Ἄτρακτον
arrow; spindle
Translated by Jennifer Benedict28 Mar 2002Vetting: high12 revisions
Translation
[Meaning] a missile [expressed] metaphorically
Sophocles [writes]: "in addition to these things, whatever my string-sped arrow might hit, unfortunate wretch that I am, I would crawl to it myself, dragging my foot."1
And Procopius [writes]: "when one of those defending themselves in the battlements sent forth a well-aimed arrow, he was hurt and killed."2
And Menander [writes]: "he shot at the barbarian and then stretched out the wing [sc. of the battle line] and sent a well-aimed arrow at Koch."3
And in the Epigrams: "he sends forth burning arrow upon burning arrow."4
An atraktos ["spindle"] [is] also the instrument of women.
"The spindle, the whirling servant of the spidery thread, not without its long distaff."5
And elsewhere: "and the finger-worn spindle, skimming over the spinning thread."6
And elsewhere: "and the staggering whistling spindle, agile spinner of the pliant thread."7
Sophocles [writes]: "in addition to these things, whatever my string-sped arrow might hit, unfortunate wretch that I am, I would crawl to it myself, dragging my foot."1
And Procopius [writes]: "when one of those defending themselves in the battlements sent forth a well-aimed arrow, he was hurt and killed."2
And Menander [writes]: "he shot at the barbarian and then stretched out the wing [sc. of the battle line] and sent a well-aimed arrow at Koch."3
And in the Epigrams: "he sends forth burning arrow upon burning arrow."4
An atraktos ["spindle"] [is] also the instrument of women.
"The spindle, the whirling servant of the spidery thread, not without its long distaff."5
And elsewhere: "and the finger-worn spindle, skimming over the spinning thread."6
And elsewhere: "and the staggering whistling spindle, agile spinner of the pliant thread."7