Expert: Maria - 4/10/2007

Question
Hi Maria

I am currently reading a book on Alexander in which a quote from Homer is referenced. I would like to know the ancient greek translation for that quote if possible.

The quote is:

"Ever to be best and stand far above all others"

Thanks

Steve

Answer
Hello,

"Ever to be best and stand far above all others" is the English translation of the  line 208  we read in Homer’s Iliad, book 6, where the warrior Glaucus tells that his father Hippolochus sent him to Troy urging him  to be the best and  outdo all other warriors.

So, here are the exact words pronounced by Glaucus:

"αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν καὶ ὑπείροχον ἔμμεναι ἄλλων" (written in Greek characters).

"aièn aristeúein kaì hupeírochon émmenai állôn" (written in Latin characters).

Please note that, as the system often does not allow the use of the Greek letters, I used  also the Latin transliteration, i.e. the characters of the Latin alphabet.

Therefore, if you cannot read the quote written in Greek letters, you can read it in the Latin transliteration, at least!

Anyway, should you have other queries, do not hesitate to ask me again.

Best regards,
Maria
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Note that:
-aièn (adverb)= always
-aristeúein (infinitive)= to be the best
-kaì = and
-hupeírochon émmenai (infinitive) = outdo / stand far above
-állôn (genitive plural) = all others