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As to the question whether anything that has been said or done is morally good or bad, this must be answered not merely by seeing whether what has actually been done or said is noble or base, but by taking into consideration also the man who did or said it, and seeing to whom he did or said it, and when and for whom and for what reason; for example, to secure a greater good or to avoid a greater evil.
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Some objections may be met by reference to the diction, for example, by pleading rare word, e.g. οὐρῆας μὲν πρῶτον, for perhaps he means not mules but sentinels.Hom. Il. 1.50: The mules and swift-footed hounds he first beset with his arrows. Apollo is sending plague upon the Greek army. Problem: Why should he first attack the mules? Solution: The word may here mean sentiels. And Dolon, One that was verily evil of form, it may be not his deformed body but his ugly face, for the Cretans use fair-formed for fair-featured.Hom. Il. 10.316: One that was verily evil inform but swift in his running. Problem: If Dolon were deformed, how could he run fast? Solution: Form may here mean feature. And again Livelier mix it may mean not undiluted as for drunkards but quicker.Hom. Il. 9.202: Set me, Menoetius’ son, a larger bowl for the mingling, Livelier mix it withal and make ready for each one a beaker. Problem: Livelier suggests intemperance. Solution: Perhaps the word means quicker. Similar scruples emended the lines in Young Lochinvar to read: And now am I come with this pretty maid To dance but one measure, drink one lemonade.
