[86] οὐ μά: no, in truth; “μά” is a par ticle of swearing with the acc., which prob. depends upon a verb implied. In affirmative asseverations “ϝαὶ μά” is used, as v. 234. The neg. is repeated in v. 88 for greater earnestness, as 23.43 f., Od. 3.27 f.
διίφιλον: only here as epith. of a divinity.
ᾧ τε εὐχόμενος: he prayed to Apollo as his patron, the god of prophecy who revealed to him what he declared to the Greeks.