s: And skimm'd along by Elis' sacred coast.


s: Then cautious through the rocky reaches wind,


s: And turning sudden, shun the death design'd.


s: Meantime, the king, Eumaeus, and the rest,


s: Sate in the cottage, at their rural feast:


s: The banquet pass'd, and satiate every man,


s: "Yet one night more, my friends, indulge your guest;


s: The last I purpose in your walls to rest:


s: Patient to roam the street, by hunger led,


s: And bless the friendly hand that gives me bread.


s: Or, mingling with the suitors' haughty train,


s: Few can with me in dexterous works contend,


s: The pyre to build, the stubborn oak to rend;


s: To turn the tasteful viand o'er the flame;


s: Or foam the goblet with a purple stream.


s: Such are the tasks of men of mean estate,


s: Whom fortune dooms to serve the rich and great."


s: How sprung a thought so monstrous in thy mind?


s: If on that godless race thou would'st attend,


s: Their wrongs and blasphemies ascend the sky,


s: And pull descending vengeance from on high.


s: Not such, my friend, the servants of their feast:


s: A blooming train in rich embroidery dress'd,


s: With earth's whole tribute the bright table bends,


s: And smiling round celestial youth attends.


s: Stay, then: no eye askance beholds thee here;


s: Sweet is thy converse to each social ear;


s: Well pleased, and pleasing, in our cottage rest,


s: With genial gifts, and change of fair attires,


s: And safe conveys thee where thy soul desires."


s: To him the man of woes; "O gracious Jove!


s: Cheers the sad heart, nor lets affliction grieve.


s: A life of wanderings is the greatest woe;


s: On all their weary ways wait care and pain,


s: Relate the farther fortunes of your lord;


s: What cares his mother's tender breast engage,


s: Beneath the sun prolong they yet their breath,


s: Or range the house of darkness and of death?"


s: To whom the swain: "Attend what you enquire;


s: Lives, but implores of every power to lay


s: The burden down, and wishes for the day.


s: Torn from his offspring in the eve of life,


s: Torn from the embraces of his tender wife,


s: Sole, and all comfortless, he wastes away


s: Pined out her bloom, and vanish'd to a ghost;


s: (So dire a fate, ye righteous gods! avert


s: From every friendly, every feeling heart!)


s: While yet she was, though clouded o'er with grief.


s: Her pleasing converse minister'd relief:


s: With Climene, her youngest daughter, bred,


s: One roof contain'd us, and one table fed.


s: But when the softly-stealing pace of time


s: Crept on from childhood into youthful prime,


s: To Samos' isle she sent the wedded fair;


s: Me to the fields; to tend the rural care;


s: Array'd in garments her own hands had wove,


s: Nor less the darling object of her love.


s: Her hapless death my brighter days o'ercast,


s: My present labours food and drink procure,


s: And more, the pleasure to relieve the poor.


s: Small is the comfort from the queen to hear


s: Blank and discountenanced the servants stand,


s: Nor dare to question where the proud command;


s: No profit springs beneath usurping powers;


s: Want feeds not there where luxury devours,


s: Proud are the lords, and wretched are the swains."


s: The suffering chief at this began to melt;


s: And, "O Eumaeus! thou (he cries) hast felt


s: The spite of fortune too! her cruel hand


s: Snatch'd thee an infant from thy native land!


s: Snatch'd from thy parents' arms, thy parents' eyes,


s: The whole sad story, from its first, declare:


s: Where once thy parents dwelt? or did they keep,


s: In humbler life, the lowing herds and sheep?


s: So left perhaps to tend the fleecy train,


s: Rude pirates seized, and shipp'd thee o'er the main?


s: Doom'd a fair prize to grace some prince's board,


s: "If then my fortunes can delight my friend,


s: And wine the lengthen'd intervals employ.


s: Long nights the now declining year bestows;


s: For too much rest itself becomes a pain.


s: Let those, whom sleep invites, the call obey,


s: Their cares resuming with the dawning day:


s: Here let us feast, and to the feast be join'd


s: Discourse, the sweeter banquet of the mind;


s: Review the series of our lives, and taste


s: For he who much has suffer'd, much will know,


s: And pleased remembrance builds delight on woe.


s: (There curious eyes inscribed with wonder trace


s: The sun's diurnal, and his annual race);


s: Not large, but fruitful; stored with grass to keep


s: The bellowing oxen and the bleating sheep;


s: Her sloping hills the mantling vines adorn,


s: And her rich valleys wave with golden corn.


s: No want, no famine, the glad natives know,


s: Nor sink by sickness to the shades below;


s: But when a length of years unnerves the strong,


s: They bend the silver bow with tender skill,


s: And, void of pain, the silent arrows kill.


s: Two equal tribes this fertile land divide,


s: Where two fair cities rise with equal pride.


s: But both in constant peace one prince obey,


s: And Ctesius there, my father, holds the sway.


s: Freighted, it seems, with toys of every sort,


s: What time it chanced the palace entertain'd,


s: Skill'd in rich works, a woman of their land:


s: This nymph, where anchor'd the Phoenician train,


s: To wash her robes descending to the main,


s: A smooth tongued sailor won her to his mind


s: (For love deceives the best of womankind).


s: She told her name, her race, and all she knew,


s: 'I too (she cried) from glorious Sidon came,


s: But, snatch'd by pirates from my native place,


s: The Taphians sold me to this man's embrace.'


s: "'Haste then (the false designing youth replied),


s: Haste to thy country; love shall be thy guide;


s: Haste to thy father's house, thy father's breast,


s: For still he lives, and lives with riches blest.'


s: "'Swear first (she cried), ye sailors! to restore


s: A wretch in safety to her native shore.'


s: Swift as she ask'd, the ready sailors swore.


s: She then proceeds: 'Now let our compact made


s: By road frequented, or by fountain side.


s: Be silence still our guard. The monarch's spies


s: Are still at hand; and this, revealed, must be


s: Death to yourselves, eternal chains to me.


s: Your vessel loaded, and your traffic pass'd,


s: Then gold and costly treasures will I bring,


s: And more, the infant offspring of the king.


s: Him, child-like wandering forth, I'll lead away


s: (A noble prize!) and to your ship convey.'


s: "Thus spoke the dame, and homeward took the road.


s: A year they traffic, and their vessel load.


s: Their stores complete, and ready now to weigh,


s: With gold and amber chains, elaborate frame:


s: Each female eye the glittering links employ;


s: They turn, review, and cheapen every toy.


s: He took the occasion, as they stood intent,


s: Gave her the sign, and to his vessel went.


s: She straight pursued, and seized my willing arm;


s: Three golden goblets in the porch she found


s: (The guests not enter'd, but the table crown'd);


s: Hid in her fraudful bosom these she bore:


s: Now set the sun, and darken'd all the shore.


s: Arriving then, where tilting on the tides


s: Prepared to launch the freighted vessel rides,


s: Aboard they heave us, mount their decks, and sweep


s: Six calmy days and six smooth nights we sail,


s: And constant Jove supplied the gentle gale.


s: The seventh, the fraudful wretch (no cause descried),


s: Touch'd by Diana's vengeful arrow, died.


s: Down dropp'd the caitiff-corse, a worthless load,


s: Down to the deep; there roll'd, the future food


s: Of fierce sea-wolves, and monsters of the flood.


s: Thence borne to Ithaca by wave and wind;


s: To him the king: "Reciting thus thy cares,


s: My secret soul in all thy sorrow shares;


s: But one choice blessing (such is Jove's high will)


s: Has sweeten'd all thy bitter draught of ill:


s: Torn from thy country to no hapless end,


s: The gods have, in a master, given a friend.


s: (For she needs little), daily bread and wine.


s: While I, so many wanderings past, and woes,


s: The night; then down to short repose they lay;


s: Of young Telemachus approach'd the land;


s: Their sails they loosed, they lash'd the mast aside,


s: And cast their anchors, and the cables tied:


s: Then on the breezy shore, descending, join


s: When thus the prince: "Now each his course pursue;


s: My swains to visit, and the works survey.


s: Expect me with the morn, to pay the skies


s: Our debt of safe return in feast and sacrifice."


s: Meantime, protection to thy stranger friend?


s: Straight to the queen and palace shall I fly,


s: Or yet more distant, to some lord apply?"


s: The prince return'd: "Renown'd in days of yore


s: No other roof a stranger should receive,


s: No other hands than ours the welcome give.


s: Nor bears the modest queen a stranger's face;


s: From noiseful revel far remote she flies,


s: But rarely seen, or seen with weeping eyes.


s: Of nature courteous, and by far the best;


s: He woos the queen with more respectful flame,


s: With what success, 'tis Jove's alone to know,


s: And the hoped nuptials turn to joy or woe."


s: Thus speaking, on the right up-soar'd in air


s: The hawk, Apollo's swift-wing'd messenger:


s: His dreadful pounces tore a trembling dove;


s: The clotted feathers, scatter'd from above,


s: Thick plumage mingled with a sanguine shower.


s: The observing augur took the prince aside,


s: Seized by the hand, and thus prophetic cried:


s: "Yon bird, that dexter cuts the aerial road,


s: To thine, for ages, Heaven decrees the sway."


s: "Succeed the omens, gods! (the youth rejoin'd:)


s: Soon shall my bounties speak a grateful mind,


s: The man who calls Telemachus his friend."


s: Then to Peiraeus: "Thou whom time has proved


s: A faithful servant, by thy prince beloved!


s: Till we returning shall our guest demand,


s: Accept this charge with honour, at our hand."


s: Well pleased the hospitable rites to pay.


s: The presence of thy guest shall best reward


s: (If long thy stay) the absence of my lord."


s: With that, their anchors he commands to weigh,


s: Mount the tall bark, and launch into the sea.


s: All with obedient haste forsake the shores,


s: And, placed in order, spread their equal oars.


s: Then from the deck the prince his sandals takes;


s: Poised in his hand the pointed javelin shakes.


s: They part; while, lessening from the hero's view


s: Swift to the town the well-row'd galley flew:


s: And reach'd the mansion of his faithful swain.


s: Telemachus arriving at the lodge of Eumaeus, sends him to carry


s: Penelope the news of his return. Minerva appearing to Ulysses,


s: commands him to discover himself to his son. The princes, who had


s: Soon as the morning blush'd along the plains,


s: Awake the sleeping fires, their meals prepare,


s: And forth to pasture send the bristly care.


s: The prince's near approach the dogs descry,


s: And fawning round his feet confess their joy.


s: Their gentle blandishment the king survey'd,


s: Heard his resounding step, and instant said:


s: "Some well-known friend, Eumaeus, bends this way;


s: His steps I hear; the dogs familiar play."


s: While yet he spoke, the prince advancing drew


s: Nigh to the lodge, and now appear'd in view.


s: Transported from his seat Eumaeus sprung,


s: Dropp'd the full bowl, and round his bosom hung;


s: Kissing his cheek, his hand, while from his eye


s: The tears rain'd copious in a shower of joy,


s: As some fond sire who ten long winters grieves,


s: From foreign climes an only son receives


s: (Child of his age), with strong paternal joy,


s: Forward he springs, and clasps the favourite boy:


s: So round the youth his arms Eumaeus spread,


s: As if the grave had given him from the dead.


s: Oh, art thou come to bless my longing sight?


s: When o'er the waves you plough'd the desperate way.


s: Enter, my child! Beyond my hopes restored,


s: Oh give these eyes to feast upon their lord.


s: Enter, oh seldom seen! for lawless powers


s: Too much detain thee from these sylvan bowers,"


s: To seek thee, friend, I hither took my way.


s: But say, if in the court the queen reside


s: Severely chaste, or if commenced a bride?"


s: Thus he; and thus the monarch of the swains:


s: But, lost to every joy, she wastes the day


s: In tedious cares, and weeps the night away."


s: The javelin pointed with a star of brass),


s: They reach'd the dome; the dome with marble shined.


