But the fate of black death laid hold of Argus immediately when he saw Ulysses in the twentieth year. But godlike Telemachus much the first beheld the swineherd coming to the house: and then he quickly nodded calling [him] to him: but he looking about took a seat that lay there, where the carver sat, distributing much meat to the suitors, who were feasting in the palace. Taking it, he set it down at the table of Telemachus opposite to him: and there he himself sat down: and the herald, taking a share, gave it to him, and lifted bread out of the basket. And Ulysses entered the house soon after him, like unto a poor beggar and an aged man, leaning upon a staff: and sad garments were put around his body: and he sat down on the ashen threshold within the doors, leaning against a pillar of cypress wood, which formerly an artificer had polished skilfully, and had straightened according to a plumb-line.[1] But Telemachus, calling the swineherd to him, addressed him, taking also a whole loaf from the beautiful basket, and meat, as much as his hands were extended when he put them round it:
"Give these to the stranger, bearing [them to him]: and order him to beg, going about to all the suitors; shame is not good for a beggar in need."
Thus he spoke; but the swineherd went, when he heard what was said, and standing near addressed to him winged words: "O stranger, Telemachus gives thee this, and orders thee to beg, going about to all the suitors: and he says that shame is not good for a beggar."
But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "O king Jove, that Telemachus may be happy amongst men, and may all things succeed for him, whatever he meditates in his mind."
He spoke, and received it in both [his hands], and laid it down there, before his feet, on his unseemly satchel. And he eat while the bard was singing in the palace; but when he had done feasting, the divine bard ceased. And the suitors made a clamour in the palace; but Minerva, standing near, incited Ulysses, the son of Laertes, that he might collect meal-cakes amongst the suitors, and that he might know who were just, and who lawless. But not even thus was she about to free
