The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 15

by Homer

BOOK XV.

 

ARGUMENT.

Telemachus, whilst staying at Lacedæmon with Pisistratus, son of Nestor, is admonished by Minerva in a dream, and sets out for Ithaca. After a brief stay at Pheræ, he reaches Pylos, when, just as he is on the point of embarking, Theoclymenus, an Argive prophet, entreats him to take him on board, as he was a fugitive, having committed murder. Meanwhile Eumæus relates to Ulysses how he reached Ithaca. Telemachus arrives at Ithaca, commands his companions to take the ship to the city, commits Theoclymenus to the care of one of them, and himself goes to Eumæus.

But Pallas Minerva went to wide^[1] Lacedæmon, to put the glorious son of magnanimous Ulysses in mind of his return, and to incite him to go back. And she found Telemachus and the glorious son of Nestor sleeping in the vestibule of renowned Menelaus: the son of Nestor indeed [she found] overcome with soft sleep; but sweet sleep did not possess Telemachus, but in his mind he raised up cares for his father throughout the ambrosial night: and blue-eyed Minerva standing near addressed [him]:

"O Telemachus, no longer to advantage art thou wandering a long time from thine home, leaving both thy possessions, and men so overbearing in thine house: lest they, having made a division, should consume^[2] all thy possessions, and thou shouldst have come a vain journey. But as quickly as possible exhort Menelaus, gallant in battle, to send thee, that thou mayest still find thy blameless mother at home; (for now her father and brothers encourage her to marry Eurymachus; for he surpasses all the suitors in gifts, and has increased the bridal presents;) for fear some property should be taken away from thine house against thy will. For thou knowest what is the mind in the breast of a woman; she wishes to increase the house of that man, whoever weds her, but she no longer is mindful of her former children and virgin-wedded^[3] husband, who is dead, nor does she inquire for him. But do thou thyself go and commit every thing to [one] of the servants, whoever appears to thee to be the best, until the gods show thee a good wife. But I indeed will tell thee something else; and do thou set it in thy mind. The chiefs of the suitors carefully lie in ambush for thee in the strait of Ithaca and rugged Samos, longing to slay thee, before thou dost reach thy paternal land. But I do not think these things [will happen]; the earth will first hold some one of the suitors, who are consuming thy livelihood. But keep thy well-built ship far away from the island, and sail, nevertheless, in the night; and [one] of the immortals will send thee a prosperous gale from behind, whoever guards and preserves thee. But when thou shalt reach the first shore of Ithaca, hasten thy ship and all thy companions to the city; and do thou first go to the swineherd, who is the guardian of thy swine; but, nevertheless, he has a kind disposition. And sleep there during the night; and urge him [to go] within the city to give a message to prudent Penelope, that thou art safe, and hast arrived from Pylos."

Thus having spoken, she departed to lofty Olympus. But he roused the son of Nestor from sweet sleep [moving him with his heel, and addressed him in words]: "Rise, O Pisistratus, son of Nestor, leading the solid-hoofed steeds, yoke them under the chariot, that we may perform our journey."

But him Pisistratus, the son of Nestor, answered in turn: "O Telemachus, it is not possible for us, although hastening on our journey, to drive through the gloomy night: but it will soon be morning. But remain, until the spear-renowned hero Atrides, Menelaus, bringing presents, shall place them in our chariot, and addressing us with kindly words, shall send us away. For a guest all his days is mindful of that hospitable man who affords entertainment."

Thus he spoke; and immediately the golden-throned morning came; and Menelaus, gallant in battle, came near them, rising from his bed, from fair-haired Helen. But when the dear son of Ulysses perceived him, the hero hastening put a shining tunic about his body, and threw a large robe over his sturdy shoulders: and he went out of the door, and Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, standing near addressed him: "O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, now then send me away to my dear paternal land; for now my mind desires to reach home."