s: His seat Ulysses to the prince resign'd.


s: "Not so (exclaims the prince with decent grace)


s: For me, this house shall find an humbler place:


s: To usurp the honours due to silver hairs


s: And reverend strangers modest youth forbears."


s: Instant the swain the spoils of beasts supplies,


s: And bids the rural throne with osiers rise.


s: There sate the prince: the feast Eumaeus spread,


s: And heap'd the shining canisters with bread.


s: Thick o'er the board the plenteous viands lay,


s: Then in a bowl he tempers generous wines,


s: And now, the rage of thirst and hunger fled,


s: "Whence, father, from what shore this stranger, say?


s: What vessel bore him o'er the watery way?


s: And round the coast circumfluent oceans rise."


s: The swain returns: "A tale of sorrows hear:


s: In spacious Crete he drew his natal air;


s: Long doom'd to wander o'er the land and main,


s: For Heaven has wove his thread of life with pain.


s: Half breathless 'scaping to the land he flew


s: From Thesprot mariners, a murderous crew.


s: To thee, my son, the suppliant I resign;


s: I gave him my protection, grant him thine."


s: "Hard task (he cries) thy virtue gives thy friend,


s: Can strangers safely in the court reside,


s: 'Midst the swell'd insolence of lust and pride?


s: E'en I unsafe: the queen in doubt to wed,


s: Perhaps she weds regardless of her fame,


s: However, stranger! from our grace receive


s: Sandals, a sword and robes, respect to prove,


s: And safe to sail with ornaments of love.


s: Till then, thy guest amid the rural train,


s: Far from the court, from danger far, detain.


s: 'Tis mine with food the hungry to supply,


s: And clothe the naked from the inclement sky.


s: Here dwell in safety from the suitors' wrongs,


s: And the rude insults of ungovern'd tongues.


s: For should'st thou suffer, powerless to relieve,


s: The brave, encompass'd by an hostile train,


s: O'erpower'd by numbers, is but brave in vain."


s: To whom, while anger in his bosom glows,


s: With warmth replies the man of mighty woes:


s: "Since audience mild is deign'd, permit my tongue


s: My heart weeps blood to see a soul so brave


s: Live to base insolence or power a slave,


s: But tell me, dost thou, prince, dost thou behold,


s: And hear their midnight revels uncontroll'd?


s: Say, do thy subjects in bold faction rise,


s: Or are thy brothers, who should aid thy power,


s: Turn'd mean deserters in the needful hour?


s: Oh that I were from great Ulysses sprung,


s: Or that these wither'd nerves like thine were strung,


s: Or, heavens! might he return! (and soon appear


s: He shall, I trust; a hero scorns despair:)


s: Be not their last: but should I lose my life,


s: Oppress'd by numbers in the glorious strife,


s: I chose the nobler part, and yield my breath,


s: Rather than bear dishonor, worse than death;


s: The reverend stranger and the spotless maid;


s: Than see the wealth of kings consumed in waste,


s: The drunkard's revel, and the gluttons' feast."


s: Thus he, with anger flashing from his eye;


s: "Nor leagued in factious arms my subjects rise,


s: Nor are my brothers, who should aid my power,


s: Turn'd mean deserters in the needful hour.


s: Ah me! I boast no brother; heaven's dread King


s: Gives from our stock an only branch to spring:


s: An unbless'd offspring of a sire unbless'd!


s: Each neighbouring realm, conducive to our woe,


s: Sends forth her peers, and every peer a foe:


s: The court proud Samos and Dulichium fills,


s: And lofty Zacinth crown'd with shady hills.


s: The imperial sceptre, and the regal bed:


s: The queen, averse to love, yet awed by power,


s: Seems half to yield, yet flies the bridal hour:


s: Meantime their licence uncontroll'd I bear;


s: But Heaven will sure revenge, and gods there are.


s: Our safe return, and ease a mother's heart.


s: Yet secret go; for numerous are my foes,


s: And here at least I may in peace repose."


s: And deems thee lost: shall I speed employ


s: The mournful hour that tore his son away


s: Yet busied with his slaves, to ease his woe,


s: He dress'd the vine, and bade the garden blow,


s: Nor food nor wine refused; but since the day


s: That you to Pylos plough'd the watery way,


s: Nor wine nor food he tastes; but, sunk in woes,


s: Wild springs the vine, no more the garden blows,


s: Shut from the walks of men, to pleasure lost,


s: Pensive and pale he wanders half a ghost."


s: "Wretched old man! (with tears the prince returns)


s: Yet cease to go--what man so blest but mourns?


s: Were every wish indulged by favouring skies,


s: This hour should give Ulysses to my eyes.


s: But to the queen with speed dispatchful bear,


s: Our safe return, and back with speed repair;


s: And let some handmaid of her train resort


s: He braced his sandals on, and strode away:


s: Then from the heavens the martial goddess flies


s: Through the wild fields of air, and cleaves the skies:


s: In form, a virgin in soft beauty's bloom,


s: Skill'd in the illustrious labours of the loom.


s: Seen or unseen, o'er earth at pleasure move):


s: The dogs intelligent confess'd the tread


s: Of power divine, and howling, trembling, fled.


s: The goddess, beckoning, waves her deathless hands:


s: Dauntless the king before the goddess stands:


s: "Then why (she said), O favour'd of the skies!


s: Why to thy godlike son this long disguise?


s: Stand forth reveal'd; with him thy cares employ


s: Against thy foes; be valiant and destroy!


s: To combat by thy side, thy guardian power."


s: She said, and o'er him waves her wand of gold


s: At once with grace divine his frame improves;


s: Youth flush'd his reddening cheek, and from his brows


s: A length of hair in sable ringlets flows;


s: His blackening chin receives a deeper shade;


s: Then from his eyes upsprung the warrior-maid.


s: Scarce lifts his eyes, and bows as to a god,


s: Then with surprise (surprise chastised by fears):


s: "How art thou changed! (he cried)--a god appears!


s: Far other vests thy limbs majestic grace,


s: Far other glories lighten from thy face!


s: If heaven be thy abode, with pious care,


s: Lo! gifts of labour'd gold adorn thy shrine,


s: To win thy grace: O save us, power divine!"


s: That father, for whose sake thy days have run


s: One scene of woe! to endless cares consign'd,


s: And outraged by the wrongs of base mankind."


s: Then, rushing to his arms, he kiss'd his boy


s: With the strong raptures of a parent's joy.


s: Tears bathe his cheek, and tears the ground bedew:


s: He strain'd him close, as to his breast he grew.


s: "Ah me! (exclaims the prince with fond desire)


s: Thou art not--no, thou canst not be my sire.


s: Who but a god can change the general doom,


s: And give to wither'd age a youthful bloom!


s: Late, worn with years, in weeds obscene you trod;


s: Now, clothed in majesty, you move a god!"


s: "Forbear (he cried,) for Heaven reserve that name;


s: Give to thy father but a father's claim;


s: Twice ten sad years o'er earth and ocean toss'd,


s: 'Tis given at length to view my native coast.


s: Pallas, unconquer'd maid, my frame surrounds


s: With grace divine: her power admits no bounds;


s: She o'er my limbs old age and wrinkles shed;


s: Now strong as youth, magnificent I tread.


s: The gods with ease frail man depress or raise,


s: He spoke and sate. The prince with transport flew,


s: Hung round his neck, while tears his cheek bedew;


s: Nor less the father pour'd a social flood;


s: They wept abundant, and they wept aloud.


s: As the bold eagle with fierce sorrow stung,


s: Or parent vulture, mourns her ravish'd young;


s: They cry, they scream, their unfledged brood a prey


s: To some rude churl, and borne by stealth away:


s: So they aloud: and tears in tides had run,


s: Their grief unfinish'd with the setting sun;


s: But checking the full torrent in its flow,


s: The prince thus interrupts the solemn woe.


s: "What ship transported thee, O father, say;


s: And what bless'd hands have oar'd thee on the way?"


s: Phaeacians bore me to the port assign'd,


s: Wrapp'd in the embrace of sleep, the faithful train


s: O'er seas convey'd me to my native reign:


s: Embroider'd vestures, gold, and brass, are laid


s: Conceal'd in caverns in the sylvan shade.


s: And plan the scene of death, I bend my way;


s: So Pallas wills--but thou, my son, explain


s: The names and numbers of the audacious train;


s: "O'er earth (returns the prince) resounds thy name,


s: Thy well-tried wisdom, and thy martial fame,


s: Yet at thy words I start, in wonder lost;


s: Against that numerous and determined band?


s: Hear then their numbers; from Dulichium came


s: Twice twenty-six, all peers of mighty name.


s: Six are their menial train: twice twelve the boast


s: And twelve our country's pride; to these belong


s: Medon and Phemius, skill'd in heavenly song.


s: Two sewers from day to day the revels wait,


s: Exact of taste, and serve the feast in state.


s: With such a foe the unequal fight to try,


s: Were by false courage unrevenged to die.


s: Then what assistant powers you boast relate,


s: "Mark well my voice, (Ulysses straight replies:)


s: What need of aids, if favour'd by the skies?


s: If shielded to the dreadful fight we move,


s: By mighty Pallas, and by thundering Jove?"


s: Against the banded powers of all mankind:


s: They, high enthroned above the rolling clouds,


s: Wither the strength of man, and awe the gods."


s: "Such aids expect (he cries,) when strong in might


s: But thou, when morn salutes the aerial plain,


s: The court revisit and the lawless train:


s: There, if base scorn insult my reverend age,


s: Bear it, my son! repress thy rising rage.


s: If outraged, cease that outrage to repel;


s: Bear it, my son! howe'er thy heart rebel.


s: Yet strive by prayer and counsel to restrain


s: Their lawless insults, though thou strive in vain:


s: For wicked ears are deaf to wisdom's call,


s: And vengeance strikes whom Heaven has doom'd to fall.


s: Once more attend: when she whose power inspires


s: The thinking mind, my soul to vengeance fires,


s: I give the sign: that instant, from beneath,


s: Armour and arms; and, if mistrust arise,


s: Thus veil the truth in plausible disguise:


s: "'These glittering weapons, ere he sail'd to Troy,


s: Then, beaming o'er the illumined wall they shone;


s: Now dust dishonours, all their lustre gone.


s: I bear them hence (so Jove my soul inspires),


s: Lest when the bowl inflames, in vengeful mood


s: Ye rush to arms, and stain the feast with blood:


s: Oft ready swords in luckless hour incite


s: The hand of wrath, and arm it for the fight.'


s: "Such be the plea, and by the plea deceive:


s: For Jove infatuates all, and all believe.


s: Yet leave for each of us a sword to wield,


s: A pointed javelin, and a fenceful shield.


s: But by my blood that in thy bosom glows,


s: The secret, that thy father lives, retain


s: Lock'd in thy bosom from the household train;


s: Hide it from all; e'en from Eumaeus hide,


s: From my dear father, and my dearer bride.


s: Whose faith yet lasts among the menial crew;


s: And noting, ere we rise in vengeance, prove


s: Who love his prince; for sure you merit love."


s: The brave and wise, and my great father's fame.


s: Vengeance resolved, 'tis dangerous to defer.


s: What length of time must we consume in vain,


s: Too curious to explore the menial train!


s: While the proud foes, industrious to destroy


s: To mark the damsels that attend the throne:


s: Dispersed the youth reside; their faith to prove


s: Jove grants henceforth, if thou hast spoke from Jove."


s: While in debate they waste the hours away,


s: The associates of the prince repass'd the bay:


s: With speed they guide the vessel to the shores;


s: With speed debarking land the naval stores:


s: Then, faithful to their charge, to Clytius bear,


s: And trust the presents to his friendly care.


s: Swift to the queen a herald flies to impart


s: Her son's return, and ease a parent's heart:


s: Pale grief destroy what time awhile forbears.


