s: To his couch side, the Goddess thus began.


s: Abandon'd, and those haughty suitors left


s: Within thy walls; fear lest, partition made


s: Of thy possessions, they devour the whole,


s: And in the end thy voyage bootless prove.


s: Dismission hence, that thou may'st find at home


s: Thy spotless mother, whom her brethren urge


s: Of proffer'd dow'r superior to them all.


s: Some treasure, else, shall haply from thy house


s: Be taken, such as thou wilt grudge to spare.


s: For well thou know'st how woman is disposed;


s: His substance whom she weds; no care hath she


s: Of her first children, or remembers more


s: The buried husband of her virgin choice.


s: Whom thou shalt most approve, the charge commit


s: Themselves shall guide thee to a noble wife.


s: Hear also this, and mark it. In the frith


s: In vigilant ambush wait, with strong desire


s: To slay thee, ere thou reach thy native shore,


s: But shall not, as I judge, till the earth hide


s: Yet, steer thy galley from those isles afar,


s: And voyage make by night; some guardian God


s: Shall save thee, and shall send thee prosp'rous gales.


s: Then, soon as thou attain'st the nearest shore


s: Thy bark with all thy people, seek at once


s: The swine-herd; for Eumæus is thy friend.


s: There sleep, and send him forth into the town


s: Thou art restored from Pylus home again.


s: She said, and sought th' Olympian heights sublime.


s: Then, with his heel shaking him, he awoke


s: The son of Nestor, whom he thus address'd.


s: Rise, Nestor's son, Pisistratus! lead forth


s: The steeds, and yoke them. We must now depart.


s: To drive by night, and soon it will be dawn.


s: Stay, therefore, till the Hero, Atreus' son,


s: Spear-practis'd Menelaus shall his gifts


s: Place in the chariot, and with kind farewell


s: Dismiss thee; for the guest in mem'ry holds


s: Through life, the host who treats him as a friend.


s: Scarce had he spoken, when the golden dawn


s: Of beauteous Helen ris'n, their bed approach'd,


s: Magnificent, and o'er his shoulders broad


s: Casting his graceful mantle, at the door


s: He met the Hero, whom he thus address'd.


s: Distresses, and whose negligence offends;


s: The middle course is best; alike we err,


s: Him thrusting forth whose wish is to remain,


s: The present guest, and speed him when he would.


s: Yet stay, till thou shalt see my splendid gifts


s: Placed in thy chariot, and till I command


s: My women from our present stores to spread


s: For both the honour of the guest demands,


s: Sufficient, ent'ring on a length of road.


s: But if through Hellas thou wilt take thy way


s: And traverse Argos, I will, then, myself


s: Attend thee; thou shalt journey with my steeds


s: Beneath thy yoke, and I will be thy guide


s: Some gift at least, tripod, or charger bright,


s: I would at once depart, (for guardian none


s: Myself, or lose what I should grudge to spare.


s: He bade his spouse and maidens spread the board


s: At once with remnants of the last regale.


s: Newly aris'n, for nigh at hand he dwelt,


s: By which to dress their food, and he obey'd.


s: He next, himself his fragrant chamber sought,


s: Not sole, but by his spouse and by his son


s: Where all his treasures lay, Atrides, first,


s: Took forth, himself, a goblet, then consign'd


s: To his son's hand an argent beaker bright.


s: Meantime, beside her coffers Helen stood


s: Where lay her variegated robes, fair works


s: For splendour, and the lowest placed of all,


s: Loveliest of her sex, she bore it thence.


s: Then, all proceeding through the house, they sought


s: May Jove the Thunderer, dread Juno's mate,


s: Grant thee, Telemachus! such voyage home


s: As thy own heart desires! accept from all


s: And noblest gift for finish'd beauty--This.


s: Itself all silver, bound with lip of gold.


s: Beneath his roof I lodg'd. I make it thine.


s: So saying, the Hero, Atreus' son, the cup


s: Placed in his hands, and Megapenthes set


s: Before him, next, the argent beaker bright;


s: Presented to him, whom she thus address'd.


s: Which seeing, thou shalt think on her whose hands


s: Wrought it; a present on thy nuptial day


s: For thy fair spouse; meantime, repose it safe


s: In thy own mother's keeping. Now, farewell!


s: Prosp'rous and happy be thy voyage home!


s: She ceas'd, and gave it to him, who the gift


s: Admiring them the while. They, following, next,


s: Each on his couch or on his throne reposed.


s: A maiden, then, with golden ewer charged


s: And silver bowl, pour'd water on their hands,


s: And spread the polish'd table, which with food


s: Various, selected from her present stores,


s: The mistress of the household charge supplied.


s: His portion gave, while Megapenthes, son


s: Then, all with outstretch'd hands the feast assail'd,


s: And when nor hunger more nor thirst of wine


s: Yoked the swift steeds, and, taking each his seat


s: In the resplendent chariot, drove at once


s: Right through the sounding portico abroad.


s: Replete in his right hand, follow'd them forth,


s: That not without libation first perform'd


s: They might depart; he stood before the steeds,


s: And drinking first, thus, courteous, them bespake.


s: Health to you both, young friends! and from my lips


s: Like greeting bear to Nestor, royal Chief,


s: To me, while the Achaians warr'd at Troy.


s: And doubtless, so we will; at our return


s: We will report to him, illustrious Prince!


s: Thy ev'ry word. And oh, I would to heav'n


s: While thus he spake, on his right hand appear'd


s: A white-plumed goose domestic, newly ta'en


s: From the house-court. Ran females all and males


s: Approaching on the right, sprang into air.


s: That sight rejoicing and with hearts reviv'd


s: They view'd, and thus Pisistratus his speech


s: Now, Menelaus, think, illustrious Chief!


s: What answer fit to frame, Helen meantime,


s: His spouse long-stoled preventing him, began.


s: Teach me, and as I think shall come to pass.


s: As he, descending from his place of birth


s: The mountains, caught our pamper'd goose away,


s: And wand'rings to his home restored, avenge


s: For all those suitors sowing seeds of woe.


s: Oh grant it Jove, Juno's high-thund'ring mate!


s: So will I, there arrived, with vow and pray'r


s: Thee worship, as thou wert, thyself, divine.


s: He said, and lash'd the coursers; fiery they


s: And fleet, sprang through the city to the plain.


s: All day the yoke on either side they shook,


s: Journeying swift; and now the setting sun


s: To gloomy evening had resign'd the roads,


s: When they to Pheræ came, and in the house


s: Of good Diocles slept, their lib'ral host,


s: Whose sire Orsilochus from Alpheus sprang.


s: Look'd rosy from the East, yoking their steeds,


s: They in the sumptuous chariot sat again.


s: Forth through the vestibule they drove, and through


s: Plied brisk the scourge, and willing flew the steeds.


s: Thus whirl'd along, soon they approach'd the gates


s: How, son of Nestor! shall I win from thee


s: To friendship by the friendship of our sires,


s: Our journey shall unite us still the more.


s: Bear me not, I intreat thee, noble friend!


s: Beyond the ship, but drop me at her side,


s: Lest ancient Nestor, though against my will,


s: To feast me, for I dread the least delay.


s: He spake; then mused Pisistratus how best


s: He might effect the wishes of his friend,


s: And thus at length resolved; turning his steeds


s: He sought the bark, and placing in the stern


s: Both gold and raiment, the illustrious gifts


s: Dispatch, embark, summon thy crew on board,


s: His temper, neither will he let thee hence,


s: But, hasting hither, will himself enforce


s: Thy longer stay, that thou may'st not depart


s: Ungifted; nought will fire his anger more.


s: His steeds bright-maned, and at the palace-gate


s: My gallant friends! set all your tackle, climb


s: He spake; they heard him gladly, and at once


s: All fill'd the benches. While his voyage he


s: To Pallas sacrifice perform'd and pray'd,


s: A stranger, born remote, who had escaped


s: Mother of flocks, alike for wealth renown'd


s: He, flying from the far-famed Pylian King,


s: Into another land, whose wealth, the while,


s: Neleus by force possess'd a year complete.


s: And burn'd with wrath for Neleus' daughter sake


s: But, 'scaping death, he drove the lowing beeves


s: Sustain'd, and gave into his brother's arms


s: King Neleus' daughter fair, the promis'd bride.


s: To Argos steed-renown'd he journey'd next,


s: Whom with all tenderness, and as a friend


s: Yet reach'd he not the bounds of hoary age.


s: From earth to heav'n, and dwells among the Gods,


s: Libation off'ring in his bark, and pray'r,


s: And in wing'd accents ardent him address'd.


s: Ah, friend! since sacrificing in this place


s: I find thee, by these sacred rites and those


s: Whom thou ador'st, and by thy own dear life,


s: Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom?


s: I will inform thee, stranger! and will solve


s: Thy questions with much truth. I am by birth


s: And I, believing it, with these have plow'd


s: A father's fate long absent from his home.


s: A man of my own tribe; brethren and friends


s: Num'rous had he in Argos steed-renown'd,


s: And pow'rful are the Achaians dwelling there.


s: From them, through terrour of impending death,


s: I fly, a banish'd man henceforth for ever.


s: Ah save a suppliant fugitive! lest death


s: O'ertake me, for I doubt not their pursuit.


s: I shall not, be assured, since thou desir'st


s: To join me, chace thee from my bark away.


s: Follow me, therefore, and with us partake,


s: So saying, he at the stranger's hand received


s: His spear, which on the deck he lay'd, then climb'd


s: Himself the bark, and, seated in the stern,


s: They cast the hawsers loose; then with loud voice


s: The tackle, whom the sailors prompt obey'd.


s: The tall mast heaving, in its socket deep


s: They lodg'd it, and its cordage braced secure,


s: Then, straining at the halyards, hoised the sail.


s: Fair wind, and blowing fresh through æther pure


s: Minerva sent them, that the bark might run


s: Her nimblest course through all the briny way.


s: Now sank the sun, and dusky ev'ning dimm'd


s: The waves, when, driven by propitious Jove,


s: His bark stood right for Pheræ; thence she stretch'd


s: Steer'd her, uncertain whether fate ordain'd


s: Their cottage-mess, and the assistant swains


s: Theirs also; and when hunger now and thirst


s: Proving the swine-herd, whether friendly still,


s: And anxious for his good, he would intreat


s: His stay, or thence hasten him to the town.


s: Thee and thy friends, to seek at early dawn


s: The city, there to beg--But give me first


s: Needful instructions, and a trusty guide


s: Who may conduct me thither; there my task


s: Must be to roam the streets; some hand humane


s: Perchance shall give me a small pittance there,


s: A little bread, and a few drops to drink.


s: With those imperious suitors, who, themselves


s: Full-fed, may spare perhaps some boon to me.


s: Me shall they find, in whatsoe'er they wish


s: And mark me well) the herald of the skies,


s: Hermes, from whom all actions of mankind


s: Their grace receive and polish, is my friend,


s: The hearth with fuel, or dry wood to cleave,


s: To roast, to carve, or to distribute wine,


s: As oft the poor are wont who serve the great.


s: To whom, Eumæus! at those words displeased,


s: Thou didst reply. Gods! how could such a thought


s: Possess thee, stranger? surely thy resolve


s: If thou indeed hast purposed with that throng


s: Of violence echo through the vault of heav'n.


s: None, such as thou, serve _them_; their servitors


s: Are youths well-cloak'd, well-vested; sleek their heads,


s: Are their attendants, and the polish'd boards


s: Groan overcharg'd with bread, with flesh, with wine.


s: Rest here content; for neither me nor these


s: Thou weariest aught, and when Ulysses' son


s: Shall come, he will with vest and mantle fair


s: Cloath thee, and send thee whither most thou would'st.


s: As thou art dear to me, for this reprieve


s: Vouchsafed me kind, from wand'ring and from woe!


s: Than his who wanders; for the poor man, driv'n


s: By woe and by misfortune homeless forth,


s: A thousand mis'ries, day by day, endures.


