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Much-enduring great Odysseus answered, “I hope you may be as dear to the gods as you are to me, for having saved me from going about and getting into trouble; there is nothing worse than being always on the tramp; still, when men have once got low down in the world [345] they will go through a great deal on behalf of their miserable bellies. Since however you press me to stay here and await the return of Telemachus, tell about godlike Odysseus’ mother, and his father whom he left on the threshold of old age when he set out for Troy. Are they still living [350] or are they already dead and in the house of Hādēs?”

“I will tell you all about them,” replied Eumaios, the swineherd and leader of men. “Laertes is still living and prays the gods to let him depart peacefully his own house, [355] for he is terribly distressed about the absence of his son, and also about the death of his wife, which grieved him greatly and aged him more than anything else did. She came to an unhappy end through sorrow for her son: may no friend or neighbor who has dealt kindly by me [360] come to such an end as she did. As long as she was still living, though she was always grieving, I used to like seeing her and asking her how she did, for she brought me up along with her daughter Ktimene of the light robes, the youngest of her children; [365] we were boy and girl together, and she made little difference between us. When, however, we both grew up, they sent Ktimene to Samē and received a splendid dowry for her. As for me, my mistress gave me a good khiton and cloak with a pair of sandals for my feet, [370] and sent me off into the country, but she was just as fond of me as ever. This is all over now. Still it has pleased the gods to make my work prosper in the situation which I now hold. I have enough to eat and drink, and can find something for any respectable stranger who comes here; but there is no getting [375] a kind word or deed out of my mistress, for the house has fallen into the hands of wicked people. Servants want sometimes to see their mistress and have a talk with her; they like to have something to eat and drink at the house, and something too to take back with them into the country. This is what will keep servants in a good humor.”

[380]

Odyssey. Homer. Samuel Butler (Translator). London. 1898.

Current edition Experimental

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) (English) (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (1)

Ὀδύσσεια Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 15.340 focus

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

340

αἴθʼ οὕτως, Εὔμαιε, φίλος Διὶ πατρὶ γένοιο

ὡς ἐμοί, ὅττι μʼ ἔπαυσας ἄλης καὶ ὀϊζύος αἰνῆς.

πλαγκτοσύνης δʼ οὐκ ἔστι κακώτερον ἄλλο βροτοῖσιν·

ἀλλʼ ἕνεκʼ οὐλομένης γαστρὸς κακὰ κήδεʼ ἔχουσιν

ἀνέρες, ὅν τινʼ ἵκηται ἄλη καὶ πῆμα καὶ ἄλγος.

345

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ ἰσχανάᾳς μεῖναί τέ με κεῖνον ἄνωγας,

εἴπʼ ἄγε μοι περὶ μητρὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

πατρός θʼ, ὃν κατέλειπεν ἰὼν ἐπὶ γήραος οὐδῷ,

ἤ που ἔτι ζώουσιν ὑπʼ αὐγὰς ἠελίοιο,

ἦ ἤδη τεθνᾶσι καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισι.

350

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε συβώτης, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν·

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, ξεῖνε, μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορεύσω.

Λαέρτης μὲν ἔτι ζώει, Διὶ δʼ εὔχεται αἰεὶ

θυμὸν ἀπὸ μελέων φθίσθαι οἷς ἐν μεγάροισιν·

ἐκπάγλως γὰρ παιδὸς ὀδύρεται οἰχομένοιο

355

κουριδίης τʼ ἀλόχοιο δαΐφρονος, ἥ ἑ μάλιστα

ἤκαχʼ ἀποφθιμένη καὶ ἐν ὠμῷ γήραϊ θῆκεν.

ἡ δʼ ἄχεϊ οὗ παιδὸς ἀπέφθιτο κυδαλίμοιο,

λευγαλέῳ θανάτῳ, ὡς μὴ θάνοι ὅς τις ἐμοί γε

ἐνθάδε ναιετάων φίλος εἴη καὶ φίλα ἔρδοι.

360

ὄφρα μὲν οὖν δὴ κείνη ἔην, ἀχέουσά περ ἔμπης,

τόφρα τί μοι φίλον ἔσκε μεταλλῆσαι καὶ ἐρέσθαι,

οὕνεκά μʼ αὐτὴ θρέψεν ἅμα Κτιμένῃ τανυπέπλῳ,

θυγατέρʼ ἰφθίμῃ, τὴν ὁπλοτάτην τέκε παίδων·

τῇ ὁμοῦ ἐτρεφόμην, ὀλίγον δέ τί μʼ ἧσσον ἐτίμα.

365

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἥβην πολυήρατον ἱκόμεθʼ ἄμφω,

τὴν μὲν ἔπειτα Σάμηνδʼ ἔδοσαν καὶ μυρίʼ ἕλοντο,

αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ χλαῖνάν τε χιτῶνά τε εἵματʼ ἐκείνη

καλὰ μάλʼ ἀμφιέσασα, ποσὶν δʼ ὑποδήματα δοῦσα

ἀγρόνδε προΐαλλε· φίλει δέ με κηρόθι μᾶλλον.

370

νῦν δʼ ἤδη τούτων ἐπιδεύομαι· ἀλλά μοι αὐτῷ

ἔργον ἀέξουσιν μάκαρες θεοὶ ᾧ ἐπιμίμνω·

τῶν ἔφαγόν τʼ ἔπιόν τε καὶ αἰδοίοισιν ἔδωκα.

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα δεσποίνης οὐ μείλιχον ἔστιν ἀκοῦσαι

οὔτʼ ἔπος οὔτε τι ἔργον, ἐπεὶ κακὸν ἔμπεσεν οἴκῳ,

375

ἄνδρες ὑπερφίαλοι· μέγα δὲ δμῶες χατέουσιν

ἀντία δεσποίνης φάσθαι καὶ ἕκαστα πυθέσθαι

καὶ φαγέμεν πιέμεν τε, ἔπειτα δὲ καί τι φέρεσθαι

ἀγρόνδʼ, οἷά τε θυμὸν ἀεὶ δμώεσσιν ἰαίνει.

