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256 His son, Theoklymenos, it was who now came up to Telemakhos as he was making drink-offerings and praying in his ship. "Friend’" said he, "now that I find you sacrificing in this place, I beseech you by your sacrifices themselves, and by the daimôn to whom you make them, I pray you also by your own head and by those of your followers, tell me the truth and nothing but the truth. Who and whence are you? Tell me also of your town and parents."

265 Telemakhos said, "I will answer you quite truly. I am from Ithaca , and my father is ‘Odysseus, as surely as that he ever lived. But he has come to some miserable end. Therefore I have taken this ship and got my crew together to see if I can hear any news of him, for he has been away a long time."

271 "I too," answered Theoklymenos, am an exile, for I have killed a man of my own race. He has many brothers and kinsmen in Argos , and they have great power among the Argives. I am fleeing to escape death at their hands, and am thus doomed to be a wanderer on the face of the earth. I am your suppliant; take me, therefore, on board your ship that they may not kill me, for I know they are in pursuit."

279 "I will not refuse you," replied Telemakhos, "if you wish to join us. Come, therefore, and in Ithaca we will treat you hospitably according to what we have."

Odyssey. Homer. Samuel Butler (Translator). London. 1900 (?).

Current edition Perseus

Odyssey (English) (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.)

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.) — 15.265 focus

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

265

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, ξεῖνε, μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορεύσω.

ἐξ Ἰθάκης γένος εἰμί, πατὴρ δέ μοί ἐστιν Ὀδυσσεύς,

εἴ ποτʼ ἔην· νῦν δʼ ἤδη ἀπέφθιτο λυγρῷ ὀλέθρῳ.

τοὔνεκα νῦν ἑτάρους τε λαβὼν καὶ νῆα μέλαιναν

ἦλθον πευσόμενος πατρὸς δὴν οἰχομένοιο.

270

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

οὕτω τοι καὶ ἐγὼν ἐκ πατρίδος, ἄνδρα κατακτὰς

ἔμφυλον· πολλοὶ δὲ κασίγνητοί τε ἔται τε

Ἄργος ἀνʼ ἱππόβοτον, μέγα δὲ κρατέουσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

τῶν ὑπαλευάμενος θάνατον καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν

275

φεύγω, ἐπεί νύ μοι αἶσα κατʼ ἀνθρώπους ἀλάλησθαι.

ἀλλά με νηὸς ἔφεσσαι, ἐπεί σε φυγὼν ἱκέτευσα,

μή με κατακτείνωσι· διωκέμεναι γὰρ ὀΐω.

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

οὐ μὲν δή σʼ ἐθέλοντά γʼ ἀπώσω νηὸς ἐΐσης,

280

ἀλλʼ ἕπευ· αὐτὰρ κεῖθι φιλήσεαι, οἷά κʼ ἔχωμεν.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας οἱ ἐδέξατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

καὶ τό γʼ ἐπʼ ἰκριόφιν τάνυσεν νεὸς ἀμφιελίσσης·

ἂν δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς νηὸς ἐβήσετο ποντοπόροιο.

ἐν πρύμνῃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα καθέζετο, πὰρ δὲ οἷ αὐτῷ

285

εἷσε Θεοκλύμενον· τοὶ δὲ πρυμνήσιʼ ἔλυσαν.

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἐποτρύνας ἐκέλευσεν

ὅπλων ἅπτεσθαι· τοὶ δʼ ἐσσυμένως ἐπίθοντο.

ἱστὸν δʼ εἰλάτινον κοίλης ἔντοσθε μεσόδμης

στῆσαν ἀείραντες, κατὰ δὲ προτόνοισιν ἔδησαν,

290

ἕλκον δʼ ἱστία λευκὰ ἐϋστρέπτοισι βοεῦσι.

τοῖσιν δʼ ἴκμενον οὖρον ἵει γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

λάβρον ἐπαιγίζοντα διʼ αἰθέρος, ὄφρα τάχιστα

νηῦς ἀνύσειε θέουσα θαλάσσης ἁλμυρὸν ὕδωρ.

βὰν δὲ παρὰ Κρουνοὺς καὶ Χαλκίδα καλλιρέεθρον.

