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Thus they spoke to one another, and then lay down to sleep, for no long time, but for a little; 495 for soon came fair-throned Dawn. But the comrades of Telemachus, drawing near the shore, furled the sail, and took down the mast quickly, and rowed the ship to her anchorage with their oars. Then they cast out the mooring-stones and made fast the stern cables, and themselves went forth upon the shore of the sea, 500 and made ready their meal and mixed the flaming wine. But when they had put from them the desire of food and drink, among them wise Telemachus was the first to speak, saying: “Do you now row the black ship to the city, but I will visit the fields and the herdsmen, 505 and at evening will come to the city when I have looked over my lands. And in the morning I will set before you, as wages for your journey, a good feast of flesh and sweet wine.” Then godlike Theoclymenus answered him: “Whither shall I go, dear child? To whose house shall I come 510 of those who rule in rocky Ithaca ? Or shall I go straight to thy mother's house and thine?” Then wise Telemachus answered him: “Were things otherwise, I should bid thee go even to our house, for there is in no wise lack of entertainment for strangers, but 515 it would be worse for thyself, since I shall be away, and my mother will not see thee. For she does not often appear before the wooers in the house, but apart from them weaves at her loom in an upper chamber. But I will tell thee of another man to whom thou mayest go, Eurymachus, glorious son of wise Polybus, 520 whom now the men of Ithaca look upon as on a god. For he is by far the best man, and is most eager to marry my mother and to have the honor of Odysseus. Nevertheless Olympian Zeus, who dwells in the sky, knows this, whether or not before marriage he will fulfil for them the evil day.”

Odyssey. Homer. A. T. Murray (Translator). London. 1919.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Perseus

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

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.) — 15.493 focus

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

καδδραθέτην δʼ οὐ πολλὸν ἐπὶ χρόνον, ἀλλὰ μίνυνθα·

αἶψα γὰρ Ἠὼς ἦλθεν ἐΰθρονος. οἱ δʼ ἐπὶ χέρσου

495

Τηλεμάχου ἕταροι λύον ἱστία, κὰδ δʼ ἕλον ἱστὸν

καρπαλίμως, τὴν δʼ εἰς ὅρμον προέρυσσαν ἐρετμοῖς·

ἐκ δʼ εὐνὰς ἔβαλον, κατὰ δὲ πρυμνήσιʼ ἔδησαν·

ἐκ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ βαῖνον ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης,

δεῖπνόν τʼ ἐντύνοντο κερῶντό τε αἴθοπα οἶνον.

500

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

τοῖσι δὲ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἤρχετο μύθων·

ὑμεῖς μὲν νῦν ἄστυδʼ ἐλαύνετε νῆα μέλαιναν,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἀγροὺς ἐπιείσομαι ἠδὲ βοτῆρας·

ἑσπέριος δʼ εἰς ἄστυ ἰδὼν ἐμὰ ἔργα κάτειμι.

505

ἠῶθεν δέ κεν ὔμμιν ὁδοιπόριον παραθείμην,

δαῖτʼ ἀγαθὴν κρειῶν τε καὶ οἴνου ἡδυπότοιο.

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

πῆ γὰρ ἐγώ, φίλε τέκνον, ἴω; τεῦ δώμαθʼ ἵκωμαι

ἀνδρῶν οἳ κραναὴν Ἰθάκην κάτα κοιρανέουσιν;

510

ἦ ἰθὺς σῆς μητρὸς ἴω καὶ σοῖο δόμοιο;

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

ἄλλως μέν σʼ ἂν ἐγώ γε καὶ ἡμέτερόνδε κελοίμην

ἔρχεσθʼ· οὐ γάρ τι ξενίων ποθή· ἀλλὰ σοὶ αὐτῷ

χεῖρον, ἐπεί τοι ἐγὼ μὲν ἀπέσσομαι, οὐδέ σε μήτηρ

515

ὄψεται· οὐ μὲν γάρ τι θαμὰ μνηστῆρσʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

φαίνεται, ἀλλʼ ἀπὸ τῶν ὑπερωΐῳ ἱστὸν ὑφαίνει.

ἀλλά τοι ἄλλον φῶτα πιφαύσκομαι ὅν κεν ἵκοιο,

Εὐρύμαχον, Πολύβοιο δαΐφρονος ἀγλαὸν υἱόν,

τὸν νῦν ἶσα θεῷ Ἰθακήσιοι εἰσορόωσι·

520

καὶ γὰρ πολλὸν ἄριστος ἀνὴρ μέμονέν τε μάλιστα

μητέρʼ ἐμὴν γαμέειν καὶ Ὀδυσσῆος γέρας ἕξειν.

ἀλλὰ τά γε Ζεὺς οἶδεν Ὀλύμπιος, αἰθέρι ναίων,

εἴ κέ σφι πρὸ γάμοιο τελευτήσει κακὸν ἦμαρ.

Translations (8)

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.) — 15.493 focus

493 Thus did they converse, and they had only a very little time left for sleep, for it was soon daybreak. In the meantime Telemakhos and his crew were nearing land, so they loosed the sails, took down the mast, and rowed the ship into the harbor. They cast out their mooring stones and made fast the hawsers; they then got out upon the sea shore, mixed their wine, and got dinner ready. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink Telemakhos said, "Take the ship on to the town, but leave me here, for I want to look after the herdsmen on one of my farms. In the evening, when I have seen all I want, I will come down to the city, and tomorrow morning in return for your trouble I will give you all a good dinner with meat and wine."

508 Then Theoklymenos said, ‘And what, my dear young friend, is to become of me? To whose house, among all your chief men, am I to repair? Or shall I go straight to your own house and to your mother?"

512 "At any other time," replied Telemakhos, "I should have bidden you go to my own house, for you would find no want of hospitality; at the present moment, however, you would not be comfortable there, for I shall be away, and my mother will not see you; she does not often show herself even to the suitors, but sits at her loom weaving in an upper chamber, out of their way; but I can tell you a man whose house you can go to - I mean Eurymakhos the son of Polybos, who is held in the highest estimation by every one in Ithaca . He is much the best man and the most persistent wooer, of all those who are paying court to my mother and trying to take Odysseus’ place. Zeus, however, in heaven alone knows whether or not they will come to a bad end before the marriage takes place."

525 As he was speaking a bird flew by upon his right hand - a hawk, Apollo's messenger. It held a dove in its talons, and the feathers, as it tore them off, fell to the ground midway between Telemakhos and the ship. On this Theoklymenos called him apart and caught him by the hand. "Telemakhos," said he, "that bird did not fly on your right hand without having been sent there by some god. As soon as I saw it I knew it was an omen; it means that you will remain powerful and that there will be no house in the dêmos of Ithaca more royal than your own."

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 15.493 focus

Thus did they converse, and they had only a very little time left for sleep, [495] for it was soon daybreak. In the meantime Telemachus and his crew were nearing land, so they loosed the sails, took down the mast, and rowed the ship into the harbor. They cast out their mooring stones and made fast the hawsers; they then got out upon the sea shore, [500] mixed their wine, and got dinner ready. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink the spirited Telemachus said, “Take the ship on to the town, but leave me here, for I want to look after the herdsmen on one of my farms. [505] In the evening, when I have seen all I want, I will come down to the city, and tomorrow morning in return for your trouble I will give you all a good dinner with meat and wine.”

Then godlike Theoklymenos said, ‘And what, my dear young friend, is to become of me? To whose house, [510] among all your chief men, am I to repair? Or shall I go straight to your own house and to your mother?”

“At any other time,” replied the spirited Telemachus, “I should have bidden you go to my own house, for you would find no want of hospitality; at the present moment, however, you would not be comfortable there, [515] for I shall be away, and my mother will not see you; she does not often show herself even to the suitors, but sits at her loom weaving in an upper chamber, out of their way; but I can tell you a man whose house you can go to—I mean Eurymakhos, the godlike son of prudent Polybos, [520] who is held in the highest estimation by every one in Ithaca. He is much the best man and the most persistent wooer, of all those who are paying court to my mother and trying to take Odysseus’ place. Zeus the Olympian alone, however, in his celestial dwelling knows whether or not they will come to a bad end before the marriage takes place.”

[525]

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 15.493 focus

So talked they with each other. No long time

615

They passed in sleep, for soon the Morning came,

Throned on her car of gold. Beside the shore

The comrades of Telemachus cast loose

The sails, took down the mast, and with their oars

Brought in the vessel to its place. They threw

620

The anchors out and bound the hawsers fast,

And went upon the sea-beach, where they dressed

Their morning meal, and mingled purple wine.

Then, when the calls of thirst and hunger ceased,

Discreet Telemachus bespake the crew : -

625

"Take the black ship to town. I visit first

The fields, and see my herdsmen, and at eve

Will come to town. To-morrow I will give

The parting feast, rich meats and generous wine."

Then said the godlike Theoclymenus :

630

"Whither, my son, am I to go? What house

Of all the chiefs of rugged Ithaca

Shall I seek shelter in? with thee, perhaps,

In thine own palace where thy mother dwells."

And thus discreet Telemachus replied :

635

"I would have asked thee at another time

To make our house thy home, for there would be

No lack of kindly welcome. 'T were not well

To ask thee now, for I shall not be there,

Nor will my mother see thee, - since not oft

640

Doth she appear before the suitor-train,

But in an upper room, apart from them,

Weaves at her loom a web. Another man

I name, Eurymachus, the illustrious son

Of the sage Polybus, to be thy host.

645

The noblest of the suitors he, and seeks

Most earnestly to wed the queen, and take

The rank Ulysses held. Olympian Jove,

Who dwells in ether, knows the fatal day

That may o'ertake the suitors ere she wed."

650

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 15.493 focus

So pass'd in pleasing dialogue away

The night; then down to short repose they lay;

Till radiant rose the messenger of day.¹

While in the port of Ithaca, the band

535

Of young Telemachus approach'd the land;

Their sails they loos'd, they lash'd the mast aside,

And cast their anchors, and the cables tied:

Then on the breezy shore, descending, join

In grateful banquet o'er the rosy wine.

540

When thus the prince: 'Now each his course pursue:

'I to the fields, and to the city you.

'Long absent hence, I dedicate this day

'My swains to visit, and the works survey.

'Expect me with the morn, to pay the skies

545

'Our debt of safe return in feast and sacrifice.'

Then Theoclymenus: 'But who shall lend,

'Meantime, protection to thy stranger friend?

'Straight to the queen and palace shall I fly,

'Or, yet more distant, to some lord apply?'

550

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

'Has stood our father's hospitable door;

'No other roof a stranger should receive,

'No other hands than ours the welcome give.

'But in my absence riot fills the place,

555

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

'From noiseful revel far remote she flies,

'But rarely seen, or seen with weeping eyes.

'No-let Eurymachus receive my guest,

'Of nature courteous, and by far the best;

560

'He woos the queen with more respectful flame,

'And emulates her former husband's fame:

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

'And the hop'd nuptials turn to joy or woe.'

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 15.493 focus

Thus 'twixt themselves did they say and reply,

Then went to sleep. The night was almost past,

445

And with the morn Telemachus was nigh;

Quickly his mates take down the sails and mast,

And row the ship to land, and there her tie;

Then on the beach they quickly break their fast,

And with fresh water temper their old wine.

450

And when desire of meat and drink was past,

I'll, said Telemachus, go to my swine,

But to the city will return at night,

Next morn I'll feast you with good flesh and wine,

Your labour in my passage to requite.

455

And then said Theoclymenus divine,

What will you do meanwhile, I pray, with me ?

Unto your mother's house must I go too,

Or to some other man commended be ?

Then answered Telemachus: No, no,

460

To bring you to my house in vain it were.

My mother in my absence you'll not see,

She seldom to the suitors doth appear,

At top o' th' house at work still sitteth she.

But I will recommend you to another,

465

In Ithaca of best repute; his name

Eurylochus, and best he loves my mother,

And what my father did would do the same;

But folded up it lies yet in Jove's lap,

Whether he first shall married be or dead.

470

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 15.493 focus

This mutual speech they used, nor had they slept

Much time before the much-near morning leapt

To her fair throne. And now struck sail the men

That serv'd Telemachus, arrived just then

660

Near his loved shore; where now they stoop'd the mast,

Made to the port with oars, and anchor cast,

Made fast the ship, and then ashore they went,

Dress'd supper, fill'd wine; when (their appetites spent)

Telemachus commanded they should yield

665

The ship to th' owner, while himself at field

Would see his shepherds; when light drew to end

He would his gifts see, and to town descend,

And in the morning at a feast bestow

Rewards for all their pains. "And whither, now,"

670

Said Theoclymenus, "my loved son,

Shall I address myself? Whose mansion,

Of all men, in this rough-hewn isle, shall I

Direct my way to? Or go readily

To thy house and thy mother?" He replied:

675

"Another time I'll see you satisfied

With my house entertainment, but as now

You should encounter none that could bestow

Your fit entreaty, and (which less grace were)

You could not see my mother, I not there;

680

For she's no frequent object, but apart

Keeps from her Wooers, woo'd with her desert,

Up in her chamber, at her housewifery.

But I'll name one to whom you shall apply

Direct repair, and that's Eurymachus,

685

Renown'd descent to wise Polybius,

A man whom th' Ithacensians look on now

As on a God, since he of all that woo

Is far superior man, and likest far

To wed my mother, and as circular

690

Be in that honour as Ulysses was.

But heaven-housed Jove knows the yet hidden pass

Of her disposure, and on them he may

A blacker sight bring than her nuptial day."

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 15.493 focus

Thus mutual they conferr'd, nor leisure found

Save for short sleep, by morning soon surprised.

Meantime the comrades of Telemachus

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

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

600

The anchors heaved aground, and hawsers tied

Secure, themselves, forth-issuing on the shore,

Breakfast prepared, and charged their cups with wine.

When neither hunger now, nor thirst remained

Unsatisfied, Telemachus began.

605

Push ye the sable bark without delay

Home to the city. I will to the field

Among my shepherds, and, (my rural works

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

To morrow will I set before you wine

610

And plenteous viands, wages of your toil.

To whom the godlike Theoclymenus.

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

Of rugged Ithaca, shall harbour me?

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

615

Then thus Telemachus, discrete, replied.

I would invite thee to proceed at once

To our abode, since nought should fail thee there

Of kind reception, but it were a course

Now not adviseable; for I must myself,

620

Be absent, neither would my mother's eyes

Behold thee, so unfrequent she appears

Before the suitors, shunning whom, she sits

Weaving continual at the palace-top.

But I will name to thee another Chief

625

Whom thou may'st seek, Eurymachus, the son

Renown'd of prudent Polybus, whom all

The people here reverence as a God.

Far noblest of them all is he, and seeks

More ardent than his rivals far, to wed

630

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

But, He who dwells above, Jove only knows

If some disastrous day be not ordain'd

For them, or ere those nuptials shall arrive.

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.

100

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;

105

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 :

110

“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

115

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

120

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—

125

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.

130

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

135

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,

140

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

145

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:

150

"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,

155

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,

160

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.

165

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.

170

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,

175

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!

180

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,

185

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

190

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

195

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,

200

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 ;

205

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,

210

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

215

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.

220

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.

225

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

230

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

235

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.

240

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

245

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,

250

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.

255

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,

260

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

265

"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."

270

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,

275

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.

280

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

285

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

290

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,

295

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.

300

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

305

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

310

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

315

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,

320

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:

325

"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;

330

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,

335

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 :

340

"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.

345

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?"

350

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,

355

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.

360

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.

365

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.

370

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,

375

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:

380

"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?

385

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,

390

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

395

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,

400

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,

405

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,

410

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,

415

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

420

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,

425

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:

430

'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,

435

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,

440

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.

445

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—

450

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,

455

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.

460

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,

465

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.

470

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.

475

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 15.493

A. T. Murray (Translator)

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ODYSSEY BOOK XV

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

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Search the Perseus Catalog for:

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Current edition Perseus

ODYSSEY BOOK XV

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

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