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 15.340 focus

340 Then the much-enduring, goodly Odysseus answered him: “Would, Eumaeus, that thou mightest be as dear to father Zeus as thou art to me, for that thou hast made me cease from wandering and from grievous hardships. Than roaming naught else is more evil for mortals; yet for their cursed belly's sake 345 men endure evil woes, when wandering and sorrow and pain come upon them. But now, since thou keepest me here and biddest me await thy master, come, tell me of the mother of godlike Odysseus, and of the father, whom, when he went forth, he left behind him on the threshold of old age. Are they haply still living beneath the rays of the sun? 350 or are they now dead and in the house of Hades?” Then the swineherd, a leader of men, answered him: “Then verily, stranger, will I frankly tell thee. Laertes still lives, but ever prays to Zeus that his life may waste away from his limbs within his halls. 355 For wondrously does he grieve for his son that is gone, and for the wise lady, his wedded wife, whose death troubled him most of all, and brought him to untimely old age. But she died of grief for her glorious son by a miserable death, as I would that no man may die 360 who dwells here as my friend and does me kindness. So long as she lived, though it was in sorrow, it was ever a pleasure to me to ask and enquire after her, for she herself had brought me up with long-robed Ctimene, her noble daughter, whom she bore as her youngest child. 365 With her was I brought up, and the mother honored me little less than her own children. But when we both reached the longed-for prime of youth they sent her to Same to wed, and got themselves countless bridal gifts, but as for me, my lady clad me in a cloak and tunic, right goodly raiment, and gave me sandals for my feet 370 and sent me forth to the field; but in her heart she loved me the more. But now I lack all this, though for my own part the blessed gods make to prosper the work to which I give heed. Therefrom have I eaten and drunk, and given to reverend strangers. But from my mistress I may hear naught pleasant, 375 whether word or deed, for a plague has fallen upon the house, even overweening men. Yet greatly do servants long to speak before their mistress, and learn of all, and to eat and drink, and thereafter to carry off somewhat also to the fields, such things as ever make the heart of a servant to grow warm.”

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey: rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, translator. Revised by Timothy Power and Gregory Nagy. London: A.C. Fifield, 1900.) — 15.325 focus

325 The swineherd was very much disturbed when he heard this. "Heaven help me," he exclaimed, "what ever can have put such a notion as that into your head? If you go near the suitors you will be undone to a certainty, for their overweening pride [ hubris] and violent insolence [ biê] reach the very heavens. They would never think of taking a man like you for a servant. Their servants are all young men, well dressed, wearing good cloaks and shirts, with well looking faces and their hair always tidy, the tables are kept quite clean and are loaded with bread, meat, and wine. Stay where you are, then; you are not in anybody's way; I do not mind your being here, no more do any of the others, and when Telemakhos comes home he will give you a shirt and cloak and will send you wherever you want to go."

340 Odysseus answered, "I hope you may be as dear to the gods as you are to me, for having saved me from going about and getting into trouble; there is nothing worse than being always ways on the tramp; still, when men have once got low down in the world they will go through a great deal on behalf of their miserable bellies. Since however you press me to stay here and await the return of Telemakhos, tell about Odysseus’ mother, and his father whom he left on the threshold of old age when he set out for Troy . Are they still living or are they already dead and in the house of Hades?"

351 "I will tell you all about them," replied Eumaios, " Laertes is still living and prays heaven to let him depart peacefully his own house, for he is terribly distressed about the absence of his son, and also about the death of his wife, which grieved him greatly and aged him more than anything else did. She came to an unhappy end through sorrow for her son: may no friend or neighbor who has dealt kindly by me come to such an end as she did. As long as she was still living, though she was always grieving, I used to like seeing her and asking her how she did, for she brought me up along with her daughter Ktimene, the youngest of her children; we were boy and girl together, and she made little difference between us. When, however, we both grew up, they sent Ktimene to Same and received a splendid dowry for her. As for me, my mistress gave me a good shirt and cloak with a pair of sandals for my feet, and sent me off into the country, but she was just as fond of me as ever. This is all over now. Still it has pleased heaven to prosper my work in the situation which I now hold. I have enough to eat and drink, and can find something for any respectable stranger who comes here; but there is no getting a kind word or deed out of my mistress, for the house has fallen into the hands of wicked people. Servants want sometimes to see their mistress and have a talk with her; they like to have something to eat and drink at the house, and something too to take back with them into the country. This is what will keep servants in a good humor."

380 Odysseus answered, "Then you must have been a very little fellow, Eumaios, when you were taken so far away from your home and parents. Tell me, and tell me true, was the city in which your father and mother lived sacked and pillaged, or did some enemies carry you off when you were alone tending sheep or cattle, ship you off here, and sell you for whatever your master gave them?"

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 15.340 focus

Ulysses, the great sufferer, answered thus :

"I pray that thou mayst be as dear to Jove,

The great All-Father, as thou art to me,

Since through thy kindness I enjoy a pause

440

Amid my weary wanderings. There is naught

Worse than a wandering life. Unseemly cares

A hungry stomach brings to homeless men;

Hardship and grief are theirs. But since thou wilt

That I remain and wait for thy young lord,

445

Speak to me of the mother of thy chief

Ulysses, and his father, whom he left

Just on the threshold of old age, if yet

They live, and still may look upon the sun;

Or have they died, and passed to Pluto's realm?"

450

And then in turn the master swineherd spake:

"Rightly and truly will I answer thee,

O stranger! still Laertes lives, but prays

Continually to Jove that he may die

In his own house; for sorely he laments

455

His son long absent, and his excellent wife,

Bride of his youth, whose death has brought on him

Sharp sorrow, and old age before its time.

By a sad death she died, - through wasting grief

For her lost, glorious son. May no one here,

460

No friend of mine, nor one who has bestowed

A kindness on me, die by such a death!

While yet she lived, great as her sorrow was,

I loved to speak with her and hear her words;

For she had reared me with her youngest-born, —

465

Her daughter, long-robed Ctimena. With her

Was I brought up, and scarcely less than her

Was held in honor. When at length we came

Into the pleasant years of youth, they sent

The princess hence to Samos, and received

470

Large presents; but to me her mother gave

Garments of price, a tunic and a cloak,

And sandals for my feet, and sent me forth

Into the fields, and loved me more and more.

All this is over now, yet must I say

475

My calling has been prospered by the gods.

From this I have the means to eat and drink,

And wherewithal to feast a worthy guest;

But from the queen I never have a word

Or deed of kindness, since that evil came

480

Upon her house, — that crew of lawless men.

Greatly the servants would rejoice to speak

Before their mistress, and inquire her will,

And eat and drink, and carry to their homes

Some gift, for gifts delight a servant's heart."

485

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 15.340 focus

To him the man of woes: 'O gracious Jove!
360

'Reward this stranger's hospitable love!

'Who knows the son of sorrow to relieve,

'Cheers the sad heart, nor lets affliction grieve

'Of all the ills unhappy mortals know,

'A life of wanderings is the greatest woe:
365

'On all their weary ways wait Care and Pain,

'And Pine and Penury, a meagre train.

'To such a man since harbour you afford,

'Relate the farther fortunes of your lord;

'What cares his mother's tender breast engage,
370

'And sire forsaken on the verge of age;

'Beneath the sun prolong they yet their breath,

'Or range the house of darkness and of death?'

Eumaeus

To whom the swain: 'Attend what you inquire;

'Laërtes lives, the miserable sire;
375

'Lives, but implores of every power to lay

'The burden down, and wishes for the day.

'Torn from his offspring in the eve of life,

'Torn from th' embraces of his tender wife,

'Sole, and all comfortless, he wastes away
380

'Old age, untimely posting ere his day.