But him Menelaus, gallant in battle, answered: "O Telemachus, I will not detain thee here for much time, since thou art anxious for thy return: I should also be indignant at any other man who receives guests, who should love one very much, or hate one very much; but all things that are proper are best. He is an equal evil, both he who urges a guest who is not willing to return, and he who detains one hastening [to depart]. [It is fit to receive a guest kindly when present, and to send him away willingly.^[4]] But remain, until I bring beautiful gifts and place them on the chariot, and thou mayest behold them with thine eyes; and I will tell the women to prepare a banquet in the palace, enough of the things that are within. It is both a glory, and honour, and an advantage, [for men] to set out over a long, boundless tract, having feasted. But if thou dost wish to turn your course through Hellas, and the middle of Argos, then I will myself attend thee, and will yoke my horses, and will show thee the cities of men; nor will any one send us away in vain, but will give us some one thing at least to carry away, either some one of brazen tripods, or cauldrons, or two mules, or a golden cup."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, I would rather^[5] now return to my own home: (for on setting out I did not leave behind a guard over my possessions,) lest seeking for my godlike sire, I myself should perish, or some excellent treasure should be lost to me from the palace."

But when Menelaus, gallant in battle, heard this, he immediately commanded his wife and maid-servants to prepare a feast in the palace, enough of the things that were within. And Eteoneus, son of Boëtheus, came near him, rising from his bed, since he did not dwell far off from him: him, Menelaus, gallant in battle, ordered to light a fire, and to roast meat: and he, having heard, did not disobey him. But he himself descended to his fragrant chamber, not alone, [for] Helen and Megapenthes went with him. But when they came there, where lay his treasures, the son of Atreus then took a round cup, and ordered his son Megapenthes to carry a silver bowl; and Helen stood near the chests, where were her all-variegated garments, which she herself wrought. Helen, divine one of women, having taken one of these, brought it, which was the most beautiful in its embroidery and the largest: and it shone like a star, and lay lowest of all. And they set out to go onward through the house, until they came to Telemachus; but him auburn-haired Menelaus [thus] addressed:

"O Telemachus, may Jove, the loud-sounding husband of Juno, so accomplish thy return, as thou desirest in thy mind. But of the presents, whatever treasures lie in my house, I will give thee that which is most beautiful and precious. I will give thee a wrought bowl: but it is all silver, and the lips are bound with gold; it is the work of Vulcan: but the hero Phædimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it [to me], when his house sheltered me, as I was returning from thence; but I wish to give this to thee."

Thus having spoken, the hero Atrides placed the round cup in his hands; but strong Megapenthes bringing the shining silver bowl, placed it before him: and fair-cheeked Helen stood near him, having a garment in her hands, and spoke and said:

"I also give thee this gift, dear child, a memorial of the hands of Helen, against the time of thy most desirable marriage, for thy wife to wear: but in the mean time let it lie in thy palace near thy dear mother; and mayest thou rejoicing reach thy well-built house, and thy paternal land."

Thus having spoken, she placed it in his hands; but he received it rejoicing. And the hero Pisistratus having received them, placed them in the basket,^[6] and regarded all things in his mind. But auburn-haired Menelaus led them to the house; and they then sat down on the benches and thrones. And the handmaiden bringing water in a beautiful golden ewer, poured it over a silver cauldron to wash in; and near them she spread a polished table. And the venerable housekeeper bringing food, set it near them [putting many dainties on it, gratifying them as well as she could from the things at hand]. And near [them] the son of Boëthus divided the meat, and distributed the shares, and the son of glorious Menelaus poured out wine: and they stretched out their hands to the food that was lying ready before them. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then Telemachus and the illustrious son of Nestor yoked the horses, and mounted the variegated chariot: and they drove out of the vestibule and resounding portico. And auburn-haired Menelaus, son of Atreus, went after them, having sweet wine in his right hand, in a golden cup, that they might go, having made a libation. And he stood before the horses; and pledging them, he spoke:

"Farewell, O youths, and bid Nestor the shepherd of the people [hail], for to me he was mild as a father, as long as we sons of the Grecians waged war in Troy."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "And by all means, O thou nurtured of Jove, as thou desirest, when we arrive we will relate all these things to him; so may I, having returned, reaching Ithaca, tell Ulysses in his house how I come, having met with all kindness from thee, and I bring many and excellent treasures."

As he was thus speaking a bird flew on his right hand, an eagle, bearing a large white goose in its talons, tame, from the court: and men and women followed shouting: and it, coming near to them, rushed on their right hand before the horses, and they beholding it rejoiced, and the mind of all was delighted in their breasts. But to them Pisistratus, son of Nestor, began the discourse: "Now tell me, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, chieftain of the people, if God has shown this as a sign to us, or to thee thyself."

