The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 2

by Homer

 

BOOK II.

 

ARGUMENT.

Telemachus, having called an assembly, commands the suitors to leave the house of Ulysses: upon which there arises a sharp dispute, and an omen appears favourable to Telemachus. He then informs the suitors of his intention of going in quest of his father, and asks for a ship for that purpose; which they refuse: but Minerva, appearing to him again, furnishes him with a ship and companions. Having obtained provisions from Euryclea, he sets sail in the evening in company with Minerva, without having informed his mother of his intended departure.

But when the mother of dawn,^[1] rosy-fingered morning, appeared, then the dear son of Ulysses arose from his bed, having put on his garments: and around his shoulder he slung a sharp sword; and beneath his shining feet he bound beautiful sandals. And he went forth from his chamber like unto a god to behold.^[2] And forthwith he ordered the shrill-voiced heralds to call to an assembly the long-haired Grecians. They indeed called them; and they were very quickly assembled. But when they were assembled, and were collected together, he proceeded to go to the forum, and in his hand he held a brazen spear. Not alone, for two swift^[3] dogs followed in company with him; and over him Minerva shed divine grace. And all the people gazed at him as he came, and he sat in the seat of his father, and the old men gave way. Then the hero Ægyptius began to harangue them, who was bent with old age, and knew ten thousand things. For his dear son, the warrior Antiphus, went with godlike Ulysses in the hollow ships to steed-excelling Ilium. But the fierce Cyclops slew him in his hollow cave, and prepared for his last^[4] supper. And there were three others; but one of them, Eurynomus, associated with the suitors: but two were always employed in their paternal duties. But not even thus did he forget him,^[5] lamenting and grieving. He pouring forth tears harangued them and spoke:

"Hear now from me, Ithacans, what I shall say. Never has our assembly, nor our sitting together, taken place, since divine Ulysses went in the hollow ships. But now who has assembled us here? upon whom does so great a necessity come, whether of young men, or of those who are more advanced? Whether has any one heard some intelligence of an army coming against us, which indeed he can declare clearly to us since he heard it first? or does he bring forward and advise something else which is public? He appears to me to be a good man, and may he be fortunate.^[6] May Jove accomplish for him whatever good he is anxious for in his mind."

Thus he spoke; but the beloved son of Ulysses rejoiced in the omen;^[7] nor did he sit still much longer, but was anxious to harangue; and he stood in the middle of the assembly; and the herald Pisenor, who understood prudent counsels, placed the sceptre in his hand. First then, turning towards^[8] the old man, he spoke [thus]:

"O old man, not far off is this^[9] man who assembled the people (and thou thyself wilt soon know him); but grief comes especially upon me; I have neither heard any intelligence of an army coming against us, which indeed I can clearly declare to thee, since I have heard it first nor do I bring forward or advise any thing else which is public. But my own necessity, the evil which has fallen upon mine house, which is two-fold. First, I have lost my excellent sire, who was formerly a king amongst you who are here,^[10] and he was mild as a father. But now again even a much greater [evil has befallen], which will soon altogether break up my whole house, and will entirely destroy my whole livelihood. Suitors are urging my mother against her will, the sons of the men who are the chief here: they dread to go to the house of her Icarian father, so that he may endow his daughter, and give her to whom he chooses, and to whomsoever should come acceptable to him. But they, spending all their days at my house, sacrificing oxen, and sheep, and fat goats, feast, and drink my ruddy^[11] wine to no purpose: but many things are consumed; for there is not present such a man as Ulysses was, to avert the calamity from the house. We are by no means such [as he was] to resist them; and besides we should be both weak, and not skilled in strength. Truly would I resist them, if strength were mine. For no longer are the deeds to be endured that have been done, and no longer does my house perish honourably. Be ye yourselves indignant, and revere other neighbouring men, who dwell around: and dread the wrath of the gods, lest they should make some change, enraged at your evil deeds. I beseech you by Olympian Jove and by Themis, who both breaks up and seats the assemblies of men, withhold, my friends, and suffer me to be afflicted alone with mournful grief, if my father the good Ulysses, being hostile, has at any time done evil to the well-greaved Grecians. Taking revenge upon me for these things, be hostile to me, and do me harm, inciting these. And it would be better for me that ye should consume my household-stuff, and my cattle. But if you should devour them, perhaps there would be a requital hereafter; for so long should we make entreaties through the city, demanding back our goods, until all shall be restored: but now you cast incurable griefs into my mind."