'She too, sad mother! for Ulysses lost

'Pin'd out her bloom, and vanish'd to a ghost:

'(So dire a fate, ye righteous gods! avert

'From every friendly, every feeling heart;)
385

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

'Her pleasing converse minister'd relief:

'With Ctimene, her youngest daughter, bred,

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

'But when the softly-stealing pace of time
390

'Crept on from childhood into youthful prime,

'To Samos isle she sent the wedded fair;

'Me to the fields, to tend the rural care;

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

'Nor less the darling object of her love.
395

'Her hapless death my brighter days o'ercast,

'Yet Providence deserts me not at last:

'My present labours food and drink procure,

'And more, the pleasure to relieve the poor.

'Small is the comfort from the queen to hear
400

'Unwelcome news, or vex the royal ear;

'Blank and discountenanced the servants stand,

'Nor dare to question where the proud command:

'No profit springs beneath usurping powers;

'Want feeds not there, where Luxury devours,
405

'Nor harbours charity where riot reigns:

'Proud are the lords, and wretched are the swains.'

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 15.340 focus

To this, Ulysses answered, and said,

Oh ! that Jove lov'd you but as well as I.

You have me from a wretched wand'ring stayed.

The belly brings to men such misery.

Then said Ulysses, Since I am to stay,

305

Say, of Ulysses' parents, if you know

His father and his mother, whether they

Be both remaining yet alive or no.

To this, Eumaeus said : Laertes lives,

But woefully and weary of his life;

310

Still for the absence of his son he grieves ;

But more lamenteth the death of his wife.

The loss of her was that first made him old.

She died for grief, thinking her son was dead;

As sad a death it was as can be told.

315

May we from such death be delivered.

While she was living, though she grieved were,

When cause there was, I could have asked her mind

Freely. For why, with her own daughter dear

She brought me up, and never was but kind.

320

This daughter Ctimene, when come of age

(For she the youngest was) to Same went,

To a rich man given in marriage.

But I, well clad in coat and vest, was sent

(And shoes upon my feet) into the field;

325

For she a purpose had to do me good.

But now the time does no such kindness yield,

And yet the blessed Gods provide me food;

For they so well have multiplied my swine,

That we have still enough of meat and drink,

330

And wherewithal to make a poor man dine,

Although the suitors' riot make them shrink ;

But since this woe Penelope betel,

'Tis harsh to her to hear of business:

Yet servants need her both to ask and tell

335

All that belongeth to their offices,

And also sometimes, maybe, need they had

I' th' house to eat, and carry somewhat home,

Of that whereof servants are most part glad,

And which unto their lodges never come.

340

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 15.340 focus

Industrious Ulysses gave reply:

440

"I still much wish, that Heaven's chief Deity

Loved thee, as I do, that hast eased my mind

Of woes and wand'rings never yet confined.

Nought is more wretched in a human race,

Than country's want, and shift from place to place.

445

But for the baneful belly men take care

Beyond good counsel, whosoever are

In compass of the wants it undergoes

By wand'rings, losses, or dependant woes.

Excuse me therefore, if I err'd at home;

450

Which since thou wilt make here, as overcome

With thy command for stay, I'll take on me

Cares appertaining to this place, like thee.

Does then Ulysses' sire, and mother, breathe,

Both whom he left in th' age next door to death?

455

Or are they breathless, and descended where

The dark house is, that never day doth clear?"

"Laertes lives," said he, "but every hour

Beseecheth Jove to take from him the power

That joins his life and limbs; for with a moan

460

That breeds a marvel he laments his son

Deprived by death, and adds to that another

Of no less depth for that dead son's dead mother,

Whom he a virgin wedded, which the more

Makes him axialment her loss, and doth deplore

465

Yet more her miss, because her womb the truer

Was to his brave son, and his slaughter slew her.

Which last love to her doth his life engage,

And makes him live an undigested age.

O! such a death she died as never may

470

Seize any one that here beholds the day,

That either is to any man a friend,

Or can a woman kill in such a kind.

As long as she had being, I would be

A still inquirer (since 'twas dear to me,

475

Though death to her, to hear his name) when she

Heard of Ulysses, for I might be bold,

She brought me up, and in her love did hold

My life, compared with long-veil'd Ctimene,

Her youngest issue (in some small degree

480

Her daughter yet preferr'd) a brave young dame.

And when of youth the dearly-loved flame

Was lighted in us, marriage did prefer

The maid to Samos; whence was sent for her

Infinite riches, when the queen bestow'd

485

A fair new suit, new shoes, and all, and vow'd

Me to the field, but passing loath to part,

As loving me more than she loved her heart.

And these I want now; but their business grows

Upon me daily, which the Gods impose,

490

To whom I hold all, give account to them,

For I see none left to the diadem

That may dispose all better. So, I drink

And eat of what is here; and whom I think

Worthy or reverend, I have given to, still,

495

These kinds of guest-rites; for the household ill

(Which, where the queen is, riots) takes her still

From thought of these things. Nor is it delight

To hear, from her plight, of or work or word;

The Wooers spoil all. But yet my men will board

500

Her sorrows often, with discourse of all,

Eating and drinking of the festival

That there is kept, and after bring to field

Such things as servants make their pleasures yield.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 15.340 focus

To whom, Ulysses, Hero toil-inured.

I wish thee, O Eumæus! dear to Jove

As thou art dear to me, for this reprieve

Vouchsafed me kind, from wandering and from woe!

No worse condition is of mortal man

415

Than his who wanders; for the poor man, driven

By woe and by misfortune homeless forth,

A thousand miseries, day by day, endures.

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

His coming, tell me if the father still

420

Of famed Ulysses live, whom, going hence,

He left so nearly on the verge of life?

And lives his mother? or have both deceased

Already, and descended to the shades?

To whom the master swineherd thus replied.

425

I will inform thee, and with strictest truth,

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

But supplication offering to the Gods

Ceaseless, to free him from a weary life,

So deeply his long-absent son he mourns,

430

And the dear consort of his early youth,

Whose death is his chief sorrow, and hath brought

Old age on him, or ere its date arrived.

She died of sorrow for her glorious son,

And died deplorably; may never friend

435

Of mine, or benefactor die as she!

While yet she lived, dejected as she was,

I found it yet some solace to converse

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

Together with her lovely youngest-born

440

The Princess Ctimena; for side by side

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

But soon as our delightful prime we both

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

And were requited with rich dower; but me

445

Clothed handsomely with tunic and with vest,

And with fair sandals furnish'd, to the field

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

I miss her kindness now; but gracious heaven

Prospers the work on which I here attend;

450

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

Refresh sometimes a worthy guest like thee.

But kindness none experience I, or can,

From fair Penelope (my mistress now)

In word or action, so is the house cursed

455

With that lewd throng. Glad would the servants be

Might they approach their mistress, and receive

Advice from her; glad too to eat and drink,

And somewhat bear each to his rural home,

For perquisites are every servant's joy.