295

δύσετό τʼ ἠέλιος σκιόωντό τε πᾶσαι ἀγυιαί·

ἡ δὲ Φεὰς ἐπέβαλλεν ἐπειγομένη Διὸς οὔρῳ

ἠδὲ παρʼ Ἤλιδα δῖαν, ὅθι κρατέουσιν Ἐπειοί.

ἔνθεν δʼ αὖ νήσοισιν ἐπιπροέηκε θοῇσιν,

ὁρμαίνων ἤ κεν θάνατον φύγοι ἦ κεν ἁλώῃ.

300

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 15.265 focus

265 And wise Telemachus answered him: “Then verily, stranger, will I frankly tell thee all. Of Ithaca I am by birth, and my father is Odysseus, as sure as ever¹ such a one there was; but now he has perished by a pitiful fate. Therefore have I now taken my comrades and a black ship, 270 and am come to seek tidings of my father, that has long been gone.” Then godlike Theoclymenus answered him: “Even so have I, too, fled from my country, for that I slew a man, one of mine own kin. And many brethren and kinsmen of his there are in horse-pasturing Argos , and mightily do they bear sway over the Achaeans. 275 It is to shun death and black fate at their hands that I flee, for, I ween, it is my lot to be a wanderer among men. But do thou set me on thy ship, since in my flight I have made prayer to thee, lest they utterly slay me; for methinks they are in pursuit.” And wise Telemachus answered him: 280 “Then will I in no wise thrust thee from my shapely ship, since thou art eager to come. Nay, follow with us, and in our home shalt thou find entertainment such as we have.” So saying, he took from him his spear of bronze, and laid it at length on the deck of the curved ship, and himself went aboard the seafaring ship. 285 Then he sat down in the stern and made Theoclymenus sit down beside him; and his men loosed the stern cables. And Telemachus called to his men and bade them lay hold of the tackling, and they quickly obeyed. The mast of fir 290 they raised and set in the hollow socket, and made it fast with fore-stays, and hauled up the white sail with twisted thongs of oxhide. And flashing-eyed Athena sent them a favorable wind, blowing strongly through the sky, that, speeding swiftly, the ship might accomplish her way over the salt water of the sea. 295 So they fared past Crouni and Chalcis , with its beautiful streams. Now the sun set and all the ways grew dark. And the ship drew near to Pheae, sped by the wind of Zeus, and on past goodly Elis , where the Epeans hold sway. From thence again he steered for the sharp isles² 300 pondering whether he should escape death or be taken.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 15.265 focus

The spirited Telemachus said, “I will answer you quite truly. I am from Ithaca, and my father is Odysseus, as surely as that he ever lived. But he has come to some miserable end. Therefore I have taken this ship and got my crew together [270] to see if I can hear any news of him, for he has been away a long time.”

“I too,” answered godlike Theoklymenos, “am an exile, for I have killed a man of my own lineage. He has many brothers and kinsmen in horse-pasturing Argos, and they have great power among the Argives. [275] I am fleeing to escape death at their hands, and am thus doomed to be a wanderer on the face of the earth. I am your suppliant; take me, therefore, on board your ship that they may not kill me, for I know they are in pursuit.”

[280] “I will not refuse you,” replied the spirited Telemachus, “if you wish to join us. Come, therefore, and in Ithaca we will treat you hospitably according to what we have.”

Then he received Theoklymenos’ spear and laid it down on the deck of the ship. He went on board [285] and sat in the stern, bidding Theoklymenos sit beside him; then the men let go the hawsers. Telemachus told them to catch hold of the ropes, and they made all haste to do so. They set the mast [290] in its socket in the cross plank, raised it and made it fast with the forestays, and they hoisted their white sails with sheets of twisted ox-hide. The owl-vision goddess Athena sent them a fair wind that blew fresh and strong to take the ship on her course as fast as possible. [295] Thus then they passed by Krounoi and Khalkis.

Presently the sun set and darkness was over all the land. The vessel made a quick passage to Pheai and thence on to Elis, where the Epeioi rule. Telemachus then headed her for the flying islands, [300] wondering within himself whether he should escape death or should be taken prisoner.

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 15.265 focus

Then spake in turn discreet Telemachus :

Stranger, to every point I answer thee.

345

I am by race a son of Ithaca,

My father was Ulysses when alive,

But he has died a miserable death;

Long years has he been absent, and I came

With my companions here, and this black ship,

350

To gather tidings of my father's fate."