s: The incautious herald with impatience burns,


s: And cries aloud, "Thy son, O queen, returns;"


s: Eumaeus sage approach'd the imperial throne,


s: And breathed his mandate to her ear alone,


s: Then measured back the way. The suitor band,


s: Stung to the soul, abash'd, confounded, stand;


s: And issuing from the dome, before the gate,


s: With clouded looks, a pale assembly sate.


s: At length Eurymachus: "Our hopes are vain;


s: Haste, rear the mast, the swelling shroud display;


s: Haste, to our ambush'd friends the news convey!"


s: Scarce had he spake, when, turning to the strand,


s: Full to the bay within the winding shores


s: With gather'd sails they stood, and lifted oars.


s: "O friends!" he cried, elate with rising joy,


s: Some god has told them, or themselves survey


s: The bark escaped; and measure back their way."


s: Swift at the word descending to the shores,


s: They moor the vessel and unlade the stores:


s: Then, moving from the strand, apart they sate,


s: And full and frequent form'd a dire debate.


s: "Lives then the boy? he lives (Antinous cries),


s: The care of gods and favourite of the skies.


s: All night we watch'd, till with her orient wheels


s: Yet safe he sails; the powers celestial give


s: To shun the hidden snares of death, and live.


s: But die he shall, and thus condemn'd to bleed,


s: Be now the scene of instant death decreed.


s: Hope ye success? undaunted crush the foe.


s: Is he not wise? know this, and strike the blow.


s: Wait ye, till he to arms in council draws


s: The Greeks, averse too justly to our cause?


s: Strike, ere, the states convened, the foe betray


s: Or choose ye vagrant from their rage to fly,


s: Outcasts of earth, to breathe an unknown sky?


s: The brave prevent misfortune; then be brave,


s: Returns he? ambush'd we'll his walk invade,


s: Or where he hides in solitude and shade;


s: And give the palace to the queen a dower,


s: Nor be the wealth of kings consumed in vain;


s: Then wed whom choice approves: the queen be given


s: To some blest prince, the prince decreed by Heaven."


s: Abash'd, the suitor train his voice attends;


s: Till from his throne Amphinomus ascends,


s: Who o'er Dulichium stretch'd his spacious reign,


s: A land of plenty, bless'd with every grain:


s: Chief of the numbers who the queen address'd,


s: And though displeasing, yet displeasing least.


s: Soft were his words; his actions wisdom sway'd;


s: Graceful awhile he paused, then mildly said:


s: "O friends, forbear! and be the thought withstood:


s: Consult we first the all-seeing powers above,


s: If they assent, e'en by this hand he dies;


s: If they forbid, I war not with the skies."


s: He said: the rival train his voice approved,


s: Arrived, with wild tumultuous noise they sate,


s: Recumbent on the shining thrones of state.


s: The Medon, conscious of their dire debates,


s: The murderous counsel to the queen relates.


s: Touch'd at the dreadful story, she descends:


s: Full where the dome its shining valves expands,


s: Sudden before the rival powers she stands;


s: And, veiling, decent, with a modest shade


s: "O void of faith! of all bad men the worst!


s: Renown'd for wisdom, by the abuse accursed!


s: Mistaking fame proclaims thy generous mind:


s: Thy deeds denote thee of the basest kind.


s: Wretch! to destroy a prince that friendship gives,


s: While in his guest his murderer he receives;


s: The cause of suppliants, and revenge of wrong.


s: Hast thou forgot, ungrateful as thou art,


s: Who saved thy father with a friendly part?


s: Lawless he ravaged with his martial powers


s: The Taphian pirates on Thesprotia's shores;


s: Enraged, his life, his treasures they demand;


s: Ulysses saved him from the avenger's hand.


s: And would'st thou evil for his good repay?


s: His bed dishonour, and his house betray?


s: Afflict his queen, and with a murderous hand


s: Destroy his heir!--but cease, 'tis I command."


s: "Far hence those fears (Eurymachus replied,)


s: O prudent princess! bid thy soul confide.


s: Breathes there a man who dares that hero slay,


s: No: by the righteous powers of heaven I swear,


s: His blood in vengeance smokes upon my spear.


s: With wine sufficed me, and with dainties fed:


s: My generous soul abhors the ungrateful part,


s: And my friend's son lives nearest to my heart.


s: Then fear no mortal arm; if Heaven destroy,


s: We must resign: for man is born to die."


s: Thus smooth he ended, yet his death conspired:


s: Then sorrowing, with sad step the queen retired,


s: With streaming eyes, all comfortless deplored,


s: Touch'd with the dear remembrance of her lord:


s: Nor ceased till Pallas bids her sorrows fly,


s: And in soft slumber seal'd her flowing eye.


s: Came late, returning to his sylvan bower.


s: Ulysses and his son had dress'd with art


s: A yearling boar, and gave the gods their part.


s: Holy repast! That instant from the skies


s: She waves her golden wand, and reassumes


s: From every feature every grace that blooms;


s: At once his vestures change; at once she sheds


s: Age o'er his limbs, that tremble as he treads:


s: Lest to the queen the swain with transport fly,


s: When near he drew, the prince breaks forth: "Proclaim


s: What tidings, friend? what speaks the voice of fame?


s: Say, if the suitors measure back the main,


s: Or still in ambush thirst for blood in vain?"


s: "Whether (he cries) they measure back the flood,


s: Or still in ambush thirst in vain for blood,


s: Escaped my care: where lawless suitors sway,


s: Thy mandate borne my soul disdain'd to stay.


s: But from the Hermaean height I cast a view,


s: Where to the port a bark high-bounding flew;


s: Her freight a shining band: with martial air


s: Each poised his shield, and each advanced his spear;


s: And, if aright these searching eyes survey,


s: The eluded suitors stem the watery way."


s: The prince, well pleased to disappoint their wiles,


s: Steals on his sire a glance, and secret smiles.


s: And now, a short repast prepared, they fed


s: Till the keen rage of craving hunger fled:


s: Then to repose withdrawn, apart they lay,


s: And in soft sleep forgot the cares of day.


s: Telemachus returning to the city, relates to Penelope the sum of


s: his travels. Ulysses is conducted by Eumaeus to the palace, where


s: Sprinkled with roseate light the dewy lawn,


s: In haste the prince arose, prepared to part;


s: His hand impatient grasps the pointed dart;


s: Fair on his feet the polish'd sandals shine,


s: And thus he greets the master of the swine:


s: "My friend, adieu! let this short stay suffice;


s: I haste to meet my mother's longing eyes,


s: And end her tears, her sorrows and her sighs.


s: But thou, attentive, what we order heed:


s: And bless the hand that stretches forth the bread.


s: To wipe the tears from all afflicted eyes,


s: If this raise anger in the stranger's thought,


s: To this Ulysses: "What the prince requires


s: To want like mine the peopled town can yield


s: More hopes of comfort than the lonely field:


s: Nor fits my age to till the labour'd lands,


s: Adieu! but since this ragged garb can bear


s: A few hours' space permit me here to stay:


s: With riper beams when Phoebus warms the day."


s: But left the mansion with a lofty stride:


s: Schemes of revenge his pondering breast elate,


s: Revolving deep the suitors' sudden fate,


s: He props his spear against the pillar'd wall;


s: Then like a lion o'er the threshold bounds;


s: The marble pavement with his steps resounds:


s: His eye first glanced where Euryclea spreads


s: With furry spoils of beasts the splendid beds:


s: She saw, she wept, she ran with eager pace,


s: And reach'd her master with a long embrace.


s: With wild entrancement, and ecstatic tears.


s: Swift from above descends the royal fair


s: (Her beauteous cheeks the blush of Venus wear,


s: Chasten'd with coy Diana's pensive air);


s: Hangs o'er her son, in his embraces dies;


s: Rains kisses on his neck, his face, his eyes:


s: Few words she spoke, though much she had to say;


s: And scarce those few, for tears, could force their way.


s: "Light of my eyes: he comes! unhoped-for joy!


s: Has Heaven from Pylos brought my lovely boy?


s: So snatch'd from all our cares!--Tell, hast thou known


s: Thy father's fate, and tell me all thy own."


s: Cease with those tears to melt a manly mind


s: (Replied the prince); nor be our fates deplored,


s: From death and treason to thy arms restored.


s: Go bathe, and robed in white ascend the towers;


s: With all thy handmaids thank the immortal powers;


s: And call Jove's vengeance on their guilty deed.


s: While to the assembled council I repair:


s: A stranger sent by Heaven attends me there;


s: Now to Peiraeus' honour'd charge consign'd."


s: The matron heard, nor was his word in vain.


s: She bathed; and, robed in white, with all her train,


s: And call'd Jove's vengeance on the guilty deed,


s: Arm'd with his lance, the prince then pass'd the gate,


s: Two dogs behind, a faithful guard, await;


s: Pallas his form with grace divine improves:


s: The gazing crowd admires him as he moves.


s: Him, gathering round, the haughty suitors greet


s: With semblance fair, but inward deep deceit,


s: Their false addresses, generous, he denied.


s: Pass'd on, and sate by faithful Mentor's side;


s: (His father's counsellors, revered for age).


s: Much ask'd the seniors; till Peiraeus came.


s: The stranger-guest pursued him close behind;


s: He (when Peiraeus ask'd for slaves to bring


s: The gifts and treasures of the Spartan king)


s: Thus thoughtful answer'd: "Those we shall not move,


s: Dark and unconscious of the will of Jove;


s: Stabb'd in his palace if your prince must fall,


s: Us, and our house, if treason must o'erthrow,


s: Better a friend possess them than a foe;


s: If death to these, and vengeance Heaven decree,


s: Riches are welcome then, not else, to me.


s: Till then retain the gifts."--The hero said,


s: And in his hand the willing stranger led.


s: Then disarray'd, the shining bath they sought


s: (With unguents smooth) of polish'd marble wrought:


s: Supply the limpid wave, and fragrant oil:


s: Then o'er their limbs refulgent robes they threw,


s: And fresh from bathing to their seats withdrew.


s: The golden ewer a nymph attendant brings,


s: Replenish'd from the pure translucent springs;


s: With copious streams that golden ewer supplies


s: They wash: the table, in fair order spread,


s: Is piled with viands and the strength of bread.


s: The pensive mother sits in humble state;


s: The fleecy threads her ivory fingers drew.


s: The prince and stranger shared the genial feast,


s: Till now the rage of thirst and hunger ceased.


s: When thus the queen: "My son! my only friend!


s: Say, to my mournful couch shall I ascend?


s: (The couch deserted now a length of years;


s: The couch for ever water'd with my tears;)


s: Say, wilt thou not (ere yet the suitor crew


s: Return, and riot shakes our walls anew),


s: Say, wilt thou not the least account afford?


s: The least glad tidings of my absent lord?"


s: To her the youth. "We reach'd the Pylian plains,


s: Where Nestor, shepherd of his people, reigns.


s: All arts of tenderness to him are known,


s: Strains to his bosom his long-absent boy.


s: But all unknown, if yet Ulysses breathe,


s: Or glide a spectre in the realms beneath;


s: For farther search, his rapid steeds transport


s: My lengthen'd journey to the Spartan court.


s: There Argive Helen I beheld, whose charms


s: (So Heaven decreed) engaged the great in arms.


s: My cause of coming told, he thus rejoin'd;


s: And still his words live perfect in my mind:


s: So with her young, amid the woodland shades,


s: A timorous hind the lion's court invades,


s: Leaves in that fatal lair her tender fawns,


s: And climbs the cliffs, or feeds along the lawns;


s: Meantime returning, with remorseless sway


s: The monarch savage rends the panting prey:


s: O Jove! supreme! whom men and gods revere;


s: And thou whose lustre gilds the rolling sphere!


s: With power congenial join'd, propitious aid


s: Such to our wish the warrior soon restore,


s: As when, contending on the Lesbian shore,


s: And loud acclaiming Greeks the victor bless'd:


s: Then soon the invaders of his bed, and throne,


s: Their love presumptuous shall by death atone.


