Poem 25
HYMN TO THE MUSES AND APOLLO
THE prelude is a mere cento from Hesiod: 1 is suggested by Theog. 1, 2-5 = Theog. 94-97, while 6 is modelled on Theog. 104. The old view, that the lines Theog. 94 f. are borrowed from the hymn, is no longer entertained. It is rightly pointed out that ἐκ δὲ Διὸς βασιλῆες is motiveless in the hymn, while it is quite suitable to the context of the Theogony. But although later than Hesiod, the abstract was doubtless made in ancient times, for purposes of epic recitation (cf. 6, 7). Guttmann's arguments for his theory of Byzantine compilation are worthless (see Gemoll p. 346).
For references to the joint worship of Apollo and the Muses see on h. Herm. 450.
Commentary on line 3
e)*pi\ xqoni/: in Hesiod ἐπὶ χθόνα; for the accusative in Hesiod cf. Theog. 187, Op.11; it is also Homeric, as in Od. 23.371 (especially in the Odyssey); h. Apoll. 69, h. Dem. 305. The dative ἐπὶ χθονί is commoner, Il. 1.88 etc. Even ἐπὶ χθονός is found in xx. 3.