s: Since thou detain'st me, then, and bidd'st me wait


s: Of famed Ulysses live, whom, going hence,


s: And lives his mother? or have both deceased


s: To whom the master swine-herd thus replied.


s: I will inform thee, and with strictest truth,


s: Of all that thou hast ask'd. Laertes lives,


s: Ceaseless, to free him from a weary life,


s: So deeply his long-absent son he mourns,


s: And the dear consort of his early youth,


s: Whose death is his chief sorrow, and hath brought


s: Old age on him, or ere its date arrived.


s: She died of sorrow for her glorious son,


s: While yet she liv'd, dejected as she was,


s: With her, who rear'd me in my childish days,


s: We grew, and I, scarce honour'd less than she.


s: But soon as our delightful prime we both


s: Attain'd, to Samos her they sent, a bride,


s: And were requited with rich dow'r; but me


s: Cloath'd handsomely with tunic and with vest,


s: And with fair sandals furnish'd, to the field


s: She order'd forth, yet loved me still the more.


s: I miss her kindness now; but gracious heav'n


s: Prospers the work on which I here attend;


s: Hence have I food, and hence I drink, and hence


s: Refresh, sometimes, a worthy guest like thee.


s: In word or action, so is the house curs'd


s: With that lewd throng. Glad would the servants be


s: Might they approach their mistress, and receive


s: Advice from her; glad too to eat and drink,


s: And somewhat bear each to his rural home,


s: For perquisites are ev'ry servant's joy.


s: Then answer thus, Ulysses wise return'd.


s: From friends and country wast thou forced to roam


s: The city where thy parents dwelt, did foes


s: Pillage it? or did else some hostile band


s: Attendant, bear thee with them o'er the Deep,


s: And sell thee at this Hero's house, who pay'd


s: Doubtless for _thee_ no sordid price or small?


s: Stranger! since thou art curious to be told


s: At leisure quaff. The nights are longest now,


s: And such as time for sleep afford, and time


s: For pleasant conf'rence; neither were it good


s: That thou should'st to thy couch before thy hour,


s: And, at the peep of day, when he hath fed


s: Sufficiently, drive forth my master's herd;


s: But we with wine and a well-furnish'd board


s: From recollection of our sufferings past;


s: For who hath much endured, and wander'd far,


s: Now hear thy question satisfied; attend!


s: There is an island (thou hast heard, perchance,


s: Of such an isle) named Syria; it is placed


s: No great extent she boasts, yet is she rich


s: In cattle and in flocks, in wheat and wine.


s: Noisome, of all that elsewhere seize the race


s: Whose gentle shafts dismiss them soon to rest.


s: Two cities share between them all the isle,


s: And both were subject to my father's sway


s: It chanced that from Phœnicia, famed for skill


s: By sharpers mann'd, and laden deep with toys.


s: A fair Phœnician, tall, full-sized, and skill'd


s: In works of elegance, whom they beguiled.


s: While she wash'd linen on the beach, beside


s: Seduced her; for all women, ev'n the wise


s: And sober, feeble prove by love assail'd.


s: Who was she, he enquired, and whence? nor she


s: Scrupled to tell at once her father's home.


s: Who rolls in affluence; Taphian pirates thence


s: Stole me returning from the field, from whom


s: This Chief procured me at no little cost.


s: Wilt thou not hence to Sidon in our ship,


s: That thou may'st once more visit the abode


s: Of thy own wealthy parents, and themselves?


s: For still they live, and still are wealthy deem'd.


s: Then sware the mariners as she required,


s: And, when their oath was ended, thus again


s: Now, silence! no man, henceforth, of you all


s: Accost me, though he meet me on the road,


s: Or at yon fountain; lest some tattler run


s: With tidings home to my old master's ear,


s: Who, with suspicion touch'd, may _me_ confine


s: In cruel bonds, and death contrive for _you_.


s: But be ye close; purchase your stores in haste;


s: And when your vessel shall be freighted full,


s: Quick send me notice, for I mean to bring


s: The good man's son, an urchin shrewd, of age


s: To scamper at my side; him will I bring,


s: Whom at some foreign market ye shall prove


s: So saying, she to my father's house return'd.


s: They, there abiding the whole year, their ship


s: With purchased goods freighted of ev'ry kind,


s: And when, her lading now complete, she lay


s: For sea prepared, their messenger arrived


s: Then, ent'ring at my father's gate, produced


s: A splendid collar, gold with amber strung.


s: My mother (then at home) with all her maids


s: Significant, gave unobserv'd, the while,


s: She, thus informed, leading me by the hand


s: Went forth, and finding in the vestibule


s: The cups and tables which my father's guests


s: Had used, (but they were to the forum gone


s: For converse with their friends assembled there)


s: Convey'd three cups into her bosom-folds,


s: And bore them off, whom I a thoughtless child


s: When dusky evening had embrown'd the shore.


s: We, stepping nimbly on, soon reach'd the port


s: Renown'd, where that Phœnician vessel lay.


s: They shipp'd us both, and all embarking cleav'd


s: Jove's gift, impell'd. Six days we day and night


s: Continual sailed, but when Saturnian Jove


s: Now bade the sev'nth bright morn illume the skies,


s: Then, shaft-arm'd Dian struck the woman dead.


s: At once she pitch'd headlong into the bilge


s: Like a sea-coot, whence heaving her again,


s: And I survived to mourn her. But the winds


s: And rolling billows them bore to the coast


s: Laertes bought me. By such means it chanced


s: That e'er I saw the isle in which I dwell.


s: To whom Ulysses, glorious Chief, replied.


s: Eumæus! thou hast moved me much, thy woes


s: Hath neighbour'd all thy evil with this good,


s: That after num'rous sorrows thou hast reach'd


s: The house of a kind master, at whose hands


s: Thy sustenance is sure, and here thou lead'st


s: A tranquil life; but I have late arrived,


s: Thus mutual they conferr'd, nor leisure found


s: Save for short sleep, by morning soon surprized.


s: Approaching land, cast loose the sail, and lower'd


s: Alert the mast, then oar'd the vessel in.


s: The anchors heav'd aground, and hawsers tied


s: Secure, themselves, forth-issuing on the shore,


s: Breakfast prepared, and charged their cups with wine.


s: When neither hunger now, nor thirst remained


s: Among my shepherds, and, (my rural works


s: Survey'd,) at eve will to the town return.


s: And plenteous viands, wages of your toil.


s: Whither must I, my son? who, of the Chiefs


s: Shall I to thine and to thy mother's house?


s: Then thus Telemachus, discrete, replied.


s: To our abode, since nought should fail thee there


s: Be absent, neither would my mother's eyes


s: Before the suitors, shunning whom, she sits


s: Whom thou may'st seek, Eurymachus, the son


s: Far noblest of them all is he, and seeks


s: My mother, and to fill my father's throne.


s: But, He who dwells above, Jove only knows


s: For them, or ere those nuptials shall arrive.


s: While thus he spake, at his right hand appear'd,


s: A falcon; in his pounces clench'd he bore


s: A dove, which rending, down he pour'd her plumes


s: Then, calling him apart, the prophet lock'd


s: His hand in his, and thus explain'd the sign.


s: On our right hand, Telemachus! this hawk


s: Hath wing'd propitious; soon as I perceived


s: Than yours is found, and yours shall still prevail.


s: Grant heav'n, my guest! that this good word of thine


s: Fail not, and soon thou shalt such bounty share


s: And friendship at my hands, that, at first sight,


s: Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest.


s: Then, to Piræus thus, his friend approved.


s: My followers to the shore of Pylus, none


s: More prompt than thou hath my desires perform'd)


s: This stranger, whom with hospitable care


s: To whom Piræus answer'd, spear-renown'd.


s: So saying, he climb'd the ship, then bade the crew


s: And each, obedient, to his bench repair'd.


s: And lifted from the deck his glitt'ring spear.


s: The hawsers, forth they push'd into the Deep


s: And sought the city, while with nimble pace


s: The cottage soon where good Eumæus slept,


s: The swine-herd, faithful to his num'rous charge.


s: Iphyclus the son of Phylacus had seized and detained cattle


s: Not improbably the isthmus of Syracuse, an island, perhaps, or


s: Ὅθι τροπαὶ ἠελίοιο--The Translator has rendered the passage


s: The anchors were lodged on the shore, not plunged as ours.


s: It was the hour of dawn, when in the cot


s: Kindling fresh fire, Ulysses and his friend


s: Noble Eumæus dress'd their morning fare,


s: And sent the herdsmen with the swine abroad.


s: Bark'd not, but fawn'd around him. At that sight,


s: And at the sound of feet which now approach'd,


s: Ulysses in wing'd accents thus remark'd.


s: Is nigh at hand, or one whom well thou know'st;


s: Thy dogs bark not, but fawn on his approach


s: Obsequious, and the sound of feet I hear.


s: Scarce had he ceased, when his own son himself


s: Stood in the vestibule. Upsprang at once


s: Let fall the cups with which he was employ'd


s: Mingling rich wine; to his young Lord he ran,


s: His forehead kiss'd, kiss'd his bright-beaming eyes


s: And both his hands, weeping profuse the while,


s: Arrived from foreign lands in the tenth year


s: His darling son, the offspring of his age,


s: His only one, for whom he long hath mourn'd,


s: So kiss'd the noble peasant o'er and o'er


s: Godlike Telemachus, as from death escaped,


s: And in wing'd accents plaintive thus began.


s: Light of my eyes, thou com'st; it is thyself,


s: To see thee more, once told that o'er the Deep


s: Thou hadst departed for the Pylian coast.


s: Enter, my precious son; that I may sooth


s: My soul with sight of thee from far arrived,


s: For seldom thou thy feeders and thy farm


s: To make abode, that thou may'st witness there


s: The manners of those hungry suitors proud.


s: It will be so. There is great need, my friend!


s: But here, for thy sake, have I now arrived,


s: That I may look on thee, and from thy lips


s: Learn if my mother still reside at home,


s: Or have become spouse of some other Chief,


s: To whom the master swine-herd in return.


s: Not so, she, patient still as ever, dwells


s: Beneath thy roof, but all her cheerless days


s: Despairing wastes, and all her nights in tears.


s: His brazen lance, and o'er the step of stone


s: Relinquish'd, soon as he appear'd, his seat,


s: Guest, keep thy seat; our cottage will afford


s: He ceased, and he, returning at the word,


s: Green twigs beneath, which, cover'd with a fleece,


s: Supplied Ulysses' offspring with a seat.


s: He, next, disposed his dishes on the board


s: With relicts charged of yesterday; with bread,


s: Alert, he heap'd the baskets; with rich wine


s: Ulysses. They toward the plenteous feast


s: Stretch'd forth their hands, (and hunger now and thirst


s: Addressing to their gen'rous host, began.


s: Whence is this guest, my father? How convey'd


s: For, that on foot he found us not, is sure.


s: I will with truth answer thee, O my son!


s: He boasts him sprung from ancestry renown'd


s: In spacious Crete, and hath the cities seen


s: Of various lands, by fate ordain'd to roam.


s: Ev'n now, from a Thesprotian ship escaped,


s: He reach'd my cottage--but he is thy own;


s: I yield him to thee; treat him as thou wilt;


s: He is thy suppliant, and depends on thee.


s: Then thus, Telemachus, discrete, replied.


s: In doubtful balance hangs, if, still with me


s: An inmate, she shall manage my concerns,


s: And her own good report, or shall espouse


s: But I will give him, since I find him lodg'd


s: A guest beneath thy roof, tunic and cloak,


s: Sword double-edged, and sandals for his feet,


s: With convoy to the country of his choice.


s: Still, if it please thee, keep him here thy guest,


s: And I will send him raiment, with supplies


s: Of all sorts, lest he burthen thee and thine.


