;—at all events they were studded with stars: and as for the expression, "Around each there were golden peleiades," we are not to understand that as meaning around each separate one; for that would make eight in number: but as each of the handles was divided into two sections, and as these again were united towards the bottom, the poet has used the word [Greek: hekastos], speaking as if there were four sections of handles; but if he had said [Greek: hekateron], that would have applied to the fact of their again becoming united at the highest point which they respectively reach. And accordingly, when he says—

And curling vines, around each handle roll'd, Bear two Peleiades emboss'd in gold; On two firm bases stood the mighty bowl;

we are by that to understand one Peleias to each section of the handles. And he has called them [Greek: doias], as being united to one another and grown together as it were. For the word [Greek: doioi], [Greek: doiai], signifies simply the number two, as in the passage—

Two tripods ([Greek: doious de tripodas]), and ten golden talents;

and again—

Two attendants ([Greek: doioi therapontes]):

and it also at times intimates a natural connexion subsisting between the two things spoken of, as well as that they are two in number; as in these lines:—

There grew two ([Greek: doioi]) olives, closest of the grove, With roots entwined and branches interwove, Alike their leaves, but not alike they smiled With sister fruits,—one fertile, one was wild:—

and accordingly this calculation will give altogether four Peleiades upon the handles.

82. "And, then, when he adds this—

And curling vines, around each handle roll'd, Bear two Peleiades emboss'd in gold: On two firm bases stood the mighty bowl;

we are to understand not two actual separate bases, nor indeed ought we to read [Greek: hypopythmenes] as two words, like Dionysius the Thracian, but we ought to read it as one word,