The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 17

by Homer

 

BOOK XVII.

 

ARGUMENT.

On the following day Telemachus goes to the city, and gives an account of his voyage to Penelope: Theoclymenus, whom he introduces, foretells the speedy return of Ulysses, whom Eumæus conducts to the city, and takes to the palace, where he is recognised by his old dog Argus, who dies at his feet. Ulysses then goes amongst the suitors, by whom he is treated with insolence: Penelope hearing of him, as a stranger, from Eumæus, sends for him; but he declines to go to her until the evening, when the suitors have left the palace. Eumæus then returns to the country.

But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, then Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, bound beautiful sandals under his feet: and he took a strong spear which fitted his hands, setting out towards the city, and he addressed his swineherd:

"Father, I am going to the city, that my mother may see me (for I do not think that she will cease from hateful mourning and tearful grief before she beholds me myself): but thus I charge thee, bring the unhappy stranger to the city, that he may there beg a meal; but whoever chooses will give him a meal-cake and a small measure^[1] [of drink]; but it is not possible for me to support all men, having griefs in my mind. But if the stranger is very wroth, it will be sadder for him; for the truth is dear to me to speak."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "O my friend, I myself indeed do not wish to be detained; it is better for a beggar to beg a meal in a city, than in the country; for whoever chooses will give to me. For I am no longer of such an age to remain at the stalls, so as to obey a master who commands me in every thing. But go; this man, whom thou desirest, will lead me to the city immediately, at least when I am warmed with the fire, and there is heat from the sun; (for these garments which I have are very sad ones;) lest the morning frost should overcome me; and ye say the city is far off."

Thus he spoke: but Telemachus went through the abode, swiftly stepping forward with his feet: and he brooded evils for the suitors. But when he reached the well-built dwelling, taking his spear, he placed it against the lofty column, and he himself went in, and passed over the stone threshold.

And him did the nurse Euryclea behold much the first, as she was spreading fleeces upon the variegated thrones: then weeping she went straight forward; and the other handmaidens of wretched Ulysses were assembled around him, and embracing him they kissed his head and shoulders. And prudent Penelope came from her chamber, like unto Diana and golden Venus: and she threw her arms around her dear son, weeping. And she kissed his head and both his beautiful eyes; and lamenting addressed to him winged words:

"Thou art come, O Telemachus, my sweet light: I did not think that I should behold thee any more, when thou didst go in a ship to Pylos secretly, against my will, to inquire for thy dear father; but come, tell me what sight thou hast encountered."

But her prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "O my mother, do not raise grief unto me, nor excite the heart within the breast of me, who have escaped bitter destruction. But having washed thyself, and taken clean garments for thy body, [ascending to the upper-rooms with thy women attendants,] vow to all the gods that thou wilt offer up sacred hecatombs, if Jove will by any means execute deeds of vengeance. But I will go to the place of meeting, that I may invite a stranger, who attended me from thence, as I was coming hither. Him I sent on indeed with my godlike companions: and I ordered Piræus, leading him home, to entertain him, and honour him heartily, until I should come."

Thus he spoke; but the word was unwinged.^[2] But she, having washed herself, [and] taken clean garments for her body, vowed to all the gods, that she would offer up sacred hecatombs, if by any means Jove would execute deeds of vengeance. But Telemachus then went through out of the palace, holding his spear: and swift-footed dogs accompanied him. But Minerva shed divine grace upon him: and all the people admired him as he came. And the haughty suitors were assembled around him, speaking good words, but they planned evils deeply in their minds. And he immediately avoided the great crowd of them; but where Mentor sat, and Antiphus, and Alitherses, (who from the beginning were his ancestral friends,) there going, he sat down; and they inquired every thing [of him]. And spear-renowned Piræus came near them, bringing the stranger through the city to the forum: nor was Telemachus a long time turned far away from the stranger, but he stood near him. And him Piræus first addressed in words:

"O Telemachus, quickly incite women [to go] to my house, that I may send away the presents, which Menelaus gave to thee."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "O Piræus, we know not how these things will be; if the haughty suitors, slaying me secretly in the palace, should divide all my ancestral property, I wish that thou or some one of these should keep and enjoy them; but if I shall plant death and fate for them, then rejoicing bring them to me rejoicing, to my dwelling."