460

English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (H. B. Cotterill, 1911)) — 15 focus

ODYSSEY BOOK XV

NOW to the spacious land Lacedaemon was Pallas Athene

Gone, for the gallant son of the great-souled hero Odysseus

Thence she was willed to recall to his home and to hasten his coming.

Nestor's glorious son and Telemachus she discovered

Couched in the porch of the hall of the far-famed prince Menelaus.

Sleeping was Nestor's son, for by slumber soft he was conquered,

While sweet sleep had abandoned the son of Odysseus, and wakeful

All the ambrosial night he had brooded on thoughts of his father.

Standing anigh then addressed him the grey-eyed goddess Athene:

"Telemachus, no more is it meet from thy home to absent thee,

Leaving possessions behind and strangers too in thy homestead

Wantonly wasting thy wealth, lest soon they shall wholly despoil it,

Yea and divide it among them, and vain prove therefore thy journey.

Come now, ask that at once Menelaus good at the war-cry

Send thee, and still in thy home mayst meet with thy excellent mother,

Though already her father and brothers incessantly bid her

Marry with Eurymachus, who hath ever excelled with his presents

All of the rest, and is now increasing his gifts as a wooer.

So shalt thou stay her from taking the goods from the house, if thou willst not.

What is the spirit that dwells in the heart of a widow thou knowest.

Ever she aims at enriching the house of the man that will wed her :

Nought for her earlier children or husband loved in her girlhood

Cares she, if once he is dead; and she asks no longer about him.

Therefore return to thy home, and entrust with the care of the household

One of the women attendants that seemeth the best and the wisest,

Till that a glorious bride by the gods everlasting be sent thee.

Something besides will I say; do thou lay it to heart, I beseech thee.

Lo, with malicious intent are lurking the chief of the suitors

Just 'twixt Ithacan shores and the rock-bound island of Samos,

Wishing to slay thee before thou arrivest the land of thy fathers.

Yet do I reck not thereof, for the earth far sooner shall swallow

Many a one of the wooers who daily consume thy possessions.

Keep thou the well-built ship right far from the shores of the island;

Voyage also at night; and a favouring breeze shall attend thee,

Sent by the goddess that alway affordeth thee aid and protection.

Now on the nearest beach of the Ithacan isle disembarking,

After despatching the vessel and all of thy mates to the city,

Hasten afoot and betake thee at first to the hut of the swineherd,

Even the thrall who attends to thy swine and is loyal as alway.

Here shalt thou rest for a night, and shalt urge him to enter the city

Bearing a message to give to the wise-souled Penelopeia,

So that she learn that again she hath got thee in safety from Pylos."

These words uttered, the goddess departed to lofty Olympus.

Forthwith Nestor's son from his pleasant slumbers he wakened,

Stirring the youth with a touch of his heel; and he spake and addressed him :

"Wake, Peisistratus, wake! and the hard-hoofed steeds from the stable

Hasten to bring and to yoke to the car! Let us start on the journey!"

Straightway Nestor's son Peisistratus answered him saying:

"Telemachus, though eager for starting we surely can never

Drive in the darkness of night. Ere long will be coming the daylight.

Wait till the hero bringeth the gifts on the car to be laden,

Even the hero Atrides, the spear-famed prince Menelaus,

Yea and until with a kind farewell he shall speed thy departure

Since that a guest should surely remember as long as he liveth

Whosoever to strangers hath offered so kindly a welcome."

Thus did he speak, and anon came Morning enthroned in her glory.

Then drew nigh to the twain Menelaus good at the war-cry,

Newly from sleep by the side of the fair-haired Helen arisen.

Him as he saw approaching, the well-loved son of Odysseus,

Hastily seizing to cover his body a glistering tunic,

Donned it, and casting a great thick cloak on his sinewy shoulders

Went to the door. Here waited the prince, till approached and addressed him

Hero Telemachus, loved son of Odysseus the godlike :

"Captain of warrior hosts, Zeus-loved Menelaus Atrides,

Let me return, I beseech, to the well-loved land of my fathers

Now—for already my heart is beginning to yearn for the homeland."

Him then in answer addressed Menelaus good at the war-cry :

"Telemachus, I will try no longer here to retain thee,

Since thou yearnst to depart; for I always censure another,

Whosoever receiveth a stranger and showeth affection,

Showeth dislike too much. Fair measure is better in all things.

Equally great is the wrong if a host, when his guest is unwilling,

Urge him to go—or attempt to retain him when eager for starting.

Cherish a present guest; if he wishes to leave thee, allow him!

Wait howbeit a while, till I bring, on the car to be laden,

Beautiful gifts—thou shalt see them thyself; and the maids shall be bidden

Get us a dinner prepared in the hall from the store of provisions.

Honour and glory to me it will bring, and to you an advantage,

Ere ye depart on a journey so boundless, with food to refresh you.

Wishest thou also in Hellas and midmost Argos to travel,

Wait—I will come! I will order them straightway horses to harness;

Unto the cities of men I will guide thee, and never shall any

Send us away as we came; some present he surely will give us,

Either a well-wrought tripod of bronze maybe, or a cauldron,

Or peradventure a couple of mules, or a gold-wrought goblet."

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer :

"Captain of warrior hosts, Zeus-loved Menelaus Atrides,

Unto my native land I am fain to return, for behind me

None, when I came, did I leave as a guard to protect my possessions;

Else it is like that in seeking my godlike father I perish,

Or some treasure of worth disappear from the halls of my homestead."

Now when he heard these words, Menelaus good at the war-cry

Straightway spake to his wife and the women attendants, and bade them

Get him a dinner prepared in the hall from the store of provisions.

Meanwhile thither approached Boëthous' son, Eteóneus,

Newly arisen from sleep—for he dwelt not far from the palace.

Him Menelaus commanded to kindle a fire, and upon it

Roast of the meat; and he heard the behest, nor was slow to obey it.

Then to the fragrant room of his treasure descended the hero,

Neither alone did he go; Megapenthes followed, and Helen.

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Now when he came to the place where stored were all of the treasures,

Forthwith prince Menelaus a twy-cupped goblet selected,

Also his son Megapenthes he ordered to carry a wine-bowl

Solid of silver; and Helen to wardrobe-boxes betook her

Where rich-broidered apparel was hoarded, the work of her needle;

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Hence uplifted a garment and took it the fairest of women,

One that was richest embroidered of all of the robes and the largest,

Glistering, like to a star; and the lowest of all it was lying.

Then to the front of the palace they passed, and here they discovered

Telemachus, and the prince fair-haired Menelaus addressed him :

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“Telemachus, the return to thy home, for the which thou art sighing,

May it be granted by Zeus, loud-thundering husband of Hera!

