now, since thou hast gone in a ship to Pylos, they say that he no longer eats and drinks any thing, nor looks over the works, but he sits lamenting in groaning and sorrow, and his flesh wastes away around his bones."
But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "It is rather sad; but however we will leave him although sorrowing. For if all things were by any means to be chosen by mortals themselves, first indeed I should choose the return of my father. But do thou, when thou hast told thy news, come back, nor do thou wander in the country after him: but tell my mother to hasten the handmaiden, her housekeeper, as quickly as possible, secretly: for she could inform the old man."
He spoke, and urged on the swineherd: but he took sandals in his hands; and having bound them under his feet he went to the city; nor did the swineherd Eumæus, going from the stall, escape the notice of Minerva: but she came near him, and in her person she was likened unto a woman fair and large, ands killed in renowned works of weaving. And she stood at the entrance of the lodge, appearing to Ulysses; nor did Telemachus behold or perceive her; (for the gods do not by any means appear manifest to all;) but Ulysses and the dogs saw her; and they did not bark, but with a yelping they fled to the other side through the stall. But she nodded with her eye-brows, and divine Ulysses perceived her; and he came out of the house, outside the great wall of the hall, and he stood before her; and him Minerva [thus] addressed:
"O Jove-born son of Laertes, much-contriving Ulysses, now tell it to thy son, nor conceal it, that having planned death and Fate for the suitors, thou mayest go to the all-illustrious city: nor will I myself be a long time away from thee, for I am longing to fight."
She spoke, and Minerva struck him with a golden rod: first she placed a well-washed robe and tunic about his breast; and she increased his person and youth. And he again became dark-coloured, and his cheeks were lengthened out; and dark hairs sprang up about his chin. She indeed having done thus, went away again; but Ulysses went to the lodge; and his dear son was astonished at him. And fearing he turned his eyes elsewhere, lest it should be a god; and addressing him, he spoke winged words:
