¹ It should be noted that in Homer, while μέλεος certainly means ‘idle, useless’, there is only one passage in which (possibly) it is used in this sense of a person: Il. x 480. Even there it is probably a neuter adjective used adverbially. However, quotations in LSJ from early literature (including an oracular hexameter from Herodotus) attest the application to persons from an early date. LSJ interpret the word as ‘miserable’ in these cases, but in view of the earlier meaning in Homer I would infer a basic meaning of ‘vain, missing the mark’, with implications of futility, uselessness and unhappiness (or lucklessness) according to context. Hesiod's poetry had a very different purpose from Homer's, and his use of words must be expected to include innovations, which may then be followed by later writers.

² It is arguable that μελέοισι here is in emphatic position in order to point the contrast between feeble mortals and mighty fire, or to stress the shiftlessness of men without fire.

³ The real trouble is that one has to wait till the next line before getting the application of it.

⁴ Others may feel less driven. The point I make here is that my view is based on argument and evidence, and shows a healthy regard for imperatives of sense and context.

⁵ I am indebted for some helpful advice to Mr T. C. W. Stinton.