Mine is the granting of gifts; and of heirlooms stored in my palace

One will I give, most fair, most precious of all my possessions;

Yea I will give thee a bowl rich-worked; it is solid of silver

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All of it, save that in gold are finished the lips of the vessel ;

Wrought was the bowl by Hephaestus; and hero Phaedimus gave it,

King of the people of Sidon, when once in his palace I sojourned

While I was voyaging home. This cup will I also present thee."

These words spake Menelaus the prince, and the twy-cupped chalice

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Placed in the hand of his guest; and the stalwart youth Megapenthes

Brought him the bowl, and in front of him stationed the glittering vessel

Solid of silver; and next came fair-faced Helen anigh him,

Holding a robe in her hands, and she spake and greeted him saying:

"I too bring thee a present, my well-loved child—a memento—

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Handwork of Helen—her gift for the longed-for day of thy marriage,

Even a robe for thy wife. Let thy mother belov'd in the meanwhile

Lay it aside in her chamber; and may'st thou in safety and gladness

Come to thy well-built home once more and the land of thy fathers!"

These words spoken she reached him the robe, and with joy he received it.

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All of the presents did then Peisistratus take, and he stowed them

Into the chest of the car, upon each of them gazing in wonder.

Now to the palace he led them, the fair-haired prince Menelaus.

Here, so soon as they sat them adown on the couches and armchairs,

Water for washing of hands by a maiden was brought in an ewer

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Beautiful, golden, and over a basin of silver she poured it,

Bidding them wash; and she stationed a polished table beside them.

Then did a grave house-dame bring bread, and she laid it before them,

Lavishly adding thereto from her stores full many a dainty.

Nigh them Boëthous' son stood carving the meat and dispensing,

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While that the bearer of wine was the son of renowned Menelaus.

Then did they stretch forth hands to the food that was lying before them,

Till, when at last they had lost all longing for meat and the wine-cup,

Forthwith Telemachus and Nestor's glorious offspring

Yoking the horses and up on the rich-wrought chariot mounting

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Drave from the gate of the house and the loudly reëchoing portal.

After them hasted on foot fair-haired Menelaus Atrides

Bringing a bumper—a chalice of gold full-brimmed—in his right hand,

Wine honey-hearted, to pour as libation before they departed.

Fronting the horses he stood, and restrained them and uttered his speeding:

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"Now farewell to you both, young men! and to Nestor the chieftain

Carry my greeting, for like to a father he treated me kindly

While in the Trojan land were warring the sons of Achaea."

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer:

"Yea, assuredly just as thou biddst, Zeus-loved Menelaus,

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All we shall tell him whene'er we arrive; and I would that as surely

PATTEN WILSON.
“FAREWELL TO YOU BOTH, YOUNG MEN!”

Coming to Ithaca's isle 'twere mine to discover Odysseus

There in his home, and to tell him of all thou hast shown me of kindness

Ere I returned thus laden with many a beautiful treasure."

E'en as he spake these words on the right came winging an eagle,

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Bearing a great white goose in the clutch of his talons—a tame one

Robbed from the yard of a farm; and a clamorous rabble pursued it,

Women and men—but the bird, when it now full nigh had approached them,

Suddenly swooped to the right in the front of the horses. Exulting

All of them saw it, and warm was the hope that arose in their bosoms.

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Broken by Nestor's son Peisistratus first was the silence :

"Captain of warrior hosts, Zeus-loved Menelaus, bethink thee

Whether to us or to thee some deity sendeth this omen!"

Thus did he speak, and in doubt was the warlike prince Menelaus

How to respond to the youth and the portent rightly interpret.

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Ere he replied forestalled him the long-robed Helen and answered :

"Listen, for lo I will utter a thing that the blesséd immortals

Put in my heart to predict and I trow it will find a fulfilment.

E'en as to capture the goose that was feeding secure by the farmstead

Down from the mountain he swooped, from his native haunts and his eyrie,

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Thus shall Odysseus, with all of his toils and his wanderings ended,

Come once more to his home and avenge him or even already

There is arrived, and already is plotting the doom of the suitors."

Her sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer :

"May it be granted by Zeus, loud-thundering husband of Hera!

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Then in the land of my birth as a goddess I'll ever invoke thee."

Speaking, he swayed with the lash at the horses : in eager excitement

Thorough the streets of the city and out to the open they galloped.

So for the whole of the day kept shaking the yoke on their shoulders,

Till, when the sun sank down and darkened was every roadway,

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Unto the township of Phera they came, and the house of Diocles,

Offspring of Orsilochus, who was son of the river Alphéus.

Here did they rest for the night, and as host he entreated them kindly.

Now when the morning was newly arisen, the roseate-fingered,

Yoked they the horses and up on the rich-wrought chariot mounting

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Drave from the gate of the house and the loudly reëchoing portal.

Then did he whip to a start, and the steeds flew eagerly onward,

Till ere long they arrived at the steep-built city of Pylos.

Here spake Telemachus and to Nestor's son he addressed him:

"Tell me, Peisistratus—couldst thou not promise and also accomplish

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This that I ask? We can claim that a lifelong friendship unites us,

Since that my father by thine was belov'd—and in age we are equals ;

Ay and to oneness of heart still more will this journey contribute.

Take me not further, I pray, but allow me to halt by my vessel,

Lest that the ancient king (as I fear) in his palace detain me,

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Eager to show me a kindness for home it is need that I hasten."

Thus did he speak, and a while with his heart Peisistratus communed

How it was seemly to make him the promise and also fulfil it.

Thus as he pondered thereon this plan seemed surely the better :

Turning his horses he came to the beach and the swift-winged vessel ;

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Here on the poop of the ship he embarked the magnificent presents,

All of the raiment and gold that the prince Menelaus had given;

Then he addressed him with swift-winged words and exhorted him, saying

"Haste thee aboard, and the whole of thy company bid to embark them,

Ere I arrive at the palace and bring to my father the tidings,

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Since right well do I know in the mind and the spirit within me,

Such is his obstinate temper, he ne'er will allow thy departure ;

Hither himself he will come to invite thee, nor ever, believe me,

Empty return, and despite thy excuse will be terribly angered."

These words spoken, he started his fair-maned horses and drave them

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On to the Pylian city, and soon was arrived at the palace.

Telemachus meanwhile uproused and commanded his shipmates :

"Set ye in order the gear, good friends, in the black-hulled vessel,

So we can get us aboard and be making a start on the journey."

Thus when he spake right gladly they hark'd to his words and obeyed him.

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Quickly they mounted the vessel and sat them adown on the benches.

So was he busied and making oblation and vows to Athene

Close by the stern of the ship, when a man drew nigh him, an exile,

One that had murdered a man and was fled from a distance, from Argos,

Famed as a prophet and claiming descent from the stock of Melampus.

