ODYSSEY BOOK XVII
NOW when the morning was newly arisen, the roseate-fingered,
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Telemachus, loved son of the godlike hero Odysseus,
Straightway under his feet bound firmly his beautiful sandals,
Took then his stalwart spear, well fitting the grasp of his fingers,
Meaning to start forthwith for the town; & he spake to his swineherd :
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"Well now, dad, I shall go to the city in order to show me
Unto my mother, for never—of this I am sure—she will never
Cease from her wretched bewailing and shedding of tears and lamenting
Ere she beholdeth my face. Now list to the orders I give thee:
This poor stranger I wish thee to guide to the city and bid him
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There go beg for his food, and let every one who is willing
Reach him a crust and a cup; but for me it is possible nowise
All such beggars to house, for my spirit is burdened with sorrows.
Should he be sorely offended thereat, he will only be making
All of it worse for himself. I prefer to be open and truthful."
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Him then in answer addressed these words deep-plotting Odysseus :
"Neither myself, O friend, am I wishful at all to be kept here,
Since for a beggar it's better by far in the town than the country
Begging his bread. I shall get it from every one that is willing.
Nor am I longer, I trow, of an age to abide on a farmstead
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Where I shall need to obey the commands of a master in all things.
Nay now, go on thy way. This man, as thou biddest, shall guide me,
After I've thaw'd me a bit by the fire and the sunlight is warmer.
Wearing a raiment so terribly tattered I fear to encounter
Hoar-frost early a-morn; and ye said that the city is distant."
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Thus did he speak, and the youth went forth of the hut and the farmyard
Striding apace; and he sowed as he went ill doom for the suitors;
Till, when at last he arrived at the pleasant abode of his fathers,
Taking the spear that he bore on a high roof-pillar he leaned it;
Over the threshold of stone then stepping he entered the mansion.
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Here was the first to behold him the old nurse Eurycleia,
While she was reserving the seats and their delicate carvings with fleeces.
Sobbing she hurried to meet him, and round him assembled the others,
All of the women attendants of long-enduring Odysseus,
Lovingly offering welcome and kissing his head and his shoulders.
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Then came forth of her chamber the wise-souled Penelopeia,
Like to the daughter of Leto or Queen Aphrodite the golden,
Fell on the neck of her child, her belov'd, and embraced him, and sobbing
Kissed him on both of his cheeks, on his beautiful eyes and his forehead;
Then with a pitiful cry these swift-winged words she addressed him :
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"Telemachus, sweet light of my eyes, thou art come! and I thought not
E'er to behold thee again when I knew thee departed for Pylos
Secretly—ay and despite of my wishes—to seek for thy father.
Ah but inform me at once: was a sign to be seen of his presence?"
Her sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer :
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"Mother, arouse no wailing, I pray thee, nor stir in my bosom
Sorrow of heart! I am barely escaped from utter destruction.
Nay now, bathe thee in water and cast fresh raiment around thee,
Then to thy upper apartment ascend with the women thy handmaids;
There make vows to perform to the gods sufficing oblation,
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Praying that Zeus may haply accomplish the work of requital.
Now I shall go to the square and invite me a guest to the palace,
Even a stranger who joined us when hither returning from Pylos.
Him did I forward send with the rest of my goodly companions,
Telling my mate Peiraeus to take him as guest to his homestead,
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Yea and to treat him with care and with honour until my arrival."
Thus did he speak, and the word that he uttered abode with her wingless.
Forthwith bathing in water she cast fresh raiment around her,
Then made vows to perform to the gods sufficing oblation,
Praying that Zeus might haply accomplish the work of requital.
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Telemachus straightway fared forth from the hall of the palace,
Bearing a spear in his hand, and by dogs fleet-footed was followed.
O'er him a wondrous beauty was shed by the goddess Athene,
So that the folk all gazed in astonishment while he approached them.
Round him at once there gathered a throng of the arrogant suitors
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Speaking him fair, while deep in their bosoms they brooded on evil.
These however he shunned and the press of the people avoiding
Came where Mentor was sitting with Antiphos and Halitherses,
Friends still faithful as ever of yore to the house of his father.
Here then he sat him adown; and they asked him of all that had happened.
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Now Peiraeus approached, bold spearman, escorting the stranger
Thorough the town to the place of the council; nor longer a moment
Telemachus held back from the stranger, but hastened to meet him.
First however began Peiraeus to speak and addressed him :
"Telemachus, send some of thy maidens at once to my homestead,
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So that they bring to thee all of the gifts of the prince Menelaus."
Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer:
"Nay, Peiraeus, we know not as yet how all shall be ended.
Should these arrogant suitors infesting the halls of my mansion
Slay me by stealth, and divide my paternal possessions among them,
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Rather for thee to enjoy than for any of them be the presents!
Should however I sow for the fellows death and destruction,
Then shall I gladly permit thee to bring these gifts to my homestead."
These words uttered, he guided his waywarn guest to the palace,
Till, when at last they arrived at the pleasant abode of his fathers,
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Laying aside their mantles of wool on the chairs and the couches,
Into the bath with its tub well-polished they entered and washed them.
Then, when the women had bathed them and rubbed them with oil of the olive,
Throwing around them again soft woollen mantles and tunics,
Out of the tub of the bath they returned and on couches reclined them.
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Water for washing of hands by a maiden was brought in an ewer
Beautiful, golden; and over a basin of silver she poured it,
Bidding them wash; and she stationed a polished table beside them.
Then did the grave house-dame bring bread, and she laid it before them,
Lavishly adding thereto from her stores full many a dainty.
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Fronting the prince was his mother, anigh to the post of the doorway,
Lying reclined on her couch, and a delicate thread she was spinning.
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,
Thus she began to address him, the wise-souled Penelopeia :
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"Telemachus, I shall now to my upper apartment ascending
Lay me again on the bed that is ever the place of my groanings,
Watered so oft by my tears from the day that Odysseus thy father
Sailed with the lordly Atridae for Ilion. Yea, for thou car'st not,
Ere that the arrogant suitors return to the hall of the palace,
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Plainly to tell me if aught thou hast heard of thy father's returning."
Her sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer:
"Well now, mother, the whole of the truth I will fully relate thee.
Firstly to Pylos we came, where Nestor, the prince of the people,
Bidding me welcome as guest in his high-roofed palace received me,
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Lovingly treated me too, as a father his son that has wandered
Long in a country of strangers and newly is come to his homeland.
Lovingly thus by the king and his valiant sons I was treated.
Still, of my sire, stout-hearted Odysseus, as yet, he asserted,
Whether as dead or alive, no mortal had given him tidings.
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Natheless unto the spearman renowned, Menelaus Atrides,
Onward he sent me, and steeds and a strong-built car he provided.
Here too Helen of Argos I saw, whose beauty so many
Sufferings brought, by the will of the gods, on the Trojans and Argives.
Forthwith questioned me then Menelaus good at the war-cry
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What was the wish that had led me to visit divine Lacedaemon;
Straight I replied and the whole of the truth to the prince I related.
Then once more did he speak and thus he addressed me in answer:
'Nay, by the gods! in the bed of a man right valiant-hearted
These have chosen a couch for themselves—poor cowardly creatures!
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E'en as it haps when a hind in the lair of a powerful lion
Maketh a bed for her fawns, new-litter'd and delicate sucklings,
Fares then forth to the slopes and the grassy ravines of the mountains
Seeking for pasture—and lo, to his covert returning the lion
Suddenly maketh of both of the yeanlings a terrible ending;
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Thus shall a terrible ending be made of the men by Odysseus.
Would that, by Father Zeus and Athena and Phoebus Apollo,
Such as he proved when of yore in the flourishing island of Lesbos
Fearless he met with the huge Philomeleides in a contest,
Wrestled and heavily threw him, and all the Achaeans exulted;
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Would that he came—e'en such an Odysseus—to visit the suitors,
Bringing to all of them speedy perdition and nuptials of anguish !
Now for the matter whereof thou dost ask and entreat me, I promise
Nought will I wrest from the truth, nor evasively speak and deceive thee;
All that the ancient god of the sea—that prophet unerring—
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Told me, of this will I nought keep back nor attempt to conceal it.
Once on an island, he said, he had seen him and suffering sorely,
Held in the halls of Calypso the nymph; and she still with compulsion
Keepeth him there all hopeless of reaching the land of his fathers,
Since no ship he possesses with oars well fitted or comrades
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Such as to help him to traverse the wide expanses of ocean.'
Such words uttered the spearman renown'd Menelaus Atrides.
This then finished I started again, and a favouring stern-breeze
Sent by the gods soon wafted me back to the land of my fathers."
Thus did he end, and his words moved deeply the heart in her bosom.