s: Now what you question of my ancient friend,


s: With truth I answer; thou the truth attend.


s: Learn what I heard the sea-born seer relate,


s: Whose eye can pierce the dark recess of fate


s: Sole in an isle, imprison'd by the main,


s: And press'd unwilling in Calypso's arms.


s: Then safe I voyaged to my native shore."


s: He ceased; nor made the pensive queen reply,


s: But droop'd her head, and drew a secret sigh.


s: "O suffering consort of the suffering man!


s: What human knowledge could, those kings might tell,


s: But I the secrets of high heaven reveal.


s: Before the first of gods be this declared,


s: Before the board whose blessings we have shared;


s: Witness the genial rites, and witness all


s: This house holds sacred in her ample wall!


s: E'en now, this instant, great Ulysses, laid


s: At rest, or wandering in his country's shade,


s: Their guilty deeds, in hearing, and in view,


s: Secret revolves; and plans the vengeance due.


s: Of this sure auguries the gods bestow'd,


s: When first our vessel anchor'd in your road."


s: "Succeed those omens, Heaven! (the queen rejoin'd)


s: So shall our bounties speak a grateful mind;


s: Thus communed they: while in the marble court


s: (Scene of their insolence) the lords resort:


s: Athwart the spacious square each tries his art,


s: To whirl the disk, or aim the missile dart.


s: Now did the hour of sweet repast arrive,


s: And from the field the victim flocks they drive:


s: Medon the herald (one who pleased them best,


s: And honour'd with a portion of their feast),


s: To bid the banquet, interrupts their play:


s: Swift to the hall they haste; aside they lay


s: Their garments, and succinct the victims slay.


s: Then sheep, and goats, and bristly porkers bled,


s: And the proud steer was o'er the marble spread.


s: While thus the copious banquet they provide,


s: Along the road, conversing side by side,


s: "To town, observant of our lord's behest,


s: Now let us speed; my friend no more my guest!


s: Yet like myself I wish thee here preferr'd,


s: Guard of the flock, or keeper of the herd,


s: But much to raise my master's wrath I fear;


s: Then heed his will, and be our journey made


s: While the broad beams of Phoebus are display'd,


s: Or ere brown evening spreads her chilly shade."


s: "Just thy advice (the prudent chief rejoin'd),


s: And such as suits the dictate of my mind.


s: Lead on: but help me to some staff to stay


s: My feeble step, since rugged is the way."


s: Across his shoulders then the scrip he flung,


s: Wide-patch'd, and fasten'd by a twisted thong.


s: Cheerly they fare: behind, the keepers stay:


s: These with their watchful dogs (a constant guard)


s: Supply his absence, and attend the herd.


s: And now his city strikes the monarch's eyes,


s: Propp'd on a staff, a beggar old and bare


s: In rags dishonest fluttering with the air!


s: Now pass'd the rugged road, they journey down


s: The cavern'd way descending to the town,


s: Where, from the rock, with liquid drops distils


s: A limpid fount; that spread in parting rills


s: Its current thence to serve the city brings;


s: An useful work, adorn'd by ancient kings.


s: In sculptured stone immortalized their care,


s: And shaded with a green surrounding grove;


s: Where silver alders, in high arches twined,


s: Drink the cool stream, and tremble to the wind.


s: Beneath, sequester'd to the nymphs, is seen


s: Where constant vows by travellers are paid,


s: Here with his goats (not vow'd to sacred fame,


s: Two grooms attend him. With an envious look


s: He eyed the stranger, and imperious spoke:


s: "The good old proverb how this pair fulfil!


s: Where goes the swineherd with that ill-look'd guest?


s: That giant-glutton, dreadful at a feast!


s: Full many a post have those broad shoulders worn,


s: From every great man's gate repulsed with scorn:


s: To no brave prize aspired the worthless swain,


s: 'Twas but for scraps he ask'd, and ask'd in vain.


s: To beg, than work, he better understands,


s: Or we perhaps might take him off thy hands.


s: To cleanse the fold, or help the kids to food.


s: If any labour those big joints could learn,


s: Some whey, to wash his bowels, he might earn.


s: To cringe, to whine, his idle hands to spread,


s: Is all, by which that graceless maw is fed.


s: Dearly, full dearly, shalt thou buy thy bread


s: With many a footstool thundering at thy head."


s: Spurn'd with his rustic heel his king unknown;


s: Spurn'd, but not moved: he like a pillar stood,


s: Nor stirr'd an inch, contemptuous, from the road:


s: Doubtful, or with his staff to strike him dead,


s: Or greet the pavement with his worthless head.


s: Short was that doubt; to quell his rage inured,


s: The hero stood self-conquer'd, and endured.


s: But hateful of the wretch, Eumaeus heaved


s: His hands obtesting, and this prayer conceived:


s: "Daughters of Jove! who from the ethereal bowers


s: Descend to swell the springs, and feed the flowers!


s: Nymphs of this fountain! to whose sacred names


s: Our rural victims mount in blazing flames!


s: The yearly firstlings of his flock and herd;


s: Oh, be some god his convoy to our shore!


s: Due pains shall punish then this slave's offence,


s: Who, proudly stalking, leaves the herds at large,


s: Commences courtier, and neglects his charge."


s: "What mutters he? (Melanthius sharp rejoins;)


s: This crafty miscreant, big with dark designs?


s: The day shall come--nay, 'tis already near--


s: When, slave! to sell thee at a price too dear


s: Must be my care; and hence transport thee o'er,


s: Or some brave suitor's sword, might pierce the heart


s: Of the proud son; as that we stand this hour


s: In lasting safety from the father's power!"


s: So spoke the wretch, but, shunning farther fray,


s: Turn'd his proud step, and left them on their way.


s: Straight to the feastful palace he repair'd,


s: Familiar enter'd, and the banquet shared;


s: He took his place, and plenty heap'd the board.


s: Meantime they heard, soft circling in the sky


s: Sweet airs ascend, and heavenly minstrelsy


s: (For Phemius to the lyre attuned the strain):


s: Ulysses hearken'd, then address'd the swain:


s: Great and respondent to the master's fame!


s: Stage above stage the imperial structure stands,


s: Holds the chief honours, and the town commands:


s: High walls and battlements the courts inclose,


s: And the strong gates defy a host of foes.


s: Far other cares its dwellers now employ;


s: The throng'd assembly and the feast of joy:


s: And hear (what graces every feast) the lyre."


s: Then thus Eumaeus: "Judge we which were best;


s: Choose you to mingle, while behind I stay?


s: Wait for a space without, but wait not long;


s: This is the house of violence and wrong:


s: Some rude insult thy reverend age may bear;


s: For like their lawless lords the servants are."


s: "Just is, O friend! thy caution, and address'd


s: (Replied the chief, to no unheedful breast:)


s: Fresh to my sense, and always in my mind.


s: The bravely-patient to no fortune yields:


s: On rolling oceans, and in fighting fields,


s: Storms have I pass'd, and many a stern debate;


s: And now in humbler scene submit to fate.


s: What cannot want? The best she will expose,


s: And I am learn'd in all her train of woes;


s: She fills with navies, hosts, and loud alarms,


s: The sea, the land, and shakes the world with arms!"


s: Thus, near the gates conferring as they drew,


s: Argus, the dog, his ancient master knew:


s: He not unconscious of the voice and tread,


s: Lifts to the sound his ear, and rears his head;


s: Bred by Ulysses, nourish'd at his board,


s: But, ah! not fated long to please his lord;


s: To him, his swiftness and his strength were vain;


s: The voice of glory call'd him o'er the main.


s: Till then in every sylvan chase renown'd,


s: With Argus, Argus, rung the woods around;


s: With him the youth pursued the goat or fawn,


s: Or traced the mazy leveret o'er the lawn.


s: And where on heaps the rich manure was spread,


s: Obscene with reptiles, took his sordid bed.


s: He knew his lord; he knew, and strove to meet;


s: In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet;


s: Yet (all he could) his tail, his tears, his eyes,


s: Salute his master, and confess his joys.


s: Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul;


s: Stole unperceived: he turn'd his head and dried


s: The drop humane: then thus impassion'd cried:


s: "What noble beast in this abandon'd state


s: Lies here all helpless at Ulysses' gate?


s: His bulk and beauty speak no vulgar praise:


s: Some care his age deserves; or was he prized


s: For worthless beauty? therefore now despised;


s: Such dogs and men there are, mere things of state;


s: And always cherish'd by their friends, the great."


s: Who, never, never shall behold him more!


s: Long, long since perish'd on a distant shore!


s: Oh had you seen him, vigorous, bold, and young,


s: Him no fell savage on the plain withstood,


s: None 'scaped him bosom'd in the gloomy wood;


s: His eye how piercing, and his scent how true,


s: Such, when Ulysses left his natal coast:


s: Now years unnerve him, and his lord is lost!


s: The women keep the generous creature bare,


s: A sleek and idle race is all their care:


s: The master gone, the servants what restrains?


s: Jove fix'd it certain, that whatever day


s: Makes man a slave, takes half his worth away."


s: This said, the honest herdsman strode before;


s: The dog, whom Fate had granted to behold


s: His lord, when twenty tedious years had roll'd,


s: Takes a last look, and having seen him, dies;


s: So closed for ever faithful Argus' eyes!


s: Then gave a sign, and beckon'd him to come:


s: There stood an empty seat, where late was placed,


s: (Who now was busied carving round the board,)


s: Eumaeus took, and placed it near his lord.


s: Before him instant was the banquet spread,


s: And the bright basket piled with loaves of bread.


s: In squalid vests, with many a gaping rent,


s: Propp'd or a staff, and trembling as he went.


s: Then, resting on the threshold of the gate,


s: Against a cypress pillar lean'd his weight


s: Smooth'd by the workman to a polish'd plane);


s: The thoughtful son beheld, and call'd his swain


s: "These viands, and this bread, Eumaeus! bear,


s: And let him circle round the suitors' board,


s: And try the bounty of each gracious lord.


s: Bold let him ask, encouraged thus by me:


s: How ill, alas! do want and shame agree!"


s: His lord's command the faithful servant bears:


s: The seeming beggar answers with his prayers:


s: Inspire him. Jove! in every wish succeed!"


s: This said, the portion from his son convey'd


s: With smiles receiving on his scrip he laid.


s: Long has the minstrel swept the sounding wire,


s: He fed, and ceased when silence held the lyre.


s: Soon as the suitors from the banquet rose,


s: To tempt their bounties with a suppliant's art,


s: And learn the generous from the ignoble heart


s: Dooms to full vengeance all the offending train);


s: With speaking eyes, and voice of plaintive sound,


s: With such an image touch'd of human woe;


s: Inquiring all, their wonder they confess,


s: While thus they gaze and question with their eyes,


s: The bold Melanthius to their thought replies:


s: "My lords! this stranger of gigantic port


s: Full well I mark'd the features of his face,


s: Though all unknown his clime, or noble race."


s: "And is this present, swineherd! of thy band?


s: Bring'st thou these vagrants to infest the land?


s: Objects uncouth, to check the genial joy.


s: Enough of these our court already grace;


s: Such guests Eumaeus to his country brings,


s: To share our feast, and lead the life of kings."


s: "Thy passion, prince, belies thy knowing mind.


s: Who calls, from distant nations to his own,


s: The poor, distinguish'd by their wants alone?


s: Round the wide world are sought those men divine


s: Who public structures raise, or who design;


s: Those to whose eyes the gods their ways reveal,


s: But chief to poets such respect belongs,


s: By rival nations courted for their songs;


s: These states invite, and mighty kings admire,


s: Wide as the sun displays his vital fire.


s: It is not so with want! how few that feed


s: Unjust to me, and all that serve the state,


s: Of my great mistress, and her godlike son."