Thus he spoke enraged, and cast the sceptre on the earth, bursting into tears;^[12] and pity possessed all the people. Here all the others were silent, nor did anyone dare to answer Telemachus with bitter words; but Antinous alone in answer addressed him.

"Telemachus, of lofty speech, intolerable in spirit, what hast thou said, disgracing us! Thou wouldst wish in truth to attach blame [to us]. The suitors of the Grecians^[13] are not at all to blame, but thy mother, who is exceedingly skilled in craft: for it is now the third year, and the fourth is going on^[14] swiftly, since she deceives the mind of the Grecians in their breast. She makes all hope, and promises every man, sending messages; but her mind hankers after other things. For she planned this other deceit in her mind; having begun a large web in her palace she wove it, slender and very large; and straightway addressed us: 'Youths, my suitors, since godlike Ulysses is dead, stay urging my marriage until I shall finish this veil, that my threads may not perish in vain, a shroud for the hero Laertes, at the time when the destructive fate of long-slumbering death shall seize him. Lest some one amongst the Grecian women be indignant against me, should he lie without a wrapper, having possessed many things.' Thus she spoke, and our proud mind was persuaded. Then during the day she wove the mighty web; but at night, when she had placed the torches near her, she unravelled it. Thus for three years, indeed, she escaped by deceit, and persuaded the Grecians. But when the fourth year^[15] came, and the hours advanced on, then indeed some one of the women, who knew it well, told it; and we found her unravelling the splendid web; so that she finished it of necessity, although unwilling. Thus the suitors answer thee, that thou mayest thyself know it in thy mind, and that all the Greeks may know it. Send away your mother, and bid her marry whomsoever her father bids, and she herself pleases. But if she shall for a long time further annoy the sons of the Grecians, caring in mind for those things, which Minerva has given her in abundance, to understand beautiful works, and [to possess] a good disposition, and stratagems, such as we have never heard anyone, even of the ancients, [possessed,^[16]] of those, who have been heretofore fair-haired Grecian women,^[17] Tyro, and Alcmene, and fair-haired Mycene; none of these knew the same arts of Penelope. But this indeed she has not planned rightly. For then they will consume thy livelihood and possessions, so long as she has this mind, which the gods have now placed in her breast; for herself indeed she obtains great glory, but for thee a regret for much sustinence.^[18] But we will neither go to our employments, nor any where else, before she marries whomsoever of the Grecians she chooses."

Him prudent Telemachus addressed in turn: "O Antinous, it is in no wise possible [for me] to thrust out of my house against her will her, who brought me forth, who nourished^[19] me; but my father is either alive or dead in some other part of the earth: but it would be a sad thing that I should pay^[20]much to Icarius, if I should myself of my own accord send away my mother. For I shall suffer evil from her father,^[21] and God will give other [evils], when my mother, departing from the house, shall invoke the hateful Furies; and there will be reproach upon me from men. So I never will utter this word. But if your mind is indignant at these things, go out of my house, and prepare other feasts, consuming your own possessions, taking turns at each other's houses. But if this seems to you more proper and better, to destroy with impunity the livelihood of one man, waste it, but I will call upon the immortal gods; If Jove ever will grant that deeds meet retribution, then shall ye perish unrevenged within the house."