Thus having spoken, he led the much-worn stranger home. But when they reached the well-built house, they laid their cloaks down upon the benches and thrones, and going into the well-polished baths they washed themselves. But when the handmaidens had washed them, and anointed them with oil, they threw woollen cloaks and garments around them, and going out of the bath, they sat clown upon the benches. And a 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, placing on it many kinds of meat, gratifying them as well as she could out of what was present. But his mother sat opposite [to him], near a column of the palace, reclining on a bench, twisting her slender distaff. And they stretched forth their hands to the food lying ready before them. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, prudent Penelope began speaking to them:

"O Telemachus, I indeed ascending to the upper room, will lie down on my bed, which to me has become mournful, ever being bedewed with my tears, since Ulysses went with the Atridæ to Ilium: nor hast thou endured, before the haughty suitors came to this house, to tell me clearly concerning the return of thy father, whether thou hast any where heard of him."

And her prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Therefore I will tell thee, mother, the truth. We went to Pylos, and to Nestor, the shepherd of the people; and he, having received me in his lofty house, entertained me heartily, as a father does a son who has just come from elsewhere after a long season; so diligently did he take care of me, with his renowned sons. But he said that he had not heard of wretched Ulysses, alive or dead, from any one of men upon the earth; but he sent me on with horses, and a compact chariot, to spear-renowned Menelaus, son of Atreus. There I beheld Argive Helen, on whose account the Argives and Trojans toiled much, through the will of the gods. Immediately then Menelaus, gallant in the din of battle, inquired, what wishing, I had come to divine Lacedæmon. But I told him the whole truth. And then indeed answering me with words, he addressed me: 'Alas! surely indeed they being weak have wished to sleep in the bed of a noble-minded man. As when a stag having put to sleep her new-born suckling kids in the den of a strong lion, tracks out the slopes and grassy vales, seeking pasture; but he has quickly entered into his lair, and upon both of them has brought unseemly fate: so will Ulysses bring unseemly fate upon them. May he, O father Jove, and Minerva, and Apollo, being such, as once in well-built Lesbos, having risen up, he wrestled in contest with Philomelides, and threw him nobly, and all the Grecians rejoiced: [would that], being such, Ulysses may engage with the suitors: all would then be quick-fated, and bitterly married. But as to these things, which thou askest and entreatest of me, I will not tell thee other things out of the way, turning aside, nor will I deceive thee: but the things which the true-speaking old man of the sea told me, of these I will not conceal or hide a word. He said that he beheld him in an island having violent griefs, in the palace of the nymph Calypso, who detains him by necessity; but he cannot come to his paternal land; for there are not ships with oars for him, and companions who may escort him over the wide back of the sea.' Thus spoke spear-renowned Menelaus, son of Atreus. Having finished these things, I returned: and the immortals, who sent me quickly to my dear country, gave me a prosperous gale."

Thus he spoke, and he moved her mind in her breast. But godlike Theoclymenus addressed them:

"O venerable wife of Ulysses, son of Laertes: he indeed does not know it clearly; but do thou regard my discourse; for I will prophesy accurately to thee, nor will I conceal it. Now let Jove, first of the gods, be witness, and thine hospitable table, and the hearth of blameless Ulysses, to which I come, that Ulysses indeed is now sitting in his paternal land, or walking, inquiring concerning these evil deeds, but he is planting evil for all the suitors. Such augury I beheld, sitting on the well-benched ship, and I called out to Telemachus."

But him prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "I wish, O stranger, this word may be accomplished, then wouldst thou speedily experience my friendship, and [receive] many gifts from me, so that any one meeting with thee would give thee joy."

Thus they spoke to one another. But the suitors before the palace of Ulysses were delighted with quoits, and hurling with javelins on the wrought pavement, where even before they practised their insolence. But when it was now supper-time, and the cattle came from the country on all sides, and they brought them, who before [used to bring them]: then indeed did Medon address them, for he most pleased them of the heralds, and with them was present at the feast:

"O youths, since ye have all been delighted in your mind with contests, come to the house, that we may make ready a feast, for it is by no means bad to take supper at the proper season."