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Then did the seer divine Theoclýmenus speak and address her :
"Lady and honoured wife of Odysseus the son of Laertes,
He knows nothing for certain; but list to the word I shall utter :
Lo as a prophet I tell thee the truth nor will try to conceal it :
First then witness it Zeus, and the table at which I am welcomed,
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Yea and the hearth to the which I am come of the noble Odysseus,
Verily now already Odysseus is here in his homeland
Resting or stealing around; and of all these crimes he is learning;
Yea he is here, and is sowing disaster for all of the suitors, —
Such was the omen that lately anigh to the well-decked vessel,
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Where I was sitting, I saw; and to Telemachus I proclaimed it."
Him then in turn gave answer the wise-souled Penelopeia :
“Ah and I would, O stranger, thy word might find a fulfilment !
Quickly enough thou'dst know of my friendship, and many a present
Out of my hands, and be envied of every mortal that met thee."
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Thus these three as they sat held converse one with another.
Meantime sported the suitors in front of the hall of Odysseus
Taking delight in the hurling of spears and in casting the discus,
Using the levelled ground that was often the scene of their uproars,
Till, when the season of supper was there and from every quarter
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Came from the pastures the sheep, with the men who conducted them alway,
Then spake Medon the herald (the one that of all of the henchmen
Pleased them the best and was aye in attendance whenever they feasted):
"Now, young masters, with sports all hearts are fully contented;
Get you again to the house, and a banquet we there will prepare us.
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Much do I know that is worse than enjoying a supper in season."
Thus as he spake they arose and departed, obeying his summons.
Then, when they all had arrived at the fair-built house of Odysseus,
Laying aside their mantles of wool on the chairs and the couches,
Straight of the sheep and the goats they began choice fatlings to slaughter,
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Slaughtered as well fat hogs, and they took of the cattle a heifer,
Making them ready a feast.
But to start for the town from the farmstead
Now did Odysseus and also the good old swineherd bestir them.
Then of the twain first spake Eumaeus master of swineherds:
"Since thou art eagerly wishing, my friend, to be gone to the city
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Even to-day, as the master commanded—although for my own part
Here far liefer I'd leave thee behind as a guard of the steading—
Natheless, since I revere him and dread lest haply hereafter
Words of rebuke he shall utter (it pains when a master reproves one),"
So come now let us start, for the day, as thou seest, is already
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Fully advanced; it will soon strike colder as even approacheth."
Him then in answer addressed these words deep-plotting Odysseus:
"Ay but I know it, I know it, and well understand what thou wishest.
Well—let us go! Thou shalt guide me the whole of the way to the city.
Give me a stick, I beseech thee, if one cut ready thou ownest,
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Such as to steady my steps; for ye called it a treacherous footpath."
These words spoken he slung on his shoulders the beggarly wallet,
Terribly tattered and torn, with a twisted cord to suspend it,
While Eumaeus provided a staff—e'en such as he wished for.
Thus these twain fared forth; but the dogs and the drivers remained there
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Guarding the farm, while down to the city he guided his master
Under the form of a beggar, a man right wretched and agéd,
Staying his steps with a staff and invested in sorry apparel.
So when at last by a path full narrow and stony descending
Nigh to the gate of the city they came, they arrived at a fountain
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Bountiful, basin'd in stone, whence water is drawn by the townsman
(Ithacus built it, and Neritus later and also Polyctor).
Round it a thicket of alders, that love to be nourished by moisture,
Wholly encircled the spring; and the clear cold water was falling
Down from the height of a rock, and above was erected an altar
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Unto the nymphs, at the which all travellers made an oblation.
Here did it hap that the goatherd Melanthius lighted upon them,
Driving his goats—prime beasts for the food of the suitors selected,
Chosen from all of the flocks. And he brought two drivers to help him.
Now as he saw those twain he reviled them, and loudly addressed them
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Words indecent and shocking that angered the heart of Odysseus:
"Lo and behold! E'en so! One scoundrel is leading another!
How it is true that a like and like heav'n bringeth together!
Where art thou taking this gluttonous hog, thou detestable swineherd—
Taking this pestilent knave of a beggar, this spoiler of banquets,
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One that for aye will be loafing and rubbing his shoulders on door-posts,
Begging for morsels of meat ?—not, I trow, for a sword or a kettle!
Shouldst thou allow me the lout to be left as a guard in my steading,
Sweep me the stalls and supply to the kids fresh branches for fodder,
Soon with the swilling of whey he'd grow him a thigh—and a fat one!
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Since however a right bad trade he hath learned, he will never
PATTEN WILSON.
THE MEETING WITH MELANTHIUS
Willingly set him to work, for the tramping and begging is doubtless
More to his mind, and to batten on doles his insatiate belly.
Hark! I will tell thee a thing that will certainly find a fulfilment :
Should he attempt to approach to the palace of godlike Odysseus,
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Soon at his head will be hurled by the men full many a footstool,
Barking his ribs, as around all over the palace they pelt him."
These words said, in his fury he kicked as he passed at Odysseus,
Striking his hip—but to thrust him aside from the path it availed not.
Steadily still he remained on the road, and he pondered in spirit
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Whether to rush at the fellow and flog him to death with his cudgel,
Or by the ankles to lift him and shatter his skull on the roadway.
Still he endured it, restraining his wrath; and the swineherd in anger
Glared at the man and uplifting his hands made loud invocation:
"Daughters of Zeus, O Nymphs of the fountain, if ever Odysseus
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Offered you roasted oblation of thighs enwrapt in the caul-fat
Either of rams or of kids, vouchsafe me this longing's fulfilment :
O for the master himself to return! Some deity bring him!
Then shall he scatter to nothing the whole of thy vaunting and glory
Which thou in arrogance bruitest abroad, down here in the city
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Loafing, and letting thy flocks by the knavish herdsmen be ruined."
Him then in turn gave answer Melanthius master of goatherds:
"Nay by the gods, just list to the bark of the venomous mongrel!
Soon I shall get him aboard of a black-deck'd vessel and take him
Far from the Ithacan isle, and a fortune fine he shall win me.
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Ay and for Telemachus with his silvern bow may Apollo
Smite him to-day! Or I would that he died by the hands of the suitors,
Seeing the day of return for Odysseus is vanished for ever."
These words uttered he left them, and leisurely footing they followed
While that he hastened before and arrived full soon at the palace,
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Straightway entered, and sat him adown in the midst of the suitors
Opposite Eurymachus, who of all to his soul was the dearest.
Quickly a portion of meat was conveyed to his side by the servants,
While that the grave house-dame brought bread, and she set it before him
Meantime was Odysseus arrived with the swineherd.
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Nigh to the palace they halted, and music was wafted around them,
Tones of a hollow lute; for beginning to sing was the minstrel
Phemius. Grasping his hand then spake to the swineherd Odysseus:
"Sure, it is here, Eumaeus—the beautiful home of Odysseus!
Yea and in sooth it is easily known midst many a mansion.
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Buildings on buildings! and see how skilfully planned is the courtyard !
Look at the wall and the coping of battlements! Look at the portal,
Double and massively barr'd! 'Twould fear no arms of assailants!
Also I ween that within is a company holding a revel,
Many a man for a savour is floating around us, and music,
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Tones of a lute, which heaven hath wedded as consort to banquets."
Him then in answer addressed these words Eumaeus the swineherd:
"Easily guessed!—and in sooth ere now not a fool thou appearedst.
Well now, come, let us think how next we shall act in the matter.
Either do thou first enter the pleasant abodes of the palace
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Unto the throng of the suitors, and I outside will await thee,
Else, if it pleaseth thee more, stay here, and as first I will enter.
Long however remain not, for fear lest any beholding
Pelt thee and drive thee away. Now think what is best, I beseech thee."
Forthwith answering spake long-suffering godlike Odysseus :
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"Ay but I know it, I know it, and well understand what thou wishest.
Well then, thou be the foremost to enter; I here will await thee.
Verily neither of missiles nor blows am I lacking in knowledge!
Hardened in sooth is my heart—so many a hardship I suffered
Tossed on the sea and the billows of war. Now this shall be added!
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Also an ill one never can hide is a ravening belly,
Thing accursed that brings on a man right many misfortunes;
Yea, it is nought but the belly that full-benched vessels equippeth,
Vessels that over the waste of the sea bear doom to the foeman."
While these twain stood thus conversing the one with the other
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Nigh them a dog uplifted his head and his ears as he lay there,
E'en old Argus, the dog whom long-enduring Odysseus
Bred for himself—but in vain. To the sacred town of the Trojans
Ere he had trained him he went ; and at first young fellows had led him
After the goats of the mountain to hunt, and the hares, and the roe-deer;
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Then neglected he lay, in the years when his master was absent,
Making his bed of the muck that was piled in the front of the portal,
Even the dung of the mules and the oxen, before it was carried
Out to the fields of the farm by the thralls of Odysseus to dung them.
There he was lying—the poor old Argus, infested with vermin.
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Yet e'en now, as he looked and was ware that his master was present,
Both of his ears down-dropping and wagging his tail he attempted
Nearer to come to Odysseus his lord, but was wholly unable
Thither to creep; and Odysseus averted his eyes as he saw it,
Drying a tear, that he easily hid from the swineherd, and asked him:
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"Sure, Eumaeus, 'tis strange that the dog should lie on a dunghill.
