G x k THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER THE HO M E R ODYSSEY OF TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH . VERSE IN THE SPENSERIAN STANZA BY PHILIP STANHOPE WORSLEY, M.A. SCHOLAR OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD “In magnis voluisse sat est” BOSTON COLLEGE LIBKAKTf CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. A NEW EDITION WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS EDINBURGH AND LONDON MDCCCXCV All Rights reserved ASW°l * TO THE REV. JOHN BRADLEY DYNE, D.D. HEAD MASTER OF SIR ROGER CHOLMELEY’s SCHOOL, HIGHGATE THIS TRANSLATION OF THE ODYSSEY IS INSCRIBED BY HIS AFFECTIONATE FRIEND AND LATE PUPIL P. S. WORSLEY O s' ' 30 PREFACE TO BOOKS I. TO XII. (PUBLISHED 1861). In adding one more to existing versions of the ‘ Odyssey/ the end I have in view is not that recommended by Mr Matthew Arnold—to reproduce for scholars the enjoy¬ ment derived from reading the original poem. Some may, perhaps, find their powers stimulated by aspiring to the unattainable, and it may often be true that Who aimeth at the sky, Shoots higher much than he that means a tree. For myself, I have cherished throughout the humbler ambition of conveying to the unprofessional reader, through the medium of his own language, something of what the classically educated feel in perusing Homer himself. It is those who have little or no Greek that I desire to interest. In seeking this end, I have followed no systematic theory. It has been my aim to produce, independently of doctrinal rules, a version free enough to avoid harshness, and literal enough to deserve the name of a translation rather than a paraphrase. The fact that the ‘ Iliad ’ and ‘ Odyssey ’ of both PREFACE. • • • Vlll Chapman and Pope are read, while Cowper is neglected, seems to indicate, among other things, that blank verse will not, in these long narrative poems, sustain the in¬ terest of the general reader. If, therefore, experience seems to suggest the adoption of rhyme in translating Homer, it can scarcely be disputed that the metre of the ‘ Faerie Queene ’ is entitled to a trial. Theoretically, of course, no one will uphold the Spenserian, or any other stanza, as the true representative of the Homeric hexameter. The steady, continuous flow of Homer’s style is apparently quite alien from the regular recur¬ rence of such mechanical breaks as every stanzaic system demands; and it is at once evident that the Epic commonplace cannot, under the limitations of distrib¬ uted rhyme, be always uniformly rendered. Never¬ theless, it is quite possible that in practice, by which alone the question can be solved, these and other dis¬ similarities will not assert themselves obtrusively, and that the Spenserian stanza and the Homeric hexameter do, when judged not by detached lines but by entire passages, really resemble each other in their broad and general effect. I am myself convinced that, with a range of comparison sufficiently large, the analogy is, notwithstanding many serious drawbacks, quite per¬ ceptible. If I have failed in exemplifying this, the blame attaches less to the design than to the workman. It was not till the final pages of this volume were passing through the press, that I had the pleasure of reading Mr Arnold’s Lectures on translating Homer. I believe thoroughly in the truth of his fundamental axioms concerning the Homeric style, though I find it PREFACE. IX impossible to accept all his conclusions. It would ill become me to enter into anything like a controversy with so ripe a scholar and so accomplished a poet as Mr Arnold ; but since in one passage he treats the question of translating Homer in the Spenserian stanza as one not worth arguing, I may be excused for point¬ ing to an evident misconception in this particular instance. According to Mr Arnold,* “ it is enough to observe, that if Pope’s couplet, with the simple system of correspondences that its rhymes introduce, changes the movement of Homer, in which no such corre¬ spondences are found, and is therefore a bad measure for a translator to employ ; Spenser’s stanza, with its far more intricate system of correspondences, must change Plomer’s movement far more profoundly, and must therefore be for the translator a far worse measure than the couplet of Pope.” Now it is not true that a reader, feeling strongly this tyranny of correspondences in a simple system of rhyme, will find it a fortiori severe in a complex system—the contrary is the fact. It will be easy to make this plain by example. Read, for instance, the * Essay on Man.’ The ear is there kept unceasingly on the alert, and one is scarcely able to repress a kind of self - congratulation on every successive rhymic achievement. Hence poetasters have been more suc¬ cessful in this metre than in any other, and, by keeping the tune steadily in view, have often managed to turn out verses which are far from seeming positively mean, even when compared with those of their great master. To ordinary readers the jingle becomes the first, and * Lectures on Homer, pp. 67, 68. X PREFACE. the thought the second, consideration ; while an ir¬ regular pause gives them pain. No one can doubt that, under such circumstances, rhyme must be fatal to Homer. But now turn to Fairfax’s translation of the ‘Jerusalem Delivered,’ and though the ear is still busily occupied, it is neither so restless nor so acutely sensitive as before. We still feel discomfort at an irregular pause, but we recover the shock much more readily. Lastly, take a canto of the ‘Faerie Oueene,’ and the feeling to the ear is that of placid satisfaction, wholly subordinate to the general interest of the poem. We are no longer offended by unnatural pauses ; indeed it is scarcely possible for a pause to seem unnatural. The very intricacy of the metre saves us from this, and a full stop may occur almost anywhere without detri¬ ment to the general effect of the stanza. Though it is true that in translating Homer we do not want to be continually making breaks and pauses, but exactly the reverse, yet it is evident that the power of doing so whenever and wherever we like without torturing the ear, is no bad test of the general freedom and plasticity of a rhymed metre, and we certainly do want general ■ freedom and plasticity. On the whole, then, it appears that the more complicated the correspondences the less obtrusive and absolute are the rhymes. Or, in other words, whatever objections may be urged against a rhymed translation of Plomer, diminish in weight pre¬ cisely as the correspondences become more and more involved ; though it is doubtful whether such involution could be safely carried beyond the limits laid down by Spenser. For the power of preserving the charms, while PREFACE. XI veiling the blemishes of rhyme, no metre existing in the English language can bear comparison with the Spenserian. It is one of those peculiarly happy inventions which stand alone in the history of poetic literature. If the translation of Homer into this beauti¬ ful measure is to be condemned, it must at least be condemned on totally different arguments from those employed against Pope’s couplet.* When Mr Arnold also asserts that Spenser’s manner is very far from Homeric, this may be true enough in itself, but has no bearing on the subject under discussion. It is one great merit of the Spenserian stanza, that the number of styles possible under the laws which it intro¬ duces is practically unlimited. How Mr Arnold could seriously pronounce the grand style to be beyond its reach, while the ‘Faerie Queene’ still contains the lam¬ entation of Florimell, and the conclusion of ‘ Childe Harold ’ is yet in existence, I am at a loss to con¬ ceive. In connection with the subject of metre, it may be worth while to remark, that there are two general types of the Spenserian Alexandrine. The more familiar caesura is placed as in the following line :— Fierce wars and faithful loves shall moralise my song. * As Mr Arnold attributes to Dr Maginn the first recommendation of the Spenserian metre as a vehicle for Homeric translation, I ought perhaps to state that I had never either seen or heard of Dr Maginn’s book till a great part of the present volume was completed. This ignorance may be in other respects inexcusable, but at least it absolves me from the charge of having adopted another man’s suggestion without acknowledgment. I was led to choose the stanza in question by wholly independent consid' erations. b Xll PREFACE. The other, which is also liberally used by Spenser, may be represented thus : — Wrapt in eternal silence, far from enemies. Notwithstanding its beauty, this last caesura has failed to meet with equal countenance from modern poets, and Byron has invariably rejected it in his ‘ Childe Harold.’ In the ‘ Faerie Queene,’ however, the variety affords a sensible relief to the ear. Hence, wherever the words have naturally fallen into this rhythm, I have gladly re¬ frained from, substituting the more hackneyed cadence. Not even Mr Gladstone’s example can now make Juno, Mercury, and Venus admissible in Homeric story. Such transmutations, by calling up ideas which are foreign to the subject, offend the classical, and delude the unclassical imagination. I have, therefore, clung to the Greek nomenclature, though with such modifica¬ tions as I think essential in a version which aims at being popular. For instance, I write neither Phoibos Apollon, nor Kirke, but prefer to retain the names which have been familiar to us from childhood. When I felt, however, that the Greek style could be preserved in all its integrity, without either startling the ear or dis¬ turbing old associations, I have generally preserved it. Thus, a divided allegiance to literal accuracy and the imperative demands of English habit has given rise to one or two slight inconsistencies. But anything is better than pedantry displaying itself in verse, and in connection with the name of Homer. PREFACE. Xlll I need scarcely, in the face of universal custom, apologise for calling the Sun-god Hyperion rather than Hyperion. Indeed, even on stricter grounds the ab¬ breviation would seem justifiable. To suppose that the lengthening of the syllable is not inherent in the nature of the word itself, but, as in the case of certain com¬ paratives and superlatives, took its origin in the neces¬ sities of the hexameter verse, is possibly as reasonable as the theory that would account for the stress on the penultima by making the name a contracted patronymic. In conclusion, I may perhaps be allowed to state, that these twelve Books of the ‘ Odyssey ’ have been trans¬ lated under the pressure of severe illness. It has been physically impossible for me to bestow even half the labour which the occasion might fairly exact, and which in happier circumstances I should have rejoiced to render. Not that I would deprecate or soften, on this account, the due severities of criticism. Every literary work must stand or fall solely by its own intrinsic merits; but I have a right to anticipate charges of personal careless¬ ness which might otherwise seem justly based on the faults and imperfections which are, I fear, vastly too conspicuous in the following pages. I will only add, that whatever in this volume appears good and noble, is but a faintly-glimmering reflection of Homer ; whatever is base or poor, distorts and misrepresents him. Even in the latter case, however, it is some consolation to have meant well, and to have worked throughout XIV PREFACE. with the deepest reverence and love for the Great Father of Epic Poetry, who for me at least is no shadowy symbol, but a man of flesh and blood, endowed with individual character, all-embracing sympathies, and sur¬ passing genius. PREFACE TO BOOKS XIII. TO XXIV. (PUBLISHED 1862). There has been of late much discussion concerning the relative merit of various English metres as applied to the translation of Homer. Perhaps it has not been sufficiently borne in mind that in this case the abstract best, and the practical best, are not of necessity one. The employment in translation of a metre, however excellent in itself, which has not yet been thoroughly naturalised in original poetry, may be thought pre¬ mature. But, to leave this out of the question, much must even then depend on the special aptitude of each translator, and a man may be able to render Homer worthily in one form, who would yet seem quite out of his element in the use of another. In practice, there¬ fore, it is less important that a translator should select the absolutely best metre, than that he should select, with of course due regard to the nature of the subject, that metre which promises to be most plastic and manageable in his own hands. Under the surface of Horner’s equable manner there is, so to speak, such XVI PREFACE. many-sided breadth of poetry, that no translator is likely to acquire any degree of practical mastery over more than one or two phases of it; for a mind that could embrace and appropriate the whole would be irresistibly impelled to original composition. Such being the case, it would evidently be unwise to neglect the special conditions under which one’s own ability might be made the most of, and consult only the demands of speculative theory in the choice of metre. The recognition of a just diversity of choice need not prevent us from acknowledging that a translator who finds in a strictly analogous metre the most ready and natural form of expression for his own powers, so far as they correspond with the characteristics of Homer, is likely to achieve something higher and better than his less fortunate competitors. I am far from putting forth any exclusive claim of such analogy in behalf of the Spenserian stanza ; nor do I think it the one best possible form of English verse for the purpose to which I have applied it. Much may be said in its favour as a fair and true representative of the Homeric hex¬ ameter. This I hope soon to point out in detail else¬ where. Yet such a consideration would have weighed with me very little, but for the idea that, personally, I could embody my own feeling of Homer with greater success in Spenser’s metre than in any other. It seems to me almost a truism that the absolutely fittest instru¬ ment for Homeric translation is, as Mr Arnold has so ably maintained, the English hexameter. Every lover of Homer ought to hope that the day may arrive when the ‘Iliad 5 and ‘Odyssey’ will be reproduced in our native PREFACE. XVI l tongue with something like the majesty of their own rolling music. Much, however, as we may sympathise with the efforts of those who are now striving to attain, or to help on, this desirable consummation, it seems to be generally admitted that as yet no result, that can claim to be final, has been achieved in this direction. English hexameter versification is still in a great degree chaotic and unformed. This fact, and the interest I feel in the question, must be my excuse for offering a few suggestions which may or may not be utterly valueless. In Mr Arnold’s version of the parting of Hector and Andromache in the ‘ Iliad,’ there occur two lines which I hold to be the very best and most Homeric hexameters that I have yet seen :— But let me lie dead, with the dark earth mounded above me, Ere I hear thy cries, and thy captivity told of! Again, no one can fail to perceive the metrical beauty of this line of Dr Hawtrey:— Clearly the rest I behold of the dark-eyed sons of Achaia ; or of this of Mr Kingsley:— As when an osprey aloft, dark-eyebrowed, royally crested. These four verses are perfectly rhythmical, both to the scholar and to the unlearned reader. They surely fulfil every condition which we can require in an English hexameter; and, when we come to examine their structure, it is plain that the pleasure which they convey to the ear is due in the first instance to a far stricter observance of quantity (in such a way, however, as that XV111 PREFACE. the quantity shall coincide, not be at variance, with the accent) than we are accustomed to meet with ; and, secondly, to the marked stress thrown upon the fourth foot by making it so unmistakably spondaic. Hence arises a striking contrast between the fourth and fifth feet; and on the skill with which this contrast is brought out the beauty of an English hexameter would seem mainly to depend. Now it may be objected that several thousand lines constructed without variation upon the model suggested would be too monotonous. Possibly the monotony would be less intrusive than one might be led to anticipate ; but, in any case, I believe that the requisite variety of rhythm might be obtained without trouble. We have seen the effect of a true spondee in the fourth foot followed by a true dactyl in the fifth. Probably an equally pleasing result might be obtained by the use of a dactyl in the fourth followed by accentual trochees or spondees in the fifth and sixth. Indeed I am not sure that this last system will not be found to be the most natural and idiomatic form of the English hexameter. In such a scheme the three last feet would occupy the same important function of specially distinguishing the hexameter that the two last occupy in Homer and Virgil. The fundamental cadence I should be inclined to adopt for my own use would be this— 4 5 6 varied by such a change as PREFACE. XIX a form already exemplified in the lines previously quoted. But I would avoid, rather than seek for, the following— 4 56 because, by suppressing the contrast indicated above, it appears to be on the whole conducive to sing-song. The only remaining form—namely, that in which the three concluding feet are spondaic, or nearly so—will naturally be discarded, on account of its heaviness, except in rare instances and for the sake of some peculiar effect. The great point, however, is to consult the claims of prosodiacal scansion as much as possible, though never at the expense of a true accentual rhythm, the ear alone being the supreme arbiter of all English versification. We ought to avoid the indiscriminate use of irregular feet, and that random accumulation of consonants which gives such a plunging and floundering effect to many of the otherwise beautiful verses of Longfellow. As example, however lame, is far better than precept, I have rendered, with an approximate obedience to the above rules, three short passages from the ‘ Odyssey,’ chosen because they appeared to give three distinct echoes of Homer’s one style. Odyss. xii. 178. Me to the mast they bind, upright, with the coiling cordage, Then on the benches sit, and the white sea lash with the oar- blades. When so near we came that a voice might be heard in calling, Lightly the bark clave on, and they not failed to discern it, But from the near coast came their sweet song pealing around me : XX PREFACE. Come thou hither and rest, Odysseus, glory of Argos ; Stay thy bark for a while, give ear to the Siren-singers. Never hath mortal man yet passed in a black ship from us, Ere he a strain first hear from the sweet shrill voice of the Sirens ; So he rejoicing goes in the light of a larger wisdom. Yea, all things we know which once by divine appointment Argive men and people of Troy w r ere fated to suffer. We know all that is wrought in the wide earth, feeder of all things. xii. 234. We then, sorely afraid, went up through the sea-pass groaning. Here in her cave lay Scylla, and there that wonder Charybdis Gurgled deep in her throat, and sucked up the salt sea-water ; Then, disgorging again, she frothed and spumed as a caldron Spumes in flame of fire, and the foam of her white steam-vapour, Shot from the raging deep, came down upon either summit. When she gurgled again, and sucked up the salt sea-water, Utter tumult stirred in the gulf, and the rock rebellowed Fiercely and far with noise of a thunder of warring waters, And Earth’s slime appeared in the womb of her dark-blue chambers. xviii. 124. And unto him in turn did the wary Odysseus answer : O Amphinomus, hear ! thou seemest to be wise-hearted ; Such was thy father ever, I heard his rumour aforetime, Nisus, Dulichian king, how great in glory and riches. Thee for his son men show, thy words are the words of wisdom ; Therefore now will I speak, I pray thee give ear and hearken. Nothing weaker at all Earth breeds than a human creature, No, not of all those lives that on earth are breathing and moving. Still doth he boast in his heart no evil to find hereafter, While that the gods lend health, and brace his knees in the battle. But when the blessed gods bind fast their burden upon him Then doth he bitterly bow to the yoke of a hard compulsion. Such is the mind that dwells in the spirit of earth-born mortals As is their day which still the Father sendeth upon them. I too once among men myself was held to be happy, And much folly I wrought in the pride of glory and power, Fierce in my father’s might and the arm of my noble brothers. PREFACE. XXI Therefore never at all let a man from his heart work evil, But still calmly receive whatever the gods may give him. But now, these that are here, I see them designing folly, Wasting wealth in the house, and wife of a man insulting, Who no longer, I say, far off from his friends and country Lingers ; nay, he is near; but first in thy home God hide thee, Nor mayst thou him meet when he cometh again to his country ! Verily not without blood shall bring their cause to the balance He and the suitors here, when once in his home he standeth. The caesura, which may be thought to have too great a sameness in these lines, might be often agreeably varied by such a cadence as that of the following verse by Dr Hawtrey:— Known to me well are the faces of all; their names I remember. It may be (for I have been unable to make myself acquainted with the literature on the subject) that something like what I have proposed has been already tried and found wanting. At any rate, we should never forget that the speculations of criticism will all have to give way before real creative power on the part of any poet who shall determine to perfect the hexameter. The opening verses of ‘ Maud 5 would lead us to hope that we may not look in vain for this result. It would be a great achievement to make so fine a measure as the hexameter a possession of the English tongue for ever. In the meantime, particular verses of Dr Haw¬ trey and of Professors Arnold and Kingsley are, even if not admitted to be final specimens, yet eminently suggestive. Whatever tends to render the verse more definite, to make it easier for the reader and more diffi¬ cult for the composer, is probably a step in the right direction. For myself, I prefer in practice the Spen- XXII PREFACE. serian metre, which I believe to be equally well adapted for both ‘ Iliad ’ and ‘ Odyssey.’ * I hope that the somewhat professional tone of the foregoing remarks will not lead any one to imagine that I cherish, as regards the work itself, any other object than that which I avowed in the beginning. Ail through this version it has been my wish to appeal to the pop¬ ular heart rather than to the scholastic intellect. It would indeed have been hopeless for any one, whose learning and opportunities are so limited as mine, to write with the special view of conciliating scholars. But neither does such an end seem to me, on consider¬ ation, in itself worthy and adequate. Mr Arnold touches unconsciously its weak point when he adduces, by way of example, the names of particular men whose probable judgment the translator ought to contemplate. It is in the very fact that we cannot write specially for scholars without thinking of persons, that the fatal objection to his advice becomes manifest. Our mind is no longer in tune with the mind of Homer. When the spirit within us is in any degree one with his, we have so far a warrant of success; but, for this to be the case, * My attention has been called to the fact that a translation of the ‘ Iliad ’ in Spenser’s stanza, by Mr W. G. T. Barter, was published in 1854. The author of this version has endeavoured to reconcile the conflicting demands of word-for-word translation and an intricate system of rhyme. Hence the easy and flowing movement of Homer is unavoidably sacrificed in favour of resemblances which many lovers of poetry will think lower and less important. The ground I have sought to occupy is therefore, so far, a distinct one ; but if there were any expressions in my former preface which seemed to imply that I was first in the field with a consecutive Spenserian version of Homer, I now readily resign the claim to my predecessor. PREFACE. XX111 Homer’s audience must be our audience, and his end our end—that is, we must write in order to please and instruct the people. Whatever helps to contract our aspirations within a narrower limit, stifles in a measure our sympathy with the poet himself, and introduces a new tendency to failure. A translation may be at once true in the details and false in the sum ; just as in copy¬ ing a picture it is possible to render touch for touch, and yet fail to interpret the pervading idea ; or, in music, to be exact in the mechanical performance, and yet rob the full strain of its inspiration. There is a shade of danger that translators who think of learned critics will be led to forget this, and devote their energies too ex¬ clusively to those minor points which the scholar alone can appreciate. I am of course not asserting that Mr Arnold’s tribunal is a bad one in the abstract (this would be mere absurdity), but that it is a bad one for the translator to keep in mind during the process of composition. It will tend to foster ingenuity at the expense of imagination, and to encourage an elegant dexterity of expression rather than wholesome vigour and broad dramatic truth. Hence the grandeur and simplicity of style which Mr Arnold so eloquently inculcates will be removed farther out of our reach than ever. The true principle would seem to be this : strive to see vividly what Homer sees, and then, as nearly as may be in the poet’s own words, to stamp this vision upon the brain of ordinary men ; remembering always that it is a nobler success to represent the manner and the idea than to copy the phrase, and that, when the two forms of resemblance are at strife, the lower ex- XXIV PREFACE. cellence must yield to the higher, the particular truth to the general, the sign to the thing signified. Let the result of my labours be what it may, I feel that on the whole I have aimed consistently at the right mark. I can truly affirm that the ‘ Odyssey 5 has been to me not so much a verbal enigma to be solved, as a phase of human life to be realised. CONTENTS BOOK PAGE I. THE GODS IN COUNCIL—ATHENE VISITS TELEMACHUS . . I II. THE ITHACAN ASSEMBLY—DEPARTURE OF TELEMACHUS . 17 III. TELEMACHUS AND ATHENE IN THE LIKENESS OF MENTOR AR¬ RIVE AT PYLOS—TELEMACHUS VISITS NESTOR, AND LEAVES PYLOS FOR SPARTA WITH PISISTRATUS, NESTOR’S YOUNGEST SON ........ 33 IV. LACED/EMON — THE MARRIAGE - BANQUET — ADVENTURES OF MENELAUS—EVENTS IN ITHACA . . . *51 V. THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP—ODYSSEUS LEAVES CALYPSO AND IS WRECKED—ARRIVES AT SCHERIA . . . .79 VI. ODYSSEUS SUPPLICATES NAUSICAA, THE DAUGHTER OF ALCINOUS 97 VII. ALCINOUS AND ARETE ENTERTAIN ODYSSEUS . . . 109 VIII. THE PHA 2 ACIAN GAMES—SONGS OF THE MINSTREL DEMODOCUS 121 IX. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS—THE CICONIANS, THE LOTUS- EATERS, AND THE CYCLOPS POLYPHEMUS . . . 141 X. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS CONTINUED — ^OLUS, THE LJE- STRYGONIANS, CIRCE . . . . . . 161 XI. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS CONTINUED — THE VISIT TO HADES ........ 179 XII. CONCLUSION OF THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS — THE SIRENS, SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS, THE HERDS OF THE SUN . . 201 XIII. ODYSSEUS ARRIVES IN ITHACA—HIS INTERVIEW WITH ATHENE 217 XIV. ODYSSEUS IS ENTERTAINED BY THE SWINEHERD EUMJEUS . 231 XXVI CONTENTS. XV. TELEMACHUS, WITH THEOCLYMENUS THE SEER, RETURNS TO ITHACA—THE STORY OF EUM.EUS .... 249 XVI. ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO TELEMACHUS . . 269 XVII. ODYSSEUS, IN THE DISGUISE OF AN AGED BEGGAR, COMES TO HIS OWN HOUSE—THE DEATH OF HIS DOG ARGUS . . 285 XVIII. ODYSSEUS FIGHTS WITH THE BEGGAR IRUS — THE WARNING OF AMPHINOMUS ...... 307 XIX. THE INTERVIEW OF ODYSSEUS WITH PENELOPE—EURYCLEIA’S RECOGNITION OF ODYSSEUS—THE DREAM OF PENELOPE . 321 XX. ODYSSEUS IS INSULTED BY CTESIPPUS — THE SUITORS EXPEL THEOCLYMENUS ....... 341 XXL THE TRIAL OF THE BOW — ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO EUMA 2 US AND PHILCETIUS ..... 355 XXII. THE SLAYING OF THE SUITORS ..... 369 XXIII. ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO PENELOPE . . . 385 XXIV, ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO LAERTES, AND IS ESTAB¬ LISHED IN HIS KINGDOM ..... 399 BOOK I. THE GODS IN COUNCIL—ATHENE VISITS TELEMACHUS. I Sing me, O Muse, that hero wandering, Who of men’s minds did much experience reap, And knew the citied realms of many a king, Even from the hour he smote the Trojan keep. Also a weight of sorrows in the deep Brooding he bore, in earnest hope to save, ’Mid hard emprise and labour all too steep, Himself and comrades from a watery grave— Whom yet he rescued not with zeal nor yearnings brave; 2 For they were slain in their own foolishness, Self-blinded, feasting on Hyperion’s kine. He, the great Sun, in vengeance merciless, Wroth for the slaughter of his herds divine, Did bend their fortunes to a stern decline, And raze out wholly their returning day With disadventure and destroying tyne— These even to me, who hearken as I may, Great goddess, child of Zeus, unfold in verse, I pray ! 3 Now while the rest, safe-housed from war and waves, Rested, and peril of destruction sheer, Him only, in the cool of hollow caves, Evermore pining for his consort dear, Divine Calypso guarded for her fere. But when the time came round, ordained of old In heaven for his return, not even there, In Ithaca, his own sea-fenced hold, Even with his friends did due repose his life enfold. A THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 2 4 Natheless the gods had pity of his case— All save Poseidon, whose relentless ire Urged everlastingly from place to place Godlike Odysseus with misfortune dire, Ere he might reach the land of his desire. But he was now to the far yEthiops gone (Extreme of men, who diverse ways retire, Some to the setting, some the rising sun) For sacrificial gifts and worship duly done. 5 There he his pleasure at the festive board Took, couched in welcome ease. But all the rest In the wide halls of their Olympian Lord In gathered conclave sat—whom straight addressed The Sire of gods and men; for in his breast Blameless yEgisthus he remembered well, Whom famed Orestes with swift doom suppressed, Even Agamemnon’s childe, avenger fell— He in the council, rising, of that chance did tell: 6 “ Mortals, ye Powers, upbraid us with their voice, And brand us for the fount of all their ill; Who, of their own act, not of fate but choice, Heap to themselves much toil and sorrow still; Even as yEgisthus late, through wayward will, Wedded the lawful consort of his king, And him, returned, on his own hearth did kill, The dark inventor of a heinous thing, Though Hermes at our hest far other charge did bring. 7 “ For spake not Hermes, the far-seeing one, Slayer of Argus : c Neither kill nor wed— For know, so surely as the deed is done, The awful count of Agamemnon’s head Shall to Orestes yet be rendered, When, grown up, he desires his fatherland.’ But him, yEgisthus, no persuasion led, Nor the boon counsel mote he understand— Who now all scores hath paid to the avenger’s hand.” BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 3 8 Him answered then Athene, stern-eyed maid : “ Chiefest of thrones, great Kronides, our sire, He is fit traitor in fit ruin laid! So perish all who to like aim aspire ! But me a rending doubt doth inly tire, For hapless brave Odysseus, who doth steep His soul unfriended in extreme desire, Girded of ocean in an island-keep, An island clothed with trees, the navel of the deep. 9 “ There dwells the child of Atlas, who can sound All seas, and eke doth hold the pillars tall Which keep the skies asunder from the ground. There him, still sorrowing, she doth aye enthral, Weaving serene enticements to forestal The memory of his island-realm; but he Yearns for the native smoke, if that were all, To see it curling, and to die;—yet thee Always he findeth stern. O Zeus, that this should be! 10 “ Where is that service, by the Argive ships, Paid thee of old in Troy? ” But Zeus replied : “ What word hath passed the portal of thy lips ? Or from my breast what care might thus divide Odysseus? who all mortals far and wide Excels in wisdom, and hath freely given Of hallowed offerings more than all beside To the immortal ones who rule in heaven— No !—but one ceaseless anger hath against him striven. 11 “ For know Poseidon, who doth hold the earth, Blind Polyphemus doth remember yet. For him, the mightiest of Cyclopian birth, The god of nymph Thoosa did beget, Child of the sea-king Phorcys—her he met For love in the vaulted caves—and therefore still The great Earth-shaker doth require the debt, And, wroth against Odysseus, doth not kill, But drives him up and down, according to his will. 4 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I I 2 “ But come, let us in council here provide How the return may be accomplished ; So shall Poseidon, hearing, thrust aside His anger, nor dare risk his single head Counter the one determination dread Of all the gods.” Whereto Athene gave Answer : “ If this be fixed, as thou hast said, O Sire, O chief of thrones, that wind and wave Sunder from home no more that luckless wanderer brave, 13 “ Send we now swiftly to Ogygia’s isle Hermes the herald, who did Argus slay. There let him speak our message, without guile, Of that long-suffering one’s returning day. But I will hence to Ithaca straightway, To sting with sterner virtue the son’s breast, And plant a fierce resolve, if that I may, Against the suitors who his house infest, Slaying whole flocks at will and oxen of the best, 14 “That so before the assembled Argive host He may denounce in daylight that fell band. Then will I send him to the Spartan coast And Pylos, to seek out on foreign strand The story of his sire from land to land, If anywhere a rumour may be read— And all men, seeing him, shall understand How broad a glory on the task is shed, And of his name good things shall evermore be said.” So ending, underneath her feet she bound Her faery sandals of ambrosial gold, Which o’er the waters and the solid ground Swifter than wind have borne her from of old; Then on the iron-pointed spear laid hold, Heavy and tall, wherewith she smites the brood Of heroes till her anger waxes cold ; Then from Olympus swept in eager mood, And with the island-people in the court she stood BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 5 16 Fast by the threshold of the outer gate Of brave Odysseus : in her hand she bore The iron-pointed spear, heavy and great, And, waiting as a guest-friend at the door, Of Mentes, Taphian chief, the likeness wore; There found the suitors, who beguiled with play The hours, and sat the palace gates before On hides of oxen which themselves did slay— Haughty of mien they sat, and girt with proud array. 17 For round about them their officious toil Heralds and servants plied, a goodly crew. Some from the board of banquet washed the soil With sponges, or mixed wine of ruddy hue With water in the bowls apportioned due; And other some did carve the flesh with skill. First of them all Telemachus did view The stranger; for bowed down, at grief and still, He with the suitors sat, they banqueting at will. 18 There in his mind’s eye shaping forth his sire, He marvelled if from somewhere he would smite The suitors, and make scattering in his ire Of these who wrought his house such fell despite, And earn huge honour, and assert his right, And in the end bear rule among his own. Thus dreaming, as he sat, his eyes did light On one who waited in the Dorch alone. He, rising, with swift steps thither did wend anon, * 19 As grieved in soul to see a stranger stand So long the portals of his house before. And he drew near, and taking her right hand Received the steel-tipped weapon which she bore, And thus in winged words: “Stranger, good store Of welcome !—taste thou first our cheer; and I Will of thy matter afterward explore.” So passed within the palace vaulted high, (She following), and the spear set in the stand, hard by 6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 20 A pillar tall, whereon the shaft might lean, Even in the polished stand where many a spear Of travail-spent Odysseus long had been; Then led the goddess to a stately chair Elaborate, and beneath on carpet fair Duly was placed a footstool for the feet ; Next, for himself, a bench of carvings rare Planted, convenient from the noise and heat, Lest, fall’n on insult rude, the guest should loathe his meat; 21 Nor less in converse would he fain explore Quest of his absent father, uncontrolled, If that the stranger any tidings bore. And lo ! a handmaid from a vase of gold Poured, in the silver basin, made to hold The lustral stream, and set the shining board, Whereon the pantleress, discreet and old, Piled of the daintiest food she might afford, And grudgeless gave of all that in the house was stored. 22 Also the carver many a dish did heap Of flesh ; and golden goblets did abound, Wherein the herald poured the wine-draught deep. And lo ! came in, for noisy wassail bound, The suitors; each at once his station found For order of the revel, bench or chair; To whom the bustling heralds handed round Water to wash, nor did the maidens spare Of food in baskets huge, and comely youths and fair 23 To crown the beakers to the brim with wine. They eager hands upon the viands laid And fed; but when the craving did decline, Straightway their minds a new desire obeyed — For dance and song ; for with these charms arrayed The feast flows smoother. Then the herald gave The harp to one who sang perforce and played, Even to Phemius, bard and minstrel brave, Who straight with voice and lyre struck up the noble stave. BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 7 24 Then did Telemachus incline his head Unto the stranger, and in whisper spake, Fearing lest any hearken what he said: “ Dear stranger, be not angry for my sake ! Well, well may dance and song their pastime wake Who eat, all-scatheless, their peculiar gain, And of another’s substance freely take, Whose dead bones, whitening in the wind and rain, Rot on the shore, or roll with billows in the main. 25 “ If that in Ithaca he once might stand, And these should see it with their eyes, I ween Fleetness of foot were worth a realm of land, Gold were right cheap, and brave apparel mean. But he is fall’n, alas ! in evil teen ; Hope enters not by any single cleft; Ay, though men promise or a seer had seen His glad return, yet no return is left; He of his welcome day is evermore bereft. 26 “But tell me truly whence thou art of men, Where is thy country, and thy parents where, And in what bark thy mariners, and when, Have brought thee, and what style they boast to bear— For not by land thou cam’st—and this declare, Whether thou wendest on some business new, Or in old time my father’s love didst share. Known was our house to strangers not a few While he was mixed with men. This therefore tell me true.” 27 Whom the stern-eyed Athene answered thus: “Yea, by mine honour. Know my name is hight Mentes, the son of brave Anchialus, And sea-famed Taphos is my regal right; And with my comrades am I come to-night Hither, in sailing o’er the wine-dark sea To men far off, who stranger tongues indite. For copper am I bound to Temese, And in my bark I bring sword-steel along with me. 8 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 28 “ Moored is my ship beyond the city-walls, Under the wooded cape, within the bay. We twain do boast, each in the other’s halls, Our father’s friendship from an ancient day. Hero Laertes ask and he will say— Who no more seeks the city, as they tell, But with an old crone on his farm doth stay, Who spreads the board, when vineyard labours quell His slow weak strength amid the fields where he doth dwell. 29 “ I came but now—for verily men said Thy sire among his people here did keep. Him the gods hinder, but he is not dead; Somewhere he liveth straitened in the deep, Pent in a sea-girt island, rude and steep, And hard men hold him there against his will. Yet I, no skilled interpreter of sleep, Nor in bird-omens versed, will utter still That which the gods suggest, and also may fulfil. 3 ° “Surely not long dissundered from his home Thy sire shall spend himself in vain essay. Though chains of iron hold him, he will come; Aye by shrewd counsel shall he find a way. But render now true answer, yea or nay— Art thou his child, thus tall ? Thine eyes and face Haunt me as I have seen him many a day Ere with the chief he sailed of Argive race— Since then no more we meet in any time or place.” 3 r Her answered then the sage Telemachus : “ Herein, my friend, will I inform thee well— Truly my mother shapes the story thus, But mine own stock can I in nowise spell, Since never yet could child his father tell. • O had I been the seed of some one blest, Whom an old age in peaceful home befel! Now to a man, transcending all the rest In woe, my birth they count—take answer to thy quest.” BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 9 3 2 Whom the stern-eyed Athene answered straight: “ In sooth not nameless in an after day The gods approve thy lineage, whom thus great Penelope hath borne—yet also say, Whereto this banquet serves, and wild array. Is it a marriage or a simple feast? ’Tis plain no table where the eaters pay— So flown with revel, to such height increased, ’Twould make one burn with shame—a wise man at the least.” 33 To whom the sage Telemachus returned : “ Since of this turmoil thou hast question made, Know that much wealth and fame our mansion earned While yet that hero with his people stayed; But now the gods another doom have paid Thrice evil, and have made him disappear More than all mortals; since not death had laid On me such loss, nor anguish so severe, Had he but fallen thus with many a princely peer, 34 “ Fall’n with his comrades by the Trojan wall, Or in his friends’ arms when the siege was done ! So had the full host of Achaians all Entombed him, and for ever he had won Guerdon of loftiest glory for his son. But now those limbs ingloriously are rent By Harpies, and unheard-of he is gone; While unto me the fameless path he went Leaves a long store of pain and weeping and lament. 35 “ Nor him alone I weep, but other griefs The gods still framing have my life oppressed. Dulichium, Same, all the island-fiefs, Send me their chieftain-hordes from east and west, With names of rugged Ithaca the best. These woo my mother, but forestal the dower; She nor refuses nor can grant a quest So grievous.—Thus they spend with all their power My substance. Even myself ere long they will devour.” IO THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 36 To whom Athene, stung with inward flame : “ Sorely, by heaven, Odysseus dost thou need Now to lay hand on feasters void of shame ! Would that, arrayed with helmet, he would speed, And shield and javelins twain, and stand indeed Here in the doors, as in my father’s home Him drinking with delight I marked with heed, What time from Ephyra across the foam, Even from Ilus, son of Mermerus, he did come ! 37 “ Thither Odysseus, in a swift black ship, Seeking a deadly poison once did wend, Wherein his arrows, barbed with steel, to dip; Which yet the other would in nowise lend, As fearing the immortals to offend— Only my father gave it, since right well He loved him. If the gods but now would send Odysseus in like guise, I could foretell Sharp marriage-feast to these and swift destruction’s hell. 38 “ But this the gods in their own knees do keep, Whether thy father shall return or no, And in his palace slake his vengeance deep. But, for thyself, advise thine heart, that so Thou mayst enforce these suitors hence to go. And hearken now, and to my words give heed : To-morrow bid the Achaian chieftains show Together in the market, and thy rede Make known, calling the gods in witness of the deed. 39 “ There bid the suitors, by appeal thus dread, Each depart homeward with the morning light. And for thy mother, if she wish to wed, Behold ! her sire is known for kingly might; Let her go back beneath his sovran right. There shall his folk the marriage-feast prepare, And gifts exceeding many and richly dight, Fit for a daughter so beloved and fair. Yet too remains deft counsel, if thou hear with care. BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. I 40 “ Search out with pains, and furnish a choice ship, With oarsmen twenty, and anon set sail, If thou mayst cull from any mortal lip News, or a wandering voice from Zeus prevail; For still doth Rumour loudest fame entail. To Pylos first. There godlike Nestor old Question of thy lost father without fail. Thence Menelaus, with the locks of gold, Last from the war returned, seek out in Sparta’s hold. 41 “ From whom if certain tidings thou shalt hear, And that thy father liveth and will return, Surely, though straitened, thou canst wait a year. But be he quite cut off by fortune stern, Sail homeward, build his tomb, and offerings burn, And give thy mother to a man. But when All this thou hast performed, devise and learn How best amid wild wassail, there and then, Whether by fraud or force, to slay these evil men. 42 “ No more, with thews like these, to weakness cling. Hast thou not heard divine Orestes’ fame, Who slew the secret slayer of the king His father, and achieved a noble name? Thou also, friend, to thine own strength lay claim— Comely thou art and tall—that men may speak Thy prowess, and their children speak the same. I now the swift ship and my comrades seek, Lest tarrying long they tire—take heed and be not weak.” 43 To whom the sage Telemachus replied : “ Guidance from friendly spirit thou dost impart, Even as a father his own child might guide; Wherefore thy counsel will I take to heart. But tarry now some while, albeit thou art Eager to go, that having joyed a space And bathed, thou mayst from hence gladly depart, And bear a noble present to thy place, Fitting for friend to give to friend whom he would grace.” 12 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 44 Him the stern-eyed Athene answered straight: “ Me, of thy courtesy, no more detain, Who for the voyage yearn with yearnings great. And for thy keepsake, when I come again Give whatsoe’er thy kindly heart is fain, Which homeward with delight I will bear hence, And no reluctance shall my hand restrain. Let it be one of much magnificence. Right largely shalt thou earn exchange and recompense.” 45 So did she speak, and vanished like a bird In flying, found in very deed divine. And him, there gazing as she disappeared, To strength and lordly valour she did incline, And with his father’s memory refine His spirit yet more than in the former days. He all the while, made certain by the sign, Mused on Athene, silent with amaze— Then with the suitors mixed, right godlike in their gaze. 46 But unto these the famous minstrel sang, And they in silence listening sat around. Of the Achaians’ sad return he sang, And how Athene did their way confound. Soon to the upper chamber rose the sound, Even to the ear of sage Penelope ; Whence by tall staircase to the lower ground Passed the grave queen, but not alone went she; With her fair maidens twain did move in company. 47 Under the pillar of the well-built dome She halted, and let down her shining veil. There to each side one of her maids did come— Thence to the noble bard she made appeal: “ Phemius, thou know’st full many a charm to steal Rapt hearts, the exploits both of god and man, All minstrelsy that bards can make us feel— Sing thou of these, for such a minstrel can, While all in silence drink, as when thy stave began. BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 13 48 “ But cease, I pray thee, from so dark a theme, Which always in my breast my heart doth rend, Since long-familiar sorrow and pangs extreme Sweep on my soul, and waste me without end ; For that my ceaseless memory doth bend Regretful back to the old days of him, My husband, one so mighty, who did send A torch through Hellas that shall ne’er grow dim, And with his rumour filled whole Argos to the brim.” 49 To whom the sage Telemachus replied : “Why, mother, wilt thou grudge the minstrel’s tongue To shape the song whither his feelings guide? For not the bard is cause of what is sung, But Zeus, who unto all men, old and young, Measures the measure that he deemeth best. Nor should one chafe because the harp is strung To woes wherewith the Danai were distrest — For aye in minstrel mouth the newest theme is best. 5 ° “Then let thy heart and soul endure to hear Not only to Odysseus that dear day Hath perished, and Troy given a bloody bier; But many brave have fallen in like way. Back to the house, and thine own tasks essay, The distaff and the loom, for these are thine, And for thy maids their works appointed weigh ; But never more to public speech incline — Of this shall men take care, I most — the rule is mine.” 5i She, smit with wonder, to the house went back, And in her mind the sapient counsel kept. Thither the maidens followed in her track— Even to the upper chamber on she stept, They following—there, withdrawn apart, she wept Odysseus as of old, her husband dear, Nor closed the lamentation till she slept; For to her eyelids did Athene bear Sweet slumbers, shed with rest, that might her strength repair. # THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 14 52 But through the shadowy halls the suitors’ clang Waxed louder while they longed for loves and rest. To whom, uprising as the noises rang, Prudent Telemachus his word addressed : “ Proud suitors of my mother, meseemeth best That we should feast in quiet, and rejoice, Hearing the music with a better zest; For it is good to list a bard so choice, Who, singing here to-night, might match the gods in voice. 53 “ To-morrow in the council-court we meet; There will I warn you sternly to go hence, And other feasts at other tables eat, Changing by houses, at your own expense; But should it seem in this your insolence Better to waste the total wealth of one Scatheless, then waste—but I with prayers intense Zeus and the gods will ask, for all things done, That unavenged, unwept, ye perish one by one.” 54 He ended, but the rest in wrath did bite Their lips, and wondered that he spake so bold. Then said Eupeithes’ child, Antinous hight : “Surely the gods themselves teach thee to hold Words of huge import and a mighty mould. Pray heaven that never in this isle unblest Zeus make thee king, which is thy right of old ! ” Whom straight the sage Telemachus addressed : “ Antinous, be not wroth and I will speak the rest. 55 “ Right gladly would I, did but Zeus allow, Take what thine heart doth all too vile esteem. A crown is no mean garnish for the brow. More than himself in honour straight doth seem That man, and wealth into his house doth stream. But princes, old and young, are in the land. Let whom it listeth of the kingdom dream, Since that one is not.—But I swear to stand Lord of my father’s house and slaves of his right hand.” BOOK I.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 15 5 6 To whom Eurymachus, responding, said : “ This thing the gods in their own knees do keep, Who in our sea-girt island shall be head ; But full right hast thou of thine own to reap, Nor may the house thou rulest hold thee cheap. Never, while Ithaca shall yet survive, Never a man rise up, with insult deep, Thee of thy proper empire to deprive !— But who, my friend, was he who lately did arrive ? 57 “ Whence and of what land doth he boast to be? Where is his nation, and his lineage where? Came he with tidings from beyond the sea, Even of thy sire’s return the news to bear ? Or comes he hither on his own affair? Since in a little moment he is gone, Gone in hot haste, nor for the feast did care, And hath not even tarried to be known. Well-favoured did he seem, nor like a caitiff’s son.” 58 . Then sage Telemachus this answer made : “Surely my sire’s return is come to nought. Tidings no longer can my mind persuade; Nor oracle inspired seems worth a thought, Spoken by seer, when any seer is brought From far, and by my mother response is won. But ’twas a guest-friend late this mansion sought, Mentes, of brave Anchialus the son. He over Taphos rules where mariners do wonne.” 59 So did he speak, but in his mind he knew The goddess. They to songs and dances bent Their souls, and revelled as the fancy drew. And on their dancings came the black descent Of evening, and with one accord they went In darkness to the house to sleep their sleep. That other passed to his own tenement, Built in a beauteous place, and vaulted steep,— Heavy of heart, and musing many things and deep. 1 6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book I. 60 Thither a daughter of Pisenor’s line, Wise Eurycleia, lighted torches bare, For whom Laertes did of old consign, When that her youth was freshest and most fair, Gold worth a score of oxen, nor did spare Equal in honour with his wife to name; Yet not for this the couch of love did share, Fearing the queen’s ill zeal and bitter blame— She now with lighted torches to the chamber came. 61 More than the rest she loved him in old time, And fondly helped, ere other help had been. He to the well-built chamber now did climb, Opened the door, and on the couch did lean, And the soft tunic doffed, which, folded clean, She on the peg uphung, and went her way, Shutting the silver bolt with careful mien. He, wrapt in fleeces, till the dawn of day There on Athene’s rede in silence thinking lay. u BOOK II. THE ITHACAN ASSEMBLY—DEPARTURE OF TELEMACHUS. 1 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, Up sprang Telemachus with eager mind, Put on his raiment, and his sword anon Thrust in the scabbard, and made haste to bind Fast to his feet, that in the morning shined, His sandals fair. Soon issuing forth, in mien Like to a god, he bade the heralds wind Shrill summons, who with voices clear and keen Straightway the long-haired chiefs in council bade convene. 2 So when the concourse to the full was grown, He lifted in his hand the steely spear, And to the council moved, but not alone, For as he walked his swift dogs followed near. Also Athene did with grace endear His form, that all the people gazed intent And wondered while he passed without a peer. Straight to his father’s seat his course he bent, And the old men gave way in reverence as he went. 3 Then rose the brave Hilgyptius, and begun The council. He was curved with age, and knew Things beyond number. Long ago his son In the broad barks among a warrior crew Sailed with divine Odysseus to ensue Siege of horse-feeding Ilion far away. Him in his cave the bloody Cyclops slew— Antiphus—and prepared his final prey. Three were yet left, of whom twain in the house did stay B i8 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book II. 4 Living their father’s life. Eurynomus, That other, with the suitors did consort. Nor did the old man not remember thus That child, his lost one, but in grievous sort Ever lamented, hearing no report; And now with weeping he rose up and said : “ Hearken all ye that hither make resort! Never hath speaker in the council pled Since that our flower in ships divine Odysseus led. 5 “Who hath now called us in such eager speed? To whom of old or young, I fain would hear, Cometh at last this noticeable need ? Or knows he of an army marching near, And would in public make the tidings clear, Or even some other fact of weight instil ? May he be happy, for I hold him dear! And, whosoe’er he be, may Zeus fulfil All that his heart desires, and work the good man’s will! ” 6 Therewith he ended. But Telemachus Drew comfort from the utterance which he heard, And not for long sat he in silence thus. Warm for the loud harangue his bosom stirred, And in the midst he rose to speak the word. His hands Pisenor with the staff did grace, Sage herald, who in counsel never erred. He, rising, looked the old man in the face, And to him first of all made answer from his place : 7 “Not far is he, old man—soon shalt thou hear— Who called this council; yet in heart I groan. No tidings of an army marching near Unfold I now, first in my hearing shown, Nor other fact of public weight make known. This need hath fallen in a double way. Proper is all the evil and mine own. First I have lost a father, my one stay, Who mildly ruled among you with a parent’s sway. BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 19 8 “ And yet new bale comes deepening, vaster far, Which soon my whole house will in pieces rend, Till not a remnant shall be left to mar. Scions of .noble houses without end Flock to my halls, and with harsh suit offend My mother, not enduring in their mind That to her father’s palace she should wend. Thence with a fitting dower to be assigned To whoso in his kingly eyes should favour find. 9 “ No !—to our house resorting day by day They kill fat beeves and many goats and sheep, Drink up the dark wine, as in wanton play, And squander all our wealth in one fell heap. For no Odysseus now is left to keep Destruction from our doors, and ward off wrong. Helpless are these hands for a plague so deep ; And I must languish pitiably and long : Yet would I strike right home, if only I were strong. 10 “The deeds they do no longer can be borne. Falleth the house not honourably nor well. Feel ye not wrath yourselves and righteous scorn? How in the eyes of those who round ye dwell, How can ye fail of shame unutterable ? Yet if not so, respect the wrath on high, Lest they, the gods, turn round on you and quell Your evil works and make the workers die ! Last to Olympian Zeus, and Themis queen I fly. 11 “ By Zeus and Themis, who doth loose and call Assemblies, leave me, friends, to bear my woe— Ay, if my father never wronged at all The long-haired Argives, nor this wrong ye show For quittance, urging these. Yet even so Better that ye yourselves should eat my store; So might the loss not unrequited go; Payment from street to street I might implore. But now a cureless pang ye plant in my heart’s core.” 20 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book ii. 12 So did he speak among them, thrilled with ire, And dashed his regal sceptre on the ground. Weepings of anger in his eyes took fire, While pity held the listening folk around. And who should answer were in silence bound, Nor with sharp taunt did any dare revile— None save Antinous : he alone was found ; And thus he spake : “Telemachus, whose style Sublime befits a strength resistless found long while; 13 “What word is this thou speakest to our shame, Who dost with foul disgrace our honour brand ? Know, then, that not the Achaians are to blame, But thine own mother, who doth understand Sleights more than all the women in the land. For now behold a three years’ space is gone, Even as I speak the fourth is nigh at hand, Since with vain hopes she hath our hearts undone, For bent on endless wiles she promises each one. 14 “ Now of all others hearken this device Which in her mind the queen did frame. She reared There in her halls a mighty loom of price. Anon before the suitors she appeared, And said: ‘Young men, my suitors, what I feared Is come; divine Odysseus is no more : Woo ye, but leave my widowhood revered A little while until my task is o’er, Lest my long-purposed work fall void for evermore. 1 5 “ ‘ I for Laertes weave a funeral sheet Against the final debt that he must pay; And I were shamed the Achaian dames to meet, Should the long slumber find but shroudless clay Of one who owned much lordship in his day.’ So did she speak amid the suitor-throng, And so persuaded our large heart gave way. Daily she weaved; then working grievous wrong, By night the woof unwound, with torches ranged along. BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 21 16 “ So for three years she prospered in her wile. But when the fourth came with the seasons’ flight. One of her women, making known the guile, Showed us the queen unwinding in the night. So force, not will, constrained her to the right. Know then the suitors’ answer in thy mind, And know Achaia here in the open light— Send to her sire thy mother, to be assign’d To whoso in his eyes and hers shall favour find. 17 “ But if the Achaians she will longer vex, Proving the wiles whereof she hath large share From Pallas, and a wit beyond her sex, Cunning in brave works and designments rare, Surpassing all of women that ever were— Tyro, and those we hear of long ago, Alcmene, and rich-zoned Mycene fair— Of whom not one did equal knowledge know With her the queen—who yet not wisely acteth so— 18 “ Know that thy house from spoilers shall not rest For all the while that she shall keep this mind Which now the gods have planted in her breast. Ay, though much glory for herself she find, On thee huge loss of living she doth bind; Nor will we ever to our homes depart, Leaving this business unfulfilled behind, Ere the queen cease from her pernicious art, And of the Achaians wed one pleasing her own heart.” 19 Whereto the sage Telemachus replied: “ Antinous, I can never drive away Her who did bear me and my wants provide. Living or dead, my sire afar doth stay; And heavy charges shall I have to pay Icarius, unprovoked if I expel My mother. Much to him must I defray, Her sire, but more to God : for she may well The hateful Furies call, when driven elsewhere to dwell. 22 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book II. 20 “ Men will cry shame. I will not speak this word. Yet if your anger brook not this, go hence; Be other banquets unto mine preferred, Changing by houses, at your own expense. But should it seem in this your insolence Better to waste the total wealth of one, Scatheless, then waste. But I with prayers intense Zeus and the gods will ask, for all things done, That unavenged, unwept, ye die here every one.” 21 So spake Telemachus, and eagles two Far-seeing Zeus sent flying from the hill. And at the first along the wind they flew Together, with expanded wings, until They reached the market many-voiced, and shrill With tones of high debate, there wheeling round Turned on each other, and in turning still Shook their strong pinions with a boding sound, And on the heads of all fiercest destruction frowned. 22 There with strung talons tearing in full sight Each other’s cheeks and neck, awhile they fought, Then ’mid the houses rushed off on the right. And all in wonder marked the omen wrought, Shaping strange shadows of event in thought. Soon Halitherses rose, his speech to make, Best of his age to know the meanings taught By birds prophetic, and sage counsels take. He now, their firm well-wisher, thus harangued and spake : 23 “ Ithacans, hear; and let these suitors con, Chiefly, the word that I shall speak to-day. Theirs is a mighty sorrow, rolling on; Nor is Odysseus very far away * From friends that love him, but doth somewhere slay These in his thought e’en now—yea, many more In sun-warmed Ithaca their price shall pay. Come, let us stop these traitors long before; Or let themselves desist, Death standing at their door. BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 23 24 “ I do not warn, in auguries unskilled. That which I speak I also understand. Truly I say that all things are fulfilled Just as I uttered when the Argive band Embarked on shipboard for the Ilian strand, xYnd with them wary-wise Odysseus went— How in the twentieth year to his own land He should return, with sore affliction spent, Companionless, unknown. Time crowns the whole event.” 2 5 To him returned Eurymachus, the son Of Polybus : “ Old man, go home and show Thy children what hereafter shall be done, And bid them guard against this future foe. I am a better seer than thou, and know That many birds beneath the sunlight wide Range. Not all creatures winging to and fro Teach fate. Odysseus far from hence hath died. And would that thou, old man, wert lying by his side ! 26 “ So should thy prophecies be found more few ; Nor wouldst thou thus an angry man incite— Telemachus—expecting for thy due Some gift. Yet, warning, I declare outright, If you will urge with words a younger wight, You who know better, being wise and old, You shall first suffer in a loss not light; For we will fine you in a fine of gold, Soul-vexing, hard to pay, for being over-bold. 27 “But to Telemachus before you all I here give notice he must send away His mother to her father’s house and hall; Where a rich marriage-feast without delay Men shall make ready, and large presents pay Fit for a daughter so beloved and fair: For well I know the Achaians till that day Never will cease from their rough suit, nor spare His substance, since all-dreadless we for no man care, 24 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book II. 28 “Not even Telemachus, so loud of speech— No !—nor the oracle which thou, old man, Dost vainly, to thine own confusion, preach. Here will we eat, as when we first began, His substance up, and neither shall nor can Come restitution till his mother wed; For we, kept waiting, will new contests plan Of virtue, none sufficing in her stead, Though ’twere high time for each to win some bridal bed.” 29 Whereto the prince replied : “ Eurymachus, And all ye suitors, deaf to prayers and woe, No more will I waste words upon you thus; These things the gods and all Achaians know. Come, give me bark and crew, that I may go, On this dear quest. To Pylos I would sail And thence seek Sparta, if some tongue may show News of my sire, or even a voice prevail From Zeus, for still doth Rumour loudest fame entail. 30 “From whence if certain tidings I shall hear And that my father liveth and will return, Though sorely straitened I can wait a year. But if the sorrow of his fall I learn, Then to the dear old land whereto I yearn, I, coming back, whatever else befal Will build his tomb and goodly offerings burn, Fittest to grace a father’s funeral, And her some husband find, when rites are rendered all.” 31 So spake he and sat down, and Mentor straight Uprose, Odysseus’ friend, and left in ward, Under Laertes, of the whole estate. Stedfast he spake, and not to be debarred From counsel: “ Hear me, Ithacans, and regard ! Let none hereafter of the race of kings Be mildly tempered, but morose and hard, Known for a doer of unequal things, Since good desert no tender recollection brings BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 25 32 “ Of one who always when his name was strong Ruled like a father for his people’s sake ! Yet grudge not I their violence and wrong To these proud suitors, who their own heads stake, When this wild havoc in the house they make, Dreaming him dead. Well, let them dream their fill, And while they may their shallow comfort take ! But shame it is that ye should all sit still, Mute for these few, nor dare to curb their haughty will.” 33 Thereto Leiocritus, Evenor’s son : “ Fool Mentor, what is this that thou hast said ? Wouldst really bid them put the suitors down? Even a strong multitude were hardly led To fight us for a matter of beef and bread. Why, if the great Odysseus were to find Guests such as these who at his table fed And from his halls to drive them were inclined, He, though long missed, would come not wholly to the mind 34 “Even of his wife, who should behold him fall Fighting with many. Thou hast not said right. But come ’tis high time that this people all Disperse, each to his work, and for this wight Mentor and Halitherses can to-night Furnish his wants :—his father’s friends are they. But all these things are vague and out of sight, And ’tis my creed that yet for many a day News will he wait at home, nor tempt this unknown way.” 35 So did he speak, dissolving the debate, And all went homeward on their business, save The suitors, who at once departed straight Bound for the palace of Odysseus brave. Telemachus beside the barren wave Paced forth in melancholy mood alone. He in the hoary deep his hands did lave, And to Athene prayed : “ Hear thou my groan, Who yesterday didst come ’neath yonder roof our own. 26 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book ii. 3 6 “ There didst thou bid me o’er the dark sea-foam Sail, of my absent father to explore Some tidings, yet they hold me here at home, Even the Achaians, and impede me sore, But most these suitors pierce me to the core, So evil-minded in their haughtiness.” Thus prayed he, and Athene came before His eyes, most like in aspect and address To Mentor, and winged words spake, calming his distress: 37 “Not base and foolish after all is done Shalt thou be counted, if the brave old blood Hath from the sire descended to the son. If thou like him both word and deed make good, Then were thy journey all in vain withstood. Yet have I no hope thou wilt prosper well If thou be sprung from some less lordly brood. Few match their fathers. Any tongue can tell The more are worse: yea, almost none their sires excel. 38 “ But since nor base nor foolish thou shalt be, Nor wholly failest of thy father’s skill, Hope the attainment of thy toils to see; Leave these unwise to work their own brute will, And let the unrighteous be unrighteous still. Fools, not to know black Death comes even now Armed, in one day their ruin to fulfil! Nor think that I love’s claim will disallow. Faithful I follow, and will with good ship thee endow. 39 “ But go now, join the suitors once again ; And in the house much food, with all thy care, Wine in strong jars, and corn, the marrow of men, In tough skins for our journey’s use prepare. And I will forth among the people fare And get thee volunteers, a goodly crew, And look what bark seems very choice and rare— Ships are found here in plenty old and new— And we will launch it laden with provision due.” BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 2 7 40 So spake Athene, child of Zeus; nor long Telemachus there lingered, when he heard Counsel to mingle with the festive throng. So went he, warned by the god-spoken word; But his dear heart within was sorely stirred. And lo ! the suitors without stint or shame Flayed goats and singed swine in the court, nor feared Him nearing. But Antinous smiling came, And clasped his hand, and spake, and called him by his name: 41 “Telemachus, loud boaster uncontrolled, Bear not about a trouble in thy breast, But eat and drink securely as of old, And the Achaians will perform the rest, Yea, find thee bark and oarsmen of the best That thou mayst quickly unto Pylos make This voyage on thy noble father’s quest.” But sage Telemachus in answer spake : “ Antinous, thine advice can I by no means take. 42 “’Tis not in reason I should here rejoice Fed with dishonour. Rest ye not content That in my childhood, ere my power of choice, Ye robbed me, and I knew not what it meant ? But now, grown up, such weakness I repent, Both taught of others and enlarged in mind ; Nor will I cease till vengeance make descent From Pylos, or some means even here I find Wherewith the rueful Fates against you to unbind. 43 “Yes, I will go—my way shall prosper too— Go in some merchant’s vessel for a price, Owning nor ship nor oarsmen, thanks to you; So seemed, forsooth, more gainful in your eyes.” Thus he made answer, and in angry wise Wrenched his hand roughly from Antinous’ hold. They all the while bemocked his vain emprise, Jeering his mood with bitter tongues and bold; And in the midst outspake a youth of haughtiest mould : 28 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book ii. 44 “Surely Telemachus our death will scheme. What if avengers follow in his wake From sandy Pylos over ocean’s stream, Or Sparta, since all bondage he doth break, Or even to Ephyra swift speed he make And from the fatness of her fields bring up Drugs that all manhood from the spirit take, And cast the fatal poison in our cup, And fall on, sword in hand, and smite us while we sup ! ” 45 Forthwith outspake another in reply : “Who knows if while he wanders o’er the main He may not somewhere like Odysseus die Far from his friends, to our exceeding gain ? Then should we soon divide to all our train His treasures, each receiving what is fair, And to his lady mother we were fain Proffer this royal palace for her share, With him to have and hold who should espouse her there.” 46 So in their talk. But he that chamber sought, His sire’s, where store of copper from the mine Lay, and the tissue of pure gold well wrought, And scented oils of price, and raiment fine In chests. There also earthen jars of wine, Mellow with age, and sweet, were ranged in rows, Sealing up safe the unmixed drink divine, If e’er Odysseus after many woes Came back; and two-leaved doors the chamber did enclose. 47 All these a faithful woman day and night Guarded, a daughter of Pisenor’s race, Wise Eurycleia, as of household right; Whom when the prince had summoned to the place, He straight addressed her : “Nurse, draw wine apace, The mellowest next to that which thou dost keep Stored up how long! for one in evil case, If the Zeus-born Odysseus whom we weep Should e’er, evading death, come sailing o’er the deep. BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 29 48 “ Fill me twelve vessels, each with lid supplied, And packed in well-sewn wallets give me grain. Next twenty measures of fine meal provide; And, above all, close secrecy maintain; For in the evening I will come again And take them, when my mother shall ascend For sleep to the upper chamber. O’er the main To Sparta I, and sandy Pylos, wend On my sire’s quest, to learn some tidings of the end.” 49 So spake he, but the good nurse wailed aloud, And in sore grief these winged words out pressed : “ Ah! why, dear child, this voyage hast thou vowed ? Whither art roaming from thy native nest, The sole one of thy mother, o’er earth’s wide breast ? Zeus-born Odysseus far from hence hath died ’Mid stranger peoples, and this brood unblest When thou art gone will evil counsels hide, To cut thee off unwares, and all thy wealth divide. 5 ° “ Ah ! bide with thine own people here at ease. There is no call to suffer useless pain, Wandering always on the barren seas.” But he : “ Good nurse, prithee take heart again, These things are not without a god nor vain. Swear only that my mother shall not know Till twelve days pass, or she herself be fain To ask thee, or some other the tidings show, Lest her salt tears despoil much loveliness with woe.” 5 1 Then she the grand oath of the gods did swear Nought to discover, and, when the oath was sworn, Drew wine in vessels, and with all her care In well-sewn wallets packed the useful corn. Telemachus outfaced the suitors’ scorn Returning. But new things Athene planned, Likened to him of brave Odysseus born, And in the streets amid the throng did stand, And whispered words to each, and added this command— 30 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book II 52 That in the evening they should all repair Down to the swift ship, at her own request Lent by renowned Noemon, Phronius’ heir— Gladly he lent it, with a willing breast. Then the sun fell, and on the land did rest Cloud, and she launched into the floods her bark, Placed in it all wherewith good ships are drest, And by the deep edge of the haven dark Cheered the good seamen well, who all her words did mark 53 But soon Athene had new things in thought. Straight to Odysseus’ house her way she took, And a sweet slumber on the suitors brought, And made them wander in their wine, and shook Cups from their hands; nor could they longer brook The banquet, but went quickly from the hall, Such nerveless languor on their eyelids strook. And then Telemachus she forth did call, And spake in Mentor’s mien, and Mentor’s voice withal: 54 “Telemachus, thy well-greaved comrades stay With oar in hand, waiting thy word, even thine. Come, let us lose no time upon the way.” So spake Athene, and, with steps divine Preceding, did their dilige'nt course incline Seaward in haste. But when the twain did reach Where the bark floated on the foamy brine, They found their long-haired comrades on the beach, To whom the godlike youth, Telemachus, made speech : 55 “ Come, friends, and with me the provision bring. The whole stands ready waiting in the hall. My mother hath not yet heard anything; ’Tis hid too from the female servants all. One of them only knoweth what shall fall.” So to the house he led them, and they brought, And in the well-benched vessel did instal Those needments, as Telemachus had taught. So, when the ship was stored, and all in order wrought, BOOK II.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 5 6 He clomb on shipboard; but the goddess-guide Went first. She sat down in the aft, he near. The strong stern-cables all the rest untied, Embarked and manned the benches. Loud and clear Sang the bluff Zephyr o’er the wine-dark mere Behind them. By Athene’s liest he blew. Telemachus his comrades on did cheer To set the tackling. With good hearts the crew Heard him, and all things ranged in goodly order true. 57 The olive mast, planted with care, they bind With ropes, the white sail stretch on twisted hide, And brace the mainsail to the bellying wind. Loudly the keel rushed through the seething tide. Soon as the good ship’s gear was all applied, They ranged forth bowls, crowned with dark wine, and poured To gods who everlastingly abide, Most to the stern-eyed child of heaven’s great lord. All night the ship clave onward till the Dawn upsoared. ro BOOK III. TELEMACHUS AND ATHENE IN THE LIKENESS OF MENTOR ARRIVE AT PYLOS—TELEMACHUS VISITS NESTOR, AND LEAVES PYLOS FOR SPARTA WITH PISISTRATUS, NESTOR’S YOUNGEST SON. 1 Leaving the beauteous lake, the great Sun scaled The brazen sky, and heavenly gods with light, And mortal men and earth’s rich glebe, regaled. So they to Pylos came, the town well pight Of Neleus. There, by the sea’s margin bright, Bulls black, without a fleck, the Pylians slay, In service to the dark Earth-shaker’s might. Nine seated companies, in fair array, Five hundred each, had given nine bulls apiece that day. 2 They then the entrails tasted, and each thigh Burned to the god; but the others downward bore Full on the land, and the sails furled on high, And moored the bark. Anon came forth on shore Telemachus; but Pallas went before. Him first the stern-eyed goddess there addressed : “Shame thou dost need, Telemachus, no more. Art thou not sailing on thy father’s quest, To learn what land conceals him, or what fate suppressed? “ Come, to horse-taming Nestor forward go; Search we what counsel in his breast there lies. Ask him yourself, that he the truth may show. No falsehood will he tell; he is so wise.” Whereto the sage Telemachus replies : “ How can I go, and what am I to say, O Mentor—how accost him, in what guise ? No craft have I sage meanings to convey. ’Twere shame a youth should question one so old and grey.” c 34 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 4 Whom the stern-eyed in answer straight addressed : “ Telemachus, thine own mind will conceive Somewhat, and other will a god suggest, Since not without the gods, I well believe, Thou both wast born, and nurture didst achieve.” Thus having said, Athene led the way. He to the steps divine did closely cleave. So to the Pylians seated in array They came, where Nestor sat among his sons that day. 5 Round them their comrades, setting forth the feast, Spitted the flesh. But when they saw appear The strangers, all from their employment ceased, Came, clasped their hands, and bade them to the cheer. First Nestor’s son, Pisistratus, drew near, And took the hand of each, and made them sit On fleecqs soft that on the shingle were, Near Thrasymedes and his sire to wit, And wine in golden cup gave, and a portion fit, 6 Cooked, from the entrails, and spake, welcoming The child of Zeus w r ho doth the aegis bear: “Pray now, dear stranger, to Poseidon king; His is the banquet ye find spread so fair. When, duly praying, thou hast poured thy share, Hand to him next the goblet. I divine That he too prays; all men have need of prayer : But he, much younger, counteth years like mine : So to thee first I give this golden bowl of wine.” 7 Therewith the goblet in her hands he placed. She the just heart and insight of the man Hailed, that her first with the sweet wine he graced. So to the king Poseidon she began : “ Hear us, Poseidon, in our prayers ! and plan For Nestor and his children first of all Glory. This people next with favour scan, That sweet exchange whole Pylos may befal, For hecatomb renowned, and this rare festival. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 35 8 “ Grant also to Telemachus and me That we may home, our work fulfilled, repair— That work for which we came across the sea.” So did she speak, and finished all her prayer; Then gave Telemachus the wine-bowl fair, And in like manner prayed Odysseus’ son. But when the flesh was roasted with due care, Drawn from the spits, and carved, they feasted on Till their desire for meat and drink was quenched and gone. 9 Then up spake Nestor, the Gerenian knight: “Now may we ask these strangers who they are, Since they have feasted to their own delight. Strangers, who are ye ? from what coast afar Sail ye the watery ways ? After some star Of purpose, or, at random blown about, Range ye like pirates, whom no perils bar, Who o’er the wide sea, with their lives in doubt,. Range, and to foreign ships mischance and harm deal out?” 10 Answered Telemachus with dauntless breast, For inward courage from Athene came; So of his long-lost father to make quest, And among mortals to inherit fame : “ O Nestor, son of Neleus, a great name . In Argos, thou demandest whence we be; And I this matter will unveil. We came From rock-hung Ithaca across the sea, On private quest, not public—touching only me. 11 “ Some wide-blown rumour of my sire I seek, Odysseus, that much-suffering one divine, Who, as they tell me, did fierce vengeance wreak, Thy comrade, on the Trojan town long syne. All other warriors of Achaian line We hear of, where and by what fate they fell; But him to grave unknown did Zeus consign: Whether on land foes smote him none can tell, Or Amphitrite’s billows round his dark bier swell. 36 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 12 “So to thy knees I come, if thou some word Vouchsafe me, whether thou with eyes hast seen His downfal, or from some chance pilgrim heard. How hath his mother to exceeding teen Borne him ! Let no kind thought thy tidings screen; Paint not the tale through pity. O friend, if e’er The good Odysseus hath right loyal been In word or work, when ye much travail bare In Troy, remember now, and truly this declare.” 13 Answered him Nestor, the Gerenian knight : “ Friend, thou remind’st me of exceeding pain, Which we, the Achaians of unconquered might, There, and in ships along the cloudy main, Led by Achilleus to the spoil, did drain, With those our fightings round the fortress high Of Priam king. There all our best were slain— There the brave Aias and Achilleus lie; Patroclus there, whose wisdom matched the gods on high. 14 “There too Antilochus my son doth sleep, Who in his strength was all so void of blame— Swift runner, and staunch warrior. Labours deep Also beyond these on our backs there came. Where is the tongue could half our ills proclaim ? If for five years, or six, thou shouldst ensue This story, tired with even our labours’ fame Thou wouldst go home. Nine years no pause we knew, Scheming the siege. Kronion hardly brought us through. “There none was found that ever face to face Rose up to rival that surpassing wit, Thy sire’s, if thou indeed thy lineage trace From him. Deep awe upon my soul doth sit, Even as I hear—thy words with his so fit ; Nor would one think there could such likeness be In one much younger. O, how closely knit In either council was thy sire with me! For Argos’ welfare still one heart, one mind, had we. book iii.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 16 “ Soon as the citadel we tumbled down And utterly despoiled, in ships we went, God-scattered, sailing from old Priam’s town. There Zeus our voyage marred with stern intent, And dire disaster on the Argives sent— Not all had wisdom nor a righteous breast— So, working out a grievous punishment, Pallas Athene did their course infest, And in the Atridse stirred a bitter strife unblest. • i7 “ They all the Argives in assembly called, Lax, not in order, at the setting sun. Heavy with wine they came, their reason palled With revel, and a vain talk was begun. Then these expounded why the thing was done, And Menelaus did with zeal persuade Homeward to haste; but of his counsels none Pleased Agamemnon, who would fain have stayed Till for Athene’s ire due hecatombs were paid. 18 “Unwise, who knew not she would ne’er be changed. For not so readily wavers the mind Of gods. So they twain in their wrath, estranged Each against each, did bitter insult find; And, self-confounded in the turmoil blind, Rose up the Achaians with portentous hum, And frenzied meanings diversely inclined. So dreaming hard things till the Dawn had come, We slept, and Zeus meanwhile enhanced our evils’ sum. 19 “ Then, in the morning, on the noble main We launched our ships, and all our goods well stored, And took the deep-zoned women, a shining train. But of the army, half, with one accord, To Agamemnon clave, their sovran lord, And with the shepherd of the people stayed. But we the rest, unbaffied, went on board, And rowed with zeal, and speedy voyage made, For ’twas a god’s good help the monstrous ocean laid. 38 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 20 “To Tenedos we came, and there did burn Gifts to the gods, and longed for home in vain, For Zeus not yet intended our return— Was he not hard to stir up strife again ? Some in their ships redoubled the broad main, Led by Odysseus, wise and warlike king, So Agamemnon’s favour to retain. But I with all my naval following Fled, when I knew the god would verily mischief bring. 2 I “ Fled to the son of Tydeus, apt for war, And urged right well his comrades to the flight. At eve came sailing in our wake afar The golden-haired one, and on us did light At Lesbos, helpless to resolve aright— Whether to wend above the rugged nape Of Chios, pushing with what speed we might, With Psyria leftward, or our course to shape Clean round the Chian cliffs, by Mimas’ windy cape. 22 “ Therefore we asked the god to send a sign; Who sent it, and bade cleave the middle sea Straight to Euboia, for that wrath divine Impended, and the hour was ripe to flee. And a stiff wind sang loudly in our lee. Saved from the waters at the time of sleep, Down to Genestus came our company. There we fat thighs unto Poseidon heap Of bulls, right glad in soul to have measured the great deep. 2 3 “ On the fourth day the ships of Tydeus’ son Stood in the roads of Argos. I the while Held on for Pylos, nor the breeze went down Which erst the god gave from the Lesbian isle. And this, dear heart, is all my journey’s style; Nor know I who were saved or who were slain. But whatso sitting in my halls erewhile I heard and hear, if it may bring thee gain, Even as right requires I surely will make plain. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 39 24 “ Safely, they say, the Myrmidons came home, Whom the renowned son of Achilleus led ; And safely Philoctetes the wide foam Passed over, child of Poias, warrior dread. Also Idomeneus to Creta sped With all his comrades whom the battle spared; None of his heroes in the sea lie dead. And Agamemnon’s fate yourselves have heard Even far off, so widely hath that rumour fared. 2 5 “Yes, ye have heard how he to Argos came, And how AEgisthus did his doom devise, Who now with dolour and exceeding shame Hath paid the price of his iniquities. This is a good thing, and let none despise, That of a dead man should be left a son To rise as he rose up for brave emprise, Avenging murder, and much glory won On him, so dark with wiles, who had his sire undone.” 26 Whereto the sage Telemachus replied : “ O Nestor, son of Neleus, rarely well Played he the avenger’s part, and far and wide Even hereafter shall the Argives swell His story. Would that in my breast could dwell Strength equal from the gods, that I might pay These suitors, and their open outrage quell! But not such happiness did heaven convey Unto my sire or me. I bear it as I may.” 27 Him answered Nestor, the Gerenian knight: “ Friend, (thou remind’st me by thy words), they say That suitors of thy mother in thy despite Live many in thy halls from day to day, And evil machinations move alway. Art thou kept under of thine own free will ? Or doth the general hate a voice obey From God? but who knows if alone he still, Or girt with Argive troops, a great revenge fulfil ? 40 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 28 “ For if stern-eyed Athene deign to love Thee as she loved thy father well-renowned By Troia’s town, all other souls above, Where we, the Achaians, were in travail bound— (For by him only was such favour found, Nor ever marked I love so manifest From god to man as did to him redound From Pallas)—if such love on thee too rest, Right soon will all thy foes forego this marriage quest.” * 29 Answered in turn the sage Telemachus : “ Old man, I know that I shall never see This voice fulfilled. It cannot fall out thus. Hard is thy word, and heavy in degree, And great astonishment comes over me. Never, alas ! could I believe such bliss— Not though the gods themselves willed it to be ! ” To whom Athene : “ Hush ! what word is this ? Lightly a god that willed even from far, I wis, 3 ° “ Could save a man. But truly I were fain Rather from sorrows long, and weary strife, To find true welcome, than much earlier gain Hearth-murder, as that king found treason rife, By dark Higisthus killed and his own wife. Howbeit not even can the gods forefend Like doom from any, nor uphold the life Even of a man whom they would fain befriend, When once down-striking Death brings on the fated end.” 3 1 He answered : “ Mentor, let us bear to yearn In silence, and not talk our sorrows o’er. Never to him remaineth true return; But heaven his death determined long before. Yet would I fain ask Nestor one thing more, Who more than others in his heart doth hold Both righteous dealings and life’s wiser lore. Three generations reigning he hath told; So that a god he seems, one deathless to behold. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 41 32 “O Nestor, son of Neleus, truly tell How Atreus’ son, by what disloyal play Cut off, the wide-realmed Agamemnon fell; And where was Menelaus on that day ? How did y'Egisthus stretch his hand to slay ? What doom did he devise ?—since he made bleed A better man—or was the prince away From Argos on some pilgrimage of need, Which hearing he took heart, and dared the heinous deed ? ” 33 * Him answered Nestor, the Gerenian knight: “ Herein, dear child, will I the truth expound. So ’twould have fallen—thou hast guessed aright— Had Menelaus, son of Atreus, found HEgisthus standing yet on Argive ground. Then had he not known burial, even dead, But him the dogs without the city’s bound And birds had gorged, nor any woman shed Tear, nor bewailed his fate, who schemed a work so dread. 34 “ For we lay absent in a cloud of ill; But he fared softly in the calm recess Of knight-famed Argos, and with fond words still The wife of Agamemnon did caress. She at the first that vile unseemliness Turned from, divine one, in her worth of mind; And there was eke a minstrel who not less Sustained her, whom Atrides left behind, And to his care, parting for Troy, his wife consigned. 35 “ But when the fate divine had bound dowm fast That minstrel hero to a doom severe, H^gisthus led him to an island waste, And gave him for the fowls of heaven to tear, And took her : willing franion, willing fere. He many thighs in many a holy place Burned to the gods, and golden gifts did rear, And costly shrines with woven apparel grace, Lord of a huge success which hope scarce dared t’ embrace. 42 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 36 “ For we twain sailed together, bound from Troy, I and the son of Atreus golden-haired, Heart-folded in exchange of friendship’s joy. Soon as to Sunium’s hallowed brow we neared, Phoebus Apollo, as we onward fared, Slew with his gentle arrows one who held The helm of Menelaus—name revered, Son of Onetor, Phrontis, who excelled All steersmen of all ships, in tempest’s rage unquelled. 37 “So was he holden, though to flee right fain, Till that the funeral rites were duly done. But when he, driving o’er the wine-dark main, Had to the gaunt ridge of Malea won, Evil already was from Zeus begun. Shrilled the wild storms, and a resounding swell Of monstrous billows, huge as hills, came on. These the fleet sunder, and in part compel Crete-ward, to Jardan’s streams, where the Cydonians dwell. 33 “ Lo ! there, shot forth into the murky deep, Rises a sheer cliff at the far land’s end Of Gortyn. From south-west the great waves leap On the left headland, as in wrath to rend. Vainly on a little stone huge strength they spend. Thither the barks rushed, and the men with pain Snatch the bare life; all else the billows shend On the sharp rocks. Swept on in the tempest’s strain, Five ships, the azure-prowed, to Egypt’s coast attain. 39 “ So he much substance gathering there, and gold, Wandered with ships ’mid tribes of other tongue. Meanwhile AEgisthus in the halls did hold His murder’s wage, and to bad counsels clung, And kept the people under, old and young. Seven years in rich Mycene he bore sway; But lo ! from Athens, in the eighth, upsprung Orestes, stern avenger, to repay That evil dark usurper who his sire did slay. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER 43 40 “ Forthwith good funeral cheer he gave to all, Feasting the Argives for that caitiff blood, And his dead mother with the heart of gall. That self-same day within his portals stood Brave Menelaus. Store of treasures good Lay heavy in his barks.—But thou, my friend, Wander not far from home, leaving a brood Of vauntful spoilers thine estate to rend, Lest they take all, and thou for nought thy labour spend. 41 “Natheless I bid you with what zeal I may On to the house of Menelaus go. Hath he not lately come from far away, Even from a strange land which we cannot know ? Whence none, whom the errant tempest first might blow Far from all soundings to a deep so drear, Could hope again to stem that ocean-flow— Whence even the birds within a single year Cannot o’erpass a sea so vast and void of cheer. 42 “ Now, in the swift ship with thy friends make speed ; Or if thou choose to travel hence by land, Horses and chariot shall attend thy need, And sons of mine wait ready to thy hand, Guides of thy journey, till thy feet shall stand In Lacedaemon the divine, where dwell Brave Menelaus and his household band. Ask him yourself, and he the truth will tell. Pure from the heart his words fall ever wisely well.” 43 He ending, the sun fell, and o’er the land Grew darkness, and stern-eyed Athene said : “ Old man, in all this shall thy counsel stand; But come, the tongues cut; mix the wine-bowl red; Now be libations to Poseidon shed, And to the other gods, then seek we rest. Now is the hour of sleep to weary head ; For lo ! heaven’s lamp is fallen in the west; Nor is it right to linger long at a god’s feast.” 44 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 44 She ended, and all heard the voice divine, Heralds pour water on their hands; in haste Youths crown the bowls with drink, and cups of wine Bear round to each. Then in the fire they cast The tongues, and, rising, pour libations last. So having drunken to their hearts’ content, Back to the hollow ship they would have passed, The prince and she; but Nestor, ere they went, Fastened on both with words, upbraiding their intent: 45 “Now Zeus and all the other gods forefend That thus ye pass hence from my doors, as though From one quite robeless, and with nought to spend, Nor having of fine rugs abundant show, Wherein himself and guests soft sleep may know ! Shall then the dear son of Odysseus sleep On shipboard thus, and I alive? Not so — Nor while these good halls one descendant keep To entertain the stranger who would welcome reap.” 46 Answer on whom Athene did bestow : “Well hast thou spoken, dear old man. ’Twere meet Telemachus obey, and nobler so. Let him go with you, and find slumbers sweet There in your halls; but I will hence to greet My comrades, and make known what things befal— Who me, their elder, reverently entreat— Young men they are, and follow friendship’s call, Telemachus’ compeers, like him large-hearted all. 47 “ There in the hollow ship will I this night Lie down, but with the dawn I must proceed To that large-hearted race, Cauconian hight, Since of a debt there owing I have need, Long-standing and not small. But take thou heed, After thy doors once entered, him to send Hence in a chariot on his course with speed; Also let some one of thy sons attend; And horses, even thy best in strength and fleetness, lend.” BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 45 48 So having said, Athene went away, Winged, like an osprey; and the sudden flight Mute-lipped amazement on them all did lay. He too, the old man, marvelled at the sight. Taking his guest’s right hand, that aged knight Spake: “ Friend beloved, I feel not any fears To find thee craven ever, or void of might, Since plainly, even in thy youthful years, The gods themselves environ thee beyond thy peers. 49 “ This is none other of the names that hold Olympus, save the Trito-born renowned, Daughter of Zeus, who loved thy sire of old. Be kind, O queen ! With honour’s noble sound Me and my children and my wife surround. For this will I a yearling heifer slay, Wide-browed, which to the yoke man never bound— Such unto thee, with gilded horns, I pay.” So in his prayer, and Pallas heard him on that day. 5 ° So Nestor led his sons and sons-in-law Back to the beauteous house; but when they came To the far-famed palace of the king, they saw Benches and chairs ranged ready in the same. And for them, sitting, the old knight did frame Mixture of sweet wine of the eleventh year, Now first unsealed by the discreet house-dame. He the wine mixed, and to Athene there, Daughter of yEgis-bearing Zeus, poured forth in prayer. 5 1 Soon having poured, and drunk their hearts’ content, They in the house for sleep themselves bestow. Telemachus, on couch magnificent, Gerenian Nestor made lie down below The wide roof of the resonant portico. Spear-armed Pisistratus, the yet unwed, Slept near him. But the knight himself did go To far recess, by noise unvisited, And there his lady wife made ready and shared his bed. 46 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 5 2 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, Then rose up Nestor, the Gerenian knight, And came, and sat down on the polished stone; For many such stood ranged and well in sight Before his lofty portals, glistering white. Thereon sat Neleus in the days of yore, Made equal to the gods through wisdom’s light; But him the stroke of taming Death came o’er, And into Hades’ house he wended long before. 53 Nestor, Achaian warder, sat there now, Sceptre in hand. Round him were gathered, Each a fair presence and of peerless brow, Echephron, Stratius, the king’s elder seed, Perseus, Aretus, noble Thrasymede. Then came the sixth, hero Pisistratus. All these group round their sire, and forward lead To vacant throne godlike Telemachus. Them the Gerenian knight bespake, commanding thus : 54 “ Prosper my wish, dear sons, without delay. Athene I would favourably incline First of the gods, who came down yesterday Clothed in clear figure to our feast divine. One to the plain speed, and from herds of mine Choose out a beast well-favoured, best of hue, Which quickly to the driver’s charge consign. One to the black ship haste, and all the crew Of our large-hearted guest escort, save only two. 55 “ One to the dwelling of Laerces wend, The goldsmith, and enjoin him speedily Hither with engines of his craft attend, To gild the victim’s horns; but here with me Let the rest linger in one company; And bid the servants of our lordly hall With all their vigour to the banquet see, And water bring and wood, and seats withal.” So Nestor spake, and they sped busily breathless all. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 47 5 6 Came then the heifer from the plain forthwith, Came too the friends of their large-hearted guest, Came with his implements in hand the smith, Anvil and hammer, at the king’s behest, To work the gold, and fire-tongs of the best; Came too Athene from her place to meet 'The sacred gifts ; and gold of virgin test The old knight gave, which round the horns in heat He, the smith, welds—glad sight the goddess’ eyes to greet. 57 Then Stratius and divine Echephron lead The victim by the horns. Aretus brings The water from the house, for lustral need, In laver chased with flowery figurings, And in his other hand the meal he brings In basket. Thrasymede with axe in hand Stood by the beast, to sever the vital strings, And Perseus with the bowl hard by did stand, To catch the out-welling life. These wait their sire’s command. 58 Anon with lustral lymph and sprinkled meal Nestor began, and to Athene prayed, Shearing the front lock of the head with steel. This in the fire he cast. So prayer being made, No longer noble Thrasymede delayed. Heavily smote he; and the axe cut through The tendons, and the whole neck open laid, And loosed the creature’s strength. Then at the view Shrill to the echoing heaven cried the whole female crew, 59 Daughters-in-law, and daughters, and the wife Of Nestor, venerable Eurydice. Forthwith the fallen corse, to meet the knife, Men from the wide-wayed earth uplift, and he, Pisistratus, prince-hero, instantly Plunged in the weapon; and the darkling tide Gushed forth, and warm life from the bones did flee. They on the moment all the flesh divide, And the thighs, duly cut, in layers of fat they hide, 48 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book III. 60 Well-folded, and on these raw pieces pile; Which the old knight on fire of cloven wood Burned, pouring on streams of dark wine the while. Also the young men round their father stood With forks to move the fire and keep it good. But when the thighs are quite consumed, they taste The entrails, and prepare the rest for food. Then morsels on the pointed spits they placed, Which holding in their hands they cooked the generous feast. 61 Meanwhile the tender Polycaste fair, Youngest of Nestor’s daughters, bathed the guest Telemachus, and with rich unguents rare Anointed; whom then, in soft tunic drest, She with a gorgeous mantle did invest. Forth from the bath he moved, and seemed in pride Of aspect, and condition stateliest, Like an immortal. He, thus beautified, Came to the throng once more and sat by Nestor’s side. 62 But when the flesh was toasted with due care, And from the spits withdrawn, they feasted on, Sitting—and young men, very goodly fair, Poured wine in golden goblet for each one. But soon as their desire was quenched and gone, There in the midst Gerenian Nestor spake : “ Horses the flowing-maned and best of bone Yoke for Telemachus, my sons, and take Good chariot for his use, that he swift journey make.” 63 So spake he, and they heard him and obeyed. Quick to the car they yoke the horses fleet. Therein both corn and wine the house-dame laid, And viands which Zeus-nurtured princes eat. Then first up mounted to the stately seat Telemachus, and next came Nestor’s son, Pisistratus, heroic prince complete. Clomb he the car, and with his hands anon Upon the reins laid hold, right eager to be gone. BOOK III.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 49 64 Then did he lash the horses, and they twain, Forth from the Pylian gates adventuring, Flew onward with their whole heart to the plain. The yoke between them all day long they swing, Till earth is wrapt in cloudy covering. The travellers at the house of Diodes, Son of Orsilochus, at Pherae bring Their journey to a pause, and there take ease Of sleep. He food provides and friendly courtesies. 6 5 Soon as the rosy-fingered Dawn comes on They the steeds harness, and eftsoons again In carven chariot from the porch are gone. Then did he scourge the horses, and they twain Went as with wings. At eve they reach a plain Waving with yellow harvest wide and high. There with good speed the journey’s end they gain, Toiled the fleet horses so continually. Falleth the sun, and all earth’s ways o’ershadowed lie. D 5i BOOK IV. LACED/EMON—THE MARRIAGE-BANQUET—ADVENTURES OF MENELAUS—EVENTS IN ITHACA. 1 So they to hollow Lacedaemon drave, To house of Menelaus well-renowned. He, on that day, for son and daughter gave A marriage-feast to all his clansmen round. She from his palace was for bridal bound Unto the court of brave Achilleus’ son ; For thus her father, yet on Ilian ground, Gave plight in the old war-time long agone. Now the due marriage-hour the gods were leading on. 2 So her with chariots he was sending now And horses to the far-famed capital Swayed by his friend, according to the vow. Nor less for Megapenthes in the hall, And for Alector’s child, made festival; Spartan the bride, well-loved yet slave-born he; For child to Helena no more at all The gods gave after sweet Hermione— Like golden Aphrodite very fair was she. 3 Therefore the neighbours and the clansmen all Of Menelaus, well-renowned, eat Lapped in delight beneath the high-roofed hall. There the divine bard, while they sit at meat, Strikes the loud chords, and singeth clear and sweet; And from the moment he took up the song A pair of dancers ever with whirling feet Danced in the midst; and through the festive throng Still the sweet music swims melodiously along. 52 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 4 Meanwhile the twain, their journey’s end now won, Stood with their steeds the vestibule before, Hero Telemachus and Nestor’s son; And lordly Eteoneus to the door Came, and beheld them, and what mien they wore. He, loyal servant of the prince renowned, Straight to the shepherd of the people bore Through the wide halls the tidings he had found, And quickly in winged words did thus the tale expound : 5 “ Zeus-nurtured Menelaus, hear me now ! Two strangers, heroes, at thy portals stand, Stamped with the great Zeus-kin ship on their brow. Say, shall we loose their horses out of hand, Or even send them hence, at thy command, To look for love’s good kindnesses elsewhere?” Then, roused to anger at the shame he planned, Answered the hero of the golden hair : “ Time was, O Eteoneus, no such fool you were; 6 “But now you talk things senseless, like a child. Good sooth ! have we then never broken bread In strange men’s houses, and found love grow wild In far-off lands ere hitherward we sped ? Pray Zeus that sorrow hang not o’er our head Even at this hour! Unyoke the steeds and call These men, that to their fill they may be fed.” He at the word ran hastily from the hall, And the quick servants bade to follow him withal. 7 They then the hot-breathed horses there untie. Eftsoons they fasten each within the stall, Mix in the mangers barley-meal and rye, The chariot lean against the shining wall, And bring the men in to the festival: Who the divine house of the Zeus-born king Gazed on with silent rapture, for that all The high-roofed dome a gleamy flash did fling, Like as of sun or moon, upon them entering. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 53 8 With eyes entranced to the bath they go. There the maids wash them and with oil besmear, And costly fine apparel round them throw. So to the son of Atreus; and one there The lustral stream from golden pitcher fair, To cleanse their hands, in silver basin poured, And the well-polished table set with care, Whereon the staid house-dame, piling a hoard Of dainties, grudgeless gave whatever decked the board. 9 Also the carver many a dish did heap Of flesh, and beakers ranged of costliest mould, Wherein the herald poured the wine-draught deep. Then said the hero with the locks of gold : “Fall on now, feast right merrily, uncontrolled; Then will we ask your nation and your name. No dark oblivion doth your sires enfold; But from a line of sceptred kings ye came— For well I ween to such no caitiff blood lays claim.” 10 So spake he, and upheaves with both his hands A fat beef-chine and for their use purveys, Which on the board his own set portion stands; Nor his guests longer from the banquet stays. Soon as the feast their appetite allays, Forthwith Telemachus his head doth bend Towards Nestor’s son, and thus in whisper says, Fearing lest any ear his words attend: “ O son of Nestor, look, mine own beloved friend ! 11 “ Even through all the echoing dome behold How wondrously the glint of brass doth shine, Silver, electron, ivory, and gold ! Such and so glorious to celestial eyen Haply may gleam the Olympian halls divine Of Zeus, heaven’s king ! For where may voice be found So eloquently wrought as to define And shape these splendours in articulate sound ? Wonder lays hold upon me while I gaze around.” 54 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV 12 Thus while Telemachus his friend bespake, Him the brave hero of the golden hair Watched as he whispered, and did answer make : “No one, my sons, of mortal brood may dare Himself with Zeus, the lord of all, compare. Immortal is the house where he doth dwell, Immortal treasures bloom about him there. But may be false or true, I cannot tell, That earthly prince my pomp can rival or excel. 13 “Fortruly, having suffered many things, Hardly I came at last, in the eighth year, Home with my ships from long long wanderings. Far as to Cyprus in my woe severe, Phoenice, Egypt, did the waves me bear. Sidon and Ethiopia I have seen, Even to Erembus roamed, and Libya, where The lambs are full-horned from their birth, I ween, And in the rolling year the fruitful flocks thrice yean. 14 “ For in that climate neither churl nor lord Butter doth ever lack, or milk or meat; All the year round the flocks and herds afford Milk to the milker, very choice and sweet. So through the land I rove with wandering feet, And get me store of treasure. But ah ! the while The dark usurper of my brother’s seat Covertly killed him, through a false wife’s guile. Thus I in wealth rule here with little cause to smile. “These things ye haply may have heard before From your own fathers, whosoe’er they be, Since evils neither few nor light I bore, Who lost a house built well and pleasantly, Teeming with treasures and all luxury. Yet gladly would I in my place enjoy Even but a third part of the wealth ye see, So they were living whom the wars in Troy, Far from this knightly land of Argos, did destroy. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 55 16 “ Here in these halls I sit and still bewail The fallen, and one time my soul I steep In sorrow, and one time my weepings fail. Soon hath enough the man that drinketh deep Heart-bitterness and woe. All, all I weep; And yet not all lament so much as one— Whom to remember robs my eyes of sleep, My lips of food ; since of the Achaians none Hath ever toiled as he, Odysseus, toiled and won. 1 7 “ His was the fate to suffer grievous woe, And mine to mourn without forgetfulness, While onward and still on the seasons flow, And he yet absent, and I comfortless. Whether he live or die we cannot guess. Him haply old Laertes doth lament, And sage Penelope, in sore distress, And to Telemachus the hours are spent In sadness, whom he left new-born when first he went.” 18 So speaking, in the other’s breast he stirred Yearnings to weep—who to the ground let fall A secret tear, when of his sire he heard, His eyes behind his raiment’s purple pall Shrouding with both his hands. Him therewithal The son of Atreus marked, and in his breast Doubted to leave him dreaming in the hall, Rapt in his fond remembrances at rest, Or frankly first him question and of all make test. *9 While in his mind he sat revolving this, Forth from her fragrant bower came Helen fair, Bright as the golden-spindled Artemis. Adraste set the couch ; Alcippe there The fine-spun carpet spread; and Phylo bare The silver basket which Alcandra gave, Consort of Polybus, who dwelt whilere In Thebes of Egypt, whose great houses save Wealth in their walls, large store, and pomp of treasures brave. 56 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 20 For he two baths of silver, and a pair Of tripods, and ten talents gave of gold To Menelaus, and rich gifts and rare His wife gave Helen—a spindle of pure gold, And, silvern, and half-sphere-like, rimmed with gold, The basket. Filled with yarn this Phylo bare, With spindle which the violet wool did hold. She on the couch sat, and on footstool fair Rested her feet, and thus bespake her husband there : 21 “ Zeus-nurtured Menelaus, know we who These that our house have entered boast to be ? Shall I in speaking hit the false or true ? But, howsoe’er, my soul constraineth me— For man nor woman did I ever see So like—I gaze in wonder—as this same Is like the young Telemachus whom he, Odysseus, left, when for me, void of shame, Warring to Troia’s walls the bold Achaians came.” 22 And gold-haired Menelaus answering said : “ Lady, I doubt not thou hast weened aright. Such were his feet, and such his hands and head; Such too the hair, and such the glancing light Thrown from his eyes. And when I named to-night Odysseus, and his sorrows durst recal, Borne for my sake, and all his evil plight, He, for I marked, a bitter tear let fall, Shrouding his eyes behind his raiment’s purple pall.” 2 3 Pisistratus made answer : “ Zeus-born king, This is indeed his son, as thou hast guessed. Yet hath he fine reserve, and would not bring Unseemly matters to invade your rest, Who with the sweet voice of a god have blessed Our listening ears. Me Nestor, knightly sire, From Pylos sends companion of his quest; For he was fain to see thee, and inquire If word or work thou knowest to forward his desire. BOOK IV.]. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 57 24 “For verily a child hath many pains Dragging the days in orphan wretchedness, To whom no helper in the house remains. Such is the weight and such the loneliness Which now Telemachus my friend oppress. His sire is found not, and the rest think scorn Frankly to stand up for the fatherless. Yea, for none liveth in the land to warn Outrage from fenceless head, and succour the forlorn.” 2 5 Whom Menelaus answered : “Now, by heaven, Child of one dearly loved hath passed my door, One who for my sake to extremes was driven. Yea, and I said that I would love him more Than all men, should Olympian Zeus restore Us twain in swift ships to our native land. Then had I somewhere on the Argive shore Budded him houses and fair city planned, And with his wealth him brought from Ithaca’s rough strand, 26 “ Him and his wife and child and people all, When of my cities I had emptied one. So had we often each in other’s hall Closely conversed, nor aught beneath the sun Torn heart from heart, and friendship’s joys undone, Till the black shadow that for all doth lower, Dark-brooding Death, we could no longer shun. This, as it seems, God grudged, who had the power, And him alone hath made returnless to this hour.” 2 7 Thus he for all desire of tears unbound. Wept Argive Helen, child of Zeus, and wept Telemachus, and Atreus’ son renowned ; Nor at those words the son of Nestor kept His eyes yet tearless—for his memory swept Back to the blameless brave Antilochus, Whose life that shining knight did intercept, Memnon, the bright Dawn’s offspring glorious. He now, remembering all, in winged words spake thus : 5S THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 28 “ O son of Atreus, Nestor used to tell, When in our halls we mention made of thee, How through the earth thy wisdom did excel, Wherefore now hear me of thy courtesy— For griefs I love not, nor sufficingly Mourn, in mid feast; but soon will Dawn appear. Yet, when a life is lost, it seems to me Hard and unnatural to spare no tear, Nor can I not bewail one fall’n in death severe. 2 9 “ ’Tis the sole boon to wretched mortals given, The lock to sever and the tear to shed ; And not from Argos was her meanest riven When that my brother on the field lay dead. Haply thou knowest all I leave unsaid— For him these eyes have never seen in deed ; Yet far and wide I know that fame hath spread How that Antilochus did far exceed Others of mortal mould alike in strength and speed. 3 ° Whom Menelaus answered : “ O my friend, Well hast thou spoken, as the wise of heart Would speak and do, when grey hairs wisdom lend. Thy words bewray thee of what sire thou art. Lightly the race is known, if Zeus impart Good luck in marriage and the marriage-bed, As Nestor’s life he prospered in each part, And on himself a smooth old age hath shed, And given him sons wise-hearted and in spear-craft dread. 3 1 “ But lamentation let us now give o’er, And once more to the feast our hearts apply. Now on our hands fresh water let them pour, And in the morn Telemachus and I Will each with other talk right lovingly.” So spake he, and Asphalion water poured There on the hands of each industriously, Obedient to his well-renowned lord. They then with outstretched hands assailed the banquet-board. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. iv. 1 3 2 Then Helena the child of Zeus strange things Devised, and mixed a philter in their wine, Which so cures heartache and the inward stings, That men forget all sorrow wherein they pine. He who hath tasted of the draught divine Weeps not that day, although his mother die And father, or cut off before his eyen Brother or child beloved fall miserably, Hewn by the pitiless sword, he sitting silent by. 33 Drugs of such virtue did she keep in store, Given her by Polydamna, wife of Thon, In Egypt, where the rich glebe evermore Yields herbs in foison, some for virtue known, Some baneful. In that climate each doth own Leech-craft beyond what mortal minds attain; Since of Paeonian stock their race hath* grown. She the good philter mixed to charm their pain, And bade the wine outpour, and answering spake again 34 “ O Atreus’ son, and ye that boast your blood From loins heroic, what if Zeus to all Deal as he listeth evil things and good— Who all things can ? Feast freely in the hall And charm you with the tale I now recal. Yet can I not unfold, nor even name, Half that the brave Odysseus did befal. Yet this one work he wrought of glorious fame, When woe on Troia’s walls by you the Achaians came. 35 “For self-disfigured with unseemly scars, And clothed in many a vile habiliment, In menial aspect past the foeman’s bars His course into the wide-wayed town he bent, In beggar’s weeds disguising his intent Who was far other by the Achaian fleet. So masked among the silent crowd he went. I only knew him, and did oft repeat My questionings, which he with sleights did still defeat. 6o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 3 6 “ But when I washed his limbs and rubbed with oil, And robed him, and a mighty oath had sworn By no discovery his design to foil, Nor of Odysseus’ name the Trojans warn, Till that he safely from the foe were borne Unto the swift ships and the huts, lo ! then He showed me all the Achaian mind in turn, And having with his sword slain many men Back to the Argive camp with tidings came again. 37 “ Then all the other Trojan dames wept sore, But o’er my breast a gladdening change there lay. Already had my heart gone back before Homeward; already I bewailed the day When Aphrodite did my steps convey From Sparta and my fatherland so dear, Leaving my child an orphan far away, And couch, and husband who had known no peer, First in all grace of soul, and beauty shining clear.” 38 Whom Menelaus : “Yea, well said, my wife ! I know the counsels of heroic men, And many lands have traversed in my life, Yet never came such heart within my ken As of the brave Odysseus. Think of when tie, waiting in the Horse with all our best, Planned Troia’s downfal in the hollow den. Thither thou earnest, at some god’s behest Who would the Trojan name with glory fain invest. 39 “ Godlike Deiphobus thee following came. Thou, walking thrice around our hollow lair, Each part didst handle, and call each by name, Even the Danaan chieftains, feigning fair Their wives’ own voices that were far elsewhere. And I and Tydeus’ son and the divine Odysseus heard thee calling to us there. Then would we twain have issued, or some sign Sent from the Horse, and with our voices answered thine, BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 6 1 40 “ Had not Odysseus taught us to refrain. So all the sons of the Achaians rest In silence, but Anticlus yet was fain, He only, not to leave thee unaddressed. But ere the voice clomb upward from his breast A heavy hand Odysseus on him laid, Nor that strong clasp, wherewith his jaws he pressed, Bated till he our full deliverance made, When Pallas at the last thy footsteps thence conveyed.” 41 Then spake Telemachus : “ O noble chief, So much the worse! Not all this could forefend— Not though his heart were iron—utter grief. But turn we now to sleep, that we may end Toil, and our lives their sweet refreshment lend.” Then Argive Helen bade the maidens set Beds in the corridor, and eke attend With rugs and many a purple coverlet, And blankets of warm wool wherein they might forget, 42 Sleeping, their sorrows. They, then, torch in hand, Went from the hall and spread the couches fair. Forthwith the herald at his lord’s command Marshalled the strangers, who did straight repair Thence to the vestibule, and lay down there, Hero Telemachus and Nestor’s son. The child of Atreus from that noble pair Moved to the chamber of his house anon, And. near him long-robed Helen the divine lay down. 43 But Menelaus with the dawn uprose, Belted his good sword, and the sandals clean Linked on his shining feet—then forth he goes, Likest for beauty to a god in mien ; So by Telemachus, in raiment sheen, Chose out a seat; and spake his word and said : “ Hero Telemachus, some need I ween Thee o’er the waves to Lacedaemon led, Private or public. Be thy tale now frankly sped.” 6 2 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 44 To whom the sage Telemachus replied: “ Atrides Menelaus, Zeus-born king, Hither I journey o’er the ocean wide, If to my ear thy converse chance to bring News of my sire. For know that everything Falleth to ruin—they destroy me quite. Filled is the house with enemies that cling Fast to my mother’s suit in fell despite, And slay my flocks and herds, and spoil me day and night. 45 “ So to thy knees I come, if thou some word Vouchsafe me, whether thou with eyes hast seen His downfal, or from some chance pilgrim heard. How hath his mother to exceeding teen Borne him ! Let no kind thought thy tidings screen ; Paint not the tale through pity. O friend, if e’er The good Odysseus hath right loyal been In word or work when ye much travail bare In Troy, remember now, and truly this declare.” 46 Then Menelaus, rived with wrath, began : “ Fools ! who all-strengthless have aspired to sleep In the void couch of a strong-hearted man ! Even as a hind in lion’s lair doth keep Her tender sucklings, lulled in slumbers deep, Then through the mountain-knees and grassy dells Roams feeding—he returning home doth leap Fierce on them both and in a moment quells— So on their heads Odysseus evil doom impels. 47 “ O father Zeus, Athene, and Apollo ! Would that as once with Philomeleus’ son He wrestled, whom a stronger strength did follow And hurled him to the Lesbian earth undone, All men rejoicing that Odysseus won— Would he might hurtle on the suitors so Swift death, sad marriage ! But I will not shun Aught of thy quest nor darken what I know. All that the old sea-god revealed will I thee show. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 63 48 “ Fain to come hither, me the gods did keep In Egypt, wroth for hecatombs unpaid. Off the mainland, amid the rolling deep, Far as in one day is the distance made By some sharp keel with happy breeze conveyed, Lies island Pharos with her haven fair, To mariners well known a timely aid; Thither for watering they resort; and there For twenty days the gods detained me in despair. 49 “For all that while the breathings of the sea Stirred not, wherewith the wave-borne barks are led, And food and strength had vanished, but that me Some god befriended, hard with woe bested— Eidothea, child of Proteus, whose heart bled To see me; and she met me far away, Pacing companionless in doubt and dread— For they with fish-hooks wandering all the day Sought food, while famine ate them to the bone alway. 50 “Near me she stood and spake : ‘O weak of sense, Or reckless, or perchance indulging pain For pastime, that thou find’st no issue hence, Wasting for ever all these hearts in vain !’ So did she speak, and I to her again : ‘ Goddess, whoe’er thou art, I stay not here For pastime; but may be the gods some stain Find in me. Heavenly birth makes perfect seer; Tell me what god withstands, and my return make clear.’ 5 1 “ She answered : ‘ Truly will I show this thing. Proteus, the old sea-seer, doth here frequent; Of Egypt he, Poseidon’s underling; Who knows all secret things in ocean pent, My sire reputed. If thou circumvent Him guardless, thy return he can unfold, Ay, and the good and ill make evident, Wrought in thy halls, if thou wouldst have them told, While all these weary seasons o’er thy griefs have rolled.’ 6 4 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 5 2 “ Then said I: ‘Tell me how the god to snare, Lest he first know me, and my toils evade. Hardly can man celestial strength impair.’ She answered : ‘Not for this be thou dismayed ! What time the sun in middle heaven is stayed, Veiled in dark ripple, Zephyr’s air beneath, Comes up the god to sleep in cavern-shade. Around him the whole sea-brood slumbereth; All by the deep respire their bitter briny breath. 53 “‘There will I take you when the Dawn appears, And set you couched in order. Choose thou well Three comrades, bravest of thy mariners. I all the old man’s sleights to thee will tell. He first the number of the seals will spell, And then lie down, like shepherd with his sheep. Soon as ye see him couched, remember well Your virtue, and in iron grasp him keep Reluctant, though to all things that on earth’s breast creep 54 “ ‘ He change, and water, and portentous fire. You all the while clasp harder, strain the more. When he your purpose shall with words inquire, In the same figure that he whilome wore, Loose him, and ask what god with anguish sore Loads thee, and how the wide fish-teeming sea Thou mayst pass over to thy native shore.’ This spoken, underneath the waves went she. I to the stranded barks paced musing heavily. 55 “ So to my ship returning and the deep, I found my comrades. When the meal was o’er And night descended with ambrosial sleep, Tired we lay down on the surf-beaten shore Till rosy-fingered Dawn did light restore. Then by the margin of the highway flood I moved, and dearly did the gods implore; Also went with me three companions good, Who first in each emprise for trustiest valour stood. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 65 “ Meanwhile Eidothea in the sea’s deep breast Dived, and brought up four seal-skins newly flayed, Scheming with fraud her father to invest. Forthwith for each a sand-scooped lair she made, And sat there waiting. We no more delayed, But all together hastened and came near. Us then she ranged, each in wet hide arrayed. Dire was the ambush, and the stench severe. Who could a rank sea-beast at such close quarters bear ? 57 “ But she, delivering us, a great help planned, And placed ambrosia near the lips of each, Which in our nostrils breathed an odour bland, And the sea-monsters’ stench did overreach. There moveless through the morn and void of speech We crouched, until the seals came from the sea, Which then lay down in order on the beach. Last the old sea-god—at high noon came he, Found the fat seals, and all counted right carefully. 58 “ Us with the first he counted, nor at all Dreamed guile; then lay down on the sands to rest. So we with shouts rush forth, and on him fall; Nor he the sundry sleights within his breast Failed to remember, and each art to test. Fion long-maned, snake, panther, he became; Then water, and a tree with leafy crest. But we with clench of iron held our game, Till the old sea-god tired and took his former frame. 59 “ Then said he : ‘ What celestial set thee on, O son of Atreus, thus with wiles to snare Me all unwilling ? What wouldst thou have done?’ But I made answer: ‘Thou art well aware. Why seek the truth with questions to forswear, And make me swerve ? Long in this isle I wait, Finding nor end nor issue. My despair Enlighten ! for the gods interpret fate. What heavenly power me binds in this extreme estate ? E 66 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. “ ‘ Also, I pray thee, my return declare, How to pass over the fish-teeming sea/ Then did he answer my prevailing prayer: ‘When that rich sacrifice shall offered be To Zeus and every other deity, Embark, and quickly o’er the wine-dark main Sail to thy country; for thou canst not see Friends, house, or land, but still must yearn in vain, Till to the rain-fed river thou return again, 61 “ ‘ Even Hlgyptus, and perform with care To the immortal ones their offerings due; Then shall the gods thy journey prosper fair/ Thus spake he; but my heart was pierced through, For that he bade me o’er the deep renew Voyage so long, so painful; yet I said, Though sorrowing: ‘ All this task will I ensue. But tell me truly how the Achaians sped— All that were left in Troy, when I and Nestor fled. 62 “ ‘ Did they come scatheless, their salvation won ? Or on the sea did any timeless die? Or in his friends’ arms when the fight was done?’ Thus did I ask, and he vouchsafed reply: ‘ O Menelaus, son of Atreus, why Seek a sad knowledge? ’Tis not meet at all Thine heart should learn what in my breast doth lie. Too soon, alas ! a bitter shower would fall, Streamed from thy smileless eyes, when thou hadst hearkened all. 63 “ ‘For many were destroyed and many left, Yet of the Achaian leaders died but twain, Returning; ( you know whom the battle reft); One in the wide-realmed ocean doth remain Pent, yet alive; and Aias hath been slain Among his ships. For by Poseidon led He unto Gyrse’s cliffs did safe attain, And, though by Pallas hated, might have fled Destruction, had he not drawn doom on his own head. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 67 64 “ ‘ Flown with coarse pride, and breathing deep disdain, He boasted, maugre all the powers on high That he had safely vanquished the great main. And lo ! Poseidon heard the v^untful cry, And with his trident smote imperiously On the Gyreean rock a thunderous blow, And clave it: part remained and part did fly Seaward, whereon sat Aias to his woe Mouthing vain scorn. So sank he in the wild sea-flow. 6 5 “ * In hollow ships, evading every ill, Came back thy brother, saved by Hera queen. Yet even as he neared Malea hill, Storms o’er the rough deep hurtling unforeseen, On coast of old Thyestes, whelmed with teen, Drave him, where now that prince Thyestian dwelt, TEgisthus. Seemed the way secure, I ween, Him the gods wafting home. He landing knelt, His native soil to kiss; great joy made his heart melt. 66 “ ‘ Many the warm tears from his eyelids shed, When through the mist of his long-hoped delight He saw the lovely land before him spread. Him from high watch-tower marked the watchman wight Set by TEgisthus to watch day and night, Two talents of pure gold his promised hire. Twelve months he watched, lest the Avenger light Unheeded, and remember his old fire; Then to his lord made haste to show the tidings dire. 67 Forthwith iEgisthus, shaping a dark snare, Score of his bravest chose, and ambush set, And bade rich banquets close at hand prepare. Then he with horses and with chariots met The king, and welcomed him with fair words, yet With fraud at heart, and to the feast him led; There, like a stalled ox, smote him while he ate. So with Atrides all his followers bled, And eke iEgisthus’ ambush. All alike lay dead.’ 68 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 68 “There he made end. Heart-broken, faint, undone, Straight on the sands I sat me down to weep, Nor any longer wished to see the sun. There, rolling on the margin of the deep, In floods of sorrow heart and eyes I steep. At last the old unerring sea-god spake: * No longer, child of Atreus, idly heap Pain upon pain, thy inmost soul to break, Since from vain tears thy griefs nor cure nor comfort take. 69 “ 1 Come, with new zeal uprouse thee to attain Thy country. Either thou shalt find thy foe Alive, or haply by Orestes slain, Yet mayst the funeral-feast attend even so.’ So spake he, and my breast began to glow Once more, though rived with sorrow, and I said : ‘These know I well, but thou the third one show, Who in wide ocean is alive or dead. [dread.’ Fain would I hear this name, though whelmed with anguish 70 “ So did I speak, and he replied once more: ‘ It is the Ithacan, Laertes’ child ; Yea mine own eyes have seen him weeping sore Pent in the palace, in mid ocean isled, Of that celestial nymph, Calypso styled. She her reluctant fere doth aye constrain : Nor can he, sailing o’er the sea-deep wild, Gaze on the rough dear fatherland again, Reft both of oars and bark, and all his valiant train. 7 1 “ c But thou, Zeus-nurtured one, by will supreme, Never in knight-famed Argos shalt see death. Thee to Elysian fields, at earth’s extreme, The gods shall convoy, so the high fate saith, Where Rhadamanthus aye inhabiteth, And life runs smoothest; whither storm, rain, snow, Come never; but the ocean-zephyr’s breath, Winged with cool ease, o’er happy men doth blow; Because thou Helen hast, and child of Zeus art so.’ BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 72 “This spoken, ’neath the waves he made descent. I with those brave ones of my godlike train Moved to the ships, deep-musing as I went. We, there arrived, beside the ships and main Eat till ambrosial darkness, and again Lie down for sleep on the surf-beaten shore. But when the rosy-fingered Dawn shone plain, We in the great deep launch our barks once more, And set the mast and sails, and all our naval store. 73 “ Then went we up, and manned in order due The benches, and the hoary waves gan smite. Back to ^Tlgyptus, rain-fed stream, we flew. There I the ships stayed, and performed aright Grand hecatombs, the gods appeasing quite; And next a tomb to Agamemnon piled, Framing a quenchless glory for his sprite. So the everlasting gods were reconciled, And homeward bare us on with steady breezes mild. 74 “ But come now, tarry in these halls, I pray, Even till dawning of the eleventh night Or twelfth, and I will send thee on thy way Glad with resplendent gifts of rich delight, Three noble horses and a chariot bright; Also a goblet will I give to thee, Beautiful, rare, with goodly chasings dight, That oft amid thy far festivity Thou to the gods mayst pour, and pouring think of me. 75 He ended, and Telemachus replied : “Spare, son of Atreus, longer to detain One who could gladly for a year abide, Nor to his parents yearn nor home again, Charmed to the quick with thy sweet story’s strain. But now in Pylos the divine my crew, While thou too long with love dost entertain Me feasting in thy halls, my absence rue, Since I indeed e’en now surpass the season due. 7 o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 76 “ And if a gift at all,* some keepsake grant. With me no steeds to Ithaca shall sail. Such leave I here, thy grace, thy rightful vaunt, Lord of a level land, where never fail Lotus and rye and wheat and galingale. No room hath Ithaca to course, no mead— Goat-haunted, dearer than horse-feeding vale— None of the isles for pasture or for speed Lies well—in roughness all doth Ithaca exceed.” 77 So he; and warrior Menelaus smiled, And stroked him with his hand, and thus outspake : “ Thy words bewray thy gentle blood, dear child. Changed be these gifts; for I have power to make Other; a bowl, choice, precious, thou shalt take, Hephaestus’ work, all silver, rimmed with gold, Given me by Sidon’s king for friendship’s sake, Phaedimus, courteous host and hero bold— Henceforth to thee pertains this gift of price untold.” 78 So they the morning with sweet converse wore. The suitors all these hours in pastime spent, And spear and whistling discus, as of yore, Hurled on that well-smoothed ground without a dent, Known long for outrage and unjust event. Antinous sat there and Eurymachus, Chief of the train, in arms most excellent; To whom Noemon, child of Phronius, Came near, and to Antinous spake, inquiring thus: 79 “ Know we or not, Antinous, when shall wend Telemachus from sandy Pylos ? He Sailed in my ship. Now must I needs descend Therein to wide-wayed Elis, which for me Feeds twelve brood-mares, and eke twelve foals there be, Unbroken mules ; one would I break.” But they Stared, never dreaming such event to see. Either, they thought, he tarrieth day by day Here with his flocks, or in the swineherd’s house doth stay. BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 7 1 So Him then Antinous answered : “Tell me true. When did he hence depart, and with what train ? Ithaca’s choice ones, or were serfs his crew ? Or sailed he with his slaves across the main ? Not even that would he attempt in vain. And did he force thee, or entreating sue ? ” To him the son of Phronius spake again : “ Freely I gave. What else could a man do, [few? Pressed by such friend, weighed down with cares not light nor 81 “And, next to us, the choicest of the land Went with him, brave young men, large-hearted, tall. Chiefest I viewed embarking from our strand Mentor, or even a god; yet seemed he all Like Mentor. Wonder on my soul doth fall. For mine own eyes beheld but yestermorn The noble Mentor in our capital, Who then on shipboard was to Pylos borne.” So to his father’s house. But wonder, rage, and scorn 82 The manly spirit of those twain did take. Bidding the suitors pause amid their play, Antinous in mid session thus outspake, While through his eyes the inward wrath made way So that they flamed like fire : “Ye gods, this day Telemachus hath wrought a work of might, Which late we boasted he should ne’er essay. Yes, he hath launched a black ship in despite Even of us, so many, and is gone outright. 83 “ And, after us, the choicest of the land Went with him; thus our wrongs are but begun. Great Zeus, unnerving his vile heart and hand, Grind out his life, ere that revenge be won Which he far off deviseth to have done ! Let me take ship with twenty men, and wait In secret ambush which he cannot shun, ’Twixt Ithaca and Samos in the strait,— That he this bootless toil mourn miserably too late.” 72 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book iv. 84 Then all, consenting to the word, withdrew And to the palace of Odysseus went. Also the good Penelope soon knew The sullen mutterings of their fierce intent; For Medon marked outside the whole event, They weaving in the court unrighteous fate. Swift to Penelope his course he bent With purpose to unfold their dire debate. As he the threshold passed the queen addressed him straight: 85 “ What brings thee, herald, thee, the pioneer Of these imperious suitors ? Do they send To bid the servants of my husband dear Of their appointed task-work to make end, And on their lordly revelries attend ? Never elsewhere may they survive to meet! Here in these halls, while our estate they rend, May they their latest and their last now eat, Who thus with outrage foul Telemachus entreat! 86 “Ye to your parents heedful ear lend none, Nor hearken how Odysseus lived of yore, And no unrighteousness hath said nor done. Such is the use of monarchs evermore, This one to love, that hate; but none the more Wrought he this folly in the land, I ween, Evil on any undeserved to pour. But your unworthier works are clearly seen. No gratitude, alas ! no shame doth intervene.” 87 Her the sage herald Medon straight addressed : “Ah! would, my queen, that thou the worst hadst said ! For now the suitors scheme within their breast Evil designs far deeper and more dread, Whereon Kronion no fulfilment shed ! Thy son returning o’er the ocean-brine They with the sharp sword purpose to strike dead, Who late, of his dear sire to find some sign, For sacred Pylos sailed and Sparta the divine.” BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 88 Therewith he ended, and her knees and heart Quailed; on her lips a wordless stupor strook; While from her eyelids twain the tears did start Streaming, and voice long time her throat forsook. Yet the sad silence at the last she broke : “ Why went my child ? What need did him constrain Swift ships, the horses of the sea, to yoke ? So wide, so far they sail the desert main— Wished he not even his name should e’er be heard again 89 To her sage-hearted Medon answering said : “ Whether some god inspired his mind to go, Or his own yearnings him to Pylos led, Thus of his father’s fate the truth to know, Whate’er it be, I have no skill to show.” He with these words departed; but the queen Inly was drowned with heart-devouring woe; Nor dared she, lest her sorrow should be seen, Pause in her place, but passed, bewailing her sad teen, 90 On to her well-carved chamber, and sat down Fast by the threshold of the door to weep. And all about her whispering their low moan, The handmaids, whomsoe’er the house did keep, Both old and young, bewailed in pity deep. Then the queen answered, finding no relief: “ Hear me, sweet friends ! Olympian Zeus doth heap On me, beyond my fellows, load of grief; For, look you, first I lost that lion-hearted chief, 91 “ My husband, for each manly virtue brave Through Hellas and ’mid Argos widely known. Yet had not all his merit strength to save. Now am I quite forsaken of my own, Twice am bereaved, and yet more alone. For thou, my child, (alas! I never heard), ’Mid whirling waters art for ever gone. And ye, unkind, my slumbers never stirred, Ay, though ye knew full well, never vouchsafed a word. 74 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 92 “ Had I once dreamed that he was minded thus, Then had he stayed or left his mother dead ! Go some one, call the aged Dolius, My garden’s keeper, whom I hither led, Gift of my father when I first was wed, That he may hasten to the fields and find Laertes, and unfold the tidings dread, Who haply, weaving somewhat in his mind, May turn these men with tears who his child’s death designed.” 93 Her Eurycleia, the dear nurse, addressed: “ Kill me, sweet love, with cruel sword or spear, Yet shall no longer be the truth suppressed. All this I knew and did his wants prepare, Corn and sweet wine. Great oath he made me swear Till the twelfth day to hide it, or till thou Shouldst miss him, lest much grief thy beauty wear. Wash thee, put on clean raiment, clear thy brow, Haste to the upper chamber with thy maids, and vow 94 “Thy vows unto Athene, child of Zeus, The ZEgis-bearing Sire. She yet from bale May save him. Spare fresh sorrows to induce On one so old who finds enough to wail. Good hope have I to see thy prayers prevail; Nor can I think the blessed gods abhor The old Arkeisiad line, to make it fail. Some one among them shall the heavens restore To wide-roofed houses yet, and broad lands, as of yore.” 95 Thus she the sad queen’s weeping did restrain, Who, washed, and freshly in clean robes arrayed, Passed to the upper chamber with her train, And, sprinkling meal, thus to Athene prayed : “ Hearken, O Tireless Virgin, Zeus-born maid ! If here Odysseus, in the seasons gone, Of ox or sheep choice offerings ever made, Remember these things now, and save my son ! Make those hard-hearted fall, defeated and undone ! ” BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 75 96 Therewith she cried out; and the prayer was heard. Loud rang the revel through the shadowy hall, And one among the young men spake this word: “ Surely the queen her marriage festival Prepares, nor knoweth her son’s fated fall.” So spake he, knowing not the things that were. Then said Antinous : “’Ware rash speeches all, Lest some one listening our designs declare. Come let us rise in silence and our purpose dare.” 97 Then choosing twenty of their best he passed, Girt with his trusty followers, to the shore. Forthwith the ship they launch and plant the mast, Set the white canvass and adjust each oar Fast in the loops of leather, and all store Of tackling, and provision for their need, The servants bring. Far in the deep they moor The good black ship, and straight embark with speed, And take their evening meal, and watch till day recede. 98 But in the upper chamber lay the queen Fasting for grief, not tasting drink nor meat, Now dreaming his dark fall through doom unseen, Now that her child their ambush would defeat. Like as a lion, when the hunters meet Around him, stares aghast with doubt and dread, So lay the queen perplexed, till slumbers sweet Through her worn soul a painless calm had shed, And her o’er-wearied limbs sank loosening on the bed. 99 Then did Athene mould unto the life A phantom like Iphthime form and face, Icarius’ daughter and Eumelus’ wife, , And sent it to Odysseus’ dwelling-place, Where slumbered, grieving in her queenly grace, Penelope, to make an end of woe. So the shade, entering in with soundless pace, Gazed on the sleeper as she slept below, And by the couch-head paused, and made these accents flow: 76 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IV. 100 “ Liest thou here, mine own Penelope, With thy dear spirit drowned in pain and sleep ? The easy-living gods have pitied thee; Not with their will dost thou lament and weep For yet thy son returneth o’er the deep; He no offender to the gods doth seem.” While in her ear the silver accents creep, She, stirring sweetly in the gates of dream, Thus from her lips outpours the drowsy vocal stream : 101 “Why, sister, art thou here? Not thus of old Thou earnest, who so far away dost dwell. Wouldst thou these pains end that my life enfold? Know first my lion-hearted husband fell, Whose praises far and wide through Argos swell; And now my child in hollow bark is gone, Ah ! foolish child ! who knew not labours well, And life in public hath experienced none. Less for the other now than him do I make moan. 102 “ I shudder lest some evil on him sweep, Either amid the people of the land Whither he wends, or in the dangerous deep. For many foemen his return withstand, Seeking to slay him ere he reach our strand.” And her in answer the blind shade addressed: “ Calm now thy fears, thy fainting heart command, For such a safeguard on thy son doth rest, As many a man desires his own life to invest, 103 “For she is able and hath strength to save, Pallas Athene. She hath heard thy cry, And to my care but now this message gave, To help thee fallen in perplexity.” To her the queen wise-hearted made reply: “ If thou a goddess art, and voice divine Hast hearkened speaking in the homes on high, Say if the sunlight on that dear one shine, Or Hades’ house enfold him overcome with tyne ? ” BOOK IV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 77 104 To her in answer spake the phantom blind: “ Whether he live or die I may not tell; But words like these are idle as the wind.” So past the pillar like a shade she fell, By staple of the door out-gliding well, And altogether melted into air. Then the queen, starting from her dreamy spell, Felt her soul warm within her and void of care, Who in the night’s dead hours had seen a dream so clear. 10 5 Meanwhile the suitors on their watery way Passed sailing, and were scheming in their breast Hands of swift murder on the prince to lay.— Rock-hung, in the dividing deep doth rest, Midway between rough Same’s towering crest And Ithaca, the island Asteris, Not large, yet hath it haven of the best And on both sides approachable. In this Lurked the Achaian band, nor feared their prey to miss. * 79 BOOK V. THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP—ODYSSEUS LEAVES CALYPSO AND IS WRECKED—ARRIVES AT SCHERIA. 1 Leaving the grand Tithonus, rose up then Dawn from her couch, sweet minister of light To everlasting gods and mortal men. Soon came the gods to council. In full sight Sat the Lord Zeus who thunders in the height; Nor one was counted in that heavenly train But unto him must yield in kingly might; And there Athene all Odysseus’ pain Told—for she ne’er forgot him pent in the deep main : 2 “ O father Zeus, and ye immortals blest, Let none hereafter of the race of kings Be just, or gentle-souled within his breast, But hard, a worker of unequal things ! Since in his own land no kind memory clings To the divine Odysseus, who bore sway Mild as a father. Him keen sorrow stings In nymph Calypso’s mansion night and day; She from his island-bourne still holds him far away. 3 “No ships hath he fair-oared and comrades none To waft him o’er the broad back of the sea. Now, too, they yearn to kill his only son Homeward returning; for to Pylos he And Lacedaemon is gone forth, to see If any rumour of his sire remain, Whether he view the sun or lifeless be.” Then to his child’s appeal, urged not in vain, The cloud-compelling Zeus in answer spake again : 8o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 4 “What word the bulwark of thy lips, dear child, Hath passed ? for didst thou not thyself invent This counsel, that the suitors, self-beguiled, Might from Odysseus, in the last event, Reap, when he comes, their crime’s due punishment ? Thou then Telemachus escort with care; Art thou not able ? With thy sole consent Back to his fatherland he safe shall fare, While in their ships all foiled the suitors home repair.” 5 He ended, and to Hermes turned and said: “ Thou, Hermes, still our loyal messenger Whate’er the work requiring to be sped, Go to the fair-haired nymph, and tell to her Our counsel, firm and fast, which cannot err. Odysseus must return, yet not with guide Divine or human, so the Fates aver. He on a bark, compactly built, must ride, Cumbered with griefs, alone, across the ocean wide. 6 “ So he to Scheria on the twentieth day, Land of Phaeacians, god-related race, Comes, reverenced like a god—who on his way In swift ship to his native land apace Shall send him, crowned with all beseeming grace, With raiment, brass, and gold beyond his share Of spoil, had he returned unto his place Scatheless from Troy. Not else can he repair To fatherland and friends and well-roofed mansion fair.” 7 So spake he, nor did Hermes aught withhold. He nimbly underneath his feet made fast Fair-shining sandals of ambrosial gold, Wherewith the wide sea, with the blowing blast, And land unmeasured he of old hath passed; Then took the wand which can men’s eyes subdue, Whomso he listeth in long sleep to cast, And sleeping wake to breathe and feel anew— This holding in his hand the Slayer of Argus flew. BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 8l 8 He on Pieria pitched, and in the sea Shot from the ether. Him the waves upbore Like to some bird that on the watch for prey Searches the barren sea-gulfs o’er and o’er, And dips her feathers in the ocean hoar. So Hermes through the yielding waters drave Till the nymph’s island rose his eyes before. Gladly he came forth from the dark-blue wave, And through the land walked on, and came to a great cave. 9 There dwelt the fair-haired nymph, and her he found Within. Bright flames, that on the hearth did play, Fragrance of burning cedar breathed around, And fume of incense wafted every way. There her melodious voice the livelong day, Timing the golden shuttle, rose and fell. And round the cave a leafy wood there lay, Where green trees waved o’er many a shady dell, Alder and poplar black and cypress sweet of smell. 10 Thither the long-winged birds retired to sleep, Falcon and owl and sea-crow loud of tongue, Who plies her business in the watery deep; And round the hollow cave her tendrils flung A healthy vine, with purpling clusters hung; And fountains four, in even order set, Near one another, from the stone out-sprung, Streaming four ways their crystal-showery jet Through meads of parsley soft and breathing violet. 11 So that a god, if any came that way, For wonder, admiration, and delight Would stand agaze, as Hermes gazed that day; Who, having satisfied his soul with sight, Moved where the broad cave did his steps invite. Nor did Calypso, nymph divine, I trow, His features or his form not read aright. For never do the gods—not even though Asunder far they dwell—each other fail to know. F 82 THE ODYSSEY OF IIOMER. [book V. 12 But he, large-hearted one, Odysseus brave, Within was found not. He sat weeping sore Hard by the breakings of the barren wave, Where he did oft afflict his soul before, And through the floods unfruitful evermore Yearned a set gaze with many a tear and groan, Heart-broken captive on a hated shore. Then nymph Calypso in celestial tone Spake, making Hermes rest upon a glittering throne: 13 “ Why, golden-wanded Hermes, friend revered, Com’st thou—not wont of old to visit me ? Show me thy mind, that, when my ears have heard Thou the fulfilment of thy thought mayst see, If I be able, and the Fates agree.” So did she speak and on a table set Ambrosia, and red nectar mixed, and he There to his heart’s full pleasure drank and-ate, And at the last with words her question answering met: 14 “ Of me a god thou goddess dost enquire, And I clear answer in all truth will grant. Know then it was not at my own desire Zeus sent me hither, the gods’ pursuivant. For who the salt waves wild and resonant Of choice would stem ? In all that barren round No mortal men their habitations plant Nor to the gods rich hecatombs abound. But who the mind of Zeus can gainsay or confound ? r 5 “ Hath he not said that with thee here doth dwell One who is cumbered with exceeding woe, Of those who round old Priam’s citadel Fought in the Argive armies long ago, Nine years, and in the tenth did overthrow And sack the Ilian town, then homeward went. But they returning over ocean’s flow Offended Pallas, who, her dire intent Wreaking, disastrous gales and wild sea-tossings sent. BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 83 16 “Now him, bereaved of his companions brave, Water and wind unto thy shore have led, And thou must send him o’er the salt sea-wave; For Zeus will have this matter quickly sped; Since by high fate the man must not fall dead Far from his friends—whom yet his eyes shall see In the dear land where he was born and bred.” So did he speak, but inly shuddered she, And him with winged words assailed right bitterly: 17 “ Hard are ye gods, and envious above all, Who grudge that goddesses should mortals know, And heroes of the earth their husbands call. Thus did the rosy-fingered Dawn bestow Love on the fair Orion long ago; But ye, the easy-living gods, took fire, And virgin Artemis with silver bow And gentle arrows did his life require; So came a bitter end on their too fond desire. 18 “ So when Demeter loved Iasion And yielded to her love, and with him lay Couched in the thrice-worked fallows, Zeus anon, Hearing far whispers of their amorous play, Him with a white-flamed thunderbolt did slay. And now ye deathless ones disdain that I Live with a man, whom dangerously astray Housed on a keel I found ’mid billows high, When the white fire of Zeus his ship clave utterly. 19 “ Him did I love, him cherish, yea and thought To make him deathless, young eternally. But who the mind of Zeus can set at nought ? Hence let him go then, if it so must be, O’er the salt floods—but not with help of me. No bark have I, no comrades at command, To send him o’er the broad back of the sea. Yet will I firm to this engagement stand, And urge him to sail hence, unscathed, to his own land.” S 4 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 20 She ended, and to her Heaven’s pursuivant, Killer of Argus, Hermes, made reply : “Thou by all means his quick departure grant, Lest Zeus perchance feel anger by-and-by.” So spake the Argus-slayer and thence did fly. But to Odysseus, when she heard that speech, Went nymph Calypso, musing heavily, And found him gazing o’er the long sea-reach, Sitting with eyelids wet upon the barren beach. 2 I There daily did his sweet life waste away Feeding a hopeless sorrow. He by night Unwilling fere by willing leman lay. No more the nymph seemed pleasing in his sight. Companion of the rocks the livelong light He dreaming on the shore, but not at rest, With groans and tears and lingering undelight Gazed on the pulses of the ocean’s breast. Him now advancing near the nymph divine addressed: 22 “ Weep no more, luckless hero, weep no more, Nor always thus consume thy life with pain. Now will I send thee from this island-shore Back to thy country o’er the watery plain. Come thou and fall unto thy task amain. Fell trees; with iron a broad craft prepare, Made strongly to withstand the billows’ strain, And fix thwart timbers for the deck with care, Which o’er the cloud-dark billows may thee safely bear. 23 “ I corn and water and red wine will place Therein, good store, thy famine pangs to quell, And eke thy form with brave apparel grace, And with fair breezes waft thee onward well, Which to thy fatherland shall safe impel The good bark scatheless, if the gods assent, Who in the vvide-realmed heaven securely dwell; For it is theirs to judge of each event, Their strength is more than mine to forward or prevent.” BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 35 24 So did she speak, but inly shuddered he, And in winged words the nymph divine addressed: “ How can a weak raft measure the great sea? Some fraud thou art preparing in thy breast. This is a hard thing. Even sore distrest They sail who in the wind of Zeus rejoice. Hardly they land with many woes oppressed. Swear (for I will not sail without thy choice) That no strange evil lurks in thy too friendly voice.” 2 5 He ended, and Calypso, nymph divine, Caressed him with her hand and smiled and said: “ O versed in wiles, with temper filed too fine, Still thy wit plays, nor is thy cunning dead. Yet may the Heaven that bendeth overhead, Earth, and that dark stream, rolling evermore, The great oath Styx, which even immortals dread, Know that I mean no guile in my heart’s core, But for thy use I plan whate’er I should explore 26 “ For mine own comfort in the hour of need, Since in me dwells a soul that loveth right, One that is merciful in word and deed; No iron heart within my breast is pight.” So she departed and the sorrowing knight Went after, till they came unto the cave. There sat Odysseus on the throne so bright Whence Hermes rose. To him the goddess gave Such store to eat and drink as mortals use to have. 27 Fronting Odysseus she sat down to meat. Forthwith the serving-maids themselves bestir, And liquid nectar and ambrosia sweet Quickly to the divine nymph minister. They twain, the goddess and her mortal fere, Stretch forth their hands upon the viands spread, Nor the good banquet any more defer. So when desire of meat and drink had fled, Thus the celestial nymph to sage Odysseus said: 86 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 28 “ Child of Laertes, wouldst thou fain depart Hence to thine own dear fatherland? Farewell! Yet, couldst thou read the sorrow and the smart, With me in immortality to dwell Thou wouldst rejoice, and love my mansion well. Deeply and long thou yearnest for thy wife; Yet her in beauty I perchance excel. Beseems not one who hath but mortal life With forms of deathless mould to challenge a vain strife.” 29 To whom the wise Odysseus answering spake: “ O nymph Calypso much revered, cease now From anger, nor be wroth for my wife’s sake. All this I know and do myself avow. Well may Penelope in form and brow And stature seem inferior far to thee, For she is mortal, and immortal thou. Yet even thus ’tis very dear to me My long-desired return and ancient home to see. 30 “ But if some god amid the wine-dark flood With doom pursue me, and my vessel mar, Then will I bear it as a brave man should. Not the first time I suffer. Wave and war Deep in my life have graven many a scar. Let this be numbered with the labours gone ! ” He ended, and came up the evening star. They to the hollow cave’s recess moved on, And steeped their souls in love, night-shrouded and alone. 31 But when the Dawn with rosy fingers drew Night’s curtain, in soft tunic well bedight, And robed in flowing vesture fair to view, Went forth Odysseus with the morning light. She too, the nymph, in mantle silver-white, Rich, fine of texture, did herself array, And, with gold zone about her gleaming bright, And veil upon her head, passed on her way, For that large-hearted knight safe-conduct to essay. BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 37 32 She then an axe of huge dimensions gave, On both sides bladed, steel of temper fine, Into the strong clasp of Odysseus brave, Beautiful, helved with olive, work divine, And well-curved hatchet, whose metallic shine Lightened afar. Anon the way she led To the isle’s margin, where the soaring pine, Alder, and poplar black, were thickly spread, Fitted to float with ease—sapless long since and dead. 33 So having shown him where the wood grew tall, Calypso, nymph divine, returning went Homeward. But he the forest-trees made fall, Eager to reap his work’s accomplishment. Nor did his vigour from the task relent Till twenty he had felled, and each with care Meted and planed. Then nymph Calypso lent Augers, and he the pierced planks fitted fair, And with firm bolts and joints the good ship did prepare. 34 As is the wide-walled compass which a man Makes for a merchant-craft which he doth build, Such for his broad bark did Odysseus plan, And set the upright ribs, and sockets drilled For thwart deck-timbers, and the space unfilled With horizontal planks did overlay, And planted the tall mast with art well skilled, And to its place the sail-yard did convey, And shaped the rudder well to rule her onward way. 35 Also an osier bulwark woven deep To breast the dashings of the angry tide, That he securely through the waves might sweep, He wrought; and ballast for the ship supplied. Divine Calypso linen did provide For sails, which he contriving i*ot in vain Well fashioned, and each rope and cable tied, Bound down the strong sheets, fit for every strain, And launched the ship with levers on the noble main 88 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 36 ’Twas the fourth day, and all his task was o’er. Him on the fifth Calypso, nymph divine, Robed in sweet raiment, culled from her own store, And bathed, and to his good bark did consign. Two skins, one filled with water, one with wine, She gave him, and a wallet stored with meat, And in his wake along the rippling brine Breathed a warm wind, exceeding soft and sweet, Which with spread sails Odysseus did right gladly greet. 37 He sitting wielded the good helm aright, Nor on his eyelids slumber cast her pall. He on the silver Pleiades all night Gazed, and Bootes, which so late doth fall, And the bright Arctus, which the Wain they call, Close to him wheeling, on the watch to find Orion. She alone among them all Bathes not in Ocean. Thus the nymph assigned His course, with starry Arctus on the left, to wind. 38 Ten days and seven he sailed the watery plain. And on the eighteenth to his eye revealed Loomed shadowy elevation in the main, Even the Phaeacian isle, which in the field Of cloud-swept water shone like a great shield. Wending from Ethiopia’s festal rest, Him from the hills of Solyma beheld Poseidon, and deep anger fired his breast; He fiercely waved his locks, and his own soul addressed: 39 11 By Heaven, the other gods have surely planned New things about Odysseus while I stayed Far-dreaming in the Ethiopian land. Wellnigh to the Phseacians hath he made Good access, where fate wills that he evade His labours, and dire accident forego— Which yet once more shall on his life be laid— Yea, by myself I swear that even so He, ere that hour arrive, shall sate his soul with woe.” BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 89 40 Therewith the clouds he marshalled, and the wave Smote with his trident, stirring the wild deep, And loosed the blasts of all the winds that rave. O’er earth and main he bade the dark clouds sweep; And Night came rushing from heaven’s stormy steep. Fiercely the sky-born North, South, East, and West, Blow their wild chorus, and the rough waves leap In thunder. Then Odysseus’ knees and breast Were loosened, and he thus his noble heart addressed : 41 “ Ay me, forlorn ! what evil yet remains ? I shudder lest in all things she spake true, Who told me of innumerable pains Here in the gloomy deep to be gone through, Ere yet these eyes my fatherland could view. These things march on to their accomplishment. For Zeus with clouds doth veil the heaven and brew Storms in the main, and warring winds hath blent Together, and for me this dire confusion sent. 42 “ O thrice and four times were those Danai blest, Killed in the wide-wayed Troia far away, Who served the Atridse and are now at rest! Would God that I had fallen on that day When round the son of Peleus, where he lay Dead, the fierce Trojans hurled their iron rain ! Then all the Achaian host had joined to pay Fame and the funeral rites to me thus slain, Who now in death’s vile toils ingloriously am ta’en.” 43 Even as he spoke a mighty wave uncurled Downward, around him, with a hideous leap. He from the torn deck violently hurled, Nor able in his clasp the helm to keep, Fell at a distance in the swirling deep; And the fierce hurricane split the groaning mast. For mingled in a wild convulsive sweep Madly the universal winds rushed past, And in the foaming flood canvass and sail-yard cast. % 90 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 44 Long time he lay submerged in the great wave, Nor could recover from the ruinous stroke, Encumbered with the robes Calypso gave; Yet from the dark depths at the last upbroke, Sputtering the salt sea-water, nigh to choke. Nor even then did he forget the ship In the wild buffetings whereto he woke, But struggling clutched it with an iron grip, And the bark clomb, and sat hoping Death’s toils to slip. 45 Her all the while the mighty waves o’erpower, And whirl in dire distraction to and fro. As when the north wind, in autumnal hour, O’er the wide champaign thistle-down doth blow, Clinging together as it can, even so Dashed by the winds she drifted here and there In the mid billows. Now did Notus throw The bark to Boreas; nor did Eurus spare His ire, then spued her forth for Zephyrus to tear. 46 Him the fair-ankled Ino soon espied, Leucothea, child of Cadmus, whilome known Mortal with mortal voice, who now doth bide Housed in the deep sea-chambers, and doth own Like glory with the gods. Him all alone Wandering, whelmed with anguish, she did mark; Anon like sea-bird from the seas hath flown, And fluttering lighted on the well-built bark. She then to him made speech amid the waters dark: 47 “ O wretched man ! why doth Poseidon rave, Shaker of Earth, with such wild violence Against thee? In his wrath these woes he gave; Yet full destruction can he not dispense. Fail not in this, (thou seemest to have sense): Strip off thy garments; let the vessel drive; Thou with thy hands establish thy defence By swimming; nor one moment cease to strive Till on Phseacian soil thy wearied limbs arrive. BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 91 . 4§ “ There shall thine anguish cease; but take this veil Celestial; bind it on thy breast; no fear That with such talisman thy life should fail. Only remember when thou landest there Far from the shore to hurl it in the mere; Then hold thyself aloof.” Therewith she gave The veil, and did like sea-bird disappear Under the surgings of the wine-dark wave. But grieved Odysseus thus bespake his spirit brave: 49 “ Ay me ! some daughter of the immortals weaved This wile, to bid me from my bark descend. Yet will I bear up, for I late perceived That land where she averred my labours end. This will I do, destruction to forefend. Here, while these planks the rolling flood sustain, I will hold on; but should the rough sea rend Their joinings, no more will I pause in vain, But for my life swim forth. Nought better doth remain.” 5 ° These things while he revolved Poseidon hurled A dread wave arched, and smote him. Like a heap Of dry husks, ’mid the windy eddyings whirled, This way and that were driven along the deep The torn ship-timbers. Him the flood did sweep Horsed on a spar. The robes Calypso gave He then stripped off, and with a headlong leap Plunged in the waters, and like swimmer brave Spread forth his hands to swim, his grief-spent soul to save. 5 1 And the Earth-shaker saw him, and his head Shook, and in winged words his soul addressed: “ Go now, with many pains discomfited, Stem the vague floods with thy sea-beaten breast, Till with a race Zeus-nurtured thou find rest. Nor shall thou even thus, for quarrel, blame Thy fortune, wishing to be more distrest.” Therewith he lashed the long-maned steeds, and came To ZEgae, where doth stand his house of noble name. 92 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book 5 2 Forthwith new things Athene, child of Zeus, Planned, and the courses of the winds bound fast, And bade them pausing their wild wrath reduce, And sleep, save only the frore-sweeping blast Of Boreas. He along the billows passed And brake them, wielding the tumultuous main, Till the Zeus-born Odysseus at the last From Death deliverance and the Fates should gain, And to the sea-skilled race Phaeacian safe attain. 53 Two nights and days in that tumultuous swell He wandered. Often did his heart forebode Utter extinction in the yawning hell. But when the fair-haired Dawn arising glowed, And in the eastern heaven the third light showed, Came a calm-deepening day, windless and clear. Then, while Odysseus on a tall wave rode, And his keen eyes along the heaving mere Stretched in extreme desire, he saw the land rise near. 54 As when a father, on the point to die, Who for long time in sore disease hath lain, By the strong fates tormented heavily Till the pulse faileth for exceeding pain, Feels the life stirring in his bones again, While glad at heart his children smile around, He also smiles—the gods have loosed his chain,— So welcome seemed the land, with forest crowned, And he rejoicing swam, and yearned to feel the ground. 55 But now, within a voice-throw of the rocks, The sound of waters did his ears appal. Full on the coast the great waves’ thunder-shocks Roll, and afar the wet foam-vapours fall. No roadstead there, no haven seemed at all, Nor shelter where a ship might rest at ease; But from the main-earth darted a wild wall Of headlands. Then Odysseus’ heart and knees Were loosened; and his soul thus spake in the deep seas: BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 93 5 6 “ Ay me ! Zeus gives me to behold firm ground Unhoped-for, and salvation seemed to reap. Yet from the white waves no escape is found. These sheer rock-bulwarks, and a raging sweep Of waters, the dear soil encompass deep. Deep to the very edge the sea doth flow. How can I learn to clamber that gaunt steep? Ere I my feet could plant, evading woe, Me on the rocks’ sharp spires the ravening wave will throw. 57 “ And should I swim till I some haven find, Or mild declivity of shelving shore, I shudder lest again the hurtling wind, Loosed in the heavens, impel me groaning sore To that fish-teeming desert where I bore Such woes, or a sea-monster track my path, Urged by the power that dooms me evermore; Many such monsters Amphitrite hath ; Oft have I known right well the great Earth-shaker’s wrath.” 58 While thoughts like these about his mind were tost, Came a great wave, and he was onward driven Full on the splinters of the broken coast. Then from his limbs had all the flesh been riven, And his bones pealed and crushed, but that kind Heaven Into his mind a timely counsel cast, This sole salvation by Athene given— Clasping the rock with both hands he clung fast, Groaning, until the wave’s huge flood was overpast. 59 Thus he this bale avoided, but again The wave, retiring with the ebb, did bear Him backward, sucked into the tumbling main. As when the slow sea-polypus doth fare Forth from the gloom-bound chambers of his lair, And the thick pebbles to his feelers grow; So to the rocks his fingers, and were there Peeled to the quick. He whelmed in the far sea-flow Had perished, but that Pallas made him wise in woe. 94 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book V. 60 He from the echoing breakers swam right fain, Skirting the coast, if chance his eyes explore Or far or near some haven of the main, Or mild declivity of shelving shore. But when he came the river’s mouth before, And his gaze rested on the long white gleam, By rocks unchafed and windless evermore, Here to his thought best landing-place did seem, And in his soul he prayed, feeling the calm sweet stream: 61 “ Lord of the river, whosoe’er thou be, End of unnumbered supplications, hear One who the dark Poseidon’s anger flee ! For even the immortal gods hold dear The wandering stranger, and his woes revere. I to thy river and thy knees come now, Tired with long labours and exceeding fear; Deign in thy royal pity to allow Grace to these prayers, which me thy suppliant thus avow/’ 62 He ended, and the stream-god checked the wave, And smoothed a level calm, nor made delay Into the river’s outflow him to save. Then could the knees and hands no more essay Their office—then the sea-worn heart gave way. And all his flesh swelled, and the salt waves still Gurgled in mouth and nostrils, as he lay Stunned in the river, void of strength and will, Sore-laboured, breathless, voiceless, overwhelmed with ill. •63 But when his spirit had revived anew, Then he the veil celestial straight unbound, Which in the seaward-flowing stream he threw. Onward it drifted o’er the rippling sound, With quick tide floating to the seas profound, By Ino soon in friendly fingers pressed. He, turning, sank down on the welcome ground, Couched in the rushes, and the boon earth’s breast Kissed, and in anguish deep his noble heart addressed : BOOK V.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 95 64 “ Ay me ! what evils must I yet go through ? How will they end? If here I pass the night, I fear lest haply the life-showering dew, Mixed with keen hoar-frost, overcome me quite, Sadly forth-gasping my enfeebled sprite— And before dawn the river-wind blows chill ; Or should the wooded slope soft rest invite, And the dire shiverings of fatigue be still, I shudder lest the maw of some wild beast I fill.” 6 5 Thus while he pondered in his mind, this way Seemed in the issue better fraught with gain. He to the forest made ascent, which lay A little from the water, beacon plain. There from a single stem grew olives twain, One fruitful and one wild, impleached deep, Whose shade no moist wind pierced nor sun nor rain. Under their branches did Odysseus creep, And a broad couch of leaves with vehement hands did heap. 66 For leaves enough to shelter two or three, Even in severe mid-winter, there were found. Such couch Odysseus was right glad to see, And he, reclining, piled the leaves well round. As some lone dweller on a distant ground Hoards up the seed of fire in embers dead, Wind-proof, Odysseus underneath the mound Of leaves lay warm, and o’er his weary head Athene all night long pain-healing slumber shed. 97 BOOK VI. ODYSSEUS SUPPLICATES NAUSICAA, THE DAUGHTER OF ALCINOUS. 1 Him toil and sleep weighed down. Athene sought The race Phseacian, who in time of yore Held Hypereia, whom the rude untaught Cyclopes harrying chased from their own shore. Them far from traders prince Nausithous bore To Scheria. Houses, fanes, a castled town He budded, parcelling lands to rich and poor. He, tamed by Fate, to Hades’ house went down; N ow god-inspired Alcinous held the kingly crown. 2 So to the halls of the Phseacian chief Passed the stern-eyed Athene; yea, and went, Framing the dear return, the end of grief, For brave Odysseus, to the chamber sprent With carvings, flowered with daedal ornament, Wherein the daughter of the house did lie Sleeping upon a couch magnificent, Nausicaa blooming in virginity, Who with celestial forms in loveliness might vie. 3 Near to the princess two handmaidens slept, Loved by the Graces, a right beauteous pair, Couched on each side the gleaming doors. Thence swept Athene, fleet as unsubstantial air, And by the pillow of the virgin fair Paused, like the child of ship-famed Dymas seen, Equal in age, and her companion dear. Such seemed the goddess both in form and mien, And with these words addressed the daughter of the queen : G 98 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER [book vr. 4 “Nausicaa, wherefore did thy mother bear Child so forgetful ? This long while doth rest Like lumber in the house much raiment fair. Soon must thou wed and be thyself well drest, And find thy bridegroom raiment of the best. These are the things whence good repute is born, And praises that make glad a parent’s breast. Come, let us both go washing with the morn, So shalt thou soon have clothes becoming to be worn. 5 “ Know thy virginity is not for long, Whom the Phaeacian chiefs already woo, Lords of the land whence thou thyself art sprung. Soon as the shining Dawn comes forth anew, For wain and mules thy noble father sue, Which to the place of washing shall convey Girdles and robes and rugs of splendent hue. This for thyself were better than essay Thither to walk—the place is distant a long way.” 6 Forthwith, her rede delivered, the Stern-eyed Did to the mansions of Olympus go. There, as they tell, the gods securely bide In regions where the rough winds never blow, Unvisited by mist or rain or snow, Veiled in a volant ether, ample, clear, Swept by the silver light’s perpetual flow; Wherein the happy gods from year to year Quaff pleasure. To those bowers Athene made repair. 7 Scarce had she gone when bright-throned Morning came; And, rising from her couch magnificent, Fair-robed Nausicaa wondered at the dream, And through the wide house to her parents went Forthwith, her matter to make evident. One by the hearth sat, with her maids around, And on the skeins of yarn, sea-purpled, spent Her morning toil. Him to the council bound, Called by the lordly chiefs, just issuing forth she found. 1 book vi.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 99 8 Standing beside him, fondly thus she spake : “ Dear father, could you lend a waggon tall, Fair-wheeled and well-equipped, that I may take Robes to the stream and wash them ? for they all Lie lustreless, defiled within our hall. Thee most of all beseemeth in our state, When the Phseacian chiefs their council call, Clothed in clean garments to attend debate. Moreover five dear sons live here within thy gate, 9 “Two having wives, three in youth’s flower unwed, Who in the choral dances would appear In clothes new-washed—this care is mine.” So said Nausicaa, shamed to hint in her sire’s ear Her marriage-hour. But he the fact saw clear, And answered : “ Loan of mules will I concede, Or if aught else, dear child, thy heart may cheer. Go—a tall wain the servants for thy need, Fair-wheeled, with upper framework, shall equip with speed.” 