Thus spoke Telemachus; but far-seeing Jove sent thither^[22] for him two eagles to fly from aloft from the top of a mountain. They twain for some time flew with the gales of the wind, near one another, stretching out with their wings; but when they came to the middle of the noisy assembly, there turning round they shook their dense pinions, and looked over the heads of all, and portended^[23] destruction: for tearing their cheeks and their necks around with their talons, they rushed on the right hand through their^[24] houses and city. But they were astonished at the birds, when they beheld them with their eyes, and considered in their mind what things were about to be brought to pass. And the old hero Halitherses, the son of Mastor, addressed them, for he alone excelled those of his age in knowing [the omens of] birds and telling things fated; who being kindly disposed, harangued and addressed them [thus]:

"Hear now from me, Ithacans, what I shall say; and I shall speak these things especially setting them forth to the suitors; for a great calamity hangs over them. For Ulysses will not be long away from his friends, but being already some where near at hand, is planning slaughter and death to all these present: and there will be evil upon many of us also, who inhabit Ithaca well situated towards the west.^[25] But let us first consider well, how we may check them,^[26] and let them cease; for this will soon^[27] be better for them. For I do not prophesy being unskilled, but well understanding. For I say that all the things have been fulfilled unto him, as I foretold him, when the Argives embarked for Troy,^[28] and crafty Ulysses went with them. I said that he, having suffered many ills, and having lost all his companions, would come home unrecognised by all, in the twentieth year. All these things then are now being brought to pass."

But him Eurymachus, son of Polybus, in turn addressed: "O old man, come now, go home and prophesy to thy children, lest by chance they should suffer some evil hereafter: but I am a much better one than you to prophesy in these things. Many birds indeed fly about under the beams of the sun, nor are all ominous; but Ulysses has perished afar off; as would that thou also hadst perished with him: thou wouldst not have talked so much, uttering oracles, nor wouldst thou have thus excited the enraged Telemachus, expecting a present for thy family, if he should give thee any. But I declare to thee, and this shall be performed: If thou, who art acquainted with many and ancient things, shalt excite a younger man to be angry, deceiving him with thy words, to him first it will be more unpleasant, [and thou wilt not be able to effect at all on account of those things:^[29]] but we will impose a fine upon thee, old man, which thou wilt be indignant in thy mind at paying; and there will be bitter grief for thee. But I myself will above all suggest to Telemachus [thus]. Let him command his mother to return to her father's; but they^[30] will make a marriage for her, and will prepare a very large dowry, such as ought to accompany a beloved daughter. For I do not think that the sons of the Grecians will rest from their troublesome suit before [this]; since we fear no one at all, not even Telemachus, although he is a man of many words. Nor do we regard the oracle, which thou, old man, speakest in vain, and thou art still more hated. But his property will be again evilly consumed, nor will it ever [again] be equal [to what it was],^[31] as long as she puts off the Grecians with respect to her marriage: but we, waiting all our days, contend on account of her excellence, nor do we go after others, whom it is proper for each to marry."

But him did the prudent Telemachus answer in turn: "Eurymachus, and others, as many as [are] illustrious suitors, I no longer beseech of you, nor speak these things: for now the gods and all the Grecians know them. But come, give me a swift ship and twenty companions, who may make way^[32] with me to different^[33] places. For I am going to Sparta and to sandy Pylos, to make inquiries of the return of my long-absent father, if any one of mortals could tell me, or I may hear some report from Jove,^[34] which especially brings notice to men. If I should hear of the life and return of my father, then, although afflicted, I would still endure for a year. But if I should hear that he is dead and no longer existing, then indeed, returning to my dear paternal land, I will build^[35] a sepulchre for him, and will perform very many funeral rites, whatever are fit; and I will bestow my mother on a husband."

Thus having spoken, he sat down; but Mentor rose up to them, who was the companion of illustrious Ulysses, and when he went in the ships, he committed to him all his family, that the old man should be obeyed, and should keep all things safe, who being well disposed harangued and addressed them:

"Hear now from me, Ithacans, what I shall say. Let not any sceptre-wielding king be any more provident, gentle, and mild, nor let him consider holy deeds in his mind, but let him always be severe and do unjust^[36] things; since not one of the people, over whom he reigned, remembers the divine Ulysses, and that he was mild as a father.^[37] But I indeed by no means envy the proud suitors doing violent deeds, by the evil devices of their mind; for risking their own lives,^[38] they are violently consuming the house of Ulysses, who they say will no longer return. But now I am indignant at the rest of the people: how ye all sit silent;^[39] but not at all rebuking with words, do ye restrain the suitors who are few, whilst ye are many."