Goodly in form he appears; but indeed one knows not for certain
Whether he also had fleetness of foot with a beautiful body,
Or if he only was like to a hound that is fed from the table,
Such as so often is kept by the rich on account of his beauty."
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Him then in answer addressed these words Eumaeus the swineherd :
"Nay, 'tis the dog of a man that is perished afar from his homeland.
Were he again to be gifted with bodily power and prowess,
Were he the dog that was left by Odysseus when sailing for Troyland,
Soon at the sight of his strength thou'dst marvel and also his swiftness.
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E'en in the uttermost depths of the forest was known to escape him
Never a brute that he chased—for at following trail he was peerless.
Now he is fallen on days right evil: his master is perished
Far from his home, and the maids are too neglectful to tend him.
Such is a thrall when his lord no longer commands in the household !
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Ne'er is he willing to work at his duty as honesty bids him.
Half of his worth doth the Father of heaven who speaketh in thunder
Take from a man when the day of captivity cometh upon him."
These words spoken, he entered the pleasant abodes of the palace.
Straight to the hall he betook him and came to the arrogant suitors,
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While that the doom and the darkness of death descended on Argus,
Just as again, in the twentieth year, he had welcomed his master.
Now as the swineherd was making his way in the midst of the mansion
Godlike Telemachus was the first to perceive him, and forthwith
Beckoned to bid him approach; and he looked for a settle and found one
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Standing unused, where wont to be seated at feasts was the carver
While he was portioning messes abundant of meat for the suitors.
This he uplifted and bore to the side of the table and placed it
Opposite Telemachus; and he sat him adown; and a henchman
Served him a portion of meat, and of bread that he took from a basket.
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After him soon now followed Odysseus and entered the palace
Under the form of a beggar, a man right wretched and agéd,
Staying his steps with a staff and invested in sorry apparel.
Down on the threshold of ash inside of the portal he sat him,
Leaning himself on the pillar of cypress, that erst by the joiner
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Smoothly was planed and was cut to the line with the skill of a master.
Telemachus now called to the swineherd to come, and addressed him,
Taking the whole of a loaf from the midst of a beautiful basket,
Also as much of the meat as to grasp in his hands he was able :
"Carry and give this food to the stranger, and also advise him
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Making the round of the table entreat each one of the suitors,
Seeing it profiteth nought for a mortal in want to be shamefaced."
Thus did he speak, and the swineherd obeying, as soon as he heard it,
Came close up to the man and with swift-winged words he addressed him :
"Telemachus sends this to thee, stranger, and bids me advise thee
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Making the round of the table entreat each one of the suitors,
Seeing it profiteth nought for a beggar (he saith) to be shamefaced."
Forthwith answering spake these words deep-plotting Odysseus :
"King of the gods, great Zeus, grant Telemachus to be happy
Here amid men, and to gain all blessings his soul desireth."
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Thus did he speak, and in both of his hands he received it, and laid it
Down at his feet, outspreading beneath it his beggarly wallet.
Now as he ate, once more to the feasters the singer was singing,
Till, when at last he had dined and the godlike singer had ended,
Clamour was raised in the hall by the suitors.
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Taking her stand by the side of Odysseus the son of Laertes,
Urgently moved him to go and to gather him crusts from the suitors,
So as to learn which men were just, which lawless among them
(Yet e'en so she was minded to save not one from destruction).
So from the right he began and in turn each man he entreated,
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Holding his hand for a dole, like one long practised in begging.
Now while moved by compassion they gave, and beheld him with wonder,
Each one questioning, "Who is the fellow, and where did he come from?"
Thus in the midst addressed them Melanthius master of goatherds:
"List to my words, O suitors of far-famed Penelopeia,
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Touching this stranger! — Methinks ere now I've certainly seen him.
Ay, it is even the beggar the swineherd hither was guiding!
Whence he is come, and the folk that he boasts to belong to, I know not."
Forthwith Antinous outspake upbraiding the swineherd :
"Ah, thou notorious swineherd! and wherefore here to the city
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Bringst thou the man? Dost fancy us lacking in vagrants already,
Lacking in plenty of pestilent beggars and spoilers of banquets?
Deemst thou it nought that the wealth of thy lord is consumed by a rabble
Gathering here in his halls, that thou callst this fellow to join them?"
Him straightway then in answer addressed Eumaeus the swineherd :
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"Antinous, thou art brave, but thy words are truly ignoble.