Thus he spoke: but Mars-beloved Menelaus meditated, reflecting in what way he should answer him rightly. But long-robed Helen spoke, anticipating him: "Listen to me, and I will prophesy, as the immortals put it in my mind, and as I think it will be accomplished. As this [eagle] coming from the mountain, where is its race and birth, snatched away the goose, which had been nurtured delicately in the house; so Ulysses, having suffered many ills, and having wandered much, will return home and be revenged; or is already at home, and devises evil for all the suitors."

But her prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "May Jove, the loud-sounding husband of Juno, so bring it to pass, then would I, even there, make vows to thee, as to a god."

He spoke, and threw the scourge upon the horses: and they very quickly rushed to the plain from the city, eager. And they all the day, having the yoke around [their necks], shook it: and the sun set, and all the ways were overshadowed. And they came to Pheræ, to the house of Diocles, son of Orsilochus, whom Alphëus begot as his son. And there they slept during the night; and he set before them hospitable gifts. But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, they yoked the horses, and mounted the variegated chariot: and they drove out of the vestibule and resounding portico. And he scourged them that they should go on; and they not unwilling flew. And they quickly came to the lofty citadel of Pylos: and then Telemachus addressed the son of Nestor:

"O son of Nestor, how, having promised what I ask, wouldst thou perform it? throughout we profess ourselves to be acquaintances from the friendship of our fathers; but we are also of equal age; and this journey will more confirm us in unity of mind. Do not take me beyond out of the way of the ship, but leave me here, lest the old man should detain me against my will in his house, longing to entertain me: but it is necessary for me to return immediately."

Thus he spoke; but the son of Nestor considered in his mind, how, having made a promise to him, he might perform it rightly. And thus to him considering it seemed to be better; he turned the horses to the swift ship and the shore of the sea; and he took out [and placed in] the stern of the ship the beautiful presents, the garment and gold, which Menelaus gave him; and urging him, he spoke winged words:

"In haste now embark, and order all thy companions, before I reach home, and inform the old man. For I know this well in my breast and in my mind, how violent is his temper, nor will he let thee go: but he will himself come here to call thee: nor do I think that thou wilt go away empty; for he will be very wrath."

Thus having spoken, he drove the beautiful-haired horses back to the city of the Pylians, and quickly reached the dwelling. And Telemachus commanded his companions, urging them on: "Put in order the tackle, my companions, in the black ship; and let us ourselves embark, that we may perform our voyage."

Thus he spoke; and they heard him well, and obeyed. And they quickly embarked and sat down upon the benches. He indeed was toiling thus, and praying, and he sacrificed to Minerva near the stern of the ship; and a foreigner came near him, flying from Argos, a prophet, having slain a man:^[7] but he was a descendant of the race of Melampus, who formerly dwelt in Pylos, the mother of sheep, opulent, inhabiting a very excellent house amongst the Pylians: then indeed he came to another people, flying his country, and magnanimous Neleus, most illustrious of the living, who kept his great possessions for a whole year by force: but he in the mean time was bound in the palace of Phylacus^[8] in a difficult bond, suffering violent griefs, on account of the daughter of Neleus, and a heavy calamity, which the goddess, dreadful to be approached,^[9] the Fury, placed in his mind. But he escaped death, and drove the loud-lowing beeves to Pylos from Phylace, and took revenge on godlike Neleus, for his shameful conduct, and brought home a wife for his brother. And he came to another people, to horse-pasturing Argos; for there it was fated for him to dwell, ruling over many Argives. There he married a wife, and built a lofty-roofed house, and begot Antiphates and Mantius, brave sons. Antiphates begot magnanimous Oïleus: but Oïleus begot people-stirring Amphiaraus, whom Ægis-bearing Jove and Apollo loved exceedingly in their heart, in every kind of friendship; but he did not reach the threshold of old age, but perished in Thebes, on account of woman's presents.^[10] His sons were Alcmæon and Amphilochus. Mantius besides begot Polyphides and Clytus: but golden-throned Aurora snatched away Clytus, on account of his beauty, that he might live amongst the immortals. But Apollo made noble-minded Polyphides a prophet, far the most excellent of mortals, (when Amphiaraus had died,) who ruled over Hyperesia, enraged with his father; there he dwelling prophesied to all mortals. His son approached, but Theoclymenus was his name, who then stood near Telemachus; and he found him making a libation and praying near the swift black ship; and addressing him, he spoke winged words:

"O friend, since I find thee sacrificing in this place, I entreat thee by the sacrifices and the deity, but afterwards by thine own head, and thy companions who follow thee, tell me truly who am inquiring of thee, nor conceal it. Who art thou? from whence art thou amongst men? Where are thy city, and thy parents?"

