Notes on Pseudo-Apsines

Abstract

The paper discusses problems of text and interpretation in the rhetorical treatise traditionally attributed to Apsines:(i) two declamation themes mentioned in 1.33 are clarified;(ii) in 1.44 emendation of poiei to paiei is proposed;(iii) points of rhetorical theory in 4.15 and 5.10 are explained, leading to a defense of the transmitted text;(iv) an explanation is offered of the concepts of 'leading' and 'necessary' arguments in 10.3, and the implications of this passage for the composition of the treatise are briefly discussed;(v) at 10.14 deletion of synkriseos may be the best solution to the textual problem