Palaeographica

In view of certain recent trends in Vergilian criticism the function of his imitation is still an open issue in at least one important respect. The author discusses some instances where critics have posited allusions running counter to the surface meaning of the text, such as Aen. 6.460 (‐ Cat. 66.39); 4–412.lb (‐Ap. Rhod. Arg. 4.445); 8.394 (‐ Lucr. 1.34); 4.149 (‐ Il. 1.46). Instead of integrating into Vergil's text an alien, sometimes even subversive, voice, it is more satisfying to understand such cases on the basis of the general hallmark of Vergilian imitatio, its ability to transform influences and assimilate even incongruous elements.