But him Leiocritus, son of Evenor, answered: "Thou baleful Mentor, foolish in thy mind, what hast thou said, inciting [the people] to restrain us? but it is a difficult thing for even those who are more in number to fight about a feast.^[40] For although Ithacan Ulysses himself, approaching, should be eager in his mind to drive out of the palace the illustrious suitors [who are] feasting in his house, even his wife would not rejoice at his coming,^[41] although very much desiring it; for he would there draw on his own cruel fate, it he should fight with those who are more in number: but thou hast not spoken rightly.^[42] But come, ye people, disperse each to his employments; but for him, let Mentor and Halitherses make ready his journey, they who are his companions, friends of his father from the beginning. But I ween, sitting for a long time, he will hear messages in Ithaca, and he will never perform this journey."

Thus he spoke, and he dissolved the assembly quickly.^[43] They then were dispersed each to their own homes; but the suitors went to the house of godlike Ulysses. But Telemachus going at a distance on the shore of the sea, having washed his hands in the hoary wave, prayed to Minerva:

"Hear me, thou deity who didst yesterday come to my house, and didst command me to go in a ship over the shadowy sea to inquire concerning the return of my long-absent father; but the Grecians waste all these things, and especially the suitors, who are wickedly haughty."

Thus he spoke praying; but Minerva came near to him, likened unto Mentor both in person and voice, and addressing him spoke winged words.

"Telemachus, thou wilt not be hereafter a coward or foolish; if indeed the excellent disposition of thy father has been instilled into thee, such as he was to perform a deed and a word, thy journey soon will not be vain or unfinished; but if thou art not the son of him and Penelope, I do not expect that thou wilt perform what thou art eagerly bent upon. For few sons are like their father; more are worse; but few are better than their father. But since thou wilt not hereafter be a coward or foolish, nor has the understanding of Ulysses altogether left thee, there is some hope for thee that thou wilt perform these works. Wherefore disregard now the counsel and the mind of the foolish suitors, since they are not prudent or just: nor do they anticipate the death and gloomy fate, which is now nigh to them, for all to perish in one day. But the journey for which thou art anxious will not be long put off. For I, thy father's friend, am such to thee, who^[44] will make ready for thee a swift ship, and will myself follow. But do thou go to the house, and associate with the suitors, and get ready provisions, and fit every thing in vessels, wine in casks, and meal, the marrow of men, in thick skins. But I will immediately collect voluntary companions through the people: for there are many ships in sea-girt Ithaca, both new and old. Of these I will examine which is the best; and having quickly prepared it we will launch it on the wide sea."

Thus spoke Minerva, the daughter of Jove, nor did Telemachus delay a long time, when he heard the voice of the goddess. But he hastened to his house, sorrowing in his heart; and he found the haughty suitors in the palace skinning goats, and roasting fattened swine^[45] in the hall. But Antinous laughing went to meet Telemachus, and took hold of his hand, and spoke and called him by name:

"Telemachus, thou lofty speaker, intolerable in spirit, let not any other evil deed or word be a care to thee in thy breast, but eat and drink for my sake^[46] as before. But the Grecians will thoroughly get ready all these things, a ship and chosen rowers, that thou mayest more quickly arrive at divine Pylos, in quest of thine illustrious sire."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Antinous, it is not possible for me to feast in quiet^[47] and to rejoice peaceably amongst you arrogant^[48] ones. It is not enough that hitherto ye suitors have clipped my many and excellent possessions, whilst I was still an infant? But now when I am grown up, and hearing the discourse of others understand it, ay, and^[49] my mind increases within me, I will make the experiment, that I may send the evil Fates upon you, either going to Pylos, or here in this people. I will go indeed—nor will the voyage which I mention be vain—as a merchant; for I am not master^[50] of a ship nor of rowers; since he has seemed to you to be better."

He spoke, and readily withdrew his hand from the hand of Antinous; but the suitors were at a banquet in the house. And they abused and reproached [him] in words. And thus some one of the haughty youths spoke:

"Telemachus in truth meditates slaughter for us. He will either bring some allies from sandy Pylos, or even^[51] from Sparta; since indeed he is exceedingly anxious: or he wishes to go to the rich land Ephyre, that he may bring from thence deadly poisons, and may throw them in a cup and destroy us all."