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Formerly Pylos, the mother of flocks, was the home of Melampus;

Rich was the man and of mighty estate in the Pylian people,

Till at the last to a country of strangers he came from his homeland,

Fleeing the proudest of all men living, the arrogant Neleus,

Him who had seized his possessions and during a year's revolution

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Kept them by force; theatre, in the dwelling of Phylacus prisoned,

Heavily fettered he lay and suffered grievous afflictions.

Cause of it all was the daughter of Neleus—ay and his blindness,

Terrible blindness of heart that was sent by the vengeful Erinys.

Yet this doom he escaped, and the bellowing cattle to Pylos

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Back out of Phylace driving avenged on the godlike Neleus

All of that shameful deed, and he brought to the home of his brother

Neleus' daughter, and gave her as wife; then he left for a far land,

E'en for the horse-rich pastures of Argos; and here he was fated

Further to dwell and to rule o'er many a son of the Argives.

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Here did he marry a wife, and a high-roofed homestead he built him;

Antiphates he begat and Mantius, progeny stalwart;

Offspring of Antiphates was the valiant-hearted Oïcles ;

Then was Oïcles the sire of the warrior Amphiaráus,

Him who was shown by Apollo and Zeus that beareth the aegis

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Every manner of love. Eld's threshold still he attained not,

Since that he perished at Thebes through gifts to a treacherous woman.

Amphiaraus was father of Antilochus and Alcmaeon.

Two sons Mantius also begat, Polypheides and Cleitus.

Cleitus was taken from earth by the Morning, the golden-enthronéd,

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All for his beauty's sake—and he dwelleth amid the immortals,

While that the high-souled prince Polypheides was made by Apollo

Greatest of seers, since living no longer was Amphiaraus.

He to the town Hyperesia moved, enraged with his father;

Here did he make him a home and predicted the future for all men.

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Now it was this man's son, Theoclymenus named, who approaching

Closely to Telemachus, stood there at his side and beheld him

Pouring libation and praying beside of his swift black vessel.

Then he uplifted his voice and with swift-winged words he addressed him

"Friend, since just in the act of performing oblation I find thee,

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Lo, by thy gift to the god and the deity's self I beseech thee,

Yea and thy life and the lives of the men that attend thee as shipmates,

Answer me truly the question I ask thee, nor try to conceal it,

Whence and what mortal thou beest. Tell too of thy city and parents."

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer

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"Yea, O stranger, the truth will I tell thee and plainly declare it.

Ithaca's isle is the land of my birth, and my sire is Odysseus—

Were he alive!—but alas, by a grievous doom he is perished.

Wherefore now I am come with my men and my black-hulled vessel

Tidings to seek of my sire who so long is away from his homeland."

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Then did the godlike seer Theoclymenus answer him saying:

"I too wander afar—for I murdered a man in my homeland,

One of my tribe, that hath many a brother and many a kinsman

There in the horse-rich pastures of Argos—Achaeans of station.

Fearing their vengeance, before that the darkness of death overtook me,

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Thence I am fled, and am fated from people to people to wander.

Give me a place on thy ship—as a fugitive, lo, I beseech thee!—

Lest they shall slay me; for closely, methinks, do they follow behind me."

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer:

"Nay, if thou wishest it, ne'er will I drive thee away from my vessel.

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Come with us! Also at home thou art welcome to all we can give thee."

These words uttered, the brass-bound spear from the hand of the stranger

Taking, he laid it reclined on the deck of the twy-beaked galley.

Then embarking aboard of the ocean-voyaging vessel

Nigh to the steerage he sat him adown, and closely beside him

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Bade Theoclymenus sit, and the shipmates loosened the hawser.

Forthwith Telemachus uproused and commanded his comrades

Set their hands to the gear, and they speedily rose and obeyed him.

Raising the pinewood mast to its height, in the cleft of the cross-bar

Firmly they fixed it, and bracing it taut to the prow with the forestays

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Hoisted the fair white sails with the ropes tight-twisted of oxhide.

Sent was a favouring breeze by the grey-eyed goddess Athene,

Sweeping with vehement gusts thro' a clear blue sky, that the vessel

Over the salt sea water with speed might finish her journey.

Soon past Crouni they sailed and the beautiful river of Chalcis,

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Till, when the sun sank down and darkened was every roadway,

Sped by the breezes of Zeus she was near to the haven of Pheae,

Then passed Elis the wonderful land where rule the Epeans.

Thence to the Pinnacled Isles he directed the course of the vessel,

Wondering whether his death were lying before him or safety.

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Now in the hut was Odysseus again with the good old swineherd

Sitting at supper, and all of the farmyard fellows beside them,

Till, when at last they had lost all pleasure in meat and the wine-cup,

Then in the midst did Odysseus begin, thus testing the swineherd

Whether he still was inclined to entreat him with kindness and bid him

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There to remain at the farm or to urge him to visit the city:

"List to my words, Eumaeus, and all of you others, his fellows!

Early the morn I am minded to get me adown to the city;

There will I beg, lest here both master and men I shall ruin.

Give me advice and vouchsafe me a guide right trusty to lead me

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Unto the city. Within it alone I shall fare, as I needs must,

Wandering round in the hope that a cup or a crust will be offered.

Also I mean to arrive at the palace of godlike Odysseus,

There to relate what I know to the wise-souled Penelopeia,

Ay and moreover am fain to apply to the insolent suitors

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Whether a meal they'll give me from all their boundless provisions.

Easily might I supply them with service, whatever was wished for,

Since (and of this I assure thee and I beg thee to listen and mark me)

Under the favour of Hermes the herald of heaven, who alway

Crowneth the labour of men with the guerdon of grace and of glory,

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Such is my deftness in serving no mortal can hope to excel me

Either at skilfully building a fire or in cleaving the fuel,

Ay or at carving or roasting the meat or at brimming the wine-cup,

Duties at which great folk have service of men that be meaner."

Him then in heavy displeasure addressed Eumaeus the swineherd:

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"Out and alas! how comes it, my friend, such thought is arisen

Now in thy mind? By my troth, thou'rt utterly set on perdition,

Thus intending to venture thyself in the rout of the suitors,

Whose fierce insolence reacheth aloft to the brazen heaven.

Underlings such as thyself these men keep not to attend them;

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Striplings they have, all finely apparelled in mantles and tunics;

Gleaming with oil is the head and comely the face when a servant

Serveth the men at a feast; and the polished banqueting-tables

Ever with bread and with flesh and with wine groan heavily laden.

Nay but abide with us still! There's none that is harmed by thy presence,

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Neither myself nor another of all of my fellows who live here.

Willst thou await the return of the well-loved son of Odysseus,

He will be ready to clothe thee in raiment, in mantle and tunic,

Ay and will send thee wherever thy heart and thy spirit shall call thee."

Him gave answer at once long-suffering godlike Odysseus :

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"Would, Eumaeus, that Zeus our Father may love thee as I do,

Since thou hast given me rest from my roamings and terrible hardships.