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Therefore I will tell thee very accurately, O stranger. I am from Ithaca by race, and my father is Ulysses, if he ever was alive:^[11] but now he has perished by a miserable death. Therefore now taking companions and a black ship, I have come to inquire after my long-absent sire."

But him godlike Theoclymenus addressed in turn: "So also am I indeed away from my country, having slain a kindred man: but he had many brothers and friends in horse-pasturing Argos, and the Grecians have great power. Avoiding death and black fate at their hands, I fly; since it is now destiny for me to wander amongst men. But put me on board thy ship, since flying I have besought thee, lest they should slay me: for I think that they are pursuing."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "I will not certainly reject thee from my equal ship, if thou art desirous [of going]; but follow, and there thou shalt be entertained with such things as we have."

Thus having spoken, he received from him his brazen spear, and extended it on the deck of the ship rowed on both sides: and he himself embarked in the sea-traversing ship. And then he sat down in the stern; and he seated Theoclymenus near himself: and they (the sailors) loosed the halsers. And Telemachus exhorting his companions, bade them make ready the tackle; and they eagerly obeyed. And raising the pine mast, they placed it within the hollow mast hole, and bound it down with cables; and they hoisted the white sails with well-twisted bull-hides. And to them blue-eyed Minerva sent a favourable gale, blowing sharply upon them through the air, that the ship running along might very quickly make its way over the briny water of the sea. [And they came to Crouni, and to fair-streamed Chalcis.]^[12] But the sun set, and all the ways were overshadowed. And it reached Pheræ,^[13] driven on by a favourable gale from Jove; and to divine Elis, where the Epeans rule. From thence he sent it on to the swift^[14] islands, meditating whether he should escape death or be taken.

In the mean time Ulysses and the divine swineherd were feasting in the tent: and near them the other men feasted. But when they had taken away the desire of eating and drinking, Ulysses addressed them, trying the swineherd, whether he would still kindly entertain him, and desire him to remain there in the stall, or would incite him to go to the city:

"Hear me now, O Eumæus, and ye all the rest of his companions, at dawn I desire to go to the city, in order to beg, that I may not waste away thee and thy companions. But suggest to me well, and also give me a good guide, who indeed may lead me thither: but I myself will wander through the city by necessity, [to see] if any one will give me a small measure of wine, and a meal-cake. And coming to the house of divine Ulysses, I would fain tell the news to prudent Penelope: and I would be mixed with the overbearing suitors, [to see] if they will give me a meal, since they have countless dainties. Quickly would I well perform amongst them, whatever they wished. For I will tell thee, but do thou understand and listen to me, by the will of the messenger Mercury, who indeed awards grace and renown to the works of all men, in serving no other mortal would contend with me, both to keep up a fire well, and to cleave dry faggots, and to carve, and roast, and pour out wine, such things as inferiors are wont to do for the good."

But him thou, O swineherd Eumæus, didst address in great sorrow: "Ah me! stranger, why has this thought been in thy mind? certainly thou altogether desirest to perish there, if thou art willing to enter the crowd of suitors, whose insolence and violence reaches to the steely heaven. There are not such attendants for them, but [there are] young men, clothed well in cloaks and tunics, and always shining as to their heads and beautiful faces, who attend upon them: and the well-polished tables are heavily laden with bread and meat, and wine. But stay here; for no one is hurt by thee being present, neither I, nor any other of my companions, whom I have. But when the dear son of Ulysses comes, he will put on thee a cloak and tunic as garments, and will send thee wherever thy heart and mind bids thee."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses then answered: "Mayest thou be as dear to the father Jove, O Eumæus, as [thou art] to me, because thou hast made me cease from my wandering and grievous toil: for there is nothing else worse for mortals than wandering. But on account of their pernicious belly men possess evil cares, upon whom wandering and calamity and grief come. But now, since thou detainest me, and commandest me to wait for him, come, tell me about the mother of divine Ulysses, and his sire, whom when he set out he left upon the threshold of old age, if they are by chance still alive under the beams of the sun, or are now dead, and in the houses of Pluto."