s: But where the suitors come, there shall not he


s: With my consent, nor stand exposed to pride


s: And petulance like theirs, lest by some sneer


s: They wound him, and through him, wound also me;


s: Of those injurious suitors, who the house


s: But say--submittest thou to their controul


s: Willingly, or because the people, sway'd


s: Against thee? Thou hast brothers, it may chance,


s: Slow to assist thee--for a brother's aid


s: Or that himself might wander home again.


s: Whereof hope yet remains! then might I lose


s: My head, that moment, by an alien's hand,


s: If I would fail, ent'ring Ulysses' gate,


s: To be the bane and mischief of them all.


s: I should perchance be foiled; nobler it were


s: Their unexampled deeds, guests shoved aside,


s: Maidens dragg'd forcibly from room to room,


s: Casks emptied of their rich contents, and them


s: Indulging glutt'nous appetite day by day


s: Stranger! thy questions shall from me receive


s: Nor have I brothers to accuse, whose aid


s: For Jove hath from of old with single heirs


s: Thence comes it that our palace swarms with foes;


s: For all the rulers of the neighbour isles,


s: Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd


s: In marriage, and my household stores consume.


s: But neither she those nuptial rites abhorr'd


s: Meantime, and will destroy me also soon,


s: Eumæus! haste, my father! bear with speed


s: And have arrived from Pylus; I will wait


s: Till thou return; and well beware that none


s: It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st


s: Distress'd Laertes? who while yet he mourn'd


s: As hunger prompted him, but now, they say,


s: Since thy departure to the Pylian shore,


s: He neither eats as he was wont, nor drinks,


s: Nor oversees his hinds, but sighing sits


s: Hard though it be, yet to his tears and sighs


s: Him leave we now. We cannot what we would.


s: Referr'd to our own choice, our first desire


s: Should be to see my father's glad return.


s: But once thy tidings told, wander not thou


s: In quest of Him, but hither speed again.


s: The ancient King that I have safe arrived.


s: He said, and urged him forth, who binding on


s: Approaching to the cottage' entrance, stood


s: The mastiffs saw her also, and with tone


s: Querulous hid themselves, yet bark'd they not.


s: The sign, and, issuing through the outer court,


s: Approach'd her, whom the Goddess thus bespake.


s: Disclose thyself to thy own son, that, death


s: Concerting and destruction to your foes,


s: Shall ye my presence there desire in vain,


s: Touch'd him; his mantle, first, and vest she made


s: Pure as new-blanch'd; dilating, next, his form,


s: She gave dimensions ampler to his limbs;


s: Round his full face, and black his bushy chin.


s: The change perform'd, Minerva disappear'd,


s: Seiz'd on Telemachus; askance he look'd,


s: Nor are thy cloaths, nor is thy port the same.


s: Thou art a God, I know, and dwell'st in heav'n.


s: Oh, smile on us, that we may yield thee rites


s: Acceptable, and present thee golden gifts


s: I am no God. Why deem'st thou me divine?


s: I am thy father, for whose sake thou lead'st


s: So saying, he kiss'd his son, while from his cheeks


s: Tears trickled, tears till then, perforce restrained.


s: His father yet) thus, wond'ring, spake again.


s: My father, said'st thou? no. Thou art not He,


s: With mock'ries to afflict me still the more;


s: For never mortal man could so have wrought


s: Alone could render thee both young and old,


s: For old thou wast of late, and foully clad,


s: But wear'st the semblance, now, of those in heav'n!


s: That thou should'st greet thy father with a face


s: Ulysses, save myself, none comes, be sure.


s: Such as thou seest, after ten thousand woes


s: My native country in the twentieth year.


s: She cloath'd me even with what form she would,


s: For so she can. Now poor I seem and old,


s: Now young again, and clad in fresh attire.


s: The Gods who dwell in yonder heav'n, with ease


s: So saying, he sat. Then threw Telemachus


s: His arms around his father's neck, and wept.


s: On both; soft murmurs utt'ring, each indulged


s: His grief, more frequent wailing than the bird,


s: (Eagle, or hook-nail'd vulture) from whose nest


s: Some swain hath stol'n her yet unfeather'd young.


s: So from their eyelids they big drops distill'd


s: Of tend'rest grief, nor had the setting sun


s: Cessation of their weeping seen, had not


s: What ship convey'd thee to thy native shore,


s: My father! and what country boast the crew?


s: For, that on foot thou not arriv'dst, is sure.


s: Strangers who visit them across the Deep.


s: They lay'd; rich gifts they gave me also, brass,


s: Gold in full bags, and beautiful attire,


s: Which, warn'd from heav'n, I have in caves conceal'd.


s: That we might plan the slaughter of our foes,


s: Whose numbers tell me now, that I may know


s: How pow'rful, certainly, and who they are,


s: And consultation with my dauntless heart


s: Ourselves with all, or must have aid beside.


s: Then, answer thus his son, discrete, return'd.


s: In thy son's ears, and by report thy force


s: In arms, and wisdom I have oft been told.


s: But terribly thou speak'st; amazement-fixt


s: And valiant warriors all? for neither ten


s: Are they, nor twenty, but more num'rous far.


s: Learn, now, their numbers. Fifty youths and two


s: Came from Dulichium; they are chosen men,


s: And six attendants follow in their train;


s: From Samos twenty youths and four arrive,


s: Sends twenty more, and our own island adds,


s: Herself, her twelve chief rulers; Medon, too,


s: Is there the herald, and the bard divine,


s: With other two, intendants of the board.


s: Assail them all, I fear lest thy revenge


s: Think, if thou canst, on whose confed'rate arm


s: I will inform thee. Mark. Weigh well my words.


s: Good friends indeed are they whom thou hast named,


s: Though throned above the clouds; for their controul


s: To whom Ulysses, toil-worn Chief renown'd.


s: Not long will they from battle stand aloof,


s: When once, within my palace, in the strength


s: Of Mars, to sharp decision we shall urge


s: Our mansion seek, that thou may'st mingle there


s: With that imperious throng; me in due time


s: But should they with dishonourable scorn


s: Insult me, thou unmov'd my wrongs endure,


s: And should they even drag me by the feet


s: Abroad, or smite me with the spear, thy wrath


s: Refraining, gently counsel them to cease


s: That cease they will not, for their hour is come.


s: And mark me well; treasure what now I say


s: Deep in thy soul. When Pallas shall, herself,


s: Suggest the measure, then, shaking my brows,


s: I will admonish thee; thou, at the sign,


s: Dispose them; should the suitors, missing them,


s: Gently--I have removed them from the smoke;


s: For they appear no more the arms which erst


s: But smirch'd and sullied by the breath of fire.


s: This weightier reason (thou shalt also say)


s: Jove taught me; lest, intoxicate with wine,


s: Ye should assault each other in your brawls,


s: Shaming both feast and courtship; for the view


s: Yet leave two faulchions for ourselves alone,


s: Two spears, two bucklers, which with sudden force


s: Impetuous we will seize, and Jove all-wise


s: Their valour shall, and Pallas, steal away.


s: This word store also in remembrance deep--


s: If mine in truth thou art, and of my blood,


s: Let none hear news from thee, no, not my sire


s: That thou and I, alone, may search the drift


s: Our serving-men, who honours and reveres


s: And who contemns us both, but chiefly thee


s: Him then thus answer'd his illustrious son.


s: Trust me, my father! thou shalt soon be taught


s: For tedious were the task, farm after farm


s: To visit of those servants, proving each,


s: Meantime thy substance, nor abstain from aught.


s: Learn, if thou wilt, (and I that course myself


s: Advise) who slights thee of the female train,


s: And who is guiltless; but I would not try


s: From house to house the men, far better proved


s: Hereafter, if in truth by signs from heav'n


s: Inform'd, thou hast been taught the will of Jove.


s: Thus they conferr'd. The gallant bark, meantime,


s: Reach'd Ithaca, which from the Pylian shore


s: Had brought Telemachus with all his band.


s: His lusty followers haled her far aground,


s: Then carried thence their arms, but to the house


s: Of Clytius the illustrious gifts convey'd.


s: Next to the royal mansion they dispatch'd


s: An herald charg'd with tidings to the Queen,


s: Home to the city; lest the matchless dame


s: Should still deplore the absence of her son.


s: They, then, the herald and the swine-herd, each


s: Bearing like message to his mistress, met,


s: Arriving, compass'd by the female throng


s: Thy son, O Queen! is safe; ev'n now return'd.


s: And, his commission punctually discharged,


s: Leaving the palace, sought his home again.


s: Grief seized and anguish, at those tidings, all


s: The suitors; issuing forth, on the outside


s: Of the high wall they sat, before the gate,


s: My friends! his arduous task, this voyage, deem'd


s: Telemachus hath atchieved. Haste! launch we forth


s: A sable bark, our best, which let us man


s: Swiftly, shall summon our companions home.


s: Scarce had he said, when turning where he sat,


s: Just then in port; he saw them furling sail,


s: And seated with their oars in hand; he laugh'd


s: Through pleasure at that sight, and thus he spake.


s: Our message may be spared. Lo! they arrive.


s: Either some God inform'd them, or they saw,


s: Too swiftly passing to be reach'd by theirs.


s: He spake; they, rising, hasted to the shore.


s: And by his servant each his arms dispatch'd


s: To his own home. Then, all, to council those


s: Nor youth allow'd to join them, and the rest


s: Ah! how the Gods have rescued him! all day


s: Perch'd on the airy mountain-top, our spies


s: Successive watch'd; and, when the sun declined,


s: We never slept on shore, but all night long


s: Till sacred dawn arose, plow'd the abyss,


s: In our despight, safe to his home again.


s: For end of this our task, while he survives,


s: None shall be found, such prudence he displays


s: Come, then--prevent him, ere he call the Greeks


s: But will be angry, doubtless, and will tell


s: His death, a deed which they will scarce applaud,


s: But will, perhaps, punish and drive us forth


s: From our own country to a distant land.--


s: Prevent him, therefore, quickly; in the field


s: Slay him, or on the road; so shall his wealth


s: And his possessions on ourselves devolve


s: Which we will share equally, but his house


s: Shall be the Queen's, and his whom she shall wed.


s: Yet, if not so inclined, ye rather chuse


s: But let us all with spousal gifts produced


s: From our respective treasures, woo the Queen,


s: Who proffers most, and whom the fates ordain.


s: He ceased; the assembly silent sat and mute.


s: Offspring renown'd of Nisus, son, himself,


s: The suitor train who from the pleasant isle


s: Corn-clad of green Dulichium had arrived,


s: And by his speech pleased far beyond them all


s: And thus, well-counselling the rest, began.


s: Not I, my friends! far be the thought from me


s: First, therefore, let us counsel ask of heav'n,


s: And if Jove's oracle that course approve,


s: They went, where each his splendid seat resumed.


s: Before her suitors, whose design to slay


s: The herald, for his ear had caught the sound.


s: Toward the hall with her attendant train


s: She moved, and when, most graceful of her sex,


s: Where sat the suitors she arrived, between


s: The columns standing of the stately dome,


s: And covering with her white veil's lucid folds


s: Her features, to Antinoüs thus she spake.


s: To mischief prone! the people deem thee wise


s: Past thy compeers, and in all grace of speech


s: Rejectest thou the suppliant's pray'r, which Jove


s: Himself hath witness'd? Plots please not the Gods.


s: Know'st not that thy own father refuge found


s: Here, when he fled before the people's wrath


s: Which, with a band of Taphian robbers joined,


s: He offer'd to the Thesprots, our allies?


s: They would have torn his heart, and would have laid


s: All his delights and his possessions waste,


s: Of their revenge, whom thou requitest now


s: Slaying his son, and filling me with woe.


s: But cease, I charge thee, and bid cease the rest.


s: The man lives not, nor shall, who while I live,


s: And thus will I perform; his blood shall stream


s: Hath fill'd my infant grasp with sav'ry food,


s: And giv'n me ruddy wine. I, therefore, hold


s: Nor hath he death to fear from hand of ours.


