232

Πρωτεσίλαος (fr. 42)

guaranteed) rather than δστρεα is the classical orthography (cf. Ath. 3.92e
δστρεια δε μόνως οϋτως έλεγον οί αρχαίοι; SEG XXIV 277.Β.60 [Epidaurus,
ca. 350-330 BC; used of dye from the shellfish]; Arnott 1996 on Alex. fr. 115.1),
although already by the third century δστρεα is common, at least in papyri
(cf. Mayser-Schmoll 1970 1.56).
62 κτένες The general term for various species of scallops, κτένες are
included in catalogues of shellfish at Philyll. fr. 12.2; Archipp. fr. 24; Alex. fr.
175.2; cf. Olson-Sens 2000 on Archestr. fr. 7.2 (SH187); Thompson 1947.133-4;
Arnott 1996 on Alex. fr. 175.2 for the possibility that they were considered aph-
rodisiacs. Although scallops are found throughout the Mediterranean, those
near Mytilene seem to have been particularly well-known (Philyll. fr. 12.2;
Archestr. fr. 7.2 [SH187]; cf. Arist. HA 603a21-3).
δρκυνες This fish is equated with the tuna (cf. on 31.3) at Archestr.
fr. 35.2-3 (SH 165) θύννον, ... δν καλέουσιν (sc. the Samians) / δρκυν, while
Aristotle distinguishes the two at HA 543b2-6 αί πηλαμύδες και οί θύννοι
τίκτοθσιν έν τω Πόντω ... οί δ’ δρκυνες καί σκορπίδες καί άλλα πολλά γένη
έν τω πελάγει. The matter is further complicated by the equation of δρκυς
and the slightly more common (although not mentioned in comedy) δρκυνος;
cf. Olson-Sens 2000 on Archestr. fr. 35.3 (SH 165); Thompson 1947. 185-6.
The more substantial problem is that the tuna or a similar fish is out of place
in a catalogue of shellfish; unless this disparity is accepted, however, either
Anaxandrides is referring to some otherwise unattested shellfish also called
δρκυς or the word is corrupt, neither of which seems likely.
καί προς τούτοις The catalogue now shifts from shellfish to birds; for
the phrase, cf. Eub. fr. 63.1; Anaxil. fr. 18.5.
63 όρνιθαρίων άφατον πλήθος For the form of the diminutive, cf. on
fr. 28.4 καριδίων. άφατον here means ‘unbelievable’ or ‘unspeakable’ as at B.
18.18 άφατα δ’ έργα; Hdt. 7.190 άφατα χρήματα; cf. Epicr. fr. 10.12 ήκουσα
λόγων άφάτων, άτοπων; Ar. Αν. 427; Lys. 198, 1080, 1148.105 Attempts to
restrict use of the word mainly ‘to lyric in passages of some considerable so-
lemnity (serious or mock)’ (thus Bulloch 1985 on Call. H. 5.77; cf. Dunbar 1995
on Ar. Av. 427) somewhat overstate the evidence, but do fit with the parodic
high-style of this passage. The use of the word may also be meant to contrast
with the chattering normally associated with flocks of birds (e.g Alex. fr. 96).
64 νηττών The term for ducks in general; cf. Olson-Sens 1999 on Matro
fr. 1.95 (SH 534); Thompson 1936. 205-6. Ducks are relatively common in
catalogues of food, e. g. Ar. Ach. 875; Pax 1004 χήνες, νήττας, φάττας (charac-

105 Against the notion that the phrase άφατον ώς is peculiarly Laconian, cf. Colvin
1999. 234.