s: Injurious minds just answers but provoke"--


s: Then turning to Antinous, thus he spoke:


s: "Thanks to thy care! whose absolute command


s: Thus drives the stranger from our court and land.


s: Heaven bless its owner with a better mind!


s: Then, prince! be bounteous of Ulysses' board.


s: So much more sweet to spoil than to bestow?"


s: "Whence, great Telemachus! this lofty strain?


s: Portions like mine if every suitor gave,


s: Our walls this twelvemonth should not see the slave."


s: He spoke, and lifting high above the board


s: His ponderous footstool, shook it at his lord.


s: The rest with equal hand conferr'd the bread:


s: He fill'd his scrip, and to the threshold sped;


s: But first before Antinous stopp'd, and said:


s: "Bestow, my friend! thou dost not seem the worst


s: Of all the Greeks, but prince-like and the first;


s: And I shall praise thee through the boundless earth.


s: Whate'er gives man the envied name of great;


s: Wealth, servants, friends, were mine in better days


s: In every sorrowing soul I pour'd delight,


s: But Jove, all-governing, whose only will


s: Determines fate, and mingles good with ill,


s: Our spies commission'd straight the coast explore;


s: The country ravage, and the natives kill.


s: The spreading clamour to their city flies,


s: And horse and foot in mingled tumults rise:


s: The reddening dawn reveals the hostile fields,


s: Horrid with bristly spears, and gleaming shields:


s: Jove thunder'd on their side: our guilty head


s: We turn'd to flight; the gathering vengeance spread


s: On all parts round, and heaps on heaps lay dead.


s: Death ill exchanged for bondage and for pain!


s: And gave to Dmetor, Cyprus' haughty lord:


s: Hither, to 'scape his chains, my course I steer,


s: Still cursed by Fortune, and insulted here!"


s: To whom Antinous thus his rage express'd:


s: "What god has plagued us with this gourmand guest?


s: Unless at distance, wretch! thou keep behind,


s: From all thou begg'st, a bold audacious slave;


s: Nor all can give so much as thou canst crave.


s: Shameless they give, who give what's not their own."


s: The chief, retiring: "Souls, like that in thee,


s: Ill suits such forms of grace and dignity.


s: Nor will that hand to utmost need afford


s: The smallest portion of a wasteful board,


s: Yet starving want, amidst the riot, weeps."


s: The haughty suitor with resentment burns,


s: And, sourly smiling, this reply returns:


s: "Take that, ere yet thou quit this princely throng;


s: He said, and high the whirling tripod flung.


s: His shoulder-blade received the ungentle shock;


s: He stood, and moved not, like a marble rock;


s: But shook his thoughtful head, nor more complain'd,


s: Sedate of soul, his character sustain'd,


s: And inly form'd revenge; then back withdrew:


s: Before his feet the well fill'd scrip he threw,


s: And thus with semblance mild address'd the crew:


s: "May what I speak your princely minds approve,


s: Not for the hurt I grieve, but for the cause.


s: If, when the sword our country's quarrel draws,


s: From Mars impartial some broad wound we bear,


s: But for mere want, how hard to suffer wrong!


s: If fiends revenge, and gods assert the poor,


s: Death shall lay low the proud aggressor's head,


s: And make the dust Antinous' bridal bed."


s: "Peace, wretch! and eat thy bread without offence


s: (The suitor cried), or force shall drag thee hence,


s: Scourge through the public street, and cast thee there,


s: A mangled carcase for the hounds to tear."


s: His furious deed the general anger moved,


s: All, even the worst, condemn'd; and some reproved.


s: "Was ever chief for wars like these renown'd?


s: Ill fits the stranger and the poor to wound.


s: Unbless'd thy hand! if in this low disguise


s: Wander, perhaps, some inmate of the skies;


s: They (curious oft of mortal actions) deign


s: In forms like these to round the earth and main,


s: Just and unjust recording in their mind,


s: And with sure eyes inspecting all mankind."


s: Nourish'd deep anguish, though he shed no tear;


s: But the dark brow of silent sorrow shook:


s: While thus his mother to her virgins spoke:


s: "On him and his may the bright god of day


s: The nurse replies: "If Jove receives my prayer,


s: Not one survives to breathe to-morrow's air."


s: "All, all are foes, and mischief is their end;


s: (Replies the queen): the stranger begg'd their grace,


s: But fell Antinous answer'd with a wound."


s: Amidst her maids thus spoke the prudent queen,


s: "Much of the experienced man I long to hear,


s: If or his certain eye, or listening ear,


s: Have learn'd the fortunes of my wandering lord?"


s: Thus she, and good Eumaeus took the word:


s: "A private audience if thy grace impart,


s: The stranger's words may ease the royal heart.


s: And the soothed heart with secret pleasure fills.


s: Three days have spent their beams, three nights have run


s: Their silent journey, since his tale begun,


s: Unfinish'd yet; and yet I thirst to hear!


s: As when some heaven-taught poet charms the ear


s: (Suspending sorrow with celestial strain


s: Breathed from the gods to soften human pain)


s: And the soul hears him, though he cease to sing


s: (His fathers guest), for Minos' birth renown'd.


s: He now but waits the wind to waft him o'er,


s: With boundless treasure, from Thesprotia's shore."


s: To this the queen: "The wanderer let me hear,


s: While yon luxurious race indulge their cheer,


s: Devour the grazing ox, and browsing goat,


s: And turn my generous vintage down their throat.


s: For where's an arm, like thine, Ulysses! strong,


s: To curb wild riot, and to punish wrong?"


s: She spoke. Telemachus then sneezed aloud;


s: Constrain'd, his nostril echoed through the crowd.


s: The smiling queen the happy omen bless'd:


s: "So may these impious fall, by Fate oppress'd!"


s: Then to Eumaeus: "Bring the stranger, fly!


s: Graced with a decent robe he shall retire,


s: A gift in season which his wants require."


s: "The queen invites thee, venerable guest!


s: A secret instinct moves her troubled breast,


s: Of her long absent lord from thee to gain


s: Some light, and soothe her soul's eternal pain.


s: If true, if faithful thou, her grateful mind


s: Thy other wants her subjects shall supply."


s: "Fair truth alone (the patient man replied)


s: My words shall dictate, and my lips shall guide.


s: To him, to me, one common lot was given,


s: In equal woes, alas! involved by Heaven.


s: Much of his fates I know; but check'd by fear


s: Here boundless wrongs the starry skies invade,


s: And injured suppliants seek in vain for aid.


s: Let for a space the pensive queen attend,


s: Nor claim my story till the sun descend;


s: Then in such robes as suppliants may require,


s: Composed and cheerful by the genial fire,


s: When loud uproar and lawless riot cease,


s: Shall her pleased ear receive my words in peace."


s: Swift to the queen returns the gentle swain:


s: "And say (she cries), does fear or shame detain


s: The cautious stranger? With the begging kind


s: Shame suits but ill." Eumaeus thus rejoin'd:


s: And shuns (who would not?) wicked men in power;


s: By turns to question, and by turns to hear."


s: "Whoe'er this guest (the prudent queen replies)


s: His every step and every thought is wise.


s: For men like these on earth he shall not find


s: In all the miscreant race of human kind."


s: Thus she. Eumaeus all her words attends,


s: And, parting, to the suitor powers descends;


s: In whispers breathes the fondness of his heart:


s: "The time, my lord, invites me to repair


s: Hence to the lodge; my charge demands my care.


s: These sons of murder thirst thy life to take;


s: O guard it, guard it, for thy servant's sake!"


s: "Thanks to my friend (he cries): but now the hour


s: Of night draws on, go seek the rural bower:


s: But first refresh: and at the dawn of day


s: Our life to Heaven's immortal powers we trust,


s: Safe in their care, for Heaven protects the just."


s: Then instant rose, and as he moved along,


s: They feast, they dance, and raise the mirthful song


s: Till now, declining towards the close of day,


s: The beggar Irus insults Ulysses; the suitors promote the quarrel,


s: descends, and receives the presents of the suitors. The dialogue


s: While fix'd in thought the pensive hero sate,


s: From feast to feast, insatiate to devour,


s: Him on his mother's knees, when babe he lay,


s: From his own roof, with meditated blows,


s: He strove to drive the man of mighty woes:


s: Lest dragg'd in vengeance thou repent thy stay;


s: See how with nods assent yon princely train!


s: In peace away! lest, if persuasions fail,


s: This arm with blows more eloquent prevail."


s: To whom, with stern regard: "O insolence,


s: What bounty gives without a rival share;


s: I ask, what harms not thee, to breathe this air:


s: And canst thou envy when the great relieve?


s: Know, from the bounteous heavens all riches flow,


s: And what man gives, the gods by man bestow;


s: Proud as thou art, henceforth no more be proud,


s: Lest I imprint my vengeance in thy blood;


s: How would'st thou fly, nor e'en in thought return!"


s: "Mere woman-glutton! (thus the churl replied;)


s: A tongue so flippant, with a throat so wide!


s: Why cease I gods! to dash those teeth away,


s: Like some wild boar's, that, greedy of his prey,


s: Uproots the bearded corn? Rise, try the fight,


s: Gird well thy loins, approach, and feel my might:


s: Sure of defeat, before the peers engage:


s: Unequal fight, when youth contends with age!"


s: Thus in a wordy war their tongues display


s: More fierce intents, preluding to the fray;


s: Thus with loud laughter to the suitor train:


s: "This happy day in mirth, my friends, employ,


s: And lo! the gods conspire to crown our joy;


s: See ready for the fight, and hand to hand,


s: Why urge we not to blows!" Well pleased they spring


s: Swift from their seats, and thickening form a ring.


s: To whom Antinous: "Lo! enrich'd with blood,


s: A kid's well-fatted entrails (tasteful food)


s: The choicest portion who subdues his foe;


s: Grant him unrivall'd in these walls to stay,


s: The lords applaud: Ulysses then with art,


s: And fears well-feign'd, disguised his dauntless heart.


s: "Worn as I am with age, decay'd with woe;


s: With vigorous youth, unknown to cares, engage!


s: Yet, fearful of disgrace, to try the day


s: Swear to stand neutral, while we cope in fight."


s: The peers assent: when straight his sacred head


s: "Stranger, if prompted to chastise the wrong


s: Of this bold insolent, confide, be strong!


s: The injurious Greek that dares attempt a blow,


s: And these my friends shall guard the sacred ties


s: Then, girding his strong loins, the king prepares


s: Broad spread his shoulders, and his nervous thighs


s: By just degrees, like well-turn'd columns, rise


s: Ample his chest, his arms are round and long,


s: And each strong joint Minerva knits more strong


s: (Attendant on her chief): the suitor-crowd


s: With wonder gaze, and gazing speak aloud:


s: Black fate impends, and this the avenging hour!


s: Gods! how his nerves a matchless strength proclaim,


s: Swell o'er his well-strong limbs, and brace his frame!"


s: Then pale with fears, and sickening at the sight;


s: They dragg'd the unwilling Irus to the fight;


s: From his blank visage fled the coward blood,


s: And his flesh trembled as aghast he stood.


s: "O that such baseness should disgrace the light?


s: But hear me wretch! if recreant in the fray


s: That huge bulk yield this ill-contested day,


s: Instant thou sail'st, to Eschetus resign'd;


s: Who casts thy mangled ears and nose a prey


s: While with indignant scorn he sternly spoke,


s: In every joint the trembling Irus shook.


s: Now front to front each frowning champion stands,


s: And poises high in air his adverse hands.


s: The chief yet doubts, or to the shades below


s: Or save his life, and soon his life to save


s: The king resolves, for mercy sways the brave


s: Full on his shoulder the rude weight descends;


s: Check'd half his might; yet rising to the stroke,


s: His jawbone dash'd, the crashing jawbone broke:


s: Down dropp'd he stupid from the stunning wound;


s: His feet extended quivering, beat the ground;


s: His mouth and nostrils spout a purple flood;


s: His teeth, all shatter'd, rush inmix'd with blood.