s: Yet, if the Gods shall doom him, die he must.


s: Plotted his death. She, re-ascending, sought


s: Her stately chamber, and, arriving there,


s: Deplored with tears her long-regretted Lord


s: Dews of soft slumber o'er her lids diffused.


s: Just slain they skilfully for food prepared,


s: When Pallas, drawing nigh, smote with her wand


s: Ulysses, at the stroke rend'ring him old,


s: Lest, knowing him, the swain at once should seek


s: Bring'st from the city? Have the warrior band


s: Of suitors, hopeless of their ambush, reach'd


s: The port again, or wait they still for me?


s: Curious, the streets had I, but anxious wish'd


s: To make my message known, and to return.


s: But, as it chanced, a nimble herald sent


s: Who reach'd thy mother first. Yet this I know,


s: Where they have piled a way-side hill of stones


s: Ent'ring the port; a bark she was of ours,


s: The crew were num'rous, and I mark'd her deep-


s: Laden with shields and spears of double edge.


s: Theirs I conjectured her, and could no more.


s: Their task accomplish'd, and the table spread,


s: They ate, nor any his due portion miss'd,


s: And hunger, now, and thirst both sated, all


s: To rest repair'd, and took the gift of sleep.


s: interruption. Eumæus returns to his cottage.


s: When the illustrious offspring of divine


s: He seiz'd his sturdy spear match'd to his gripe,


s: Departure now, the swine-herd thus bespake.


s: My mother of my safe return, whose tears,


s: I judge, and lamentation shall not cease


s: On thee this charge. Into the city lead,


s: Thyself, this hapless guest, that he may beg


s: From such as may, perchance, vouchsafe the boon.


s: Feed all, and should the stranger take offence,


s: The worse for him. Plain truth is my delight.


s: With rural tasks, nor could I all perform


s: That it might please a master to command.


s: Go then, and when I shall have warm'd my limbs


s: Before the hearth, and when the risen sun


s: Shall somewhat chase the cold, thy servant's task


s: Shall be to guide me thither, as thou bidd'st,


s: Of morning would benumb me thus attired,


s: Set forth, his thoughts all teeming as he went


s: With dire revenge. Soon in the palace-courts


s: Him Euryclea, first, his nurse, perceived,


s: While on the variegated seats she spread


s: Their fleecy cov'ring; swift with tearful eyes


s: She flew to him, and the whole female train


s: Of brave Ulysses swarm'd around his son,


s: Clasping him, and his forehead and his neck


s: Kissing affectionate; then came, herself,


s: Forth from her chamber to her son's embrace,


s: The chaste Penelope; with tears she threw


s: Her arms around him, his bright-beaming eyes


s: And forehead kiss'd, and with a murmur'd plaint


s: Thou hast return'd, light of my eyes! my son!


s: To see thee more when once thou hadst embark'd


s: From me obtain'd, news seeking of thy sire.


s: But haste; unfold. Declare what thou hast seen.


s: From death so lately 'scaped afflict anew,


s: But, bathed and habited in fresh attire,


s: With all the maidens of thy train ascend


s: When Jove shall have avenged our num'rous wrongs.


s: A guest, my follower from the Pylian shore,


s: Whom sending forward with my noble band,


s: Lead him, and with all kindness entertain


s: The stranger, till I should myself arrive.


s: He spake, nor flew his words useless away.


s: She, bathed and habited in fresh attire,


s: Would Jove but recompense her num'rous wrongs.


s: Then, spear in hand, went forth her son, two dogs


s: Fleet-footed following him. O'er all his form


s: And ev'ry eye gazed on him as he pass'd.


s: The suitors throng'd him round, joy on their lips


s: And welcome, but deep mischief in their hearts.


s: He, shunning all that crowd, chose to himself


s: And Halytherses, long his father's friends


s: Sincere, who of his voyage much enquired.


s: Then drew Piræus nigh, leading his guest


s: Stood long aloof, but greeted his approach,


s: Sir! send thy menial women to bring home


s: The precious charge committed to my care,


s: The upshot. Should these haughty ones effect


s: My death, clandestine, under my own roof,


s: I rather wish those treasures thine, than theirs.


s: But should I with success plan for them all


s: A bloody death, then, wing'd with joy, thyself


s: Bring home those presents to thy joyful friend.


s: So saying, he led the anxious stranger thence


s: Each cast his mantle on a couch or throne,


s: And plung'd his feet into a polish'd bath.


s: There wash'd and lubricated with smooth oils,


s: From the attendant maidens each received


s: Forth from the baths they stepp'd, and sat again.


s: A maiden, next, with golden ewer charged,


s: And silver bowl, pour'd water on their hands,


s: And spread the polish'd table, which with food


s: Of all kinds, remnants of the last regale,


s: The mistress of the household charge supplied.


s: His mother, on a couch reclining, twirl'd


s: Her slender threads. They to the furnish'd board


s: Stretch'd forth their hands, and, hunger now and thirst


s: For such it hath been, and with tears of mine


s: Ceaseless bedew'd, e'er since Ulysses went


s: With Atreus' sons to Troy. For not a word


s: Thou would'st vouchsafe me till our haughty guests


s: That thou hast heard (if aught indeed thou hast)


s: Of thy long-absent father's wish'd return.


s: Mother, at thy request I will with truth


s: Relate the whole. At Pylus shore arrived


s: We Nestor found, Chief of the Pylian race.


s: He entertain'd me with such welcome kind


s: Long-lost and newly found; so Nestor me,


s: And his illustrious offspring, entertain'd,


s: But yet assured me that he nought had heard


s: From mortal lips of my magnanimous sire,


s: Whether alive or dead; with his own steeds


s: He sent me, and with splendid chariot thence


s: Auth'ress of trouble both to Greece and Troy.


s: What cause had urged me to the pleasant vale


s: The occasion, and the Hero thus replied.


s: Of a brave man, however base themselves.


s: But, as it chances when the hart hath laid


s: Her fawns new-yean'd and sucklings yet, to rest


s: In some resistless lion's den, she roams,


s: Meantime, the hills, and in the grassy vales


s: Feeds heedless, but the lion to his lair


s: Returning soon, both her and hers destroys,


s: So shall thy father, brave Ulysses, them.


s: He threw, when all Achaia's sons rejoiced,


s: Ulysses, now, might mingle with his foes!


s: Short life and bitter nuptials should be theirs,


s: Will I evade, nor give thee false reply,


s: But all that from the Ancient of the Deep


s: I have received will utter, hiding nought.


s: The God declared that he had seen thy sire


s: In a lone island, sorrowing, and detain'd


s: To reach the country of his birth again,


s: For neither gallant barks nor friends had he


s: To speed his passage o'er the boundless waves.


s: My errand thus accomplish'd, I return'd--


s: And by the Gods with gales propitious blest,


s: He spake, and tumult in his mother's heart


s: Little the Spartan knew, but list to me,


s: Be Jove of all in heav'n my witness first,


s: Then this thy hospitable board, and, last,


s: The household Gods of the illustrious Chief


s: Ulysses, at whose hearth I have arrived,


s: Ulysses somewhere sits, or creeps obscure,


s: Sowing of dire destruction for his foes;


s: And with loud voice proclaim'd it to thy son.


s: Grant heav'n, my guest, that this good word of thine


s: Fail not! then shalt thou soon such bounty share


s: And friendship at my hands, that at first sight


s: Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest.


s: Thus they conferr'd. Meantime the suitors hurl'd


s: The quoit and lance on the smooth area spread


s: Before Ulysses' gate, the custom'd scene


s: Of their contentions, sports, and clamours rude.


s: But when the hour of supper now approach'd,


s: And from the pastures on all sides the sheep


s: Came with their wonted drivers, Medon then


s: (For he of all the heralds pleas'd them most,


s: And waited at the board) them thus address'd.


s: Enough of play, young princes! ent'ring now


s: The house, prepare we sedulous our feast,


s: Since in well-timed refreshment harm is none.


s: He spake, whose admonition pleas'd. At once


s: All, rising, sought the palace; there arrived,


s: Each cast his mantle off, which on his throne


s: Or couch he spread, then, brisk, to slaughter fell


s: Of many a victim; sheep and goats and brawns


s: They slew, all fatted, and a pastur'd ox,


s: Hast'ning the banquet; nor with less dispatch


s: To seek the town, when thus the swain began.


s: My guest! since thy fixt purpose is to seek


s: Though I, in truth, much rather wish thee here


s: A keeper of our herds, yet, through respect


s: And rev'rence of his orders, whose reproof


s: I dread, for masters seldom gently chide,


s: The air of even-tide will chill thee more.


s: It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st


s: And lead, thyself, the way; but give me, first,


s: To lean on, for ye have described the road


s: Rugged, and ofttimes dang'rous to the foot.


s: So saying, his tatter'd wallet o'er his back


s: And forth they went, leaving the cottage kept


s: By dogs and swains. He city-ward his King


s: But when, slow-travelling the craggy way,


s: They now approach'd the town, and had attain'd


s: The marble fountain deep, which with its streams


s: (Ithacus had that fountain framed of old


s: Circular on all sides, while cold the rill


s: Ran from the rock, on whose tall summit stood


s: The altar of the nymphs, by all who pass'd


s: With sacrifice frequented, still, and pray'r)


s: Melantheus, son of Dolius, at that fount


s: Met them; the chosen goats of ev'ry flock,


s: With two assistants, from the field he drove,


s: The suitors' supper. He, seeing them both,


s: Ay--this is well--The villain leads the vile--


s: Thus evermore the Gods join like to like.


s: Thou clumsy swine-herd, whither would'st conduct


s: Shall he rub smooth that props him while he begs


s: Lean alms, sole object of his low pursuit,


s: Who ne'er to sword or tripod yet aspired.


s: Would'st thou afford him to me for a guard


s: My kids with leaves, he should on bulkier thewes


s: Supported stand, though nourish'd but with whey.


s: But no such useful arts hath he acquired,


s: Nor likes he work, but rather much to extort


s: At famed Ulysses' house should he arrive,


s: His sides shall shatter many a footstool hurl'd


s: Against them by the offended princes there.


s: He spake, and drawing nigh, with his rais'd foot,


s: Ulysses' haunch, yet shook not from his path


s: The firm-set Chief, who, doubtful, mused awhile


s: Whether to rush on him, and with his staff


s: Downward to dash him headlong; but his wrath


s: Restraining, calm he suffer'd the affront.


s: Rebuking, rais'd his hands, and fervent pray'd.


s: Nymphs of the fountains, progeny of Jove!


s: The thighs of fatted lambs or kidlings, grant


s: So shall he quell that arrogance which safe


s: The city, while bad shepherds mar the flocks.


s: To whom the goat-herd answer thus return'd


s: Melantheus. Marvellous! how rare a speech


s: The subtle cur hath framed! whom I will send


s: My bark, and sell him at no little gain.


s: I would, that he who bears the silver bow


s: As sure might pierce Telemachus this day


s: In his own house, or that the suitors might,


s: As that same wand'rer shall return no more!


s: He said, and them left pacing slow along,


s: But soon, himself, at his Lord's house arrived;


s: There ent'ring bold, he with the suitors sat


s: He valued most. The sewers his portion placed


s: Of meat before him, and the maiden, chief


s: Directress of the household gave him bread.


s: And now, Ulysses, with the swain his friend


s: Approach'd, when, hearing the harmonious lyre,


s: Both stood, for Phemius had begun his song.


s: He grasp'd the swine-herd's hand, and thus he said.


s: With ease for his among a thousand more.