Then said the godlike Theoclymenus:

"I too, like thee, am far away from home;

For I have slain a man of my own tribe,

And he had many brothers, many friends,

355

In Argos famed for steeds. Great is the power

Of those Achaians, and I flee from them

And the black doom of death, to be henceforth

A wanderer among men. O, shelter me

On board thy galley! I, a fugitive,

360

Implore thy mercy, lest they overtake

And slay me; they are surely on my track."

And thus discreet Telemachus replied :

"If thou desire to come on board my ship,

I shall not hinder thee. Come with us then,

365

And take a friendly share in what we have."

So saying he received his brazen spear,

And laid it on the good ship's deck, and went

Himself on board, and, taking at the stern

His place, he seated Theoclymenus

370

Beside him. Then the mariners cast loose

The hawsers, and Telemachus gave forth

The order to prepare for sea. They heard

And eagerly obeyed; they raised the mast,

A pine-tree stem, - and, bringing it to stand

375

In its deep socket, bound it there with cords,

And hoisted by their strongly twisted thongs

The ship's white sails. The blue-eyed Pallas sent

A favorable and fresh-blowing wind,

That swept the sky to drive more speedily

380

The galley through the salt-sea waves. They came

To Cruni, and to Chalcis pleasantly

Watered by rivers. Now the sun went down;

Night closed around their way, but onward still

A favorable wind from Jupiter

385

Toward Pheræ bore them, and the hallowed coast

Of Elis, where the Epeian race bear sway,

And then among the isles whose rocky peaks

Rise from the waters. Here Telemachus

Mused thoughtfully on what his fate might be,

390

To perish by the ambush or escape.

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 15.265 focus

'Prepare, then,' said Telemachus, 'to know

'A tale from falsehood free, not free from woe.

'From Ithaca, of royal birth I came,
290

'And great Ulysses (ever-honour'd name!)

'Once was my sire, though now, for ever lost,

'In Stygian gloom he glides a pensive ghost!

'Whose fate inquiring through the world we rove:

'The last, the wretched proof of filial love.'
295

Theoclymenus

The stranger then: 'Nor shall I aught conceal,

'But the dire secret of my fate reveal.

'Of my own tribe an Argive wretch I slew;

'Whose powerful friends the luckless deed pursue

'With unrelenting rage, and force from home
300

'The blood-stain'd exile, ever doom'd to roam.

'But bear, oh bear me o'er yon azure flood;

'Receive the suppliant! spare my destin'd blood!'

Telemachus

'Stranger,' (replied the prince,) 'securely rest

'Affianced in our faith; henceforth our guest.'
305

Thus affable, Ulysses' godlike heir

Takes from the stranger's hand the glittering spear:¹

He climbs the ship, ascends the stern with haste,

And by his side the guest accepted placed.

The chief his order gives: th' obedient band

310

With due observance wait the chief's command;

With speed the mast they rear, with speed unbind

The spacious sheet, and stretch it to the wind.

Minerva calls; the ready gales obey

With rapid speed to whirl them o'er the sea.

315

Crunus they pass'd, next Chalcis'² roll'd away,

When thickening darkness clos'd the doubtful day;

The silver Phaea's³ glittering rills they lost,

And skimm'd along by Elis' sacred coast.

Then cautious through the rocky reaches wind,

320

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

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 15.265 focus

Welcome you are, then said Telemachus;

245

Aboard let's go, where you shall have such cheer

As we can make, and hath contented us.

Then took and on the deck he laid his spear ;

And up into the ship he went, and at

The stem he placed himself, and close by him

250

The stranger Theoclymenus down sat.

Then bids Telemachus, the ship to trim.

And straight the mast upright they set and bind,

And hoist their sails with ropes of good cow-hide;

And Pallas sent them a good strong forewind,

255

And swiftly did the ship the sea divide.

The sun was down, and doubtful was the light,

When he to Pherae came and passed by;

And then by Elis coasted he all night,

And came unto the Thoae Islands nigh;

260

And thought upon the suitors in his way.

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 15.265 focus

He answer'd: "Stranger! The sure truth is this:

I am of Ithaca; my father is

(Or was) Ulysses, but austere death now

350

Takes his state from him; whose event to know,

Himself being long away, I set forth thus

With ship and soldiers." Theoclymenus

As freely said: "And I to thee am fled

From forth my country, for a man struck dead

355

By my unhappy hand, who was with me

Of one self-tribe, and of his pedigree

Are many friends and brothers, and the sway

Of Achive kindred reacheth far away.

