Abstract
The understanding of the beginning of Aitia is today improved. Callimachus says that often (v. 1) his critics criticize him; but Philitas too was (v. 9) poet of short poems, nevertheless his Demeter is much better than the long Ship (i.e. Apollonios’ Arg.); and that Mimnermos is sweet, has been taught by his wonderful nightingales (= elegies), not by his great woman (= Smyrneis).