s: Crested with battlements surrounds the court;


s: Firm, too, the folding doors all force of man


s: Defy; but num'rous guests, as I perceive,


s: Now feast within; witness the sav'ry steam


s: Fast-fuming upward, and the sounding harp,


s: Thou hast well-guess'd; no wonder, thou art quick


s: On ev'ry theme; but let us well forecast


s: This business. Wilt thou, ent'ring first, thyself,


s: The splendid mansion, with the suitors mix,


s: Me leaving here? or shall I lead the way


s: While thou remain'st behind? yet linger not,


s: Lest, seeing thee without, some servant strike


s: Or drive thee hence. Consider which were best.


s: Him answer'd, then, the patient Hero bold.


s: It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st


s: Me leaving here, for neither stripes nor blows


s: To me are strange. Much exercised with pain


s: In fight and on the Deep, I have long since


s: Learn'd patience. Follow, next, what follow may!


s: Destructive, which to satiate, ships are rigg'd,


s: Seas travers'd, and fierce battles waged remote.


s: Thus they discoursing stood; Argus the while,


s: Had bred long since, himself, but rarely used,


s: Departing, first, to Ilium. Him the youths


s: Of wild goat, hart and hare; but now he lodg'd


s: A poor old cast-off, of his Lord forlorn,


s: Where mules and oxen had before the gate


s: Much ordure left, with which Ulysses' hinds


s: Should, in due time, manure his spacious fields.


s: There lay, with dog-devouring vermin foul


s: Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears


s: Clapp'd close, and with his tail glad sign he gave


s: He is, past doubt, but whether he hath been


s: As fleet as fair I know not; rather such


s: Perchance as masters sometimes keep to grace


s: Their tables, nourish'd more for shew than use.


s: But had he now such feat-performing strength


s: To Ilium, in one moment thou shouldst mark,


s: The wild beast saw that 'scaped him, and he track'd


s: The heedless servants care not for his dog.


s: Domestics, missing once their Lord's controul,


s: Grow wilful, and refuse their proper tasks;


s: For whom Jove dooms to servitude, he takes


s: At once the half of that man's worth away.


s: He said, and, ent'ring at the portal, join'd


s: Marking the swine-herd's entrance, with a nod


s: The seat which the dispenser of the feast


s: The num'rous guests, planted it right before


s: On which the herald placed for him his share


s: Of meat, and from the baskets gave him bread.


s: Staff-propp'd, and in loose tatters foul attired.


s: He sat, and, seeming languid, lean'd against


s: Polish'd long since, and planted at the door.


s: Forth from the elegant basket, and of flesh


s: A portion large as his two hands contained,


s: And, beck'ning close the swine-herd, charged him thus.


s: These to the stranger; whom advise to ask


s: Some dole from ev'ry suitor; bashful fear


s: Ill suits the mendicant by want oppress'd.


s: Telemachus, oh stranger, sends thee these,


s: The suitors, one by one; for bashful fear


s: Jove, King of all, grant ev'ry good on earth


s: He said, and with both hands outspread, the mess


s: Disposed it at his feet. Long as the bard


s: Chaunted, he ate, and when he ceas'd to eat,


s: Then also ceas'd the bard divine to sing.


s: Crusts to collect, or any pittance small


s: At ev'ry suitor's hand, for trial's sake


s: Of just and unjust; yet deliv'rance none


s: From left to right his progress he began


s: Petitioning, with outstretch'd hands, the throng,


s: They, pitying, gave to him, but view'd him still


s: Who, and whence was he? Then the goat-herd rose


s: Melanthius, and th' assembly thus address'd.


s: Hear me, ye suitors of th' illustrious Queen!


s: This guest, of whom ye ask, I have beheld


s: Elsewhere; the swine-herd brought him; but himself


s: I know not, neither who nor whence he is.


s: The swine-herd. Ah, notorious as thou art,


s: Why hast thou shewn this vagabond the way


s: Infested with these troublers of our feasts?


s: Deem'st it a trifle that such numbers eat


s: At thy Lord's cost, and hast thou, therefore, led


s: This fellow hither, found we know not where?


s: Antinoüs! though of high degree, thou speak'st


s: Repairs to invite him to a feast, unless


s: Call'd to the banquet; none invites the poor,


s: Who much consume, and no requital yield.


s: But thou of all the suitors roughly treat'st


s: Yet thee I heed not, while the virtuous Queen


s: Dwells in this palace, and her godlike son.


s: Peace! answer not verbose a man like him.


s: To tauntings, and promotes them in the rest.


s: Then, turning to Antinoüs, quick he said--


s: Takes thought, so thou for me, who bidd'st me chase


s: The stranger harshly hence; but God forbid!


s: Exhort thee to it; neither, in this cause,


s: Fear thou the Queen, or in the least regard


s: Whatever menial throughout all the house


s: Dwells no such thought; thou lov'st not to impart


s: High-soaring and intemp'rate in thy speech


s: How hast thou said, Telemachus? Would all


s: As much bestow on him, he should not seek


s: Admittance here again three months to come.


s: So saying, he seized the stool which, banqueting,


s: He press'd with his nice feet, and from beneath


s: The rest all gave to him, with bread and flesh


s: Returning to his threshold, there to taste


s: The bounty of the Greeks, paused in his way


s: Beside Antinoüs, whom he thus address'd.


s: Kind sir! vouchsafe to me! for thou appear'st


s: Not least, but greatest of the Achaians here,


s: So should I praise thee wheresoe'er I roam.


s: Of such a stately mansion, and have giv'n


s: To num'rous wand'rers (whencesoe'er they came)


s: But Jove (for so it pleas'd him) hath reduced


s: My all to nothing, prompting me, in league


s: I station'd, and, enjoining strict my friends


s: To watch them close-attendant at their side,


s: Commanded spies into the hill-tops; but they,


s: And hot for quarrel, the well-cultur'd fields


s: Their wives and little-ones, and slew the men.


s: Ere long, the loud alarm their city reach'd.


s: With horse and foot and with the gleam of arms


s: Filling the plain. Then Jove with panic dread


s: Struck all my people; none found courage more


s: To stand, for mischiefs swarm'd on ev'ry side.


s: There, num'rous by the glitt'ring spear we fell


s: Slaughter'd, while others they conducted thence


s: This land I reach'd, but poor and woe-begone.


s: Then answer thus Antinoüs harsh return'd.


s: What dæmon introduced this nuisance here,


s: This troubler of our feast? stand yonder, keep


s: Than those, bold mendicant and void of shame!


s: Thou hauntest each, and, inconsid'rate, each


s: Gives to thee, because gifts at other's cost


s: Are cheap, and, plentifully serv'd themselves,


s: They squander, heedless, viands not their own.


s: Gods! how illib'ral with that specious form!


s: Thou wouldst not grant the poor a grain of salt


s: From thy own board, who at another's fed


s: So nobly, canst thou not spare a crust to me.


s: He spake; then raged Antinoüs still the more,


s: And in wing'd accents, louring, thus replied.


s: Take such dismission now as thou deserv'st,


s: Opprobrious! hast thou dared to scoff at me?


s: So saying, he seized his stool, and on the joint


s: Of his right shoulder smote him; firm as rock


s: He stood, by no such force to be displaced,


s: But silent shook his brows, and dreadful deeds


s: His seat the threshold, where his bag full-charged


s: He grounded, and the suitors thus address'd.


s: Hear now, ye suitors of the matchless Queen,


s: My bosom's dictates. Trivial is the harm,


s: Scarce felt, if, fighting for his own, his sheep


s: Perchance, or beeves, a man receive a blow.


s: Food from him merely to appease the pangs


s: Of hunger, source of num'rous ills to man.


s: If then the poor man have a God t' avenge


s: His wrongs, I pray to him that death may seize


s: Or going hence, eat, stranger, and be still;


s: We drag thee forth, and thou be flay'd alive.


s: He ceased, whom all indignant heard, and thus


s: Ev'n his own proud companions censured him.


s: The wretched vagabond. O thou art doom'd


s: The Gods, who can with ease all shapes assume,


s: Repair to populous cities, where they mark


s: The outrageous and the righteous deeds of men.


s: So they, for whose reproof he little cared.


s: He shed, but silent shook his brows, and mused


s: Her roof, among her maidens thus exclaim'd.


s: Oh might our pray'rs prevail, none of them all


s: Should see bright-charioted Aurora more.


s: Nurse! they are odious all, for that alike


s: All teem with mischief; but Antinoüs' looks


s: A stranger hath arrived who, begging, roams


s: The rest have giv'n him, and have fill'd his bag


s: His shoulder with a foot-stool hurl'd at him.


s: While thus the Queen conversing with her train


s: Plenteous repast. Then, calling to her side


s: Yon stranger. I would speak with him, and ask


s: Tidings, perchance, of the afflicted Chief,


s: For much a wand'rer by his garb he seems.


s: Were those Achaians silent, thou shouldst hear,


s: O Queen! a tale that would console thy heart.


s: Three nights I housed him, and within my cot


s: Three days detain'd him, (for his ship he left


s: But half untold his hist'ry still remains.


s: From heav'n instructed in such themes as charm


s: That stranger with his tale enchanted me.


s: Laertes, he affirms, hath been his guest


s: Erewhile in Crete, where Minos' race resides,


s: And thence he hath arrived, after great loss,


s: He adds, that in Thesprotia's neighbour realm


s: He of Ulysses heard, both that he lives,


s: And that he comes laden with riches home.


s: Haste; call him. I would hear, myself, his tale.


s: Meantime, let these, or in the palace gate


s: Sport jocular, or here; their hearts are light,


s: For their possessions are secure; _their_ wine


s: None drinks, or eats _their_ viands, save their own,


s: While my abode, day after day, themselves


s: Haunting, my beeves and sheep and fatted goats


s: Slay for the banquet, and my casks exhaust


s: Extravagant, whence endless waste ensues;


s: Have I to expel the mischief. But might he


s: Then, aided by his son, he should avenge,


s: Incontinent, the wrongs which now I mourn.


s: Then sneezed Telemachus with sudden force,


s: That all the palace rang; his mother laugh'd,


s: And in wing'd accents thus the swain bespake.


s: Haste--bid him hither--hear'st thou not the sneeze


s: To all these revellers! may none escape!


s: Now mark me well. Should the event his tale


s: Confirm, at my own hands he shall receive


s: She spake; he went, and where Ulysses sat


s: Oppress'd by num'rous troubles, she desires


s: Thy meed shall be (a boon which much thou need'st)


s: Tunic and mantle; but she gives no more;


s: Thy sustenance thou must, as now, obtain,


s: Begging it at their hands who chuse to give.


s: Truth, and truth only, to the prudent Queen


s: Much, and have suff'red sorrows like his own.


s: But dread I feel of this imperious throng


s: Perverse, whose riot and outrageous acts


s: Of violence echo through the vault of heav'n.


s: And, even now, when for no fault of mine


s: Yon suitor struck me as I pass'd, and fill'd


s: Impatient, till the sun descend postpone


s: Her questions; then she may enquire secure


s: When comes her husband, and may nearer place


s: My seat to the hearth-side, for thinly clad


s: Thou know'st I am, whose aid I first implored.


s: Again the Queen, but ere he yet had pass'd


s: The threshold, thus she greeted his return.


s: The invited wand'rer? dreads he other harm?


s: Or sees he aught that with a bashful awe


s: Fills him? the bashful poor are poor indeed.


s: He hath well spoken; none who would decline


s: The rudeness of this contumelious throng


s: Could answer otherwise; thee he entreats


s: To wait till sun-set, and that course, O Queen,


s: Thou shalt thyself far more commodious find,


s: To hold thy conf'rence with the guest, alone.


s: The stranger, I perceive, is not unwise,


s: Whoe'er he be, for on the earth are none


s: Proud, insolent, and profligate as these.


s: So spake the Queen. Then (all his message told)


s: Again, and with his head inclined toward


s: Telemachus, lest others should his words


s: Witness, in accents wing'd him thus address'd.


s: Friend and kind master! I return to keep


s: My herds, and to attend my rural charge,


s: Whence we are both sustain'd. Keep thou, meantime,


s: All here with vigilance, but chiefly watch


s: For thy own good, and save _thyself_ from harm;


s: For num'rous here brood mischief, whom the Gods


s: Exterminate, ere yet their plots prevail!