But him the swineherd, chief of men, addressed in turn: "Therefore I will tell thee very truly, O stranger: Laertes is still alive, but is for ever praying to Jove, that his life may perish from his limbs in his own palace: for he is violently grieved for his absent son, and his skilful virgin wife, who most of all grieved him when she died, and placed him in an immature old age. But she, through sorrow for her renowned son, perished by a miserable death;^[15] so may not any one die, whoever dwelling here is a friend to me, and does friendly acts. Whilst indeed then she was alive, although grieving, so long was it dear to me to inquire and ask her, because she herself nurtured me with long-robed Ctimena, her illustrious daughter, whom she bore youngest of her children: with her I was brought up, and she honoured me but little less. But when we both reached much desirable youth, they immediately sent her to Samos, and received large [dowries]. But me she sent to the country, having clad me with a cloak and tunic, very beautiful garments, and having given me sandals for my feet; but she loved me in her heart still more. But now I am in want of these things; yet the blessed gods increase for me the work, in which I abide; from these things I have eaten and drunk, and have given to objects of pity.^[16] But from my mistress I cannot hear any soothing word, or [experience]^[17] any deed [of kindness]; since evil has fallen upon the house, overbearing men; and the servants greatly desire to speak before their mistress, and to inquire every thing: and to eat and drink: and then to carry something into the country, such things as ever delight the mind of servants."

But him much-counselling Ulysses answering addressed: "Alas! how when thou wast little, O swineherd Eumæus, didst thou wander far from thy country and parents. But come, tell me this, and relate it truly, whether was the wide-wayed city of men plundered, in which thy father and venerable mother dwelt; or did hostile men take thee in ships, when left alone with sheep or oxen, and transport thee to the house of this man, and did he give a fit price [for thee]?"

But him the swineherd, chief of men, addressed in turn: "O stranger, since thou askest of me and inquirest these things, now attend in silence, and delight thyself, and sitting down, quaff wine; but these nights are exceedingly long; it is in our power to sleep, and it is in our power to listen delighted: nor is it fit that thou shouldst go to rest before the time; even much sleep is a pain. But whomsoever of the others his heart and mind commands, let him sleep, having gone away: but together with the shining morn having made his meal, let him attend upon my master's swine. But let us drinking and feasting in the tent, be delighted, recalling to mind the grievous cares of one another: for after a time a man is delighted even with griefs, whosoever has suffered very many things and has wandered much. But I will tell thee this which thou askest and inquirest of me. There is a certain island called Syria (if thou by chance hast heard of it) beyond Ortygia, where are the dials^[18] of the sun. It is not so very large; but it is excellent, fit for pasture, rich in sheep, full of wine, abounding in wheat; and hunger never comes upon the people, nor is there any other hateful disease upon wretched mortals; but when the tribes of men grow old in the city, silver-bowed Apollo, coming with Diana, attacking them with his mild weapons, slays them. There are two cities, and all things are divided twofold; but my father Ctesius Ormenides, like unto the immortals, reigned over both of them.

But there Phœnicians came, men illustrious by sea, cunning fellows bringing numberless trinkets in their black ship.^[19] Now there was a Phœnician woman in the house of my sire, beautiful, and large, and skilled in illustrious weaving works. Her then the crafty Phœnician seduced; some one first mingled with her as she was washing, near the hollow ship, in the couch and in love; which things seduce the minds of women, although one should happen to be a good work-woman. Then indeed he asked her, who she was, and whence she came: and she immediately mentioned the lofty-roofed house of her father: 'I boast to be from brass-abounding Sidon, and I am the daughter of with wealth flowing Arybas; but the Taphians, men given to robbery, snatched me away as I was returning from the fields; and taking me away, they transported me for sale to the house of this man; but he gave a fit price [for me].' But her the man, who mingled with her secretly, again addressed: 'Wouldst thou now again come home together with us, that thou mayest behold the lofty-roofed house of thy father and mother, and them too themselves? for they are still alive, and are called opulent.' But him the woman again addressed and answered in discourse. 'This might be, if ye at least were willing, O sailors, to be pledged with an oath, that ye will take me home unharmed.' Thus she spoke, but they all swore as she commanded. But when they had sworn and completed the oath, the woman again addressed and answered them in discourse: 'Now be silent; let not any one of your companions speak to me with words, when he meets me, either in the road, or by chance at the fountain; for fear some one coming to the house, should tell the old man: but he, suspecting me, should bind me with a difficult bond, and should plan destruction for you. But keep your words in your breast, and hasten the purchase of provisions. But when indeed the ship is now full of means of livelihood, then let a message come quickly to me to the house; for I will bring both gold, whatever comes under my hand, and I would also willingly give other things, as payment for my passage: for I nurse the son of the excellent man in the palace, a very cunning child, that can run with one out of doors; him I would take on board ship; and he would gain a large price for you, wheresoever ye may transport him [for sale] to foreign men.