Thus he spoke, but they rising up went, and obeyed his word. But when they came to the well-built dwelling, they laid their cloaks down on the benches and thrones, and sacrificed large sheep and fat goats: and they sacrificed fatted swine, and a cow from the herd, making ready a feast: but Ulysses and the divine swineherd hastened to go from the country to the city. But to them the swineherd, chief of men, began discourse:

"O stranger, since thou indeed desirest to go to-day to the city, as my master ordered, (go); certainly I should wish thee to be here a guardian of the stalls; but I reverence and fear him, lest afterwards he should be wroth with me: now the chidings of masters are severe. But come now, let us go: for the day is now almost gone by,^[3] but soon indeed towards evening it will be more chilly."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "I know it, I am aware of it; thou commandest these things to one who understands. But let us go: do thou then lead the way throughout. But give me, if thou by chance hast one cut, a staff to lean upon, since thou sayest that it is a slippery way."

He spoke; and around his shoulders threw an unseemly satchel, densely ragged; but there was a twisted cord^[4] to hold it. But Eumæus gave him a mind-delighting staff. They twain went along: but the dogs and herdsmen remaining behind, defended the stall: and he led his master to the city, like unto a squalid beggar and an old man, leaning on a staff: and miserable garments were put upon his body. But when now treading the rugged way they were near the city, and reached the beautiful-flowing fountain, wrought by men's hands,^[5] from whence the citizens drew water, which Ithacus and Neritus and Polyctor made: and around there was a grove of water-nurtured poplars circular on all sides, and cold water flowed down from a rock from on high; and there was an altar of the Nymphs built above it, where all travellers made offerings. There Melanthius, son of Dolius, found them, bringing those goats which surpassed all the flocks, as a supper for the suitors: and two attendants followed him. But seeing [them], he chided them, and spoke and addressed them in a violent and unseemly manner; and he roused the heart of Ulysses [by saying thus]:

"Now indeed by all means the vile leads the vile; so the deity ever brings the like to the like.^[6] Where, O unenvied swineherd, dost thou lead this hungry fellow, a wretched beggar, a destroyer of feasts: who, standing near many door-posts, will rub his shoulders, begging morsels, not tripods or cauldrons?^[7] If thou wouldst give him to me to be a guard of my stalls, and to be a sweeper of the folds, and to carry a branch [of herbs] for the kids,^[8] then drinking whey, he would render his thighs stout. But since then he indeed has learnt evil works, he will not be willing to go to work,^[9] but crouching amongst the people, he prefers^[10] asking alms to feed his insatiable belly. But I tell thee plainly,^[11] and this shall be accomplished, if he comes to the dwelling of divine Ulysses, the sides of him being pelted through the house will wear out^[12] many foot-stools [thrown] about his head from the hands of men."

Thus he spoke; and going by him, he in his foolishness leapt upon his haunch with his heel; nor did he thrust him out of the path, but he remained without stumbling; and Ulysses meditated, whether rushing swiftly upon him, he should take away his life with a club, or should dash his head against the earth, raising him on the ground. But he endured it, and he refrained in his mind: but the swineherd chided him, looking at him: and uplifting his hands, he prayed aloud:

"O fountain Nymphs, ye daughters of Jove, if ever Ulysses has burnt thighs for you, covering them with the rich fat, of lambs or kids, accomplish this work for me, that that man may come, and the deity may bring him: then would he disperse all the boasting, which you now insulting bear, wandering ever throughout the city: but evil herdsmen destroy the cattle."^[13]

But him Melanthius the goatherd in turn addressed: "O gods, what has the dog, who kens evil things, uttered? him whom I some time will remove far from Ithaca, in a well-benched black ship, that he may gain much livelihood for me. For may silver-bowed Apollo strike Telemachus to-day in the palace, or may he be subdued under the suitors, as the day of return is lost to Ulysses afar off."