s: Bringing fair victims hither; I will keep,


s: I and the Gods, meantime, all here secure.


s: He ended; then resumed once more the swain


s: His polish'd seat, and, both with wine and food


s: Now satiate, to his charge return'd, the court


s: Leaving and all the palace throng'd with guests;


s: Turn'd jovial to the song and to the dance.


s: That he might begin auspiciously. Wine was served in the same


s: Ει δη που τις επουρανιος θεος εσι


s: This seems added by Eumæus to cut off from Ulysses the hope that


s: Accustom'd, seeking alms, to roam the streets


s: With food or drink; yet muscle had he none,


s: Or strength of limb, though giant-built in show.


s: His mother gave him, but the youthful band


s: Of suitors, whom as messenger he served,


s: All named him Irus. He, arriving, sought


s: To drive Ulysses forth from his own home,


s: And in rough accents rude him thus rebuked.


s: Forth from the porch, old man! lest by the foot


s: I drag thee quickly forth. Seest not how all


s: Wink on me, and by signs give me command


s: To drag thee hence? nor is it aught but shame


s: That checks me. Yet arise, lest soon with fists


s: To whom Ulysses, low'ring dark, replied.


s: Peace, fellow! neither word nor deed of mine


s: Wrongs thee, nor feel I envy at the boon,


s: However plentiful, which thou receiv'st.


s: The sill may hold us both; thou dost not well


s: A vagrant; plenty is the gift of heav'n.


s: Lest thou provoke me, and I stain with blood


s: So, my attendance should to-morrow prove


s: More tranquil here; for thou should'st leave, I judge,


s: Then answer'd Irus, kindling with disdain.


s: The table-hunter prates, like an old hag


s: Collied with chimney-smutch! but ah beware!


s: With both hands ev'ry grinder from thy gums,


s: As men untooth a pig pilf'ring the corn.


s: Come--gird thee, that all here may view the strife--


s: But how wilt thou oppose one young as I?


s: They, wrangling, chafed each other, whose dispute


s: The high-born youth Antinoüs mark'd; he laugh'd


s: Delighted, and the suitors thus address'd.


s: Oh friends! no pastime ever yet occurr'd


s: Pleasant as this which, now, the Gods themselves


s: As they would box. Haste--let us urge them on.


s: He said; at once loud-laughing all arose;


s: The ill-clad disputants they round about


s: Two paunches lie of goats here on the fire,


s: Which fill'd with fat and blood we set apart


s: For supper; he who conquers, and in force


s: Superior proves, shall freely take the paunch


s: Which he prefers, and shall with us thenceforth


s: Feast always; neither will we here admit


s: He spake, whom all approved; next, artful Chief


s: Ulysses thus, dissembling, them address'd.


s: A young man and an old with mis'ry worn;


s: Me moves to fight, that many a bruise received,


s: I may be foil'd at last. Now swear ye all


s: A solemn oath, that none, for Irus' sake


s: Shall, interposing, smite me with his fist


s: Clandestine, forcing me to yield the prize.


s: He ceas'd, and, as he bade, all present swore


s: Guest! if thy courage and thy manly mind


s: Prompt thee to banish this man hence, no force


s: Fear thou beside, for who smites thee, shall find


s: In the host's office, and the royal Chiefs


s: He ceas'd, whom all approved. Then, with his rags


s: Around, but gave to view his brawny thighs


s: Proportion'd fair, and stripp'd his shoulders broad,


s: His chest and arms robust; while, at his side,


s: Minerva stood; the assembly with fixt eyes


s: Astonish'd gazed on him, and, looking full


s: On his next friend, a suitor thus remark'd.


s: He hath pull'd evil on himself. What thewes


s: And what a haunch the senior's tatters hid!


s: Horrible tumult; yet, his loins by force


s: Girding, the servants dragg'd him to the fight


s: Pale, and his flesh all quiv'ring as he came;


s: Whose terrors thus Antinoüs sharp rebuked.


s: Now, wherefore liv'st, and why wast ever born


s: Thou mountain-mass of earth! if such dismay


s: Shake thee at thought of combat with a man


s: But mark, I threaten not in vain; should he


s: O'ercome thee, and in force superior prove,


s: Shall waft thee to Epirus, where he reigns


s: He shall despoil thee with his ruthless steel,


s: That mark thy sex, shall cast them to the dogs.


s: He said; _His_ limbs new terrors at that sound


s: They led him, and each raised his hands on high.


s: Then doubtful stood Ulysses toil-inured,


s: Whether to strike him lifeless to the earth


s: At once, or fell him with a managed blow.


s: To smite with managed force at length he chose


s: As wisest, lest, betray'd by his own strength,


s: Both stood; him Irus on the shoulder struck,


s: Pash'd close beneath his ear; he split the bones,


s: And blood in sable streams ran from his mouth.


s: With many an hideous yell he dropp'd, his teeth


s: Chatter'd, and with his heels he drumm'd the ground.


s: The wooers, at that sight, lifting their hands


s: In glad surprize, laugh'd all their breath away.


s: Then, through the vestibule, and right across


s: The court, Ulysses dragg'd him by the foot


s: Against the wall, and giving him his staff,


s: In accents wing'd he bade him thus farewell.


s: There seated now, dogs drive and swine away,


s: Nor claim (thyself so base) supreme controul


s: O'er other guests and mendicants, lest harm


s: Reach thee, hereafter, heavier still than this.


s: So saying, his tatter'd wallet o'er his back


s: He threw suspended by its leathern twist,


s: And tow'rd the threshold turning, sat again,


s: They laughing ceaseless still, the palace-door


s: Re-enter'd, and him, courteous, thus bespake.


s: Jove, and all Jove's assessors in the skies


s: Vouchsafe thee, stranger, whatsoe'er it be,


s: Thy heart's desire! who hast our ears reliev'd


s: From that insatiate beggar's irksome tone.


s: So they, to whose propitious words the Chief


s: Listen'd delighted. Then Antinoüs placed


s: Two loaves, selected from the rest; he fill'd


s: Hereafter blest, though adverse now and hard!


s: Of such a sire, whose fair report I know,


s: Fame speaks thee his, and thou appear'st a man


s: Judicious; hear me, therefore; mark me well.


s: Earth nourishes, of all that breathe or creep,


s: No creature weak as man; for while the Gods


s: Grant him prosperity and health, no fear


s: Hath he, or thought, that he shall ever mourn;


s: Smite him, he bears them with a grudging mind;


s: With wealth and ease, but I was then self-will'd,


s: And many wrong'd, embolden'd by the thought


s: Of my own father's and my brethren's pow'r.


s: Let no man, therefore, be unjust, but each


s: Use modestly what gift soe'er of heav'n.


s: On deeds injurious, the possessions large


s: Of one, who will not, as I judge, remain


s: Long absent from his home, but is, perchance,


s: Ev'n at the door. Thee, therefore, may the Gods


s: Steal hence in time! ah, meet not his return


s: To his own country! for they will not part,


s: (He and the suitors) without blood, I think,


s: He ended, and, libation pouring, quaff'd


s: The generous juice, then in the prince's hand


s: Replaced the cup; he, pensive, and his head


s: Inclining low, pass'd from him; for his heart


s: But in the snare of Pallas caught, his life


s: Of brave Telemachus. Reaching, at length,


s: The seat whence he had ris'n, he sat again.


s: Before the suitors; so to expose the more


s: Their drift iniquitous, and that herself


s: More bright than ever in her husband's eyes


s: Might shine, and in her son's. Much mirth she feign'd,


s: And, bursting into laughter, thus began.


s: That wish till now) though I detest them all,


s: To appear before the suitors, in whose ears


s: Too much, who speak him fair, but foul intend.


s: My daughter! wisely hast thou said and well.


s: Go! bathe thee and anoint thy face, then give


s: To thy dear son such counsel as thou wilt


s: Without reserve; but shew not there thy cheeks


s: Sullied with tears, for profit none accrues


s: From grief like thine, that never knows a change.


s: And he is now bearded, and hath attained


s: That age which thou wast wont with warmest pray'r


s: To implore the Gods that he might live to see.


s: Persuade not me, though studious of my good,


s: My face with oil; for all my charms the Gods


s: When he, embarking, left me. Go, command


s: That they attend me to the hall, and wait


s: She ceas'd, and through the house the ancient dame


s: Diffused, meantime, the kindly dew of sleep


s: Reclining, soon as she reclin'd, she dozed,


s: And yielded to soft slumber all her frame.


s: Then, that the suitors might admire her more,


s: The glorious Goddess cloath'd her, as she lay,


s: With beauty of the skies; her lovely face


s: Herself, when in the eye-ensnaring dance


s: She joins the Graces; to a statelier height


s: Beneath her touch, and ampler size she grew,


s: Fresh from the carver's hand. These gifts conferr'd


s: And now, loud-prattling as they came, arrived


s: Her handmaids; sleep forsook her at the sound,


s: She wiped away a tear, and thus she said.


s: Hath here involved. O would that by a death


s: This moment set me free, that I might waste


s: And virtue, for in Greece no Peer had he!


s: She said, and through her chambers' stately door


s: Issuing, descended; neither went she sole,


s: But with those two fair menials of her train.


s: In presence of the num'rous guests, beneath


s: The portal of the stately dome she stood


s: Between her maidens, with her lucid veil


s: Mantling her lovely cheeks. Then, ev'ry knee


s: Trembled, and ev'ry heart with am'rous heat


s: Dissolv'd, her charms all coveting alike,


s: As once thou wast, and even when a child.


s: For thriven as thou art, and at full size


s: Arrived of man, so fair proportion'd, too,


s: That ev'n a stranger, looking on thy growth


s: And beauty, would pronounce thee nobly born,


s: For what is this? why suffer'st thou a guest


s: Know'st not that if the stranger seated here


s: Her answer'd, then, Telemachus discrete.


s: I blame thee not, my mother, that thou feel'st


s: Thine anger moved; yet want I not a mind


s: Although I find not promptitude of thought


s: On mischief, of whom none takes part with me.


s: But Irus and the stranger have not fought,


s: Urged by the suitors, and the stranger prov'd


s: Victorious; yes--heav'n knows how much I wish


s: That, (in the palace some, some in the court)


s: The suitors all sat vanquish'd, with their heads


s: Depending low, and with enfeebled limbs,


s: With chin on bosom propp'd at the hall-gate


s: So they; and now addressing to the Queen


s: Throughout Iäsian Argos view thy charms,


s: Assembling in thy courts would banquet here


s: From morn to eve; for thou surpassest far


s: In beauty, stature, worth, all womankind.


s: My virtue, beauty, stature, when the Greeks,


s: Whom my Ulysses follow'd, sail'd to Troy.


s: Himself intend, far better would my fame


s: But I am wretched now, such storms the Gods


s: Of woe have sent me. When he left his home,


s: Clasping my wrist with his right hand, he said.


s: The warrior Greeks shall safe from Troy return,


s: Since fame reports the Trojans brave in fight,


s: Skill'd in the spear, mighty to draw the bow,


s: And nimble vaulters to the backs of steeds


s: High-mettled, which to speediest issue bring


s: The dreadful struggle of all-wasting war--


s: I know not, therefore, whether heav'n intend


s: But manage thou at home. Cherish, as now,


s: My parents, and what time our son thou seest


s: Mature, then wed; wed even whom thou wilt,


s: And hence to a new home.--Such were his words,


s: All which shall full accomplishment ere long


s: Receive. The day is near, when hapless I,


s: Lost to all comfort by the will of Jove,


s: Must meet the nuptials that my soul abhors.