Thus having spoken, she departed to the beautiful house: but they, remaining there amongst us for a whole year, purchased much substance in their hollow ship: but when the hollow ship was now laden^[20] for them to return, then they sent a messenger, to tell the woman; a very skilful man came to the house of my sire, having a golden necklace, and it was set in amber: the handmaidens and my venerable mother turned it round and round with their hands in the palace, and beheld it with their eyes; promising a price [for it]: but he made the sign to her in silence. He however, having made the sign, went to the hollow ship; but she, laying hold of me by the hand, led me out of doors from the house: and she found in the portico both the cups, and the tables of the men who had been feasting, who attended upon my sire: they indeed had gone out to the session, and to the assembly of the people: and she quickly concealing three bowls under her bosom, carried them out; and I followed through my thoughtlessness; and the sun set, and all the ways were overshadowed. And we going swiftly reached the renowned haven; there was the fast-sailing ship of the Phœnicians. They then embarking sailed over the moist ways, having put us on board; and Jove sent a favourable gale. For six days we continually sailed both nights and day; but when Jove, the son of Saturn, brought on the seventh day, then shaft-rejoicing Diana struck the woman; and she resounded as she fell in the hold, like a sea gull: and they threw her out to become a prey to sea-calves, and fishes; but I was left sorrowing at heart. And the wind and the water carrying them along made them approach Ithaca; there Laertes purchased me with his possessions. Thus I beheld this land with my eyes.'"

But him Jove-born Ulysses answered in discourse: "O Eumæus, very much hast thou moved my mind in my breast, relating each of these things, how many griefs thou hast suffered in thy mind. But however Jove has given good unto thee even with misfortune, since having toiled much thou hast come to the house of a mild man, who liberally affords thee meat and drink; and thou livest a good life: but I come here, having wandered over many cities of mortals."

Thus they spoke to one another; but they slept for no long time, but for a very little while; for beautiful-throned Morn soon came. But upon the shore the companions of Telemachus loosed the sails, and quickly took down the mast, and drew it on to the port with their oars. And they threw out the anchors, and bound down the halsers. And they themselves went out upon the beach of the sea, and got ready a meal, and mixed the dark wine. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, to them prudent Telemachus began discourse:

"Do ye indeed now drive the black ship to the city, but I will go to the country and to [my] shepherds; but in the evening, having seen my fields, I will go to the city: and in the morning I will give you wages for your journey, an excellent feast of flesh and sweet-drinking wine."

But him godlike Theoclymenus addressed in turn: "Where shall I go, my dear son? to the house of whom of the men, who rule over rugged Ithaca, shall I come? Should I go direct to thy mother's and thine house?"

And him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Otherwise I should desire thee to go to our house; for there would be no lacking of hospitable entertainment; but it is worse for thee [to do so]: since I shall be absent, nor will my mother see thee; for she does not by any means appear frequently to the suitors in the house, but away from them weaves a web in the upper room. But I mention to you another man, to whom thou mayest come, Eurymachus, the noble son of wise Polybus, whom the Ithacans now regard equally as a god. For he is by far the best man, and is especially desirous to marry my mother, and to obtain the honour due to Ulysses. But Olympian Jove, who dwells in the sky, knows this, if their evil day will end before marriage."

Whilst he spoke thus, a bird flew on his right hand, a hawk, the swift messenger of Apollo; and in its feet it tore a dove, holding it, and poured the feathers down on the ground, between the ship and Telemachus himself. But Theoclymenus, calling him apart from his companions, took hold of him by the hand, and spoke and addressed him:

"O Telemachus, this bird did not fly on thy right hand without [the design of] the deity; for when I saw it before me, I perceived that it was an omen. There is no other family more kingly than thine amongst the people of Ithaca, but ye are always powerful."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "I wish this word may be brought to pass, O stranger: then thou wouldst quickly experience my friendship, and many gifts from me, so that any one who met thee would give thee joy."