10 Forthwith the servants to his word obey, And for her use the rolling wain prepare, And yoke the mules with all the speed they may. Soon from her chamber the bright raiment fair Forth to the lustrous wain Nausicaa bare. And in a roomy chest her mother stored All kind of delicate food and viands rare, And eke sweet wine did plenteously afford, Which in a well-sewn goatskin for their use she poured. 11 Such needments she purveyed with eager toil, Till now the virgin-princess clomb the wain Fair-shining, and a golden cruise of oil Into her hands her mother gave right fain, Her to anoint and her attendant train. She then the reins took and the scourge did ply. Onward the mules loud-clattering trouled amain, As each his restless fellow would outvie, And robes and princess bore and all her company. 100 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book vi. 12 So when they came to the fair-flowing river, Which feeds good lavatories all the year, Fitted to cleanse all sullied robes soever, They from the wain the mules unharnessed there, And chased them, free to crop their juicy fare By the swift river, on the margent green ; Then to the waters dark the vestments bare, And in the stream-filled trenches stamped them clean, Urging the welcome toil with emulation keen. 13 Which having washed and cleansed they spread before The sunbeams, on the beach, where most did lie Thick pebbles, by the sea-wave washed ashore. So having left them in the heat to dry, They to the bath went down, and by-and-by, Rubbed with rich oil, their mid-day meal essay, Couched on green turf, the river rolling nigh; And thence, unveiling, they rise up to play, While the white-armed Nausicaa leads the choral lay. 14 Such as adown the Erymanthian hill, Or tall Taygetus, with arrows keen Moves the fair Artemis, on chase to kill Boars and the flying deer:—around their queen, Daughters of Zeus, the rural nymphs, are seen At pastime; (gladdening sight hath Leto there); She by the face and forehead towers, I ween, Right easy to be known, but all are fair— So did that virgin pure amid her train appear. 15 But when she thought to yoke the mules and fold The raiment, then Athene cast to wake Odysseus, that the maid he might behold Ere she returned, and following in her wake To the Phseacian town her guidance take. Just then by a false aim she flung the ball Far in the swirling river:—the maidens brake Into a long loud scream, whose echoing call Odysseus roused. He sitting thus debated all: book vi.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. IOI 16 “ Ay me ! what mortal souls inhabit here? Despiteful, wild, unjust?—or love they well The stranger, and the immortal gods revere ? Surely but now the female cry did swell Of virgin nymphs who in the mountains dwell, Or haunt the cradles whence the rivers flow, Or green slope of the fountain-trickling dell— Am I with men that human language know ? Come, I will soon explore what cheer these coasts bestow.” i7 Then from the olive-brake Odysseus came, And from the forest, all around him spread, Snapped a young shoot, thick-leaved, to veil his shame— And as a lion on the mountains bred, With rain and wind and hunger hard bested, Goes, trusting in his strength, his eyes on fire, Against the sheep and oxen making head, Or rending the wild deer; yea, fierce desire Drives him in quest of ravin, stung with the famine-fire, % iS Even a house well-builded to essay— So to the fair-haired maidens would have gone Odysseus—such sore need upon him lay— Though naked, his dire anguish to make known. But terror seized them when his form was shown, Squalid with brine; and diverse ways they fled, Hurrying along the bending banks. Alone Stood firm Alcinous’ child. Athene fed Her soul with strength, and freed her tender limbs from dread. Him she stood fronting, while within his heart Pondered Odysseus whether now to press The virgin-knees and all his prayer impart, Or if aloof he should the maid address With gesture mild and voice of tenderness. Seemed best her spirit from afar to prove With gesture mild and voice of tenderness, Lest the knees clasping he should anger move. He in a smooth set speech to gain her heart thus strove: 102 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VI. < 20 “Queen, hear me—art thou of the earth or skies? If of the deities in heaven that dwell, To Artemis, the child of Zeus, in size And form and beauty I thee liken well— Or if of mortals who on earth excel, Thrice fortunate thy mother and thy sire ! Thrice fortunate thy brothers ! Haply swell Their hearts when they behold in fair attire Such scion of their house threading the mazy choir. 21 “ But he more fortunate than all beside, Who with rich gifts contending shall prevail To win thy hand and lead thee home a bride. No mortal form did ever these eyes hail, How amiable soever, but would fail, Or man or woman, to compare with thee; Yea, as I gaze, much wonder makes me pale. Such once in Delos-isle a young palm-tree, Hard by Apollo’s altar, 1 did chance to see. 22 “ I thither also in my wanderings went, By a large host attended, on a way Fraught with deep loss and many a dark event; But when this fair palm did its form display, Gazing I paused long time, and on me lay (Since never from the earth upsprang there such) The same strange wonder that I feel to-day. Lady, I reverence thee, and fear to touch Thy knees—yet wounding griefs assail me overmuch. 23 “ But yester-even, on the twentieth day, I was delivered from the wine-dark deep. Me all that time the waves and storms affray, While from Ogygia’s isle I onward sweep. Now fortune hurls me hither—perchance to weep. It cannot be the gods will hold their hand. O queen, have mercy ! To thee first I creep, Broken with sorrow, and thy help demand. No mortal else I know inhabiting this land. BOOK VI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 103 24 “Show me the city, and some shred bestow To shield my nakedness, if aught thou hast; And unto thee the heavenly gods make flow Whate’er of happiness thy mind forecast, Husband and home and spirit-union fast! Since nought is lovelier on the earth than this, When in the house one-minded to the last Dwell man and wife—a pain to foes, I wis, And joy to friends—but most themselves know their own bliss.” 25 To whom Nausicaa the white-armed replied : “Stranger, who seemest neither vile nor vain, Zeus both to good and evil doth divide Wealth as he listeth. He perchance this pain Appointed; thou thy sorrow must sustain. But, since thou comest to our land and state, Nor succour shalt thou lack, nor welcome fain, Raiment, nor any comfort, small or great, Such as doth aye behove on suppliant wretch to wait 26 “Now to the city will I guidance give, And in thy ears unfold this people’s name. Know the Phaeacians in this land do live— My father is Alcinous, first in fame, Large-hearted, who the regal power doth claim, And sways the sceptre of Phaeacia’s might.” She spake, and to her maidens cried: “For shame ! How then hath one man’s form put you to flight! Deem ye a wretch like this some trampler down of right ? 27 “ That mortal is not living, nor can be, Who brings us sword and fire. Far off we dwell Loved by the gods, and zoned by the deep sea; Nor can men hitherward their barks impel. Now comes this wanderer—let us treat him well; All strangers and all poor by Zeus are sent, And love can make a little gift excel. Come, to this stranger food and drink present, And in wind-sheltered stream lave ye his limbs sore-spent.” 104 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book 28 Thereat they standing each to other cried, Then to wind-sheltered stream Odysseus brave Led, and a robe and tunic at his side Placed, and the golden cruise of oil they gave, And bade him wash there, in the river’s wave. Then said divine Odysseus : “ Keep thus clear, While I the salt brine from my shoulders lave, And limbs anoint which oil long comes not near. Shames me with fair-haired maidens naked to appear.” 29 So spake he, and they passed aloof and told The princess. But divine Odysseus there In the clean stream dissolved the sea-scurf, rolled In flakes about his shoulders, loins, and hair; Then rubbed his skin with oil, and donned with care The raiment. And behold ! Athene shed New grace, and made him ampler and more fair. Hued like the hyacinth his locks dispread, Streaming in loose array from his thrice glorious head. 3 ° As when some artist, fired with plastic thought, Silver doth overlay with liquid gold, One by Hephaestus and Athene taught Fair-shining forms, instinct with love, to mould, She thus his shoulders did with grace enfold And glorious head. Then silent by the main He, clothed in beauty, glistering to behold, Sat—whom the princess marked with wonder fain, And thus admiring spake amid the bright-haired train: 3i “White-armed attendants, hear and I will speak. Not wholly hated by the gods, I trow, This man to the Phaeacian race doth seek. To me he seemed a little while ago Strange, formless, and uncouth, who now doth show Like to the gods who in Olympus dwell. Fain would I in our isle such husband know, Or that to linger here might please him well!— But come, set food and drink his famine-pangs to quell.” BOOK VI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 32 She ended, and they hearing straight obey, And by divine much-toiled Odysseus set Good sustenance, his hunger to allay, And wine. He ravenously drank and ate— Foodless long time, nor had his lips been wet Save with the sea. White-armed Nausicaa fair Folded each tunic, robe, and coverlet, And stowed them in the wain and yoked the pair Of mules hard-hooved, and thus bespake Odysseus there 33 “Stranger, bestir thyself to seek the town, That to my father’s mansion I may lead Thee following, there to meet the flower and crown Of the Phseacian people. But take heed, (Not senseless dost thou seem in word or deed) While ’mid the fields and works of men we go, After the mules, in the wain’s track, to speed, Girt with this virgin company, and lo ! I will myself drive first, and all the road will show. 34 “ When we the city reach—a castled crown Of wall encircles it from end to end, And a fair haven, on each side the town, Framed with fine entrance, doth our barks defend, Which, where the terrace by the shore doth wend, Line the long coast; to all and each large space, Docks, and deep shelter, doth that haven lend ; There, paved with marble, our great market-place Doth with its arms Poseidon’s beauteous fane embrace. 35 “ All instruments marine they fashion there, Cordage and canvass and the tapering oar; Since not for bow nor quiver do they care, But masts and well-poised ships and naval store, Wherewith the foam-white ocean they explore Rejoicing. There I fear for my good name, For in the land dwell babblers evermore, Proud, supercilious, who might work me shame Hereafter with sharp tongues of cavil and quick blame. 106 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book vi. 36 “ Haply would ask some losel, meeting me, ‘Where did she find this stranger tall and brave? Who is it? He then will her husband be— Perchance some far-off foreigner—whom the wave (For none dwell near us) on our island drave. Or have her long prayers made a god come down, Whom all her life she shall for husband have ? Wisely she sought him, for she spurns our town, Though wooed by many a chief of high worth and renown.’ 37 “ So will they speak this slander to my shame; Yea, if another made the like display, Her I myself should be the first to blame, If in the public streets she should essay To mix with men before her marriage-day, Against her father’s and her mother’s will. Now, stranger, well remember what I say, So mayst thou haply in good haste fulfil Thy journey, with safe-conduct, by my father’s will:— 38 “ Hard by the road-side an illustrious grove* Athene’s, all of poplar, thou shalt find. Through it a streaming rivulet doth rove, And the rich meadow-lands around it wind. There the estate lies, to my sire assigned, There his fat vineyards—from the town so far As a man’s shout may travel. There reclined Tarry such while, and thy approach debar, Till we belike within my father’s mansion are. 39 “ Then to the town Phseacian, and inquire (Plain is the house, a child might" be thy guide) Where dwells Alcinous my large-hearted sire. Not like the houses reared on every side Stands that wherein Alcinous doth abide, But easy to be known. But when the wall And court enclose thee, with an eager stride Move through the noble spaces of the hall, And with firm eye seek out my mother first of all. BOOK VI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 107 40 “ She in the firelight near the hearth doth twine, .Sitting, the purpled yarn ; her maids are seen Behind her; there my sire, enthroned, his wine Quaffs like a god; both on the pillar lean. Him passing urge thy supplication keen My mother’s knees enclasping. If but she Think kindness in her heart, good hope, I ween, Remains, however far thy bourne may be, That country, friends, and home thou yet shalt live to see.” 41 She ended, and the mules with glittering lash Plied, who soon leave the river in their rear. Onward continuously their swift feet flash. She like an understanding charioteer Scourged them with judgment, and their course did steer So to precede Odysseus and the rest. And the sun fell and they the grove came near. There on the earth sat down with anxious breast Odysseus, and in prayer the child of Zeus addressed : 42 “Virgin, whose eyelids slumber not nor sleep, Hear, child of Zeus ! who in the time forepast Heardest me not, when in the ruinous deep Poseidon whirled me with his angry blast. Let me find pity in this land at last! ” So prayed he, and Athene heard ; but she Not yet revealed herself in form ; so vast Loomed in her eyes her uncle’s fierce decree Against divine Odysseus, ere his land he see. 109 BOOK VII. ALCINOUS AND ARETE ENTERTAIN ODYSSEUS. 1 There the much-toiled divine Odysseus prayed. She onward passed to the Phaeacian town, Drawn bv the mules. But when the royal maid Came to her father’s halls of high renown, She by the porch drew rein. Thither came down Her brothers, circling her, a lucid ring; They of Phaeacian youth the flower and crown, Like gods to look at. Soon unharnessing The mules, into the house the raiment clean they bring. 2 She to her chamber straight ascended. There Eurymedusa old, the chamber-dame, Kindled the fire—who o’er the ocean-mere Borne in swift ships from land Apeira came, Thenceforth assigned by right of regal claim To king Alcinous, like a god revered In his own land, the first in name and fame. She in the halls white-armed Nausicaa reared, And now the fire lit well, and sweet repast prepared. 3 ’Twas then Odysseus toward the city bent His steps. Athene in her friendly care Rolled a thick mist around him as he went, Lest of the citizens some scorner there Should meet him, and assail with gibe and stare, And urge rude question of his name and place. Just at the entrance of the city fair Pallas Athene met him face to face, Pitcher in hand, and like a girl in years and grace. I IO THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VII. 4 Near him sbe stood, and he enquired anon : “ Would you, dear child, vouchsafe to be my guide To king Alcinous’ palace? I, undone With perils, and in sore affliction tried, Come hither, over seas exceeding wide, From a far land; nor know I how to make One friend among the folk that here reside, Who might show mercy for a stranger’s sake.” Whom the stern-eyed Athene answering thus bespake : 5 “Father, the house thou seekest I well know, For the king dwelleth near my blameless sire. Hist, not a word !—and I the way will show. Bend not thine eyes on any, nor aught enquire. The people brook not strangers, nor aspire To love the outlandish guest. Their trust is still In the swift ships wherewith the deep they tire; There hath Poseidon lent them wondrous skill; Fleet as a wing their barks, or thought flashed from the will.” 6 This spoken, toward the mansion of the king Pallas Athene with quick steps did fare, He in the track divine still following. Nor the ship-famed Phaeacians were aware Of stranger in their mid streets pacing there. For so Athene, bright-haired goddess dread, Appointed to befal, who always bare Goodwill within her breast toward him she led. She round his stately form a mist divine now shed. 7 Much did Odysseus, as he passed, admire The smooth wide havens, and the glorious fleet Wherewith those mariners the great deep tire, Yea, and the spaces where their heroes meet, And the long lofty wondrous walls, complete With bastion fair and towery palisade. All these he viewed, till at the last his feet She at the king’s illustrious mansion stayed. Him then in words bespake the stern-eyed goddess-maid : book vii.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 11 8 “ This is the palace which you bade me show. Here the Zeus-nurtured princes sit reclined Feasting; now enter, and all fear forego, Since it is always on the bold in mind, Strange though his stock, that fortune shines most kind. Our lady queen (Arete is her name) Sitting within the halls you first will find, Sprung from a line of parentage, the same With that wherefrom the king himself, Alcinous, came. 9 “First to Poseidon Periboia bare Nausithous—she of brave Eurymedon The youngest, and of women far most fair. Her father once high sovereignty did own O’er the proud race of Giants, and had sown Storms of red ruin through the land; nor yet Died in their crime the infatuate crowd alone; He also fell; but her Poseidon met, Loved, and Phasacian king Nausithous did beget, 10 “ And he Rhexenor and Alcinous. Lo ! The first new-wed, within his halls serene, Shot by Apollo with his silver bow, Died, and one child, a daughter, left, I ween, Arete, whom Alcinous made his queen, And loved and honoured, as no wives elsewhere, Such as in these days on the earth are seen, Find honour; yea, like reverence she doth bear From children, house, and people as her rightful share. 11 “ Oft as she walks along the stately street, Her all the people like a goddess hail Beholding, and with salutations greet, Since of a noble mind she doth not fail. Yea, where she list good kindness to entail, Even of men the quarrels to unbind Not seldom her well-tempered words avail. Good hope then hast thou, so the queen be kind, Thy high-roofed house and friends and fatherland to find.” 112 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VII. 12 So the stern-eyed Athene spake to him, Then leaving Scheria, lovely isle, anon, The broad and barren ocean-fields did skim, And moving o’er the plain of Marathon And through the streets of Athens, wide-wayed town, Entered Erectheus’ well-built house at last. Odysseus to Alcinous’ halls paced on, And in his breast his stormy heart beat fast, He pausing, ere his feet the brazen threshold passed. 13 For, like the sun’s fire or the moon’s, a light Far streaming through the high-roofed house did pass From the long basement to the topmost height. There on each side ran walls of flaming brass, Zoned on the summit with a blue bright mass Of cornice; and the doors were framed of gold ; Where, underneath, the brazen floor doth glass Silver pilasters, which with grace uphold Lintel of silver framed; the ring was burnished gold. 14 And dogs on each side of the doors there stand, Silver and gold, the which in ancient day Hephaestus wrought with cunning brain and hand, And set for sentinels to hold the way. Death cannot tame them, nor the years decay. And from the shining threshold thrones were set, Skirting the walls in lustrous long array, On to the far room, where the women met, With many a rich robe strewn and woven coverlet. There the Phasacian chieftains eat and drink, While golden youths on pedestals upbear Each in his outstretched hand a lighted link, Which nightly on the royal feast doth flare. And in the house are fifty handmaids fair; Some in the mill the yellow corn grind small; Some ply the looms, and shuttles twirl, which there Flash like the quivering leaves of aspen tall; And from the close-spun weft the trickling oil will fall. BOOK VII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 1*3 16 For as Phaeacian men surpass in skill All mortals that in earth’s wide kingdoms dwell Through the waste ocean, wheresoe’er they will, The cleaving keel obedient to impel—- So far their women at the loom excel; Since all brave handiwork and mental grace Pallas Athene gave them to know well. Outside the courtyard stretched a planted space Of orchard, and a fence environed all the place. 17 There in full prime the orchard-trees grow tall, Sweet fig, pomegranate, apple fruited fair, Pear and the healthful olive. Each and all Both summer droughts and chills of winter spare; All the year round they flourish. Some the air Of Zephyr warms to life, some doth mature. Apple grows old on apple, pear on pear, Fig follows fig, vintage doth vintage lure; Thus the rich revolution doth for aye endure. 18 With well-sunned floor for drying, there is seen The vineyard. Here the grapes they cull, there tread. Here falls the blossom from the clusters green; There the first blushings by the suns are shed. Last, flowers for ever fadeless—bed by bed; Two streams; one waters the whole garden fair; One through the courtyard, near the house, is led; Whereto with pitchers all the folk repair. All these the god-sent gifts to king Alcinous were. 19 Standing, Odysseus gazed his fill, then passed The entrance, and behold ! the chieftains pour Wine to the keen-eyed Argus-slayer, the last Ere they retire for sleep. He onward bore, Wrapt in Athene’s mist, and paused before Arete and Alcinous. There the queen He clasping by the knees crouched on the floor; Then the mist melted, which did erewhile screen His form, and all stood breathless when the man was seen. H .THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VII. 114 20 He suppliant spake : “ Arete, at thy knees, Before thy husband and thy guests, I bow, Child of divine Rhexenor ! O to these May Heaven grant glory in their lifetime now, And children after them with wealth endow, Heirs of the office which the people gave ! But ye kind issue to my prayers allow ! Ship to convey me to my home I crave, Who, friendless many a year, grieve sore by land and wave.” 21 There he made end, and on the hearthstone sate Amid the ashes, by the fire; but all Silent and stirless in their places wait, And a wide lull pervades the festival; Till at the last among them in the hall Spake hero Echeneiis; eldest he Of the Phaeacian chiefs, and therewithal Gifted with words and grave authority— He now, their firm well-wisher, spake advisingly: 22 “ Alcinous, this is neither fair nor just That suppliant stranger on thy hearthstone sit, Low in the embers and defiled with dust. All wait thy word, expecting what is fit. Come to a silver throne our guest admit, Then from the heralds mingled wine demand, That to the Thunderer we may offer it, Who by the awful suppliant still doth stand; And let the house-dame bring what food she finds at hand.” When the divine strength of Alcinous heard, He rose and took the stranger’s hand anon, Hand of Odysseus, proved in deed and word, And made him rest upon a glittering throne, Displacing brave Laodamas his son, Who always sat there, at his father’s side, ' His best-beloved; and of the handmaids one From golden urn, well-chased and beautified, Over a silver basin poured the lustral tide, BOOK VII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. I I 24 And spread before him the well-polished board, Whereon the staid house-dame provision set, Whate’er of best the palace might afford. So the divine Odysseus drank and ate; Nor did the king Alcinous aught forget, But turned him to the herald, and thus spake : “ Wine mix for all, Pontonous ! Resteth yet That we to Thunderer Zeus libations make, Who still waits near at hand for awful suppliant’s sake.” 2 5 So he the wine mixed, and to each did bear. When they had poured and drunk, Alcinous said: “ Hear me, Phaeacian chiefs, while I declare The meaning of my mind.—Hence now to bed; And, with more elders hither summoned, To-morrow we our guest will entertain Here in the halls, and sacrifices spread Before the gods, and convoy o’er the main. Remember, that at last forgetting grief and pain, 26 “ Hence to his native land, however far, Safe in our guidance he may sail the sea Rejoicing, and no danger may debar, Nor midway onset of calamity, His foot from landing. There high Destiny Must rule her own, whose thought can no one scan ; And he must bear the doom and the decree Which at his hour of birth the dark Fates span, When first his mother knew that she had borne a man. 2 7 “ But if that he descended from the skies, Immortal offspring of immortal race, Then to the gods some other scheme devise. For oft the gods here meet us face to face, Oft use our glorious hecatombs to grace, And sitting feast, as we ourselves, at will; - Yea, if one find them in a lonely place, No mask they wear; for we are near them still, Like the Cyclopean race and Giants rude of skill.” II 6 THE ODYSSEY OF IIOMER. [book vii. 28 But wary-wise Odysseus made reply: “ Alcinous, far be such a thought from me ! Not one like those who hold the realms on high In form or feature dost thou chance to see, But mortal, as on earth poor mortals be. Yea, most my case may I with theirs compare, Whom most ye know bowed down with misery. ’Twere all too long the vast sum to declare Of sorrow, pain, and toil the gods have made me bear. 29 “ But let me feed in peace, though sore distrest. Nothing more shameless is than Appetite, Who still, whatever anguish load our breast, Makes us remember in our own despite Both food and drink. Thus I, thrice wretched wight, Carry of inward grief surpassing store, Yet she constrains me with superior might, Wipes clean away the memory-written score, And takes whate’er I give, and taking craveth more. 30 “Ye with the morning in these halls convene, And lend safe escort o’er the barren main; Yea, let life leave me, when I once have seen My land, my servants, and my home again ! ” He ended, and they all assent, right fain, To lend whate’er the stranger may require, For that his word with fate accordeth plain. So having poured, and drunk their heart’s desire, All to their several chambers for the night retire. 3i Then was divine Odysseus left behind; But godlike king Alcinous in the hall Still with Arete near his guest reclined; And the attendants, at their master’s call, Each means, each remnant, of the festival Clear with quick hands; and then the queen began, Whose eyes on that familiar raiment fall The which herself and her own women span. She, turning, in winged words did thus accost the man : BOOK VII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. II7 32 “ Stranger, this question will I first essay— Who and whence art thou ? and of whom didst crave These garments? for methought I heard thee say Thou earnest hither wandering o’er the wave ? ” Then said the wary-wise Odysseus brave: “ Hard is it, queen, in sequence due to show My griefs ; so many the celestials gave; But this one matter, this one tale of woe, I will to-night set forth which thou art fain to know. 33 “ Far in the deep sea lies an island fair, Ogygia named. A bright-haired goddess dread, Daughter of Atlas, doth inhabit there, Wily Calypso, aye unvisited Alike by god and man. Me fate hath led Lone to that hearth, o’erwhelmed with anguish dire; For in the middle ocean’s wine-dark bed Zeus, as I wandered, the Olympian Sire, From heaven my swift ship clave in sunder with white fire. 34 “ There all the rest of my companions died, But I for nine days ever onward sweep, Whirled by the waters, on a keel astride, Till the tenth night spread blackening o’er the deep. Then from this nymph did I salvation reap, Who took me to herself and cared for me, Yea, thought to hold me in her island-keep, Blest with an ageless immortality; Natheless the inward heart could not persuaded be. 35 “Seven years I tarrying stained with many a tear Vestments immortal by Calypso lent; But when came on the eighth revolving year, Whether it were that Zeus a message sent Or that Calypso changed her own intent, Homeward she bade me o’er the seas repair. So on a well-compacted bark I went; She corn and wine gave, and apparel fair, And in my lee made stream a soft sweet harmless air. I 18 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book vn. 3 6 “Ten days and seven my gentle course I keep; But on the eighteenth, for the first time seen, Loomed shadowy elevation in the deep, Your earth—right glad was then my heart, I ween. Ah wretched ! yet remained exceeding teen ! Since dark Poseidon a long swerveless blast Launched on my ship, now furrowing wide ravine, Now through the deep upheaving mountains vast, Till to the bark I groaning failed to cling at last. 37 “ Her the wild storms brake up : but I swam through The great sea-gorge, till near to this your land Whirled by the waters and the wind I drew. Then had the waves on your ungentle strand, Rock-fenced, where vainly I had striven to stand, Dashed me; but I with the retiring flood Swam backward, and at last a spot to land, Found, smooth of rocks, and overhung with wood, Even at the river’s mouth, wind-sheltered, calm, and good. 38 “ There did I throw myself, recovering heart, And in that stound ambrosial Night came on. I from the rain-fed river moved apart, And, of the woodland chambers choosing one, Piled the dead leaves about my lair anon. God sent a measureless rest my soul to steep, While in the leaves I lay, with toil foredone, Night, morning, noon, until the day was deep. When the sun fell mine eyes looked up from their sweet sleep, 39 “And soon the handmaids of thy daughter find With her, like goddess in their midst, at play. Then spake I suppliant; nor of prudent mind Failed she at all; yea hardly one would say That youth these matters could so nicely weigh. Always the young lack wisdom ; but she sent Both corn and wine my cravings to allay, And washed me in the river, and garments lent. Herein the truth I tell, albeit with anguish spent.” BOOK VII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 119 40 Him then Alcinous answering thus addressed : “ Stranger, my daughter was not all so wise, Who brought you not at once to be our guest, When to her first you prayed in suppliant guise.” To whom the sage Odysseus straight replies : “ Blame not.for me thy faultless child ; indeed She pressed me; but my soul did aye advise Ale of thy royal anger to take heed, For we, the sons of men, were ever a jealous breed.” 41 To whom Alcinous : “Stranger, no such heart, To fume at nothing, in my breast I bear. Rather, I ween, let justice hold her part. Yet, father Zeus, Athene, Phoebus, hear! Would of my child thou wert the husband dear, Such as I see thee, and with heart like mine ! House, wealth, and lands, so thou but tarry here, I promise; yet shall none by force incline Thy purpose; nor to such Zeus lend his will divine ! 42 “ But the supreme fulfilment of thy way, Whereby the end of travail thou mayst reap, Know that until to-morrow I delay. Thou all the while shalt lie subdued with sleep, And they shall smite the levels of the deep Till thou thy home and all dear things regain, When thine eyes hail the land for which they weep; Ay, though it be much harder to attain Than is Euboia’s isle, the farthest in the main, 43 “ As those among us who have seen declare, Who once the gold-haired Rhadamanthus led Over the watery wold, to visit there Tityus the child of Earth. Right well they sped; Yea without toil their course was finished, And on the self-same day their home-return. My excellence in ships is lightly read. Ere long thine own experience shall discern How well my oarsmen bold the foam-white deep can churn.” 120 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VII. 44 Thus he his lordly purpose did declare, And on much-toiled divine Odysseus came Sweet stirrings at the heart, who straight with prayer Answered, and spake a word, and named a name : “Zeus father! O that he make good the same ! Grant that Alcinous by his promise stand! So by this deed his everlasting fame Shall walk the plenteous earth from land to land, And I shall sail in safety to my native strand.” 45 But when their mutual converse now was o’er, The white-armed queen her maidens bade prepare A couch beneath the echoing corridor, And thereon spread the crimson carpets fair, Then the wide coverlets of richness rare, And to arrange the blankets warm and white, Wherein who sleepeth straight forgets his care. They then, each holding in her hand a light, From the great hall pass forth and spread the robes aright. 46 Then standing near Odysseus thus they spake : “Now is thy couch well-furnished, stranger-guest; Haste, to refreshful sleep thyself betake.” Glad sounded in his ears their sweet request. There he, divine one, late so sore distrest, Slept all night long by griefs unvisited, Stretched loosely on the carven couch at rest. Alcinous to his far-off chamber sped, And there his lady wife made ready and shared his bed. I 2 I BOOK VIII. THE PH/EACIAN GAMES-SONGS OF THE MINSTREL DEMODOCUS. 1 But when appeared the rosy-fingered Morn, Rose in his sacred strength Alcinous king And after him Odysseus, the 2eus-born, Waster of walls. Him did Alcinous bring To the Phaeacians’ place of gathering; (On burnished stones they sit, near the sea-strand;) But the wide streets Athene traversing, In form like royal herald, to the land Of Ithaca return for brave Odysseus planned. 2 Standing by each she spake : “ Make haste, repair, Phaeacian chiefs, to the assembly all, That of this sea-tost stranger ye may hear Newly arrived at king Alcinous’ hall, In mien resembling a celestial.” So did she urge them ; and the seats anon Swarmed with a crowd obedient to her call, And many a gaze admiring dwelt upon Odysseus, proved in war, Laertes’ glorious son. 3 Nor failed Athene to shed round him then O’er head and shoulders a new grace divine, Making him ampler in the eyes of men, That before all Phaeacians he might shine A wonder, and to reverence each incline, And reap much glory from the games, which they Should for a test of virtue there assign. So were they all assembled on that day. Uprose Alcinous then and in the midst did say: 122 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 4 “ Hear me, Phaeacians, while I speak my thought! See now, this stranger-guest, I know not who, Hath in his wanderings my mansion sought, From eastern realms or western. He doth sue For escort safe. This thing let us then do : Since from of old whoever comes to me Not long the want of convoy here doth rue : Come launch a prime bark, swiftest-winged, and see That young men fifty-two, our best, selected be. 5 “When to the benches ye the oars have tied, Come to my house and taste our festal cheer; Right well will I for each and all provide; Such to the youths my charge do I declare. Ye, sceptred chieftains, to the palace fare Forthwith, to entertain our godlike guest; Let none draw back; and thither bid repair Divine Demodocus, whose minstrel breast God gave to mould at will songs sweeter than the rest.” 6 He ended, and the chiefs his steps ensue; Quick for the bard divine the herald sped; Also were chosen young men fifty-two, Who to the black ship, as the king had said, And margin of the barren deep were led. Right soon the ship they launch, and plant the mast, Order the tackling, and the white sails spread, And the tough oars in leathern loops make fast; And in the deep they moor her, well-equipped, at last. 7 So having wrought the king’s command, they then Straight to the mansion of Alcinous go. And lo ! the wide-roomed house was thronged with men Both young and old, and the continuous flow Filled court, enclosure, hall, and portico. For them Alcinous twelve fat sheep did slay, Eight swine, and trailing-footed oxen two. These in the courtyard the Phaeacians flay And dress, and the rich feast set forth in fair array. BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 123 8 Then did the herald with the bard arrive, Whom the Muse loved, and gave him good and ill; Ill, that of light she did his eyes deprive, Good, that sweet minstrelsies divine at will She lent him, and a voice men’s ears to thrill. For him Pontonous silver-studded chair Set with the feasters, leaning it with skill Against the column, and with tender care Made the blind fingers feel the harp suspended there. 9 Close at his side a table fair he placed, With food and wine-cup ranged at distance due, Whereof his lips, whene’er he willed, might taste. They then their hands upon the viands threw. But when the feast they could no more ensue, Stirred by the Muse the bard high theme essayed, Whereof the loud fame to the skies then flew, How that Odysseus and Pelides made Strife with portentous words, at sacred feast displayed. 10 And wide-realmed Agamemnon, king of men. When he the first of the Achaians found Stung with sharp zeal, rejoiced in spirit then ; For that long since upon the hallowed ground Of Pytho, at the oracle renowned, Phoebus Apollo such response unrolled, What time he crossed the threshold’s stony bound. Then were the woes, by Zeus ordained of old, Trojans and Danaans all beginning to enfold. 11 So sang the far-famed minstrel in the hall— But with his mighty hands Odysseus there Over his head drew down the purple pall, And with his raiment veiled the features fair, Shamed that Phseacian eyes should be aware, He weeping. Often as the bard divine Paused in his song, he wiped away the tear And from his brow the covering did resign, While to the gods he poured .libations of red wine. 124 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 12 But oft as he renewed the lyric strain, (For the Phaeacian lords urged him to sing, Charmed with his words) Odysseus then again Over his face the purple pall did fling, And with wet eyelids sat there sorrowing. So from the others he his grief did shroud, Nor any man remarked him, save the king, Who, near him seated, heard him groan aloud, And straight uprising spake among the sea-famed crowd : 13 “ Hearken and hear, Phaeacian chieftains all! For now have we our souls well satisfied With feast and music, which right well we call Companion of the feast. ’Twere time we hied Forth from this revelry, and contests tried, That so this stranger to his friends may tell, When in his own far home he shall reside, How we all peoples, on the earth that dwell, In wrestling, leap, and foot-race, and with fists, excel.” 14 So spake the king and with them went his way. Then on the peg the herald hung the lyre, And took the minstrel’s hand, and did essay Outward to lead him, while the chiefs retire From the great hall of banquet, to admire The athletes at their games. For thousands went Eagerly forth, inflamed with strong desire To see them ; and, on rivalries intent, Many good youths and tall rose up to try the event. 15 There Nauteus and Elatreus first uprose, Ponteus and Prymneus and Ocyalus, Proreus, Eretmeus, and Acroneos, Anabesineos and Anchialus. Also rose Thoon and Amphialus, The child of Polineiis, Tekton’s son, And, peer of Ares, fell Euryalus, And fair Naubolides, who save but one, Laodamas, the first in form and beauty shone. BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 125 16 And rose the three sons of Alcinous, Even Clytoneiis, like a god in grace, And fair Laodamas and Halius. First they essayed on foot to run a race, Where from the starting-point the smooth long space Extended. O’er the level ground their feet Fly, and in clouds the hot dust whirl apace; And, as a pair of mules can oxen beat In ploughing, by so much won Clytoneiis fleet. 17 Next of the wrestler’s art distressful test They venture, and therein Euryalus Won, very far surpassing all their best. And, after this, o’er all Amphialus Was counted in the leap victorious. Elatreus with the discus far excelled, And with his fists Laodamas; who thus Spake in the midst, when he the crowd beheld Now sated with the games, and emulation quelled: 18 “ Friends, let us ask this stranger if he know Some feat. No mean one doth he seem to be; For thighs and arms and nervous neck all show A stubborn firm-knit vigour ; nor doth he Lack youth, but is crushed down with misery— For to confound a man, how strong soe’er, Believe me there is nothing like the sea.” To whom Euryalus did straight declare : “ Laodamas, well said ! go take him challenge fair.” 19 Which when the good son of Alcinous heard, He went and stood forth in the midst alone, And, turning to Odysseus, spake this word : “ Dear stranger, let thy prowess now be shown; ’Tis likely that to thee some feats are known. Man, while he lives, no greater fame doth find Than that which he hath earned by strength of bone. Come, scatter all your sorrows to the wind; Launched is the bark e’en now, your comrades all assigned.” 126 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 20 To whom the man of many counsels spake In answer : “ O Laodamas, my friend, Why of my woes do ye this mockery make, And lightly bid me on your games attend ? Less toward such pastime than to grief I bend My spirit. Ere this many toils I bore, Much suffering drained. Now, dreaming of the end, Here I sit with you on this crowded shore, And king and people urge with supplications sore.” 21 Euryalus answering jeered him to his face : “Now am I, stranger, not at all inclined To judge thee versed in wrestling and the race, Or games that are in vogue among mankind Thee rather with the ship-frequenting kind Of traders, overseers of merchandise, Whose talk is all of cargoes, and their mind Dreams of unjust gains, and doth bargains prize, I class; with athletes not, if I may trust my eyes.” 22 To whom Odysseus scowling thus replied : “ Man, thou hast not said well; a fool thou art. Not all fair gifts to all doth God divide, Eloquence, beauty, and a noble heart. One seems in mien poor, but his feebler part God crowns with language, that men learn to love The form, so feelingly the sweet words dart Within them. First in councils he doth prove, And, ’mid the crowd observant, like a god doth move. 23 “Another, though in mould of form and face Like the immortal gods he seem to be, Hath no wise word to crown the outward grace. So is thine aspect fair exceedingly, Wherein no blemish even a god might see; Yet is thine understanding wholly vain. Thou with thy witless scorn hast angered me, And stung the spirit of thy guest with pain, And mocked me to my face in unbeseeming strain. BOOK VIII.] .THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 127 24 “ I in these contests am not void of skill, As thou here vauntest in thine emptiness, But with the very best held rank at will, While yet the nerves of youth these hands did bless. But now you see me marred with sore distress. Toil in the wars of heroes on me lay, Nor hath the rage of waters tired me less. Yet, fresh from sorrow, I your games essay Even as I am : thy words have stung me deep this day.” 2 5 Then, mantled as he was, he rushed in rage And seized a huge round discus, heavier far Than that wherewith Phaeacian youths engage, And whirled it once, and launched it on the air. Sang the great stone, and the Phaeacians there, A ship-famed people, masters of the oar, Crouched to the earth beneath that booming blare. Lightly it darted from his hand, and bore, Steady in flight, right on, surpassing every score. 26 And lo ! Athene in the form of man Pointed the goal, and spake her word and said : “ Thy mark by feeling even the blind might scan, Not mingled with the crowd, but far ahead. This time at least thy victory may be read. Stranger, take heart ! for no Phaeacian here Can e’er transcend or reach thee.” Thus she said. Much did the voice divine Odysseus cheer, Who spake with lighter heart, feeling a friend was near : 27 “ Come on now ! Soon will I a second throw As far or farther. Whoso list to try, Let him come forward and his manhood show; For ye have fired my soul exceedingly. Box, wrestle, or run races—what care I ?— All save Laodamas. I will not fight With one that lends me hospitality. Hurteth himself, I ween, that brainless wight Who in strange land to combat doth his host incite. 128 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII, 28 “ As for the rest I fear not, scorn not, one. I want to feel and prove you face to face. All feats I know that are beneath the sun. If that for archery mine arms I brace, Even in a thick crowd can my arrow trace His quarry, and a foeman’s breast hit well, Though walled with men that hail their shafts apace. Me Philoctetes did alone excel, What time the Achaians aimed, by Troia’s citadel. 2 9 “ But of all else I swear that I stand first, Such men as now upon the earth eat bread; Though not that strength which older time hath nursed To rival I aspire; such heroes dread As once was Eurytus, (Echalia’s head, And Heracles, who dared the gods in strife. Hence the great Eurytus too soon lay dead ; Old age he knew not in his halls; so rife The wrath of challenged Phoebus, who required his life. 30 “ Also this hand so far can hurl the spear That none with arrow may the score exceed; ’Tis at the foot-race only that I fear, Lest some Phseacian should surpass in speed. Much have the billows marred me; for indeed Neither in swift ships, nor increased with food, Me to your island-bourne the Fates did lead, So that my limbs are loosened.” Then they stood Mute, and alone Alcinous spake, in courteous mood: 31 “Friend, for thou speakest no unwelcome word, Willing to show thy manhood’s worth, when one With insult in the lists thine anger stirred, And dared thee blot with open blame, as none, Whose mind and lips knew justice, would have done— Come, understand me, that in after years, When wife and children thou again hast won, Oft in mid banquet thou mayst tell thy peers What works from sire to son Zeus to our race endears. BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. I29 32 “ Not blameless are we in the wrestling art; Not with the fist in fighting we excel; But with winged feet upon the race to start, And cleaving keels obedient to impel— These are the things which we do passing well. And ever in our souls from year to year A r oluptuous dancings and the harp’s sweet spell, Rich feasts and changes of apparel fair, Warm baths, and couch of love, we hold exceeding dear. 33 “ But come, Phseacian dancers, all our best, Lead off your pastime, that in after day At ease within his halls our stranger-guest Oft in the hearing of his friends may say How far the rest of nations we outweigh In sea-dexterities and fame of feet, Dance and the song. Go, fetch without delay, Some one, the shrill lyre from our house. ’Tis meet Demodocus our bard now make us music sweet.” 34 Spake in these words Alcinous, godlike king. Whereat the herald rose incontinent And, from its place the hollow harp to bring, On to the royal mansion quickly went. Then were there nine selected elders sent All to arrange that might the pastime grace; Who soon outclearing each impediment Smoothed with design exact the choral space, And for the lists made wide the shining beauteous place. 35 Scarce had they ordered all when reappeared The stately herald, holding in his hand The harp, which then Demodocus the bard Received, and straightway at the king’s command Moved to the midst. Around him waiting stand, Skilled in divine beat of the measured dance, Youths in first bloom, the fairest in the land. Soon did Odysseus, rapt as in a trance, Mark the loud pulse of feet, the ever-twinkling glance. 1 130 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book viii. 3 6 But he with voice and lyre a noble strain Lifted, and sang there of the love renowned Of Ares, mighty in the battle-plain, And Aphrodite beautifully crowned ; How first by stealth on the domestic ground They mingled, and with gifts the god of war Couch of the lord Hephaestus did confound. But Helius watched them from his fiery car, And of their dalliance dark the tidings brought from far. 37 Stung with the new-revealed dishonour, turned His footsteps to the forge Hephaestus king, And, while the deep fierce anger in him burned, Chains that for aye inextricably cling Forged; the huge anvil with his strokes did ring. So he in wrath a dark entrapment wove For Ares, w r orker of the evil thing, Then sought the scene of his own spousal love, And sowed the couch with snares around, below, above. 38 There from the roof depended countless chains, Which through the middle air ran out and in, That none, not even a god, his secret trains E’er could with eyes discover—subtil, thin, As is the fine web which the spiders spin, So deftly were they wrought. When all was done, His course toward Lemnos he made feint to win — Fair is the isle and fairly built upon, Land in his eyes most lovely underneath the sun. 39 Nor Ares, master of the golden rein, Was keeping a blind watch ; who, when he knew Art-famed Hephaestus on the road again, Back to his mansion in a moment flew, With Cytherea dalliance to renew. She, lately parted from Kronion dread, Her father, sat right beautiful to view. He through the wide halls of Hephaestus sped, And clasped her hand in his, and spake the word and said : book viii.] THE ODYSSEY OF IIOMER, \ 131 40 “ Come, dearest, let us take our fill of love Retiring to the couch, since far away Hephaestus doth to Lemnos-isle remove, With the barbaric Sintians there to stay.” He spake, and she, right joyous to essay The sweets of love, went with him from the hall, And on the soft couch in the chamber lay; And lo ! the artful toils from wall to wall Close round them; they no limb can move or raise at all. 41 So through vain effort at the last they knew That hope was over, no escape might be ; And lo ! Hephaestus limping into view Bapk from his Lemnian road came presently ; For Helius had kept watch, the thing to see, And told their lewdness. Fired in spirit proud Straight to the porch of his own house came he, And stood there wild with rage and evil-browed, And to the choir of gods called terribly and loud : 42 “O Father Zeus, and all immortals blest, Come ye and laugh at this inveterate pair. Me Zeus-born Aphrodite in her breast Scorns for my lameness, and affects him there, Ares Destroyer, being sound and fair, While I halt from my birth. Surely for this - The genuine culprits ought the blame to bear, My parents : for none else hath wrought amiss ; ’Twas theirs not to have gotten such a child, I wis. 43 “ But ye shall see them where in love they lie, Who trod my couch, and make me groan in heart. Much I mistake if each to other sigh For yet a little longer ere they part. Deep though they love, methinks e’en now they smart, Though shameless; but the inextricable chain Clings, till the gifts her father reimpart, Which for his lewd-faced child I gave right fain. Fair is her form, yet passion can she not restrain.” 132 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 44 Thereat the gods came trooping one and all. Came great Poseidon who doth earth embrace, Luck-bringing Hermes, to the brass-floored hall, And the far-working Phoebus. But the race Of goddesses abode within their place, Shamed. From the fortune-giving gods meanwhile Laughter unquenchable uprose apace, Soon as they marked the shrewd Hephaestus’ guile; And each to other spake with jest and mutual smile: 45 “Now mark how evil-workers thrive not well. The swift is overtaken of the slow. Ares, the fleetest that on high doth dwell, Is by Hephaestus, who doth limping go, Caught with shrewd cunning, and doth forfeit owe.” Thus they conversed; but lord Apollo spake To Hermes : “This thing now declare and show— Wouldst thou, constrained with bonds that cannot break, Sleep in that couch for golden Aphrodite’s sake ? ” 46 And him the Slayer of Argus straight addressed : “ O lord Apollo, darter from afar, Would such might happen as thy words suggest! Though thrice as many chains as now there are Should from the chamber all escape debar, And every god and goddess watch did keep, Yet should not all this my enjoyment mar. Little it recks whatever shame I reap, Who all the while with golden Aphrodite sleep.” 47 So Hermes spake, and laughter rang again Among the immortals. Smileless even so Poseidon stood, for ever entreating fain The work-renowned Hephaestus to let go Ares the war-god, his adulterous foe, And thus to him these winged words addressed : “ Loose now thy captive, for all dues I know, Yea will myself his surety stand professed, That he before the gods will render at thy hest.” BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 133 48 And answer made the halting god renowned : “ Holder of earth, Poseidon, not thus blind Misdeem me; a rogue’s word was ever found Poor voucher; this thing is not to my mind. How were I able thee in sight to bind Of all the gods, should Ares steal away, Leaving captivity and debts behind ? ” But he replied : “Should Ares, as you say, Prove faithless, I myself the total claim will pay.” 49 And answer made the halting god renowned : “’Tis not in reason longer to deny Thy suit.” Thus he the chains from each unwound. Thence Ares rushing forth did Thrace-ward hie. Sweet-smiling Aphrodite straight doth fly To Cyprian Paphos, where her grove and shrine Flourish; and there the Gra.ces tenderly Bathe and anoint her with their oil divine, And her celestial form with loveliest robes entwine. 5 ° Thus sang the famed Demodocus, and stirred Odysseus listening to his heart’s deep core. Sat too rejoicing at the music heard The ship-famed people, masters of the oar. Then one the hest of king Alcinous bore For Halius and Laodamas to dance Alone, who all the rest ranked far before. They then, right fair in mien and countenance, Straight with the beauteous ball into the lists advance. 5 1 One, leaning backward, to the shadowy sky The ball up-hurled ; the other with light bound Easily caught it in his hand on high, Or ever his quivering feet regained the ground. This practice done, they weave the dance renowned O’er the boon earth, with many a sinuous sweep And glimmering interchange. The youths stand round, And chime and measure for the dancers keep, While still the great foot-pulse sounds regular and deep. 134 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 5 2 Then to the king divine Odysseus spake : “ O king, pre-eminent in word and deed, Of late thy lips the threatening*vaunt did make That these thy dancers all the world exceed— Now have I seen fulfilment of thy rede; Yea, wonder holds me while I gaze thereon.” So spake he, and Alcinous well did heed That word, and in his soul-rejoicing con, And the Phaeacian chiefs sea-famed addressed anon : 53 “Wise-hearted is this stranger proved and seen. Come, let us make fit largess to our guest. Twelve chiefs there are, and, counting me, thirteen. Let each a well-washed mantle, a fair vest, Give, and a talent of pure gold the best, Together and at once, that he may go Rejoicing in his soul unto the feast; And let Euryalus some gift bestow And meet word, from whose lips unseemly speech did flow.” 54 Thereto accordant for the gifts each sent His herald, and Euryalus then spake : “Alcinous king, o’er all pre-eminent, This will I offer for the stranger’s sake. His mine own silver-hilted sword I make, And ivory sheath wherein the sword I gird, Fitting for me to give, for him to take.” Thus on Odysseus he the gift conferred, . And in the midst, him greeting, spake this winged word : 55 “ Hail, guest and father ! If were said or done Aught unbecoming, now from where we stand Let the winds whirl it in oblivion ! And thee, long grieved and friendless, from our strand Heaven render back to wife and fatherland ! ” To whom Odysseus : “ Friend, thou too thrice hail! Heaven give thee blessings with an open hand, And for this dear sword no regrets entail, Offered with welcome words mine ire to countervail! ” BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER; 135 56 . Straight he assumed the silver-hilted brand; And, the sun falling, stately heralds bring Into Alcinous’ halls the presents grand; Which soon the children of the blameless king Safe in their mother’s charge depositing Range in resplendent order. Homeward went Alcinous, all his chieftains marshalling, Who there arrived sit proudly eminent. He then the queen bespake, unveiling his intent: 57 “ Bring now, dear wife, a chest exceeding fair. Therein a well-washed robe and tunic place. Ye, kindling fire, warm water straight prepare, That, washed, and having seen these gifts’ full grace, Brought by the blameless princes of our race, He may delight himself with feast and song. / give this cup, which beauteous themes enchase, All-gold, whence he may pour, his friends among, To Zeus and all the gods, my name remembering long.” 58 . Then did Arete to her train command There on the fire huge tripod to set quick. They on the crackling wood the vessel stand, Which with bright tongues the sinuous flame doth lick. Meanwhile Arete from her chests doth pick The choicest, and range well the presents rare, Both shining gold and fine-spun raiment thick; Last, her own gift, a robe and tunic fair Laid in the chest, and thus bespake the stranger there: 59 “ Take now this lid, and deftly bind it on That none despoil thee taking thy sweet sleep In the black ship.” He at the word anon Knotted the complex cord, all fast to keep, As Circe taught him in her island-steep. Then to the warm bath him the house-dame brought, Glad in his heart; for since he sailed the deep From fair Calypso’s bowers, for ever fraught With all celestial sweets, of comfort he knew nought. 136 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 60 Him then the maidens bathe and rub with oil, And in rich robe and tunic clothe with care. He from the bath, cleansed from the dust of toil, Passed to the drinkers; and Nausicaa there Stood, moulded by the gods exceeding fair. She, on the roof-tree pillar leaning, heard Odysseus ; turning she beheld him near. Deep in her breast admiring wonder stirred, And in a low sweet voice she spake this winged word : 61 “ Hail, stranger-guest! when fatherland and wife Thou shalt revisit, then remember me, Since to me first thou owest the price of life.” And to the royal virgin answered he : “ Child of a generous sire, if willed it be By Thunderer Zeus, who all dominion hath, That I my home and dear return yet see, There at thy shrine will I devote my breath, There worship thee, dear maid, my saviour from dark death.” 62 He spake, and by Alcinous sat; but they Portioned the meat to each, and mingled wine. Then came the herald, leading on his way Beloved Demodocus, the bard divine, Whom in the middle space he made recline, Leaning on shaft magnificent and tall; Then carving a choice portion from the chine Of white-toothed boar, with fat enfolded all, Thus to the herald spake Odysseus in the hall: 63 “ Herald, take this, and bid the minstrel eat! Greet him from me. All mortals reverence pay That tribe whose voice the loving Muse made sweet, And taught their fingers on the harp to play.” Then did the herald the choice gift convey To great Demodocus, who silent smiled. They eager hands upon the banquet lay, And sate their spirit with the dainties piled. Then to the bard spake forth Laertes’ godlike child: BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 137 64 “ Demodocus, thy strain exceeds my thought Of minstrelsies ; thee first of bards I hold, Whether the Muse, the child of Zeus, thee taught, Or great Apollo did thy music mould; Since excellently well thou hast unrolled The doom of the Achaians in thy song, Their works and toils and sufferings manifold, As thou thyself hadst languished in them long, Or from eyewitness heard their sorrowings deep and strong. 6 5 “ Come now, pass over this lamented theme, And for my sake lift up thy strain and sing That Horse, Epeius’ and Athene’s scheme, And how by policy the wondrous thing Odysseus to the Acropolis did bring, Filled with the heroes who laid Ilion low. If to this story thou thy harp shalt string, And paint it truly, all I meet shall know What songs divine some god on thee deigns to bestow.” 