s: But this thought now afflicts me, and my mind


s: Continual haunts. Such was not heretofore


s: The suitors' custom'd practice; all who chose


s: Well-qualitied and well-endow'd, produced


s: From their own herds and fatted flocks a feast


s: For the bride's friends, and splendid presents made,


s: She ceased; then brave Ulysses toil-inured


s: Rejoiced that, soothing them, she sought to draw


s: From each some gift, although on other views,


s: Such gifts as we shall bring, for gifts demand


s: That grace, nor can be decently refused;


s: Depart not we, till first thy choice be made


s: Antinoüs spake, whose answer all approved.


s: Then each dispatch'd his herald who should bring


s: His master's gift. Antinoüs' herald, first


s: Wide, various, with no fewer clasps adorn'd


s: Than twelve, all golden, and to ev'ry clasp


s: A necklace of wrought gold, with amber rich


s: Ear-pendants fashion'd with laborious art,


s: Broad, triple-gemm'd, of brilliant light profuse.


s: The herald of Polyctor's son, the prince


s: A sumptuous ornament. Each Greecian gave,


s: Then, loveliest of her sex, turning away,


s: She sought her chamber, whom her maidens fair


s: Attended, charged with those illustrious gifts.


s: Then turn'd, they all to dance and pleasant song


s: Ere long the dusky evening came, and them


s: Found sporting still. Then, placing in the hall


s: Three hearths that should illumine wide the house,


s: They compass'd them around with fuel-wood


s: Long-season'd and new-split, mingling the sticks


s: With torches. The attendant women watch'd


s: And fed those fires by turns, to whom, himself,


s: Their unknown Sov'reign thus his speech address'd.


s: And to your virtuous Queen, that following there


s: Your sev'ral tasks, spinning and combing wool,


s: Ye may amuse her; I, meantime, for these


s: Will furnish light, and should they chuse to stay


s: Till golden morn appear, they shall not tire


s: My patience aught, for I can much endure.


s: But one, Melantho with the blooming cheeks,


s: Rebuked him rudely. Dolius was her sire,


s: Felt not her mistress' sorrows in her heart,


s: His lewd embraces met; she, with sharp speech


s: Why--what a brainsick vagabond art thou!


s: Who neither wilt to the smith's forge retire


s: But here remaining, with audacious prate


s: Disturb'st this num'rous company, restrain'd


s: Art always fool, and therefore babblest now.


s: Say, art thou drunk with joy that thou hast foiled


s: Who on thy temples pelting thee with blows


s: Far heavier than his, shall drive thee hence


s: With many a bruise, and foul with thy own blood.


s: To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied.


s: That he may hew thee for it, limb from limb.


s: So saying, he scared the women; back they flew


s: Into the house, but each with falt'ring knees


s: Through dread, for they believ'd his threats sincere.


s: Watch'd close the lights, busy from hearth to hearth,


s: But in his soul, meantime, far other thoughts


s: Revolved, tremendous, not conceived in vain.


s: Nor Pallas (that they might exasp'rate more


s: From heart-corroding bitterness of speech


s: Those suitors proud, of whom Eurymachus,


s: Offspring of Polybus, while thus he jeer'd


s: Hear me, ye suitors of the illustrious Queen!


s: I shall promulge my thought. This man, methinks,


s: Not unconducted by the Gods, hath reach'd


s: Which not the smallest growth of hair obscures.


s: Himself accosted next. Art thou disposed


s: To serve me, friend! would I afford thee hire,


s: A labourer at my farm? thou shalt not want


s: Sufficient wages; thou may'st there collect


s: Stones for my fences, and may'st plant my oaks,


s: For which I would supply thee all the year


s: With food, and cloaths, and sandals for thy feet.


s: But thou hast learn'd less creditable arts,


s: Nor hast a will to work, preferring much


s: Then answer, thus, Ulysses wise return'd.


s: Forbear, Eurymachus; for were we match'd


s: Mowing in spring-time, when the days are long,


s: Thou arm'd with one as keen, for trial sake


s: Till night, grass still sufficing for the proof.--


s: Yoked oxen of the noblest breed, sleek-hair'd,


s: Big-limb'd, both batten'd to the full with grass,


s: Their age and aptitude for work the same


s: Not soon to be fatigued, and were the field


s: In size four acres, with a glebe through which


s: The share might smoothly slide, then should'st thou see


s: How strait my furrow should be cut and true.--


s: Or should Saturnian Jove this day excite


s: Here, battle, or elsewhere, and were I arm'd


s: With two bright spears and with a shield, and bore


s: A brazen casque well-fitted to my brows,


s: Me, then, thou should'st perceive mingling in fight


s: Amid the foremost Chiefs, nor with the crime


s: Of idle beggary should'st upbraid me more.


s: But thou art much a railer, one whose heart


s: Pity moves not, and seem'st a mighty man


s: Thou herd'st with few, and those of little worth.


s: But should Ulysses come, at his own isle


s: Again arrived, wide as these portals are,


s: To thee, at once, too narrow they should seem


s: To shoot thee forth with speed enough abroad.


s: He ceased--then tenfold indignation fired


s: With frowns, and in wing'd accents thus replied.


s: Wretch, I shall roughly handle thee anon,


s: Who thus with fluent prate presumptuous dar'st


s: Disturb this num'rous company, restrain'd


s: Art always fool, and therefore babblest now;


s: That thou hast foil'd yon vagabond obscure.


s: So saying, he seized a stool; but to the knees


s: Smote full the cup-bearer; on the hall-floor


s: Loud rang the fallen beaker, and himself


s: Strait through the dusky hall tumult ensued


s: Among the suitors, of whom thus, a youth,


s: With eyes directed to the next, exclaim'd.


s: Would that this rambling stranger had elsewhere


s: Then no such uproar had he caused as this!


s: We wrangle thus, and may despair of peace


s: Or pleasure more; now look for strife alone.


s: Or drink in peace; some dæmon troubles you.


s: But since ye all have feasted, to your homes


s: Go now, and, at your pleasure, to your beds;


s: Soonest were best, but I thrust no man hence.


s: He ceased; they gnawing stood their lips, aghast


s: With wonder that Telemachus in his speech


s: Such boldness used. Then rose Amphinomus,


s: Brave son of Nisus offspring of the King


s: Aretus, and the assembly thus address'd.


s: My friends! let none with contradiction thwart


s: Assault no more the stranger, nor of all


s: We may repair at home, leaving the Prince


s: To accommodate beneath his father's roof


s: The stranger, for he is the Prince's guest.


s: He ended, whose advice none disapproved.


s: Filling, dispensed it, as he stood, to all;


s: They, pouring forth to the Immortals, quaff'd


s: The luscious bev'rage, and when each had made


s: Of wine had drunk, then all to rest retired.


s: Tradition says that Echetus, for a love-affair, condemned his


s: This seems the sort of laughter intended by the word Αχρειον.


s: They went, but left the noble Chief behind


s: And thus, in accents wing'd, again he said.


s: All these my well-forged implements of war;


s: And should the suitors, missing them, enquire


s: Where are they? thou shalt answer smoothly thus--


s: I have convey'd them from the reach of smoke,


s: For they appear no more the same which erst


s: So smirch'd and sullied by the breath of fire.


s: This weightier reason (thou shalt also say)


s: Some God suggested to me,--lest, inflamed


s: With wine, ye wound each other in your brawls,


s: Shaming both feast and courtship; for the view


s: He ceased, and, in obedience to his will,


s: His nurse, Telemachus enjoin'd her thus.


s: Go--shut the women in; make fast the doors


s: Of their apartment, while I safe dispose


s: Elsewhere, my father's implements of war,


s: Which, during his long absence, here have stood


s: Till smoke hath sullied them. For I have been


s: Would now remove them from the breath of fire.


s: Yes truly--and I wish that now, at length,


s: Thou would'st assert the privilege of thy years,


s: Both house and stores; but who shall bear the light?


s: Since they, it seems, who would, are all forbidden.


s: This guest; for no man, from my table fed,


s: Come whence he may; shall be an idler here.


s: He ended, nor his words flew wing'd away,


s: Then, starting to the task, Ulysses caught,


s: And his illustrious son, the weapons thence,


s: Helmet, and bossy shield, and pointed spear,


s: The dusky way before them. At that sight


s: Alarm'd, the Prince his father thus address'd.


s: Whence--whence is this, my father? I behold


s: A prodigy! the walls of the whole house,


s: The arches, fir-tree beams, and pillars tall


s: Shine in my view, as with the blaze of fire!


s: Some Pow'r celestial, doubtless, is within.


s: Soft! ask no questions. Give no vent to thought,


s: Such is the custom of the Pow'rs divine.


s: Hence, thou, to bed. I stay, that I may yet


s: Shall question me of all that I have seen.


s: He ended, and the Prince, at his command,


s: Guided by flaming torches, sought the couch


s: Where he was wont to sleep, and there he slept


s: On that night also, waiting the approach


s: By Pallas' aid, the slaughter of his foes.


s: With silver wreathed and ivory. That throne


s: Icmalius made, artist renown'd, and join'd


s: A footstool to its splendid frame beneath,


s: Which ever with an ample fleece they spread.


s: Who cleared the litter'd bread, the board, and cups


s: From which the insolent companions drank.


s: They also raked the embers from the hearths


s: Now dim, and with fresh billets piled them high,


s: Then yet again Melantho with rude speech


s: Opprobrious, thus, assail'd Ulysses' ear.


s: Guest--wilt thou trouble us throughout the night


s: Ranging the house? and linger'st thou a spy


s: Watching the women? Hence--get thee abroad


s: Glad of such fare as thou hast found, or soon


s: With torches beaten we will thrust thee forth.


s: To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied.


s: Inveigh'st thou against me? is it because


s: I am not sleek? because my garb is mean?


s: Such all who beg and all who wander are.


s: Of such a stately mansion, and have giv'n


s: To num'rous wand'rers, whencesoe'er they came,


s: But Jove (for so it pleas'd him) hath reduced


s: My all to nothing. Therefore well beware


s: When all these charms by which thou shin'st among


s: Thy sister-menials, fade; fear, too, lest her


s: Thou should'st perchance irritate, whom thou serv'st,


s: Hope yet survives; but even though the Chief


s: Have perish'd, as ye think, and comes no more,


s: Consider yet his son, how bright the gifts


s: Shine of Apollo in the illustrious Prince


s: O'erhearing, her attendant sharp rebuked.


s: Is thy great wickedness, which with thy life


s: Thou shalt atone; for thou wast well aware,


s: (Hearing it from myself) that I design'd


s: For whose dear sake I never cease to mourn.


s: Then to her household's governess she said.


s: Bring now a seat, and spread it with a fleece,


s: May hear and answer all that I shall ask.


s: She ended. Then the matron brought in haste


s: A polish'd seat, and spread it with a fleece,


s: Stranger! my first enquiry shall be this--


s: Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom?


s: Then answer thus Ulysses, wise, return'd.


s: Of mortal man! thy glory climbs the skies


s: Unrivall'd, like the praise of some great King


s: Justice and truth. The earth, under his sway,


s: Her produce yields abundantly; the trees


s: Fruit-laden bend; the lusty flocks bring forth;


s: The Ocean teems with finny swarms beneath


s: His just controul, and all the land is blest.


s: Me therefore, question of what else thou wilt


s: From whom I sprang, and of my native land,


s: Lest thou, reminding me of those sad themes,


s: Augment my woes; for I have much endured;


s: To pass the hours in sorrow and in tears,


s: To time or place; thy train (perchance thyself)


s: Would blame me, and I should reproach incur


s: As one tear-deluged through excess of wine.


s: The immortal Gods, O stranger, then destroy'd


s: My form, my grace, my beauty, when the Greeks


s: Whom my Ulysses follow'd, sail'd to Troy.


s: Himself intend, far better would my fame


s: But I am wretched now, such storms of woe


s: The Gods have sent me; for as many Chiefs


s: Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd


s: Woo ceaseless, and my household stores consume.


