The following is an example:
Translator’s Notes: My segment belongs in Book IV, p. 61, between lines 305 and 306 and illustrates two important patterns in the poem.
This lost fragment tells the back story of Antiklos, the Greek warrior hidden inside the Trojan Horse who is so overcome with longing when he hears Helen speaking the name of his wife that he almost shouts out and reveals the presence of his fellow soldiers. The war weary Antiklos, having witnessed the Trojans kill his best friend, Latoneus , has no reserves left, no ability to resist the seductive voice he hears coming from outside the horse. His submitting to his desire is in direct contrast with Odysseus’s managing not to give in to/be aroused by Helen’s coy chanting and serves to heighten Odysseus’ heroic willpower. A formulaic phrase describes Antiklos’ desire as “a swift current drawing him under” -- different but in keeping with Homer’s frequent use of foreboding “towering wave” imagery. Descriptions of Helen’s speech ( “like honey twining from her throat” and “in ardor appealing”) are worded the same as descriptions of the Seirenes’ voices, thus linking Helen to those dangerous seductresses, and underscoring Homer’s depiction of Helen as having at one time been in cahoots with the Trojans.