seeing him approach, began to bark at and annoy him. Glaucus, for that was the name of the shepherd, hearing his cries, ran hastily, calling his dogs back, and menacing them.[1] This man, surprised to see a blind person alone, and not knowing how he came there, was rendered speechless from astonishment. Having accosted him, he asked him how he came to an uninhabited place, where there were no paths, or who had guided him thither. Homer related his misfortunes to him. Glaucus had a tender heart, and was touched by the narration. He guided Homer to his own house, lighted a fire, prepared a repast, and setting it before him, pressed him to eat.
XXII. The dogs, instead of eating, continued to bark at Homer, as dogs usually do at strangers. Homer, observing it, recited these verses:
"Glaucus, keeper of these flocks,[2] understand thoroughly what I shall say. Give your dogs their food in the porch. This advice is good. They will then hear the steps of men or beasts going towards your enclosures more easily."
Glaucus, finding the advice good on trial, praised the giver of it more than ever. When they had eaten, animated conversation followed. Homer narrated his adventures in the various countries and cities he had seen. Glaucus was delighted, but as it was time to sleep, they went to rest.
XXIII. The following morning, Glaucus thought it necessary to inform his master of the agreeable acquaintance he had made. Confiding the flocks to the care of his fellow slave,
- ↑ Conf. Odyss. xiv. 34. That passage and another in the same book (290) seem plainly to refer to circumstances mentioned in the text, i. e. the punishment of the dogs by Glaucus, and (§ xvi.) the flight of Thestorides.
- ↑ The Florentine and Aldine editions, and that of Stephens (1573), as well as Harleian MSS., (No. 5600,) have. Γλαῦκε πέπιων ἐπιῶν τὸ ἔπος τὸ ἐνὶ φρεσι θήσω. But Suidas (art. Ὅμηρος) gives the following, Γλαῦκε βροτῶν ἐπιόπτα.