He spoke, and addressed Piræus his faithful companion: "O Piræus, son of Clytius, since thou even in other things dost obey me most of my companions, who attended me to Pylos; now also, taking the stranger to thy house, entertain him carefully, and honour him until I come."

But him spear-renowned Piræus answered in turn: "O Telemachus, although thou remain here for a long time, I will take care of this man, and there shall be no lack of hospitable entertainment for him."

Thus having spoken, he went on board the ship, and he ordered his companions both themselves to embark, and to loose the halsers. But they quickly went on board, and sat down on the benches. But Telemachus bound beautiful sandals under his feet, and took a strong spear, tipped with sharp brass, from the deck of the ship: and they loosed the halsers. They having thrust out sailed to the city, as Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, desired them. But his feet carried him on quickly advancing, until he came to the abode, where were his numberless swine, amongst which the swineherd, excellent as he was, slept, having kind feelings towards his masters.

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1. See Loewe on vi. 4.
2. Cf. xiv. 223, οἰκωφελίη.
3. Or rather, "true, legitimate." See Buttm. Lexil. p. 393.
4. Cf. Theocrit. Id. xvi. 27. μηδὲ ξεινοδόκον κακὸν ἔμμεναι· ἀλλὰ τραπέζᾳ μειλίξαντ' ἀποπέμψαι, ἐπὰν ἐθέλωντι νέεσθαι.
5. Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 195.
6. Hesych. πείρινθος. πλέγμα, τό ἐπὶ τῆς ἁμάξης. Schol. on Il. xxiv. 190. πείρινθα, τὸ ἐπικείμενον τῇ ἁμάξῃ πλινθίον, ἐφ' οὗ φέρουσι τὰ φορτία, ὃ καὶ ὑπερτερίαν καλοῦσι.
7. On this exile of murderers the student will do well to consult Müller's Eumenides, § 44, p. 129, &c. He remarks that "in the Heroic age the punishment for homicide was on the whole more severe than in the Attic courts and Platonic scheme of laws. For," as he observes in reference to the present passage of Homer. "the pursuit of vengeance was carried beyond the frontiers; neither was it limited in its operation as by Attic law, but was exercised in all its relentlessness; even in foreign countries the fugitive murderer was in constant apprehension of the avenger."
8. Iphiclus, the son of Phylacus, had seized and detained cattle belonging to Neleus; Neleus ordered his nephew Melampus to recover them, and, as security for his obedience, seized on a considerable part of his possessions. Melampus attempted the service, failed, and was cast into prison; but at length escaping, accomplished his errand, vanquished Neleus in battle, and carried off his daughter Pero, whom Neleus had promised to the brother of Melampus, but had afterwards refused her. Cowper.
9. Δασπλῆτις, δυσπλῆτίς τις οὖσα, ὅ ἐστι δυσπέλαστος. Schol. Ambros. Cf. Etym. M. F. 55, A. Schol. on Theocrit. ii. 14. Alberti on Hesych. t. i. p. 891, sq.
10. See xi. 326, sqq. Eriphyle is meant.
11. An exclamation of grief. See Loewe.
12. See Loewe.
13. Properly, "took a right aim so as to hit Pheræ." Cf. Porphyr. Quæst. Hom. i.
14. i. e. rapidly vanishing from the sight. Cf. Virg. Æn. iii. 72, "terræque urbesque recedunt," 270, sq. Lucret. iv. 388, sqq. Valer. Flacc. ii. 8. Silius iii. 156. Rutil. Itin. i. 223.
15. She either died of a broken heart, or hung herself. See Eustathius.
16. Venerable, because objects of a regard almost amounting to superstition, as being the necessary objects of hospitality.
17. Observe the zeugma in ἀκοῦσαι.
18. This is the meaning, according to Menage on Diog. Laert. i. followed by Loewe, and Palmer on Hesych. v. Ὀρτυγίη ἡελίοιο. t. ii. p. 790. But Mr. Burges suggests that it rather denotes "the point where the sun begins to set," from Hesych. l. c.
19. Cf. Herodot. i. 2, where he gives a similar account respecting Io.
20. See Buttmann, Lexil. p. 465.