Thus having spoken, he left them there going slowly, but he went on, and very quickly reached the dwelling of the king. And he immediately went in, and sat down among the suitors, opposite Eurymachus: for he loved him very much. Those who ministered placed near him his share of food, and the venerable housekeeper bringing bread, set it near him to eat: and Ulysses and the divine swineherd coming stood near; and the sound of the hollow lyre came about them; for Phemius struck up to sing; but he, taking the swineherd by the hand, [thus] addressed him:

"Eumæus, of a truth this dwelling of Ulysses is very beautiful and easy to distinguish, even to behold amongst many. There is one [story] above another; and the court is ornamented with a wall and battlements, and there are well-closing^[14] folding-doors; no man would scoff at it.^[15] But I perceive that many men are making a banquet in it; since the smoke of the fat^[16] rises up, and the lyre speaks within, which the gods have made a companion to the feast."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "Thou knowest it well; since as to other things thou art not unintelligent: but come, let us now consider how these things will be. Either do thou first enter the well-built house, and go amongst the suitors, and I will remain behind here: but if thou wilt, remain, and I will go before: nor do thou delay, lest some one seeing thee without, should either strike [thee] or drive thee away; I exhort thee to consider these things."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses then answered: "I know it; I am aware of it; thou commandest these things to one who understands. But do thou go before, and I will remain here: for I am not at all inexperienced in stripes or blows; my mind is daring, since I have suffered many evils on the waves, and in war: and let this happen after these. But it is not possible to conceal a craving belly, pernicious, which gives many evils to men: on account of this even well-yoked ships are fitted out for the barren sea, bringing evils to the hostile."

Thus they spoke to one another. But Argus, the dog of patient Ulysses, lying down, held up his head and ears, [the dog] which he himself formerly nourished, nor did he enjoy the use [of him]: but he previously went away to sacred Ilium: but young men had before led him against wild goats, and harts, and hares. There he lay cast out, his master having gone away, amongst much dung of mules and oxen, which was spread before the doors in great quantities: until the servants of Ulysses should take it away to manure the extensive ground: there lay the dog Argus, full of vermin. Then, when he saw Ulysses near, he fawned with his tail, and laid down both his ears: but he could no more come nearer his master; but he beholding him at a distance wiped away a tear, easily escaping the notice of Eumæus: but he inquired of him immediately:

"O Eumæus, it is indeed a wonder; this dog lies in the manure; he is beautiful as to his body, but this I do not well know, whether besides his beauty of form he was swift to run, or uselessly, as are the dogs at the tables of men, his masters take care of him for the sake of ornament."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "This indeed is the dog of a man who has died far off. If he were such, both in body and in feats, as Ulysses left him, when going to Troy, thou wouldst soon be surprised, beholding his swiftness and courage. For he did not fly from any monster that he had pursued in the thickets of the deep wood: and he was well acquainted with their tracks: but he is now possessed by misfortune: and his master has perished elsewhere away from his country; and the neglectful women do not take care of him. But servants, when their masters no longer rule over them, are then no longer willing to do proper things: for loud-sounding Jove takes away half the excellence of a man, when the day of slavery seizes hold of him."

Thus having spoken, he entered the well-built house: and he went straight through the palace to the illustrious suitors. 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.^[17] 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 any one from evil.^[18] And he set out on the right hand to beg of every man, stretching out his hand every where, as if he were a beggar of old. But they, pitying him, bestowed on him, and were astonished at him; and asked of one another, who he was, and whence he came. But them Melanthius, the goatherd, [thus] addressed:

"Hear me, ye suitors of the illustrious queen, with regard to this stranger: for I have seen him before. The swineherd forsooth brought him hither; but I do not clearly know him, from whence he boasts his race to be."

Thus he spoke; but Antinous rebuked the swineherd with words: "O notorious swineherd, why didst thou bring him to the city? have we not enough of wanderers, and other sordid beggars, the destroyers of banquets? dost thou profit at all, that assembled here they consume the property of thy master? and from whence didst thou invite him?"

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "O Antinous, although thou art good, thou dost not speak honourable things: for who, when he himself comes from elsewhere, invites another stranger, except [one] of those, who are public officers? a prophet, or curer of ills, or carpenter of planks, or even a divine bard, who may delight them, singing? for these mortals over the boundless earth are invited:^[19] no one would invite a beggar, who will devour him himself. But thou art always, above all the suitors, severe to the servants of Ulysses, and especially to me; but I care not, so long as prudent Penelope and godlike Telemachus live in the palace."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Be silent, do not answer him much with words. But Antinous is ever accustomed to contend evilly with bitter words, and he encourages others also."

