[754] It is practically indifferent whether we read διὰ σπιδέος with Zen. or “δι᾽ ἀσπιδέος” with Ar., as the origin and meaning of both forms are alike unknown. σπιδέος is explained by the scholia to mean wide or long; they quote from “αισξη. σπίδιον μῆκος ὁδοῦ”, and from Antimachos “σπιδόθεν” = “μακρόθεν”, adding the form “σπιδόεις”, and a verb “σπίζω” = “ἐκτείνω”(?). “ἀσπιδέος” is explained round like a shield or covered with shields (thrown away by the fugitives) — both equally absurd. Van L.'s “ὑπασπίδιοι” is ingenious, but the corruption is unlikely, and the word is used only of cautious advance against an unbeaten foe (cf. 13.158, 807, 16.609); it is entirely unsuited for pursuit. Possibly the word may be a forgotten proper name.
