a hoof shod with brass; it was meant to convey an idea of the really good qualities of the horn in those days, and which, not being garnished with a defence of brass or bronze, was ever in danger of being destroyed when of a weak nature. Besides, brazen-footed and solid or strongfooted (χρατερωνυξ) appear to be synonymous terms; thus (in Book xxii., lines 192-3) he sings of the time
‘When the solid-footed horses fly
Around the course, contending for the prize.’
And again (Book xxiv., line 331), strong-hoofed mules are mentioned. The terms were used for many purposes, but never as an indication of shod hoofs. Homer made Achilles and Stentor brazen-voiced.[1] Bulls, fabular stags, and horses, had solid or metallic feet. Thus Pindar[2](B.C. 520) tells us that Bellerophon was enjoined to sacrifice a strong-footed bull to the mighty encircler of the earth before subduing the winged horse Pegasus; and we find that the Grecian heroes who went in search of the golden fleece would all have been destroyed by the brazen-footed bulls, from whose nostrils flames issued, had not Medaea interposed and driven away these taurine monsters belonging to King Ætes.[3] Virgil[4] frequently mentions animals of various kinds with metal feet, and Ovid[5] also alludes to them oftener than once. And an older authority than