From whom, because I fear their spleens suborn

360

Blood, and black fate against me (being born

To be a wand'rer among foreign men)

Make thy fair ship my rescue, and sustain

My life from slaughter. Thy deservings may

Perform that mercy, and to them I pray."

365

"Nor will I bar," said he, "thy will to make

My means and equal ship thy aid, but take

With what we have here, in all friendly use)

Thy life from any violence that pursues."

Thus took he in his lance, and it extended

370

Aloft the hatches, which himself ascended.

The prince took seat at stern, on his right hand

Set Theoclymenus, and gave command

To all his men to arm, and see made fast

Amidst the hollow keel the beechen mast

375

With able halsers, hoise sail, launch; which soon

He saw obey'd. And then his ship did run

A merry course; blue-eyed Minerva sent

A fore-right gale, tumultuous, vehement,

Along the air, that her way's utmost yield

380

The ship might make, and plough the brackish field.

Then set the sun, and night black'd all the ways.

The ship, with Jove's wind wing'd, where th' Epian sways,

Fetch'd Pheras first, then Elis the divine,

And then for those isles made, that sea-ward shine

385

For form and sharpness like a lance's head,

About which lay the Wooers ambushed;

On which he rush'd, to try if he could 'scape

His plotted death, or serve her treach'rous rape.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 15.265 focus

I will inform thee, stranger! and will solve

Thy questions with much truth. I am by birth

Ithacan, and Ulysses was my sire.

325

But he hath perish'd by a woeful death,

And I, believing it, with these have plow'd

The Ocean hither, interested to learn

A father's fate long absent from his home.

Then answer'd godlike Theoclymenus.

330

I also am a wanderer, having slain

A man of my own tribe; brethren and friends

Numerous had he in Argos steed-renown'd,

And powerful are the Achaians dwelling there.

From them, through terrour of impending death,

335

I fly, a banish'd man henceforth for ever.

Ah, save a suppliant fugitive! lest death

O'ertake me, for I doubt not their pursuit.

Whom thus Telemachus answer'd discrete.

I shall not, be assured, since thou desirest

340

To join me, chace thee from my bark away.

Follow me, therefore, and with us partake,

In Ithaca, what best the land affords.

So saying, he at the stranger's hand received

His spear, which on the deck he lay'd, then climb'd

345

Himself the bark, and seated in the stern,

At his own side placed Theoclymenus.

They cast the hawsers loose; then with loud voice

Telemachus exhorted all to hand

The tackle, whom his sailors prompt obey'd.

350

The tall mast heaving, in its socket deep

They lodged it, and its cordage braced secure,

Then, straining at the halyards, hoised the sail.

Fair wind, and blowing fresh through æther pure

Minerva sent them, that the bark might run

355

Her nimblest course through all the briny way.

Now sank the sun, and dusky evening dimm'd

The waves, when, driven by propitious Jove,

His bark stood right for Pheræ; thence she stretch'd

To sacred Elis, where the Epeans rule,

360

And through the sharp Echinades he next

Steer'd her, uncertain whether fate ordain'd

His life or death, surprizal or escape.

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,

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

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

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

Forthwith Telemachus and Nestor's glorious offspring

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

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

After them hasted on foot fair-haired Menelaus Atrides

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

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

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

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

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

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

Him sage Telemachus addressing in turn made answer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Telemachus meanwhile uproused and commanded his shipmates :

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Now is my happiness vanished away; but the blesséd immortals

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

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Leonard Muellner

analysis of this verse as a transformation of a ritual narrative formula containing eukhesthai and spendein, restricted to sacral contexts

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in a list of examples of absolute use of eukhesthai to report prayers (ritual narrative formulas)

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Homer Odyssey 15.256

Samuel Butler (Translator)

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Perseus

Telemachus

'Stranger,' (replied the prince,) 'securely rest

'Affianced in our faith; henceforth our guest.'
305

ODYSSEY BOOK XV

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Perseus

Telemachus 'Stranger,' (replied the prince,) 'securely rest 'Affianced in our faith; henceforth our guest.' 305

ODYSSEY BOOK XV

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

Stable identifiers

Telemachus

'Stranger,' (replied the prince,) 'securely rest

'Affianced in our faith; henceforth our guest.'
305

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