He spoke, and to Antinous addressed winged words: "O Antinous, thou takest good care of me, as a father of his son, thou who commandest me to send a stranger from the palace by a violent speech; may not the deity bring this to pass. Take and give to him: I grudge it not: for I advise it. Nor in this regard my mother, nor any other of the servants, who are in the house of divine Ulysses. But thou hast no such thought in thy breast; for thou desirest thyself to eat, much rather than to give to another."

But him Antinous addressed in answer: "Telemachus, thou lofty speaker, intolerable in might, what hast thou said? if all the suitors were to bestow so much on him, the house would keep him at a distance even for three months."^[20]

Thus he spoke; and taking a footstool lying under the table, he showed it, upon which he placed his soft feet, when banqueting. But all the others gave [to him], and filled his satchel with bread and meat: and Ulysses, again going to the threshold, was now about to taste the bounty of the Greeks; but he stood near Antinous, and addressed discourse to him:

"Give, O friend; thou dost not appear to me to be the worst of the Grecians, but the best, since thou art like unto a king: therefore it behoves thee to give something better than the others, [something better] than bread: and I would celebrate thee over the boundless earth. For I also once happy inhabited an opulent house amongst men, and oftentimes gave to such a wanderer, whatever kind of man he might be, and whatever he came in need of. And I had great numbers of servants, and other things, by which men live well, and are called opulent: but Jove, the son of Saturn, was my ruin, (for he somehow willed it,) who sent me with much-wandering robbers to go to Egypt, a long journey, that I might perish: but I stationed in the river Egyptus the ships rowed on both sides. Then indeed I bade my beloved companions remain there near the ships, and draw up the ships; and I urged watches to go to places of looking out. But they, yielding to insolence, and drawn on by their own spirit, very quickly laid waste the most beautiful fields of the Egyptians, and took away their wives, and infant children, and slew them: but an alarm soon reached the city; and they, hearing the clamour, came together with the shining morn; and the whole plain was filled with foot and horse, and the glittering of brass: but thunder-rejoicing Jove infused evil panic into my companions; nor did any one dare to remain opposed to them; for evils stood around them on every side. There they slew many of us with the sharp brass, and led some away alive, to work for them by necessity. But me they gave to a stranger who met them [to take to] Cyprus, Demetor, son of Iasus, who reigned by his might over Cyprus. From thence I am now come hither to this place, suffering harm."

But him Antinous answered and addressed in turn: "What deity brought this pest to [us], a trouble of our feast? Stand out, then, in the middle far off from my table, lest soon thou shouldst reach a bitter Egypt and Cyprus: since thou art some daring and shameless beggar. Thou standest near all in their turn; but they foolishly give to thee: since there is no restraint, nor commiseration to give of another's property, since each has much.

But him much-planning Ulysses, on retiring, addressed: "Alas! thou hast not a mind in addition to thy beauty of form: thou wouldst not give even a grain of salt from thine house to thine own suppliant, thou, who now sitting down at another man's [table], hast not had the heart to give some bread to me, taking it away: but thou hast much before thee."

Thus he spoke; but Antinous was still more wrathful at heart, and looking sternly upon him, he addressed to him winged words: "Now indeed I no longer think that thou wilt retire well through out of the palace, since thou now speakest reproachful things."

Thus he spoke: and taking a footstool, he struck his (Ulysses') right shoulder at the bottom, on the back: but he stood firm, as a rock; nor did the weapon of Antinous cause him to stumble, but in silence he moved his head, deeply devising evils; and going back to the threshold, he sat down, and put down his well-filled satchel; and addressed the suitors:

"Hear me, ye suitors of the illustrious queen, whilst I speak the things which the mind in my breast commands me. There is no sorrow in one's mind, nor grief at all, when a man fighting for his own possessions is stricken, either for his oxen, or white sheep: but Antinous struck me on account of my sad belly, pernicious, which gives many evils to men. But if there are any where gods and Erinnyes of poor men, may the end of death reach him before his marriage."

But him Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed in turn: "Eat quiet, O stranger, sitting down, or go away elsewhere; lest young men drag thee through the house (such things thou speakest!) either by the foot, or by the hand, and flay thee entirely."

Thus he spoke: but they were all excessively indignant; and thus some one of the proud youths spoke: "Antinous, not well didst thou hurl at the wretched wanderer, O thou doomed to destruction, if there is any god in heaven. For the gods, like unto foreign strangers, being [seen] in all forms, go about cities, looking into the insolence and the good conduct of men."