Nought is an evil for man more sad than to rove as an outcast ;

Yet for the belly—accursed thing !—full many an insult

Beareth a man when he suffers as wanderer pain and privation.

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Well now, seeing thou holdest me here, and biddst me await him,

Give to me tidings, I pray, of the mother of godlike Odysseus,

Yea and his sire, whom he left on the threshold of eld when he parted.

Are they alive peradventure and still in the realm of the sunlight?

Are they departed already to dwell in the mansion of Hades?"

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Forthwith answering spake Eumaeus master of swineherds :

"Well, O stranger, the truth will I tell thee and plainly declare it.

Touching Laertes—he liveth; but Zeus he is ever imploring

Out of his body to wither his soul in the halls of his homestead,

So unspeakably mourns he the son that is gone and is vanished,

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Yea and the wife of his youth, wise Anticleia—for sorely

Grieved he at heart when she died, and to eld untimely it brought him.

She too perished of grief for her son for the noble Odysseus.

Grievous indeed was her death, and I pray none other may end so,

None that is dwelling anigh and is friendly in word and in action.

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Now while yet she was living on earth, though living in sorrow,

Still was it ever my joy to inquire and learn of her welfare,

Since as her child she had loved and with long-robed Ctímene reared me—

Ctímene, tall fair maiden, the youngest of all of her children—

Reared us together, and little she honoured me less than her daughter.

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Now when we both had arrived at the season of love and of beauty

Her for a countless treasure they sent to a Samian chieftain;

Me did my lady—whenas she had given me mantle and tunic,

Beautiful raiment to clothe me withal, and had shod me in sandals—

Send to the farm; but she loved me at heart still more than aforetime.

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Now is my happiness vanished away; but the blesséd immortals

Prosper the work of my hands—this task that I alway attend to;

Yea and enough is my food and my drink, and I give to the honest.

Still, I am able to gain no pleasant news of my mistress

Neither by word nor deed—for the house by a plague is infested,

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Even this insolent horde; and a thrall hath greatly the longing

Now and again with his lady to speak and to learn what is needed,

Ay and to get him a meal and a drink, and a trifle to carry

Back to the farm—such trifles as comfort the heart of a servant."

Him then in turn thus answered and spake deep-plotting Odysseus:

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"Heav'ns! how far thou hast wandered when small, Eumaeus the swineherd,

E'n as a child so far from thy native land and thy parents!

Come now, tell me the thing that I ask thee and clearly explain it.

Perished the wide-way'd city of warriors, pillaged by foemen,

Where was the dwelling-place of thy sire and his lady, thy mother?

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Or in a lonesome spot while tending the sheep or the oxen

Captured by hostile men wast thou carried aboard and exported

Unto the home of this master of thine, who purchased thee dearly?"

Forthwith answering spake Eumaeus master of swineherds:

"Since, O stranger, thou fain wouldst hear of this matter and learn it,

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Listen in silence and make thee at ease, and quaff of the wine-cup

There as thou sittest. The night at this season is endless; for sleeping

Time is enough, and to feast or to list to a tale—and thou needst not

Lay thee to slumber before it is time. Much sleep is a mischief.

Touching the others, whoever is bid by his heart and his spirit

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Now can depart to his bed, and as soon as the morning appeareth,

After his breakfast is done, let him follow the swine of the master.

We two here in the cottage remaining, and drinking and feasting,

Each will delight him in hearing the toils and the griefs of the other,

While we relate of the past since trouble is sweet to remember,

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After it ends, for a man that hath wandered afar and hath suffered.

So I will tell thee of all that thou fain wouldst learn of the matter.

There is an isle Syrië (thou hast heard its name peradventure)

Past the Ortygian isle, where pauseth the sun and returneth;

Not so exceedingly full is the island of folk, but is fertile,

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Richly abounding in flocks and in herds and in corn and in vineyards.

Famine hath never invaded the land, nor ever another

Pestilence such as afflicts poor mortals grievously ofttimes.

Here when the folk that inhabit the land grow agéd and feeble,

Then with his silvern bow, and with Artemis, cometh Apollo,

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Launching his painless bolts, and assails them and suddenly slays them.

Towns in the isle are twain, and the whole is divided amongst them.

Over the one and the other alike ruled solely my father,

Ctesius Ormenides, who a god everlasting resembled.

Once came hither a crew of the famed Phoenician sea-folk,

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Hucksters with countless trinkets and gauds in their black-hulled vessel.

Now in the house of my sire was a young Phoenician woman

Comely and tall and endowed with a deftness in exquisite handwork.

Her with their wileful ways these sly Phoenicians cheated.

Firstly, anigh to the hollow ship, as she tended the washing

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One of them met her and won her by love—such love as deceiveth

Often the womanly heart, yea even of her that is upright.

Then, as the fellow demanded her name and the name of her homeland,

Straight she confessed it, describing the high-roofed house of her father:

'Native of Sidon, the city abounding in bronze, I avow me,

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Daughter of Arybas—one who was lavishly dowered with riches.

Taphians stole me away—sea-roving robbers, who caught me

While from the fields I was coming. They carried me over the ocean

Here to the home of this master of mine; and he paid for me dearly.'

Then did the man who in secret had won her address her in answer:

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'Say now, wouldst thou be willing to come with us back to thy homeland,

Unto the high-roofed house of thy father and mother, and see them,

Even themselves? for I know them to live and be famed for their riches.'

Then did the woman address him again, and she answered him saying

'Ay, 'twere possible so, if ye all were willing, ye sailors,

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Surely to promise on oath to convey me unharmed to my homeland.'

Thus did she speak, and they all of them promised on oath, as she bade them.

Then, so soon as they gave her the oath and had finished the plighting,

Spake once more to the sailors the woman and answered them saying:

'Now keep silence! Let none of you venture a word to address me,

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None of the crew, if we pass in the street of the village, or haply

Meet at the fountain, for fear lest somebody go and relate it

Unto the master at home, and the old man, growing suspicious,

Straitly confine me in bonds and devise some plan to destroy you.

Keep ye the matter in mind. Push forward the purchase of cargo.

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Then, when at last your vessel is freighted with store of provisions,

Speedily send to the palace a message to tell me the tidings.

Gold I will bring you—whatever shall come to the reach of my fingers;

Ay and besides, for my fare, I am willing to make you a present.

There is a child of the goodman I serve as his nurse in the palace—

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Such a precocious chit on my walks comes trotting beside me.

Him I shall manage to whele aboard; and a profit enormous

Sure he will bring, wherever to foreign folk ye export him.'

These words spoken, the woman returned to the beautiful mansion.

Now for the whole of a year did the sailors, abiding amongst us,

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Traffic and lade on the hollow ship great store of provisions.

Then, when at last their vessel was freighted and ready for sailing,

One of them bearing a message they sent to report to the woman.

So he arrived—sly fellow—and entered the house of my father

Bringing a necklace of gold that with droplets of amber was beaded.