And then another one of the haughty youths said: "But who knows whether he himself going in a hollow ship may perish far away from his friends, wandering as Ulysses? So indeed he would still more increase our labour; for we should divide^[52] all his possessions, and moreover give his house to his mother to posssess, and whoever should marry her."

Thus they spoke; but he went down to the spacious lofty-roofed store-room of his father, where, heaped up, lay gold and brass, and garments in chests, and plenty of sweet-smelling oil. And there stood casks of old sweet wine, containing pure, divine drink, fitted in order against the wall; if at any time Ulysses should return home, although having toiled through many griefs. But upon it there were shut doors closely fitted, double; and within there was night and day a female housekeeper,^[53] who watched every thing through the long experience of her mind, Euryclea, the daughter of Ops son of Pisenor. Having called her to the store-room, Telemachus then addressed her:

"Nurse, come draw me some sweet wine in the casks, which is the more luscious^[54] after that, which you are preserving, in expectation of him, the unfortunate; if from any where noble Ulysses should come, having escaped death and the Fates. But fill twelve, and fit all with stoppers; and pour meal for

me into well-sewn skins; and let there be twenty measures of ground meal. But do thou only know it. And let all these things be collected; for I shall take them in the evening, when my mother is gone to her upper chamber, and is thinking of bed. For I am going to Sparta and sandy Pylos, to inquire concerning the return of my dear father, if I can any where hear of him."

Thus he spoke; but his dear nurse Euryclea wailed, and mourning she spoke winged words:

"Why, my dear child, is this thought in thy mind? whither dost thou wish to go over much land, being alone beloved? but he, Jove-sprung Ulysses, has perished far away from his country, amongst an unknown people. But they,^[55] as soon as thou art gone, will hereafter devise evil things, how thou mayest perish by deceit, and they themselves may divide all these things. But do thou remain here, sitting amongst thine own: nor is it at all fit that thou shouldst suffer harm, or wander over the unfruitful sea."

To her prudent Telemachus [thus] spoke in turn: "Be of good cheer, nurse, since this counsel is by no means without God:^[56] but swear that thou wilt not tell these things to my mother, before the eleventh or twelfth day shall arrive, or she herself should inquire, and hear that I am gone; that she may not hurt her beauteous form [by] weeping."

Thus he spoke; but the old woman swore a great oath by the gods. But when she had sworn and concluded the oath, she straightway drew wine for him in the casks, and poured meal into the well-sewn skins. But Telemachus, going into the house, associated with the suitors.^[57]

Then again the blue-eyed goddess Minerva thought upon other things; and likened unto Telemachus she went every where through the city, and then standing near each man spoke the word; and bade them in the evening be assembled at the swift ship. She then begged a swift ship of Noemon the glorious son of Phronius; and he willingly promised it to her.

And the sun set, and all the ways were overshadowed; and then she drew down the swift ship to the sea, and placed all the tackle in it, which well-benched ships carry. And she stood at the extremity of the port; and her excellent companions were collected together around her; and the goddess incited each.

Then the blue-eyed goddess Minerva thought of other things, and hastened to the dwelling of godlike Ulysses: there she shed sweet sleep over the suitors, and caused them to wander while drinking; and cast the cups out of their hands.^[58] And they^[59] hastened through the city to sleep; nor did they sit any longer, when sleep fell upon their eye-lids. But blue-eyed Minerva addressed Telemachus, having called him forth out of the well-inhabited palace, likened unto Mentor both in her person and her voice.

"Telemachus, already are thy well-greaved companions sitting at their oars, awaiting your approach. Now let us go, nor delay the voyage any longer."

Thus having spoken, Pallas Minerva quickly led the way; but he straightway followed the steps of the goddess. And when they came to the ship and to the sea, then they found their long-haired companions on the shore; and the sacred might of Telemachus^[60] addressed them: "Hither, my friends, let us bring provisions; for all things are now collected in the dwelling; and my mother knows it not at all; nor do the other female servants, but one only has heard the matter."