Where is the man goes searching around for a guest and invites him,
Other than one of the craftsmen that work for the weal of the people,
Either a prophet, a healer of ills, or a master of woodcraft,
Ay or a singer divine, to delight with his singing the feasters?
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Over the whole wide world such guests are bidden to banquets,
While—what mortal inviteth a beggar to come and annoy him?
Ah but thou ever wast hard—and of all of the suitors the hardest—
Unto the thralls of Odysseus, and specially me ! But I care not
Care not a whit so long as the wise-souled Penelopeia
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Lives in the halls of her palace, and Telemachus the heroic."
Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer :
"Silence, I beg! It is useless to waste more words in replying.
Antinous is accustomed for ever to chide and to quarrel,
Using the bitterest taunts, wherewith he inciteth the others."
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Turning to Antinous then swift-winged words he addressed him :
"Antinous, it is finely thou car'st for me like to a father,
Bidding me chase this stranger away from the hall of my homestead,
Ay and to force him with threats!— May God forfend that I do so !
Come, take something and give it! I grudge not the gift; I enjoin it.
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Pay not regard to my mother herein, nor to any besides her,
Any attendant that serves in the palace of godlike Odysseus!
Navy but I know such thoughts have never a place in thy bosom:
Liefer by far thou'dst ever be eating than give to another."
Him prince Antinous addressing in turn gave answer :
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"Telemachus, big boaster, unbridled in fury, what prat'st thou ?
Were but the rest of the suitors to make him the present that I shall,
Verily three good months your house would mourn for his absence."
Seizing a stool, as he spake, he displayed it from under the table,
Where it was set as support for his smooth-skinned feet as he feasted.
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All of the rest now offered a bounty, and soon was the wallet
Filled with the bread and the meat; and Odysseus, although he was minded
Straight to the threshold returning to taste of the gift of the princes,
Halted by Antinous, as he passed, and accosted him, saying :
"Give to me, friend!—for thou seemst not the worst of the noble Achaeans,
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Navy but the best of them all. Thou art like to a monarch among them.
So it behoves thee to give me a still more generous portion
E'en than the others; and over the whole wide world I will laud thee.
Once I was owner of house and of home, and was held by my fellows
Rich in estate, and was wont full often to give to a vagrant,
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Every beggar, whatever he seemed and whatever he wanted.
Many and many a thrall I possessed and abundance of all things
Such as allow of an easy existence and rich reputation.
Then I was ruined by Father Cronion. I ween that he willed it,
Since it was he who enrolled me with robbers that rove on the ocean
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Sailing for Egypt—a land far distant and doomed to destroy me.
Here, in the river of Egypt I stationed my twy-beaked galleys;
Then did I issue an order to all of my trusty companions
Quietly there to remain by the side of the vessels and guard them,
While that I sent forth scouts to explore from the neighbouring outlooks.
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Yielding however to wanton desires and to arrogant boldness
Soon they invaded the beautiful fields of the people of Egypt,
Wasting the country and taking away both women and children,
Slaughtering also the men; and the cry reached quickly the city.
These then, hearing the shout, as the new-born day was appearing,
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Came, and the whole of the plain seemed full of the footmen and horses,
Full of the flashing of bronze; and the god that delighteth in thunder
Cast on my comrades a panic so fearful that none had the courage
Firmly to stand and to face them for danger was pressing on all sides.
Now of my friends with the edge of the sword full many they slaughtered,
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Many they captured, and led them away to the labours of bondmen.
Me to a stranger that met us they sold, and he took me to Cyprus,
Dmetor descended from Jasus, a powerful Cyprian chieftain.
Thence I escaped, and am hither arrived in the sorest affliction."
Forthwith Antinous uplifting his voice made answer :
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"Which of the deities sent us this nuisance, this bane of the banquet!
Get thee away to the midst of the hall and apart from my table,
Lest thou shalt come to an Egypt of anguish and Cyprus of sorrow!
Why—what a shameless, audaciously impudent beggar thou seemest,
Worrying each one after the other! And truly they load thee
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Recklessly, neither withholding the hand nor swayed by a scruple,
Giving the goods of another; and plenty they keep for themselves too!"
Stepping a little aback deep-plotting Odysseus addressed him :
"Navy by the gods, thou'lt lacking in soul though noble in aspect.
Never a morsel of salt thou'dst give to the poor at thy doorway,
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Seeing that feasting thy full at the board of another thou willst not
Break me a mouthful of bread, though plenty is lying before thee."