66 Then did the god the minstrel’s heart inspire, And he the strings swept, and took up the lay Where the Achaians to their camp set fire, And in the war-ships seem to sail away; While in the Horse their chiefs in armed array Lurk with renowned Odysseus on the steep Of Ilion—by the Trojans drawn that day Clean past the bulwarks of their central keep.— These round the great bulk urge deliberation deep. 67 Three ways their counsel tended—to break through The hollow timber with the ruthless steel, Or down the rocks to hurl it out of view, Or leave it hallowed, wrath divine to heal; Which thing by destiny their doom did seal— For, so the Fates enacted, they must fall When through their gates the wooden Horse they wheel, Whence, from dark lair, should Argive heroes all Burst to wreak murderous bale on Trojans great and small. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book viii. 138 68 Anon he sang how issuing from the lair With sword and fire the guardless town they smite, While each on several way the chieftains fare; How to Deiphobus at dead of night Odysseus came, like Ares fierce in fight, With Menelaus, and did aye ensue Conquest not bloodless by Athene’s might. All this he sang. Odysseus, melted through, Sat listening while the tears his pale worn cheek bedew. 69 Even as a wife, who sees her husband die, Flings herself round him with a piteous wail, Where he the foe met in his people’s eye, And fell down, pierced, beneath their iron hail, And all to ward off wrong and bitter bale From home and fatherland and children dear; Him, when her help can now no more avail, Dying she marks and the last sob can hear; Deep in her arms she folds him; the long shriek rings clear. 70 And lo ! the foemen to her side advance, Led by the wildness of her yearning cry, Spurn the weak shoulders with the shafted lance, Unclasp her, and to doom of slavery, Alone in sorrow, weeping bitterly, Lead her—too hard in their inhuman haste !— Thenceforward in extremest agony Wrongs undeserved, the living death, to taste ; While still the thin white cheeks for ever pine and waste— 71 Wrung with like misery Odysseus shed Full many a feeling tear from eyes dark-browed, Tranced in far thought and dreaming of the dead, But kept his weeping secret from the crowd. Only Alcinous marked him, as he bowed Over his breast in pain, and evermore Traced the salt tear-drops which he fain would shroud, And, near him seated, heard him groaning sore :— He then with voice harangued those masters of the oar: BOOK VIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 139 72 “ Hear now, ye chiefs that feast within our hall, And let Demodocus his shrill-voiced lyre Stop; what he singeth is not sweet to all; For since the minstrel whom the gods inspire First from his lips let fall the hallowed fire, We all the while in silence feasting on, This stranger, veiling with his dark attire His tear-dimmed eyes, hath never ceased to groan; Haply the strain hath struck some mournful inward tone. 73 “ Cease then the song, that we may pleasure take, Both host and guest; for it is nobler so— These things are done for reverend strangers’ sake, On whom with grudgeless hand we aye bestow Safe-conduct and sweet gifts, that they may know How from a lavish soul our love we shed. For unto every man in whom doth glow One spark of kindliness in heart or head, The suppliant stranger still doth count in brother’s stead. 74 “Thou too, no longer by thy speeches fair And fine evasions fence with my request. Now is thine hour the full truth to declare. Make known, then, in what name thou art addrest By father, mother, neighbours, and the rest ; Since none, however we esteem his worth, Whether we rank him with the worst or best, Lives altogether nameless on the earth; Always the parents fix some title at the birth. 75 “Also thy people and thy land make plain, That nought the instinct of our ships delay. For unto us no pilots appertain, Rudder nor helm which other barks obey. These, ruled by reason, their own course essay Sharing men’s mind. Cities and climes they know, And through the deep sea-gorges cleaving way, Wrapt in an ambient vapour, to and fro Sail in a fearless scorn of scathe or overthrow. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book VIII. 76 “Natheless of old I heard Nausithous say, My father, how Poseidon liked not well That we send all men harmless on their way; And this old prophecy he used to tell— How on a day, while we good course impel Homeward, Poseidon should the convoy break, And hide with hills the city where we dwell— Such was the prophecy the old man spake, Whereof the god or failure or fulfilment make ! 77 “ But come now, tell me this and tell me true— Where thou hast wandered, to what lands hast gone, And of the well-built cities fair to view, And of the tribes of men whom thou hast known, Despiteful, wild, unjust, and those which own Fear of the gods and love the stranger well. Nor fail to show me why thy breast did groan, And why the dark tear from thine eyelids fell, Hearing how Danaan Argives did fair Ilion quell. 78 “Thus the gods fated, and such ruin wove, That song might flourish for posterity. Didst thou by castled Ilion lose a love, Near thee by marriage? for such ever be, Next to our own blood, dear exceedingly. Or in that field did some companion fall, One generous, brave, and good, and knit to thee ? Surely the friend whom love makes liberal Not even to a brother yields in worth at all! ” I 4 I BOOK IX. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS—THE CICONIANS, THE LOTUS- EATERS, AND THE CYCLOPS POLYPHEMUS. 1 Then said Odysseus : “ Thrice-renowned king, Sweet is it minstrelsies like these to hear, Framed by a bard who like the gods can sing. Find me a joy to human heart more dear Than is a people’s gladness, when good cheer Reigns, and all listening pause in deep delight, While in mid feast the bard his song doth rear, What time the board with all good things is dight, And for each guest the herald fills the wine-cup bright. 2 Methinks that nothing can more lovely be! But thou my soul art turning to a tale Heavy with heartache even in memory. Ah ! which then first, if I uplift the veil, Which of mv sorrows shall I last bewail ?— * AVoes in such number the celestials poured. First I my name unfold, that when from bale Resting hereafter, to my land restored, I, though far off, may greet your faces at my board. 6 I, then, Odysseus am, Laertes’ son, For all wise policies a name of fear To men; my rumour to the skies hath gone. And sunward Ithaca my country dear I boast. Hill Neritus stands waving there His green trees visible for many a mile, Centre of soils divine, which clustering near, Stars of the blue sea, round about him smile, Dulichium, Same steep, Zacynthus’ wood-crowned isle. 142 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 4 Thus lies the land high-tabled in the main Westward ; the others take the morning sun ; Rough, but a good nurse, and divine in grain Her heroes. Never can I gaze upon Land to my mind so lovely as that one, Land not to be forgotten—ay, though me Calypso in her caves would fain have won, And Circe, deep-embowered within the sea, Held me with artful wiles her own true love to be. 5 Never could these the inward heart persuade, Never make sweet the cold unfaithfulness. More than all pleasures that were ever made Parents and fatherland our life still bless. Though we rich home in a strange land possess, Still the old memories about us cling. But hear, while I the bitter woes express, Which, as from Troia I my comrades bring, Zeus, the Olympian Sire, around my life did fling. 6 Me winds to Ismarus from Ilion bear, To the Ciconians. I their town lay waste, And wives and wealth with my companions share, That none for me might sail away disgraced. Anon I urged them with quick feet to haste Their flight, but they, infatuate fools, forbore— There the red wine they ever dreaming taste, While carcasses of sheep lie many a score, And trading-footed beeves, slain, on the barren shore. 7 But all this while, on other works intent, Loudly the Cicons to the Cicons call, Who more and braver hold the continent. These both from horseback cope with heroes tall, Or foot to foot can make their foemen fall. Wrapt in the morning mist they loom in view, Thick as the leaves and flowers ambrosial, Children of Spring. Onward the dark fate drew, Big with the woes which Zeus had destined for our due. BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. H3 S Hard by the swift ships, each in ordered line, With steely spears the battle they darrayne. While toward the zenith clomb the day divine, We, though much fewer, their assault sustain. But when toward loosing of the plough did wane The slanting sun, then the Ciconian host Turned us to flight along the shadowy plain. Six of our comrades from each ship were lost, But we the rest fled safely from the Thracian coast. 9 Then on our course we sail, distressed in heart, Glad of our lives, yet grieving for the dead ; Natheless we list not from that shore depart, Ere thrice with cries we hailed each fallen head Of those whose blood the fierce Ciconians shed In the wide plain. Ere yet we ceased to weep, Zeus on our fleet the rage of Boreas dread Launched, and with black clouds veiled the earth and deep, While the dark Night came rushing from heaven’s stormy steep. 10 Headlong the ships were driven with tattered sails. These having furled we drave our keels ashore, Fearing destruction from the raving gales. Two nights and days we eating our heart’s core Lay till the third light beauteous Dawn upbore; Then we the masts plant, and the white sails spread, And sitting lean to the laborious oar. Wind and good pilotage the brave barks sped; Soon had I scatheless seen my native earth ahead, 11 But me the current and fell Boreas whirled, Doubling Malea’s cape, and far astray Beyond the rude cliffs of Cythera hurled. So for nine days along the watery way, Teeming with monsters, me the winds affray And with destruction ever seem to whelm : But, on the afternoon of the tenth day, We reached, borne downward with an easy helm, Land of the flowery food, the Lotus-eating realm. 144 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 12 Anon we step forth on the dear mainland, And draw fresh water from the springs, and there, Seated at ease along the silent strand, Not far from the swift ships our meal prepare. Soon having tasted of the welcome fare, I with the herald brave companions twain Sent to explore what manner of men they were, Who, on the green earth couched beside the main, Seemed ever with sweet food their lips to entertain. 13 Who, when they came on the delightful place Where those sat feeding by the barren wave, There mingled with the Lotus-eating race; Who nought of ruin for our comrades brave Dreamed in their minds, but of the Lotus gave; And whoso tasted of their flowery meat Cared not with tidings to return, but clave Fast to that tribe, for ever fain to eat, Reckless of home-return, the tender Lotus sweet. 14 These sorely weeping by main strength we bore Back to the hollow ships with all our speed, And thrust them bound with cords upon the floor, Under the benches: then the rest I lead On board and bid them to the work give heed, Lest others, eating of the Lotus, yearn Always to linger in that land, and feed, Careless for ever of the home-return : Then, bending to their oars, the foamy deep they spurn. !5 Thence we sailed onward overwhelmed in heart, And to the land of the Cyclopes came, An undiscerning people, void of art In life, and tramplers on the sacred claim Of laws which men for civil uses frame. Scorners of common weal no bounds they keep, Nor learn with labours the rude earth to tame; Who neither plant nor plough nor sow nor reap; Still in the gods they trust, still careless wake and sleep. BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 145 16 There all good fruits on the spontaneous soil Fed by the rain of Zeus for ever grow; Unsown, untended, corn and wine and oil Spring to their hand; but they no councils know Nor justice, but for ever lawless go. Housed in the hills they neither buy nor sell, No kindly offices demand or show; Each in the hollow cave where he doth dwell Gives law to wife and children, as he thinketh well. 17 Skirting their harbour, neither near nor far, A little island lies, with forest crowned, Wherein wild goats in countless numbers are; Since there no track of mortal men is found Who hunt in hardship over mountain ground, And never plough hath pierced the woodland glen. Unvisited it lies the whole year round. None their tame flocks amid those pastures pen, Feeding wild goats, and widowed of the race of men. 18 Not to Cyclopian brood doth appertain Skill in the seas, or vermeil-painted fleet Of barks, which, sailing o’er the azure main, Pass and repass wherever seemeth meet, And all the covenants of men complete; Nor have they shipwrights who might build them such; Else would they soon have colonized this seat. Not worthless is it, but at human touch Would take the seasons well, and yield exceeding much. 19 Fast by the margin of the hoary deep Lie soft well-watered meadows. There the vine Would bloom for ever. If to plough and reap, Observant of the hours, one’s heart incline, Black with fertility the soil doth shine. Smooth is the haven, nor is need at all Of anchor, cable, and shore-fastened line. Floating in shelter of that firm sea-wall Sailors at will may wait till prosperous breezes call. K 146 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 20 There a white waterfall beneath the cave Springs forth, and flashes at the haven-head ; Round it the whispering alders darkly wave. Thitherward sailing through the night we sped, Yea, some divinity the swift ships led Through glooms not pierceable by power of eye. Round us the deep night-air swung listless, dead; Nor moon nor stars looked down from the wide sky, Hid by the gross cloud-curtain brooding heavily. 21 No mariner beheld the nearing strand, Helmsman expert or wielder of the oar, Nor marked the long waves rolling on the land. Still with a steady prow we onward bore Till the keels grated on the shelving shore. Then we the sails take down, and, past the line Of ripple, landing from the waters hoar, Along the margin of the deep recline, And sound-asleep wait dreaming for the Dawn divine. 22 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, Child of the mist, we wondering rose apace The beauteous island to explore anon. And lo ! the Nymphs inhabiting the place Stirred in our sight the creatures of the chase, That so my comrades might have food to eat. Straight to the ships for bows and spears we race, And, parted in three bands, the thickets beat; Soon did the god vouchsafe large spoil exceeding sweet. 2 3 Me twelve ships followed, and for each we won Nine goats; but for myself I chose out ten. Thus all day long, till falling of the sun, We sat there feasting in the hollow glen ; Cheerly I ween the red wine circled then ; Since of the liquor there remained much more Sealed safely in the ships ; for when our men Sacked the Ciconian citadel, good store Of wine in earthen vessels to our fleet they bore. BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 147 24 And on the land of the Cyclopes near We looked, and saw their smoke, and heard their hum. Also the bleatings of their flocks we hear, Till the ambrosial Night made all things dumb. But when the rosy-fingered Dawn was come, I called my friends, and said : ‘ Stay ye the rest, While I go forward to explore with some, Mine own ship’s crew, what folk this shore infest, Despiteful, wild, unjust, or of a gentle breast.’ 2 5 Forthwith I march on board, and bid my crew With me their captain the tall bark ascend, And the stern-cables vigorously undo. They to their several tasks with zeal attend ; Then, sitting, to the oars’ long sweep they bend, And smite in unison the billows hoar. Right quickly to the continent we wend; And lo ! a huge deep cave our eyes before, Shaded about with laurels, very near the shore. 26 And all around the flocks and herds recline, Parked by a rough-hewn fence of mountain stone, All overhung with oak and towery pine. There dwelt the monstrous keeper all alone, Who in his breast no kindred ties did own, But, far apart, ungodly ways pursued; Sight not resembling human flesh and bone, But like a mountain-column, crowned with wood, Reigning above the hills in awful solitude. 2 7 Then of my comrades I the rest command To guard the well-benched ship, remaining there, But I the while with my twelve bravest land, And of dark wine an ample goatskin bear, Which Maron, venerable priest and seer Of lord Apollo, the divine defence Of Ismarus, because we held him dear, Son of Euanthes, gave us to take thence, Whom with his wife and child we saved in reverence. 148 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 28 Deep-foliaged grove his dwelling doth enfold, Phoebus Apollo’s, who there keeps his shrine. Rich gifts he gave me—talents seven of gold Which curiously was wrought and well did shine, And bowl of silver, and twelve jars of wine, Which in his halls lay hidden out of view, Mellow with age, unmingled, sweet, divine ; Known but to him the priest and other two, His wife and chief house-dame, of all his retinue. 29 When they the red wine drank, he filled one cup, Which when in twenty measures he did pour Of water, and the scent divine rose up, ’Twere hard to hold one’s cravings any more. Thereof a goatskin filled I with me bore, And in a wallet did provision crowd, For my brave heart at once foreboded sore How I a man should meet, unpitying, proud, Lawless and void of right, with giant strength endowed. 3 ° Soon to the cave we came, nor him there found, Who ’mid the pastures with his flocks did stay. We then the crates admire with cheeses crowned, And the pens, packed with kids and lambs, survey Where in his place each kind distinguished lay. Here rest the firstlings, there the middle-born, And further on the yeanlings. Brimmed with whey Pails, ranged in ordered rank, the walls adorn— Wherein his flocks he wont to milk at eve and morn. 3i With strong persuasion me my friends besought To steal some cheeses, and return with haste To the swift ship, and thither having brought Both kids and fat lambs, from their pens displaced, Sailing to vanish o’er the watery waste. I to our loss would not persuaded be, Wishing to see him and his cheer to taste, If chance he lend me hospitality— Alas 1 to my poor friends no welcome host proved he ! BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 149 32 We then for holy offerings kindle flame, Eat of the cheeses, and till eventide Wait. Then with flocks and herds the Cyclops came Bearing a mighty pile of pinewood dried, Wherewith his evening meal might be supplied. Down with a crash he cast it in the cave; We to the deep recess ran terrified. Anon his flocks within the walls he drave, But to the males a place without the courtyard gave. 33 Forthwith a rock stupendous with his hands He lifted, and athwart the entrance flung. Firm-rooted o’er the cave’s deep mouth it stands. Not two-and-twenty waggons, four-wheeled, strong, Ever could move the mighty bulk along. Then sat he down and milked each teeming ewe And she-goat, and anon their eager young Under the dams disposed in order due; And all the while thick bleatings rang the wide cave through. 34 Half the white milk he curdled, and laid up On crates of woven wicker-work with care; And half he set aside in bowl and cup To stand in readiness for use, whene’er Thirst should invite, and for his evening fare. Thus he his tasks right busily essayed, And at the last a red flame kindled there; And, while the firelight o’er the cavern played, Us crouching he espied, and speedy question made. 35 { Strangers, who are ye ? from what strand unknown Sail ye the watery ways ? After some star Of purpose, or on random courses blown Range ye like pirates, whom no perils bar, Who risk their own lives other men to mar ? ’ So made he question, and our dear heart brake, Scared at the dread voice searching near and far, The rough rude accent, and the monstrous make. Natheless, though sore cast down, I thus responding spake : THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX 150 36 ‘We sons of Argos, while from Troy we keep Straight homeward, driven by many storms astray, Over the wide abysses of the deep, Chance on another course, a different way. Haply such doom upon us Zeus doth lay. Also of Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, Soldiers we are, and his command obey Whose name rings loudest underneath the sun, City so vast he sacked, such people hath undone. 37 ‘So in our wanderings to thy knees we come If thou the boon of hospitality Wouldst furnish to our wants, or render some Of those sweet offices which none deny To strangers. Thou at least the gods on high Respect, most noble one ! for theirs are we, Who now poor suppliants on thy help rely; Chiefly revere our guardian Zeus, for he Avenger of all such is ever wont to be ! ’ 33 So did I speak : he ruthlessly replied : ‘ O fool, or new from some outlandish place, Who by the fear of gods hast me defied ! What then is Zeus to the Cyclopian race, Matched with whose strength the blessed gods are base ? Save that I choose to spare your heads, I trow Zeus will not much avail you in this case. But tell me where your good ship ye bestow, At the land’s end or near, that I the truth may know.’ 39 Thus spake he, urging trial of our state, Nor caught me, in experience manifold Well versed. With crafty words I answered straight: ‘ Mighty Poseidon, who the earth doth hold, Near the far limits which your land enfold, On the sharp rocks our vessel did impel. Thither a great wind from the deep us rolled. I with these comrades from the yawning hell Of waters have alone escaped, the tale to tell.’ BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 151 40 He nought replied, but of my comrades twain Seized, and like dog-whelps on the cavern-floor Dashed them : the wet ground steamed with blood and brain. Straight in his ravin limb from limb he tore Fierce as a lion, and left nothing o’er; Flesh, entrails, marrowy bones of men just killed, Gorging. To Zeus our hands, bemoaning sore, We raised in horror, while his maw he filled, And human meat devoured, and milk in rivers swilled. 41 After his meal he lay down with the sheep. I, at the first, was minded to go near, And in his .liver slake my drawn sword deep; But soon another mind made me forbear; For so should we have gained destruction sheer, Since never from the doorway could we move With all our strength the stone which he set there. We all night long with groans our anguish prove, Till rosy-fingered Dawn shone forth in heaven above. 42 At dawn .a fire he kindled in the cave, And milked the famous flocks in order due, And to each mother her young suckling gave. But when the morning tasks were all gone through, He, of my wretched comrades seizing two, Gorged breakfast as became his savage taste, And with the fat flocks from the cave withdrew. Moved he the stone, and set it back with haste, Lightly as on some quiver he the lid replaced; 43 Then toward the mountain turned with noise; but I Sat brooding on revenge, and made my prayer To Pallas, and resolved this scheme to try: For a huge club beside the sheepfold there, Green olive-wood, lay drying in his lair, Cut for a staff to serve him out of doors, Which we admiring to the mast compare Of some wide merchantman with twenty oars, Which the divine abysses of the deep explores. 152 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 44 Therefrom I severed as it were an ell, And bade my comrades make it smooth and round. Then to a tapering spire I shaped it well, And the green timber in the flame embrowned For hardness; and, where dung did most abound, Deep in the cave the pointed stake concealed. Anon my comrades cast their lots all round, Which should with me the fiery weapon wield, And twirl it in his eye while sleep his huge strength sealed. 45 Then were four chosen—even the very same Whom I myself should have picked out to be My comrades in the work—and me they name The fifth, their captain. In the evening he Came, shepherding his flocks in due degree, Home from the hills, and all his fleecy rout Into the wide cave urged imperiously, Nor left one loiterer in the space without, Whether from God so minded, or his own dark doubt. 46 Soon with the great stone he blocked up the cave, And milked the bleating flocks in order due, And to each mother her young suckling gave. But when the evening tasks were all gone through, He of my wretched comrades seizing two Straight on the horrible repast did sup. Then I myself near to the Cyclops drew, And, holding in my hands an ivy cup Brimmed with the dark-red wine, took courage and spake up: 47 1 Cyclops, take wine, and drink after thy meal Consumed of human flesh, that thou mayst know The kind of liquor wherein we sailors deal. This a drink-offering have I brought, that so Thou mightest pity me and let me go Safe homeward. Thou alas ! with fury extreme Art raving, and thy fierceness doth outgrow All bounds of reason. How then dost thou dream Others will seek thy place, who dost so ruthless seem ? * BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 153 48 He then received and drank and loudly cried Rejoicing: ‘ Give me, give me more, and tell Thy name, that some good boon I may provide. True, the rich earth where the Cyclopes dwell, Fed by the rain of Zeus, in wine doth well, — But this is nectar, pure ambrosia’s soul.’ So spake he. Thrice I gave the fatal spell; Thrice in his foolishness he quaffed the whole. Then said I, while his brain with the curling fumes did roll: 49 ‘ Cyclops, thou askest me my name renowned — Now will I make it known; nor thou withhold That boon whereto thy solemn troth is bound — Hear then; my name is Noman. From of old My father, mother, these my comrades bold, Give me this title.’ So I spake, and he Answered at once with mind of ruthless mould : ‘This shall fit largess unto Noman be— Last, after all thy peers, I promise to eat thee.’ 5° Therewith his head fell and he lay supine, Tamed by the stroke of all-subduing sleep ; And the vast neck heaved, while rejected wine And morsels of men’s flesh in spasms did leap Forth from his throat. Then did I rise, and deep In the live embers hid the pointed stake, Urging my comrades a good heart to keep. Soon the green olive-wood the fire did bake; Then all a-glow with sparkles I the red brand take. 5 1 Round me my comrades wait. The gods inbreathe Fierce ardour. I11 his eye we thrust the brand, I twirling from above and they beneath. As when a shipwright at his work doth stand Boring ship-timber, and on either hand His fellows, kneeling at their toil below, Whirl the swift auger with a leathern band For ever;—we the weapon keep whirling so, While round the fiery point red blood doth bubbling flow. 154 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 52 And from the burning eyeball the fierce steam Singed all his brows, and the deep roots of sight Crackled with fire. As when in the cold stream Some smith the axe untempered, fiery-white, Dips hissing; for thence comes the iron’s might; So did his eye hiss, and he roared again. Loudly the vault rebellowed. We in flight Rushed diverse. He the stake wrenched forth amain, Soaked in the crimson gore, and hurled it mad with pain ; 53 Then, bursting forth into a mighty yell, Called the Cyclopes, who in cave and lair ’Mid the deep glens and windy hill-tops dwell. They, trooping to the shriek from far and near, Ask from without what ails him : ‘ In what fear Or trouble, Polyphemus, dost thou cry Through night ambrosial, and our slumbers scare? Thee of thy flocks doth mortal violently Despoil, or strive to kill by strength or treachery ? 5 54 And frenzied Polyphemus from the cave This answer in his pain with shrieks out-threw : ‘Never by strength, my friends, or courage brave ! Noman by treachery doth me subdue.’ Whereto his fellows winged words renew : ‘ Good sooth ! if no man work thee injury, But in thy lone resort this sickness grew, The hand of Zeus is not to be put by— Go, then, in filial prayer to king Poseidon cry.’ 55 So they retiring; and I laughed in heart, To find the shrewd illusion working well. But the dread Cyclops over every part Groped eyeless with wild hands, in anguish fell, Rolled back the massive mouthstone from the cell, And in the door sat waving everywhere His lightless arms, to capture or repel Any forth venturing with his flocks to fare— Dreaming to deal with one of all good prudence bare. BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 56 Seeking deliverance ’mid these dangers rife, So deadly-near the mighty evil pressed, All thoughts I weave as one that weaves for life, All kinds of scheming in my spirit test; And this of various counsels seemed the best. Fat rams there were, with goodly fleeces dight Of violet-tinted wool. These breast to breast I silent link with osiers twisted tight, Whereon the ill-minded Cyclops used to sleep at night. 57 By threes I linked them, and each middle one Carried a man : one walked on either side : Such was our plan the monster’s rage to shun; And thus three rams for each man we provide. But I, choosing a beast than all beside Fairer, in length more large and strength of spine, Under his belly in the woolly hide Clinging with both hands resolutely recline; And thus, groaning in soul, we wait the Dawn divine. 58 But with the rosy-fingered Morn troop thence The fat rams toward their pastures eagerly, While bleat the unmilked ewes with udders tense, Distressful. So their lord, while each went by, Feeling their backs with many a bitter sigh, Dreamed not that we clung bound beneath the breast. Last came the great ram, trailing heavily Me and his wool, with cumbrous weight oppressed. Him mighty Polyphemus handling thus addressed : 59 ‘ Ah ! mine own fondling, why dost linger now So late?—far other wast thou known of old. With lordly steps the flowery pastures thou First ever seekest, and the waters cold, First too at eve returnest to the fold.— Now last of all—dost thou thy master’s eye Bewail, whose dear orb, when I sank controlled With wine, this Noman vile with infamy, Backed by his rascal crew, hath darkened treacherously ? iS6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 60 ‘ Whom let not vaunt himself escaped this debt, Nor think me quenched and poor and powerless; Vengeance may chance to overtake him yet. O hadst thou mind like mine, and couldst address Thy master, and the secret lair confess Wherein my wrath he shuns, then should his brain Dashed on the earth with hideous stamp impress Pavement and wall, appeasing the fell pain Which from this Noman-traitor nothing-worth I drain ! ’ 61 Thus spake he, and the great ram from his doors Dismissed. A little outward from the cave Borne with the flock we passed, and left his floors Blood-stained behind, escaping a dire grave. First mine own bands I loosened, and then gave My friends their freedom : but the slow fat sheep, Lengthily winding, to the ship we drave. Joy stirred within our comrades strong and deep, Glad of our help from doom, though forced the slain to weep. 62 Natheless their lamentations I made cease, And with bent brows gave signal not to wail; But with all haste the flock so fine of fleece Bade them on shipboard set, and forward sail. So they the canvass open to the gale And with timed oarage smite the foamy mere. Soon from such distance as the voice might hail A landsman, and by shouting make him hear, I to the Cyclops shrilled with scorn and cutting jeer: 63 ‘ Cyclops, you thought to eat a poor man’s friends Here in your cavern by sheer brutal might. Go to : rough vengeance on thy crime attends; Since, in thy soul not reverencing the right, Thy guests thou hast devoured in foul despite, Even on thine own hearth. Therefore Zeus at last And all the gods thine evil deeds requite.’ So did I blow wind on his anger’s blast. He a hill-peak tore off, and the huge fragment cast BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 157 64 Just o’er the blue-prowed ship. As the mass fell, Heaved in a stormy tumult the great main, Bearing us landward on the refluent swell. I a long barge-pole seize and strive and strain To work our vessel toward the deep again, Still beckoning to my crew to ply the oar; Who stoop to the strong toil and pull right fain To twice the former distance from the shore. Then stood I forth to hail the Cyclops yet once more. 6 5 Me then my friends with dear dissuasions tire On all sides, one and other. c Desperate one ! Why wilt thou to a wild man’s wrath add Are? Hardly but now did we destruction shun, So nigh that hurling had our bark undone. Yea, let a movement of the mouth but show Where through the billows from his rage we run, And he with heads will strew the dark sea-flow, And break our timber decks—so mightily doth he throw.’ 66 So spake they, but so speaking could not turn My breast large-hearted; and again I sent Accents of wrath, his inmost soul to burn : ‘ Cyclops, if mortal man hereafter, bent To know the story of this strange event, Should of thy hideous blindness make demand, Asking whence came this dire disfigurement, Name thou Laertes-born Odysseus’ hand, Waster of walls, who dwells in Ithaca’s rough land.’ 67 Then did he groaning in these words reply: ‘ Gods ! the old oracles upon me break— That warning of the antique prophecy Which Telemus Eurymides once spake— Skilled seer, who on our hills did auguries take, And waxed in years amid Cyclopian race. Of all these things did he foreshadowings make, And well proclaimed my pitiable case, And how this lightless brow Odysseus should deface. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book IX. 158 68 ‘ But always I some great and beauteous man Expected, one in awful strength arrayed, So to assail me as the legend ran. Now one unworthy by unworthy aid Doth blind me helpless, and with wine waylaid, And all-to strengthless doth surpass the strong. But come, Odysseus, let respect be paid To thee my guest, and thou shalt sail ere long, By the Earth-shaker wafted, free from scathe and wrong. 69 * His child am I, my sire he boasts to be, Who if he will, none else of mortal seed Or of the blest, can heal my wound.’ Thus he : But I made answer: ‘Now in very deed I would to heaven this right arm might succeed So surely in thy death, as I am sure That not Poseidon even, at thy need, Thee of thine eyelessness hath power to cure. Know well thy fatal hurt for ever shall endure.’ 70 Then to the king Poseidon he made prayer, Lifting his hand up to the starry sky: ‘ Hear now, great monarch of the raven hair; Holder of earth, Poseidon, hear my cry, If thou my father art indeed, and I Thy child ! Or ever he the way fulfil, Make thou Laertes-born Odysseus die, Waster of walls ! or should the high Fates will That friends and home he see, then lone and late and ill 7 1 ‘ Let him return on board a foreign ship, And in his house find evil! ’ Thus he prayed With hand uplifted and indignant lip ; And the dark-haired one heeded what he said. He then his hand upon a great stone laid, Larger by far than that he hurled before, And the huge mass in booming flight obeyed The measureless impulse, and right onward bore, There ’twixt the blue-pro wed bark descending and the shore, BOOK IX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 159 7 2 Just short of ruin ; and the foaming wave Whitened in boiling eddies where it fell, And rolling toward the isle our vessel drave, Tossed on the mane of that tumultuous swell. There found we all our fleet defended well, And comrades sorrow-laden on the sand, Hoping if yet, past hope, the seas impel Their long-lost friends to the forsaken strand— Grated our keel ashore;- we hurrying leap on land. 73 Straight from the hollow bark our prize we share, That none might portionless come off. To me The ram for my great guerdon then and there My well-greaved comrades gave in courtesy; Which I to Zeus, supreme in majesty, Killed on the shore, and burned the thighs with fire : But to mine offering little heed gave he ; Since deep within his heart the cloud-wrapt Sire Against both friends and fleet sat musing deathful ire. 74 So till the sun fell did we drink and eat, And all night long beside the billows lay, Till blushed the hills ’neath morning’s rosy feet; Then did I bid my friends, with break of day, Loosen the hawsers, and each bark array; Who take the benches and the whitening main Cleave with the sounding oars, and sail away. So from the isle we part, not void of pain, Right glad of our own lives, but grieving for the slain. i6i BOOK X. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS CONTINUED—.EOLUS, THE LiESTRYGONIANS, CIRCE. 1 So to ZEolia came we on, where dwelt Hollis, god-loved child of Hippotas. All round the island stretched a lucid belt, Based on the sheer rock, a long mount of brass. There his twelve children the sweet seasons pass, Six sons, six daughters, (each hath wedded one), And evermore lies piled a fragrant mass Of dainties on the board from sun to sun, While with their mother dear and sire they still feast on. 2 Round the fair court the steamy halls all day Murmur. At night within his wife’s embrace Each on elaborate couch of fine array Sleeps. We came down unto their beauteous place ; And a whole month with feast and courtly grace He, the king, loved me, and did ask me there Of Ilion and the ships and Argive race, How they sailed homeward. These things I declare In full, and convoy ask that I may home repair. n o He, not at all refusing, stripped the hide Of a nine-seasoned steer, and gave it me. Therein the courses of the winds he tied, He their one keeper by the Sire’s decree, At will to quench and raise by land or sea. So with a silver cord he bound them fast, Escapeless; only Zephyr he left free, To waft us home. Far otherwise at last [passed. Chanced! Through our own vain will to bitter doom we L THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book X. 162 4 Nine days and nights we sailed; the tenth revealed, Hard by, the dear rocks of our native strand; Yea, we saw men tend fires amid the field. Then sweet sleep came upon me, for my hand, Trustless of other, set the helm for land, O’er-wearied, hoping to deliver us. Then spake in whispers my unfaithful band, How I much gold and silver carried thus From child of Hippotas, large-hearted FEolus. 5 ‘Ye Gods F quoth they, ‘how loved beyond all price, Wherever he resort, this man doth seem ! Huge plunder, curious works of rich device, Brings he from Troy, and doth with treasures teem. We, who an equal freight of ills extreme Have suffered, empty-handed take our way. Come (for he slumbers in oblivious dream), This gold and silver, his peculiar prey Tied up, the god’s love-gift, now haste we to essay!’ 6 Thus, their ill thought prevailing, they untied The skin—whom straight the battling tempests bore Far from their country o’er the ocean wide, Weeping. Half-stunned with the tumultuous roar I, scared from slumber, sat debating sore Whether to die beneath the rolling heap Of waters, or bear life a little more. Soon to a dark lair muffled-mute I creep, [deep. And brood there, while the barks drive headlong through the 7 Back to FEolia groaning we descend, There disembark, draw water, drink and eat. Soon with the herald and one else I wend On toward the house, the king of winds to greet. Him with his wife and children couched at meat We found within his halls magnificent. There entering, on the ground we take our seat Hard by the doors, as from some dire event. Then all with one accord spake, wondering what it meant. BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 8 ‘ Whence comest thou, Odysseus ? what bad fate Lays hold upon thee ? Surely, with due care, Armed with each means, we sent thee hence of late, To fatherland and home, and wheresoe’er Thy mind incline thee through the seas to fare.’ I grieving : ‘ Faithless friends my doom have wrought And sleep pernicious. O the loss repair, For ye are able ! ’ Wrapt in silent thought Paused they awhile, till he, the sire, this answer brought: 9 ‘ Out and avaunt, thou worst of souls alive ! How can I cherish, or dismiss with love, One whom the blessed gods will not let thrive ? Hence ! Thou art hated by the powers above ! ’ So did he make me from his halls remove Deep-groaning; and thenceforward on our way In sorrow through the briny seas we drove. Then did the men’s hearts fail them night and day, Tired with the grievous oar, while guideless far we stray. 10 So for six days and nights we laboured on; But with the seventh unto Lamos drew, And the wide-gated Leestrygonian town, Where shepherd calls to shepherd, entering through The portals, and the other makes answer due. There might one sleepless earn a double wage, Tending white flocks and horned oxen too, Since in that region, rich in pasturage, . Night with the day doth move, and measure equal stage. #■ 11 There came we to the rock-surrounded bay Whence fronting headlands at the mouth outrun, Leaving a little narrow entrance-way, Wherethrough they drive the vessels one by one, And in the hollow haven bind them down, Each near to each; since wave nor great nor small Ruffles the silver surface. I alone Guarded my black ship far aloof from all, Bound to the outer cliff, to wait what should befal. 164 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book X 12 So to a rocky outlook; whence appear Nor works of men nor oxen ; but we see Vapour of smoke up-rolling through the air. Forthwith I send the herald, chief of three, First to find out what manner of men they be, There feeding. These a track, worn deep and brown With timber-laden wains, selecting, see Child of the Laestrygonian coming down To fair Artacia’s well for water from the town, 13 And, standing near, accost her and inquire Who of that land may wield the sovran right. She then the high-roofed mansion of her sire Points, and the pathway to his portals bright. They entering find his wife, a loathly sight, Large as a mountain-column, keeping ward. She toward the marketplace with all her might Screams for xYntiphates her noble lord; AVho came, and, seizing one, prepared his meal abhorred. Straight rushed the twain unto the ships in flight, He through the city raising hue and cry; While Laestrygonians to the left and right $ Trooped forth in thousands, not to human eye Like men, but giants. There they hurled on high Handfuls of rock against our ships, and lo ! Shrieks, as of wounded seamen ere they die, Passed, and the crash of timbers, to and fro. Spearing our friends, like fish, their bloody spoil they stow. 15 While these were dying in the haven deep, I my sharp sword unsheathing from my side Severed the cord that linked us to the steep, And stern and loud to my companions cried, Swift with their oars the dark waves to divide, And rush from ruin sounding in our rear; Who straight with one accord their task well plied, Till the glad vessel of the cliffs ran clear; But all the rest lay whelmed in one destruction sheer. BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 165 16 Thence we sail onwards, overwhelmed with pain, Glad of our lives yet grieving for the dead, And to the isle HCsea safe attain, Where dwelt the bright-haired Circe, goddess dread, Voiced like a mortal; from the self-same bed Sprung with Hietes, of the luminous Sun, By Perse, Ocean’s child. We, onward led, Thither by guidance of some god came down, And the commodious haven in calm silence won. 17 Eating our hearts two days and nights we lay. When the Dawn shining-haired the third light brought, With spear and sword I took my lonely way Forth from the ship, intent on mine own thought, And on the cliffs commanding outlook sought, If human works I might discern, or hear Murmur ascend, with mortal language fraught. Then marked I, o’er the greenwood rising clear, Smoke from the wide-wayed earth by Circe’s halls appear. 18 Gazing, in soul I doubted to inquire What this might mean ; but seemed it at the last Best to my bark and comrades to retire, And send forth others, after due repast. So as I moved on toward the ocean vast, Some god, compassioning my poor estate, Showed full in front an antlered hart, that passed Down from the deep glades, for the heat was great, There in the river-streams his fever to abate. !9 Him through the middle chine as forth he came I with my spear smote, and the iron head Clave the moist bone, so deadly was the aim. Low in the dust he moaned; his spirit fled. I on the carcase plant my lusty tread, And tug the weapon from the wound. Anon Twisting some tough green withs, the monster dread I fasten foot to foot, and so pass on, And to the black ship bear the prize my hand had won. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book i 66 20 Slung round my neck I bare the load, and went Leaning with labour on my shafted spear, Such was the beast’s vast volume. Soon, half-spent, I cast it by the ship, and standing near Called to my crew, each several heart to cheer: ‘ Friends, for not yet until the fated day Shall we go down, whatever woes appear, To Hades, eat and drink while yet ye may, Nor let the fangs of famine waste our lives away.’ 21 They at my voice the sunlight and cool sands Seek heart-renewed, and on the mighty beast Slake their mute wonder, and then wash their hands, And all day long partake the glorious feast Till the sun fell and their desire had ceased; Then, wrapt in silence under Night’s dark pall, Sleep, till their heavy eyelids Dawn released. Straight a full council of my friends I call, There on the barren beach, and thus harangue thtm all: 22 1 Hear now my words, though many griefs ye feel! For now we know not which is East or West, Nor where the Sun, the world’s great lamp, shall wheel Downward, or issue from his couch of rest. Come let us shape, my friends, within our breast Some counsel—yet no hope doth seem of ease ; For, when I gazed from yonder cliff’s tall crest, I found an isle zoned in with boundless seas, And with mine eyes beheld smoke curling through the trees. 23 Therewith I ended : ere my speech was o’er Their dear heart brake for very load of woe, Calling to memory the anguish sore Which from the Laestrygonians late did flow, And from the fury of the Cyclops grow, Eater of men. So were they fain to steep Their eyes, and weather-beaten cheeks below, With salt tears, lifting up their voice to weep ; Natheless there came no help from lamentations deep. BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 167 24 Then in two bands I numbered all my train, Each with its chief. One to myself I took; One did to fair Eurylochus pertain. Then we the lots in steely helmet shook, And his leapt forth; nor he the work forsook, But passed with twain-and-twenty ranged around, Weeping; we after them yearned many a look Weeping. So in the woods the house they found Of Circe, stone well-hewn, and on conspicuous ground. 2 5 Wolves of the mountain all around the way, And lions, softened by the spells divine, As each her philters had partaken, lay. These cluster round the men’s advancing line Fawning like dogs, who, when their lord doth dine, Wait till he issues from the banquet-hall, And for the choice gifts which his hands assign Fawn, for he ne’er forgets them—so these all Fawn on our friends, whom much the unwonted sights appal. 26 Soon at her vestibule they pause, and hear A voice of singing from a lovely place, Where Circe weaves her great web year by year, So shining, slender, and instinct with grace, As weave the daughters of immortal race. Then said Polites, nearest, first in worth Of all my friends : 4 Hark ! through the echoing space Floats a sweet music charming air and earth ! Call! for some goddess bright or woman gave it birth.’ 2 7 Thus spake he, and they lifted up their voice And called her. She*the brilliant doors anon Unfolding bade them in her halls rejoice; Who entered in not knowing, save alone Eurylochus, misdoubting fraud. Full soon Benches and chairs in fair array she set, And mixing meal and honey, poured thereon Strong Pramnian wine, and with the food they ate Beat up her baleful drugs, to make them quite forget THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book X. 168 28 Their country. They receiving drank, unwise. Forthwith she smote them with her wand divine, And drave them out, and shut them close in styes, Where they the head, voice, form, and hair of swine Took, but the heart stayed sane, as ere the wine Confused them ; they thus to their lairs retreat; She food, whereon the brutish herd might dine, Furnished, mast, acorns, their familiar meat, Such as earth-grovelling swine are ever wont to eat. 29 Then sought Eurylochus the swift black ship, The bitter fortune of his friends to tell; Nor, when he came there, could he stir a lip, Nor the thing show that in his soul did swell. Tongueless he stood, heart-wounded, weak to quell The agony within; a dark dumb rain Of weeping ever from his eyelids fell; Much did we wonder and inquire his pain, Till words at last he found his anguish to make plain. 30 ‘Searching as thou, Odysseus, didst command, We a fair palace in the woodland gain, Where one that plied the distaff with her hand Sang sweet—divine or mortal. Then my train Called her, and she, the brilliant portals twain Unfolding, bade them to her halls; but I, Doubtful of guile, without the doors remain. There all the rest are vanished utterly; Sitting long time I watched; not one could I descry/ 31 Forthwith my silver-hilted sword I take, Arrows and bow, and bid him go before; But he with both hands clasped my knees, and spake Accents of winged words, bewailing sore : ‘ Force me not, hero, to that hated door ! Drag-me not hence to perish ! for I know Thou and thy comrades will return no more. Rather with these right quickly let us go, And save our souls through flight, and shun the evil woe.’ BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 169 32 But I: £ Eurylochus, abide thou here Fast by the hollow ship, and drink and eat; But I will hence. Necessity severe Constrains me.’ Thus I passing turned my feet On through the glens for the divine retreat Of Circe; and a youth, in form and mould Fair as when tender manhood seems most sweet, Beautiful Hermes, with the wand of gold, Met me alone and there my hand in his did fold. 33 £ Whither , 5 he said, 1 wouldst thou thy steps incline, Ah ! hapless, all unweeting of thy way? Thy friends lie huddling in their styes like swine; And these wouldst thou deliver? I tell thee nay— Except I help thee, thou with them shalt stay. Come, take this talisman to Circe’s hall, For I will save thee from thine ills this day, Nor leave like ruin on thy life to fall, Since her pernicious wiles I now will tell thee all. 34 £ Drink will she mix, and in thy food will charm Drugs, but in vain, because I give thee now This antidote beyond her power of harm. When she shall smite thee with her wand, do thou Draw thy sharp sword, and fierce design avow To slay her. She will bid thee to her bed, Fearing thy lifted arm and threatening brow. Nor thou refuse, that so her heart be led To loose thy luckless friends, and on thee kindness shed. 35 £ But by the grand oath of immortals blest First bind her, ere thou yield, that she no wrong Scheme for thy ruin in her secret breast, Lest, naked and unmanned, thou linger long Pent in vile durance with her swinish throng . 5 Therewith the root he tore up from the ground, Black, with a milk-white flower, in heavenly tongue Called Moly, and its nature did expound— Hard to be dug by men; in gods all power is found. I/O THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book x. 3 6 Then to the far Olympus Hermes went, Sheer through the woodland isle; but I repaired Onward to Circe’s halls magnificent, And with a heaving heart the danger dared. Soon to the shining vestibule I fared, And lifted up my voice and loudly called. Then came she forth, dread goddess, gleaming-haired, And, bright gates of her mansion marble-walled Unfolding, bade me in, heart-pained yet unappalled. 37 So to a silver-studded carven chair My steps she led, and made me rest thereon; Under my feet there lay a footstool fair; And in a goblet of pure gold anon Mixing a philter, like that former one, She the pernicious poison did instil, Then gave me, and I drank—but change came none. Last with her mystic wand, intending ill, She smote me, and thus spake, her dread charm to fulfil: 38 ‘ Now to the stye, and with thy comrades sleep ! ’ But my sharp steel unsheathing from my thigh On the enchantress, as in rage, I leap, Armed, with the flash of murder in mine eye. She, screaming, clasped my knees, in dread to die— ‘ Who then art thou ? ’ she cried : ‘ where is thy place, Thy parents, who these philters canst defy? Never before did lips of mortal race Drink of this cup, and still retain their former grace. 39 ‘ Thy breast alone a charmless heart doth hold. Art thou Odysseus many-wiled, whom he, The golden-wanded Hermes, oft foretold, That from far Troia wandering o’er the sea He to this coast should sail, and visit me ? But come, return thy sword into his sheath, And afterward ascend my couch, that we Mingled together, this my roof beneath, Of loves may take our fill, and mutual trust inbreathe.’ BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. I/I 40 I answering spake : ‘ O Circe, sue me not For friendship, who hast changed to swine my crew, And with false love wouldst make their doom forgot, That naked and unmanned I here may rue Thy sorceries dark. This thing will I not do, Save that the grand oath of the gods thou swear, That in thy heart thou mean’st not evil new.’ Therewith I ended, and the goddess sware, And, after, I went up her couch of love to share. 41 Meanwhile four handmaids, Circe’s household train, Who of the fountains and the forest spring And sacred streams that to the ocean main Flow forth for ever, for the banquet bring Each her own tribute. Purple covering One o’er the thrones doth beauteously unfold, And the fine linen underneath them fling, And one the silver table’s massive mould Widely in front displays, and vessels of pure gold. 42 The third in silver wine doth mix full sweet, And golden beakers on the board array: The fourth brings water in her hands, to heat, And in huge caldron on the fire doth lay; Soon in the bickering brass the bubbles play. Then to the bath she led me, and, with care Tempering a warmth delicious, made it stray Smoothly adown my shoulders, face, and hair, Till from worn limbs the toil did wholly disappear. 43 Then from the bath anointed, robed in fair Apparel, forth she led me to the hall, And placed me in a silver-studded chair, Rich, daedal, covered with a crimson pall, And bade me eat; but mirth and festival Displeased me, for I pictured evil things. Therefore when Circe marked my visage fall, And me through sorrow’s forced imaginings Loathing to eat, she came and urged these questionings : 172 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book 44 ‘Why then, Odysseus, like one dumb dost sit Eating thy heart, not tasting drink or food ? Art thou foreboding new enchantments yet? Come, let vile fear be banished from thy blood, Since I have sworn to thee an oath for good.’ Whereto I answered : ‘ Who could bear to feast, O Circe, were but justice understood, Till the sore durance of his friends had ceased? Nay, let these eyes first see my true ones all released.’ 45 I ended. Forthwith Circe, wand in hand, Moved from the hall, and opening wide the stye Forth drave them; who before the goddess stand Like swine nine-seasoned. She, approaching nigh, Smeared over each a different drug, whereby The hairs dropped from them which the former bane Had nurtured, and like men in majesty To their old semblance they returned again, But with new beauty dowered, a taller younger train. 46 Also they knew me and clasped eagerly My hand, and happy lamentation rose Of voices yearning as in agony, Till the wide arches seemed to ring with woes. She then herself, with pity pierced, bestows These words : ‘ Divine Odysseus, hasten hence ! First draw thy bark aground, and deep enclose In the sea-caves thy tackling, and dispense Safely thy goods, then bring thy loyal comrades thence.’ 47 So spake she, and my manly heart obeyed ; And to the ship descending and the shore I found my friends, with miseries o’erweighed, Shedding the frequent tear-drop evermore. As when a sort of country calves doth pour Thick round their grass-filled mothers, and with blare Of welcome urge their eager pastime, nor Can the close fences round about their lair Confine them, stung with joy, still leaping here and there, BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 173 48 So when these saw me with their eyes, they pressed Not without tears around me, and their blood Stirred with such pulses in their yearning breast As on the much-desired sweet earth they stood Of Ithaca’s rough island crowned with wood, Their country-home, where they were born and bred. Mourning they spake: ‘ At thy return such mood We feel, as far from sorrows we had sped To Ithaca : but haste, inform us of our dead ! ’ 49 I in soft words made answer: ‘ From the waves First hale we to the sandy continent Our bark, and shelter in the chambered cave For all our wealth and naval arms invent. Thence unto Circe’s halls magnificent Move in my train, that ye your friends may find Eating and drinking, who nowise repent Their sojourn, such good cheer is there assigned; Plenty untold they reap and all things to their mind.’ 50 So spake I, and Eurylochus alone Withstood me to my friends : ‘ Poor fools ! ’ he cried, ‘ Who love your own loss, urgent to be gone To Circe, who our manly forms will hide In swine, wolves, lions, there to guard her pride Maugre ourselves. Think how the Cyclops wrought, When in his slaughter-house our comrades died, Ay, mark me well, by the foolhardy thought Of even this same Odysseus to destruction brought.’ 51 Thus while he spoke I doubted if to draw My sword and whirl to the earth his recreant head, Kin to mine own ; but when the others saw My purpose, each in soft dissuasion said : ‘ Him will we leave, Zeus-born, to his own dread, But lead thou us to Circe.’ Thereupon Inland together from the shore we sped; Nor did Eurylochus remain alone, But followed, fearing sore my wrath against him shown. 174 JHE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book X. 52 But all this while within her stately halls Circe my friends bathed and anointed fair With oil, nor fine-spun tunics and rich palls Of purple fabric did for raiment spare; Whom feasting in her presence found we there, And each perusing other face to face Lifted his voice and wept, that far and near Rang the deep echoes through the high-roofed space; And the divine one spake uprising in her place: . 53 ‘ Wail ye no longer ! I too understand In the fish-teeming deep what ills ye bore, And how barbarians scathed you on the land. Eat food and drink wine—is there not good store ?— Till the same courage that ye felt of yore, When first from Ithaca ye sailed, come back. Now strengthless, and unnerved in your heart’s core, Ye languish, and old griefs your memory rack, The wanderings to and fro, the long-lost homeward track. 54 So spake she, and our manly heart obeyed. Then all the livelong days through seasons clear We feasted, till the waning months had made Full cycle, and completed a whole year. Then whispered me apart my comrades dear: ‘ Remember now our fatherland, and warn Thine heart, if Fate yet grant thy ears to hear The language of the land where thou wast born, [torn.’ And view the high-roofed halls whence thou hast long been 55 They ended, and my manly heart obeyed, And all day long, until the falling sun, We ate and drank, in festal robes arrayed, Till light departed, and the cloud came on. Then through the shadowy halls they passed each one To slumber. I the while with Circe lay, And by her knees made prayer: ‘ Fulfil thy boon, O Circe, for my heart breaks day by day With wailings of my friends, when thou art gone away/ 300K X.] .THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 56 I ended, and the goddess made reply: ‘ Zeus-born Odysseus, dwell not here with me Unwilling; yet remaineth that ye try Other adventure, the dark realms to see Of Hades and revered Persephone, There from Tiresias the truth to know, Blind seer, but whole in spirit, on whom she, Queen of the dead, great wisdom doth bestow Even there; but all the rest flit shadowy to and fro.* 57 Thus answered Circe, but my dear heart brake; And from the couch I rose and sat thereon, Weeping for sorrow at the word she spake, Nor any longer wished to see the sun. But when my tossings and my tears were done, These winged words I uttered in my pain : ‘ Ah ! by what guidance shall this way be won ? Never did black ship yet that coast attain, O Circe ! ’ Thus I sighed. She answering spake again 53 ‘Zeus-born Odysseus, brave Laertiades, Fret not thyself for guidance, but thy mast Plant, and unfurl the white sails to the breeze, And thee reclining shall the Boreal blast Drive onward. When the ocean thou hast passed And reached the soil of dark Persephone, Sown with the fruitless willow, withering fast, And poplar, hale thy bark from the deep sea, . And move toward Hades’ house gloom-bound eternally. 59 ‘ There into Acheron Cocytus glides, Streaming from Styx, and Pyriphlegethon ; Under a great rock meet the sounding tides. There, hero, land, and scoop a trench anon One cubit square, and give the dead their own Drink-offerings, mead, then wine, and water last; And sprinkle the white meal, and call upon The shades, and vow, when all thy toils are passed A heifer choice and pyre where all good things are cast. 176 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book X. 60 ‘And, after, promise to the Theban seer One sheep all-black, thy best of sheep, to kill. So when thou shalt have ended all thy prayer And in the dead tribes a propitious will Wrought by just vows, thy purpose to fulfil, Then sacrifice a ram and sable ewe Toward Erebus : but thou thyself bend still Thine eyes upon the rivers, and all the crew Of strengthless shades shall flock thy sacrifice to view. 61 ‘ Then bid thy comrades haste those sheep to flay Slain with the knife, and burn them down with fire, And to Persephone and Hades pray. But thou with drawn sword seated near the pyre Warn from the blood those shades, till thou inquire First of Tiresias, the blind old seer. He from the crowd advancing, noble sire, All thy long voyage shall foretell thee clear— How through the deep fish-teeming thou mayst safely steer.’ 62 She ended, and the Morning golden-throned Came, and she then arrayed me in rich vest And mantle; but the Nymph her own form zoned With golden girdle underneath her breast, Over a silver-flowing robe, and drest With gleaming veil her head : but I forth paced, And, near each standing, gently made behest: ‘No more cull slumber, and the boon hours waste ! Circe our way makes plain. Rise up, my friends, and haste ! ’ 6 3 So did I speak, and they obedience gave; Yet could I not take all, from losses free; For one there was, our youngest, not too brave In war, nor apt for good, Elpenor. He Weighted with wine lay drowsing heavily High in the cool; who, when the hurrying call Rose and the beat of footsteps, suddenly Started, and mindless of the ladder tall, Sheer from the high-built roof unto the ground did fall. BOOK X.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 1 77 6 4 So were his neck-bones broken, but the soul Swift to the gloomy house of Hades fled. Then to my comrades I made known the whole Of Circe’s counsel: ‘ Haply, friends,’ I said, ‘ Ye hope to your own country to be led; But Circe other road appointed has— To Hades and Persephone most dread— Soul of the Theban seer Tiresias There to consult, and learn what change may come to pass.’ 65 Therewith I ended, and their dear heart brake, And sitting down they wailed and tore the hair; Yet came no rescue for their sorrow’s sake. Still weeping to the ship we made repair, And found a ram and black ewe tethered there, The destined guerdon of the shades below, By Circe; for she passed us, without care Invisible; for who with eyes may know Against their will immortals moving to and fro ? ' * ‘l r * ’ 179 BOOK XI. THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS CONTINUED—THE VISIT TO HADES. 1 So to our ship descending and the deep, Her we launch first upon the noble main, Then set the masts and sails, and take the sheep Embarking, filled with sorrow and tears and pain. Natheless the fair-haired Circe to our gain After the blue-prowed vessel sent a breeze, Our good companion, bellying with high strain The sails, and, we reclining at our ease, Steersman and prosperous wind impelled us through the seas. 2 All the day long the silvery foam we clave, Wind in the well-stretched canvass following free, Till the sun stooped beneath the western wave, And darkness veiled the spaces of the sea. Then to the limitary land came we Of the sea-river, streaming deep, where dwell, Shrouded in mist and gloom continually, That people, from sweet light secluded well, The dark Cimmerian tribes, who skirt the realms of hell. 3 Never the Sun that giveth light to men Looks down upon them with his golden eye, Or when he climbs the starry arch, or when Slope toward the earth he wheels adown the sky; But sad Night weighs upon them wearily. Thither we came, and ran the keel ashore, Landed the victims, and paced silent by The great sea-river, that with sullen roar Rolls, till the spot we reached by Circe shown before. l80 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xi. 4 Then Perimedes and Eurylochus The victims held; but I my gleaming sword Tore from the scabbard, and dug thus and thus, A cubit square, and all the shades implored. Honey and milk, wine, water, forth I poured, Their due libations, and the white meal gave, And oft with prayers the strengthless heads adored, Vowing hereafter, should heaven deign to save, A heifer choice, and pyre heaped up with treasures brave. 5 And to Tiresias, for himself alone, I vowed a ram coal-black, our best, to slay, Even a peculiar offering and his own, In Ithaca, on my returning day. So when at last I made an end to pray, I took in hand the victims, and beside The foss implunged the weapon, and made way Through the dark veins, to broach the steamy tide. Thus with the crimson life-stream all the trench was dyed. 6 Forthwith from Erebus a phantom crowd Loomed forth, the shadowy people of the dead,— Old men, with load of earthly anguish bowed, Brides in their bloom cut off, and youths unwed, Virgins whose tender eyelids then first shed True sorrow, men with gory arms renowned, Pierced by the sharp sword on the death-plain red. All these flock darkling with a hideous sound, Lured by the scent of blood, the open trench around. 7 Then did pale dread possess me; but I stood Urging my valiant peers to flay with speed The victims which lay weltering in their blood, Slain by the steel as Circe had decreed, And burn them, and by prayers to intercede With Hades and revered Persephone. But I my sword unscabbarding gave heed To scare the feeble phantoms, till that he, The blind old Theban seer, first taste and answer me. book xi.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. l8l 8 Forth in the front Elpenor’s phantom stept, Our comrade, whom alone in Circe’s hall, Shareless of earth, unburied and unwept, We left, by other labour, other call Demanded. Him discerning first of all, Deep in my inmost soul I pitied him, And wept and spake in winged words withal: ‘ Elpenor, how beneath the darkness dim Cam’st thou, on foot more swift, than I with sails that skim 9 ‘The ocean?’ Thus I spake, but he replied, Much groaning : ‘ O Laertes’ child divine, Odysseus many-wiled, alas ! I died By stroke of fate and the dread fumes of wine. For where the bowers of Circe did assign Cool resting-place, I dreaming heard a sound, And rose up and essayed the steep incline, Not turning; thence fell headlong; and the ground Brake my neck-bones; my soul in Hades refuge found. 10 ‘Now by the names thou lovest far from here, Thy wife, the father who thy childhood nursed, And by Telemachus thine offspring dear, Lone in thy halls, since thou for Ilion erst Didst sail, O hear me ! for I know that first, Wending from Hades, thou shalt Circe’s isle Revisit. O remember ! nor accurst Leave these my lifeless bones, unhonoured, vile, Flung to the winds, unwept, without a funeral pile. 11 ‘ Else surely deep into the after-time Zeus for my sake shall keep alive his ire, And sad disaster burgeon from thy crime. Thou therefore burn me with mine arms entire Near the sea-billows, on the sacred pyre, And build of one unblest memorial sign, Whose story far-off ages may inquire; And thereon plant the oar that men called mine, When with my peers in life I ploughed the watery brine.’ 182 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xi. 12 There in such wise did he my grace entreat, And so made ending of his piteous speech; Whereto myself gave answer as was meet: ‘ These things, forlorn one, as thy lips beseech Will I discharge in full! ’ Thus, each with each Conversing, still we lingered in our pain. I all the while my glittering sword outreach Over the blood; he ’mid the phantom-train Hearkeneth my words aloof, and answer breathes again. 13 And next before me my dead mother’s shade Came, Anticleia, daughter of the brave Autolycus,—whom, when the barks conveyed Me and my bands to Ilion o’er the wave, Living I left in Ithaca. Now the grave Possessed her, and I weeping yearned, nor yet Taste of the blood nor any access gave, Till that Tiresias his lips should wet First in the foss, and show what doom the Fates had set. 14 Then came the spirit of the Theban seer, Holding a golden sceptre in his hand, Who knew me and thus spake: ‘ Why art thou here, Zeus-born Odysseus, or at whose command, To see dead phantoms and a loveless land? Ah, wretched ! wandering from the sun’s dear light! Natheless I pray thee from this trench to stand, And from the blood withdraw thy falchion bright, That I may drink, and thee with oracles requite.’ 15 Thus then Tiresias spake. I at the word Drew backward from the trench, and in a wink Deep to the hilt my silver-studded sword Thrust in the scabbard. To the bloody brink He stooped, and with his shadowy lips made shrink The sacrificial pool that darkling lay Beneath him. Having made an end to drink, Uprose the blameless seer, nor longer stay Demanded, but forthwith in words began to say: BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 183 16 ‘ Zeus-born Odysseus, brave Laertiades, Fain wouldst thou ask me of thy sweet return— Which yet God wills not to be made with ease; Nor the Earth-shaker, as I think, will learn Those fiery angers to assuage, which burn For his son’s sake, by thee bereft of light. Natheless e’en yet may ye avail to spurn Doom from your lives, and to elude his might, If thou thine own lusts rein and rule thy friends aright. 17 ‘ When first, escaping from the billows dark And leaving angry tempests in thy lee, Thou, to Thrinacian coast the well-built bark Advancing, on the upland plains shalt see The Sun’s sleek herds and pasturing flocks, which he, Who all things overlooks and overhears, There guardeth for his own continually— If scatheless ye pass by those sacred steers, Ithaca yet were yours, albeit with many tears. 18 ‘ But scathe them, and the gods, I well discern, Shall on thy sailors and thy ship fulfil Utmost revenge; and though thyself return, Yet lone, and late, and overwhelmed with ill, On foreign shipboard, at a stranger’s will, Shalt thou go back companionless, and find Wrongs in thy palace, evil men, that still Woo thy divine wife, and assail her mind With gifts, and of thy goods no remnant leave behind. 19 ‘Yet shall thy virtue wreak against them all Full judgment; but remember, having slain By the sharp iron in thy kingly hall, Whether by fraud or force, the suitor-train, To take an oar up, and depart again, Till at the last thou light upon a race Which eat not salt, nor know the rolling main, Nor vermeil ships, whose sails from place to place Waft them like wings, nor oars that sweep the marble face 184 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xr. 20 ‘ Of ocean. And this notable clear sign I show, not easy to escape thy care : When that a man shall meet thee in thy line Of travel, and accost thee, and declare That on thy noble shoulder thou dost bear A winnowing-van, then fix upright thine oar In that same spot, and sacrifices fair, A ram, a bull, and a swine-mounting boar, Slay to Poseidon, monarch of the waters hoar. 21 1 Then return home, and sacred hecatombs To the immortal gods in order due, To all and each that dwell beneath the domes Of heaven, present; and lastly shall ensue Thy calm death, wafted from the billows blue; And thou shalt fall in a serene old age, Painless and ripe, with nothing left to do, While a blest people at thy gates engage Thy sovereign care. Such future my true lips presage.’ 22 Therewith he ended, and I made response: 1 Tiresias, well may be this ordinance Came from the gods themselves. But now pronounce Why sits my mother’s shade and thus askance Eyes the dark blood, silent as in a trance, And will not look her own son in the face, Nor speak one word, nor to my side advance? Show me some means whereby she may retrace These features as they are, and know me in this place.’ 23 So spake I, and he answered where he stood: ‘ This word is very simple. Each whomso Thou suffer of these shades to taste the blood, Truth will reveal, but if thou nought bestow Will turn aside.’ Thus the seer’s shade did go Toward Hades, having told the fates; but I Stood yet in sentry by the trench, and lo ! My mother came and drank, and suddenly She knew me, and winged words poured forth with many a sigh : * POOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER, 185 24 ‘ My child, how cam’st thou under this dark gloom, Yet living? Hard it is for mortal eyes To view these realms, ere yet the stroke of doom Send them down sunless. In the midst there lies The great sea-river, scorning the emprise Of pilgrims. Cam’st thou from the Ilian strife, Tost on the waves beneath tempestuous skies, And with thy friends bewailing a sad life, Nor to thy native isle has sailed, nor seen thy wife? ’ 25 She ceasing, I made answer : ‘ Mother mine, ’Twas hard necessity that led me here, To Hades, craving the response divine Of old Tiresias the Theban seer. Not yet Achaia’s realms have I come near, Nor on my native earth set foot, but still Have wandered in my woes this many a year, Since first I sailed at Agamemnon’s will For Ilion horse-renowned, to work the Trojans ill. 26 ‘ But say what doom destroyed thee, whether pain Of sickness, or the shafts of Artemis Silently falling in a sweet death-rain— And of my sire and son declare now this, If to mine honour they succeed, or miss Due sovereignty, and men usurp their right, And think me fall’n from old supremacies— And if my wife dwell with my child, or slight The household, and hath wed some Argive, chief in might.’ 27 V I ended, and the venerable shade Gave answer : ‘Yea, within the house thy wife Bears yet a loyal soul and undismayed ; Natheless the nights and days her flower of life Waste slowly, with continual weepings rife— None hath as yet usurped thy regal right; Telemachus inherits without strife Thy fields, and him the chieftains all invite To banquets that beseem his dignities aright— THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI, 186 28 ‘ And, leaving evermore the town unsought, Lone in his farm abideth still thy sire, Nor of rich coverlet nor couch takes thought. In winter he in ashes near the fire Sleeps with his servants, clothed in mean attire; Through summer and the golden harvesting Nought save a lair of leaves doth he require, Where for thy sake he lies down sorrowing, While grief a hard old age upon his bones doth bring. 2 9 ‘ So have I also perished ere my time; I too, thy mother, by such fate was slain ; Nor arrows of the Huntress-queen sublime, Silently falling in a sweet death-rain, My life invaded, nor the lingering pain Of sickness, that all strength drags to decay— But love, my child, that cuts the heart in twain, Thy love, thy dreamed sweetness night and day, Made bitterness my bread and reft my soul away ! ’ 30 Therewith she ended, and a deep unrest Urged me to clasp the spirit of the dead, And fold a phantom to my yearning breast. Thrice I essayed with eager hands outspread, Thrice like a shadow or a dream she fled, And my palms closed on unsubstantial air. Then was I whelmed in disappointment dread, Sterner calamity, more quick despair; And sadly in winged words I spake appealing there : 31 ‘Ah ! mine own mother, tell me, tell me why Thou scornest to abide my fond embrace. Could we but clasp each other feelingly, Even in Hades might we yet find place To slake our sorrows, and enjoy long space Of weeping. Or hath proud Persephone Sent me a shadow with thy form and face Only to mock me, that I yet might see Some bitterness beyond my former misery ?’ BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 187 I ceased, and she made answer: ‘ O my child, ’Tis not Persephone deludes thee here. This is their portion who, from light exiled, Dying descend into these regions drear, Sinewless, fleshless, boneless. On the bier All substance was burnt out by force of fire, When first the spirit, her cold flight to steer, Left the white bones, and fluttering from the pyre Straight to these shadowy realms did like a dream retire. 33 £ Now quickly to the sunlight reascend, And in thy soul remember what hath been, That in the future, when thy labours end, Thy wife may hearken what thine eyes have seen.’ Thus we remained conversing; but the queen Persephone poured forth a clustering cloud Of women. These around the trench convene : Daughters and wives they were of chieftains proud : And still to the dark blood right eagerly they crowd. 34 Whom soon as I beheld, my heart and mind Waded in doubt what best were to be done : Nor than this counsel could I worthier find— From my strong thigh my sweeping sword anon To draw forth, and forbid them to rush on In crowd together toward the pool of gore. Then did they all come forward, one by one, And each, to each succeeding evermore, Her lineage told, and I made question as before. 35 First Tyro, daughter of a house renowned, Seed of Salmoneus, as she told me there, Who unto Cretheus was in wedlock bound, I spake with. She divine Enipeus fair, Lovely beyond all waters everywhere, Loved; and the great Earth-shaker, in like mould And semblance, to the river made repair, And, where the seaward outlet eddying rolled, Did in his amorous arms her tender form enfold. 188 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 3 6 There the dark wave curled round them like a hill; And the god, couched upon his azure bed, Loosened the zone unseen, and took his fill, And ending clasped her by the hand and said: ‘ Hail, lady, for thy love ! When the year hath fled, (Since a god’s seed gives fruit, not void of worth) Twins shalt thou bear, to be like heroes bred. Farewell! nor name this secret till the birth— I am the great Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth.’ 37 This spoken, he beneath the surging main Passed from her side; and she conceived and bore Pelias and Neleus, servants in the train Of high-throned Zeus. Inhabited of yore Pelias the wide Iolcos, with good store Of pasture, and rich flocks, with fleeces white ; Neleus held sandy Pylos. And she bore To Cretheus three: the first-born, ZEson hight, Pheres, and Amythaon, the brave chariot-knight. 3 8 And, after her, I saw Antiope, Child of Asopus, who in love’s embrace With high Zeus boasted to have slept; and she Bare him twin children, famed of strength and grace, Amphion styled and Zethus. These the base Of Thebe seven-gated first did lay, And built a walled rampire round the place ; Since to hold Thebe void of rampire’s stay, Though first in feat of arms, were but a vain essay. 39 Alcmena next I saw, Amphitryon’s wife, Of whom, in arms of Zeus encompassed, Came Heracles, that lion-hearted life— Then Megara, child of Creon, whom he wed. Also I saw among the phantoms dead GEdipus’ mother, Epicasta fair, Who in her blindness wrought a fact most dread, And in love’s link with her own son did pair, Who his dear sire destroyed, and of his couch was heir. BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 189 40 All this the gods divulged among mankind; But he in lovely Thebe, forced to weep, Ruled the Cadmeians, as the gods assigned. Fair Epicasta in her anguish deep Sought Hades, who the iron gates doth keep, And with beam-fastened cord herself did kill, Leaving behind her such a fatal heap Of vengeance as a mother’s Furies still Through long revolving years on guilty men fulfil. 41 And Chloris, beautiful exceedingly, Next I beheld, whom Neleus chose of yore For beauty’s sake his bride, and did outvie All suitors with all gifts in countless store. Her father famed Orchomenus ruled o’er, Amphion, of the seed of Iasus. She Pylos swayed, and to her husband bore Nestor her eldest child, and Chromius, And the brave-hearted strength of Periclymenus. 42 And lastly she conceived again, and bare Pero, the wonder of mankind, whom all The princes round about with love-gifts rare Entreated, and with suit imperial, Urgent for marriage, in her father’s hall. Yet must she follow by her sire’s decree Him only, who the oxen should enthral Held by majestic Iphicles in fee, Hard to be won, and drive them safe from Phylace. 43 Nor was there any save the blameless seer Found for that bold emprise; who yet by fate Was hindered, and the ordinance severe Of Heaven, nor less by chains importunate Wherewith rude herdsmen did his fire abate. But when the months a full year’s orb had run, Through prophesyings from the lordly state Of Iphicles that seer his freedom won; Thus the great cause of Zeus went working slowly on. 190 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 44 Moreover I saw Leda, the fair wife Of great Tyndareiis, who sons had twain, Tamer of horses Castor, and in strife Of boxing Polydeukes void of stain. Both, though alive, doth the boon earth contain. They in the sunless land this guerdon draw From Zeus—one day reviving, and again Dying in order of alternate law— And share an equal honour with the gods. I saw 45 Iphimedeia next, Aloeus’ wife, Who high Poseidon boasted to have known. Sons had she twain, cut off in early life, Otus and Ephialtes, largest-grown Of all whom Earth nursed ever, and, save alone Orion, far her fairest. Seasons nine For breadth nine cubits, and for height had shown Nine fathoms. And they strove in fiery line Of onset and wild war to shake the powers divine. 46 They on Olympus Ossa fain would roll, On Ossa Pelion’s leaf-quivering hill, To violate thereby the starry pole— Who, had they once been able to fulfil Youth’s measure, had accomplished their whole will: But he, the child of Leto beauteous-haired And Zeus, both rebels in one day did kill, Ere down of manhood on their cheeks appeared, Or yet their white chins mantled with the blooming beard. 47 Then Phaedra, Procris, Ariadna fair I saw, king Minos’ child, whom Theseus led From Crete for Athens, nor enjoyed her there; For Dionysus sware against her head, And she too soon by Artemis lay dead In sea-lashed Dia. Maera, Clymene, Next I beheld, and Eriphyle dread, Who for her husband’s life took gold in fee. Yet can I not name all whom there mine eyes did see, BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 191 48 Daughters and wives of heroes. Night, I fear, Would fail me ; and the hour is ripe for sleep, Whether on shipboard I lie down or here. Ye and the gods in memory will keep My convoy.” He then ending, silence deep Came on them, touched with power of eloquence ; And through the shadowy halls there seemed to creep Wonder and sweet illusion, stealing sense, Till the white-armed Arete did this speech commence : 49 “ Phseacians, are not beauty, strength, and mind Found in this man, my guest, a grace to all? Urge him not hence, nor stint with hands unkind Gifts from that wealth the indulgent gods make fall To your fair portion each and several.” Then aged Echeneiis rose and said: “ Not from the mark, nor wide of honour’s call, Speaks the sage queen; and may her thought be sped! Yet both for deed and word Alcinous is our head.” 5 ° Forthwith the brave Alcinous answering spoke : “ Surely this word shall be fulfilled, if I Living am lord of the Phaeacian folk. Yet let our guest, though homeward fain to fly, Natheless endure beneath our roof to lie This night, that we with the return of day May the whole measure of our gift supply; And all shall charge themselves to speed his way, I most, whose sovereign rule the citizens obey.” 5i He of the many counsels straight replied : “ Chief of the people, great Alcinous king, What if ye bid me for a year abide, And lend me convoy, and rich presents bring ? Gladly would I consent to such a thing That so to Ithaca with weightier hand Returning I might find all reverencing My virtue, and seem dearer in the land, Even to all who knew me on my native strand.” 92 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book 52 Whereto the brave Alcinous spake again : “ Odysseus, gazing on thee face to face Far other sort thy nature’s mould we feign Than of mean tricksters, whose deceiving race Swarms in the dark earth, as from place to place They wander, lying so like truth that none May know them. Thy pure words, instinct with grace, Crown a good heart, who like a bard hast shown This story, Argive woes revealing and thine own: 53 “ But of a truth I pray thee this declare—- If of that company, which fought of old With thee by Ilion’s towers and perished there, Any in those sad realms thou didst behold. For now the night trails its slow length untold; Nor yet the hour draws near our couch to seek. Thou, therefore, all thy wondrous works unfold. Fain would I linger till the morning break, While in our ears thee listeth of thy toils to speak.” 54 Whom wary-wise Odysseus straight addressed : “ Chief of the peoples, lord Alcinous, Night is the time for converse, night for rest; And if indeed thou love to linger thus, Hear on ! for yet remaineth to discuss The fortunes of my friends, far heavier tale, Who, though from Troy they wrought safe exodus, Escaping the wild war-shout’s deadly bale, For a bad woman died while homeward they made sail. 55 Soon as Persephone the female host Dispersed, came pacing from the shadowy train Silent in sorrow Agamemnon’s ghost, With souls all round him by ^Egisthus slain. Soon having quaffed the blood he knew me plain, Wailed, and with feeble arms, shorn of their force, Yearned to embrace me. Then I, touched with pain, Wept when I marked him, and with kind remorse Of pity the cold shade addressed in winged discourse : BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 193 5 6 ‘ O glorious Agamemnon, king of men, What destiny too cruel dashed thy joy, And hurled thee realmless to this darksome den? Did then Poseidon his fierce gales employ Unenviable, and all thy ships destroy? Or thee from earth did rude barbarians sweep, While thou wast plundering, on thy road from Troy, Beeves, and their beauteous flocks of fruitful sheep, Or for their wives and walls red battle wast waging deep?’ 57 Thus I inquired. He answering spake in turn: ‘Zeus-born Laertiades, Odysseus brave, Neither through storms unenviable did stern Poseidon whelm me in the rolling wave, Nor rude barbarian hands my death-blow gave; But dark ZEgisthus working doom and death, Leagued with my cursed wife, hurled me to the grave, While feasting in his house, without one breath Of warning, as some churl a stalled ox murdereth. s8 . ‘ So by the worst of dooms I died, and all My friends like white-toothed swine around me bled, Which in a wealthy noble’s banquet-hall Die for some revel, or when their lord is wed. Thou of a truth hast witnessed thousands dead, Whether in secret slain or the strong flood Of onset, yet were this compassioned More than all else, couldst thou have seen where stood Full tables, foaming bowls, while the floor smoked with blood. 59 ‘ There did I hear Cassandra’s piercing shriek, Daughter of Priam, as she fell down slain By crafty Clytaemnestra, fierce to wreak Her murderous bale. I, falling, in wild pain Clutched the wet steel with dying hands in vain. That shameless cursed woman where I lay Tare out my life, and scorned with fell disdain Eyelids of one then passing on his way Toward Hades to seal down, and press the lips’ cold clay; N 194 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 6 o ‘Since nought exists more horrible and bold Than evil in the breast of womankind, When she to her own lust herself hath sold; Even as this fell monster in her mind Against the husband of her youth designed Black murder. I, the while, poor dreamer, thought Good words from children and from slaves to find; But she, by the foul sin she planned and wrought, On the mere name of woman eternal shame hath brought.’ 61 Grieving he ceased, and I made answer then: ‘ Too oft, by Heaven, dread suffering and disgrace Far-seeing Zeus, the king of gods and men, Hurls in his anger on the Atrean race From the beginning, and through all their days Hath, for the plots of women, piled a cloud Of ruin o’er their house ! In a far place For Helena died many a hero proud— Next against thee dark murder Clytaemnestra vowed.’ 62 ‘ Never for this, hereafter in thy life,’ He answered, ‘ make parade of tenderness, Nor the whole matter even to thy wife Show forth, but part reveal and part suppress; Albeit I ween she is no murderess, Icarius’ daughter, sage Penelope— One rather whom the gods with forethought bless, Apt for good counsels, wise exceedingly, And not from hands like hers shall ruin alight on thee. 6 3 ‘ Her a new bride we left, when at my hest Soldiers of Argos crossed the rolling sea, Her only child an infant at the breast, Helpless and void of power, who now, may be, Sits with the noble chieftains. Happy he ! Whom on the dear hearth his returning sire Shall gaze on, when the old calamity Is ended, while with equal fond desire Both, twined in mutual arms, their mutual love respire ! BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 195 64 ‘ She did the sight of mine own son deny, So quick she slew me.—But remember thou On thine own coast to land in privacy; No more are women to be trusted now. But of my child whate’er thou knowest, avow ! Whether in famed Orchomenus he bide, Or sandy Pylos—some true word allow— Or if with Menelaiis, in Sparta wide— Since on the earth not yet hath brave Orestes died.’ 65 I answered : ‘ Why this question ? I know not His life or death. We talk but idle air.’ So we in converse rooted to the spot Stood weeping; and Achilleus’ shade came near, Antilochus, Patrocleus, Aias fair Beyond all Danaans after Peleus’ son; And, while I looked, that spirit knew me there, Swift-foot Aiacides, and spake anon, Mixing with winged words full many a bitter moan: 66 ‘ Zeus-born Laertiades, Odysseus brave, Where in thy desperate counsels wilt thou cease? How durst thou seek these kingdoms of the grave, Wherein the dead, mere phantoms, reasonless, Inhabit?’ Whom I answering there address : £ O lord Achilleus, name invincible, First of Achaians, I Tiresias Came to consult, if he some word might tell Whereby this long return I might accomplish well. 67 ‘ Not yet Achaia’s realm have I come nigh, Nor on my native earth one footprint set; Still am I held in sore adversity. But than thyself, Achilleus, no man yet Was happier, nor shall one hereafter get Such glory as the gods on thee bestow, Who like a deity didst reap our debt Of praise above, and now art lord below— Wherefore, though dead, take heart, nor vex thyself with woe.’ 196 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 68 ‘Scoff not at death,’ he answered, ‘noble chief! Rather would I in the sun’s warmth divine Serve a poor churl who drags his days in grief, Than the whole lordship of the dead were mine. But came my brave son to your wars, to shine First in the front of arms ?—This also tell: If to the blameless Peleus men assign Due reverence in the land, or if he dwell Spurned in his weak old age, and not regarded well. 69 ‘ Since to his help I can no longer wield Under the sun that valour famed of yore, Such as men knew me in the Trojan field, Smiter of heroes, bulwark of the war. Could I but once unto my father’s door, Such as I was, return a little space, Soon would I make those caitiffs to abhor My hands inviolable, who now disgrace Rights nobler than their own, and scorn his kingly place.’ 70 Therewith he ended, and I answered thus : ‘ Of blameless Peleus I no tidings bear; But of thy dear son Neoptolemus My faithful lips shall make thee soon aware; Who with myself in hollow ship did fare From Scyros, in the Achaian army’s wake. He in our siege-deliberations bare High part, still first the loud appeal to make— Nestor alone and I with weightier reasons spake. 71 ‘Nor in the battle-plains thy son was found Mixed with the vulgar throng, but ever ran Far foremost, and to no one bating ground Drenched his fierce iron in the fiery van Of conflict. Who could number man by man His dead ? Eurypylus I name alone There fallen, with the bravest of his clan, Bribed through their women. Under Ilion Such beauteous chief I saw save godlike Memnon none. BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 197 72 ‘ But when the Epeian horse our noblest manned, Proved warriors, and the charge was given to me, I marked in each brave hero of our band Tears and the hurrying glance and trembling knee. There of the Danaan chieftains only he Changed not his colour, brushed aside no tear, But still with prayers implored to be let free, And clutched his sword-hilt ever, and steely spear, Yearning with Trojan blood to slake his wrath severe. 73 1 And when the town we sacked—our end of toil— He on the ships embarking from the war, Graced with a good division of the spoil, Came from that country without scathe or scar, Nor pierced with shaft nor sword, as thousands are, Through indiscriminate rage of Ares fell.’ So spake I, and Achilleus’ shade afar Passed striding through the fields of asphodel, Pleased from my lips to hear his son commended well. 74 Thus the dim shades pressed forward, one by one, Still in my ears rehearsing sad lament; But never Aias, child of Telamon, Came near me, but with gloomy brows and bent Stood far aloof, in sternness eminent, Eating his heart for that old victory Against him given by clear arbitrament, Concerning brave Achilleus’ arms, which she, Thetis, his reverend mother, set for rivalry. 75 O that Athene and the sons of Troy Had never by the ships their rede unrolled, Sentence divulging that cut off from joy That brave one; since for this the earth doth hold Aias, the fairest in corporeal mould, And first in exploit after Peleus’ son! Then I in words the darkling shadow cold Bespake : c O Aias, child of Telamon, Wilt thou not even here thine anger leave forgone, 198 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 76 ‘Nor ever those pernicious arms forget, By gods put forth to work the Argives woe ? For else hadst thou, our tower, been living yet. Now equal tears among the Achaians flow For thee and lost Achilleus. Well I know None other was the cause, but Zeus in hate Willed to afflict the Danaan swordsmen so, And forced upon thy life this evil fate. O hear me, noble chief, and thy proud soul abate ! ’ 77 He nothing answered, but severely stern Toward Erebus involved in darkness dim And to the other shades his feet did turn, Where none the less this sullen ghost and grim Even yet should have addressed me, or I him, But that within my breast more strong desire Impelled me, passing from the pool’s dark brim Into the deeper regions to retire, And view the other souls, and of their state inquire. 78 There Minos, child of Zeus, sceptred with gold, I saw dividing justice to the dead, Who round his throne in the wide-gated hold Of Hades stand or sit, and him, their head, Cry to, for judgment: next, Orion dread, Still hunting through the plains of asphodel Shades of the creatures wild, whose life he shed Under the sun in lonely mount or dell, Wielding his iron club, for aye unbreakable. 79 There also Tityus, of glorious Earth The offspring, I saw stretched upon the plain. His wondrous stature and gigantic girth Nine roods extended. Ever vultures twain Slash from each side his liver, and with fierce pain Their probing beaks within his entrails hide, While he to scare them waves wild hands in vain— For that he Leto forced, illustrious bride Of Zeus, toward Pytho wending through the champaign wide. BOOK XI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 199 80 There also Tantalus in anguish stood, Plunged in the stream of a translucent lake; And to his chin welled ever the cold flood. But when he rushed, in fierce desire to break His torment, not one drop could he partake. For as the old man stooping seems to meet That water with his fiery lips, and slake The frenzy of wild thirst, around his feet, Leaving the dark earth dry, the shuddering waves retreat. 81 Also the thick-leaved arches overhead Fruit of all savour in profusion flung, And in his clasp rich clusters seem to shed. Their citrons waved, with shining fruitage hung, Pears and pomegranates, olive ever young And the sweet-mellowing fig : but whensoe’er The old man, fain to cool his burning tongue, Clutched with his fingers at the branches fair, Came a strong wind and whirled them skyward through the air. 82 And I saw Sisyphus in travail strong Shove with both hands a mighty sphere of stone. With feet and sinewy wrists he labouring long Just pushed the vast globe up, with many a groan; But when he thought the huge mass to have thrown Clean o’er the summit, the enormous weight Back to the nether plain rolled tumbling down. He, straining, the great toil resumed, while sweat Bathed each laborious limb, and the brows smoked with heat. 83 And after him the strength of Heracles I gazed on, a mere shadowy counterfeit; (He, the true form, among the gods at ease, Wed to fair-ankled Hebe, still doth sit, Feasting). While round him the dead phantoms flit, Like of bewildered birds a clang there came. He, dark as Night, with bent bow, seems to fit Shaft to the naked nerve, and eyes his game, Dreadfully crouching down, as one in act to aim. 200 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XI. 84 Also a wondrous sword-belt, all of gold, Gleamed like a fire athwart his ample breast, Whereon were shapes of creatures manifold, Boar, bear, and lion sparkling-eyed, expressed, With many a bloody deed and warlike gest. Whoso by art that wondrous zone achieved, Let him for ever from art’s labours rest! Soon as the shade my nearing form perceived, He knew me, and thus spake in winged words, sore-grieved: 85 ‘ Zeus-born Laertiades, Odysseus wise, Is thy life sad like mine beneath the sun ? I was the child of Zeus, but miseries Bore without number, the bondslave of one Far meaner, who much taskwork, hardly done, Laid on me, and to these realms of the dead Sent me to fetch the dog, (for task seemed none Heavier than this), whom yet to the air I led From Hades, safe by Hermes and Athene sped.’ 86 This spoken, he within the portals went Of Hades, but I lingering stood my ground To watch if any other his dark steps bent Thither—some hero of the names renowned Who died in the old time. Then had I found Whomso I wished, Pirithous, Theseus dread, Children of gods; but with portentous sound Ev’n then the thousand thousands of the dead Flocked thickening, and pale fear possessed me, and I fled; 87 Fled, for strange terror did my heart embrace, Lest chance from Hades high Persephone Should to my bale send forth the monstrous face Of the dire Gorgon. To the bark I flee, And bid my valiant comrades speedily Loose the stern-cables, and the benches man; Who, straight obedient, toward the outer sea Down Ocean’s rolling river their course began. Thus holpen, first with oars, then wind, the swift ship ran. 201 BOOK XII. CONCLUSION OF THE NARRATIVE OF ODYSSEUS—THE SIRENS, SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS, THE HERDS OF THE SUN. 1 But when the Ocean river in our wake Streamed afar off, borne through the wide-wayed deep Straight for ./Esea’s isle our course we take, To where the young-eyed Morning loves to keep Her pastime, and the Sun wakes up from sleep. Thither arrived on the smooth shore we run The keel, and to the land our sailors leap, And, all night slumbering on the sands, each one Waits for the Dawn divine and the returning Sun. 2 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn was come, Child of the mist, my comrades forth I sent To fetch the dead Elpenor from the home Of Circe. Then to the utmost cape we went, And cut wood, and with tears and sad lament Paid the funereal rites. So when with all His arms the dead was burned, a monument Of earth, and grave-stone to record his fall We reared, and in the midst the shapely oar sprang tall. 3 We then, reminded of our labours past, Talked over all that we had seen and known; And Circe knew that through the billows vast From Hades’ realms we had returned, and soon In shining raiment to the shore came down, While in her train paced many a maiden fair, Who corn and flesh, and sparkling wine, the crown Of banquets, in white hands uplifted bare. Then, standing in the midst, spake the divine one there : 202 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII 4 ‘ Ah ! desperate, who have trod with living feet The house of Hades and the sunless way, Twice dead, while others die but once ! Haste, eat Both corn and flesh in plenty while ye may, And, sitting here, drink wine the livelong day ! Hence in the morning shall ye sail, and I Will point your path, nor any more delay To warn you and each danger signify, Lest or by land or wave you find adversity.’ 5 She ended, and our manly heart obeyed. So through the livelong day on corn, flesh, wine, We feasted, till the sun fell and the shade Descended. Then the mariners recline Hard by the black ship; but the queen divine Led me apart from my companions dear, And lay with me, and asked each word and sign Of the late work; which I unfolded clear; And at the last spake Circe in my listening ear: 6 ‘ These things are ended. Hearken now my word ! Yea, God himself shall call it to thy mind. First shalt thou reach the Sirens who, once heard, Charm with their strains the souls of all mankind. If unawares come floating on the wind That clear sweet music which the Sirens pour, He who hath quaffed it with his ears shall find No voice, no welcome, on his native shore, Shall on his dear wife gaze and lisping babes no more. 7 ‘ For the shrill Sirens, couched among the flowers, Sing melodies that lure from the great deep The heedless mariner to their fatal bowers, Where round about them, piled in many a heap, Lie the bleached bones of mouldering men that sleep For ever, and the dead skins waste away. Thou through the waves thy course right onward keep, And stop with wax thy comrades’ ears, that they Hear not the sweet death-songs which through the wide air stray BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 203 8 ‘ But if thyself art fain to hear their song, Let thy companions bind thee, hands and feet, Upright against the mast with cordage strong. So rnayst thou hearken to the voices sweet Of the twin Sirens, as thy white sails fleet Along the perilous coast; yet, though thou yearn To linger, and with tears thy friends entreat, Let them remain hard-hearted, doubly stern, Yea, with more chains enwind thee, and thine anguish spurn. 9 ‘ These once escaped, no more I plainly tell Which way be safer; thou shalt think ; but I Both will proclaim ; for there wild rocks upswell Vast, overshadowing, round whose bases cry Dark Amphitrite’s billows. Gods on high These rocks call Wanderers; and no winged thing That place hath passed, or can pass, harmless by—■ No, not the doves, those tremblers, wont to bring Ambrosia, heavenly food, to Father Zeus their king. 10 £ One of their number the fell rock doth slay, But aye another doth the Father send His convoy to complete. Nor by that way Ever did bark of mortal oarage wend, For waves and fiery storms the timbers rend, And the men murder. Of all ships that sail Argo, beloved one, did alone transcend That ruin. She too had been brought to bale, But that queen Hera’s love for Jason did prevail. 11 ‘ Guarding a narrow gulf two rocks there are, Whereof the one, sky-threatening, a black cloud Not pierceable by power of sun, moon, star, Doth everlastingly with gloom enshroud. Summer nor autumn to that pile dark-browed Lends a clear ether, nor could mortal wight, Albeit with twenty hands and feet endowed, Climb or descend that sheer and perilous height, [sight. Which, smooth as burnished stone, darts heavenward out of 204 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 12 ‘ Deep in the mid rock lies a murky cave, Whose mouth yawns westward to the sullen dark Of Erebus ; and thou, Odysseus brave, Must by this way direct the hollow bark. Nor yet could any archer taking mark, No, not a strong man in his life’s full bloom, A swift-winged shaft from that same hollow bark Shoot to the vault, within whose hideous womb Scylla in secret lurks, dread-howling through the gloom. 13 ‘Her voice is like the voice of whelps new-born, Yet she such monster as no eyes can meet Rejoicing, or with glance of careless scorn, Not though a god should pass her dire retreat. Twelve feet she has, twelve huge misshapen feet, And six long necks, wherefrom she quivereth Six heads of terror, and her prey doth eat With grim jaws, armed with triple ranks of teeth, Frequent and thickly sown and teeming with black death. 14 ‘ Her waist is hidden in the hollow cave, But all her heads from the infernal lair She thrusts, to fish with, in the whirling wave, And, feeling round the rock with eager care, For dolphins dips and sea-dogs, or if there Perchance some larger weightier bulk she catch, Such as the deep in myriads feeds—and ne’er Have mariners eluded her dire watch, Who for each head one victim from the ship doth snatch. 15 ‘ The other rock, a little space remote, (Yea with an arrow thou couldst reach it well) More flat by far, Odysseus, shalt thou note Crowned with a fig-tree wild. Charybdis fell Sucks the black water in her throat’s deep hell Beneath it; thrice disgorges in the day, And thrice again sucks up the eddying swell. Heaven from that suction keep thee far away! Not the Earth-shaker’s self could then thy doom delay. BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 205 16 £ Rather to Scylla’s rock, whate’er befal, Cleave in thy steering, when thou passest by, Since it is better to lose six than all.’ Therewith she ended and I made reply: ‘ This one thing more, kind goddess, signify— If I may yet take counsel not in vain Whirling Charybdis to evade or fly, And ward off Scylla, ere my friends be slain ? ’ I ceased, and the divine one answering spake again : 17 £ Ah ! desperate heart! and wilt thou never turn From weariest toil and feats of warlike fame, Nor even to the gods submission learn? She is no mortal whom thou fain wouldst tame, This mischief, but of race immortal came; Fierce and unconquerable and wild and strong, No force compels her and no steel can maim. There is no remedy against this wrong— Flight is your help ; one moment’s tarrying were too long. 18 ‘ For by the rock but linger to equip Thy limbs for battle, and in sooth I fear Lest she again forth issuing on the ship Find thee with all her ravenous heads, and bear Six more aloft of thy companions dear. Thou rather drive impetuous through the main, And on Ivrataiis call, that she may hear, Mother of Scylla, who brought forth this bane Of mortals : she her child forth issuing will restrain. 19 £ Soon shall thy bark Thrinacia’s island reach, Where feed the Sun’s sleek oxen and fat sheep; Seven are the herds and fifty kine in each, And of the flocks like reckoning he doth keep. Seed have they none; nor do the seasons reap Aught of their vigour. Nymphs with flowing hair Attend them in their pastures by. the deep, Bright Phaethusa and Lampetia fair, Whom to the heavenly Sun divine Neaera bare. 20 6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 20 ‘ She to Thrinacia sent them, there to dwell Tending their father’s flocks and herds. These leave Unscathed, and all may in the end be well, Though to your land returning sore ye grieve; But scathe them, and the gods, I well perceive, Shall break your bark up and your sailors kill; And though thine own life they may chance reprieve, Yet to thy country, at a stranger’s will, Shalt thou come lone and late and overwhelmed with ill.’ 21 She ceasing, came the golden-throned Morn. Then passed the goddess inland; but I went And bade the men embark. They, outward borne, Winnow with oars the foaming element. Soon in our lee the fair-haired Circe sent A helpmate good, a canvass-swelling breeze. We, on the tackling of our bark intent, All things arranged; then sitting at our ease Steersman and prosperous wind impelled us through the seas. 22 Then sorely grieving I the tidings break: ‘Friends, it is fitting that not one nor two Should know the oracles which Circe spake, Divine one, in these ears; but all my crew Shall hear them, that together we may rue Death not unknowingly, if death should chance, Or haply, should we yet pass safely through These perils, then in no blind ignorance We may awhile escape Fate’s evil ordinance. 23 ‘ First of the Sirens, couched among the flowers, She warns us fly from the delusive song. I only, as we pass the fatal bowers, Have leave to listen; yet with many a thong Need is ye bind me, and with cordage strong, Against the socket of the mast upright, Lest I should move; and though I urge you long To loose me, and implore with all my might, Still bind me with more cords and strain them yet more tight.’ BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 207 24 Thus were my comrades of each several charge Admonished; and the well-built ship meanwhile Cut lightly through the waves, and neared the marge Of that fell coast, the sister-Sirens’ isle. Anon the wind slept, and for many a mile Some god in silence hushed the marble mere. Forthwith our men the canvass furl, and pile Safe in the hollow ship their naval gear, Lean to their oars, and whiten the blue waters clear. 25 Then did I haste to sever with iron keen In morsels a great roll of wax, which lay Stored in the hollow ship, and in between My strong palms pressed and chafed it every way. Soon the wax warmed, for the great Lord of Day, Hyperion’s offspring, the imperial Sun, Came to my succour with his burning ray. So when the mass with heat was nigh to run, I filled my comrades’ ears, in order, one by one. 26 Then did they bind me by the hands and feet Upright against the mast with cordage strong, And each again retiring to his seat Smote the calm sea with furrows white and long. We, lightly drifting the blue waves among, Soon in our course such interval attain As that the ear might catch the Sirens’ song. Nor did the swift ship moving through the main Escape them, while they sang this sweet soul-piercing strain : 27 Hither , Odysseus, great Achaian name, Turn thy swift keel and listen to our lay; Since never pilgrim near these regions came In black ship, on the azure fields astray, But heard our sweet voice ere he sailed away, And in his joy passed on, with ampler mind. We know what labours were in ancient day Wrought in wide Troia, as the gods assigned; We know from land to land all toils of all mankind. 208 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 28 While their sweet music took my spirit thus, I with drawn brows made signal for release ; But Perimedes and Eurylochus Bind me yet faster and the cords increase, Nor for my passion would the seamen cease Their rowing. When no more the Sirens’ song Thrilled the deep air, and on my soul came peace, My trusty mariners unsealed ere long Their ears, and from my limbs unwound the cordage strong. 29 When we had left the island in our lee, I looked, and straight in front toward heaven uprolled Smoke, and the noises of a roaring sea, So that with terror every heart sank cold, And from the feeble fingers’ trembling hold Each oar dropt, whirring in the downward flood. Dead paused the ship, no longer now controlled By slantless oar-blades; and I passed and stood Near each, and thus essayed to calm his fearful mood: 30 ‘ Friends, we are not in dangers all unlearned, Nor have we lighted on a vaster woe Than when the Cyclops, who all justice spurned, Held us immured, disdaining to let go His captive guests. Yet verily even so This mind and arm a great deliverance wrought. And surely at this hour I feel, I know, That we shall yet live to recount in thought These labours. Come take heart, obey me, as ye ought. 31 ‘ Lean to your oars and the wild breakers sweep, If haply Zeus vouchsafe our souls to spare. Thou, steersman, in thy breast this mandate keep, Since of the hollow ship thou hast chief care And at thy will dost wield her here and there:— Hold her well clear of this smoke-clouded sea, And hug the adverse rock, lest unaware We to the whirling gulf drift violently, And thou o’erwhelm us all in dire calamity.’ BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 209 3 2 I spake, and they right readily to my hest Attended; but not yet did I unfold Aught touching Scylla, that destroying pest Inevitable, lest they by fear controlled Should cease from toil, and huddling in the hold Let the ship drive. Moreover a brave alarm There in a moment from my spirit rolled All Circe’s counsel to avoid new harm, Who for my own head’s sake adjured me not to arm. 33 I my illustrious mail assuming now, Holding in each hand a long-shafted spear, Move to the black ship’s bulwark near the prow, First on that side expecting to appear Rock-lurking Scylla, destined soon to bear Such dread disaster to my comrades brave. Nor yet could I discern her anywhere, Though still my tired eyes straining glances gave, And pored both far and deep to pierce her murky cave. 34 We groaning sailed the strait. Here Scylla lay, And there divine Charybdis, with huge throat Gorging salt waves, which when she cast away She spumed with hisses (as when fire makes hot Some caldron) and the steamy froth upshot Wide o’er both rocks. But when she gorged again, Drunk with abysmal gurglings, one might note The dark sands of the immeasurable main Gleam iron-blue. The rocks loud-bellowing roared amain. 35 We pale with dread stared at her, fearing death. But ravenous Scylla from the hollow bark Six of our bravest comrades at a breath Seized with her six necks. Turning round I mark Their forms quick vanishing toward the cavern dark, And feet and fingers dangling in mid air; Yea, and my ear each several voice could mark Which for the last time shrieked, with no one there To help them—on my name they called in wild despair. o 210 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 36 As when some fisher angling in the deep Casts with a long rod for the smaller fry Baits, and a bull’s horn, from some jutting steep, And hurls the snared prey to the land close by Gasping, so these were to the rocks on high Drawn gasping, and the monster gorged them down Stretching their hands with a loud bitter cry Toward me their captain. This was my grief’s crown— Never in all my toils like anguish have I known. 37 Escaped from Scylla and Charybdis fell We, sailing, to the blameless isle came near, Where the Sun’s sheep and wide-browed oxen dwell. I lowing herds and bleating flocks could hear Even on the deep. That word of the blind seer, Theban Tiresias, then rose anon And of AEsean Circe—still to steer Our forward course, and above all things shun The island-pastures green of the bliss-giving Sun. 33 So I within my spirit grieving sore Turned to my comrades bold, and thus begun : ‘ Hearken, though pressed with ill, while I tell o’er How Circe and Tiresias bade me shun The blameless isle of the bliss-giving Sun. There—so they warned me ever with warnings dread— In some dire evil shall we fall undone. Ye then obey what holy lips have said, Nor linger near this land, but steadily steer ahead.’ 39 So did I charge them and their dear heart brake, And thus in answer to my warning tongue Eurylochus in bitter accents spake : ‘ O man, thou art unfeeling, overstrong, Nor can thy limbs grow tired, though sore and long Thy labours; iron are thy nerves and bones. But we, thy servants, are a feebler throng, And thou wilt drive us, half asleep with groans And toil, nor let our feet touch the earth’s welcome stones. BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 21 I 40 ‘ Here in this sea-girt isle we might prepare A dainty meal; but thou through the whole night Bidd’st us at random in a murky air Still wander on the waters void of light ; While in the darkness hard winds rave, that smite Fleets—and if suddenly fierce Zephyr blow Or Notus, whither could one take to flight? These winds, despite what the god-kings can do, Often with torn ship-timbers the wild ocean strew. 41 ‘ Nay rather let us yield to the black night, And here beside our swift ship on the shore Prepare a feast, and with the morning light We on the waves will launch our bark once more, And lean again to the life-wearying oar.’ So spake Eurylochus, and all the rest Consented. Then I knew that some dark store Of doom the god was hoarding in his breast; And lightly in winged words him answering I addressed : 42 £ Surely, Eurylochus, ye now constrain One man, yourselves being many. Come then all, Swear me a strong oath, neither void nor vain, That should our glances on a rich flock fall Of sheep, or herd of beeves majestical, None in the folly of his heart will slay Or ox or sheep, but each his leader’s call Hearken, and with that food his hunger stay Which the immortal Circe in our ship did lay.’ 43 So spake I, and they swore : and having sworn And ended all their oath, the bark they bring For shelter to the hollow haven-bourne; There quickly disembark, near a fresh spring, And turn with pleasure to their banqueting. But when desire had ceased of drink and meat, Wailing they wept, those lost remembering Whom Scylla from our ship did seize and eat, Till their grief-streaming eyes were sealed in slumbers sweet. 212 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xit. 44 But in the third watch of the night, when now The stars had wheeled, and all were sunk in sleep, Zeus sent a whirling hurricane forth to blow, While with thick clouds he veiled both land and deep, And Night came rushing from heaven’s stormy steep. We, soon as Dawn appeared, our bark advance Into a far recess, where the Nymphs keep Soft seats, and lawny levels for the dance— There I a council called and spake this ordinance : 45 ‘ Friends, in our stores lie corn and wine. Let none Dare for his life to touch these sacred steers. These are the sheep and beeves of the dread Sun Who all things overlooks a’nd overhears.’ So did I charge them, and my valiant peers Assented. All that month the south wind blew Unceasing, without pause, nor ever veers Save to the eastward. They, while yet they drew Sustenance from the ship, nor sheep nor oxen slew. 46 But when the whole was finished, then they snared Fishes and birds, whatever came to hand, Gnawed by sharp famine. I myself repaired With secret steps some issue to demand From heaven, and in a spot of sheltered land Washed, and with prayers besought the Olympian race. They with sweet sleep my weary eyelids fanned. Then rose Eurylochus with counsels base, And thus to their own ruin urged my friends apace: 47 ‘ Friends, though to wretched man all deaths are dire, Yet is it far most miserable to pine With pangs of famine and for want expire. Come, let us choose the best of the Sun’s kine, And seek with sacrifice the powers divine; Then for the rest, if haply we attain To Ithaca, snatched from the perilous brine, Soon might we build Hyperion a rich fane, And with full many a gift his noble shrine sustain. BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 213 48 ‘But if, for these homed beeves majestical, Anger he feel, and yearn our ship to smite, And win thereto all powers celestial, Then would I rather, once for all, outright Choke in the billows, and eternal night Inherit, than waste piecemeal day by day, With slow disease and withering undelight, Pent in a desert island. 