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Mixing with Men and Nausicaa's Nemesis

1990; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 40; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0009838800026963

1471-6844

Douglas Cairns,

Biblical Studies and Interpretation

This discussion concentrates on the meaning of Nausicaa's words in lines 286–8, in particular on the force of the phrase κα⋯ δ' ἄλλῃ κτλ. and the sense of the verb μ⋯σγηται. On the latter Hainsworth comments, ‘In later usage the simple verb in such a context is used as a euphemism for the sexual act. The line must have sounded most odd to the classical age.’ Thus he translates ‘associate with’, citing Odyssey 7.247 as an exact parallel; since, in that place, the verb refers to nothing more than ordinary human intercourse (neither gods nor men ‘have anything to do with’ Calypso), with no further connotations, one must conclude that Hainsworth sees no innuendo whatever in 6.288.