Thus did he speak; but the man with a heart more maddened to fury
Glared at Odysseus askance, and with swift-winged words he addressed him :
"Now no longer, I vow, shalt thou hope to escape or unpunished
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Out of the hall make good thy retreat for thou utterest insults.”
These words spoken he seized on the stool, and he hurled it and struck him
Under the shoulder atop of the back on the right; but he stood there
Firm as a rock, nor staggered at all by the stroke of the missile,
Silently shaking his head as a man that is brooding on evil,
465
Back to the threshold returned, and he sat him adown, and beside him
Laying the well-filled wallet he spake these words to the suitors :
"List to my words, O suitors of far-famed Penelopeia,
While that I utter a thing that the heart in my bosom enjoins me.
Never a pain or a grief would enter the soul of a fighter
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Should he be smit by the foe while warding them off his possessions,
Fighting perchance in defence of his white-wool'd sheep or his cattle.
Antinous for the sake of the pitiful belly hath struck me,
Thing accursed, that bringeth on men such numberless evils.
Now if in heaven be gods of the beggar, or any Avengers,
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Ere he shall wed may death put an end to the man and his marriage."
Then spake Antinous, Eupeithes' son, and addressed him :
"Sit thou in silence, my friend, and attend to thy food—or depart hence—
Lest that because of the words thou hast uttered my younkers shall drag thee
Forth by the hand or the foot and shall strip thee thy skin from thy body."
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Thus spake Antinous; but his words exceedingly angered
All of the rest, one arrogant youth and another exclaiming :
"Antinous, 'tis ignoble to strike an unfortunate beggar.
Lo, thou art doomed—if indeed there liveth a god in the heavens;
Yea and we know that the gods in the likeness of pilgrims and strangers
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Many disguises assume as they visit the cities of mortals,
Keeping a watch on the deeds of the lawless and those of the righteous."
Such words uttered the suitors; but little he recked of their prating.
Telemachus meanwhile great grief in his bosom was nursing,
Seeing the blow; but the fall of a tear he restrained, and he sat there
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Silently shaking his head as a man that is brooding on evil.
Now ere long it was heard by the wise-souled Penelopeia
How that the stranger was struck in the hall, and she spake mid her maidens:
"Also be thou so smit by the glorious archer Apollo!"
Then did the house-dame Eurynomé thus answer her, saying:
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"O for a speedy fulfilment of all our curses upon them!
None would ever again see Morning enthroned in her glory."
Her then addressing in turn spake wise-souled Penelopeia :
"Yea, nurse, all of the men do I hate with their evil devices,
Specially Antinous; as the darkness of death I detest him.
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Lo, an unfortunate stranger was roaming around in the palace
Begging an alms of the men, for necessity urged him to do so.
Now though all of the rest gave fully and willingly, this man
Smote him behind with a stool on the right at the base of the shoulder."
While now thus she was speaking amidst of her women attendants
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Up in her chamber, Odysseus was making a meal of the viands.
Then to the good old swineherd she called to approach, and addressed him :
"Good Eumaeus, I pray thee to go and to order the stranger
Hither to come; I am wishful to give him a welcome and ask him
Whether perchance he has heard of the long-enduring Odysseus;
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Ay and perhaps he has seen him for far, as it seems, he has wandered."
Her then in answer addressed these words Eumaeus the swineherd:
"Ah that the princely Achaeans a while would cease from their clamour !
Such is the charm of his words 'twould ravish thy heart with enchantment.
Three nights long did I keep him and three days granted him shelter
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There in my hut, where first he had come when he fled from the vessel ;
Still, not yet had he ended relating his tale of misfortune.
E'en as a listener gazeth entranced on a bard as he singeth,
One that hath learn'd from immortals a strain of enrapturing beauty,
So that the hearer remains all motionless, longing to listen,
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Thus was I charmed by his words as he sat by my side in my homestead.
Well, he avoweth his friendship of yore with the house of Odysseus;
Says that his home was in Creta, the land of the offspring of Minos;
Thence, he asserts, he is come, and has met full many a hardship,
Wandering further and further; and vows that he heard of Odysseus,
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Not in a far-off land, but the rich Thesprotian country,
Ay and alive and he brings to his home full many a treasure."
Him then in turn gave answer the wise-souled Penelopeia :
"Go now, summon him here to my presence, to tell me his story,
While these men let them sit by the portal and ply their amusements—
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Nay, all over my house—as their soul seems fain to be merry!