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Now as the maiden attendants and also their lady, my mother

Crowded around in the hall to examine and handle the trinket,

Bidding their prices, he silently gave to the woman the signal.

After the sign he had made to the hollow ship he departed.

Taking me then by the hand she conducted me forth, and it happened,

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Passing the porch of the house, she discovered the tables and goblets

Left by the guests, who had there on my sire been paying attendance—

These to the session had gone and the place of the people's assembly.

So three goblets she took and concealing them well in her bosom

Carried them off—and I went with the woman in innocent folly.

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Set was already the sun and darkened was every roadway

Ere to the far-famed haven we came though urgently hasting—

Where was at anchor the vessel of those Phoenician seamen.

Forthwith now they embarked, and they took us aboard and departed,

Sailing the watery ways with a stern-wind sent by the Father.

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Six days long did we sail—and by night no less than by daytime—

Till when the light of a seventh was added by Father Cronion

Suddenly smit was the woman by Artemis, darter of arrows;

Into the bilge down-dropping she plunged as a gull of the ocean.

Her dead body, to serve as a spoil for the seals and the fishes,

480

Out of the vessel they cast; and with desolate heart I was left there,

Till on the Ithacan isle by the wind and the currents of ocean

Wafted we happ'd; and there I was bought by the wealth of Laertes.

So did I come to behold this land on the which I am dwelling.”

Then did Odysseus the offspring of Zeus thus answer him saying:

485

"Ah, Eumaeus, profoundly thou stirrest the spirit within me,

Telling the tale of thy life—of the toils and the woes thou hast suffered.

Natheless unto the evil hath Zeus much happiness added

Bringing thee after thy perils and toils to the home of a master

Kindly a master that gives thee of food and of drink in abundance,

490

Tending thee well. 'Tis a life right pleasant thou livest—but, ah me !

Ere I arrived I had roamed through many a city of mortals!"

Thus these twain, as they sat, held converse one with another.

Then did they lay them to sleep, for a space not long, but a little.

Soon rose Morning enthroned in her glory.

495

And now on the sea-shore

495

Telemachus and his men were striking the sails, and the mast-tree

Quickly they lowered, and pulled with the oars to her moorings the vessel,

Then cast sleepers, and after the stern they had fastened with cables

Out of the vessel they stepped on the surf-beat strand of the ocean,

Where they prepared them a meal; and they mingled them fiery red wine.

500

Then, when at last they had lost all pleasure in meat and the wine-cup,

Spake sage Telemachus, and thus he began to address them :

"Ye now hasten ahead to the town with the black-hulled vessel!

Touching myself, I am going to visit the farms and the herdsmen.

After inspecting the fields I shall come to the city at nightfall.

505

Early the morn I shall offer, as wages due for the voyage,

Lavish abundance of meat and of savoury wine for a banquet."

Then did the godlike seer Theoclýmenus answer him saying:

"Ay but for me, dear child where now shall I go? In his mansion

Which of thy rockbound Ithaca's chieftains will offer me shelter?

510

Willst thou I make me my way forthwith to thy home and thy mother?"

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer

"Were it but elsewise, yes—to the home of my fathers I'd bid thee

Straight to proceed; for it fails not in welcome to guests; but thou mightst there

Evilly fare, for I thence shall be absent myself, and my mother

515

Ne'er will behold thee; for little she cares in the halls with the suitors

Oft to appear, but alone in her upper apartment she weaveth.

Nay, I will name thee another—a man would give thee a welcome.

Eurymachus he is called, wise Polybus' glorious offspring.

He as a god by the people of Ithaca now is regarded,

520

Being a man far better than all of the rest; and he greatly

Longeth my mother to win and to rule in the stead of Odysseus.

Ah but the Father alone who dwells on the heights of Olympus

Knows if he first will vouchsafe them espousals or utter destruction."

Scarce had he spoken when, lo, on the right came flying a falcon,

525

Messenger bird of Apollo, the soaring hawk, in his talons

Clutching and tearing a dove; and to earth fell floating the feathers

'Twixt where Telemachus was reclining and beached was his vessel ;

Whom then apart from the rest of the men Theoclýmenus calling,

Gave him a clasp of the hand, as he opened his lips and addressed him :

530

"Sure as a sign from a god on the right came flying the falcon!

Yae and as soon as I saw it I knew that the bird was an omen.

Telemachus, more royal than yours no race is existing

Here in the Ithacan land; ye shall aye be established in power."

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer

535

"Stranger, I pray for the word thou hast spoken to find a fulfilment ;

Then shalt thou speedily find both friendship and many a present

Come from me—such that whoever shall meet thee will hold thee as blesséd."

These words spoken, he called Peiraeus, his trusty companion :

"Clytius' son, Peiraeus, of all thou'rt ever the foremost

540

Me to obey—of the men that as shipmates followed to Pylos.

Now too listen, and take our friend as a guest to thy homestead!

Carefully tend him and kindly entreat him until my arrival!"

Straight did the spearman renowned, Peiraeus, address him in answer:

"Telemachus, yea surely; and thinkest thou long to remain here,

545

Still he shall stay as my guest, nor ever be wanting in welcome."

These words uttered he mounted the vessel and called to his comrades,

Bidding them also embark and unloose from the moorings the cables.

Then did they get them aboard and they took their seats on the benches.

Telemachus meanwhile on his feet bound beautiful sandals,

550

Also his spear bronze-bladed and mighty, of terrible keenness,

Took from the deck; and the men made loose from the moorings the cables.

Then out-thrusting they sailed for the town, as the prince had commanded,

Even the well-loved son of the hero, godlike Odysseus.

Him on his way bare swiftly his feet, till he came to the farmstead

555

Where was the numberless drove of his swine, and the good old swineherd

Watching them even by night, with devotion true to his masters.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

Now that Odysseus is back home in Ithaca, it is time for his son Telemachus to return home as well. The goddess Athena now travels to Sparta, where she will initiate the return of Telemachus back home to Ithaca.

draft js image error Detail from a fresco found at Hagia Triadha in Crete. Reconstruction by Mark Cameron, p. 96 of the catalogue Fresco: A Passport into the Past. Minoan Crete through the eyes of Mark Cameron. 1999. Catalogue curated by Doniert Evely. Athens: British School at Athens; and N. P. Goulandris Foundation, Museum of Cycladic Art. Reproduced with the permission of the British School at Athens. BSA Archive: Mark Cameron Personal Papers: CAM 1.

source

Homer Odyssey 15.340

Samuel Butler (Translator)

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ODYSSEY BOOK XV

PATTEN WILSON.
“FAREWELL TO YOU BOTH, YOUNG MEN!”

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Experimental

ODYSSEY BOOK XV

PATTEN WILSON. “FAREWELL TO YOU BOTH, YOUNG MEN!”

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

PATTEN WILSON.
“FAREWELL TO YOU BOTH, YOUNG MEN!”