5 Thus did say Eurylochus. The rest that fatal word obey. 49 Quickly the best of the Sun’s kine they drave, Which then not far from the cerulean prow Of the swift ship stood feeding by the wave, Horn-twisted, beautiful, and wide of brow. These they encircle, pouring many a vow In supplication to the gods on high, And strip young leaflets from the shadowy bough Of lofty-foliaged oak, since no supply Of the white barley-meal within the ship did lie. 5 ° After their prayers, when they had killed and flayed The victims, from the trunk they cut the thighs, Folded them in with fat, and overlaid With pieces raw. But nought could they devise To pour upon the burning sacrifice Save water, since for wine vain were the quest. So did they roast the inwards. When the thighs Were burned, and entrails tasted, then the rest They carved in pieces small and on the sharp spits dressed. 5 1 In that same hour sweet slumber fled mine eyes, And I moved downward to the barren shore. Soon as I neared the bark there seemed to rise A savoury steam which the wind inland bore. Then to the gods I cried in anguish sore: ‘ O Father Zeus, and ye immortals blest, Surely to work me ruin for evermore Ye with a ruthless sleep mine eyelids pressed; These to such heinous act meanwhile their heart addressed.’ 14 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 52 Swift with the tidings to Hyperion came The flowing-robed Lampetia. He on high Harangued the immortals with his heart aflame: ‘ O. Father Zeus, and each divinity, Avenge me on Odysseus’ company, Who in their insolence have slain my kine, Wherein rejoicing I both scaled the sky And earthward sloped ! Do thou exact full fine, Else will I hide in Hades, on the dead to shine ! ’ 53 And cloud-compelling Zeus in answer said : ‘ O Sun, do thou among the immortal train Shine on, so surely, and kind influence shed For mortal men on vale and fruitful plain, As I now thunder upon these fools profane, And splinter with white fire, for this thy word, Their swift ship i’ the midst of the wine-dark main ! ’ This fair Calypso told me, who averred That from the herald Hermes she the story heard. 54 But when I came down to the bark and sea, There did I each upbraid in my fierce heat Of anger, yet could find no remedy. The sacrilege was done, the sin complete; And there the beeves lay dead before our feet. Soon there appeared full many a wondrous sign; For the skins crept, and on the spits the meat Sent forth a lowing sound, omen divine, Both roast and raw. The voice was as the voice of kine. 55 Six lights they feasted. On the seventh day The wind ceased raving. Then the mast we rear, Spread the white canvass-wings, and sail away. But when the island was no longer near, Nor from the deep did any land appear, Nor aught was visible but sea and sky, Then Zeus Kronion in his wrath severe Hung forth a thick cloud iron-dark on high; And round the hollow ship the sea gloomed suddenly. BOOK XII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 215 5 6 Not long she ran. Soon in wild fury passed Loud-roaring Zephyrus. The storm of wind Snapt like a thread both fastenings of the mast, Which then fell backward, o’er the stern inclined, With all its tangled armour drawn in blind Confusion to the hold. Destruction dread Seized on the pilot at his post assigned, Such a resistless ruin upon his head Smashed the skull-bones, and smote him in a moment dead. 57 He like some diver of the deep I ween Shot from the bulwarks, and the manly soul Passed from his bones. Zeus o’er the gloomy scene Made his loud thunder-peals in tumult roll, And rived the ship with lightnings from the pole. While in the blazing volley of Zeus she reeled, Filled with red fire and smoke of sulphurous coal, Men in the waves like sea-gulls shone revealed, Till their returnless eyes the god for ever sealed. 58 . I through the ship kept hurrying to and fro, Till sundered from the ribs the keel at last Rushed naked on the surge. Some chance did throw Lengthwise upon the keel the covering mast, Twined with a thong of ox-hide. Firm and fast Both did I lash together, and sat thereon, Borne by the furious winds. Soon Zephyr’s blast Ceased, and wild Notus following made me groan, Doomed to behold once more Charybdis’ pools alone 59 All night I drifted on the billowy swell, And on the next day with the rising sun Came upon Scylla and Charybdis fell. She the salt brine was gorging; but I won, Lifted sublime, the fig-tree, and thereon Clung like a bat; but vainly everywhere Sought resting to my feet, for stay was none. Far were the roots, the branches wide in air, Long, large, and overshadowing her abysmal lair. 216 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XII. 60 Grimly I clung, till she the mast and keel Disgorge; and to my prayer they came at eve, What time a chief doth rise up for his meal, And tired with suits the place of judgment leave. I at the sight my shuddering clasp unweave, And drop with dread sound in the foaming tide, There the long timbers in my reach perceive, Which oaring with my hands I fled, unspied By Scylla, so willed Zeus—else surely I had died. 61 Thence for nine days upon the deep I rode, And to Ogygia’s isle on the tenth night Came, guided by the gods, to the abode Of a fair nymph divine, Calypso bright, Voiced like a mortal, who did well requite With tender ministration toil and pain. But why of these things prate, which yesternight Yourselves have heard me in these halls explain? The wordy tale, once told, were hard to tell again.” 217 BOOK XIII. ODYSSEUS ARRIVES IN ITHACA—HIS INTERVIEW WITH ATHENE. 1 He ceasing, all sat charmed in the great halls, Mute, till the lord Alcinous answer gave : “ Odysseus, who hast come within my walls, No more, I think, wild storm and wandering wave Shall drive thee homeless, as they erewhile drave ; After long woes, return at last is thine. Therefore this charge I give you, chieftains brave, Who here still quaff the senatorial wine, And in my fair halls list the minstrel’s voice divine— 2 “ For now, behold, in the well-burnished chest Lies store of gold in quaint devices wrought, Changes of raiment for our godlike guest, And all the choice gifts that our chiefs have brought; Yet have I still this counsel in my thought— Let each one here a tripod, large of weight, And caldron offer, that he want for nought. These will we pay for by a public rate; Else, singly, it were hard to bear a charge so great.” 3 So spake the king, and all assenting heard, And each passed homeward to his couch of rest. But when the rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, They to the ship their eager course addressed, And brought the brazen tribute, all their best; Which the divine strength of Alcinous there Stowed with his own hands ’neath the benches, lest Aught should the seamen hinder, whensoe’er They to the great oars lean, and through the billows fare. 218 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 4 Thence for the feast they sought the kingly hall, And the divine strength of Alcinous then To cloud-wrapt Zeus Kronion, lord of all, Offered an ox in sacrifice. So when Burned were the thighs, they feasted, and agen Demodocus the minstrel made them song. But oft Odysseus turned his wistful ken, While in his breast the home-desire beat strong, On the sun’s orb, which seemed to linger all too long. 5 As when one longeth for his evening fare, For whom two wine-dark steers the livelong day Drag through the field in furrows the slow share; He, on the watch, still toiling as he may, Gladly beholds the sunlight fade away, Then seeks his supper, while the spent knees ache— Thus for Odysseus did the light decay; And with a glad heart in the midst he spake, But to Alcinous most his urgent suit did make : 6 “ Alcinous king, o’er all pre-eminent, Pour ye libations, send me scatheless hence ! Farewell! for I have gained my full content, Convoy and gifts—which Heaven for good dispense ! So may I find pure and in safe defence Both wife and friends when I return! May ye, Crowned by the gods with all heart-excellence, Blest evermore with wives and children be, Happy in home and state, from every evil free ! ” 7 Then all assented to dismiss their guest, For that his word with fate accordeth plain. Alcinous then the herald straight addressed : “ Wine mix for all, Pontonous. Once again Pour we to Zeus, then quickly o’er the main Escort our dear guest to his fatherland ! ” Forthwith the herald mixed the wine right fain, And bore it round to each. They rising stand, And to the blessed gods pour forth with reverent hand. BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 219 8 And lo ! divine Odysseus, rising up, These winged words to queen Arete saith, While in her hands he gives the double cup: “ O be thou happy till old age or death, Which in all lands all mortals visiteth, Find thee, O queen, in some far distant day! I now sail homeward. Here may thy life’s breath With husband, children, citizens, I pray, Glide in pure gladness deep, when I am far away ! ” 9 Thus having spoken, o’er the threshold passed Divine Odysseus : and Alcinous king Sent from his gates a herald, who with haste Him to the shore and the swift bark should bring. Straightway the queen, her maidens summoning, Dismissed them to the shore. One took the vest And well-washed robe ; another following Bare in her arms the fair-compacted chest; Also the third brought food and red wine of the best. 10 All which, when now to the sea’s marge they came, They to the noble seamen straight resigned, Who in the hollow vessel stowed the same, And on the ship’s deck near the stern assigned Rugs to Odysseus, that nor wave nor wind Should wake him, and white linen fair to view. He silent on the well-spread couch reclined. They from the perforated stone undo The hawser, and then man the seats in order due. 11 Soon ’neath the pulse of oar-blades flashed the deep, And slumber on Odysseus’ eyelids fell, Sweet, calm, and stirless, more like death than sleep. And as four stallions that in speed excel, Through the plain flying, their swift course impel, Lifted with keen lash by the charioteer, And without pause fulfil their journey well— So the ship, lifted through the billowy mere, Rushed whitening in her lee the loud waves far and near. 220 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 12 Thus she the deep clave safely, nor on high Might the fleet falcon with her oars keep pace, Though far the swiftest of all fowls that fly, So glancingly she glided o’er the face Of ocean, carrying one that held like place With gods in wisdom—who aforetime bare Griefs without number, and in evil case Sank toiled with war and wave, but now lay there, Stretched in a stirless sleep, forgetting all his care. 13 When rose the star most brilliant, which through heaven News of the light of early Dawn doth bring, Then the good bark on Ithaca was driven— And lo ! the port of Phorcys, old sea-king, Where on each side the shore puts forth a wing And clasps the bay with headlands. These restrain The hoarse floods which the outer hurricanes fling, And well-built ships, which come there from the main, Lie without hawsers safe on that still marble plain. 14 And a thick olive at the haven-head Stands near a cavern, deep dark lovely lair, Shrine of the Naiad-nymphs, with vases spread And bowls of stone ; wild bees make honey there; And on stone looms the Nymphs weave raiment fair, Sea-purpled, wondrous; and fresh fountains flow. Northward lie gateways trod by men, but ne’er Can steps of mortals by the south door go; None save diviner feet that sacred path may know. Here, well aware, they ran the bark ashore. She to the half keel through the shelving sand Clave furrowing, such strong seamen plied the oar; Who from the well-built benches leap to land, And first Odysseus to his native strand, Wrapt in white linen and rich rugs, bear swift. Him on the shore, yet sleeping, near at hand They place, then quickly each resplendent gift, Seal of Athene’s favour, from the vessel lift. BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 221 16 All these beside the olive-stem they set, A little from the path which that way led, That no chance comer spoil his goods, ere yet Sleep from the eyelids of Odysseus fled. They then pass homeward. Nor the threatenings dread From the Earth-shaker’s memory yet retired, Which he against that godlike hero’s head Breathed at the first, with indignation fired— He now, remembering these, the mind of Zeus inquired : 17 “ O Father Zeus, what reverence can I win Here among gods, when I but reap disdain From mortal men, Phseacians, mine own kin ? I said Odysseus should go home with pain, Yet his return I made not wholly vain Since Thou hadst sworn it. Lo ! the man doth sleep In Ithaca, sent safely o’er the main With raiment, brass, and gold, a measureless heap, Beyond his share of spoil, had he from Ilion’s steep 18 “Sailed scatheless.” Cloud-compeller Zeus replied : “Wide in dominion, Shaker of the Earth, What hast thou spoken ! Should the gods deride Thee, their great elder, and their best in worth ? Not in the realms of heaven shalt thou find dearth Of reverence—thus to slight thee, hard it were. But if some evil-doer of mortal birth Defy thy power, avenging doom is near; Work what thy will desires, and what thy heart holds dear.” 19 Poseidon, the Earth-shaker, answering said: “Now would I soon avenge me, cloud-wrapt Sire, But evermore thine own decrees I dread, And shrink and shudder at thy fury’s fire. Lo ! this Phaeacian convoy in mine ire, Homeward returning, in the sea’s dark swell Fain would I break, that they no more aspire Free road to render where I like not well, And I would hide with hills the city where they dwell.’ 222 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xiii. 20 To whom the Cloud-compeller spake again : “ My well-beloved, this counsel to my mind Seems in the issue neither void nor vain : What time the terrace of their town is lined With the whole people, who look forth to find Their ship returning, in the shoreward swell Strike her unmoveable by wave or wind, A ship-like stone—that great amazement quell Men’s souls—and hide with hills the city where they dwell.” 21 When the Earth-shaker heard that firm assent Of the great Father, he to Scheria strand And the fair home of the Phseacians went; There, waiting for a while, deep vengeance planned. And lo ! the ship seafaring nigh to land Came, lightly furrowing the blue waves; but he Rose in his wrath, and with down-striking hand Made her a stone, and in the nether sea Clenched the dead keel with roots, and thence moved instantly. 22 But the Phseacians winged words began, That ship-famed people, masters of the oar; And, pale with wonder, man inquired of man: “Good heaven! what strange chance, ere she reach our shore, Chains fast our vessel in the billows hoar? Surely but now we marked both stern and stem.” Thus with wide eyes they talked, but evermore Failed to discern the god’s dire stratagem, Till at the last the king Alcinous spake to them : 23 “ Gods, the old oracles come back to me Which in far years I heard my father tell, . How that Poseidon thinketh scorn that we Love to guide all men through the waters well, And, on a day when we good course impel Homeward, for this he would the convoy break, And hide with hills the city where we dwell. Such was the prophecy the old man spake, And all his words this day their due fulfilment take. BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 22 24 “ Come, be persuaded, let us cease to guide Each guest and stranger through the seas. Now go, And for Poseidon twelve choice bulls provide, And we will slay them at his shrine, if so He, of his grace, some mercy deign to show, Nor hide with hills our city.” Thus he said. They, struck with terror, the choice bulls bestow; And all their chiefs to king Poseidon made Due sacrifice, and standing round the altar prayed. 2 5 Divine Odysseus from his sleep anon Rose up, nor knew the long-lost land; for then Pallas Athene poured a mist thereon, Making the place seem diverse in his ken, And veiled him also from the eyes of men, Thus to reveal each several fact aright, That him nor wife nor friend nor citizen Know for their lord, till he the fell despite Of the whole suitor-train should violently requite. 26 Hence o’er the land there hung a cloud of change. Cliffs, and tall forests waving their rough hair, Lines of long pathway, to the king seemed strange, Harbours, and hills, and rocks that scale the air. So on a sudden he uprose, and there, Over his native fields in sore surprise Gazing, his sorrow did with groans declare, And smote with vehement palms on both his thighs, And a sad word spake forth with dark tears in his eyes : 27 “ Ay me ! what mortal souls inhabit here ? Despiteful, wild, unjust, or apt to love The suppliant stranger and the gods revere? Where to bestow these goods, which way to move, I know not: better have come poor, than prove Such perils—so might I have found some king Who yet might send me to my land with love ! These treasures to conceal is no light thing, Nor can I leave them here, lest spoilers on them spring. to 224 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 28 “ Gods ! the Phneacian chiefs, too late I see, Were not in all things wise nor just! who now To a far different land have carried me— Who plighted troth safe convoy to allow To Ithaca, but have not kept their vow ! Zeus, guard of suppliants, who o’er men doth keep Watch, and with vengeance every crime endow, Pay them for this !—Now will I count this heap Of treasures, lest perchance they robbed me in my sleep.” 29 So he of tripods, caldrons, raiment, gold, Counted full tale; anon with many a tear, Where on the beach the roaring waters rolled, Crept, moaning his dear earth. And lo ! came near Athene, like some youthful overseer Of flocks, all-delicate, as a chieftain’s son. She round her shoulders a rich cloak did wear Twice folded, and her shining feet had on Fair sandals; in her hand a steely javelin shone. 30 Glad was Odysseus, and came near and spake: “ Friend, since thee first upon this soil I see, Hail thou, nor wrong me ! For my sorrow’s sake Deign to preserve these treasures and save me! For to thy knees I come, and pray to thee As to a god. This also tell me true— What land, what state, what people here may be. Is this some island very plain to view, Or mainland-coast down-sloping toward the billows blue?” 31 To whom Athene, stern-eyed goddess, spake : “ Stranger, thou lackest sense or com’st from far, Who question of this soil art fain to make. Not nameless is it. Many men there are, Who in the west or toward the morning star Inhabit, and our country know full well. Rough is the land, nor can one drive a car Through the rude ways, for steeds impassable, Yet not too poor, though least in space our shores excel. BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 225 32 “ For still much plenty both of corn and wine Lives in the land, and the life-showering dew Nurtures the fields, and fruitful rains divine; For goats and steers both rocks and glades renew Sweet pasture; woods of every grain and hue Flourish; and fair streams flow the whole year round. Hence even in Troia, if they tell me true, Far off, O stranger, from Achaian ground, Doth echo of the name of Ithaca resound.” 33 She spake. Divine Odysseus in his heart, Glad from innumerable toils, the name Of his dear country hailed ; but with fine art Held his own counsels, and with dexterous aim Did feigned answer to Athene frame. For always in his breast he wielded well Sleights of a gainful prudence, still the same In keen wit, whatsoever chance befel. Thus he this feigned tale in winged words did tell: 34 “ Even in wide Crete, far across the floods, I heard of Ithaca, which now I see. There to my children I left half my goods, And with this treasure from my home did flee. For swift Orsilochus was slain by me, Child of Idomeneus, who in wide Crete All men surpassed in fleetness—for that he Sought to have robbed me of my portion meet Of Trojan spoil, won fairly in the war’s fierce heat. 35 “For that same spoil I took my battle-scars, And clave the troublous deep; but he took fire Because I led mine own band in the wars Of Ilion, not subservient to his sire. So him, returned, I smote dead in mine ire, Where in the fields I lurked with one true friend. He near the wayside did with spears expire, While Night the wide sky did with blackness blend. Thence, with the blood still secret, I securely wend. p 226 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 36 “ So having slain him with sharp steel, I thence On shipboard, to the proud Phoenicians, passed, And there gave suppliant words and large expense Of gifts. Anon I urge them to sail fast For sandy Pylos through the ocean vast, Or divine Elis, where the Epeians sway, And there to land me. But the stormy blast Drave them reluctant a far different way— Not that they wished at all to foil me or betray. 37 “We hither in our wanderings come by night, Row to the haven with all zeal, nor eat Though sorely hungered, but with speed alight And on the shore lie down. There slumbers sweet, Born of exceeding toil, mine eyelids greet. Meanwhile the men my goodly treasures take, Range them beside me sleeping, and retreat, And to Sidonian coast their voyage make. But I stay lonely here, with grieved heart nigh to break.” 38 . He ended ; and Athene smiling there Quick with her hand caressed him, and put on Mien of a woman very tall and fair, Skilled in all splendid works, and spake anon : “ Shrewd beyond reckoning were thy paragon, Or man or god, in fencings of keen wit. O versed in knavish wiles, insatiate one! Wilt thou not here in thine own land remit These forgeries, which so firmly to thy soul are knit? 39 “ But of these things no longer take we heed; Truly we both know wisdom passing well; Thou all thy fellow-men dost far exceed In word-inventive wit; and I excel In fame of counsels all the gods that dwell In the wide heaven. Nor can thine heart forget Athene, child of Zeus. Needs not to tell How in all labours I stood by thee yet, And toward thee firm goodwill in the Phseacians set. BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 227 40 “Now a dark scheme with thee to weave I come, To hide that wealth which the Phgeacians gave Through my suggestion, when they brought thee home, And to unfold what sorrows thou shalt have In thine own house—which thou with spirit brave Suffer in sad compulsion, and be strong! Nor yet reveal to wife or friend or slave How thou returnest from thy wanderings long; Silently chew thy griefs, and bear the brunt of wrong ! ” 41 To whom the man of many counsels spake : “ Hardly, O goddess, even the wise may know Thy form, since every semblance thou dost take. Thou lov’dst me, I remember, long ago, When in the Ilian wars we suffered woe. But since we overthrew old Priam’s keep, And the god drave us o’er the wild sea-flow, No more I meet thee, howsoe’er I weep, Nor cam’st thou, child of Zeus, to aid me in the deep. 42 “ Always I wandered with a grief-torn heart, Till the gods loosed me at the last from pain : Then, in Phaeacian land, thou didst impart Words of sweet counsel, and my way make plain. Now by thy Sire have mercy ! All in vain Hearing of sunward Ithaca, I stand Lost on an alien earth. I fear thee fain To foil and leave me with sharp taunts unmanned— Do I behold indeed mine own dear native land? ” 43 Him the stern-eyed Athene answered then : “ Such doubts for ever in thy breast abide; Whence I thee love beyond the sons of men, And in thy grief stand always at thy side, Since a wise tongue thou wieldest, nobly tried In counsels. Other men had soon been moved, Thus new from wanderings, to have satisfied Yearning desire with sight of whom they loved; But thou all-patient pausest, till thy wife be proved— 228 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 44 “Till she be proved who in thy halls doth sit, And, wasted with sore anguish day and night, Tears for her lord doth never intermit. I from the first knew thou must here alight, Though reft of thy companions, void of might; But with Poseidon who thy course did bind, My father’s brother, I willed not to fight; Who a relentless anger in his mind Stored for his dear son’s sake, whom thou didst erewhile blind. 45 “ Come, view thy dear land, and believe me now ! This is the port of sea-king Phorcys old, And this the olive at the haven’s brow. Yonder the deep dark lovely cave behold, Shrine of the Naiad-nymphs ! These shades enfold The stone-roofed bower, wherein thou oft hast stood, While to the Nymphs thy frequent vows uprolled, Steam of choice hecatombs and offerings good. Neritus hill stands there, high-crowned with waving wood.” 46 So spake Athene, and dissolved the mist. Plainly Odysseus all things marked, and there, Rejoicing in his soul, the boon earth kissed, And to the Nymphs with lifted hands made prayer: “ Virgins of Zeus, ye Naiads, whom I ne’er Hoped to revisit, hail! We to your shrine Vows and sweet offerings, as of old, will bear, If the Zeus-born Maid-warrior help divine Deign to vouchsafe, and prosper my son’s life and mine ! ” 47 Therewith he ended, and Athene spake : “ Be brave, and doubt not! In this safe retreat Hide we thy wealth, and then new counsels take.” So, through the cave’s mouth passing, with slow feet She tracked the chambers, and with care discreet Hid gold, brass, raiment, and made fast the door. Then by the sacred olive taking seat, They, for the suitors weaving doom, explore Dire vengeance. First Athene did these words outpour: BOOK XIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 229 48 “Zeus-born Laertiades, Odysseus wise, Scheme in dark net these shameless to enthral And mar with violent hand their revelries ! Three years they wield dominion in thy hall, And thy divine wife to espousals call Vexed with their gifts. For she with tears doth rue Thy lost return, and though to each and all She still sends hope and promise, while they woo, Yet doth her heart the while far other thoughts ensue.” 49 He of the many counsels answering saith : “ Of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, I In mine own halls, by Heaven, the evil death, Dark, without warning, had been like to die, If thou, dear goddess, from the homes on high Hadst not descended, to make all things plain And with thine arms to help me by-and-by ! Come, weave me counsel neither void nor vain, That I red vengeance reap till not a man remain ! 50 “ But stand thou near, and such bold strength inspire As when we loosed the shining tiars of Troy. If thou stand near me to inbreathe like fire, Then with three hundred could I fight with joy !” To whom Athene : “When dread works employ Thy fierce hands, verily I will not be far; Yea, thou with me shalt many souls destroy, Till the wide floors, where wrongful revellings are, Smoke with the gore of traitors, who thy substance mar. 51 “ Now will I make thee strange in all men’s sight, Parch up the fair flesh on each flexile limb, Cause thy loose auburn locks to vanish quite, Thy beard befoul, and make thy features grim, And for vile rags exchange thy raiment trim, Loathed of the suitors when they look thereon, And blear thy beauteous eyes and make them dim, Unlovely even to thy wife and son, Whom thou a little child didst leave in years long gone. 230 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIII. 5 2 “ Thou first the swineherd, guardian of thy swine, One poor, yet proven in fidelity, Seek : a good heart he holds toward thee and thine, True to thy child and sage Penelope. Him in the dale reclining thou shalt see Near Corax rock and Arethusa spring. Thither the gross herds troop, and ravenously Champ the crisp acorns, and find watering, Whence the fat sides of swine their daily increase bring. 53 “There wait and ask him all things. I anon To bride-famed Sparta will go hence, to call Telemachus, thy well-beloved son, Who went of late to Menelaus’ hall To hear some tidings of thy life or fall.” Then wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “Why didst thou spare to tell him, knowing all? Wast fain to drive him, whelmed with anguish dread, Wide o’er the barren seas, while strangers eat his bread ? ” 54 Whereto the stern-eyed goddess made reply: “Vex not for him thy soul! /sent him hence To build him a great name that shall not die. There doth he find nor labour nor offence. Atrides in serene magnificence Kindly entreats him. But young men there are Who lurk e’en now to slay him sailing thence. Yet, if I err not, first shall Earth ernbar Deep in her womb those shameless, who thy substance mar.” 55 So with her wand she touched him ; and the skin Shrunk on the flexile limbs, the auburn hair Died, and he stooped an old man, wrinkled, thin. Bleared were the bright orbs, late so wondrous fair; And coarse rags, smoke-defiled, she made him wear, Wrapt with vile deer’s-hide, and rude staff anon Gave, and a foul scrip leathern-looped to bear. Thus the twain parted, after counsels done, And she, the goddess, passed to Sparta for his son. 231 BOOK XIV. ODYSSEUS IS ENTERTAINED BY THE SWINEHERD EUM/EUS. I He through the woods, the hillside path along, Went to the noble swineherd, who, of all His servants, guarded most his wealth from wrong. Him found he sitting where conspicuous, tall, And large and beauteous ran the courtyard wall, Which for his absent master’s swine (unknown To old Laertes and the queen withal), Paled with black stakes, cut from the copse, of stone The swineherd built, with bushes round the coping sown. 2 Within, twelve styes, the beds of swine, he made. In each were fifty female breeders pent. But in the outer space the males were stayed, Much fewer : day by day their choicest went To feed the godlike suitors, while they spent Wealth countless. Threescore and three hundred then Remained—these only to their feasts unsent. Four watchdogs sentinel both wall and pen, Like to wild beasts, whom bred the swineherd, chief of men. 3 There he at work upon his wonted seat Framed sandals, and of ox the shining hide Cut, deftly shaping it about his feet. Three of his men, the gathering swine to guide, Had gone their several ways, and busily plied Each his own task. The fourth with a fat boar, (Doomed by severe compulsion to provide Still for the suitors from his master’s store Some victim) to the city he had sent before. 232 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV, 4 Sudden the clamorous dogs Odysseus eye, And with quick howl run forward. He anon Stooped to the earth, and crouched down craftily, And his staff dropt: yet even there full soon Had he dire grief at his own homestead won, But from the door the swineherd hurrying Let fall the leather, and with shout and stone Drave off the dogs, and thus addressed his king : “ Little it lacked, old man, that thou on me shouldst bring 5 “ Shame and reproach, thus torn near to my door, Whom without this the gods of woe full meed Have given ; since I here sit bemoaning sore My noble master, and his fat swine feed For others. He, it may be, suffers need Far on a foreign soil, and sad doth roam, If haply he yet live, yet feel indeed The sunlight — but, old man, behold my home ! Taste food and wine; then tell whence grieving thou art come.’' 6 Forthwith the noble swineherd led the way Into his hut, and made the old man sit. Piling the brushwood which around him lay, Hide of a wild goat he spread over it, Shaggy and large and warm, for sleepers fit, His own couch; and Odysseus, glad to find Such welcome, him with winged words requit : “ Zeus and all gods, for this, whate’er thy mind Most loves to thee vouchsafe, who hast a heart so kind ! ” 7 Swineherd Eumaeus, then didst thou reply: “ O friend, I dare not, though a worse man sought These doors, a stranger use discourteously. All strangers and all poor by Zeus are brought; Sweet is our gift, yet small; since not for nought The servants tremble when young men bear sway. But one there is, for ever in my thought, Whom the gods hinder and keep far away, Who from his heart would love me, were he here this day. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 233 8 “Wealth would he give, house, field, and a dear wife— Such kindness as good masters deign to show, When reaps the labour of a loyal life Such increase as the gods on mine bestow. Ah me ! but he hath fallen long ago ; As would that Helen and all her race outright, Hurled to their knees, were fall’n ! for she brought low The knees of many; and he too went to fight For Agamemnon’s name to Ilion’s castled height.” 9 He then, his tunic quickly girding, passed Forth to the styes wherein the swine were pent. Twain he selected, and with diligent haste [sprent, Killed, singed, and carved them; then, with white flour Did to Odysseus the choice parts present, Hot, bubbling on the spits, just as they were; And in an ivy cup with care intent Mingled sweet wine; which done, he made repair Unto a seat hard by, and cheered him to the fare : 10 “Now then, O stranger, take thou heart and eat What servants have to offer—swine like these. The prime ones of our herd still furnish meat For the proud suitors in their revelries. They in the palace, with their souls at ease, Feast, not considering revenge to come, And know not mercy. But such works displease The blessed gods, who, wielding sovran doom, Love justice on the earth, and give the righteous room. 11 “Yea, foes and fierce men, when they spoil a land, If Zeus vouchsafe them plunder, with their store Sail home. Thus even the bloody pirate-band Thinks of revenge to come. But evermore These ply their crime within my master’s door. Something they know, some god has told it them— His death. For this doth outrage stain his floor. Shame on their suit who every law contemn ! Lightly they rend and revel; no power the flood can stem. 2 34 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. 12 “ For, every night and day that comes from Zeus, No more one victim do they kill, nor two. They in the king’s halls waste the vine’s red juice, Draining it past belief. For, I speak true, His was a very noble revenue. None of the mainland-heroes, now nor then, None here in Ithaca, like produce grew. No, not the whole wealth of a score of men Could match with half he holds in house and mount and glen. 13 “ Hear now the catalogue. Twelve herds of kine Feed on the dark mainland, twelve flocks of sheep, Of goats an equal tale, twelve droves of swine. All these his friends and his own herdmen keep. Here flocks eleven of goats beside the deep Browse, guarded by good men. But each must make Choice from his charge, and drive one from the steep Daily, to perish for the suitors’ sake. I guard these swine—but ever they my choicest take.” 14 Thus he made speech. The stranger ravenously Ate flesh and drank wine, answering not a word, And for the suitors nursed revenge. But he Poured wine, and on his guest the cup conferred, Brimful. Deep joy within Odysseus stirred, And in winged words he spake: “ O friend, now tell Who was this lord, so mighty, rich, revered, That bought you with his wealth ? You say he fell For Agamemnon’s name, by Troia’s citadel. r 5 “ It may be I have met with such a man : Zeus only knows, and all the gods in heaven : So will I tell thee tidings, if I can, Since very far and wide have I been driven.” Then said the swineherd : “ It were vainly striven, Old man, with news to cheer his wife and child. Oft needy wandering men, to fraud much given, Have for a lodging many lies compiled. These far too much already have my dear queen beguiled. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 235 16 “ Such she treats tenderly, enquiring all, And in heart-bitterness doth weep and wail, As wife should, when her lord far off doth fall. Thou too, old man, wouldst quickly forge some tale. But as for him, long since his life did fail; Dogs must have torn him, and wild birds of prey; Or, as the dead form drifted with the gale, Fishes devoured him, and his bones this day, Wrapt in the cold sea-sand, lie mouldering far away. 1 7 “ Thus all his friends feel sorrow, but I most, Who nevermore can find beneath the sun Heart mild as of the master I have lost, What land soever I set foot upon; Ah me! not even though again I won Home of my father and my mother dear, In the old country, where my life begun, And where they nourished me from year to year A little child, far off, beyond the rolling mere. 18 “ Truly for these I hoard a deep regret, These too remember with exceeding pain, And with my whole heart yearn and yearn to set Print of my feet on that dear earth again; But for Odysseus on my soul hath lain Chief sorrow; nor, O stranger, can I bear Lightly upon these lips to entertain His name, who loved me with such kindly care, Whom to an elder brother I, though lost, compare.” T 9 He ending, answered the much-suffering chief: “Friend, since thou dost deny this utterly, Hopeless of heart and stern in unbelief, Not lightly, but with oath I certify— Odysseus comes. That day shalt thou supply Fair raiment, meed of the good news I tell. Till then let me abide in penury; Since to me hateful as the doors of hell That man, to whom mere want can make a lie seem well. 236 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. 20 “ First of the gods bear witness Zeus the while, Thy table kind, that hearth which I have found, Hearth of the brave Odysseus void of guile, This word with due fulfilment shall be crowned! While yet the wheel of this same year goes round, As one month wanes, and as the next comes in, Odysseus shall return to his own ground, And in the palace, where the suitors sin Against his wife and child, full vengeance shall begin.” 21 Swineherd Eumaeus, then didst thou reply; “ Old man, I know that I shall never see Any fulfilment of this prophecy ; No guerdon of good news shall I give thee; No more to Ithaca returneth he. Drink here at ease, and talk of other things, Nor urge these woes upon my memory; Since always in my heart much grief there springs, Oft as one nameth him, my lord, the best of kings. 22 “ But let the oath pass. May Odysseus thus Come back, as I wish, and Penelope, And old Laertes, and Telemachus His son ! whom I now mourn unceasingly, Odysseus’ son, who like a tender tree Waxed under the sweet heaven both fair and tall. Gods were his nursing-fathers. Seemed that he Should not a whit behind his father fall In beauty and good heart, among the heroes all. 23 “ But now of mortals or immortals one Hath warped within his breast the even mind; And he to Pylos the divine hath gone, If chance some tidings of his sire he find. Meanwhile the suitors have his death designed, And in the homeward way that he must pass Lurk, that no rumour may be left behind, No echo of the glory that once was, When they the race root out of old Arkeisias. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 2 37 24 “ But let this pass. It may be he will die ; It may be that Kronion will uphold His life with power, and lend him help to fly. But come, old man, thine own sad griefs unfold, And of a truth, I pray, let this be told: Whence art thou, of what parents, from what strand, On what ship earnest o’er the watery wold To Ithaca? what men the vessel manned? Since sure am I thou never earnest here by land.” 25 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “Now my whole story will I tell thee true. Yet if, within these doors, good store of bread And sweet wine were provided for us two, To feast, while other men their labours do, Easily could I spend a whole year’s space In telling of the toils I have gone through, And the long woes which the celestial race Pour on my life, and roamings far from place to place. 26 “ Of wide Crete are the loins from which I come, Child of a rich man, and with many more Bred and begotten in my father’s home, Sons of his wife : me a bought mistress bore. But he of household honour equal store, Castor Hylacides, whose seed I claim, Gave me, nor lineal offspring ranked before Fruit of his mistress. Like a god’s his fame Rang through wide Crete for wealth and sons of noble name. 27 “ But him the Fates of death to Hades bore. Then speedily did his sons by lot divide His substance, and to me but a poor store Gave, and a mean house, in their high-flown pride. Yet through my manly virtue a rich bride I won, being neither vain, nor profitless, Nor craven in war. Now all these things have died; Yet from the very stubble thine eye can guess That which once was, ere yet I knew such dire distress. 238 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xiv. 28 44 For in my strong breast such a soul of fire, Man-breaking power to whelm a host of foes, Both Ares and Athene did inspire. Yea, when our bravest I for ambush chose, Never I ween in my great heart arose Bodings of death, nor any fear of ill. I on all foemen, ever the first to close, Leapt; and whatever failed of feet, that still I with the sword smote down, and shed the life at will. 2 9 44 Such was I seen in arms, but held not dear Thrift in the house and labour of the hand, Which things are wont a splendid race to rear. Arrows and bows I loved, and fleets well manned, Spears, and a noise of fightings in the land. All that seems hateful and uncouth to men God taught my eager spirit to understand. Such wild delight I drank in warfare then ! Thus divers works, I ween, give joy to divers men. 3 ° 44 Ere yet the sons of the Achaians came Warring from Argos, and on Troy set feet, Nine times to nations of another name Soldiers I led and a sea-furrowing fleet. Thus, when I gained large spoil exceeding sweet, I from the best made choice, much also won By lot. Full soon my house waxed great in Crete, < And, for the glory of the exploits done, Dreadly-revered my name rang loud beneath the sun. 3i 44 But when the sad way was ordained of Zeus Which loosed the knees of many a hero bold, They bade me lead with famed Idomeneus Ships to far Troy; nor dared we ought withhold, Or shrink back, by the general voice controlled. So for nine years we battled day by day, And in the tenth the towers of Priam rolled Low in the dust. But, when we sailed away, God in the stormy deep the Achaians drave astray. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 239 3 2 “Ah me ! the mind of Zeus against my life From that day forward was revolving ill. Space of one month rejoicing with my wife, Children, and wealth, did I in Crete fulfil, And then within my breast the wayward will Impelled me, captain of a godlike band, With fair-appointed fleet to sail, until We in our course attain to Egypt land. Nine ships I fitted forth; good sailors came to hand. 33 “ All now prepared, six days from toil we ceased. Victims for sacrifice divine I gave, And victims many for the glorious feast. On the sev’nth day with my companions brave, Embarking from wide Crete, the main I clave Swift—for the great North-wind, high-breathing, fair, As down a seaward stream our vessel drave. We sitting without sickness, harm, or care, Fly with the help of steersmen and a prosperous air. 34 “ FEgyptus stream we reach on the fifth day. In the fair-flowing river the fleet I moor, Nor suffer my companions thence to stray, But charge them keep close sentry on the shore, While some go forth and from the heights explore The country. These to their own lusts give rein, And, yielding to the fire within them, pour Bale on the homesteads, and lay waste the plain, Take wives and children captive, and the men leave slain. 35 “Soon in the city a wild cry was heard; And footmen, chariots, and a glint of steel, Filled the wide champaign when the Dawn appeared. Then from the onset of their fiery zeal Zeus, lord of thunder, made our warriors reel; Hemmed in with evil, through the plain they fled, And the foe following did fierce vengeance deal. Most by the sword fell; some were captive led, Doomed in despite to labour and eat servile bread. 40 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. 36 “ But Zeus himself—ah ! had I but died there In Egypt, such great sorrow was yet to spring !— Gave counsel to cast off my helmet fair, Drop the vain javelin, from my shoulders fling The shield, and in the front before their king To crouch, half-trampled by the steeds, and crave Help. To his knees with suppliant kiss I cling. He with a pitying heart salvation gave, And on the chariot-board me weeping homeward drave. 37 “ Many with spears, such fiery impulse held Their spirits, rushed upon me, fierce to kill. He with his single arm their rage repelled, And my deliverance wrought, remembering still Zeus, guard of suppliants, who doth aye fulfil Sentence against the sinner, whoe’er he be, And in the lofty heaven takes count of ill. There did I reap his hospitality Seven years, and won much wealth, for all men gave to me. 33 “ But when the eighth year was at hand, lo, then Came a Phoenician, nursing fraud in heart, Grasper of base gain, dealing wrongs to men ; Who straight beguiled me through his treacherous art With him to his own country to depart, Phoenice. Thus I, yielding to deceit, Leave Egypt land, and on the voyage start, And sail to his estate and native seat. There with him in his house I stayed a year complete. 39 “ Scheming to sell me, and much wealth to get, But framing lies about my share in trade, Me then for Libya he on shipboard set, Forced in despite to follow, though sore afraid. We with the eager-spirited North-wind made Crete, and soon left the island in our lee. But Zeus against them evil counsels laid. Onward the swift keel through the waves did flee, Till now no land appeared, but only skies and sea. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 241 40 “ Then did Kronion o’er the hollow bark Hang forth a black cloud, and the quick gloom stole O’er the wide seas. He ’mid the lowering dark Made his loud thunder-peals in tumult roll, And rived the ship with lightnings from the pole. While in the blazing volley of Zeus she reeled, Filled with red fire and smoke of sulphurous coal, Men in the waves like sea-gulls shone revealed, Till their returnless eyes the god for ever sealed. 41 “ But Zeus himself, in pity of my pain, Placed in my arms the huge mast. Firm I cling, Rolled round it, nine days, ’mid the furious main. Me on the tenth night a great wave did fling On land of the Thesprotians, whose brave king, Pheidon, with free love helped me; for his son Found me, and raised me up just perishing, And led me to his father, sore undone, And gave me food and drink, and raiment to put on. 42 “ There of the brave Odysseus I heard tell. Yea, the king told me how some while before Himself had entertained and loved him well, Then on the voyage to his native shore. Brass, gold, wrought steel, and countless treasures more He showed me, whence a plain man wealth might reap To the tenth generation—such vast store, Won by Odysseus, there in many a heap Ranged in the royal chambers, he, the king, did keep. 43 “ Of him he spake as to Dodona gone, By word of Zeus from that great oak to hear How on his land set foot, how claim his own, By stealth or strength, now absent many a year. And in his house to me the king did swear, Pouring libations, that both bark and men Were ready, to his home thy lord to bear. But me he sent first. Chanced that even then Ship sailed to rich Dulichium with Thesprotian men. Q w 242 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. 44 “ Thither he bade them take me on with love To king Acastus. They within their mind Planned a dire counsel, that I yet might prove Anguish extreme. For, when we left behind Thesprotian earth, those wolfish men designed To sell me to the servile life for pay. Soon of my robes they strip me bare, and wind Vile rags about me, rent with foul decay. These are the very same—you see them here to-day. 45 ' “At eve the fields of Ithaca they reach. Me on the well-benched vessel, strongly bound, They leave, and snatch their meal upon the beach. But to my help the gods themselves unwound My cords with ease, though firmly twisted round. I, with these weeds close muffling up my head, Slide down the rudder, dive without a sound. And, the waves breasting, stealthy hands outspread, Oaring myself aloof. Thus quickly far I fled. 46 “ Soon, where a flowering copse the shore did crown, Emerging from the waves in shade I lay Crouched, while the men searched busily up and down, Groaning for wrath. Nor did they long delay, Urging the bootless quest, but sailed away. Thus me with ease the gods themselves concealed, Nor, though in strange land, set my feet astray, But led me to a good man’s house and field. Thus, yet a little longer, Fate my life doth shield.” 47 Swineherd Eumaeus, thou didst answer make : “ O poor lost stranger, for thy tale of pain, Thy wanderings and thy woes, my heart doth ache. Yet something hast thou told in no wise strain. All is not well. The tidings thou dost feign About Odysseus shall no credence earn. Why should a man like thee tell lies in vain ? Little concerning him is left to learn. All gods their faces set against my lord’s return. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 243 48 “They would not let him ’mid the Trojans fall, Nor in his friends’ arms, when the war was done, That so the full host of Achaians all Might build his tomb, when he for aye had won Guerdon of loftiest glory for his son. But now those limbs ingloriously are rent By Harpies, and unheard-of he is gone. My days forlorn among the swine are spent, Nor to the peopled town my steps are ever bent, 49 “ Save when the queen, if she some tidings hear, Sends for me. Then they all make urgent quest, Both those who mourn for my lost master dear, And those who spoil him, and his house infest Unpunished. As for me, within my breast No tale I care for, and no rumour scan, Since the sad hour that an ZEtolian guest, One that roamed far through having slain a man, Did, for my warm love given, a treacherous story plan. 50 “ He told me he had seen my lord in Crete, Guest of Idomeneus, from storms at sea Waiting in shelter to repair his fleet; And that in summer or in autumn he, With large wealth and a godlike company, Should reach home. Spare, old man, whom God doth make Guest of my hearth, this well-meant flattery. Not for these things shalt thou my love partake, But for the fear of Zeus, and for thy sorrows’ sake.” 5 1 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “ Heart very hard of faith beats in thy breast; No word can win thee and no oath persuade. Come, strike a league, and let us call the blest To witness, all who in Olympus rest— If to this house thy king return indeed, Then shalt thou give me a fair robe and vest, And send me to Dulichium void of need, Whither my soul is set, whither my feet would speed. 244 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. / 5 2 “ But if thy king return not as I say, Then bid the servants hurl me from yon steep, That other poor offend not in like way.” Then said the noble swineherd: “ A great heap Of glory for all time shall I then reap, O stranger, if, when I have led thee in And loved thee, from the earth thy life I sweep. Lightly my prayers the ear of Zeus should win. Come, eat! Soon will the men their evening meal begin.” 53 Thus held Odysseus and his host divine Their converse. From the fields each herdsman then Came; and a sound unutterable of swine Clanged, as in lairs the several tribes they pen. Then said the noble swineherd to his men: “ Bring for our guest the best of swine, to kill. We too will cheer our spirits once agen, Who all too long our weary tasks fulfil With sorrow, while bad men our labours eat at will.” 54 Thus having spoken, he with steel cleft wood. Soon on the hearthstone of the hut they set A large fat five-year-old. Nor did the good Swineherd the service of the gods forget, Nor fail to render all and each their debt. But first the forelock in the fire he cast, With prayer that wise Odysseus even yet Might come home ; and with oaken splint at last The swine smote on the hearthstone, and the life fled fast. 55 They then the knife implunge, and singe the hair With fire, and quickly the warm flesh divide, While, slicing the fat limbs, the swineherd there Round the raw layers of meat the caul implied; Which, sprinkled with white flour, he placed aside And burned with fire. Then, duly cut, the rest With spits they pierce, and the choice food provide, And pile upon the board the feast well drest. The swineherd rose to carve : all justice he knew best. BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 245 5 6 He in seven shares did all the flesh divide. One for the Nymphs and Hermes, son divine Of Maia, with due prayer he placed aside ; Then to each comrade did with care assign Fit portion; to Odysseus the whole chine, Gracing his guest. And thus spake forth the king, Pleased with his portion of the white-toothed swine : “ Zeus hold thee dear, Eumaeus, for this thing, Who to one poor like me such goodly grace dost bring ! ” 57 Swineherd Eumaeus, then didst thou reply: “ Good stranger, eat ! and Heaven’s all-ruling lord Will, as he list, this grant and that deny.” He then the gods served, and the dark wine poured, And to his king, now seated at the board, The cup gave, and Mesaulius bread purveyed; Whom the good swineherd of his own accord Bought with the earnings of his private trade. From Taphian men seafaring he the purchase made. 58 They on the feast lay hands. But when desire Had ceased, Mesaulius cleared the board, and all, Filled with the corn and flesh, to bed retire. Down came the dark Night in her moonless pall, While Zeus from heaven eternal rain let fall, And blew the drenching Zephyrus without end. Then did Odysseus to the swineherd call, His kind love testing, if he deign to lend Haply his own warm covering, or persuade a friend : 59 “ Hear now, Eumaeus, and thy comrades all! I speak for glory, since by wine made bold Often to singing even the wise will fall, Light laughter and the dance, nor can withhold Words that in sooth were better far untold— Yea, fairly launched, I swerve not. Would to-night Such were my strength as in the days of old, When, ’mid the sufferings of the ten years’ fight, Once we lay crouched in ambush under Troia’s height! 46 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIV. 60 “ Atrides Menelaus held command, Odysseus, and I third; such was their will. Close to the city’s walls we ranged our band, Armed, in the marsh-reeds cowering, mute and still. Down came the bad Night, and cut piercing chill With ice-winds from the north. The snow like rime Glazed on the shields, which the keen frost did frill. There, couched beneath their shields, in that fell clime Wrapt in warm cloaks the rest slept soundly all the time. 61 “ I, like a fool, had left my cloak behind, Not dreaming it would freeze. Doublet and shield Alone now fenced me from the wintry wind. But in the third watch, when the stars had wheeled, I nudged Odysseus, and his sleep unsealed, And spake : 4 Odysseus, wise Lae'rtiades, Guile of some god hath lured me to this field Cloakless; remaineth nor escape nor ease; Soon shall I leave the living, so direly doth it freeze.’ 62 “ Thus spake I: soon did his shrewd sense appear: Such was he ever both to scheme and fight. Softly he whispered : ‘ Hush, lest some one hear ! ’ And, on his elbow leaning to the right, Spake to his fellows : 1 Hark, my friends ! this night A dream from heaven hath sought me in my sleep. Far lie the ships. Go some one, and incite Atrides Agamemnon, who doth keep Our host, to send more soldiers inland from the deep. 63 “ He spake; and quickly rose Andrsemon’s son, Thoas, and leaving there his purple cloak Swift in the chill night to the ships did run. I in his garment slumbered warm, till broke The golden-throned morning; then I woke. O were my strength firm as in years of old, One of the swineherds would soon lend a cloak For friendship, reverencing a warrior bold ! Now am I scorned, because vile rags my form enfold.” BOOK XIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 247 64 Swineherd Eumaeus, thou didst answer make : “ Old man, well said ! thy words have all been good ; And thou shalt fairly of our robes partake, Yea find all comfort that a suppliant should, Now—in the morning thine own raiment rude Must serve thy turn : few changes keep we here : Each hath his own one suit, not oft renewed. But, when my lord’s son comes, robes and good cheer He will vouchsafe, and send thee whither thou list to fare.” 6 5 This said, he rose up, and beside the fire Spread forth a couch with skins of goats and sheep. There lay Odysseus, wrapt in warm attire, Which the good swineherd for a change did keep, Whenso from heaven a furious storm might sweep. There lay Odysseus, and beside him slept The young men; but the swineherd would not sleep Far from his swine, but from the doors forth stept, Armed and accoutred well, such faithful charge he kept. 66 Glad was Odysseus that so much he cared His master to serve well, though far away. With sword flung o’er his shoulders forth he fared, Adjusting the good cloak which round him lay, Proof to all winds, a very warm array; Then took the hide of a great goat well fed, And spear, both dogs and men to keep at bay. So ’mid the swine, where arched rocks overhead Fenced off the Boreal blast, the swineherd sought his bed. 249 BOOK XV. TELEMACHUS, WITH THEOCLYMENUS THE SEER, RETURNS TO ITHACA—THE STORY OF EUMiEUS. 1 To spacious Lacedaemon went meanwhile Athene, there to urge Odysseus’ son With memory of return to his own isle. There she Telemachus and Nestor’s son Couched in the corridor found sleeping,—one Asleep, the child of Nestor,—but sweet rest To eyelids of Telemachus came none ; He through ambrosial night lay sore distrest, Such care for his dear father filled his wakeful breast. 