Thus spoke the suitors, but he heeded not their words. And Telemachus cherished great grief in his heart for him that was stricken, nor did he shed a tear from his eye-lids on the ground, but he moved his head in silence, deeply devising evils.

When then prudent Penolope heard of him that was stricken in the palace, she spoke to her handmaidens: "So may bow-renowned Apollo strike thee thyself." But her the housekeeper Eurynome addressed in turn:

"Ay, if an end were made to our prayers, no one of these would reach the beautiful-throned morn."

But her prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "Nurse, they are all hateful, since they contrive evils: but Antinous is especially like unto black Fate. Some unhappy stranger is wandering through the house, asking alms of the men; (for need ordered him;) there all the others filled [his satchel] and gave to him; but he^[21] with a footstool struck his right shoulder at the bottom."

Thus she spoke amongst her women servants, sitting in the chamber; but divine Ulysses feasted: and she having called the divine swineherd to her, addressed him:

"Come, O divine Eumæus, going desire the stranger to come, that I may converse somewhat with him, and inquire, whether he has either heard of patient Ulysses, or beheld him with his eyes: for he is like unto one who has wandered much."

But her thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "If indeed, O queen, the Grecians would be silent, such things as he relates would soothe thy dear heart. For I had him for three nights, and detained him three days in my lodge; (for he came to me first, having escaped from the ship;) but he has not yet finished relating his misfortunes. And as when a man looks upon a bard, who from the gods skilfully sings verses delightful to mortals, and they desire to hear his voice without ceasing, when he sings; so he, sitting near me in my house, soothed me. And he says that he is an ancestral friend of Ulysses, dwelling in Crete, where is the race of Minos. He now indeed came hither from thence, suffering harm, rolling onwards from place to place;^[22] and he persists in (saying) that he heard of Ulysses being alive, in a rich people near the Thesprotians; and he brings many treasures home."

But him prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "Come, call him hither, that he himself may speak in my presence. But let these, either sitting at the doors, or here in the house, delight themselves; since their mind is glad. For their possessions lie uninjured in their houses, bread and sweet wine, these their servants eat: but they, frequenting our house all their days, sacrificing oxen and sheep, and fat goats, are feasting and drinking dark wine vainly: and many things are consumed; for there is no man present, such as Ulysses was, to ward off hostility from the house. But if Ulysses should come and reach his paternal land, soon would he with his son be revenged upon the violence of men."

Thus she spoke, but Telemachus sneezed loudly, and the house resounded violently around: but Penelope laughed, and quickly to Eumæus addressed winged words:

"Come, call the stranger hither to my presence. Dost thou not see, that my son has sneezed to all my words? Therefore may there be no imperfect death to all the suitors, nor may any one escape death and the Fates. But I tell thee something else, and do thou lay it up in thy mind, if I know that he speaks all things true, I will put a cloak on him, and a tunic, beautiful garments."

Thus she spoke; and the swineherd went, when he heard her discourse: and standing near him, addressed winged words:

"O father stranger, prudent Penelope, the mother of Telemachus, calls thee; her mind exhorts her to make some inquiries concerning her husband, although she suffers griefs. But if she knows that thou speakest all things true, she will put a cloak on thee, and a tunic, of which thou art most in need; and begging bread throughout the people, thou wilt feed thy belly; and whoever chooses will give to thee."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "O Eumæus, soon will I tell all things true to prudent Penelope, daughter of Icarus. For I know well concerning him, and we have undergone the same toil. But I dread the crowd of cruel suitors, whose insolence and violence reaches the steely heaven. For even now when this man striking me, as I was going through the house, when I had done no harm, gave me pain, neither did Telemachus nor any other ward off this. Now therefore desire Penelope to remain in the palace, although anxious, until sun-set: and then let her ask me concerning the return of her husband, having made me sit down nearer before the fire; for I have had sad garments; and thou thyself knowest it, since I first entreated thee."

Thus he spoke. And the swineherd went, when he heard his discourse, and Penelope addressed him as he was going over the threshold:

"Dost thou not bring him, O Eumæus? what is this the wanderer has thought of? whether fearing any one greatly? or in any other way has he awe in the palace? but bad is a modest beggar."

