65. HESPERIAN GOLD. The fruit was in colour like the golden apples in
the garden of the Hesperides. The Hesperides were three (or four)
nymphs, the daughters of Hesperus. They dwelt in the remotest west, near
Mount Atlas in Africa, and were appointed to guard the golden apples
which Herè gave to Zeus on the day of their marriage. One of Hercules'
twelve labours was to procure some of these apples. See the articles
_Hesperides_ and _Hercules_ in Lempriere.
66. SMELT AMBROSIALLY. Ambrosia was the food of the gods. Their drink
was nectar. The food was sweeter than honey, and of most fragrant odour.
72. WHATEVER OREAD. A classical construction. The Oreads were mountain
nymphs.
78. FULL-FACED--GODS. This means either that not a face was missing, or
refers to the impressive countenances of the gods. Another possible
interpretation is that all their faces were turned full towards the board
on which the apple was cast. Compare for this epithet _Lotos Eaters_, 7;
and _Princess_, ii. 166.
79. PELEUS. All the gods, save Eris, were present at the marriage
between Peleus and Thetis, a sea-deity. In her anger Eris threw upon the
banquet-table the apple which Paris now holds in his hand. Peleus and
Thetis were the parents of the famous Achilles.