Thus having spoken he led the way; and they followed with him. And bringing all the things, they placed them on the well-benched ship, as the dear son of Ulysses gave orders. Telemachus then embarked in the ship, and Minerva led and sat down in the stern, and near her sat Telemachus. And they loosed the hawsers; and themselves embarking, sat on the benches. But to them blue-eyed Minerva sent a favourable gale,^[61] a brisk zephyr whistling over the dark sea. But Telemachus exhorting his companions ordered them to fit their tackle; and they hearkened to him exhorting them, and raising up the fir-mast placed it within the hollow mast-hole; and bound it with the fore-cables, and drew the white sails with well-twisted thongs. And the wind swelled the middle of the sail; and the purple wave roared loudly around the keel, as the ship made its way: and it ran through the waves passing on its way; having then bound the tackle through the swift black ship, they set crowned cups of wine; and made libations to the immortal eternal gods, but most of all to the blue-eyed daughter of Jove. Then it passed along the way through the whole night and in the morning.

 

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1. See Loewe, who rightly prefers this explanation of ἠριγένεια.
2. "coram," Schauf. ἐναντίον, φανερῶς, Hesych.
3. Or "white." See Loewe.
4. Either because Antiphus was his last human victim, or the last of the followers of Ulysses that was eaten. Eustath.
5. Antiphus.
6. Supply εἴη with ὀνήμενος.
7. i. e. in words that seem to prognosticate his own success.
8. In other passages, as vs. 240, this means "to rebuke."
9. Telemachus points to himself. Hence ἤγειρα, not ἤγειρε, is the correct reading.
10. "The Attics use τοῖσδί [rather, ποισδί, Ed.]. See Aristoph. Ach. 160." Loewe.
11. Bright, sparkling, glowing wine. See Loewe, and Liddel's Lexicon.
12. Literally, "lacrymas incendens." See Buttm. Lexil. p. 484, who compares τὸ δὲ (αἷμα) ἀνὰ στόμα καὶ κατὰ ῥῖνας Πρῆσε, "he made the blood stream." Il. π. 350.
13. i. e. "the suitors who are Grecians."
14. See Loewe, who remarks that this is the only interpretation that prevents inconsistency with vs. 106, sq.
15. i. e. the present one, of which he is now speaking.
16. With τινα we must supply a verb, the sense of which is implied in the preceding ἐπίστασθαι.
17. Inverted, for "of those beautiful Grecian women, who were heretofore."
18. i. e. for its loss.
19. Eustathius observes, εἰσὶ γὰρ μητέρες, αἵ τίκτουσι μὲν, οὐκ ἐκθρέψουσι δὲ, ἀλλ' ὡς εἰπεῖν ἐκτιθέασι ταῖς τιθηνοῖς.
20. It was a law, that when a man sent a woman away from his house, he was to pay a fine to her father and relations. Scholiast. Nitzsch and Loewe, however, understand "aliqua injuriæ Icario illatæ expiatio," which seems more simple than to restrict ἀποτίνειν to the mere notion of paying a fine.
21. i. e. Icarius. See Loewe.
22. "προέηκε, non tam præmisit, quam illuc misit." Loewe.
23. See Buttm. Lexil. p. 445.
24. i. e. those of the Ithacans. But we find "domos avium," in Lucret. i. 19.
25. But Buttman, Lexil. p. 223, follows Eustathius, deriving ἐυδείελος from εὖ and εἵλη, with δ inserted, = apricus, "sunny."
26. i. e. the suitors. Others wrongly refer καταπαύσομεν to κακόν.
27. But ἄφαρ refers to παυέσθων = statim enim quiescere ipsis utilius est. Loewe.
28. Cf. Od. Α. 210, sq.
29. A suspected verse.
30. i. e. οἱ ἀμφὶ τὸν πατέρα. Cf. vs. 53, with Loewe's note. It is a mistake to refer it to the suitors.
31. i. e. we will go on plundering it. See Loewe's note.