s: The peers transported, as outstretch'd he lies,


s: With bursts of laughter rend the vaulted skies;


s: Then dragg'd along, all bleeding from the wound,


s: His length of carcase trailing prints the ground:


s: Raised on his feet, again he reels, he falls,


s: Till propp'd, reclining on the palace walls:


s: Then to his hand a staff the victor gave,


s: And thus with just reproach address'd the slave:


s: "There terrible, affright with dogs, and reign


s: A dreaded tyrant o'er the bestial train!


s: But mercy to the poor and stranger show,


s: Lest Heaven in vengeance send some mightier woe."


s: Scornful he spoke, and o'er his shoulder flung


s: Ill join'd, and knotted to a twisted thong.


s: Then, turning short, disdain'd a further stay;


s: But to the palace measured back the way.


s: There, as he rested gathering in a ring,


s: The peers with smiles address'd their unknown king:


s: "Stranger, may Jove and all the aerial powers


s: With every blessing crown thy happy hours!


s: Instant the flying sail the slave shall wing


s: While pleased he hears, Antinous bears the food,


s: A kid's well-fatted entrails, rich with blood;


s: The bread from canisters of shining mould


s: Amphinomus; and wines that laugh in gold:


s: "And oh! (he mildly cries) may Heaven display


s: Alas, the brave too oft is doom'd to bear


s: The gripes of poverty and stings of care."


s: To whom with thought mature the king replies:


s: "The tongue speaks wisely, when the soul is wise:


s: Great without vice, that oft attends the great;


s: Nor from the sire art thou, the son, declin'd;


s: Then hear my words, and grace them in thy mind!


s: Of all that breathes, or grovelling creeps on earth,


s: To-day, with power elate, in strength he blooms;


s: The haughty creature on that power presumes:


s: Anon from Heaven a sad reverse he feels:


s: Untaught to bear, 'gainst Heaven the wretch rebels.


s: For man is changeful, as his bliss or woe!


s: Too high when prosperous, when distress'd too low.


s: There was a day, when with the scornful great


s: I swell'd in pomp and arrogance of state;


s: Proud of the power that to high birth belongs;


s: And used that power to justify my wrongs.


s: Then let not man be proud; but firm of mind,


s: Bear the best humbly; and the worst resign'd;


s: Who make their queen and all her wealth a prey:


s: But vengeance and Ulysses wing their way.


s: O may'st thou, favour'd by some guardian power,


s: Far, far be distant in that deathful hour!


s: For sure I am, if stern Ulysses breathe,


s: These lawless riots end in blood and death."


s: Then to the gods the rosy juice he pours,


s: And the drain'd goblet to the chief restores.


s: Stung to the soul, o'ercast with holy dread,


s: He shook the graceful honours of his head;


s: His boding mind the future woe forestalls,


s: For Pallas seals his doom: all sad he turns


s: To join the peers; resumes his throne, and mourns.


s: Meanwhile Minerva with instinctive fires


s: Thy soul, Penelope, from Heaven inspires;


s: With flattering hopes the suitors to betray,


s: And seem to meet, yet fly, the bridal day:


s: Thy husband's wonder, and thy son's to raise;


s: And crown the mother and the wife with praise.


s: Then, while the streaming sorrow dims her eyes,


s: Thus, with a transient smile, the matron cries:


s: I feel an impulse, though my soul disdains;


s: To my loved son the snares of death to show,


s: And in the traitor friend, unmask the foe;


s: Who, smooth of tongue, in purpose insincere,


s: Hides fraud in smiles, while death is ambush'd there."


s: "Go, warn thy son, nor be the warning vain


s: (Replied the sagest of the royal train);


s: But bathed, anointed, and adorn'd, descend;


s: Powerful of charms, bid every grace attend;


s: The tide of flowing tears awhile suppress;


s: Tears but indulge the sorrow, not repress.


s: Some joy remains: to thee a son is given,


s: Such as, in fondness, parents ask of Heaven."


s: "Ah me! forbear!" returns the queen, "forbear,


s: Oh! talk not, talk not of vain beauty's care;


s: No more I bathe, since he no longer sees


s: Those charms, for whom alone I wish to please.


s: The day that bore Ulysses from this coast


s: Blasted the little bloom these cheeks could boast.


s: From heaven Minerva shoots with guardian cares;


s: O'er all her senses, as the couch she press'd,


s: She pours, a pleasing, deep and death-like rest,


s: Bids her cheeks glow, and lights up all her charms;


s: In her love-darting eyes awakes the fires


s: (Immortal gifts! to kindle soft desires);


s: From limb to limb an air majestic sheds,


s: And the pure ivory o'er her bosom spreads.


s: Such Venus shines, when with a measured bound


s: She smoothly gliding swims the harmonious round,


s: When with the Graces in the dance she moves,


s: And fires the gazing gods with ardent loves.


s: Then to the skies her flight Minerva bends,


s: And to the queen the damsel train descends;


s: Waked at their steps, her flowing eyes unclose;


s: The tears she wipes, and thus renews her woes:


s: "Howe'er 'tis well that sleep awhile can free,


s: With soft forgetfulness a wretch like me;


s: Oh! were it given to yield this transient breath,


s: Why must I waste a tedious life in tears,


s: For thee I mourn till death dissolves my frame."


s: Thus wailing, slow and sadly she descends,


s: Full where the dome its shining valves expands,


s: Radiant before the gazing peers she stands;


s: A veil translucent o'er her brow display'd,


s: Her beauty seems, and only seems, to shade:


s: Sudden she lightens in their dazzled eyes,


s: They send their eager souls with every look.


s: Till silence thus the imperial matron broke:


s: That warmth of soul that urged thy younger years?


s: Thy well-knit frame unprofitably strong,


s: But the just gods in vain those gifts bestow,


s: O wise alone in form, and grave in show!


s: Heavens! could a stranger feel oppression's hand


s: Beneath thy roof, and couldst thou tamely stand!


s: If thou the stranger's righteous cause decline


s: His is the sufferance, but the shame is thine."


s: To whom, with filial awe, the prince returns:


s: "That generous soul with just resentment burns;


s: Yet, taught by time, my heart has learn'd to glow


s: For others' good, and melt at others' woe;


s: I bear their outrage, though my soul rebel;


s: Helpless amid the snares of death I tread,


s: And numbers leagued in impious union dread;


s: But now no crime is theirs: this wrong proceeds


s: Oh would to Jove! or her whose arms display


s: The shield of Jove, or him who rules the day!


s: That yon proud suitors, who licentious tread


s: These courts, within these courts like Irus bled:


s: Whose loose head tottering, as with wine oppress'd,


s: Obliquely drops, and nodding knocks his breast;


s: Powerless to move, his staggering feet deny


s: The coward wretch the privilege to fly."


s: "O justly loved, and not more fair than wise!


s: Should Greece through all her hundred states survey


s: Thy finish'd charms, all Greece would own thy sway


s: In rival crowds contest the glorious prize.


s: Dispeopling realms to gaze upon thy eyes:


s: "Ah me! (returns the queen) when from this shore


s: Ulysses sail'd, then beauty was no more!


s: The gods decreed these eyes no more should keep


s: Their wonted grace, but only serve to weep.


s: Should he return, whate'er my beauties prove,


s: My virtues last; my brightest charm is love.


s: Now, grief, thou all art mine! the gods o'ercast


s: My soul with woes, that long, ah long must last!


s: He grasp'd my hand, and, 'O, my spouse! I leave


s: Thy arms (he cried), perhaps to find a grave:


s: Fame speaks the Trojans bold; they boast the skill


s: To give the feather'd arrow wings to kill,


s: To dart the spear, and guide the rushing car


s: With dreadful inroad through the walks of war.


s: My sentence is gone forth, and 'tis decreed


s: Perhaps by righteous Heaven that I must bleed!


s: My father, mother, all I trust to three;


s: To them, to them, transfer the love of me:


s: But, when my son grows man, the royal sway


s: Such were his words; and Hymen now prepares


s: To light his torch, and give me up to cares;


s: The afflictive hand of wrathful Jove to bear:


s: A wretch the most complete that breathes the air!


s: Fall'n e'en below the rights to woman due!


s: Careless to please, with insolence ye woo!


s: The generous lovers, studious to succeed,


s: Bid their whole herds and flocks in banquets bleed;


s: By precious gifts the vow sincere display:


s: You, only you, make her ye love your prey."


s: Well-pleased Ulysses hears his queen deceive


s: The suitor-train, and raise a thirst to give:


s: False hopes she kindles, but those hopes betray,


s: While yet she speaks, the gay Antinous cries:


s: "Offspring of kings, and more than woman wise!


s: 'Tis right; 'tis man's prerogative to give,


s: And custom bids thee without shame receive;


s: Yet never, never, from thy dome we move,


s: Till Hymen lights the torch of spousal love."


s: The peers despatch'd their heralds to convey


s: The gifts of love; with speed they take the way.


s: Rich from the artist's hand! Twelve clasps of gold


s: Close to the lessening waist the vest infold!


s: Down from the swelling loins the vest unbound


s: Floats in bright waves redundant o'er the ground,


s: A bracelet rich with gold, with amber gay,


s: That shot effulgence like the solar ray,


s: Eurymachus presents: and ear-rings bright,


s: With triple stars, that casts a trembling light.


s: Pisander bears a necklace wrought with art:


s: And every peer, expressive of his heart,


s: A gift bestows: this done, the queen ascends,


s: And slow behind her damsel train attends.


s: Then to the dance they form the vocal strain,


s: Till Hesperus leads forth the starry train;


s: And now he raises, as the daylight fades,


s: His golden circlet in the deepening shades:


s: Three vases heap'd with copious fires display


s: From space to space the torch wide-beaming burns,


s: And sprightly damsels trim the rays by turns.


s: To whom the king: "Ill suits your sex to stay


s: Go, with the queen; the spindle guide; or cull


s: (The partners of her cares) the silver wool;


s: E'en till the morning lamp adorns the sky;


s: E'en till the morning, with unwearied care,


s: Sleepless I watch; for I have learn'd to bear."


s: Scornful they heard: Melantho, fair and young,


s: (Melantho, from the loins of Dolius sprung,


s: Who with the queen her years an infant led,


s: With the soft fondness of a daughter bred,)


s: Chiefly derides: regardless of the cares


s: Her queen endures, polluted joys she shares


s: That speak disdain, the wanton thus replies:


s: "Oh! whither wanders thy distemper'd brain,


s: Hence, to the vagrants' rendezvous repair;


s: Or shun in some black forge the midnight air.


s: Proceeds this boldness from a turn of soul,


s: Or flows licentious from the copious bowl?


s: Is it that vanquish'd Irus swells thy mind?


s: Who, shortening with a storm of blows thy stay,


s: Shall send thee howling all in blood away!"


s: To whom with frowns: "O impudent in wrong!


s: Thy lord shall curb that insolence of tongue;


s: The scourge, the scourge shall lash thee into sense."


s: With conscious shame they hear the stern rebuke,


s: Nor longer durst sustain the sovereign look.


s: Then to the servile task the monarch turns


s: His royal hands: each torch refulgent burns


s: With added day: meanwhile in museful mood,


s: Absorb'd in thought, on vengeance fix'd he stood.


s: And now the martial maid, by deeper wrongs


s: To rouse Ulysses, points the suitors' tongues:


s: Scornful of age, to taunt the virtuous man,


s: "Hear me (he cries), confederates and friends!


s: Some god, no doubt, this stranger kindly sends;


s: The shining baldness of his head survey,


s: It aids our torchlight, and reflects the ray."


s: Then to the king that levell'd haughty Troy:


s: "Say, if large hire can tempt thee to employ


s: Those hands in work; to tend the rural trade,


s: To dress the walk, and form the embowering shade.


s: So food and raiment constant will I give:


s: And starve by strolling, not by work to thrive."


s: To whom incensed: "Should we, O prince, engage


s: Of summer suns; were both constrain'd to wield


s: Foodless the scythe along the burden'd field;


s: Or should we labour while the ploughshare wounds,


s: With steers of equal strength, the allotted grounds,


s: Beneath my labours, how thy wondering eyes


s: Might see the sable field at once arise!


s: Should Jove dire war unloose, with spear and shield,


s: And nodding helm, I tread the ensanguined field,


s: Fierce in the van: then wouldst thou, wouldst thou,--say,--


s: Misname me glutton, in that glorious day?


s: No, thy ill-judging thoughts the brave disgrace


s: Proud to seem brave among a coward train!


s: But now, thou art not valorous, but vain.


s: God! should the stern Ulysses rise in might,


s: These gates would seem too narrow for thy flight."


s: While yet he speaks, Eurymachus replies,


s: With indignation flashing from his eyes:


s: "Slave, I with justice might deserve the wrong,


s: Should I not punish that opprobrious tongue.


s: Irreverent to the great, and uncontroll'd,


s: Art thou from wine, or innate folly, bold?


s: A worthless triumph o'er a worthless foe!"


s: He said, and with full force a footstool threw;


s: Whirl'd from his arm, with erring rage it flew:


s: Stoops to the ground, and disappoints the blow.


s: Not so a youth, who deals the goblet round,


s: Full on his shoulder it inflicts a wound;


s: Dash'd from his hand the sounding goblet flies,


s: He shrieks, he reels, he falls, and breathless lies.


s: Then wild uproar and clamour mount the sky,


s: Till mutual thus the peers indignant cry:


s: "Oh had this stranger sunk to realms beneath,


s: To the black realms of darkness and of death,


s: Ere yet he trod these shores! to strife he draws


s: Peer against peer; and what the weighty cause?


s: In vile ignoble jars, the feast of joy."


s: "Gods! what wild folly from the goblet flows!


s: But from the license of the copious bowl?


s: Or Heaven delusion sends: but hence away!


s: Force I forbear, and without force obey."


s: Silent, abash'd, they hear the stern rebuke,


s: "True are his words, and he whom truth offends,


s: Not with Telemachus, but truth contends;


s: The reverend stranger, or the spotless maid;


s: Retire we hence, but crown with rosy wine


s: The flowing goblet to the powers divine!


s: Guard he his guest beneath whose roof he stands:


s: This justice, this the social rite demands."


s: The peers assent: the goblet Mulius crown'd


s: With purple juice, and bore in order round:


s: To the blest gods who fill'd the ethereal bowers:


s: Then swill'd with wine, with noise the crowds obey,


s: And rushing forth, tumultuous reel away.


s: Ulysses and his son remove the weapons out of the armoury.


s: her husband in Crete; and describes exactly his person and dress;


s: the scar upon his leg, which he formerly received in hunting the


s: wild boar on Parnassus. The poet inserts a digression relating


s: that accident, with all its particulars.


s: Consulting secret with the blue-eyed maid,


s: Still in the dome divine Ulysses stay'd:


s: Revenge mature for act inflamed his breast;


s: And thus the son the fervent sire address'd:


s: "Instant convey those steely stores of war


s: To distant rooms, disposed with secret care:


s: To soothe their fears, a specious reason feign:


s: Say, since Ulysses left his natal coast,


s: Obscene with smoke, their beamy lustre lost,


s: His arms deform the roof they wont adorn:


s: From the glad walls inglorious lumber torn.


s: Suggest, that Jove the peaceful thought inspired,


s: Lest they, by sight of swords to fury fired,


s: Defame the bridal feast and friendly bowl."


s: The prince, obedient to the sage command,


s: In their apartments keep; secure the doors;


s: These swarthy arms among the covert stores


s: Are seemlier hid; my thoughtless youth they blame,


s: Imbrown'd with vapour of the smouldering flame."


s: "In happier hour (pleased Euryclea cries),


s: Tutour'd by early woes, grow early wise;


s: Inspect with sharpen'd sight, and frugal care,


s: Your patrimonial wealth, a prudent heir.


s: (The female train retired) your toils to guide?"


s: This guest (he cried) shall bear the guiding light:


s: They share the meal that earn it ere they taste."


s: He said: from female ken she straight secures


s: The purposed deed, and guards the bolted doors:


s: The plumy-crested helms and pointed spears,


s: With shields indented deep in glorious wars.


s: And with her golden lamp his toil befriends.


s: Not such the sickly beams, which unsincere


s: Gild the gross vapour of this nether sphere!


s: And wrapp'd with ecstasy the sire address'd:


s: "What miracle thus dazzles with surprise!


s: Distinct in rows the radiant columns rise;


s: The walls, where'er my wondering sight I turn,


s: And roofs, amidst a blaze of glory burn!


s: With his bright presence deigns the dome to grace."


s: "Be calm (replies the sire); to none impart,


s: But oft revolve the vision in thy heart:


s: Seek thou repose: whilst here I sole remain,


s: To explore the conduct of the female train:


s: The pensive queen, perchance, desires to know


s: The series of my toils, to soothe her woe."


s: With tapers flaming day his train attends,


s: His bright alcove the obsequious youth ascends:


s: Soft slumberous shades his drooping eyelids close,


s: Till on her eastern throne Aurora glows.


s: Whilst, forming plans of death, Ulysses stay'd,


s: In counsel secret with the martial maid,


s: Attendant nymphs in beauteous order wait


s: The queen, descending from her bower of state.


s: Her cheeks the warmer blush of Venus wear,


s: An ivory seat with silver ringlets graced,


s: By famed Icmalius wrought, the menials placed:


s: With ivory silver'd thick the footstool shone,


s: O'er which the panther's various hide was thrown.


s: The sovereign seat with graceful air she press'd;


s: To different tasks their toil the nymphs address'd:


s: The golden goblets some, and some restored


s: From stains of luxury the polish'd board:


s: These to remove the expiring embers came,


s: While those with unctuous fir foment the flame.


s: Renew'd the attack, incontinent of spleen:


s: "Avaunt (she cried), offensive to my sight!


s: Deem not in ambush here to lurk by night,


s: Vagrant, begone! before this blazing brand


s: Shall urge"--and waved it hissing in her hand.


s: The insulted hero rolls his wrathful eyes


s: And "Why so turbulent of soul? (he cries;)


s: Can these lean shrivell'd limbs, unnerved with age,


s: These poor but honest rags, enkindle rage?


s: In crowds, we wear the badge of hungry fate:


s: Constrain'd a rent-charge on the rich I live;


s: Reduced to crave the good I once could give:


s: A palace, wealth, and slaves, I late possess'd,


s: And all that makes the great be call'd the bless'd:


s: Embraced the poor, and dealt a bounteous dole.


s: Scorn not the sad reverse, injurious maid!


s: 'Tis Jove's high will, and be his will obey'd!


s: Nor think thyself exempt: that rosy prime


s: Must share the general doom of withering time:


s: To some new channel soon the changeful tide


s: Of royal grace the offended queen may guide;


s: And her loved lord unplume thy towering pride.


s: Or, were he dead, 'tis wisdom to beware:


s: Sweet blooms the prince beneath Apollo's care;


s: Your deeds with quick impartial eye surveys,


s: Potent to punish what he cannot praise."


s: Her keen reproach had reach'd the sovereign's ear:


s: "Loquacious insolent! (she cries,) forbear;


s: Venial discourse, unblamed, with him to hold;


s: The storied labours of my wandering lord,


s: Yet him, my guest, thy venom'd rage hath stung;


s: Thy head shall pay the forfeit of thy tongue!


s: But thou on whom my palace cares depend,


s: A seat, soft spread with furry spoils, prepare;


s: Due-distant for us both to speak, and hear."


s: The menial fair obeys with duteous haste:


s: A seat adorn'd with furry spoils she placed:


s: Due-distant for discourse the hero sate;


s: When thus the sovereign from her chair of state:


s: Thy name, thy lineage, and thy natal land."


s: He thus: "O queen! whose far-resounding fame


s: In wavy gold thy summer vales are dress'd;


s: Thy autumns bind with copious fruit oppress'd:


s: With flocks and herds each grassy plain is stored;


s: Their affluent joys the grateful realms confess;


s: And bless the power that still delights to bless,


s: Gracious permit this prayer, imperial dame!


s: Urge not this breast to heave, these eyes to weep;


s: "Their gifts the gods resumed (the queen rejoin'd),


s: When the dear partner of my nuptial joy,


s: Auxiliar troops combined, to conquer Troy.


s: My lord's protecting hand alone would raise


s: My drooping verdure, and extend my praise!


s: Peers from the distant Samian shore resort:


s: Here with Dulichians join'd, besiege the court:


s: Zacynthus, green with ever-shady groves,


s: And Ithaca, presumptuous, boast their loves:


s: Misrule thus mingling with domestic cares,


s: Receive no stranger-guest, no poor relieve;


s: But ever for my lord in secret grieve!--


s: This art, instinct by some celestial power,


s: "'Ye peers, (I cry,) who press to gain a heart,


s: Where dead Ulysses claims no future part;


s: Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend,


s: For when to fate he bows, each Grecian dame


s: With just reproach were licensed to defame,


s: Should he, long honour'd in supreme command,


s: Want the last duties of a daughter's hand.'


s: The fiction pleased; their loves I long elude;


s: The night still ravell'd what the day renew'd:


s: Three years successful in my heart conceal'd,


s: My ineffectual fraud the fourth reveal'd:


s: The woof unwrought the suitor-train surprise.


s: From nuptial rites they now no more recede,


s: My anxious parents urge a speedy choice,


s: And to their suffrage gain the filial voice.


s: His dome dishonour'd, and exhausted stores--


s: But, stranger! as thy days seem full of fate,


s: Divide discourse, in turn thy birth relate:


s: Thy port asserts thee of distinguish'd race;


s: No poor unfather'd product of disgrace."


s: "Princess! (he cries,) renew'd by your command,


s: Of secret grief unseals the fruitful source;


s: Fond tears repeat their long-forgotten course!


s: So pays the wretch whom fate constrains to roam,


s: "Crete awes the circling waves, a fruitful soil!


s: And ninety cities crown the sea-born isle:


s: Mix'd with her genuine sons, adopted names


s: In various tongues avow their various claims:


s: Cydonians, dreadful with the bended yew,


s: The Dorians, plumed amid the files of war,


s: Her foodful glebe with fierce Achaians share;


s: Where sceptred Minos with impartial hand


s: Divided right: each ninth revolving year,


s: His son, who gave me first to view the day!


s: Of matchless deeds: untrain'd to martial toil,


s: Studious of peace, and Aethon is my name.


s: 'Twas then to Crete the great Ulysses came.


s: To bright Lucina's fane; the shelfy coast


s: His vessel's moor'd (an incommodious port!)


s: In leagues of long commutual friendship join'd.


s: Vain hope! ten suns had warm'd the western strand


s: Since my brave brother, with his Cretan band,


s: Had sail'd for Troy: but to the genial feast


s: My honour'd roof received the royal guest:


s: Beeves for his train the Cnossian peers assign,


s: A public treat, with jars of generous wine.


s: Twelve days while Boreas vex'd the aerial space,


s: And when the north had ceased the stormy roar,


s: He wing'd his voyage to the Phrygian shore."


s: Thus the fam'd hero, perfected in wiles,


s: The queen's attentive ear: dissolved in woe,


s: From her bright eyes the tears unbounded flow,


s: As snows collected on the mountain freeze;


s: When milder regions breathe a vernal breeze,


s: The fleecy pile obeys the whispering gales,


s: Ends in a stream, and murmurs through the vales:


s: So, melting with the pleasing tale he told,


s: Down her fair cheek the copious torrent roll'd:


s: She to her present lord laments him lost,


s: And views that object which she wants the most,


s: Withering at heart to see the weeping fair,


s: His eyes look stern, and cast a gloomy stare;


s: Of horn the stiff relentless balls appear,


s: Or globes of iron fix'd in either sphere;


s: Firm wisdom interdicts the softening tear.


s: Till thus the queen the tender theme renews.


s: "Stranger! that e'er thy hospitable roof


s: Ulysses graced, confirm by faithful proof;


s: His form, his habit, and his train record."


s: "'Tis hard (he cries,) to bring to sudden sight


s: Ideas that have wing'd their distant flight;


s: Rare on the mind those images are traced,


s: Whose footsteps twenty winters have defaced:


s: But what I can, receive.--In ample mode,


s: O'er all his frame: illustrious on his breast,


s: The double-clasping gold the king confess'd.


s: Bore on full stretch, and seized a dappled fawn;


s: Deep in the neck his fangs indent their hold;


s: They pant and struggle in the moving gold.


s: A vest, that dazzled like a cloudless sun:


s: The female train who round him throng'd to gaze,


s: In silent wonder sigh'd unwilling praise.


s: A sabre, when the warrior press'd to part,


s: A mantle purple-tinged, and radiant vest,


s: Dimension'd equal to his size, express'd


s: Affection grateful to my honour'd guest.


s: Short woolly curls o'erfleeced his bending head,


s: O'er which a promontory shoulder spread;


s: His speech the tempest of her grief restored;


s: But when the storm was spent in plenteous showers,


s: A pause inspiriting her languish'd powers,


s: "O thou, (she cried,) whom first inclement Fate


s: With all thy wants the name of poor shall end:


s: Henceforth live honour'd, my domestic friend!


s: The vest much envied on your native coast,


s: And regal robe with figured gold emboss'd,


s: In happier hours my artful hand employ'd,


s: When my loved lord this blissful bower enjoy'd:


s: Doom'd to survive, and never to return!"


s: Then he, with pity touch'd: "O royal dame!


s: Your ever-anxious mind, and beauteous frame,


s: From the devouring rage of grief reclaim.


s: For such a lord! who crown'd your virgin love


s: With the dear blessing of a fair increase;


s: Himself adorn'd with more than mortal grace:


s: Yet while I speak the mighty woe suspend;


s: Truth forms my tale; to pleasing truth attend.


s: Breathes in no distant clime the vital air:


s: In rich Thesprotia, and the nearer bound


s: Welcomed with gifts of price, a sumless store!


s: His sacrilegious train, who dared to prey


s: Were doom'd by Jove, and Phoebus' just decree,


s: To better fate the blameless chief ordain'd,


s: A floating fragment of the wreck regain'd,


s: And rode the storm; till, by the billows toss'd,


s: Receive him joyous to their bless'd abodes;


s: Large gifts confer, a ready sail command,


s: To speed his voyage to the Grecian strand.


s: But your wise lord (in whose capacious soul


s: High schemes of power in just succession roll)


s: Till copious wealth might guard his regal state.


s: Phedon the fact affirm'd, whose sovereign sway


s: Thesprotian tribes, a duteous race, obey;


s: And bade the gods this added truth attest


s: (While pure libations crown'd the genial feast),


s: That anchor'd in his port the vessels stand,


s: By the sure precept of the sylvan shrine,


s: To form the conduct of his great design;


s: In dark disguise, or come, a king avow'd!


s: Thus lives your lord; nor longer doom'd to roam;


s: Soon will he grace this dear paternal dome.


s: By Jove, the source of good, supreme in power!


s: By the bless'd genius of this friendly bower!


s: His annual longitude of heaven shall run;


s: When the pale empress of yon starry train


s: In the next month renews her faded wane,


s: Ulysses will assert his rightful reign."


s: "What thanks! what boon! (replied the queen), are due,


s: When time shall prove the storied blessing true!


s: The wounds of Destiny's relentless rage.


s: I long must weep, nor will Ulysses come,


s: With royal gifts to send you honour'd home!--


s: Your other task, ye menial train forbear:


s: Now wash the stranger, and the bed prepare:


s: With splendid palls the downy fleece adorn:


s: His sinews, shrunk with age, and stiff with toil,


s: In the warm bath foment with fragrant oil.


s: Whoe'er neglects to pay distinction due,


s: And vainly to the praise of queen aspire,


s: Beneath the feastful bower. A narrow space


s: Confines the circle of our destin'd race;


s: 'Tis ours with good the scanty round to grace.


s: Those who to cruel wrong their state abuse,


s: Dreaded in life the mutter'd curse pursues;


s: By death disrobed of all their savage powers,


s: Then, licensed rage her hateful prey devours.


s: But he whose inborn worth his acts commend,


s: The wretched he relieves diffuse his fame,


s: And distant tongues extol the patron-name."


s: "Princess? (he cried) in vain your bounties flow


s: When my loved Crete received my final view,


s: And from my weeping eyes her cliffs withdrew;


s: These tatter'd weeds (my decent robes resign'd)


s: With splendid palls, and canopies of state:


s: Low-couch'd on earth, the gift of sleep I scorn,


s: And catch the glances of the waking morn.


s: To wash a wretched wanderer would disdain;


s: But if, in tract of long experience tried,


s: Some wretch reluctant views aerial light,


s: To her mean hand assign the friendly rite."


s: Pleased with his wise reply, the queen rejoin'd:


s: "Such gentle manners, and so sage a mind,


s: I ne'er discerned, before this social hour.


s: Such servant as your humble choice requires,


s: To light received the lord of my desires,


s: New from the birth; and with a mother's hand


s: His tender bloom to manly growth sustain'd:


s: Of matchless prudence, and a duteous mind;


s: Though now to life's extremest verge declined,


s: Of strength superior to the toil design'd--


s: For the poor friend the cleansing bath prepare:


s: This debt his correspondent fortunes claim,


s: Thus old with woes my fancy paints him now!


s: For age untimely marks the careful brow."


s: Instant, obsequious to the mild command,


s: She veils the torrent of her tearful eyes;


s: And thus impassion'd to herself replies:


s: "Son of my love, and monarch of my cares,


s: What pangs for thee this wretched bosom bears!


s: Are thus by Jove who constant beg his aid


s: With pious deed, and pure devotion, paid?


s: Long to protract the sad sepulchral hour;


s: That, form'd for empire with paternal care,


s: His realm might recognize an equal heir.


s: O destined head! The pious vows are lost;


s: His God forgets him on a foreign coast!--


s: Perhaps, like thee, poor guest! in wanton pride


s: The rich insult him, and the young deride!


s: Conscious of worth reviled, thy generous mind


s: My will concurring with my queen's command,


s: Accept the bath from this obsequious hand.


s: A strong emotion shakes my anguish'd breast:


s: In thy whole form Ulysses seems express'd;


s: Of all the wretched harboured on our coast,


s: None imaged e'er like thee my master lost."


s: Thus half-discover'd through the dark disguise,


s: With cool composure feign'd, the chief replies:


s: "You join your suffrage to the public vote;


s: The same you think have all beholders thought."


s: He said: replenish'd from the purest springs,


s: The laver straight with busy care she brings:


s: In the deep vase, that shone like burnish'd gold,


s: Meantime revolving in his thoughtful mind


s: The scar, with which his manly knee was sign'd;


s: His face averting from the crackling blaze,


s: His shoulders intercept the unfriendly rays:


s: Thus cautious in the obscure he hoped to fly


s: Cautious in vain! nor ceased the dame to find


s: This scar with which his manly knee was sign'd.


s: With glancing rage the tusky savage tore.


s: His grandsire sent him to the sylvan chase,


s: For spotless faith and deeds of martial fame:


s: Hermes, his patron god, those gifts bestow'd,


s: Whose shrine with weanling lambs he wont to load).


s: Was now disclosed to birth: the banquet ends,


s: And to his fond embrace the babe commends:


s: "Receive (she cries) your royal daughter's son;


s: And name the blessing that your prayers have won."


s: Then thus the hoary chief: "My victor arms


s: Have awed the realms around with dire alarms:


s: The boy shall bear; Ulysses be his name!


s: And when with filial love the youth shall come


s: To view his mother's soil, my Delphic dome


s: With gifts of price shall send him joyous home."


s: Lured with the promised boon, when youthful prime


s: Ulysses sought; with fond affection dear


s: Amphitea's arms received the royal heir:


s: Her ancient lord an equal joy possess'd;


s: Instant he bade prepare the genial feast:


s: A steer to form the sumptuous banquet bled,


s: Whose stately growth five flowery summers fed:


s: His sons divide, and roast with artful care


s: The limbs; then all the tasteful viands share.


s: Nor ceased discourse (the banquet of the soul),


s: Till Phoebus wheeling to the western goal


s: Resign'd the skies, and night involved the pole.


s: Their drooping eyes the slumberous shade oppress'd,


s: Sated they rose, and all retired to rest.


s: Soon as the morn, new-robed in purple light,


s: Pierced with her golden shafts the rear of night,


s: Parnassus, thick perplex'd with horrid shades,


s: With deep-mouth'd hounds the hunter-troop invades;


s: What time the sun, from ocean's peaceful stream,


s: Darts o'er the lawn his horizontal beam.


s: The pack impatient snuff the tainted gale;


s: The thorny wilds the woodmen fierce assail:


s: And, foremost of the train, his cornel spear


s: A lofty copse, the growth of ages, stood;


s: Nor winter's boreal blast, nor thunderous shower,


s: Nor solar ray, could pierce the shady bower.


s: With wither'd foliage strew'd, a heapy store!


s: Roused by the hounds' and hunters' mingling cries,


s: The savage from his leafy shelter flies;


s: With fiery glare his sanguine eye-balls shine,


s: And bristles high impale his horrid chine.


s: Poising his lifted lance in act to throw;


s: The savage renders vain the wound decreed,


s: And springs impetuous with opponent speed!


s: His tusks oblique he aim'd, the knee to gore;


s: Aslope they glanced, the sinewy fibres tore,


s: Soon with redoubled force the wound repaid;


s: To the right shoulder-joint the spear applied,


s: His further flank with streaming purple dyed:


s: With joy and vast surprise, the applauding train


s: View'd his enormous bulk extended on the plain.


s: With bandage firm Ulysses' knee they bound;


s: Then, chanting mystic lays, the closing wound


s: The tides of life regain'd their azure course.


s: Then back they led the youth with loud acclaim;


s: Confirm'd the cure; and from the Delphic dome


s: With added gifts return'd him glorious home.


s: Relates the chase, and early praise achieved.


s: Deep o'er his knee inseam'd remain'd the scar;


s: When Euryclea found, the ablution ceased:


s: Down dropp'd the leg, from her slack hand released;


s: The mingled fluids from the base redound;


s: The vase reclining floats the floor around!


s: Smiles dew'd with tears the pleasing strife express'd


s: Of grief and joy, alternate in her breast.


s: Her fluttering words in melting murmurs died;


s: At length abrupt--"My son!--my king!"--she cried.


s: His neck with fond embrace infolding fast,


s: Full on the queen her raptured eye she cast


s: Ardent to speak the monarch safe restored:


s: But, studious to conceal her royal lord,


s: And from the present bliss abstracts her thought.


s: "Art thou foredoom'd my pest? (the hero cried:)


s: Thy milky founts my infant lips have drain'd;


s: And have the Fates thy babbling age ordain'd


s: To violate the life thy youth sustain'd?


s: An exile have I told, with weeping eyes,


s: Full twenty annual suns in distant skies;


s: At length return'd, some god inspires thy breast


s: To know thy king, and here I stand confess'd.


s: This heaven-discover'd truth to thee consign'd,


s: Reserve the treasure of thy inmost mind:


s: Else, if the gods my vengeful arm sustain,


s: And prostrate to my sword the suitor-train;


s: With their lewd mates, thy undistinguish'd age


s: Shall bleed a victim to vindictive rage."