An enumeration of the emendations and interpretations of these verses would fill the space necessary for a whole article. Consequently, I shall proceed at once to a consideration of what I conceive to be the correct restoration of the passage.

The last word of verse 601, ἀνάριθμος, is evidently genuine, and is accepted by all scholars. The preceding word, μήλων, has been changed to μηνῶν. Jebb regards this as a certain correction, for ‘in no other way can ἀνάριθμος be justified.’ That is true, if the adjective is to be taken with ἐγώ (as it is by all scholars); but, in my opinion, it agrees with χρόνος. Cf. ἀνάριθμος χρόνος (Schol.), O.C. 617 ὁ μριος χρόνος, Ai. 712 ὁ μέγας χρόνος. As we shall see, it is added as a reinforcement to παλαιός to convey the notion that the months seemed numberless because they were so cheerless. Cf. O. T. 561 μακρὶ παλαιοί τ' ༂ν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.