But her thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "He speaks rightly, as another also would think, shunning the insolence of haughty men. But he desires thee to wait until sun-set. And thus it is much better for thyself, queen, to speak to the stranger alone, and to listen to him."

But him prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "The stranger does not appear to be foolish, whoever he may be: for not anywhere do any men among mortal men thus insolent contrive infatuate deeds."

Thus she spoke; and the divine swineherd went to the crowd of suitors, when he had informed [her of] all things. And he immediately to Telemachus addressed winged words, holding his head near him, that the others might not hear:

"O friend, I am going away, to guard the swine and other things, yours and my livelihood: but let all things here be thy care. First preserve thyself, and consider in thy mind, that thou dost not suffer any thing: for many of the Grecians devise evil things; whom may Jove destroy, before harm befall us."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "So shall it be, father; but do thou go when thou hast spent the afternoon here;^[23] but in the morning come, and bring beautiful sacrifices, but all these things shall be a care to me and the immortals."

Thus he spoke; and he sat down again on a well-polished seat, and having satiated his mind with eating and drinking, he went to the swine: and he left the enclosures and the palace full of feasters; but they were delighted with the dance and the song; for afternoon^[24] had now come on.

 

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1. See Liddell's Lexicon.
2. i. e. it proved effectual, it made an impression on the mind of Penelope, μὴ ἀπόπτας, ἀλλ' ἐπιμείνας τῇ γυναικί. Eustathius. But see Apollon. Lex. and Hesych.
3. Observe the perfect μέμβλωκε from βλώσκω.
4. στρόφος ἀορτὴρ is what we should call in English "a bracer," or "suspender." Hesych. ἀορτεύς φορεὺς τοῦ ξίφους. ἀορτῆρες, οἱ ἀναφορεῖς τοῦ ξίφους. Cf. Alberti, t. i. p. 417, sq., and Bekker, Anecdot. ii. p. 414, v. ἀορτὴρ.
5. τυκτήν.
6. Aristot. Eth. viii. 1. ὅθεν τὸν ὅμοιόν φασιν ὡς ὅμοιον, καὶ κολοιὸν ποτί κολοιόν. Rhet. i. 11, ὅθεν καὶ αἱ παροιμίαι εἴρηνται, ὡς ἥλιξ ἥλικα τέρπει. Cf. Plato Phædr. p. 342, B. Theophrast. Char. xxix. Aristænet. Ep. i. 10. Cicer. de Senect. 3.
7. i. e. who does not enter the lists in the public contests, of which such gifts were the customary rewards. See Eustathius.
8. This appears to be an allusion to the custom of holding out a branch of herbs or fodder, in order to lure the cattle homeward. The proper Greek phrase is προσείεν θαλλόν. See Ruhnk. on Tim. v. θαλλός, p. 136, sqq.
9. Or "set about work."
10. On the difference between βούλομαι and ἐθέλω, see Buttm. Lexil. p. 194, sqq.
11. ἐκ seems to answer to our phrase "to speak out."
12. Literally, "rub away."
13. Cf. Theocrit. iv. 13. δειλαῖαί γ' αὖται, τὸν βουκόλον ὡς κακὸν εὗρον See Plato Theætet. p. 128. A. ed. Læm.
14. i. e. safe. Cf. Hesych. s. v.
15. Or "treat it with arrogant contempt," Buttm. Lexil. p. 520, where he justly ridicules the old explanation "to take by force of arms."
16. Hesych. κνίσα, ἀτμὸς, καπνὸς τῶν θυσιῶν.
17. Hesych. στάθμη, σπάρτος, ἐν ᾗ ἀπορθοῦσιν οἱ τέκτονες. See also the Schol. on. Il. Ο. 410, and Suidas, s. v.
18. i. e. from the death that awaited them.
19. i. e. welcome. Cf. Plato. Sympos. p. 115. G.
20. i. e. he would get such a beating, that he would be afraid to come again. Eust. Or, as one Schol. says, "He would get enough good living to keep him from the house for three months."
21. i. e. Antinous.
22. See Scholiast.
23. I am indebted to Buttm. Lexil. p. 229, sq. and the Schol.
24. See Buttm. ibid.