s: I therefore, neither guest nor suppliant heed,


s: They, meantime, press my nuptials, which by art


s: I still procrastinate. Some God the thought


s: Of amplest measure and of subtlest woof,


s: Laborious task; which done, I thus address'd them.


s: Princes, my suitors! since the noble Chief


s: My nuptials; wait till I shall finish first


s: A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads be marr'd)


s: When fate shall snatch him to eternal rest.


s: Else, I the censure dread of all my sex,


s: Should he, so wealthy, want at last a shroud.


s: Such was my speech; they, unsuspicious all,


s: With my request complied. Thenceforth, all day


s: Three years by artifice I thus their suit


s: Eluded safe; but when the fourth arrived,


s: And fleeting days return'd, passing my train


s: They came, surprized and reprimanded me.


s: Thus, through necessity, not choice, at last


s: I have perform'd it, in my own despight.


s: But no escape from marriage now remains,


s: (Of age to note it) with disgust observes


s: His wealth consumed; for he is now become


s: The house, a Prince distinguish'd by the Gods,


s: Yet, stranger, after all, speak thy descent;


s: Say whence thou art; for not of fabulous birth


s: Art thou, nor from the oak, nor from the rock.


s: Resolv'st thou still to learn from whom I sprang?


s: Learn then; but know that thou shalt much augment


s: Who hath, like me, long exiled from his home


s: Through various cities of the sons of men


s: Wander'd remote, and num'rous woes endured.


s: Yet, though it pain me, I will tell thee all.


s: Call'd Crete; fair, fruitful, circled by the sea.


s: Not to be summ'd, and ninety towns she boasts.


s: Diverse their language is; Achaians some,


s: And some indigenous are; Cydonians there,


s: Crest-shaking Dorians, and Pelasgians dwell.


s: Cnossus; the city in which Minos reign'd,


s: Who, ever at a nine years' close, conferr'd


s: With Jove himself; from him my father sprang


s: The brave Deucalion; for Deucalion's sons


s: To Ilium he, on board his gallant barks,


s: Follow'd the Atridæ. I, the youngest-born,


s: By my illustrious name, Æthon, am known,


s: But he ranks foremost both in worth and years.


s: My walls receiv'd him; for a violent wind


s: Had driv'n him from Malea (while he sought


s: The shores of Troy) to Crete. The storm his barks


s: As he affirm'd, and one whom much he lov'd.


s: But _he_ was far remote, ten days advanced,


s: I entertain'd him, (for I wanted nought)


s: And for himself procured and for his band,--


s: And beeves for food, that all might be sufficed.


s: Twelve days his noble Greecians there abode,


s: Port-lock'd by Boreas blowing with a force


s: So roused his fury; but the thirteenth day


s: The wind all fell, and they embark'd again.


s: With many a fiction specious, as he sat,


s: He thus her ear amused; she at the sound


s: Melting, with fluent tears her cheeks bedew'd;


s: Melts on the mountain tops, when Eurus breathes,


s: And fills the channels of the running streams,


s: So melted she, and down her lovely cheeks


s: Pour'd fast the tears, him mourning as remote


s: Who sat beside her. Soft compassion touch'd


s: His eyes as they had been of steel or horn,


s: Moved not, yet artful, he suppress'd his tears,


s: And she, at length with overflowing grief


s: Satiate, replied, and thus enquired again.


s: Now, stranger, I shall prove thee, as I judge,


s: If thou, indeed, hast entertain'd in Crete


s: My spouse and his brave followers, as thou say'st.


s: Describe his raiment and himself; his own


s: Appearance, and the appearance of his friends.


s: Hard is the task, O Queen! (so long a time


s: Hath since elaps'd) to tell thee. Twenty years


s: Have pass'd since he forsook my native isle,


s: Yet, from my best remembrance, I will give


s: A double cloak, thick-piled, Mœonian dyed,


s: The noble Chief had on; two fast'nings held


s: The golden clasp, and it display'd in front


s: A well-wrought pattern with much art design'd.


s: An hound between his fore-feet holding fast


s: A dappled fawn, gaped eager on his prey.


s: All wonder'd, seeing, how in lifeless gold


s: Express'd, the dog with open mouth her throat


s: Attempted still, and how the fawn with hoofs


s: Thrust trembling forward, struggled to escape.


s: That glorious mantle much I noticed, soft


s: To touch, as the dried garlick's glossy film;


s: Such was the smoothness of it, and it shone


s: Sun-bright; full many a maiden, trust me, view'd


s: The splendid texture with admiring eyes.


s: But mark me now; deep treasure in thy mind


s: That cloak at home, or whether of his train


s: Or else some host of his; for many loved


s: Ulysses, and with him might few compare.


s: Of royal length, and when he sought his bark,


s: With princely pomp dismiss'd him from the shore.


s: Somewhat his Senior; him I next describe.


s: His back was bunch'd, his visage swarthy, curl'd


s: A man whom most of all his followers far


s: Ulysses honour'd, for their minds were one.


s: He ceased; she recognising all the proofs


s: Still more to weep, till with o'erflowing grief


s: Satiate, at length she answer'd him again.


s: Henceforth, O stranger, thou who hadst before


s: My pity, shalt my rev'rence share and love,


s: I folded for him (with these hands) the cloak


s: Which thou describ'st, produced it when he went,


s: And gave it to him; I that splendid clasp


s: My honour'd Lord, whom to his native land


s: Return'd secure I shall receive no more.


s: Thy beauteous form, nor any grief consume


s: And yet I blame thee not; a wife deprived


s: Of her first mate to whom she had produced


s: Fair fruit of mutual love, would mourn his loss,


s: Whom fame affirms the semblance of the Gods.


s: But cease to mourn. Hear me. I will relate


s: A faithful tale, nor will from thee withhold


s: Of the Thesprotians. He returns enrich'd


s: With many precious stores from those obtain'd


s: Departing from Thrinacia's isle, his bark


s: And all his lov'd companions in the Deep,


s: For Jove was adverse to him, and the Sun,


s: Whose beeves his followers slew. They perish'd all


s: Amid the billowy flood; but Him, the keel


s: Bestriding of his bark, the waves at length


s: Cast forth on the Phæacian's land, a race


s: Allied to heav'n, who rev'renced like a God


s: Thy husband, honour'd him with num'rous gifts,


s: And willing were to have convey'd him home.


s: Ulysses, therefore, had attained long since


s: His native shore, but that he deem'd it best


s: To travel far, that he might still amass


s: More wealth; so much Ulysses all mankind


s: I gain'd, from Phidon; to myself he swore,


s: That both the bark was launch'd, and the stout crew


s: Prepared, that should conduct him to his home.


s: But me he first dismiss'd; for, as it chanced,


s: A ship lay there of the Thesprotians, bound


s: To corn-enrich'd Dulichium. All the wealth


s: He shew'd me by the Chief amass'd, a store


s: His treasures were within that palace lodg'd.


s: Sublime of Jove, how safest he might seek,


s: After long exile thence, his native land,


s: Thus, therefore, he is safe, and at his home


s: Well-nigh arrived, nor shall his country long


s: Want him. I swear it with a solemn oath.


s: First Jove be witness, King and Lord of all!


s: Next these domestic Gods of the renown'd


s: That thou shalt see my saying all fulfill'd.


s: Ulysses shall this self-same year return,


s: This self-same month, ere yet the next begin.


s: Grant heav'n, my guest, that this good word of thine


s: Fail not! then, soon shalt thou such bounty share


s: And friendship at my hands, that, at first sight,


s: Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest.


s: But ah! my soul forebodes how it will prove;


s: Receive safe conduct hence; for we have here


s: His household with authority, and to send


s: The worthy guest, or to regale him here.


s: Give him the bath, my maidens; spread his couch


s: And rugs of splendid hue, that he may lie


s: Waiting, well-warm'd, the golden morn's return.


s: With bath and unction, that, his seat resumed


s: Or cause him pain; that man shall be cashier'd


s: Hence instant, burn his anger as it may.


s: For how, my honour'd inmate! shalt thou learn


s: Ill-clad, thou sojourn here? man's life is short,


s: Addict, on him all men, while yet he lives,


s: Call plagues and curses down, and after death


s: Scorn and proverbial mock'ries hunt his name.


s: But men, humane themselves, and giv'n by choice


s: Are rumour'd honourably by their guests,


s: And ev'ry tongue is busy in their praise.


s: Warm gaberdines and rugs of splendid hue


s: To me have odious been, since first the sight


s: Of Crete's snow-mantled mountain-tops I lost,


s: Sweeping the billows with extended oars.


s: The sleepless night; for on a sordid couch


s: Outstretch'd, full many a night have I reposed


s: Nor me the foot-bath pleases more; my foot


s: Shall none of all thy ministring maidens touch,


s: Unless there be some ancient matron grave


s: Among them, who hath pangs of heart endured


s: Num'rous, and keen as I have felt myself;


s: Her I refuse not. She may touch my feet.


s: Dear guest! for of all trav'llers here arrived


s: From distant regions, I have none received


s: Discrete as thou, or whom I more have lov'd,


s: So just thy matter is, and with such grace


s: Express'd. I have an ancient maiden grave,


s: The nurse who at my hapless husband's birth


s: Receiv'd him in her arms, and with kind care


s: Maternal rear'd him; she shall wash thy feet,


s: The feet and hands, it may be, are become


s: With sorrow once, soon wrinkled grows and old.


s: Cov'ring her face, in tepid tears profuse


s: Dissolved, and thus in mournful strains began.


s: Distracts me. Jove surely of all mankind


s: Thee hated most, though ever in thy heart


s: So many thighs of fatted victims burn'd,


s: To Jove the Thund'rer, him entreating still


s: That he would grant thee a serene old age,


s: And to instruct, thyself, thy glorious son.


s: Yet thus the God requites thee, cutting off


s: Him too, perchance, where'er he sits a guest


s: Beneath some foreign roof, the women taunt,


s: As all these shameless ones have taunted thee,


s: Fearing whose mock'ry thou forbidd'st their hands


s: This office, which Icarius' daughter wise


s: To me enjoins, and which I, glad perform.


s: Yes, I will wash thy feet; both for her sake


s: And for thy own,--for sight of thee hath raised


s: A tempest in my mind. Hear now the cause!


s: The fashion of whose foot and pitch of voice,


s: Such likeness of Ulysses show'd, as thine.


s: As thou observ'st between thy Lord and me,


s: All, who have seen us both, have ever found.


s: He said; then taking the resplendent vase


s: Infused cold water largely, then, the warm.


s: Turn'd quick his face into the shade, alarm'd


s: Lest, handling him, she should at once remark


s: She then, approaching, minister'd the bath


s: To her own King, and at first touch discern'd


s: That token, by a bright-tusk'd boar of old


s: Impress'd, what time he to Parnassus went


s: His mother's noble sire, who all mankind


s: In furtive arts and fraudful oaths excell'd.


s: From Hermes' self, to whom the thighs of kids


s: He offer'd and of lambs, and, in return,


s: The watchful Hermes never left his side.


s: Of his own daughter found, whom on his knees


s: For thy own daughter's son, by num'rous pray'rs


s: Of thine and fervent, from the Gods obtained.


s: My daughter and my daughter's spouse! the name


s: Which I shall give your boy, that let him bear.


s: Call him Ulysses; and when, grown mature,


s: And where my treasures lie, from my own stores


s: Ulysses, therefore, that he might obtain


s: Those princely gifts, went thither. Him arrived,


s: With right-hand gratulation and with words


s: Nor less his offspring; but the mother most


s: Of his own mother clung around his neck,


s: His forehead press'd, and his bright-beaming eyes.


s: Set forth a banquet. They, at his command,


s: Which slaying first, they spread him carved abroad,


s: Then scored his flesh, transfixed it with the spits,


s: Exact, gave each his portion. Thus they sat


s: Feasting all day, and till the sun declined,


s: But when the sun declined, and darkness fell,


s: Each sought his couch, and took the gift of sleep.


s: Then, soon as day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd