s: On deathless meads from happy stream to stream.


s: «Were there no Olympus for thee, my love


s: Would make thee one, where thou sole god mightst prove,


s: For love and me and what to me thou art.


s: To have thee is a thing made of gods' stuff


s: And to look on thee eternity's best part.


s: «O love, my love! Awake with my strong will


s: The latest god, whose honey-coloured hair


s: Takes divine eyes! As thou wert on earth, still


s: With elder gods, while I on earth do make


s: A statue for thy deathlessness' seen sake.


s: «That deathless statue of thee I shall build


s: Will be no stone thing, but my great regret


s: My sorrow shall make thee its god, and set


s: That looks over the seas of future times.


s: Some shall say all our love was vice and crimes.


s: Others against our names, as stones, shall whet


s: The knife of their glad hate of beauty, and make


s: Our name a pillory, a scaffold and a stake


s: Whereon to burn our brothers yet unborn.


s: Yet shall our presence, like eternal morn,


s: Out of the East of Love, and be the shrine


s: Of future gods that nothing human scorn.


s: «My love for thee is part of what thou wert


s: And shall be part of what thy statue will be.


s: Ay, were't a statue to be broken and missed,


s: Would, still more perfect, on Time's shoulders borne,


s: In that perfection of body, which my love,


s: Raise into godness, set above the strife


s: Of times and changing passions far above.


s: «The end of days, when Jove is born again,


s: Shall see our dual soul from death released


s: Life--all the beauty and the vice and lust,


s: All the diviner side of flesh, flesh-staged.


s: By the giant race of the end of ages must


s: Our dual presence once again be raised.»


s: It rained still. But slow-treading night came in


s: Closing the weary eyelids of each sense.


s: Grew, like a landscape through dim raining, dim.


s: The Emperor lay still, so still that now


s: He half forgot where now he lay, or whence


s: The sorrow that was still salt on his lips.


s: All had been something very far, a scroll


s: Rolled up. The things he felt were like the rim


s: That haloes round the moon when the night weeps.


s: His head was bowed into his arms, and they


s: On the low couch, foreign to his sense, lay.


s: His closed eyes seemed open to him and seeing


s: The naked floor, dark, cold, sad and unmeaning.


s: His hurting breath was all his sense could know.


s: Out of the falling darkness the wind rose


s: And fell. A voice swooned in the courts below.


s: And bore something away, no sense knows how,


s: Muse make the man thy theme, for shrewdness famed


s: And manners learn'd of men, in lands remote.


s: He num'rous woes on Ocean toss'd, endured,


s: His followers to their home; yet all his care


s: Preserved them not; they perish'd self-destroy'd


s: By their own fault; infatuate! who devoured


s: And, punish'd for that crime, return'd no more.


s: Daughter divine of Jove, these things record,


s: As it may please thee, even in our ears.


s: The rest, all those who had perdition 'scaped


s: By war or on the Deep, dwelt now at home;


s: Wooing him to her arms. But when, at length,


s: (Many a long year elapsed) the year arrived


s: Although surrounded by his people, reach'd


s: The period of his suff'rings and his toils.


s: Yet all the Gods, with pity moved, beheld


s: His woes, save Neptune; He alone with wrath


s: But Neptune, now, the Æthiopians fought,


s: These Eastward situate, those toward the West)


s: Call'd to an hecatomb of bulls and lambs.


s: There sitting, pleas'd he banqueted; the Gods


s: In Jove's abode, meantime, assembled all,


s: 'Midst whom the Sire of heav'n and earth began.


s: That dread event, the Immortals thus address'd.


s: The Pow'rs of Heav'n! From us, they say, proceed


s: The ills which they endure, yet more than Fate


s: Herself inflicts, by their own crimes incur.


s: So now Ægisthus, by no force constrained


s: Slew, not unwarn'd of his own dreadful end


s: The watchful Argicide, who bade him fear


s: Alike, to slay the King, or woo the Queen.


s: His sway imperial, should avenge the deed.


s: So Hermes spake, but his advice moved not


s: Ægisthus, on whose head the whole arrear


s: Of vengeance heap'd, at last, hath therefore fall'n.


s: Whom answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed.


s: Oh Jove, Saturnian Sire, o'er all supreme!


s: So perish all, who shall, like him, offend.


s: Ulysses, hapless Chief! who from his friends


s: Remote, affliction hath long time endured


s: In yonder wood-land isle, the central boss


s: Daughter of sapient Atlas, who the abyss


s: Knows to its bottom, and the pillars high


s: Himself upbears which sep'rate earth from heav'n.


s: His daughter, there, the sorrowing Chief detains,


s: And ever with smooth speech insidious seeks


s: The smoke ascending from his native land,


s: Death covets. Canst thou not, Olympian Jove!


s: Thee gratified, while yet at Troy he fought?


s: How hath he then so deep incensed thee, Jove?


s: To whom, the cloud-assembler God replied.


s: What word hath pass'd thy lips, Daughter belov'd?


s: To us whose dwelling is the boundless heav'n?


s: Earth-circling Neptune--He it is whose wrath


s: Pursues him ceaseless for the Cyclops' sake


s: From Phorcys sprung, by Ocean's mighty pow'r


s: E'er since that day, the Shaker of the shores,


s: Although he slay him not, yet devious drives


s: Contrive we now, both means and prosp'rous end;


s: So Neptune shall his wrath remit, whose pow'r


s: In contest with the force of all the Gods


s: Of this our fixt resolve, that to his home


s: Inspire, that (the Achaians all convened


s: In council,) he may, instant, bid depart


s: The suitors from his home, who, day by day,


s: His num'rous flocks and fatted herds consume.


s: And I will send him thence to Sparta forth,


s: (If hear he may) some tidings of his Sire,


s: This said, her golden sandals to her feet


s: She bound, ambrosial, which o'er all the earth


s: And o'er the moist flood waft her fleet as air,


s: Then, seizing her strong spear pointed with brass,


s: In length and bulk, and weight a matchless beam,


s: With which the Jove-born Goddess levels ranks


s: Of Heroes, against whom her anger burns,


s: Apparent stood; there, grasping her bright spear,


s: Of Taphos' isle--she found the haughty throng


s: The suitors; they before the palace gate


s: With iv'ry cubes sported, on num'rous hides


s: Reclined of oxen which themselves had slain.


s: Minister'd to them; these their mantling cups


s: With water slaked; with bibulous sponges those


s: Made clean the tables, set the banquet on,


s: And portioned out to each his plenteous share.


s: Mark'd her, for sad amid them all he sat,


s: Pourtraying in deep thought contemplative


s: Perchance the Hero might return to chase


s: From all his palace that imperious herd,


s: The Goddess, and sprang forth, for he abhorr'd


s: To see a guest's admittance long delay'd;


s: Approaching eager, her right hand he seized,


s: The brazen spear took from her, and in words


s: With welcome wing'd Minerva thus address'd.


s: Stranger, all hail! to share our cordial love


s: Thou com'st; the banquet finish'd, thou shalt next


s: Inform me wherefore thou hast here arrived.


s: So saying, toward the spacious hall he moved,


s: Beneath the lofty roof, placed her bright spear


s: The armoury where many a spear had stood,


s: Bright weapons of his own illustrious Sire.


s: Then, leading her toward a footstool'd throne


s: From that rude throng, and for himself disposed


s: A throne of various colours at her side,


s: Lest, stunn'd with clamour of the lawless band,


s: The new-arrived should loth perchance to eat,


s: And that more free he might the stranger's ear


s: With questions of his absent Sire address,


s: And now a maiden charg'd with golden ew'r,


s: Pure water on their hands, supplied them, next,


s: With a resplendent table, which the chaste


s: Directress of the stores furnish'd with bread


s: And dainties, remnants of the last regale.


s: Then, in his turn, the sewer with sav'ry meats,


s: Dish after dish, served them, of various kinds,


s: And golden cups beside the chargers placed,


s: Which the attendant herald fill'd with wine.


s: Ere long, in rush'd the suitors, and the thrones


s: And couches occupied, on all whose hands


s: The heralds pour'd pure water; then the maids


s: Attended them with bread in baskets heap'd,


s: And eager they assail'd the ready feast.


s: At length, when neither thirst nor hunger more


s: Their thoughts they turn'd, to song and sprightly dance,


s: Enlivening sequel of the banquet's joys.


s: An herald, then, to Phemius' hand consign'd


s: His beauteous lyre; he through constraint regaled


s: The suitors with his song, and while the chords


s: He struck in prelude to his pleasant strains,


s: To Pallas' ear, lest others should his words


s: Witness, the blue-eyed Goddess thus bespake.


s: My inmate and my friend! far from my lips


s: Be ev'ry word that might displease thine ear!


s: The song--the harp,--what can they less than charm


s: These wantons? who the bread unpurchased eat


s: Lie mould'ring, drench'd by all the show'rs of heaven,


s: Ah! could they see him once to his own isle


s: Restored, both gold and raiment they would wish


s: Far less, and nimbleness of foot instead.


s: Past question perish'd, and what news soe'er


s: In us, convinced that he returns no more.


s: Who art thou? whence? where stands thy city? where


s: Thy father's mansion? In what kind of ship


s: Cam'st thou? Why steer'd the mariners their course


s: For that on foot thou found'st us not, is sure.


s: This also tell me, hast thou now arrived


s: New to our isle, or wast thou heretofore


s: My father's guest? Since many to our house


s: Drew pow'rful to himself the hearts of all.


s: Then Pallas thus, Goddess cærulean-eyed.


s: Mentes, the offspring of a Chief renown'd


s: An island race, the Taphians oar-expert.


s: Athwart the gloomy flood, in quest of brass


s: For which I barter steel, ploughing the waves


s: Were friends long since; as, when thou seest him next,


s: Of whom, I learn, that he frequents no more


s: Dwells sorrowful, and by an antient dame


s: With food and drink supplied oft as he feels


s: Refreshment needful to him, while he creeps


s: Between the rows of his luxuriant vines.


s: Which spake thy Sire arrived, though still it seems


s: For not yet breathless lies the noble Chief,


s: But in some island of the boundless flood


s: Of some rude race detained reluctant there.


s: And I will now foreshow thee what the Gods


s: Teach me, and what, though neither augur skill'd


s: Nor prophet, I yet trust shall come to pass.


s: He shall not, henceforth, live an exile long


s: From his own shores, no, not although in bands


s: Of iron held, but will ere long contrive


s: His own return; for in expedients, framed


s: But tell me true; art thou, in stature such,


s: And eyes bright-sparkling, strongly indicate


s: Conversed together thus, thy Sire and I,


s: Ere yet he went to Troy, the mark to which


s: Stranger! I tell thee true; my mother's voice


s: Affirms me his, but since no mortal knows


s: Would I had been son of some happier Sire,


s: To reach the verge of life. But now, report


s: Unhappiest deem.--Thy question is resolved.


s: Then answer thus Pallas blue-eyed return'd.


s: The Gods shall prove thee sprung, whom so endow'd


s: But tell me true. What festival is this?


s: This throng--whence are they? wherefore hast thou need


s: Their riotous banquet! a wise man and good


s: Since, stranger! thou hast ask'd, learn also this.


s: While yet Ulysses, with his people dwelt,


s: His presence warranted the hope that here


s: Virtue should dwell and opulence; but heav'n


s: Hath cast for us, at length, a diff'rent lot,


s: For I should less lament even his death,


s: Had he among his friends at Ilium fall'n,


s: Troy's siege accomplish'd. Then his tomb the Greeks


s: Of ev'ry tribe had built, and for his son,


s: He had immortal glory atchieved; but now,


s: By harpies torn inglorious, beyond reach


s: Grief only, and unceasing sighs bequeath'd.


s: Nor mourn I for his sake alone; the Gods


s: Have plann'd for me still many a woe beside;


s: For all the rulers of the neighbour isles,


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


s: In marriage, and my household stores consume.


s: But neither she those nuptial rites abhorr'd,


s: Meantime, and will not long spare even me.


s: To whom, with deep commiseration pang'd,


s: Pallas replied. Alas! great need hast thou


s: These num'rous wrongs; for could he now appear


s: There, at yon portal, arm'd with helmet, shield,


s: And grasping his two spears, such as when first


s: In his swift bark, seeking some pois'nous drug


s: Wherewith to taint his brazen arrows keen,


s: Which drug through fear of the eternal Gods


s: Gave to him, for he loved him past belief)


s: Could now, Ulysses, clad in arms as then,


s: Mix with these suitors, short his date of life


s: To each, and bitter should his nuptials prove.


s: But these events, whether he shall return


s: To take just vengeance under his own roof,


s: Or whether not, lie all in the Gods lap.


s: Meantime I counsel thee, thyself to think


s: By what means likeliest thou shalt expel


s: These from thy doors. Now mark me: close attend.


s: To council, speak to them, and call the Gods


s: The suitors hence, each to his own abode.


s: On marriage, let her to the house return


s: Shall furnish forth her matrimonial rites,


s: And ample dow'r, such as it well becomes


s: The prime of all thy ships preparing, mann'd


s: With twenty rowers, voyage hence to seek


s: Perchance, by Jove directed (safest source


s: Of notice to mankind) may reach thine ear.


s: Latest arrived of all the host of Greece.


s: There should'st thou learn that still thy father lives,


s: Distress'd, thou wilt be patient yet a year.


s: But should'st thou there hear tidings that he breathes


s: First heap his tomb; then with such pomp perform


s: His funeral rites as his great name demands,


s: And make thy mother's spousals, next, thy care.


s: Whether thou shalt these troublers of thy house


s: For thou art now no child, nor longer may'st


s: Sport like one. Hast thou not the proud report


s: With all mankind, his father's murtherer


s: Who slaughter'd Agamemnon? Oh my friend!


s: (For with delight thy vig'rous growth I view,


s: I may perchance have troubled. Weigh thou well


s: Stranger! thy words bespeak thee much my friend,


s: Hast taught me, and I never will forget.


s: But, though in haste thy voyage to pursue,


s: Yet stay, that in the bath refreshing first


s: Thy limbs now weary, thou may'st sprightlier seek


s: Thy gallant bark, charged with some noble gift


s: Of finish'd workmanship, which thou shalt keep


s: As men confer on guests whom much they love.


s: Then Pallas thus, Goddess cærulean-eyed.


s: The treasure home; and, in exchange, thyself


s: She spake, and as with eagle-wings upborne,


s: Dearer remembrance of his Sire impress'd


s: Than ever. Conscious of the wond'rous change,


s: Amazed he stood, and, in his secret thought


s: Revolving all, believed his guest a God.


s: Repair'd; they silent, listen'd to the song


s: Meantime the song celestial, where she sat


s: Not sole, for two fair handmaids follow'd her.


s: In presence of that lawless throng, beneath


s: The portal of her stately mansion stood,


s: Between her maidens, with her lucid veil


s: Her lovely features mantling. There, profuse


s: She wept, and thus the sacred bard bespake.


s: Phemius! for many a sorrow-soothing strain


s: Thou know'st beside, such as exploits record


s: Of Gods and men, the poet's frequent theme;


s: Give them of those a song, and let themselves


s: Their wine drink noiseless; but this mournful strain


s: Break off, unfriendly to my bosom's peace,


s: And which of all hearts nearest touches mine,


s: With such regret my dearest Lord I mourn,


s: Rememb'ring still an husband praised from side


s: To side, and in the very heart of Greece.


s: My mother! wherefore should it give thee pain


s: If the delightful bard that theme pursue


s: To which he feels his mind impell'd? the bard


s: Blame not, but rather Jove, who, as he wills,


s: Wins ever from the hearers most applause


s: That has been least in use. Of all who fought


s: His day of glad return; but many a Chief


s: Hath perish'd also. Seek thou then again


s: Thy own apartment, spindle ply and loom,


s: And task thy maidens; management belongs


s: She heard astonish'd; and the prudent speech


s: Her upper chamber. There arrived, she wept


s: Then echoed through the palace dark-bedimm'd


s: With evening shades the suitors boist'rous roar,


s: For each the royal bed burn'd to partake,


s: Whom thus Telemachus discrete address'd.


s: All ye my mother's suitors, though addict


s: To contumacious wrangling fierce, suspend


s: Your clamour, for a course to me it seems


s: More decent far, when such a bard as this,


s: Godlike, for sweetness, sings, to hear his song.


s: From this our mansion. Seek ye where ye may


s: Your feasts; consume your own; alternate feed


s: Each at the other's cost; but if it seem


s: Of one man, rend'ring no account of all,


s: Bite to the roots; but know that I will cry


s: That Jove, for retribution of the wrong,


s: Shall doom you, where ye have intruded, there


s: To bleed, and of your blood ask no account.


s: He ended, and each gnaw'd his lip, aghast


s: Then thus Antinoüs spake, Eupithes' son.


s: Telemachus! the Gods, methinks, themselves


s: Thy matter fearless. Ah forbid it, Jove!


s: That one so eloquent should with the weight


s: Although my speech Antinoüs may, perchance,


s: From kingly cares, if Jove appoint me such.


s: So station'd, waits not long ere he obtain


s: Riches and honour. But I grant that Kings


s: Of Polybus. What Grecian Chief shall reign


s: Thy own, and to command in thy own house.


s: May never that man on her shores arrive,


s: Thine from thee. But permit me, noble Sir!


s: To ask thee of thy guest. Whence came the man?


s: What country claims him? Where are to be found


s: Brings he glad tidings of thy Sire's approach


s: Due to himself? How swift he disappear'd!


s: To those who wish'd it; for his face and air


s: Him speak not of Plebeian birth obscure.


s: If such arrive; nor he'd I more the song


s: Of sooth-sayers whom my mother may consult.


s: But this my guest hath known in other days


s: And Chief of the sea-practis'd Taphian race.


s: Knew well his guest a Goddess from the skies.


s: Then they to dance and heart-enlivening song


s: Turn'd joyous, waiting the approach of eve,


s: And dusky evening found them joyous still.


s: Then each, to his own house retiring, sought


s: Of the wide hall, retired; but with a heart


s: A torch, preceded him; her sire was Ops,


s: Paying with twenty beeves her purchase-price,


s: Nor in less honour than his spotless wife


s: He held her ever, but his consort's wrath


s: Fearing, at no time call'd her to his bed.


s: She bore the torches, and with truer heart


s: For she had nurs'd him in his infant years.


s: He open'd his broad chamber-valves, and sat


s: On his couch-side: then putting off his vest


s: Of softest texture, placed it in the hands


s: Of the attendant dame discrete, who first


s: Drew by its silver ring the portal close,


s: And fasten'd it with bolt and brace secure.


s: Reposed, contemplating all night his course


s: Prescribed by Pallas to the Pylian shore.


s: We are told that Homer was under obligations to Mentes, who had


s: Milton uses the word--Sewers and seneschals.


s: Now ting'd the East, when habited again,


s: Athwart his back his faulchion keen he flung,


s: His sandals bound to his unsullied feet,


s: And, godlike, issued from his chamber-door.


s: At once the clear-voic'd heralds he enjoin'd


s: To call the Greeks to council; they aloud


s: Gave forth the summons, and the throng began.


s: When all were gather'd, and the assembly full,


s: Himself, his hand arm'd with a brazen spear,


s: Went also; nor alone he went; his hounds


s: Fleet-footed follow'd him, a faithful pair.


s: The whole admiring concourse gaz'd on him,


s: The seniors gave him place, and down he sat


s: On his paternal Throne. Then grave arose


s: Was he, and by experience deep-inform'd.


s: His son had with Ulysses, godlike Chief,


s: On board his fleet to steed-fam'd Ilium gone,


s: The savage Cyclops slew, and on his flesh


s: At ev'ning made obscene his last regale.


s: Found constant managing their Sire's concerns.


s: Of these, his absent eldest, whom he mourn'd


s: Ceaseless, and thus his speech, weeping, began.


s: Nor council here nor session hath been held


s: Since great Ulysses left his native shore.


s: Hath urged him, whether of our youth he be,


s: Have tidings reach'd him of our host's return,


s: Which here he would divulge? or brings he aught


s: Worthy to prosper, and may Jove vouchsafe


s: The full performance of his chief desire!


s: He sat not long, but, moving to the midst,


s: Received the sceptre from Pisenor's hand,


s: His prudent herald, and addressing, next,


s: Not far remote, as thou shalt soon thyself


s: Perceive, oh venerable Chief! he stands,


s: Who hath convened this council. I, am He.


s: I am in chief the suff'rer. Tidings none


s: Which here I would divulge, nor bring I aught


s: But my own trouble, on my own house fall'n,


s: And two-fold fall'n. One is, that I have lost


s: Benign their children, govern'd once yourselves;


s: With ruin threatens my whole house, and all


s: Suitors, (their children who in this our isle


s: Icarius, who might give his daughter dow'r,


s: And portion her to whom he most approves,


s: (A course which, only named, moves their disgust)


s: They chuse, assembling all within my gates


s: Daily to make my beeves, my sheep, my goats


s: Their banquet, and to drink without restraint


s: My wine; whence ruin threatens us and ours;


s: Too feeble should be found, and yet to learn


s: How best to use the little force we own;


s: Else, had I pow'r, I would, myself, redress


s: All suff'rance, now they ravage uncontroul'd,


s: Oh be ashamed yourselves; blush at the thought


s: From all our neighbour states, and fear beside


s: The wrath of the Immortals, lest they call


s: Whose voice convenes all councils, and again


s: Dissolves them, Themis, that henceforth ye cease,


s: That ye permit me, oh my friends! to wear


s: Whose wrongs ye purpose to avenge on me,


s: Were my condition, if yourselves consumed


s: I might obtain, perchance, righteous amends


s: Hereafter; you I might with vehement suit


s: O'ercome, from house to house pleading aloud


s: For recompense, till I at last prevail'd.


s: But now, with darts of anguish ye transfix


s: He spake impassion'd, and to earth cast down


s: His sceptre, weeping. Pity at that sight


s: Seiz'd all the people; mute the assembly sat


s: Long time, none dared to greet Telemachus


s: With answer rough, till of them all, at last,


s: And deep-wrought subterfuge, deserves the blame.


s: Shall be the fourth, since with delusive art


s: Practising on their minds, she hath deceived


s: The Greecians; message after message sent


s: Brings hope to each, by turns, and promise fair,


s: But she, meantime, far otherwise intends.


s: Her other arts exhausted all, she framed


s: And subtlest woof beginning, thus she spake.


s: Princes, my suitors! since the noble Chief


s: My nuptials, wait till I shall finish, first,


s: A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads decay)


s: When fate shall snatch him to eternal rest;


s: Should he, so wealthy, want at last a shroud.


s: So spake the Queen, and unsuspicious, we


s: With her request complied. Thenceforth, all day


s: Three years by such contrivance she deceived


s: The Greecians; but when (three whole years elaps'd)


s: The fourth arriv'd, then, conscious of the fraud,


s: A damsel of her train told all the truth,


s: And her we found rav'ling the beauteous work.


s: Thus, through necessity she hath, at length,


s: Perform'd the task, and in her own despight.


s: Now therefore, for the information clear


s: Of thee thyself, and of the other Greeks,


s: We answer. Send thy mother hence, with charge


s: That him she wed on whom her father's choice


s: Shall fall, and whom she shall, herself, approve.


s: Works of surpassing skill, ingenious thought,


s: And subtle shifts, such as no beauteous Greek


s: (For aught that we have heard) in antient times


s: E'er match'd Penelope, although we yield


s: To this her last invention little praise,


s: Then know, that these her suitors will consume


s: As she her present purpose shall indulge,


s: With which the Gods inspire her. Great renown


s: Go we, of that be sure, nor yet elsewhere,


s: Till him she wed, to whom she most inclines.


s: That I should thrust her forth against her will,


s: Who both produced and reared me. Be he dead,


s: Refund, which hardship were and loss to me.


s: From my offended Sire, and from the Gods


s: Still more; for she, departing, would invoke


s: Beside would follow me from all mankind.


s: That word I, therefore, never will pronounce.


s: No, if ye judge your treatment at her hands


s: Injurious to you, go ye forth yourselves,


s: Forsake my mansion; seek where else ye may


s: Your feasts; consume your own; alternate feed


s: Each at the other's cost. But if it seem


s: Of one man, rend'ring no account of all,


s: Bite to the roots; but know that I will cry


s: Shall doom you, where ye have intruded, there


s: To bleed, and of your blood ask no account.


s: So spake Telemachus, and while he spake,


s: Turn'd off two eagles; on the winds, awhile,


s: With outspread pinions ample side by side


s: They floated; but, ere long, hov'ring aloft,


s: Right o'er the midst of the assembled Chiefs


s: They wheel'd around, clang'd all their num'rous plumes,


s: And with a downward look eyeing the throng,


s: The other's face and neck, they sprang at once


s: Toward the right, and darted through the town.


s: Seized the assembly, and with anxious thought


s: Each scann'd the future; amidst whom arose


s: Though chief my speech shall to the suitors look,


s: For, on their heads devolved, comes down the woe.


s: Ulysses shall not from his friends, henceforth,


s: Live absent long, but, hasting to his home,


s: Comes even now, and as he comes, designs


s: A bloody death for these, whose bitter woes


s: Their violent deeds, or rather let themselves


s: Repentant cease; and soonest shall be best.


s: The future, and the accomplishment announce


s: Of all which when Ulysses with the Greeks


s: Embark'd for Troy, I to himself foretold.


s: Of all his people, in the twentieth year,


s: Unknown to all, he should regain his home,


s: And my prediction shall be now fulfill'd.


s: Him, then, Eurymachus thus answer'd rough


s: Thy children to escape woes else to come.


s: Birds num'rous flutter in the beams of day,


s: Not all predictive. Death, far hence remote


s: Hath found Ulysses, and I would to heav'n


s: That, where he died, thyself had perish'd too.


s: Thou hadst not then run o'er with prophecy


s: Perchance, for thine some favour at his hands.


s: But I to _thee_ foretell, skilled as thou art


s: In legends old, (nor shall my threat be vain)


s: Woe first the heavier on himself shall fall,


s: Nor shalt thou profit him by thy attempt,


s: And we will charge thee also with a mulct,


s: Which thou shalt pay with difficulty, and bear


s: Myself, and press the measure on his choice


s: Earnestly, that he send his mother hence


s: To her own father's house, who shall, himself,


s: Set forth her nuptial rites, and shall endow


s: His daughter sumptuously, and as he ought.


s: Till then shall never cease; since we regard


s: In words exub'rant; neither fear we aught


s: But only hate thee for their sake the more.


s: The suitors in suspense, for, day by day,


s: Nor shall we, going hence, seek to espouse


s: Each his own comfort suitable elsewhere.


s: Illustrious, I have spoken: ye shall hear


s: The Gods, and all the Greeks, now know the truth.


s: With twenty rowers, skill'd their course to win


s: Of my long-absent Sire, or from the lips


s: Of man, or by a word from Jove vouchsafed


s: Himself, best source of notice to mankind.


s: If, there inform'd that still my father lives,


s: Distress'd, I shall be patient yet a year.


s: But should I learn, haply, that he survives


s: No longer, then, returning, I will raise


s: At home his tomb, will with such pomp perform


s: His fun'ral rites, as his great name demands,


s: And give my mother's hand to whom I may.


s: To whom, embarking thence, he had consign'd


s: All his concerns, that the old Chief might rule


s: Henceforth, benevolent, gracious, humane


s: Or righteous, but let every sceptred hand


s: Rule merciless, and deal in wrong alone,


s: Since none of all his people, whom he sway'd


s: That the imperious suitors thus should weave


s: The web of mischief and atrocious wrong,


s: I grudge not; since at hazard of their heads


s: All mute, and though a multitude, yourselves,


s: Opposed to few, risque not a single word


s: To check the license of these bold intruders!


s: How dar'st thou move the populace against


s: The suitors? Trust me they should find it hard,


s: A feast the prize. Or should the King himself


s: T' expell the jovial suitors from his house,


s: His presence should afford her little joy;


s: For fighting sole with many, he should meet


s: A dreadful death. Thou, therefore, speak'st amiss.


s: And Halytherses furnish forth, the friends


s: Long valued of his Sire, with all dispatch;


s: Though him I judge far likelier to remain


s: Than to perform the voyage now proposed.


s: Thus saying, Liocritus dissolved in haste


s: The council, and the scattered concourse sought


s: Their sev'ral homes, while all the suitors flock'd


s: Thence to the palace of their absent King.


s: First laved his hands, then, thus to Pallas pray'd.


s: Beneath my roof, and didst enjoin me then


s: Now hear my suit and gracious interpose!


s: Such pray'r he made; then Pallas, in the form,


s: And with the voice of Mentor, drawing nigh,


s: In accents wing'd, him kindly thus bespake.


s: Nor base, nor poor in talents. If, in truth,


s: Thou have received from heav'n thy father's force


s: In promptness both of action and of speech,


s: Thy voyage shall not useless be, or vain.


s: His son, I, then, hope not for good effect


s: Of this design which, ardent, thou pursuest.


s: Few sons their fathers equal; most appear


s: Degenerate; but we find, though rare, sometimes


s: And since thyself shalt neither base be found


s: Of talents, such as grace thy royal Sire,


s: I therefore hope success of thy attempt.


s: Heed not the suitors' projects; neither wise


s: Are they, nor just, nor aught suspect the doom


s: Which now approaches them, and in one day


s: Shall overwhelm them all. No long suspense


s: Shall hold thy purposed enterprise in doubt,


s: Such help from me, of old thy father's friend,


s: Thou shalt receive, who with a bark well-oar'd


s: Will serve thee, and myself attend thee forth.


s: But haste, join thou the suitors, and provide,


s: In sep'rate vessels stow'd, all needful stores,


s: Wine in thy jars, and flour, the strength of man,


s: In skins close-seam'd. I will, meantime, select


s: Such as shall voluntary share thy toils.


s: Abound, and I will chuse, myself, for thee


s: The prime of all, which without more delay


s: We will launch out into the spacious Deep.


s: Thus Pallas spake, daughter of Jove; nor long,


s: So greeted by the voice divine, remain'd


s: Distress'd in heart. He found the suitors there


s: Goats slaying in the hall, and fatted swine


s: Roasting; when with a laugh Antinoüs flew


s: To meet him, fasten'd on his hand, and said,


s: Give harbour in thy breast on no account


s: And freely drink, committing all thy cares


s: To the Achaians, who shall furnish forth


s: A gallant ship and chosen crew for thee,


s: That thou may'st hence to Pylus with all speed,


s: Tidings to learn of thy illustrious Sire.


s: With guests so insolent, nor can indulge


s: The pleasures of a mind at ease, with you.


s: Is't not enough, suitors, that ye have used


s: While I was yet a child? now, grown mature,


s: Within me conscious of augmented pow'rs,


s: I go, indeed, (nor shall my voyage prove


s: Of which I speak, bootless or vain) I go


s: That honour (so ye judg'd it best) by you.


s: He said, and from Antinoüs' hand his own


s: Still taunting as they toil'd, and with sharp speech


s: Our slaughter; either he will aids procure


s: From sandy Pylus, or will bring them arm'd


s: From Sparta; such is his tremendous drift.


s: He will proceed, seeking some baneful herb


s: Which cast into our cup, shall drug us all.


s: To whom some haughty suitor thus replied.


s: Who knows but that himself, wand'ring the sea


s: From all his friends and kindred far remote,


s: Should double toil ensue, on whom the charge


s: To parcel out his wealth would then devolve,


s: For his abode whom she should chance to wed.


s: So sported they; but he, ascending sought


s: His father's lofty chamber, where his heaps


s: He kept of brass and gold, garments in chests,


s: And oils of fragrant scent, a copious store.


s: There many a cask with season'd nectar fill'd


s: The grape's pure juice divine, beside the wall


s: Stood orderly arranged, waiting the hour


s: (Should e'er such hour arrive) when, after woes


s: Num'rous, Ulysses should regain his home.


s: Secure that chamber was with folding doors


s: Of massy planks compact, and night and day,


s: Guardian discrete of all the treasures there,


s: Whom, thither call'd, Telemachus address'd.


s: Nurse! draw me forth sweet wine into my jars,


s: Delicious next to that which thou reserv'st


s: For our poor wand'rer; if escaping death


s: Fill twelve, and stop them close; pour also meal


s: Well mill'd (full twenty measures) into skins


s: Close-seam'd, and mention what thou dost to none.


s: I will convey them hence, soon as the Queen,


s: Retiring to her couch, shall seek repose.


s: For hence to Sparta will I take my course,


s: (If hear I may) of my lov'd Sire's return.


s: He ceas'd, then wept his gentle nurse that sound


s: Hearing, and in wing'd accents thus replied.


s: My child! ah, wherefore hath a thought so rash


s: Possess'd thee? whither, only and belov'd,


s: Seek'st thou to ramble, travelling, alas!


s: Dead lies the Hero in some land unknown,


s: And thou no sooner shalt depart, than these


s: Will plot to slay thee, and divide thy wealth.


s: No, stay with us who love thee. Need is none


s: That thou should'st on the barren Deep distress


s: Whom, prudent, thus answer'd Telemachus.


s: Take courage, nurse! for not without consent


s: But swear, that till eleven days be past,


s: Or twelve, or, till enquiry made, she learn


s: Lest all her beauties fade by grief impair'd.


s: Solemnly by the Gods; which done, she fill'd


s: With wine the vessels and the skins with meal,


s: And he, returning, join'd the throng below.


s: Then Pallas, Goddess azure-eyed, her thoughts


s: Elsewhere directing, all the city ranged


s: Renown'd of Phronius, ask'd, herself, a bark,


s: Which soon as ask'd, he promis'd to supply.


s: Now set the sun, and twilight dimm'd the ways,


s: When, drawing down his bark into the Deep,


s: He gave her all her furniture, oars, arms


s: And tackle, such as well-built galleys bear,


s: Then moor'd her in the bottom of the bay.


s: Meantime, his mariners in haste repair'd


s: Down to the shore, for Pallas urged them on.


s: The Goddess sought the palace, where with dews


s: Of slumber drenching ev'ry suitor's eye,


s: She fool'd the drunkard multitude, and dash'd


s: They through the city reeled, happy to leave


s: The dull carousal, when the slumb'rous weight


s: Oppressive on their eye-lids once had fall'n.


s: Next, Pallas azure-eyed in Mentor's form


s: This said, Minerva led him thence, whom he


s: With nimble steps follow'd, and on the shore


s: Arrived, found all his mariners prepared,


s: Whom thus the princely voyager address'd.


s: Haste, my companions! bring we down the stores


s: Already sorted and set forth; but nought


s: He spake, and led them; they, obedient, brought


s: All down, and, as Ulysses' son enjoin'd,


s: Within the gallant bark the charge bestow'd.


s: Then, led by Pallas, went the prince on board,


s: Where down they sat, the Goddess in the stern,


s: Cast loose the hawsers, and embarking, fill'd


s: The benches. Blue-eyed Pallas from the West


s: Call'd forth propitious breezes; fresh they curled


s: The sable Deep, and, sounding, swept the waves.


s: Hand, brisk, the tackle; they, obedient, reared


s: The pine-tree mast, which in its socket deep


s: They lodg'd, then strain'd the cordage, and with thongs


s: Well-twisted, drew the shining sail aloft.


s: A land-breeze fill'd the canvas, and the flood


s: Roar'd as she went against the steady bark


s: That ran with even course her liquid way.


s: The rigging, thus, of all the galley set,


s: Their beakers crowning high with wine, they hail'd


s: Thus, all night long the galley, and till dawn


s: Had brighten'd into day, cleaved swift the flood.


s: The reader is to be reminded that this is not an assembly of the


s: Ascended now the brazen vault with light


s: For the inhabitants of earth and heav'n,


s: When in their bark at Pylus they arrived,


s: Black without spot, to Neptune azure-hair'd.


s: On ranges nine of seats they sat; each range


s: Received five hundred, and to each they made


s: The feast was now begun; these eating sat


s: The entrails, those stood off'ring to the God


s: The thighs, his portion, when the Ithacans


s: Push'd right ashore, and, furling close the sails,


s: And making fast their moorings, disembark'd.


s: Whom thus the Goddess azure-eyed address'd.


s: For bashful fear, since thou hast cross'd the flood


s: With purpose to enquire what land conceals


s: Thy father, and what fate hath follow'd him.


s: Nestor, within whose bosom lies, perhaps,


s: Advice well worthy of thy search; entreat


s: Himself, that he will tell thee only truth,


s: Who will not lye, for he is passing wise.


s: In manag'd phrase? Shame bids the youth beware


s: But him the Goddess answer'd azure-eyed,


s: Fit speech devise, and heav'n will give the rest;


s: For thou wast neither born, nor hast been train'd


s: So saying, Minerva led him thence, whom he


s: With nimble steps attending, soon arrived


s: And Nestor's sons, while, busily the feast


s: Tending, his num'rous followers roasted, some,


s: The viands, some, transfix'd them with the spits.


s: They seeing guests arrived, together all


s: Advanced, and, grasping courteously their hands,


s: Of Nestor, young Pisistratus, approach'd,


s: Who, fast'ning on the hands of both, beside


s: The banquet placed them, where the beach was spread


s: His brother, and the hoary Chief his Sire.


s: He gave, then fill'd a golden cup with wine,


s: Which, tasted first, he to the daughter bore


s: Of Jove the Thund'rer, and her thus bespake.


s: For ye have chanced on Neptune's festival;


s: And, when thou hast, thyself, libation made


s: The gen'rous juice, that he may also make


s: Libation; for he, doubtless, seeks, in prayer


s: The Immortals, of whose favour all have need.


s: But, since he younger is, and with myself


s: He ceas'd, and to her hand consign'd the cup,


s: Which Pallas gladly from a youth received


s: So just and wise, who to herself had first


s: Fervent the Sov'reign of the Seas adored.


s: Hear, earth-encircler Neptune! O vouchsafe


s: Of this our voyage; glory, first, bestow


s: On Nestor and his offspring both, then grant


s: As shall requite their noble off'ring well.


s: To voyage hence, possess'd of what we sought


s: So Pallas pray'd, and her own pray'r herself


s: The splendid goblet next, and in his turn


s: Like pray'r Ulysses' son also preferr'd.


s: And now (the banquet from the spits withdrawn)


s: To each, and all were sumptuously regaled.


s: At length, (both hunger satisfied and thirst)


s: Now with more seemliness we may enquire,


s: After repast, what guests we have received.


s: Our guests! who are ye? Whence have ye the waves


s: Plough'd hither? Come ye to transact concerns


s: Like pirates, who with mischief charged and woe


s: To foreign States, oft hazard life themselves?


s: Him answer'd, bolder now, but still discrete,


s: With manly courage arm'd, that he might ask


s: And win, himself, distinction and renown.


s: Oh Nestor, Neleus' son, glory of Greece!


s: Thou askest whence we are. I tell thee whence.


s: Not public, urged, we come. My errand is


s: For dauntless courage, whom report proclaims


s: Conqueror, with thine aid, of sacred Troy.


s: We have already learn'd where other Chiefs


s: Who fought at Ilium, died; but Jove conceals


s: By hostile hands, or by the waves o'erwhelm'd


s: For this cause, at thy knees suppliant, I beg


s: That thou would'st tell me his disast'rous end,


s: If either thou beheld'st that dread event


s: Thyself, or from some wanderer of the Greeks


s: Hast heard it: for my father at his birth


s: Was, sure, predestin'd to no common woes.


s: Neither through pity, or o'erstrain'd respect


s: Which thou hast witness'd. If my noble Sire


s: So num'rous slain in fight, oh, recollect


s: Young friend! since thou remind'st me, speaking thus,


s: We sons of the Achaians there sustain'd,


s: Both those which wand'ring on the Deep we bore


s: Which under royal Priam's spacious walls


s: We suffer'd, know, that there our bravest fell.


s: There warlike Ajax lies, there Peleus' son;


s: There, too, Patroclus, like the Gods themselves


s: Brave, virtuous, swift of foot, and bold in fight,


s: What tongue of mortal man could all relate?


s: Should'st thou, abiding here, five years employ


s: By the Achaians, ere thou should'st have learn'd


s: The whole, thou would'st depart, tir'd of the tale.


s: For we, nine years, stratagems of all kinds


s: Devised against them, and Saturnian Jove


s: Scarce crown'd the difficult attempt at last.


s: There, no competitor in wiles well-plann'd


s: Ulysses found, so far were all surpass'd


s: If thou indeed art his, as sure thou art,


s: Whose sight breeds wonder in me, and thy speech


s: His speech resembles more than might be deem'd


s: Within the scope of years so green as thine.


s: Divided were, but, one in heart, contrived


s: And the departure of the Greeks on board


s: Their barks, and when the Gods had scatter'd them,


s: Were all, nor prudent, therefore many found


s: A fate disast'rous through the vengeful ire


s: Of Jove-born Pallas, who between the sons


s: Just order, summoning by night the Greeks


s: Oppress'd, promulgated the cause for which


s: They had convened the people. Then it was


s: Their thoughts bend homeward o'er the sacred Deep,


s: His counsel was to slay them yet at Troy,


s: That so he might assuage the dreadful wrath


s: Of Pallas, first, by sacrifice and pray'r.


s: Vain hope! he little thought how ill should speed


s: That fond attempt, for, once provok'd, the Gods


s: Thus stood the brothers, altercation hot


s: Maintaining, till at length, uprose the Greeks


s: With deaf'ning clamours, and with diff'ring minds.


s: We slept the night, but teeming with disgust


s: Mutual, for Jove great woe prepar'd for all.


s: The spoils and female captives. Half the host,


s: Push'd forth. Swift course we made, for Neptune smooth'd


s: The waves before us of the monstrous Deep.


s: For all the crews, followers of the King,


s: The son of Atreus, chose a diff'rent course,


s: And steer'd their oary barks again to Troy.


s: Impended, gath'ring all my gallant fleet,


s: Fled thence in haste, and warlike Diomede


s: Of way before us, whether we should steer


s: Psyria, that island holding on our left,


s: Or under Chios by the wind-swept heights


s: Of Mimas. Then we ask'd from Jove a sign,


s: So soonest to escape the threat'ned harm.


s: Shrill sang the rising gale, and with swift prows


s: Cleaving the fishy flood, we reach'd by night


s: Geræstus, where arrived, we burn'd the thighs


s: Of num'rous bulls to Neptune, who had safe


s: Conducted us through all our perilous course.


s: Held on my course to Pylus, nor the wind


s: When Jove had once commanded it to blow.


s: Thus, uninform'd, I have arrived, my son!


s: Nor of the Greecians, who are saved have heard,


s: Or who have perish'd; but what news soe'er


s: I have obtain'd, since my return, with truth


s: I will relate, nor aught conceal from thee.


s: The spear-famed Myrmidons, as rumour speaks,


s: Of brave Achilles led, have safe arrived;


s: Hath landed all his followers who survive


s: The bloody war, the waves have swallow'd none.


s: Ye have yourselves doubtless, although remote,


s: Hath with his own life paid the murth'rous deed.


s: The slain, since Agamemnon's son hath well


s: Avenged his father's death, slaying, himself,


s: Young friend! (for pleas'd thy vig'rous youth I view,


s: That thine like his may be a deathless name.


s: Oh Nestor, Neleus' son, glory of Greece!


s: And righteous was that vengeance; _his_ renown


s: Achaia's sons shall far and wide diffuse,


s: To future times transmitting it in song.


s: Would grant to me, that I, as well, the deeds


s: Might punish of our suitors, whose excess


s: Enormous, and whose bitter taunts I feel


s: Have twined into my thread; no, not for me


s: Young friend! (since thou remind'st me of that theme)


s: Fame here reports that num'rous suitors haunt


s: Thy palace for thy mother's sake, and there


s: But say, endur'st thou willing their controul


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


s: Against thee? But who knows? the time may come


s: When to his home restored, either alone,


s: Or aided by the force of all the Greeks,


s: Should Pallas azure-eyed thee love, as erst


s: At Troy, the scene of our unnumber'd woes,


s: Should Pallas view thee also with like love


s: Should dream, perchance, of wedlock never more.


s: That word's accomplishment I cannot hope;


s: Although the Gods themselves should purpose it.


s: Telemachus! what word was that which leap'd


s: The iv'ry guard that should have fenced it in?


s: A God, so willing, could with utmost ease


s: Than, sooner coming, die in my own house,


s: Yet not the Gods themselves can save from death


s: All-levelling, the man whom most they love,


s: When Fate ordains him once to his last sleep.


s: This question, Mentor! He, I am assured,


s: A sad, sad fate by the decree of heav'n.


s: Nestor, and on a different theme, for him


s: In human rights I judge, and laws expert,


s: For he hath govern'd, as report proclaims,


s: Had not the brother of the Monarch reach'd


s: Whom answer'd the Gerenian Chief renown'd.


s: My son! I will inform thee true; meantime


s: From Ilium, never on _his_ bones the Greeks


s: Had heap'd a tomb, but dogs and rav'ning fowls


s: Far from the town, nor him had woman wept


s: Of all in Greece, for he had foul transgress'd.


s: But we, in many an arduous task engaged,


s: Within the green retreats of Argos, found


s: Departing, had appointed to the charge.)


s: But when the Gods had purposed to ensnare


s: And to his own home, willing as himself,


s: Led Clytemnestra. Num'rous thighs he burn'd


s: On all their hallow'd altars to the Gods,


s: And hung with tap'stry, images, and gold


s: Their shrines, his great exploit past hope atchiev'd.


s: From Troy together, but when we approach'd


s: There Phœbus, sudden, with his gentle shafts


s: The volant bark, Phrontis, Onetor's son,


s: In steerage match'd, what time the tempest roar'd.


s: Giving his friend due burial, and his rites


s: Still to proceed. But when, with all his fleet


s: The wide sea traversing, he reach'd at length


s: Rough passage, then, and perilous he found.


s: Shrill blasts the Thund'rer pour'd into his sails,


s: And wild waves sent him mountainous. His ships


s: There scatter'd, some to the Cydonian coast


s: Of Crete he push'd, near where the Jardan flows.


s: Amid the gloomy flood, a smooth rock, steep


s: Toward the sea, against whose leftward point


s: Phæstus by name, the South wind rolls the surge


s: Amain, which yet the rock, though small, repells.


s: Hither with part he came, and scarce the crews


s: Themselves escaped, while the huge billows broke


s: Their ships against the rocks; yet five he saved,


s: And gold abundant, roam'd to distant lands


s: And nations of another tongue. Meantime,


s: Rul'd the subjected land; sev'n years he reign'd


s: From Athens brought renown'd Orestes home


s: For his destruction, who of life bereaved


s: Performing to his shameless mother's shade


s: Gave to the Argives; on which self-same day


s: All treasure-laden to the brink, arrived.


s: And thou, young friend! from thy forsaken home


s: Rove not long time remote, thy treasures left


s: At mercy of those proud, lest they divide


s: And waste the whole, rend'ring thy voyage vain.


s: To which I counsel thee; for he hath come


s: Of late from distant lands, whence to escape


s: No man could hope, whom tempests first had driv'n


s: Themselves the birds of heaven could not arrive


s: In a whole year, so vast is the expanse.


s: Go, then, with ship and shipmates, or if more


s: The land delight thee, steeds thou shalt not want


s: Nor chariot, and my sons shall be thy guides


s: Who will not lye, for he is passing wise.


s: While thus he spake, the sun declined, and night


s: Approaching, blue-eyed Pallas interposed.


s: O antient King! well hast thou spoken all.


s: But now delay not. Cut ye forth the tongues,


s: And mingle wine, that (Neptune first invoked


s: So spake Jove's daughter; they obedient heard.


s: The heralds, then, pour'd water on their hands,


s: And the attendant youths, filling the cups,


s: Served them from left to right. Next all the tongues


s: They cast into the fire, and ev'ry guest


s: Libation made, and all with wine sufficed,


s: Would have return'd, incontinent, on board,


s: But Nestor urged them still to be his guests.


s: Forbid it, Jove, and all the Pow'rs of heav'n!


s: That ye should leave me to repair on board


s: Your vessel, as I were some needy wretch


s: Cloakless and destitute of fleecy stores


s: Wherewith to spread the couch soft for myself,


s: Or for my guests. No. I have garments warm


s: An ample store, and rugs of richest dye;


s: My frend's own son, sleep on a galley's plank


s: While I draw vital air; grant also, heav'n,


s: Old Chief! thou hast well said, and reason bids


s: Let _him_ attend thee hence, that he may sleep


s: Myself, to instruct my people, and to give


s: They have embark'd for friendship's sake alone.


s: This night, and to the Caucons bold in arms


s: Long time unpaid, and of no small amount.


s: But, since he is become thy guest, afford


s: Who shall direct his way, nor let him want


s: Of all thy steeds the swiftest and the best.


s: So saying, the blue-eyed Goddess as upborne


s: On eagle's wings, vanish'd; amazement seized


s: The whole assembly, and the antient King


s: O'erwhelmed with wonder at that sight, the hand


s: Grasp'd of Telemachus, whom he thus bespake.


s: My friend! I prophesy that thou shalt prove


s: Already take in charge; for of the Pow'rs


s: Inhabitants of heav'n, none else was this


s: Than Jove's own daughter Pallas, who among


s: The Greecians honour'd most thy gen'rous Sire.


s: But thou, O Queen! compassionate us all,


s: Myself, my sons, my comfort; give to each


s: A glorious name, and I to thee will give


s: Broad-fronted, one that never yet hath borne


s: The yoke, and will incase her horns with gold.


s: So Nestor pray'd, whom Pallas gracious heard.


s: On thrones and couches sat in order ranged,


s: Whom Nestor welcom'd, charging high the cup


s: With wine of richest sort, which she who kept


s: First broach'd, unsealing the delicious juice.


s: With this the hoary Senior fill'd a cup,


s: Pouring libation, offer'd fervent pray'r.


s: Remain'd of more, then each to rest retired,


s: Beside him he bade sleep the spearman bold,


s: Where couch and cov'ring for her antient spouse


s: The consort Queen had diligent prepar'd.


s: Had tinged the East, arising from his bed,


s: Before his palace-gate on the white stones


s: Resplendent as with oil, on which of old


s: In council like a God; but he had sought,


s: By destiny dismiss'd long since, the shades.


s: On those stones therefore now, Nestor himself,


s: Achaia's guardian, sat, sceptre in hand,


s: Where soon his num'rous sons, leaving betimes


s: The place of their repose, also appeared,


s: Hath honour'd manifest our hallow'd feast.


s: Haste, one, into the field, to order thence


s: An ox, and let the herdsman drive it home.


s: His friends, save two, and let a third command


s: Laerceus, that he come to enwrap with gold


s: The victim's horns. Abide ye here, the rest,


s: Seats, stores of wood, and water from the rock.


s: He said, whom instant all obey'd. The ox


s: Came from the field, and from the gallant ship


s: Next, charged with all his implements of art,


s: His mallet, anvil, pincers, came the smith


s: To give the horns their gilding; also came


s: Then Nestor, hoary warrior, furnish'd gold,


s: Which, hammer'd thin, the artist wrapp'd around


s: The victim's horns, that seeing him attired


s: So costly, Pallas might the more be pleased.


s: A laver in one hand, with flow'rs emboss'd,


s: With cakes, while warlike Thrasymedes, arm'd


s: With his long-hafted ax, prepared to smite


s: The ox, and Perseus to receive the blood.


s: Both cakes and water, and with earnest pray'r


s: To Pallas, gave the forelock to the flames.


s: When all had worshipp'd, and the broken cakes


s: Sprinkled, then godlike Thrasymedes drew


s: Close to the ox, and smote him. Deep the edge


s: Enter'd, and senseless on the floor he fell.


s: Then Nestor's daughters, and the consorts all


s: Of Nestor's sons, with his own consort, chaste


s: Vocif'rous join'd, while they, lifting the ox,


s: Held him supported firmly, and the prince


s: Of men, Pisistratus, his gullet pierced.


s: Soon as the sable blood had ceased, and life


s: Had left the victim, spreading him abroad,


s: With nice address they parted at the joint


s: His thighs, and wrapp'd them in the double cawl,


s: Which with crude slices thin they overspread.


s: Nestor burn'd incense, and libation pour'd


s: Large on the hissing brands, while him beside,


s: Busy with spit and prong, stood many a youth


s: Train'd to the task. The thighs consumed, each took


s: His portion of the maw, then, slashing well


s: The remnant, they transpierced it with the spits


s: Neatly, and held it reeking at the fire.


s: Meantime the youngest of the daughters fair


s: Anointed, and in vest and tunic cloathed


s: Telemachus, who, so refresh'd, stepp'd forth


s: From the bright laver graceful as a God,


s: And took his seat at antient Nestor's side.


s: The viands dress'd, and from the spits withdrawn,


s: They sat to share the feast, and princely youths


s: Arising, gave them wine in cups of gold.


s: When neither hunger now nor thirst remain'd


s: My sons, arise, lead forth the sprightly steeds,


s: So spake the Chief, to whose commands his sons,


s: Obedient, yoked in haste the rapid steeds,


s: Disposed meantime within the chariot, bread


s: And wine, and dainties, such as princes eat.


s: Ascended, and beside him, next, his place


s: Then seiz'd the reins, and lash'd the coursers on.


s: Thus, journeying, they shook on either side


s: The yoke all day, and now the setting sun


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


s: Reach'd of Diocles, whose illustrious Sire


s: And there, with kindness entertain'd, they slept.


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


s: They in their sumptuous chariot sat again.


s: The son of Nestor plied the lash, and forth


s: The royal coursers, not unwilling, flew.


s: A corn-invested land receiv'd them next,


s: And there they brought their journey to a close,


s: Went down, and even-tide dimm'd all the ways.


s: Ερκος οδοντων. Prior, alluding to this expression, ludicrously


s: It is said to have been customary in the days of Homer, when the


s: Arriving, to the house they drove direct


s: In his own palace, all his num'rous friends


s: Both for his daughter and the prince his son.


s: To give her, and the Gods now made her his.


s: With chariots and with steeds he sent her forth


s: To the illustrious city where the prince,


s: Achilles' offspring, ruled the Myrmidons.


s: Alector's daughter; from an handmaid sprang


s: Brave Megapenthes; for the Gods no child


s: To Helen gave, made mother, once, of her


s: Thus all the neighbour princes and the friends


s: While, in the midst, two dancers smote the ground


s: With measur'd steps responsive to his song.


s: The vestibule, whom, issuing from the hall,


s: To his Lord's ear, and, standing at his side,


s: In accents wing'd with haste thus greeted him.


s: Two guests arrive, both strangers, but the race


s: Of Jove supreme resembling each in form.


s: Say, shall we loose, ourselves, their rapid steeds,


s: Or hence dismiss them to some other host?


s: If Jove shall, even here, some pause at last


s: Of woe afford us. Therefore loose, at once,


s: Their steeds, and introduce them to the feast.


s: The brisk attendants to his aid, with whom


s: He loos'd their foaming coursers from the yoke.


s: Them first they bound to mangers, which with oats


s: And mingled barley they supplied, then thrust


s: The chariot sidelong to the splendid wall.


s: Themselves he, next, into the royal house


s: Conducted, who survey'd, wond'ring, the abode


s: Of the heav'n-favour'd King; for on all sides


s: As with the splendour of the sun or moon


s: Satiate, at length, with wonder at that sight,


s: They enter'd each a bath, and by the hands


s: Of maidens laved, and oil'd, and cloath'd again


s: With shaggy mantles and resplendent vests,


s: And now a maiden charged with golden ew'r,


s: Pure water on their hands, supplied them next


s: With a bright table, which the maiden, chief


s: In office, furnish'd plenteously with bread


s: And dainties, remnants of the last regale.


s: Then came the sew'r, who with delicious meats


s: Dish after dish, served them, and placed beside


s: When Menelaus grasp'd their hands, and said.


s: Eat and rejoice, and when ye shall have shared


s: Our nuptial banquet, we will then inquire


s: Who are ye both, for, certain, not from those


s: But rather of some race of sceptred Chiefs


s: Heav'n-born; the base have never sons like you.


s: So saying, he from the board lifted his own


s: Distinguish'd portion, and the fatted chine


s: Gave to his guests; the sav'ry viands they


s: With outstretch'd hands assail'd, and when the force


s: To Nestor's son, lest others should his speech


s: Witness, in whisper'd words him thus address'd.


s: Dearest Pisistratus, observe, my friend!


s: How all the echoing palace with the light


s: Of beaming brass, of gold and amber shines


s: I deem. What wealth, how various, how immense


s: O'erhearing, thus in accents wing'd replied


s: In the display of wealth, or whether not,


s: This know, that after many toils endured,


s: And perilous wand'rings wide, in the eighth year


s: I brought my treasures home. Remote I roved


s: Th' Erembi, the Sidonians, and the coasts


s: Of Lybia, where the lambs their foreheads shew


s: At once with horns defended, soon as yean'd.


s: There, thrice within the year the flocks produce,


s: Nor master, there, nor shepherd ever feels


s: A dearth of cheese, of flesh, or of sweet milk


s: While, thus, commodities on various coasts


s: Gath'ring I roam'd, another, by the arts


s: Bereav'd my brother privily, and when least


s: He fear'd to lose it. Therefore little joy


s: Your fathers (be those fathers who they may)


s: These things have doubtless told you; for immense


s: Have been my suff'rings, and I have destroy'd


s: Such, that I would to heav'n! I own'd at home


s: Though but the third of it, and that the Greeks


s: Who perish'd then, beneath the walls of Troy


s: Far from steed-pastured Argos, still survived.


s: Yet while, sequester'd here, I frequent mourn


s: My slaughter'd friends, by turns I sooth my soul


s: With tears shed for them, and by turns again


s: I cease; for grief soon satiates free indulged.


s: None mourn I so as one, whom calling back


s: For his long absence, who, if still he live,


s: Him doubtless, old Laertes mourns, and him


s: So saying, he kindled in him strong desire


s: To mourn his father; at his father's name


s: Fast fell his tears to ground, and with both hands


s: He spread his purple cloak before his eyes;


s: If he should leave him leisure for his tears,


s: Or question him, and tell him all at large.


s: While thus he doubted, Helen (as it chanced)


s: Leaving her fragrant chamber, came, august


s: Adrasta, for her use, set forth a throne,


s: And Philo brought her silver basket, gift


s: In untold treasure, and who gave, himself,


s: Ten golden talents, and two silver baths


s: Beside the noble gifts which, at the hand


s: Of his illustrious spouse, Helen receiv'd;


s: That basket Philo, her own handmaid, placed


s: At beauteous Helen's side, charged to the brim


s: With slender threads, on which the spindle lay


s: With wool of purple lustre wrapp'd around.


s: Approaching, on her foot-stool'd throne she sat,


s: And, instant, of her royal spouse enquired.


s: These guests of ours, and whence they have arrived?


s: Erroneous I may speak, yet speak I must;


s: New-born at home, when (shameless as I was)


s: For my unworthy sake the Greecians sailed


s: To Ilium, with fierce rage of battle fir'd.


s: As thou; such feet, such hands, the cast of eye


s: Similar, and the head and flowing locks.


s: And his great sufferings mention'd, in my cause,


s: The bitter tear dropp'd from his lids, while broad


s: Before his eyes his purple cloak he spread.


s: He is in truth his son, as thou hast said,


s: But he is modest, and would much himself


s: He should loquacious seem and bold to thee,


s: To whom we listen, captived by thy voice,


s: Bade me conduct him hither, for he wish'd


s: To see thee, promising himself from thee


s: His father's tedious absence mourns at home.


s: Remote, and, in his stead, no friend hath he


s: Who might avert the mischiefs that he feels.


s: Ye Gods! the offspring of indeed a friend


s: Hath reach'd my house, of one who hath endured


s: Vouchsaf'd us prosp'rous passage o'er the Deep,


s: To have receiv'd him with such friendship here


s: A palace for himself; I would have brought


s: His people, and with all his wealth, some town


s: Ruled by myself, and neighb'ring close my own.


s: Sweet converse, nor had other cause at last


s: Than death's black cloud o'ershadowing him or me.


s: Ev'n in the Gods, who have, of all the Greeks,


s: Amerc'd _him_ only of his wish'd return.


s: So saying, he kindled the desire to weep


s: Abundant, Jove's own daughter; wept as fast


s: Nor Nestor's son with tearless eyes remain'd,


s: Rememb'ring whom, in accents wing'd he said.


s: Conversing with him, we remember'd thee,


s: Pronounced thee wise beyond all human-kind.


s: Displease thee. It affords me no delight


s: Will tinge the orient. Not that I account


s: Blameworthy, since, to sheer the locks and weep,


s: To thee well-known, although unknown to me


s: In speed superior, and in feats of arms.


s: O friend belov'd! since nought which thou hast said


s: Or recommended now, would have disgraced


s: (For wise thy father is, and such art thou,


s: In marriage both and at his birth ordain'd


s: Into old age, and, while he lives, to see


s: His sons past others wise, and skill'd in arms)


s: Shall pause. Come--now remember we the feast;


s: Pour water on our hands, for we shall find,


s: For mutual converse when the day shall dawn.


s: Pure water on their hands, and they the feast


s: Before them with keen appetite assail'd.


s: But Jove-born Helen otherwise, meantime,


s: Employ'd, into the wine of which they drank


s: For ills of ev'ry name. Whoe'er his wine


s: All day the tears down his wan cheek, although


s: His father and his mother both were dead,


s: Had fall'n in battle, and before his eyes.


s: Such drugs Jove's daughter own'd, with skill prepar'd,


s: And of prime virtue, by the wife of Thone,


s: Which, mingled with the drink, are good, and many


s: That drug infused, she bade her servant pour


s: The bev'rage forth, and thus her speech resumed.


s: These also are the sons of Chiefs renown'd,


s: (For Jove, as pleases him, to each assigns


s: Now therefore, feasting at your ease reclin'd,


s: Listen with pleasure, for myself, the while,


s: (Omitting none) the conflicts and exploits


s: Successful, one atchievement he perform'd


s: Such hardship, will I speak. Inflicting wounds


s: So veil'd, some mendicant he seem'd, although


s: No Greecian less deserved that name than he.


s: Who challeng'd him, but, shrewd, he turn'd away.


s: Bathed him, anointed, cloath'd him, and had sworn


s: Till he should reach again the camp and fleet,


s: He told me the whole purpose of the Greeks.


s: Then, (many a Trojan slaughter'd,) he regain'd


s: Of Venus' influence I deplored, what time


s: From my own child, and from my rightful Lord


s: Alike unblemish'd both in form and mind.


s: Her answer'd then the Hero golden-hair'd.


s: Helen! thou hast well spoken. All is true.


s: I have the talents fathom'd and the minds


s: Of num'rous Heroes, and have travell'd far


s: Such firmness as the calm Ulysses own'd;


s: None such as in the wooden horse he proved,


s: Where all our bravest sat, designing woe


s: Thou thither cam'st, impell'd, as it should seem,


s: The hollow ambush, striking with thy hand


s: Its sides thou went'st, and by his name didst call


s: Each prince of Greece feigning his consort's voice.


s: Heard plain and loud; we (Diomede and I)


s: With ardour burn'd either to quit the horse


s: Controul'd the rash design; so there the sons


s: Have answer'd; but Ulysses with both hands


s: Compressing close his lips, saved us, nor ceased


s: Till Pallas thence conducted thee again.


s: Then thus, discrete, Telemachus replied.


s: Hard was his lot whom these rare qualities


s: Preserved not, neither had his dauntless heart


s: Been iron, had he scaped his cruel doom.


s: But haste, dismiss us hence, that on our beds


s: Reposed, we may enjoy sleep, needful now.


s: He ceas'd; then Argive Helen gave command


s: Resplendent, and with arras, overspread,


s: And cover'd warm with cloaks of shaggy pile.


s: Forth went the maidens, bearing each a torch,


s: And spread the couches; next, the herald them


s: Beside him, Helen of the sweeping stole.


s: Glow'd in the East, then from his couch arose


s: His faulchion o'er his shoulders slung, he bound


s: Hath hither led thee, to the land far-famed


s: Public concern or private? Tell me true.


s: News seeking of my Sire, I have arrived.


s: My household is devour'd, my fruitful fields


s: With enemies, who while they mutual wage


s: My flocks continual slaughter, and my beeves.


s: For this cause, at thy knees suppliant, I beg


s: That thou wouldst tell me his disastrous end,


s: If either thou beheld'st with thine own eyes


s: His death, or from some wand'rer of the Greeks


s: Hast heard it; for no common woes, alas!


s: Was he ordain'd to share ev'n from the womb.


s: Neither through pity or o'erstrain'd respect


s: Which thou hast witness'd. If my noble Sire


s: So num'rous slain in fight, oh recollect


s: Gods! their ambition is to reach the bed


s: Of a brave man, however base themselves.


s: But as it chances, when the hart hath lay'd


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


s: She roams the hills, and in the grassy vales


s: Feeds heedless, till the lion, to his lair


s: Return'd, destroys her and her little-ones,


s: So them thy Sire shall terribly destroy.


s: A sight at which Achaia's sons rejoic'd,


s: Such, now, Ulysses might assail them all!


s: Short life and bitter nuptials should be theirs.


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


s: But all that from the Antient of the Deep


s: I have receiv'd will utter, hiding nought.


s: To heap their altars with slain hecatombs.


s: Strict rev'rence of their laws. There is an isle


s: The haven there is good, and many a ship


s: Finds wat'ring there from riv'lets on the coast.


s: There me the Gods kept twenty days, no breeze


s: Propitious granting, that might sweep the waves,


s: And now had our provision, all consumed,


s: Idothea named; her most my sorrows moved;


s: She found me from my followers all apart


s: Wand'ring (for they around the isle, with hooks


s: The fishes snaring roamed, by famine urged)


s: And standing at my side, me thus bespake.


s: Stranger! thou must be ideot born, or weak


s: To leave this island, and no egress hence


s: Canst find, although thy famish'd people faint.


s: So spake the Goddess, and I thus replied.


s: Divine thou art, that I am prison'd here


s: Not willingly, but must have, doubtless, sinn'd


s: Against the deathless tenants of the skies.


s: Yet say (for the Immortals all things know)


s: What God detains me, and my course forbids


s: Hence to my country o'er the fishy Deep?


s: Stranger! I will inform thee true. A seer


s: These shores, familiar with all Ocean's gulphs,


s: To seize and bind, he will prescribe the course


s: With all its measured distances, by which


s: Thou shalt regain secure thy native shores.


s: Thou favour'd of the skies! what good, what ill


s: Hath in thine house befall'n, while absent thou


s: Thy voyage difficult perform'st and long.


s: She spake, and I replied--Thyself reveal


s: Hard task for mortal hands to bind a God!


s: I will inform thee true. Soon as the sun


s: Hath climb'd the middle heav'ns, the prophet old,


s: And cover'd with the scum of ocean, seeks


s: His spacious cove, in which outstretch'd he lies.


s: Around him, num'rous, and the fishy scent


s: I will dispose thee in some safe recess,


s: But from among thy followers thou shalt chuse


s: The bravest three in all thy gallant fleet.


s: He will pass through them, and when all by fives


s: He counted hath, will in the midst repose


s: Content, as sleeps the shepherd with his flock.


s: When ye shall see him stretch'd, then call to mind


s: That moment all your prowess, and prevent,


s: Howe'er he strive impatient, his escape.


s: All changes trying, he will take the form


s: Of ev'ry reptile on the earth, will seem


s: But hold him ye, and grasp him still the more.


s: And when himself shall question you, restored


s: To his own form in which ye found him first


s: Reposing, then from farther force abstain;


s: Then, Hero! loose the Antient of the Deep,


s: And ask him, of the Gods who checks thy course


s: Hence to thy country o'er the fishy flood.


s: So saying, she plunged into the billowy waste.


s: I then, in various musings lost, my ships


s: Along the sea-beach station'd sought again,


s: And when I reach'd my galley on the shore


s: We supp'd, and sacred night falling from heav'n,


s: Look'd rosy forth, pensive beside the shore


s: Praying devout, then chose the fittest three


s: For bold assault, and worthiest of my trust.


s: Meantime the Goddess from the bosom wide


s: Of Ocean rising, brought us thence four skins


s: Four cradles in the sand she scoop'd, then sat


s: Expecting us, who in due time approach'd;


s: She lodg'd us side by side, and over each


s: Proved that disguise whom the pernicious scent


s: Of the sea-nourish'd phocæ sore annoy'd;


s: For who would lay him down at a whale's side?


s: Herself to save us, who the nostrils sooth'd


s: Of each with pure ambrosia thither brought


s: All morning, patient watchers, there we lay;


s: And now the num'rous phocæ from the Deep


s: His fatted monsters, through the flock his course


s: Took regular, and summ'd them; with the first


s: Conceiving, then couch'd also. We, at once,


s: Loud-shouting flew on him, and in our arms


s: Constrain'd him fast; nor the sea-prophet old


s: Call'd not incontinent his shifts to mind.


s: Then dragon, panther then, a savage boar,


s: A limpid stream, and an o'ershadowing tree.


s: The Antient of the Deep, skill'd as he is


s: In wiles, yet weary, question'd me, and said.


s: To seize and hold me? what is thy desire?


s: Old Seer! thou know'st; why, fraudful, should'st thou ask?


s: Within this isle, whence I have sought in vain


s: Deliv'rance, till my wonted courage fails.


s: Yet say (for the Immortals all things know)


s: What God detains me, and my course forbids


s: Hence to my country o'er the fishy Deep?


s: So I; when thus the old one of the waves.


s: Jove, first, in sacrifice, and all the Gods,


s: That then embarking, by propitious gales


s: Impell'd, thou might'st have reach'd thy country soon.


s: For thou art doom'd ne'er to behold again


s: Thy friends, thy palace, or thy native shores,


s: Till thou have seen once more the hallow'd flood


s: Devout, the deathless tenants of the skies.


s: Then will they speed thee whither thou desir'st.


s: He ended, and my heart broke at his words,


s: Which bade me pass again the gloomy gulph


s: Yet, though in sorrow whelm'd, I thus replied.


s: Old prophet! I will all thy will perform.


s: But tell me, and the truth simply reveal;


s: Have the Achaians with their ships arrived


s: All safe, whom Nestor left and I, at Troy?


s: Or of the Chiefs have any in their barks,


s: Or in their followers' arms found a dire death


s: Unlook'd for, since that city's siege we closed?


s: I spake, when answer thus the God return'd.


s: Atrides, why these questions? Need is none


s: That thou should'st all my secrets learn, which once


s: Reveal'd, thou would'st not long dry-eyed remain.


s: Of those no few have died, and many live;


s: Have died (thou also hast had war to wage)


s: And one, still living, roams the boundless sea.


s: Him Neptune, first, against the bulky rocks


s: The Gyræ drove, but saved him from the Deep;


s: By Pallas, but for his own impious boast


s: The billows, even in the Gods' despight.


s: Neptune that speech vain-glorious hearing, grasp'd


s: Part stood, and part, on which the boaster sat


s: When, first, the brainsick fury seiz'd him, fell,


s: Bearing him with it down into the gulphs


s: Of Ocean, where he drank the brine, and died.


s: But thy own brother in his barks escaped


s: That fate, by Juno saved; yet when, at length,


s: He should have gain'd Malea's craggy shore,


s: Then, by a sudden tempest caught, he flew


s: With many a groan far o'er the fishy Deep


s: To the land's utmost point, where once his home


s: Dwelt then, Ægisthus. Easy lay his course


s: And open thence, and, as it pleased the Gods,


s: The shifted wind soon bore them to their home.


s: That gave him birth, kiss'd it, and, at the sight,


s: The welcome sight of Greece, shed many a tear.


s: One whom the shrewd Ægisthus had seduced


s: By promise of two golden talents, mark'd


s: His coming from a rock where he had watch'd


s: The year complete, lest, passing unperceived,


s: The King should reassert his right in arms.


s: Swift flew the spy with tidings to this Lord,


s: And He, incontinent, this project framed


s: Insidious. Twenty men, the boldest hearts


s: Of all the people, from the rest he chose,


s: Whom he in ambush placed, and others charged


s: With horses, then, and chariots forth he drove


s: Full-fraught with mischief, and conducting home


s: Slew him, as at his crib men slay an ox.


s: Nor of thy brother's train, nor of his train


s: Who slew thy brother, one survived, but all,


s: Welt'ring in blood together, there expired.


s: He ended, and his words beat on my heart


s: As they would break it. On the sands I sat


s: Weeping, nor life nor light desiring more.


s: But when I had in dust roll'd me, and wept


s: Thou shalt, and soonest, reach thy home again.


s: For either him still living thou shalt find,


s: Or ere thou come, Orestes shall have slain


s: The traytor, and thine eyes shall see his tomb.


s: Yet felt my spirit at that word refresh'd,


s: And in wing'd accents answer thus return'd.


s: Of these I am inform'd; but name the third


s: Who, dead or living, on the boundless Deep


s: Is still detain'd; I dread, yet wish to hear.


s: Guest of the nymph Calypso, by constraint


s: Her guest, and from his native land withheld


s: Or faithful followers hath he none, whose aid


s: Might speed him safely o'er the spacious flood.


s: Ordains not thee the stroke of death to meet


s: In steed-fam'd Argos, but far hence the Gods


s: Will send thee to Elysium, and the earth's


s: Extremest bounds; (there Rhadamanthus dwells,


s: The golden-hair'd, and there the human kind


s: Enjoy the easiest life; no snow is there,


s: No biting winter, and no drenching show'r,


s: Breathes on them to refresh the happy race)


s: Thy own, and thou art son-in-law of Jove.


s: So saying, he plunged into the billowy waste,


s: I then, with my brave comrades to the fleet


s: Return'd, deep-musing as I went, and sad.


s: The ocean, and we all had supp'd, than night


s: From heav'n fell on us, and, at ease reposed


s: Look'd rosy forth, drawing our galleys down


s: The mast, unfurl'd the sail, and to our seats


s: On board returning, thresh'd the foamy flood.


s: Once more, at length, within the hallow'd stream


s: Whole hecatombs, and (the displeasure thus


s: With such a gale from heaven vouchsafed, as sent


s: My ships swift-scudding to the shores of Greece.


s: But come--eleven days wait here, or twelve


s: A guest with me, when I will send thee hence


s: Nobly, and honour'd with illustrious gifts,


s: With polish'd chariot, with three princely steeds,


s: And with a gorgeous cup, that to the Gods


s: From that same cup, thou may'st remember me.


s: Long time; for though contented I could sit


s: The year beside thee, nor regret my home


s: Or parents, (so delightful thy discourse


s: Sounds in my ear) yet, even now, I know,


s: Wish my return, whom thou thus long detain'st.


s: What boon soe'er thou giv'st me, be it such


s: As I may treasur'd keep; but horses none


s: Keep thou, for thy own glory. Thou art Lord


s: Of an extended plain, where copious springs


s: The lotus, herbage of all savours, wheat,


s: Pulse, and white barley of luxuriant growth.


s: Smooth course commodious and expanse of meads,


s: And stroaking tenderly his cheek, replied.


s: Dear youth! thy speech proclaims thy noble blood.


s: With what shall suit thee better, and the gift


s: In beauty, and the noblest shall be thine.


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


s: His house received me. That shall be thy own.


s: Thus they conferr'd; and now the busy train


s: They brought him sheep, with heart-ennobling wine,


s: While all their wives, their brows with frontlets bound,


s: Came charg'd with bread. Thus busy they prepared


s: The suitors sported with the quoit and spear


s: Of all their strife and angry clamour loud.


s: There sat Antinoüs, and the godlike youth


s: And Chiefs among them, to whom Phronius' son


s: Which now I need, that I may cross the sea


s: Twelve mares, each suckling a mule-colt as yet


s: To ferry thence, and break him into use.


s: He spake, whom they astonish'd heard; for him


s: But haply into his own fields, his flocks


s: Then thus, Eupithes' son, Antinoüs, spake.


s: Say true. When sail'd he forth? of all our youth,


s: Whom chose he for his followers? his own train


s: Of slaves and hirelings? hath he pow'r to effect


s: This also? Tell me too, for I would learn--


s: Or gav'st it to him at his first demand?


s: I gave it voluntary; what could'st thou,


s: Should such a prince petition for thy bark


s: In such distress? Hard were it to refuse.


s: Brave youths (our bravest youths except yourselves)


s: Attend him forth; and with them I observed


s: Or, if not him, a God; for such he seem'd.


s: But this much moves my wonder. Yester-morn


s: Whom shipp'd for Pylus I had seen before.


s: He ceas'd; and to his father's house return'd;


s: They, hearing, sat aghast. Their games meantime


s: Finish'd, the suitors on their seats reposed,


s: Much troubled spake; a black storm overcharged


s: His bosom, and his vivid eyes flash'd fire.


s: Ye Gods, a proud exploit is here atchieved,


s: Hath headlong launched a ship, and, with a band


s: Selected from our bravest youth, is gone.


s: He soon will prove more mischievous, whose pow'r


s: But give me a swift bark with twenty rowers,


s: That, watching his return within the streights


s: I may surprise him; so shall he have sail'd


s: He ceased and loud applause heard in reply,


s: With warm encouragement. Then, rising all,


s: Into Ulysses' house at once they throng'd.


s: Long time of their clandestine plottings deep,


s: For herald Medon told her all, whose ear


s: Their councils caught while in the outer-court


s: He stood, and they that project framed within.


s: Who as he pass'd the gate, him thus address'd.


s: For what cause, herald! have the suitors sent


s: Thee foremost? Wou'd they that my maidens lay


s: Their tasks aside, and dress the board for them?


s: Here end their wooing! may they hence depart


s: Never, and may the banquet now prepared,


s: This banquet prove your last! who in such throngs


s: When children, heard how gracious and how good


s: Injuring, as great princes oft are wont,


s: By favour influenc'd now, now by disgust.


s: He no man wrong'd at any time; but plain


s: Your wicked purpose in your deeds appears,


s: Who sense have none of benefits conferr'd.


s: Then Medon answer'd thus, prudent, return'd.


s: Oh Queen! may the Gods grant this prove the worst.


s: But greater far and heavier ills than this


s: The suitors plan, whose counsels Jove confound!


s: Their base desire and purpose are to slay


s: He said; and where she stood, her trembling knees


s: Fail'd under her, and all her spirits went.


s: Speechless she long remain'd, tears filled her eyes,


s: Her utt'rance, till at last with pain she spake.


s: Herald! why went my son? he hath no need


s: On board swift ships to ride, which are to man


s: His steeds that bear him over seas remote.


s: Went he, that, with himself, his very name


s: Might perish from among mankind for ever?


s: Then answer, thus, Medon the wise return'd.


s: I know not whether him some God impell'd


s: Or his own heart to Pylus, there to hear


s: News of his Sire's return, or by what fate


s: He said, and traversing Ulysses' courts,


s: O'erwhelm'd, no longer could endure to take


s: But on the threshold of her chamber-door


s: Lamenting sat, while all her female train


s: Around her moan'd, the antient and the young,


s: Such plenteous sorrow from the Gods as I,


s: With courage lion-like, of all the Greeks


s: The Chief with ev'ry virtue most adorn'd,


s: A prince all-excellent, whose glorious praise


s: Through Hellas and all Argos flew diffused.


s: And now, my darling son,--him storms have snatch'd


s: Far hence inglorious, and I knew it not.


s: Ah treach'rous servants! conscious as ye were


s: Of his design, not one of you the thought


s: Conceived to wake me when he went on board.


s: For had but the report once reach'd my ear,


s: He wish'd to leave me) or had left me dead.


s: But haste ye,--bid my antient servant come,


s: Dolion, whom (when I left my father's house


s: He gave me, and whose office is to attend


s: My num'rous garden-plants) that he may seek


s: Who may contrive some remedy, perchance,


s: Slay me, or spare, deal with me as thou wilt,


s: I will confess the truth. I knew it all.


s: I gave him all that he required from me.


s: Both wine and bread, and, at his bidding, swore


s: To tell thee nought in twelve whole days to come,


s: Or till, enquiry made, thou should'st thyself


s: Learn his departure, lest thou should'st impair


s: Thy lovely features with excess of grief.


s: But lave thyself, and, fresh attired, ascend


s: To thy own chamber, there, with all thy train,


s: To worship Pallas, who shall save, thenceforth,


s: Thy son from death, what ills soe'er he meet.


s: Add not fresh sorrows to the present woes


s: Renounced, but trust that there shall still be found


s: Among them, who shall dwell in royal state,


s: And reap the fruits of fertile fields remote.


s: So saying, she hush'd her sorrow, and her eyes


s: No longer stream'd. Then, bathed and fresh attired,


s: With hallow'd cakes off'ring, to Pallas pray'd.


s: Hear matchless daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd!


s: The thighs of fatted kine or sheep to thee,


s: His darling son, and frustrate with a frown


s: She said, and wept aloud, whose earnest suit


s: Pallas received. And now the spacious hall


s: And clamour of that throng, when thus, a youth,


s: Insolent as his fellows, dared to speak.


s: Much woo'd and long, the Queen at length prepares


s: To chuse another mate, and nought suspects


s: The bloody death to which her son is doom'd.


s: So he; but they, meantime, themselves remain'd


s: Untaught, what course the dread concern elsewhere


s: Had taken, whom Antinoüs thus address'd.


s: Sirs! one and all, I counsel you, beware


s: Of such bold boasting unadvised; lest one


s: O'erhearing you, report your words within.


s: No--rather thus, in silence, let us move


s: He said, and twenty chose, the bravest there,


s: With whom he sought the galley on the shore,


s: Which drawing down into the deep, they placed


s: The mast and sails on board, and, sitting, next,


s: Unfurl'd and spread their canvas to the gale.


s: Their bold attendants, then, brought them their arms,


s: And soon as in deep water they had moor'd


s: The ship, themselves embarking, supp'd on board,


s: And watch'd impatient for the dusk of eve.


s: Remounting, had her upper chamber reach'd,


s: There, unrefresh'd with either food or wine,


s: She lay'd her down, her noble son the theme


s: Of all her thoughts, whether he should escape


s: His haughty foes, or perish by their hands.


s: Num'rous as are the lion's thoughts, who sees,


s: Not without fear, a multitude with toils


s: Encircling him around, such num'rous thoughts


s: Her bosom occupied, till sleep at length


s: In Pheræ. Shaped like her the dream she sent


s: Ent'ring the chamber-portal, where the bolt


s: Secured it, at her head the image stood,


s: And thus, in terms compassionate, began.


s: Sleep'st thou, distress'd Penelope? The Gods,


s: Forbid thy sorrows. Thou shalt yet behold


s: Incurr'd at any time the wrath of heav'n.


s: To whom, sweet-slumb'ring in the shadowy gate


s: What cause, my sister, brings thee, who art seen


s: Unfrequent here, for that thou dwell'st remote?


s: From sorrows num'rous, and which, fretting, wear


s: My heart continual; first, my spouse I lost


s: With courage lion-like endow'd, a prince


s: Through Hellas and all Argos flew diffused;


s: And hazards of the sea, nor less untaught


s: Far hence, for whose dear cause I sorrow more


s: Than for his Sire himself, and even shake


s: With terror, lest he perish by their hands


s: For num'rous are his foes, and all intent


s: To slay him, ere he reach his home again.


s: Then answer thus the shadowy form return'd.


s: Take courage; suffer not excessive dread


s: And guardian, one whom many wish their friend,


s: And ever at their side, knowing her pow'r,


s: As thou hast heard by her own kind command.


s: Oh! if thou art a goddess, and hast heard


s: A Goddess' voice, rehearse to me the lot


s: Whom answer'd thus the fleeting shadow vain.


s: Live, or live not. Vain words are best unspoken.


s: So saying, her egress swift beside the bolt


s: From sleep Icarius' daughter, and her heart


s: Felt heal'd within her, by that dream distinct


s: Meantime the suitors urged their wat'ry way,


s: To instant death devoting in their hearts


s: And there the ambush'd Greeks his coming watch'd.


s: Οφθαλμῶν τε βολαι.


s: The son of Aurora, who slew Antilochus, was Memnon.


s: From the abruptness of this beginning, Virgil, probably, who has


s: Nam quis te, juvenum confidentissime, nostras.


s: Δαιτυμων--generally signifies the founder of a feast; but we are


s: Through earth and heav'n, when the assembled Gods


s: In council sat, o'er whom high-thund'ring Jove


s: Presided, mightiest of the Pow'rs above.


s: With grief, still prison'd in Calypso's isle.


s: Jove, Father, hear me, and ye other Pow'rs


s: Henceforth to gracious acts inclined, humane,


s: Or righteous, but let ev'ry sceptred hand


s: Rule merciless, and deal in wrong alone,


s: Since none of all his people whom he sway'd


s: Of hopeless sorrow, through constraint the guest


s: Still of the nymph Calypso, without means


s: Or pow'r to reach his native shores again,


s: Alike of gallant barks and friends depriv'd,


s: Who might conduct him o'er the spacious Deep.


s: From Pylus, whither he hath gone to learn


s: There, or in Sparta, tidings of his Sire.


s: To whom the cloud-assembler God replied.


s: What word hath pass'd thy lips, daughter belov'd?


s: Hast thou not purpos'd that arriving soon


s: At home, Ulysses shall destroy his foes?


s: Guide thou, Telemachus, (for well thou canst)


s: That he may reach secure his native coast,


s: And that the suitors baffled may return.


s: He ceas'd, and thus to Hermes spake, his son.


s: Hermes! (for thou art herald of our will


s: At all times) to yon bright-hair'd nymph convey


s: Our fix'd resolve, that brave Ulysses thence


s: Borne on a corded raft, and suff'ring woe


s: Extreme, he on the twentieth day shall reach,


s: Not sooner, Scherie the deep-soil'd, possess'd


s: They, as a God shall reverence the Chief,


s: And in a bark of theirs shall send him thence


s: To his own home, much treasure, brass and gold


s: Surpassing all that, had he safe return'd,


s: He should by lot have shared of Ilium's spoil.


s: His country, his own palace, and his friends.


s: Messenger of the skies; his sandals fair,


s: Ambrosial, golden, to his feet he bound,


s: Which o'er the moist wave, rapid as the wind,


s: Bear him, and o'er th' illimitable earth,


s: Then took his rod with which, at will, all eyes


s: He closes soft, or opes them wide again.


s: So arm'd, forth flew the valiant Argicide.


s: To Ocean, and the billows lightly skimm'd


s: Seeking, dips oft in brine her ample wing.


s: In such disguise o'er many a wave he rode,


s: But reaching, now, that isle remote, forsook


s: The azure Deep, and at the spacious grot,


s: Where dwelt the amber-tressed nymph arrived,


s: Found her within. A fire on all the hearth


s: Blazed sprightly, and, afar-diffused, the scent


s: Of smooth-split cedar and of cypress-wood


s: Odorous, burning, cheer'd the happy isle.


s: She, busied at the loom, and plying fast


s: Her golden shuttle, with melodious voice


s: Sat chaunting there; a grove on either side,


s: Alder and poplar, and the redolent branch


s: Wide-spread of Cypress, skirted dark the cave.


s: There many a bird of broadest pinion built


s: Secure her nest, the owl, the kite, and daw


s: Long-tongued, frequenter of the sandy shores.


s: Mantled the spacious cavern, cluster-hung


s: Profuse; four fountains of serenest lymph


s: Their sinuous course pursuing side by side,


s: Stray'd all around, and ev'ry where appear'd


s: Meadows of softest verdure, purpled o'er


s: A God from heav'n with wonder and delight.


s: Hermes, Heav'n's messenger, admiring stood


s: That sight, and having all survey'd, at length


s: Enter'd the grotto; nor the lovely nymph


s: Him knew not soon as seen, for not unknown


s: Yet found he not within the mighty Chief


s: Forlorn, for there his custom was with groans


s: Of sad regret t' afflict his breaking heart.


s: Then thus Calypso, nymph divine, the God


s: Question'd, from her resplendent throne august.


s: Who, though by me much reverenc'd and belov'd,


s: So seldom com'st, say, wherefore comest now?


s: Speak thy desire; I grant it, if thou ask


s: Stay not, but ent'ring farther, at my board


s: So saying, the Goddess with ambrosial food


s: Nectareous charged the cup. Then ate and drank


s: Refresh'd, his message to the nymph declared.


s: I tell thee truth, since such is thy demand.


s: Not willing, but by Jove constrain'd, I come.


s: For who would, voluntary, such a breadth


s: Where city none is seen in which the Gods


s: Are served with chosen hecatombs and pray'r?


s: He saith, that here thou hold'st the most distrest


s: Of all those warriors who nine years assail'd


s: The city of Priam, and, (that city sack'd)


s: Departed in the tenth; but, going thence,


s: Opposed their voyage, and with boist'rous waves.


s: Then perish'd all his gallant friends, but him


s: Billows and storms drove hither; Jove commands


s: That thou dismiss him hence without delay,


s: From all his friends remote, but he is doom'd


s: Shudder'd, and in wing'd accents thus replied.


s: Ye are unjust, ye Gods, and envious past


s: So, when the rosy-finger'd Morning chose


s: Orion, though ye live yourselves at ease,


s: A silent shaft, which slew him in Ortygia.


s: So, when the golden-tressed Ceres, urged


s: In a thrice-labour'd fallow, not untaught


s: Was Jove that secret long, and, hearing it,


s: Indignant, slew him with his candent bolt.


s: He rode, for with his sulph'rous arrow Jove


s: Billows and storms drove hither, whom I lov'd


s: Hence with him o'er the barren Deep, if such


s: The Sov'reign's will, and such his stern command.


s: But undismiss'd he goes by me, who ships


s: Myself well-oar'd and mariners have none


s: To send with him athwart the spacious flood;


s: Then Hermes thus, the messenger of heav'n.


s: Act as thou say'st, fearing the frown of Jove,


s: Lest, if provoked, he spare not even thee.


s: So saying, the dauntless Argicide withdrew,


s: And she (Jove's mandate heard) all-graceful went,


s: She found him seated; tears succeeding tears


s: Delug'd his eyes, while, hopeless of return,


s: Life's precious hours to eating cares he gave


s: Continual, with the nymph now charm'd no more.


s: Yet, cold as she was am'rous, still he pass'd


s: His nights beside her in the hollow grot,


s: Constrain'd, and day by day the rocks among


s: Which lined the shore heart-broken sat, and oft


s: While wistfully he eyed the barren Deep,


s: Wept, groaned, desponded, sigh'd, and wept again.


s: Then, drawing near, thus spake the nymph divine.


s: Unhappy! weep not here, nor life consume


s: In anguish; go; thou hast my glad consent.


s: Of lofty trees, fashion them with the ax


s: To a broad raft, which closely floor'd above,


s: Shall hence convey thee o'er the gloomy Deep.


s: Bread, water, and the red grape's cheering juice


s: Myself will put on board, which shall preserve


s: New raiment for thy limbs, and will dispatch


s: Winds after thee to waft thee home unharm'd,


s: If such the pleasure of the Gods who dwell


s: In yonder boundless heav'n, superior far


s: To me, in knowledge and in skill to judge.


s: She ceas'd; but horror at that sound the heart


s: Chill'd of Ulysses, and in accents wing'd


s: With wonder, thus the noble Chief replied.


s: Ah! other thoughts than of my safe return


s: Employ thee, Goddess, now, who bid'st me pass


s: That wild expanse terrible, which even ships


s: Pass not, though form'd to cleave their way with ease,


s: And joyful in propitious winds from Jove.


s: Embark on board a raft, nor till thou swear,


s: That future mischief thou intend'st me none.


s: He said; Calypso, beauteous Goddess, smiled,


s: And, while she spake, stroaking his cheek, replied.


s: Of ignorance hast none, far better taught;


s: What words were these? How could'st thou thus reply?


s: Now hear me Earth, and the wide Heav'n above!


s: Hear, too, ye waters of the Stygian stream


s: Under the earth (by which the blessed Gods


s: Swear trembling, and revere the awful oath!)


s: That future mischief I intend thee none.


s: Myself, most sure, should for myself conceive.


s: My heart is form'd, but much to pity inclined.


s: So saying, the lovely Goddess with swift pace


s: Led on, whose footsteps he as swift pursued.


s: The Goddess and the man; on the same throne


s: And viands of all kinds, such as sustain


s: Before him, both for bev'rage and for food.


s: Reposed, by her attendant maidens served


s: With nectar and ambrosia. They their hands


s: Stretch'd forth together to the ready feast,


s: And when nor hunger more nor thirst remain'd


s: Unsated, thus the beauteous nymph began.


s: And artifice! oh canst thou thus resolve


s: To seek, incontinent, thy native shores?


s: I pardon thee. Farewell! but could'st thou guess


s: The woes which fate ordains thee to endure


s: Ere yet thou reach thy country, well-content


s: Here to inhabit, thou would'st keep my grot


s: Mere mortal beauties, and a form divine.


s: From age exempt; yet not the less I wish


s: Shall bear _that_ also; for, by practice taught,


s: I have learned patience, having much endured


s: By tempest and in battle both. Come then


s: Reposed, they took their amorous delight.


s: Look'd rosy forth, Ulysses then in haste


s: Put on his vest and mantle, and, the nymph


s: Graceful, redundant; to her waist she bound


s: Her golden zone, and veil'd her beauteous head,


s: Then, musing, plann'd the noble Chief's return.


s: She gave him, fitted to the grasp, an ax


s: Of iron, pond'rous, double-edg'd, with haft


s: Of olive-wood, inserted firm, and wrought


s: With curious art. Then, placing in his hand


s: A polish'd adze, she led, herself, the way


s: To her isles' utmost verge, where tallest trees


s: But dry long since and sapless stood, which best


s: Might serve his purposes, as buoyant most,


s: The alder, poplar, and cloud-piercing fir.