32. See Buttmann Lexil. p. 492, where Fislake compares the German "einen weg machen," "to make a way," and the French, "il fait une partie du chemin."
33. Literally, "here and there."
34. See the note on i. 282, where the same expression occurs.
35. More literally, "pile, heap up," as the tombs were built like mounds or barrows. Cf. Il. xxiii. 256; xiv. 114; Od. iii. 258. Compare τύμβου ὄχθος in Æsch. Choeph. 4. "aggeritur tumulo tellus," Virg. Æn. iii. 62. See also my note on Eurip. Alcest. vol. i. p. 240, ed. Bohn. χεύω seems, however, primarily to indicate the scattering of earth upon a corpse, to prevent pollution, and as the first part of funeral rites. Hor. Od. i. 28; Virg. Æn. vi. 365.
36. Sacrilegious, according to the Scholiast, αἴσυλα being put for αἰσόσυλα, i. e. τοῦ καθήκοντος σεσυλημένα. Loewe.
37. Cf. vs. 47.
38. "Caput objectare periclis." Virg.
39. ἄνεῳ is doubtless wrong, and we must restore the adverbial form ἄνεω, = ἀκέων, "in silence." See Buttm. Lexil. p. 109, sq.
40. This passage is very difficult to understand. I have followed Loewe, who has taken the interpretation of Eustathius: "difficile autem et grave erit Ithacensibus, quamvis sint numero majores, nobiscum (i. e. procis) contendere de convivio nunc finiendo."
41. Because she would soon lose him again, ἅμα γὰρ ἰδοῦσα στερήσεται. Eustathius.
42. κατὰ μοῖραν is used in the same manner as κατ' αἶσαν = ὄρθως, κατὰ λόγον.
43. Nearly equivalent to αἰψηρῶς. Cf. Il. iv. 182, τότε μοι χάνοι εὐρεῖα χθών. Virg. Æn. iv. 24, "tellus optem prius ima dehiscat." Loewe.
44. Observe that Minerva uses the masculine pronoun and adjective, in reference to the form under which she accompanied Ulysses.
45. σιαλὸς, ὁ σιτευτὸς χοῖρος, παρὰ τὸ σιτεῖσθαι ἅλις. Eustath.
46. μοι is not exactly the dativus commodi, but is a polite friendly form of expressing a wish. Loewe compares the German "iss und Kiuk mir."
47. ἀκεόντα is rightly received by Loewe for ἀέκοντα. Cf. xiv. 195.
48. There is no authority for translating ὑπερφιάλοισι "perfidious," as one of the most inaccurate of former translators seems to have supposed. The term implies "excessive," and hence, "proud, haughty." See Buttm. Lexil. p. 513.
49. Καὶ δὴ appears here to increase the emphasis. For the sense Loewe, after the Schol., compares Herod. iii. 134. αὐξανομέμῳ τῷ· σώματι συναυξάνονται καὶ αἱ φρένες.
50. But γίγνομαι rather means, "I shall not be possessed of a ship, &c. at your hands," because he depended upon Minerva. See Loewe. ἐπήβολος = ἐπιτυχὴς, from βάλλω in the sense of τυγχάνω. Moreover, Telemachus alludes to the poverty they had brought upon him.
51. On the position of the pronoun ὅγε cf. Hor. Od. i. 9,—"nec dulces amores sperne puer neque tu choreas."
52. He ironically calls the task of dividing the property of Telemachus, a labour. Loewe.
53. γυνὴ ταμίη is a common pleonasm, literally, "a woman, a housekeeper."
54. i. e. more luscious than the rest, but inferior to that. See Loewe.
55. i. e. the suitors.
56. i. e. "sine numine Divum," as Virgil expresses it, Æn. ii. 777.
57. As we should say in English, "joined their company."
58. i. e. caused them to drop from their tired hands.
59. i. e. the guests who were on a visit to the suitors. Eustathius.
60. These circumlocutions are very common in Homer, and, as they are always used to express personal might and prowess, it much detracts from the simple grandeur of heroic language to render them merely by the English adjective.
61. Loewe, however, derives ἴκμενον from ἵκμας = ὕγρον ποιῶν. He observes however that it is rather to be regarded as a general epithet of Zephyr, than as implying rain on the present occasion.