ἀλλ᾽ ὅτε δή ῥ᾽ ἄπεσαν δουρηνεκὲς ἢ καὶ ἔλασσον
As at 10.351, here distance is expressed through comparison. Scott observes that in the Homeric epics, “Similes of distance are the most numerous type of approximate measure” (Scott 1974:21). Since Diomedes will indeed throw his spear at Dolon (10.372–374), this comparison also seems to anticipate how far they remain apart during the chase. The distance of a spear cast is used to picture other distances, such as the length of the pathway by which Apollo bridges the Achaean ditch (Iliad 15.358–360), the length of Achilles’ leap away from the river Xanthos as it pursues him (Iliad 21.251), and how far the Trojans give way to the Achaean charge (Iliad 16.589–592: there, the spear cast may be either in battle or in athletic games, compare 10.351–352 above).