... allowed to affect their true nature. Yet a man's fierce resilience may be quite baffling and may suggest some unsuspected power. Human free-will is something natural an mysterious at the same time. If the matter is seen in this light, it is pointless to inquire how far in Homer a man is responsible for his acts and how far he is influenced by the gods. Any intense moment of experience may seem imponderable. Whence comes a sudden excitement that gives us added strength? It certainly comes from a deep unsounded source in which we may feel a divine power. With equal pertinence Homer says, 'the spirit within him compelled him' or 'a god compelled him.' Initiative is not taken for granted; it does not come mechanically. A body's energy is no different in this respect. For instance, the two Ajaxes, touched by Poseidon, marvel at the way their feet and hands ...

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