Houses they have of their own and possessions untouched by the spoiler,
Viands and sweet pure wine in abundance to nourish the household,
Natheless every day to the halls of my palace resorting,
Slaughtering also my sheep and my fat-fed goats and my oxen,
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Ever they revel in banquets, carousing on glittering red wine
Recklessly; great is the waste, and a man no longer is present,
Such as Odysseus of yore, to avert this curse from the homestead.
Should however Odysseus return to the land of his fathers,
Soon with the aid of his son these insolent men he will punish."
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E'en as she spake loud sneezed prince Telemachus, and the mansion
Echoed in wondrous wise, and the queen outbreaking in laughter
Hastily turned to the swineherd and swift-winged words she addressed him :
"Go, I entreat thee, and summon the stranger to come to my presence.
Didst not perceive that my son sneezed loud at the words that I uttered?
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Wherefore a full and an utter destruction shall come on the suitors,
All of them all! Not one shall escape from his doom and perdition.
Also a thing will I say, which carefully mark and remember :
Should I for certain perceive he is telling me truthfully all things,
Then I shall clothe him in beautiful raiment, in mantle and tunic."
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Thus did she speak, and the swineherd departing, as soon as he heard it,
Nigh to Odysseus approached, and with swift-winged words he addressed him :
"Stranger and father, behold, wise Penelopeia invites thee,
Even the mother of Telemachus; she is moved in her spirit
Something to ask thee concerning her lord, though long she hath mourned him.
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Should she for certain perceive thou art telling her truthfully all things,
Then she will clothe thee in mantle and tunic, the which thou art needing
Mostly of all. Thou art sure to suffice for the needs of thy stomach
Begging thy bread of the people—from each that is willing to help thee."
Him then in answer addressed long-suffering godlike Odysseus :
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"Yea, Eumaeus, and all of the truth were quickly related
Unto the daughter of Icarius, wise Penelopeia.
Well do I know of his story; we suffered affliction together.
Still, I am somewhat afraid of the throng of the arrogant suitors,
Whose fierce insolence reacheth aloft to the brazen heaven.
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Thus this man just now I was going around in the palace
Nowise doing him harm, but he struck me and grievously hurt me;
Neither by Telemachus was I aided nor yet by the others.
Wherefore to Penelopeia announce 'twere best in her chamber
Still to remain, though great be her longing, till after the sunset;
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Then she can ask me concerning her lord and his day of returning,
Letting me sit still nearer the hearth, as my raiment is truly
Wretched thou know'st it thyself; for of thee first begged I assistance."
Thus did he speak, and the swineherd, departing as soon as he heard it,
Over the threshold was stepping, when Penelopeia addressed him :
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"Why, Eumaeus, thou bringest him not! What meaneth the vagrant?
Feeleth he fear unduly for any? or else in the palace
Feeleth he shame? For a beggar it profiteth ill to be shamefaced."
Her then in answer addressed these words Eumaeus the swineherd:
“Navy but he speaketh aright—and he feeleth as many another,
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Wishing to keep him aloof from the insults of men overbearing.
So he enjoins thee to stay in thy chamber till after the sunset.
Ay and for thee, O Queen, it is better by far and is wiser
Thus to converse with the stranger alone, and to list to his story."
Him then in turn gave answer the wise-souled Penelopeia:
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"Nowise wanting in wits is the stranger, whoever he may be.
Not on the earth, I believe, can be found in the races of mortals
Men so wanton as these or that plot such wicked devices."
Such was the answer she gave; and the good old swineherd departing
Unto the throng of the suitors, as soon as his message was ended,
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Hastened to Telemachus and with swift-winged words he addressed him
Holding his head right close, to be noticed by none of the others:
"Friend, I am going to see to the swine and the things at the farmstead,
Even thy living and mine. See thou to the things at the palace.
Firstly of all see well to thyself, and consult with thy spirit,
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Lest some evil befall. Thou art hated of many Achaeans.
Zeus confound them before that they bring some mischief upon us!"
Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn gave answer :
"Ay, dad, thus it shall stand. Start homeward after thy supper;
Then in the morning return and bring fat beasts for oblation.
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All things else shall be managed by me and the blesséd immortals."
Thus did he speak, and again on the well-carved settle the swineherd
Sat him, and took of the meat and the drink to his soul's satisfaction.
Then to his swine he departed, and quitted the hall and the gardens,
All of them full of the throng of the feasters with music and dancing
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Making them merry—for nigh was approaching already the twilight.
“Ulysses and his Dog” (1805). John Flaxman (English, 1755–1826). Purchased as part of the Oppé Collection with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund 1996.