2 Stern-eyed Athene standing near him spake : “Telemachus, no longer seems it well To wander far away, while spoilers take Thy treasures. Up, lest these destroyers fell Eat all thy goods between them, while men tell How on a bootless journey thou didst go. Thou with persuasion thy brave host impel To send thee quickly o’er the seas, that so Thou find thy blameless mother yet at home. For know, 3 “ Father and brothers her e’en now incite Eurymachus to marry. He as yet Outbids them all. Watch, lest in thy despite Some fair possession from thy home he get: Since, well thou knowest, a woman’s soul is set His house to prosper whom she chance to wed. Linked to another she discards all debt Due to the children of her former bed, Nor thinks at all of him, her dear-loved husband dead. 250 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 4 “ Now homeward, and to her thy house confide Whom of thy household thou dost worthiest rate, Till the gods show thee an illustrious bride. Hear too this word, this hearken, ere too late: ’Twixt Ithaca and Samos in the strait, Couched in convenient ambush men there are, Picked from the suitors, who to slay thee wait. Yet, if I err not, first shall Earth embar Deep in her womb those traitors, who thy substance mar. 5 “ Keep well clear of the islands, sail by night; Thy guardian god shall give thee a good wind. But, soon as Ithaca stands fair in sight, Thrust toward the town thy vessel, and first find The swineherd, who doth guard with loyal mind Thy swine, and with a single heart serve thee. There sleep the night out, in his hut reclined; Then send him to discreet Penelope To tell that safe from Pylos thou hast sailed the sea.” 6 This spoken, she to far Olympus went; But he the son of Nestor from sweet sleep Stirred with his heel, and winged words forth sent: “Wake, son of Nestor, from thy drowsings deep ! Time is that reckoning of our road we keep. Up, yoke the whole-hoofed horses, and away! ” Then spake the son of Nestor, roused from sleep : “ ’Twere vain, though sore desiring, to essay Through the dark night to drive; but soon it will be day. 7 “Wait then awhile, till we some gifts receive From hero Menelaus of warlike fame, And he with comfortable words take leave. For when a host with friendship void of blame Gives of his choicest, men observe his name, And hold it all their lives exceeding dear.” He spake, and golden-throned Morning came. Then Atreus’ son, great wielder of the spear, From bright-haired Helen rose, and to his guests came near. BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 251 8 Whom when the dear son of Odysseus knew, He with the shining tunic out of hand His loins girt, and rich raiment fair to view Flung round his ample shoulders ; then did stand Near to the king, and spake what his heart planned: “ Atrides Menelaus, now right fain I yearn to go to my dear fatherland. Let me put homeward through the rolling main.” And warrior Menelaus answering spake again : 9 “ I, dear Telemachus, am not the man To hold thee back long time, when fain to fly, Nor I myself such host with favour scan. Let us in all things the true mean apply; Roughness offends, and over-courtesy. He to my mind an equal sin doth show Who, when a guest would linger, hints good-bye, And who, if one desire to part, says no. Love well the tarrying guest, and speed him fain to go. 10 “ But wait awhile till gifts exceeding fair I bring, that thou mayst see them with thine eyes; Wait, till the women in my halls prepare The morning meal; for in my house there lies Store of all food for all festivities. Honour alike and profit still demand This; and all mortals eat, if they be wise, Ere they a long far journey take in hand. But if with me thou list through Hellas and the land 11 “ Of Argos to divert thy course, then stay Till I myself get ready and yoke for thee Steeds, and to peopled cities lead the way. We to all houses shall have entrance free, And leave none graceless and without good fee; Each will give something very choice and fair, Either a brazen tripod or, may be, Caldron of price, or mules, a sturdy pair, Or goblet all of gold, enriched with chasings rare.” 252 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. I 2 To whom the sage Telemachus then spake : “Atrides Menelaus, Zeus-born king, Fain would I now to mine own hearth go back; For when to Pylos me my bark did bring, Guardless at home did I leave everything ; And at this moment is my soul in doubt Lest on my life some secret danger spring, While on my father’s quest I roam about, Or from my halls perforce good treasure be taken out.” r 3 This when the warrior Menelaus heard, Then he his wife and handmaids bade prepare Food in the halls—who straight attend his word. And Eteoneus to his lord came near, Fresh from his couch ; not far he dwelt; whom there Quickly the warrior king bade kindle fire, And the meat dress. He to his lord gave ear; Who then to cedarn chamber did retire With Helen. Megapenthes too went with his sire. 14 So when they came to where the treasures lay, Atrides took the double cup, and bade His son the silvern bowl to bear away. Also stood Helen, in sweet grace arrayed, Near the rich robes which she herself had made. One she took up, the largest and most fair, Which in the deep chest was the lowest laid, And glistering like a star. Then forth they fare. And thus outspake the hero of the golden hair : “ Telemachus, may Thunderer Zeus, great lord Of Hera, speed thee, and thy wish fulfil! Now, of all gifts which in the house lie stored, My choicest, (would that I had worthier still!) This bowl, I give thee, carved with curious skill, Hephaestus’ work, all silver, rimmed with gold, Which Sidon’s king once gave me in good will, Phaedimus, courteous host and hero bold. Henceforth to thee pertains this gift of price untold.” t BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 253 16 Thus spake the godlike warrior, Atreus’ son, And in his hands the double cup did place. But the brave Megapenthes then set down That bowl of silver, gleaming with all grace, Hephaestus’ work, which beauteous themes enchase : There in his full gaze did the wonder shine. Then came the gentle Helen, fair of face. She, holding in her hands the robe divine, Did to her guest rich raiment in these words consign : T 7 “ This too, dear child, this gift of mine, I pray, Memorial of the hands of Helen, bear ! Keep it against thy much-loved marriage-day, Stored by thy mother, for thy wife to wear. Now, to my heart’s dear wish, rejoicing fare Hence to thy home and country ! ” Thus she said; And he with joy received the raiment rare. Hero Pisistratus the gifts conveyed Admiring to the car, and each in order laid. 18 Forthwith the hero of the golden hair His steps before them to the palace bent, And ranged them in the hall on bench and chair. Then to each guest the busy handmaid went, And from a golden ewer, with chasings sprent, The lustral stream in silver basin poured, And the choice table spread with care intent; Whereon the staid house-dame piling a hoard Of dainties grudgeless gave rich store to deck the board. 1 9 And ever Eteoneus did assign To each due portion, and carved well the meat, And valiant Megapenthes poured forth wine; They all the while assail the banquet sweet. But when at last they made an end to eat, Telemachus and Nestor’s son renowned First yoke the long-maned horses, fiery fleet, Then, climbing the rich car, with a great sound Drive from the porch together, and reach the outer ground. 254 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 20 Thither the noble host in his right hand In golden beaker did sweet wine convey, That with libations they might leave the land, And near the horses lingering in the way Spake greeting : “ Fare ye well, dear youths, this day ! And all these things, when ye in Pylos are, To Nestor shepherd of the people say. He like a father loved me, when afar We sons of the Achaians under Troy made war.” 21 Whereto the sage Telemachus returned : “Yea verily, Zeus-born king, the truth entire Will we, whatever we have seen and learned, Make known, according to thy full desire. O that so surely having found my sire In Ithaca, beyond the rolling sea, While his dear lips my manner of life enquire, I may declare that I come loved by thee, Graced with memorial gifts, and all good things in fee ! ” 22 Thus while he spake the parting word, behold A bird, an eagle, flying on the right ! He in his talons a great goose did hold, Tame from the courtyard, heavy and silver-white. So came he near them, and with vehement flight, Both men and women following with loud call, Sheer past the horses rushed off on the right. Then did a deep admiring wonder fall, And the warm heart beat gladly in the breasts of all. 23 And Nestor’s son Pisistratus began: “ Atrides Menelaus, Zeus-born king, Read now the riddle, if perchance thou can— Did God, who this wild eagle on the wing Sent, to us twain or thee the omen bring?” And the beloved of Ares, when he heard, Wavered in doubt of how to solve the thing. But long-robed Helen first took up the word, And in the midst thus spake the omen of the bird : BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 24 “ Hearken and I will utter what this clay The gods suggest and also may fulfil! Just as this eagle came from far away, Reared in the bleak rock, nursling of the hill, And in the stormy ravin of his wild will Seized on the white goose, delicately bred, So brave Odysseus, after countless ill, Comes from afar off, dealing vengeance dread, Or waits at home e’en now, to strike the suitors dead. 2 5 So spake the long-robed Helen; and the rest, Thrilled at the word, paused silent listening by. But her the sage Telemachus addressed: “ Now Zeus Kronion, first of powers on high, Great lord of Hera, Thunderer of the sky, Prosper the meaning which thy lips declare, And deal according to this prophecy! Then will I not forget thee even there, But, as to some divine one, pay thee vows and prayer. 26 Then did he lash the horses, and they twain, Forth from the city gates adventuring, Flew onward with their whole heart to the plain. The yoke between them all day long they swing, Till earth is wrapt in cloudy covering. The travellers at the house of Diodes, Son of Orsilochus, at Pherse bring Their journey to a pause, and there take ease Of sleep. He food provides and friendly courtesies. . 27 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, They the steeds harness, and eftsoons again In carven chariot from the porch are gone. Then did he scourge the horses, and they twain Went as with wings along the dusty plain, Nor swerved a moment in their fiery flight, Till, as they neared the margin of the main, Telemachus, when Pylos came in sight, Spake to the noble child of the Gerenian knight: 256 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 28 “ O son of Nestor, could I win thee now This to fulfil which I am fain to say! We mutually inherit, I and thou, Our fathers’ friendship from an ancient day; Also our years are equal, and this way, Shared by us both, will each yet more endear To other—drive not past the bark, I pray, Lest in his house the old man keep me here For kindness’ sake, though sore I long to be elsewhere.” 2 9 So spake he, and the son of Nestor heard, And in his mind debated how were best That wish to prosper and fulfil the word, And last this counsel seemed within his breast More gainful: seaward he their course addressed Turning the horses, and the presents fair, Given by the son of Atreus to his guest, Ranged in the aft ship, gold and raiment rare; Then cheered his friend to sail, and winged words spake there : 3 ° “Now, ere I reach home and the tidings tell, Haste, climb the bark and bid the seamen row; For in my mind and soul I know right well The old man’s fire; he will not let thee go. Himself will come to call thee, well I know, Nor in his wrath will he return alone.” He, ceasing, let the long-maned horses go, And quick the mansion of his father won. Telemachus meanwhile did urge his comrades on : 3 1 “ Up, comrades, set the tackling, haste on board ! ” So they right readily to his hest gave ear, And manned the benches. He with gifts adored Athene in the aft, and the whole gear Ordered aright. And lo ! a man came near, Flying from Argos for a murder done, Child of a line of seers, himself a seer, Sprung from Melampus, who did erewhile wonne In Pylos rich with flocks, and did great lordship own. i book xv.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 257 32 He from his own home flying at the last, And Neleus, first of mortals, mighty-souled, To a new land, another people, passed. So Neleus all the while his wealth did hold By main force, till a full year’s orb had rolled. But in the halls of Phylacus the seer, Chained, without hope lay suffering woes untold For Neleus’ daughter and the bale severe Which the heart-blinding Fury doomed his soul to bear. 33 But he from death fled, and the lowing kine To Pylos drave, and for the fell deed wrought Laid a due price on Neleus, chief divine; Then to his brother’s home the princess brought. Himself the while horse-feeding Argos sought, Long dwelt there, built a house of noble name, And to the Argives his dominion taught; There also married ; of his loins there came Antiphates and Mantius, chief in might and fame. 34 Antiphates begat Oicleus brave, And he Amphiaraus, stern to dare, A mover of mankind. Fast to him clave In all love Zeus who doth the Higis bear, With lord Apollo, and in ceaseless care More than for others did his life uphold. Nor came he to old age : but dying there, In Thebe, through his false wife’s lust for gold, Alcmaeon left, and eke Amphilochus the bold. 35 Also from Mantius Polypheides came, And Cleitus, whom for his great beauty’s sake Golden-throned Morning for her own did claim, And to the home of the immortals take. Then did Apollo Polypheides make First of mankind, when Amphiaraus died, In seer-craft. He in Hyperesia spake Counsels to all men, and did there abide Since first from home he fled, and his great sire defied. R 258 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xv. 36 Now came his son near—Theoclymenus, Flying from Argos, having slain a man, And by the black ship found Telemachus Pouring the wine with prayer; then forward ran And called him, and in winged words began : “ Friend, since I find thee sacrificing here, Me now thy suppliant with kind favour scan, And by the dread name whom thy lips revere, These rites, and thine own head, and thy companions dear, 37 “I pray thee tell me this and tell me true, Who art thou ? where thy land ? thy parents where ? ” And sage Telemachus gave answer due : “ Stranger, right truly will I this declare. From Ithaca I spring, and if yet were My father, then Odysseus were his name; But death long since hath fallen to his share; Therefore with comrades and black bark I came, Yearning to find some tidings of my father’s fame.” 38 Whom godlike Theoclymenus addressed : “ I too, for tribesman slain, my country fly. Large is the clan, and of large wealth possessed, In knight-famed Argos wields dominion high. Fearful of these, from the dark Fate I fly, Knowing that I must wander sea and land. Hear me thy suppliant, who for refuge cry! Save me on shipboard with thine own true band; Since the avengers now are even hard at hand ! ” 39 , Answered in turn the sage Telemachus : “ Now God forbid that I with ruthless mind Thrust thee forth helpless ! thou shalt come with us. Such as we have to offer thou shalt find In Ithaca, true friendship, welcome kind.” Then did he take the prophet’s steely spear, And on the main deck the long shaft inclined, Embarked and sat beside the helm, and near, Even at his own right hand, he placed the noble seer. BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 259 40 Then did the men the shoreward lines undo; Then did Telemachus his comrades cheer To set the tackling. With good hearts the crew Heard him, and soon made fast the goodly gear. Safe in his place the pinewood mast they rear, And brace the glittering sails on twisted hide. Their bark Athene through the billowy mere With rushing stormy-spirited breeze did guide. Onward the dark swift keel cut steadily through the tide. 41 Down by the dark cliffs where the fountains play, And Chalcis beautiful with streams, they sailed. Deep in the dim west sank the orb of day, And with the dusk shade earth and sea were veiled. Swerveless and strong the wind of Zeus prevailed. They through the night by glimmering Elis shot, And now the spiry-pointed islands hailed. Nor the brave prince the suitors’ scheme forgot, Wrung with dire doubt if yet he should be saved or not. 42 But otherwhere within the hut they two, Odysseus and the keeper of the swine, Sat eating with the rest their portion due. When they had quelled desire of food and wine, Then did Odysseus in his heart incline Now of the noble swineherd to make proof, Whether for nought he lend his love divine, And house a giftless guest beneath his roof, Or to the town him thrust, and hold the poor aloof. 43 “ Eumaeus, and ye swineherds, hearken now ! I in the morning to the town will go, Lest I should burden you, to beg: but thou Give counsel, and a guide my way to show. There might I find, in passing to and fro, Victual from some one, and a cup to use, Or even reach Odysseus’ house, and so To sage Penelope unfold some news; Nor haply would the suitors from their store refuse 26 o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 44 “ Some trifle. I can serve them how they will. Here me in this thing which I truly tell: For by the grace of herald Hermes still, Who in all lands, wherever mortals dwell, Man’s work doth prosper and make art excel, None for shrewd service can at all aspire Me to surpass—to carve and cook right well, Wine to pour forth, cleave wood or pile a fire— All that from meaner men their betters may require.” A 45 Thou, noble swineherd, in amaze didst say: “ How now? what venture art thou fain to try? Yearnest thou, friend, to be swept quite away, Who with a light heart thinkest to come nigh Lords whose fierce outrage climbs the iron sky? Nor are the suitors served by men like thee, But round about them, waiting on their eye, Youths of rich raiment in attendance be, With shining locks, and faces very fair to see. 46 “ These are their servants, and the burnished board Stands laden ever with meat, corn, and wine. Stay then, and take what we can here afford; No burden comes by any need of thine; Nor I myself, nor these who tend the swine, Grudge thee such help as we have power to show. But when the dear son of my lord divine Returns, he robe and tunic will bestow, And send thee wheresoever thou art fain to go.” 47 Whom the divine Odysseus in reply, The man of many sufferings, straight addressed : “ Eumseus, now may Father Zeus on high Hold thee as dear, so love thee in his breast, As I do, whom a stranger, sore distrest And widely-wandered, thou hast made to cease From sorrow! Very sweet it is to rest. For unto mortal man no worse disease •Comes, than to wander widely over earth and seas. BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 26l 48 “ But for their pinching belly’s sake men bear Evil extreme, and on their lives descend Roamings afar off, suffering and despair. But since thou fain wilt have me, ere I wend, His coming whom thou namedst here attend, Come, of divine Odysseus’ mother say And father, whom on threshold of life’s end He left, if yet they view the light of day, Or even now their steps have trod the sunless way.” 49 To him the swineherd, chief of men, replied : “ Indeed, dear stranger, I will truly say This word. Not yet hath old Laertes died, But hourly in his halls to Zeus doth pray That from the bones his soul may fade away. He for his son, who went long since to wage War under Ilion, grieveth night and day; Nor for his dear wife’s loss can aught assuage His sorrow, which afflicts him with a crude old age. 50 “She, for her child who crossed the rolling sea, Died by a drear death, as may never die Any who dwells here and is kind to me ! While she yet lived, though griefs were ever nigh, Then had I still some heart to search and pry For tidings : since herself with tender care Had trained me with her child in years gone by, Her own dear child, my playmate, whom she bare— Ctimene best-beloved, her youngest and most fair. 5 1 “ So in the house I grew, and little less She loved me than the fruit of her own bed. But as our years moved, and sweet life did press Fast on the flower of youth, the maid was led From Ithaca to Same, and there wed With countless dowry and exceeding store. Fair robes her mother on my shoulders spread, And, shod with sandals, sent me from her door Forth to the fields, and loved me in her heart yet more. 262 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 5 2 “1 miss the old life now; but Heaven hath blessed My labours, and provided drink and meat, And something for the poor. Yet since this pest Came on the house, ’tis very hard, I weet, That from my mistress I get nothing sweet, No word, no work. For servants much desire Talk with their mistress, and to drink and eat Free in her presence, and the news enquire, Then homeward, warmed in heart, with some dear gift retire/’ 53 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “Ah, how thy tender life long wanderings knew Far from the land where thou wast born and bred! But come now, tell me this and tell me true, If foemen to the dust that city threw Wherein thy parents large estate did keep, Or coming overseas an evil crew Found thee defenceless with the kine or sheep, And to this master sold thee from beyond the deep.” 54 Answered the noble keeper of the swine : “ Since of these things thou askest, O my friend, Sit here at ease delighted and drink wine, And silently on this my tale attend. For now the nights move slowly and scarce end; Yea, there is room for slumber, and to keep Watch, and a listening ear to sweet words lend. Needs not at all unto thy couch to creep For some while yet. Harm comes from even too much sleep. 55 “Yet of the rest if any wish to go, Let him betake himself at once to bed, And in the morning, soon as light doth show, Drive the king’s swine when he hath fairly fed. But we two, drinking wine and eating bread, Will charm our dear hearts each with other’s pain. Past sorrow, and the tears a man hath shed, Who far hath wandered over earth and main, Yield comfort. Therefore now will I this tale explain. BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 2 6 5 6 “ There is an island, Syria called by name, Over against Ortygia. It may be That to thy ears some rumour of it came, When thou wast roaming over earth and sea. It is the land where the sun’s turnings be, Not over-peopled, but of soil divine; A good land, teeming with fertility, Rich with green pastures feeding flocks and kine, A fair land fed with streams, a land of corn and wine; 57 “ A land where hunger never enters in ; No sickness on the tribes of men, no tears, Fall from the hour in which their days begin. There in the city void of pain and fears They dwell, and ever as they wax in years Apollo, coming with his silver bow, Aims with his sister the light-feathered spears Against them, and the sweet life fades like snow; Calm, without pain, the spirit from the bones doth flow. 58 “ Twain are the cities, and an equal share Of all things is to either portioned well. My godlike father of both realms was heir, Ctesius Ormenides. And, so it fell, Phoenicians with a thousand things to sell Came, very wolves for lucre, false of heart. A woman in my father’s house did dwell, Fair, tall, and skilled in every splendid art; And her these schemers lured with treachery to their part. 59 “ First by the hollow ship, when on a day She went to wash, one mingled with her there In sweet love, which so often leads astray, And warps to ill with its seducing snare, The female heart of women, howsoe’er Toward righteousness inclined within their breast. He parting asked her who she was, and where Had come from. She the high-roofed house confessed, Her father’s own, and thus her paramour addressed: ro 264 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV, 60 “ ‘ I from the land of mine-famed Sidon come. Child of rich Arybas I boast to be. Once Taphian pirates, as I wended home, Found me afield, and o’er the rolling sea Led to this mansion of my lord, and he There to the sailors a fit price consigned.’ Then said the man that loved her secretly: ‘ Come thou with us, and thy dear father find And mother—they yet live, with store of every kind.’ 61 “ Answered the woman, and this word did say : ‘Yea, such a thing might happen, would ye swear, O sailors, not to harm me on the way.’ So did she speak, and, when the sailors sware, ‘ Hush ! ’ said the woman, ‘ and let each beware That neither word to me nor sign be made, Walking or near the well, lest one declare Our meeting, and my lord, of guile afraid, Bind me, plan death for you—keep quiet, and ply your trade. 62 “ ‘ When, stored and laden, ye would leave the land, Then to the palace send ye word to me. Gold will I bring, whatever comes to hand, Yea and a further ship-fare, it may be; For in the halls I tend continually A brave man’s boy, a little sprightly thing, Just fit for running at his nurse’s knee, My master’s child—him also I might bring, And win large wealth for you from some far distant king.’ 6 3 “She having spoken to the fair house went. And they, abiding with us a whole year, Safe in the hollow bark their produce pent. So when by traffic they much goodly gear Had gotten, and the time to sail drew near, They to the palace sent a man to tell The woman. He, with wits alive and clear, Came with a necklace of fine gold to sell, With bright electron linked right wondrously and well. book xv.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 265 64 “ My mother and her maidens in the hall Handled the work and with wide eyes surveyed, Seeming to buy: but he the voiceless call Signed with his eyebrows, and his journey made Back to the hollow vessel. She then laid Her hand on mine, leading me forth, and found Cups in the porch and tables well arrayed, Left by the feasters of my sire renowned, All lately gone, to session of the people bound. 6 5 “ Three goblets in her bosom she concealed, I wending with her in my simple thought; And the sun fell, and every way was veiled. Thus we with speed the noble haven sought Where lay the bark of the Phoenicians, fraught With goodly cargo, very swift to sail. Me and the woman they on shipboard brought, Embarked, and spread the canvass to the gale, Nor did the wind of Zeus along the waters fail. 66 “ Six nights and days we sailed the ocean well 3 But when Kronion brought the seventh day, Artemis shot the woman, and she fell Plump like a sea-coot in the hold, and they Cast her to seals and fishes for a prey, And I was left in sorrow. Wind and floods Carried us in the ship to Ithaca, And here Laertes bought me with his goods. Thus have mine eyes beheld these rocks and waving woods.’ 7 67 And Zeus-beloved Odysseus spake this word: “ Surely, Eumaeus, thy long tale of pain Deep in my breast my very soul hath stirred, Anguish so heavy on thy life hath lain. Yet Zeus with loss hath given thee also gain. Thou to the house of a kind man didst come, Who thee with food and fire doth entertain, And a good life thou leadest; but I roam Sad through the haunts of men, unloved, without a home.” 266 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XV. 68 Thus they conversed, then slept a little while, Not long—so quickly fair-throned Morning shone. Now had Telemachus attained the isle. His comrades furl the sails, the mast take down, And to the harbour row the vessel on, Cast anchor, tie the hawser, leap to land, Eat food, drink wine. But when desire was gone, Telemachus began : “Now ye, my band, Ply forward to the town, and there the black ship strand. 69 “ I to my fields and herdsmen wend, to see The farm-work, and will seek at eventide The city. In the morning, it may be, I for your service will due wage provide, Meat, wine, a noble banquet.'” Then replied Brave Theoclymenus, the godlike seer: “Now, whither shall I go, or where abide? What house apply to, of what princely peer ? Thine shall I seek, the suppliant of thy mother dear ? ” 70 And sage Telemachus in answer spake : “ Now at another season verily I had not failed myself to bid thee take Such as our own house might afford, since we Lack not the means of welcome; but for thee ’Twere the worse way; for I shall not be there, Nor in the house wouldst thou my mother see, Who with the suitors doth not oft appear, But with her maids apart still weaveth year by year. 71 “Yet, as befalleth, can I name thee one Who in thy need would lend thee shelter due, Of warlike Polybus the glorious son, Whom now the folk as an immortal view— Eurymachus, the best of all that sue My mother, and desiring most to wear, Through the wife’s right, my father’s regal due. But Zeus, who dwells in the Olympian air, Knows if the evil day first cause them to forbear.” BOOK XV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 267 72 He spake, and on a sudden came in sight A bird, a falcon, courier of the sky To lord Apollo, flying on the right. He a white dove, clenched in his claws, on high Plucked as he flew, the feathers falling nigh, Between the black ship and Telemachus. He then, much wondering at the augury, Was drawn apart by Theoclymenus, Who firmly clasped his hand, and in his ear spake thus': 73 “Not without God came flying on the right This falcon. I myself, when he appeared, Something discerned foreshadowed in his flight. No race more kingly than your own is reared In Ithaca; you most are to be feared ! ” Forthwith in answer to the seer spake he : “ True be the sign, O stranger much revered! Then shalt thou soon be dearly loved by me, And win large gifts, that men shall bless thee when they see.” 74 «• He ceased, and to Piraeus, follower true : “ Piraeus, child of Clytius, evermore Loyal in service above all my crew, All who went with me to the Pylian shore, Now for my sake receive within thy door This stranger-guest with love, till I appear.” Answered Piraeus the renowned in war: “ How long soever thou shalt linger here, Him with all love will I exceedingly revere.” 75 Thus having spoken he with all his men Embarked. Telemachus his sandals fair Linked deftly underneath his feet, and then Grasped in his hand the great steel-pointed spear. Soon they unmoor, and through the waters fare Straight to the city, as Odysseus’ son Commanded. He with eager strides to where Slept at the farm his myriad swine passed on, Till of the loyal swineherd he the lodging won. 269 BOOK XVI. ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO TELEMACHUS. 1 Meanwhile within the swineherd’s hut they twain Kindle a fire at daybreak, fain to eat, And to the field the herdsmen wend again. Silent the shrill-tongued dogs run forth to meet Telemachus, and him with fawnings greet; And brave Odysseus in his mind did mark Their fawnings, and a sound of nearing feet, And spake : “ Eumseus, the dogs fail to bark; One of thine own familiars comes to find thee. Hark ! 2 “ His feet are on the threshold.” Scare the word Was spoken, and before them stood his son. Up sprang Eumasus, with amazement stirred, And from his hands let fall the bowls, whereon He laboured mixing wine, and came anon Straight to his master, and fell weeping sore Upon his master’s neck, and, even as one Who scarce believeth, felt him o’er and o’er, And kissed his beauteous eyes and both hands evermore. 3 Look, when a loving father of true heart Kisses his own one child, exceeding dear, Now beyond hope from some far distant part Of the wide earth at last in the tenth year Returning, and for whom full many a tear Nightly and daily in his grief he shed— So the good swineherd to the prince came near, Fell on his neck, and kissed his eyes and head, As one from sheer death rescued, and thus weeping said: 2JO THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 4 “Thou, O Telemachus, my life, my light, Returnest: yet my soul did often say That never never more should I have sight Of thy sweet face, since thou didst sail away. Enter, dear child, and let my heart allay Her yearnings : newly art thou come from far: Thou comest all too seldom, fain to stay In the thronged city where the suitors are, Silently looking on while foes thy substance mar.” 5 And wise Telemachus in answer spake : “ This word shall not return unto thee vain, My father; be content; ’tis for thy sake I come, that I may see thy face again, And hear if yet my mother doth remain Housed in the royal palace, or hath wed Some Argive eminent among the train Of suitors, while perchance Odysseus’ bed Stript of the couch-robes lieth, with vile cobwebs spread.” 6 To whom the swineherd, chief of men, replied : “ Pent in the royal chambers night and day She very patiently doth yet abide; But evermore her sweet life pines away, Slowly, with tears.” Thus did the swineherd say. But he, resigning from his hand the spear, Over the stony threshold took his way: And brave Odysseus, his own father dear, Retiring from his seat, rose when his son came near. 7 But him Telemachus restrained anon : “ Sit, stranger; I will find a seat elsewhere. Here is a man will soon provide me one.” Him thus he stayed. The swineherd spread with care Twigs and a thick fleece for his lord, and there Telemachus sat down. Then of the meat, Left yesterday, Eumaeus gave due share To each, and bread in baskets piled to eat, And in the ivy cup the red wine mingled sweet. BOOK XVI.] 271 .THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 8 When all things were prepared, himself the last Sat fronting brave Odysseus, chief divine, And on the banquet eager hands they cast. But when desire had ceased of food and wine, Spake to the noble keeper of the swine Telemachus : “ Good father, whence to thee Hath come this stranger o’er the watery brine? Who did the sailors boast themselves to be ? Never methinks on foot to this our land came he.” 9 Swineherd Eumseus, then didst thou reply: “ All this, dear child, will I declare and show. Of wide Crete he proclaims his ancestry, And among men much wandering to and fro Long time he underwent, for even so God willed to weave his fortune. Now to me, Fled from Thesprotian bark, he comes, and lo ! I pass him on in sacred trust to thee. Do what thou wilt; thy suppliant he doth claim to be.” 10 But he : “ Eumaeus, thou dost sorely grieve My spirit by the word thy lips have said. How can I, young in years, this guest receive, Thus weak to ward off outrage from his head? Also two ways my mother’s mind is led, Whether with me to keep house, reverencing Voice of the people and her husband’s bed, Or to depart, some hero following Who of the suitor-train shall chief endowment bring. 11 “Yet will I give, to speed him on his way, Both robe and tunic, sandals and a sword; Only allow him in thy hut to stay. Food will I send and raiment, lest thy hoard Wane; but I cannot take him to my board, Where sit the suitors in their godless glee, Lest ’mid the revel the poor man be abhorred And taunted, and dire anguish come to me. Even the brave must fail when many foes there be.” 272 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 12 And the divine Odysseus answering spake : “ O friend, since even I can say my say, Now of a truth my very heart ye break, Hearing the godless schemes these suitors lay Against a just man, better far than they. Art thou kept under of thine own free will ? Or doth the general hate a voice obey From God? or brothers dost thou blame, whom still Staunch at the sword we trust amid the mightiest ill ? 13 “ Had I but youth as I have heart, or were The blameless brave Odysseus, or his son, Then let a stranger strike me headless there, If against any I leave revenge undone ! Or should I fail, since many are matched with one, Better to fall on mine own hearth than see Strangers abused, maids dragged about, with none To help them, corn and wine continually Laid waste in the dire lust of lawless revelry.” 14 Answered the sage Telemachus in turn : “ All this, O stranger, will I tell thee true. Nor doth the public zeal against me burn, Nor brethren do I blame, whom still men view Staunch at the sword though a great strife ensue. Our line is single : to Arkeisias one Zeus gave, Laertes : of his loins there grew Odysseus; he too is an only son ; Who left me his sole child, enjoyment reaping none. *5 “ Therefore, alas! our house is filled with griefs. Sorely we mourn with myriad foes distrest. Dulichium, Same, all the island-fiefs, Send me their chieftain-hordes from east and west, With names of rugged Ithaca the best. These woo my mother, but forestal the dower; She nor refuses nor can grant a quest So grievous : thus they spend with all their power My substance : even myself ere long they will devour. BOOK XVI,] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 273 16 “ But this the gods in their own knees do keep. Old man, go tell the wise Penelope That safe from Pylos I have sailed the deep. Here will I stay till thou return ; but see None hear it else, since many foes for me Scheme evil.” Thou, O swineherd, didst reply: “ I hear, I know, thy servant heedeth thee. But teach me plainly: on my way shall I Laertes tell, who alway doth lamenting lie? 17 “ He the farm-business could attend while yet Grief only for Odysseus made him smart, And in the house among his servants ate And drank whene’er he listed in his heart; But from the hour wherein thou didst depart On ship for Pylos, he no more, they say, Cares for his fields, but, stricken with the dart Of sorrow, sits bewailing night and day, While on his aged bones the starved flesh pines away.” 18 Whereto the sage Telemachus replied : “ So much the worse! yet, sorrowing for his sake, Still must we let him in his woes abide. For, if poor mortals had the power to make Choice of their fortune, we were fain to take First my dear sire’s return—let him then be! But to my mother thou the tidings break, And bid her send the house-dame secretly, Who the old man may tell what she hath heard from thee.” 19 Thus did he urge the swineherd forth; and he, Binding his sandals, hasted to depart, Not by Athene unbeheld. Then she Like to a woman, at the door apart, Fair, tall, and skilled in every splendid art, Stood near them, only by Odysseus seen; Nor could Telemachus with eyes or heart At all discern her; since the gods, I ween, Show not to all mankind their features, form, and mien. s 274 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 20 But her Odysseus and the dogs descried, Nor did they bark, but cowering with low whine Slunk through the dwelling to the farther side. She with her eyelids to the chief divine Beckoned, and he forth issuing at the sign Came, and she spake : “ Odysseus, wise and great, Hide from thy child no longer this design, That for the ruthless guests within thy gate Death ye may scheme together, and murder, and black fate. 21 “ The hour is come; devise your plans, and go Hence to the far-famed city. Nor will I Linger, myself on fire to meet the foe.” She spake, and lifting her gold wand on high There touched him ; and a robe washed beauteously And a rich tunic round his breast appeared. He in life’s flower, arrayed in majesty, Stood dark of mien, a warrior to be feared, While round his manly chin curled shining the black beard. 22 Thus passed the goddess, and he turning trod The threshold; and his child, amazed in heart, Blenched from the vision, lest it prove a god, And spake in winged words : “0 friend, thou art Other than when thou didst of late depart. Changed is thy raiment, nor thy flesh the same. If, as I think, some heavenly god thou art, Victims and gifts of gold, thy sacred claim, Deign to receive with favour, nor thy servants blame.” 23 And the much-suffering brave Odysseus spake : “Why liken me to gods? no god am I. I am thine own dear father, for whose sake Often and often thou dost groan and sigh, Bowed in thy soul with outrage fierce and high.” Then kissed him, and to earth the tear let fall, By force till now stifled continually. Telemachus, not yet believing all, Quickly in words made answer to his father’s call: book xvi.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 275 24 “ No, thou art not my father nor by name Odysseus, but, of power divine, dost long With flattering words to mock me to my shame, That I, whose grief already is far too strong, May learn new weepings and a mightier wrong. Not of himself could man this scheme unfold, But God can lightly make one old or young, And thou of late wast wrapt in rags and old, Who now resemblest gods that heaven’s dominion hold.” 2 5 Answered Odysseus : “ O Telemachus, When thy dear father hath arrived, not thee Beseemeth all agaze to marvel thus. Other Odysseus cometh none save me. Behold me as I am ! By earth and sea Scourged with affliction, in the twentieth year, Safe to mine own land at the last I flee. As for my changed form, understand me clear, This is Athene’s work, brave wielder of the spear. 26 “ She, thou hast seen it, gave me, for she can, What form soever she would have me wear. Now to the likeness of a poor old man She moulds me; now the lineaments I bear Of some brave youth adorned with raiment fair. So light and easy is it for that race, Who in the regions of the heavenly air Dominion wield, to change our form and face, And a weak mortal man to glorify or debase.” 27 This spoken, he sat down. Telemachus Rose, and clung weeping round his father’s breast. There the pent grief rained o’er them, yearning thus. Louder they wailed than on the rock’s lone crest Eagle or hook-nailed vulture, from whose nest Rude churls the unfeathered young have stol’n away. Thus piteously they wailed in sore unrest, And on their weepings had gone down the day, But that at last Telemachus found words to say : 2/6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 28 “Tell me what ship, dear father, to our strand Brought thee, and who the sailors boast to be; For sure I am thou never carn’st by land.” He answered : “ All will I make known to thee. Led by Phseacians, famed in every sea, Who convoy lend to all that convoy crave, I came. On Ithaca they landed me Asleep, and many a splendid gift they gave, Now by divine command all stored in a great cave, 2 9 “ Brass, gold, and woven raiment: and I come Here to the swineherd by Athene’s rede, That for the foemen who usurp our home Death we may seal, and scheme a bloody deed. Now count me up the list, while I give heed To learn how many and what sort they are, These suitors, and take thought if there be need For other helpers to seek near and far, Or if our own sole strength avail us in the war.” 30 Then said Telemachus, the wise of heart: “ Always, my father, on thy name doth wait Huge glory, and I know thee what thou art, Fierce in the field and prudent in debate. But thou hast spoken a thing direly great, And deep astonishment comes over me. Never was written in the scroll of fate That two men should achieve this victory Over a host of heroes, brave exceedingly. 31 “ Know that the suitors who thy substance eat Count not alone one decad nor yet two, But far more, far too many for us to meet. Wait now and hear, while I their list review. First from Dulichium young men fifty-two, Best of the people, have usurped our floor : These bring six servants, their behests to do. Also from Same there are twenty-four; And from Zacynthus isle comes also a full score. BOOK XVI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 2 77 32 “From Ithaca itself twelve men there be, All of them heroes of a noble line, And these bring with them to the revelry Medon the herald, and the bard divine, And, skilled in ministry of food and wine, Two servants. Therefore, could we light on all, Vengeance, I fear, too smarting sad were thine. But think if some true comrade we may call Who with us twain may stand, whatever strife befal.” 33 Much-toiled Odysseus, chief divine, replies : “ Now will I speak, and thou in spirit weigh This counsel: if Athene may suffice, With Father Zeus, to be our help and stay— Or must I seek a mightier yet than they ? ” And spake the wise Telemachus again : “ Good helpers are they both, though far away, High in the clouds reclining; for these twain Wide over all mankind and gods immortal reign.” 34 Much-toiled Odysseus, chief divine, replies : “Neither, I promise, will be absent long When the loud peal of battle shall arise, And we, debating with our ioemen strong, Ares invoke to weigh the right and wrong. But thou with early dawn go speedily Homeward, and join the contumelious throng; And afterward the swineherd shall bring me, Like to a poor old man, right pitiable to see. 35 “ And though they deal upon me sore despite Even in mine own house, let thy soul forbear! Ay, though with missiles they should wound outright And drag me from the doors by feet and hair, Calmly look on and let thy soul forbear! Yet from their folly bid them still relent, And strive to turn them with a gentle prayer; Albeit I know that they will not repent, So surely their dark hour of doom stands imminent. 2/8 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 36 “ Also, my son, this other scheme I find, And thou revolve it well within thy heart : When wise Athene shall inspire my mind, Then will I nod to thee by stealth apart; And thou delay not with each sword and dart, And every warlike weapon in our hall, Quick at the secret signal to depart, And in the chamber to bestow them all, Far out of reach, in safety, till occasion call. 37 “And when the suitors miss them, softly thou Beguile them from the mark, and answering say: ‘ Out of the smoke I laid them, since not now Like to those arms they seem in olden day Left by Odysseus when he sailed away, But smirched with fire : and Zeus a dread not light Hath given me, lest through wine you stir a fray, And shame the feast, and mar with foul despite Your courtship : steel itself oft lures a man to fight.’ 38 “Yet leave at hand, for me alone and thee, Two swords, two shields, and beamy lances twain, That, when to battle,we rush furiously, These we may find to our exceeding gain ; And Zeus with Pallas shall beguile the train Of suitors, and confound them in our snare : So shall they fall till not a life remain. Keep too this counsel in thy breast with care, If thou indeed art mine, and the same blood dost bear: 39 “And that Odysseus is within let none Hear, not Laertes, not the swineherd, nor Penelope herself. We twain alone Will prove the women and their ways explore, If they love justice or the right abhor. Of the men-servants also we might see Who with a true heart reverence, as of yore, Thy name and mine, and who deal treacherously, And in their souls have dared to spurn a man like thee.” BOOK XVI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 279 40 He answered : “ Father, thou shalt find thy son No dastard: yet methinks small gain it were If, passing to and fro to prove each one, Spoilers thou leave who neither feel nor spare. ’Twere a good work to sift the women there, And the disloyal from the good discern; But to the country would I not repair To prove the men, but to this business turn Hereafter, if from Zeus true omen thou canst learn.” 41 They in the hut conversing lingered thus. Meantime the sailors, steering from the main In the good ship which bore Telemachus From Pylos, safely to the town attain. So when at last the haven deep they gain, Quickly they hale the black ship to the shore, And with a good will the seafaring train Take from the hollow bark her naval store. Then to the house of Clytius the fair gifts they bore. 42 But to Odysseus’ house the herald went Of her dear son, to tell Penelope, Both how he tarried and the bark had sent Thus swiftly “ lest the queen continually Touched with a tender sorrow weep for me.” And lo ! the herald and the swineherd met On the same errand, and came speedily Into the palace of the king to get Their hearing; and his news the herald forth did set: 43 “ O queen, thy dear son hath returned this day ! ” And afterward the swineherd, standing near, All things in order to the queen did say, And then departed to his swine. But fear Seized on the suitors at a word so drear. Cold sank the heart within them; and they went Sheer past the wall of the great court, and there, Darkly debating on the dire event, Held session by the gates in sore astonishment 28 o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI 44 First spake Eurymachus : “ O friends, this day Telemachus hath wrought in our despite A wondrous work. Launch quickly as ye may, And man with fishers a swift bark outright, Who to sail homeward shall our friends invite.” Scarce had he said when, turning round his face, Amphinomus beheld the bark in sight, Some holding oars, while others furled apace The sails. He sweetly laughed, and answered from his place 45 “ Enough ! they are within. Some god perchance Hath told them, or they marked the ship go by And could not catch her.” Then they all advance Down to the main, and the ship speedily Hale on the beach and leave her stranded high, While with a good will the seafaring crew Take out the naval gear. The suitors fly Straight toward the forum to debate anew, But all the rest exclude, young men and elders too. 46 Then first Eupeithes’ child Antinous spake : “ How proof against all peril the gods keep This man ! By day close sentry still we make, And in relays along the windy steep Watch, nor in dark night on the land we sleep, But sail in ambush till the glimmering shine Of dawn, to snare him in the secret deep. Yet seemeth all the while some power divine Wafted him home securely through the rolling brine. 47 “ Come, let us scheme against him a sure death, That he no longer to our loss rebel. Never shall we, while he draws living breath, Prosper, so far doth he in craft excel. Nor do the people love us wholly well. Haste, ere to council he the Achaians call; For never will he cease from vengeance fell Short of our ruin, but will teach them all How we sheer death for him have woven to our fall. BOOK XVI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 28l 48 “ Think ye the people, when our work they hear, Will praise us, and not rather, fired in heart, Wreak on our own heads a dire loss severe, And drive us from the land ? By secret art Let us forestal him in the fields apart, Or in the way : then quickly might we share His treasures, each receiving a due part, And to his mother give this mansion fair, With him to have and hold who should espouse her there. 49 “ But if this word displease you which I say, And ye be willing he should still live on, Heir of his father in the face of day, Then for the future let us leave undone This wasting of his heart’s desire, nor shun To leave him scatheless in his halls and free; And from his own abode let every one Sue with rich gifts his mother, if haply she Wed whom Fate wills, and who shall render amplest fee.” 5 ° There he made pause, and in his place each one Sat mute, and wondered what should come to pass: And thus spake forth Amphinomus, the son Of Nisus, child of lord Aretias, Who from Dulichium, rich in corn and grass, Crossed over, chief of the Dulichian clan. He to Penelope right pleasing was For worth of words, and a true-hearted man. He now, their firm well-wisher, in the midst began : 5i “ Friends, I for one were very loth to kill Telemachus. To slay the royal seed Is no light thing. But let us learn the will Of Heaven, the doom by mighty Zeus decreed. Then, if the oracles advise indeed His downfal, I myself the work will dare Right boldly, and the rest against him lead; But if the gods against our scheme declare, Then in the face of Heaven I warn you to forbear.” 282 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 5 2 Thus spake the brave Amphinomus, and they Consenting rose up, and the palace sought, And on the burnished thrones in fair array Sat. But the queen, revolving a new thought, Now to the suitors, who for ever wrought Outrage extreme, was minded to appear. For herald Medon had the tidings brought, Who all their counsels had found means to hear, And how for her dear child they planned destruction sheer. 53 She with her train of maidens to the hall Came, flower of women, by the pillar stood, Over her face the shining veil let fall, And spake : “ Antinous, hater of all good, They call thee bravest of a noble brood In Ithaca for wit and sayings wise. Not such thou art, but of far different mood. Madman ! and durst thou in thy breast devise Death for my darling child, and even Zeus despise ? 54 “ Scorning the suppliant thou art scorning God. Not without crime ye cause a soul to die. Hast thou not heard how first thy father trod Our own hearth, a poor outcast, fain to fly Far from the people when their wrath was high ? For he, with Taphian pirates leagued for gain, Hurt the Thesprotians with his piracy, Who were our friends; and all the folk were fain To avenge them, and thy sire would with the sword have slain, 55 “ And dashed the dear life from his bones outright, And his sweet wealth devoured till none remained, Had not Odysseus at their fury’s height Held them aloof and their proud heart restrained. Him, O Antinous, hast thou now disdained; His wealth thou spoilest, and his wife dost woo, His son dost murder, and hast deeply pained My soul, and with keen sorrow pierced me through— Cease, and the rest forbid like outrage to renew ! ” book xvi.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 283 5 6 And answer made the bold Eurymachus : “ Icarius’ daughter, wise Penelope, Far be the cause to vex thy spirit thus ! Cast off thy cares, and hearken now to me ! Lives not the mortal, shall not, nor can be, (Nor what I utter will I leave undone) Who, while I breathe and the dear sunlight see, Shall lay hands on Telemachus thy son ; . First shall around my spear his dark blood streaming run. 57 “For in my deep heart I remember yet How oft the brave Odysseus long ago Me, when a child, upon his knees did set, And in my fingers the sweet food bestow, And reach me the red wine. For this I owe Telemachus much love, and far more dear Hold him than all men whom on earth I know. From these at least let him in no wise fear Death: but of stroke divine no mortal can keep clear.” 58 Thus her he cheered, but weaved in his own heart Destruction for her child. She turning stept Back to her shining chamber far apart. There on her soul a sad remembrance swept, While oft and bitterly she wailed and wept Odysseus, as of old, her husband dear, Nor closed the lamentation till she slept; For to her eyelids did Athene bear Sweet slumbers, shed with rest, that might her strength repair. 59 But to Odysseus and his son again Came back at eve the swineherd. They good cheer Were now preparing from a swine just slain, A yearling. But Athene standing near Touched with her wand and aged made appear Laertiades Odysseus. She his frame Wrapt in foul rags, and did with wrinkles sear His fair flesh, lest the swineherd when he came Should know him, and the tidings to the queen proclaim. 284 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVI. 60 Him entering first Telemachus addressed : “ Hail, good Eumseus ! what new thing to-day Is talked of in the town ! Do they now rest From ambush—the proud suitors ? or yet lay Their trains in secret, to beset my way ? ” Swineherd Eumseus, thou didst answer make : “ Not for such tidings did I care to stay, Roaming the city. With all speed I spake The message, and made haste my homeward track to take. 61 “ Sent from thy friends a herald fleet met me, Came, and gave first the news : and something still I know for certain, which mine eyes did see. Over against the city, by the hill Of Hermes, I was hastening with good will Back to my dwelling, when a swift ship drew Down to the haven: shields the bark did fill, And spears twain-edged, nor seemed the sailors few. I guessed them to be these, but nothing more I knew.” . 62 He ceased. The brave Telemachus meanwhile Mused on the issue, and with sidelong eye Smiled on his father a dark-meaning smile; Nor did the swineherd his quick glance espy. So, when their work was ended, they apply Their cares to feasting, and the table spread, Nor to their keen zest ample scope deny. But when desire of meat and drink had fled, They took the gift of sleep, retiring each to bed. BOOK XVII. ODYSSEUS, IN THE DISGUISE OF AN AGED BEGGAR, COMES TO HIS OWN HOUSE—THE DEATH OF HIS DOG ARGUS. 1 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn came on, Child of the mist, and light to mortals bare, Telemachus, Odysseus’ noble son, Linked to his shining feet the sandals fair, And in his hand uplifted the great spear, Strong, deftly rounded to the palm, in train To seek the town; but first his swineherd there Accosted : “ Good my father, I am fain To go, that my dear mother see my face again. 2 “ Not till my face with her own eyes she see, Shall the deep anguish of her tears relent. I go then : fail not to bring down with thee Thy guest, that whoso will may there present Food and a cup to cheer the suppliant spent With travail. All men can I not maintain, Though pierced with pity. If the man repent His coming, and feel anger, worse the pain For him; but I love still the whole truth to make plain.” 3 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said: “ Friend, I am loth to linger. For the poor ’Tis better in the town to beg their bread; Nor on a farm can I be any more Taught to do this and that. Go thou before ; And let this man, when I the fire have seen And day grows warm, then bring me—straitened sore Am I for garments—lest the dayspring keen Smite me with chills: ye said the way was far, I ween.” 286 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 4 He spake. Telemachus, with eager stride Thence hurrying, for the suitors woe forecast. Soon he arrived, and leaned his lance beside The tall roof-pillar, and the threshold passed. First Eurycleia marked him, as she cast Rich fleeces on the carven thrones, and shed Tears at the sight, and to her lord ran fast; While all the maidens whom his house had bred [head. Flocked round him, wept, and kissed his shoulders, face, and 5 And from her chamber came like Artemis, Or golden Aphrodite, the sage queen, And with her arms clung round him, and did kiss Face, eyes, and dwelt upon his beauteous mien, And winged words sent forth her sobs between : “Welcome, Telemachus, my life, my light! Yet did I deem thee wholly lost, I ween, When thou to seek thy sire in my despite Didst sail for Pylos. Tell me, what hath met thy sight?” 6 And her the wise Telemachus addressed: “Spare me, dear mother, saved from death but now, Nor stir the wakeful anguish in my breast. Wash thee, put on clean raiment, clear thy brow, Go with thy maidens and large offerings vow To all the gods, if haply Zeus at last Look from the heaven, and their long crime endow With vengeance. I will to the market haste, My guest to call, who late with me from Pylos passed. 7 “ Him sent I forward with my godlike train, And to receive him brave Piraeus bade With love and honour, till I came again.” He spake, and wingless in her spirit stayed The word. She washed, and in clean robes arrayed Went to the chamber with her maids to vow. There unto all the heavenly gods she prayed, And vowed whole hecatombs, if haply now Zeus the long crime vouchsafe with vengeance to endow. BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 287 8 So from the hall Telemachus anon Passed holding in his hand the steely spear, And to the market moved, but not alone, For as he went his swift dogs followed near. Also Athene did with grace endear His form, that all the people gazed intent, And wondered while he passed without a peer. Then the proud suitors thronged him as he went, With fair words on the lip, with dark wrongs deeply meant. 9 These shunned he, and to Antiphus came on, Mentor, and Halitherses the brave seer, His friends from the beginning; there sat down, And told whatever they were fain to hear. And lo ! Piraeus, valiant with the spear, Now to the forum led the stranger-guest Straight through the city ; and to these came near Telemachus, who scorned within his breast To slight the stranger. Him Piraeus first addressed: 10 “Telemachus, send women to my house To fetch what Menelaus gave to thee.” And answer made the wise Telemachus : “ Friend, (for we know not how these things shall be), If the proud suitors kill me secretly, And my sire’s wealth divide, right fain I were Thyself, not one of these, shouldst hold in fee My treasures. But if I their doom prepare, Glad will I then receive what thou shalt gladly bear.” 11 Thus spake the prince, and homeward went his way, Leading the stranger whom he saved from woe. So when they came into the palace, they Quickly upon the chairs and benches throw Their robes, and from the great hall turning go Toward the bath-chamber, ere the sweet repast. There the maids wash them and rich oil bestow, And robe and tunic on their shoulders cast. Then from the bath they came and to the banquet passed. 288 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII, 12 And lo, a handmaid from a ewer of gold, Beautiful, rich with goodly chasings, poured Over a silver basin, made to hold The lustral stream, and set the shining board, And the discreet house-dame beside them stored Food for their use, and gave them of her best, And eke sweet wine did plenteously afford. Near the roof-pillar the fair queen at rest, Couched in their front, lay weaving a sea-purple vest. T 3 They eager hands upon the viands lay. But when desire of meat and drink had fled, Prudent Penelope began to say: “Telemachus, now will I seek my bed, Wet with long weepings, and with sorrow spread, Since erst to Ilion brave Odysseus went. Yet thou—thou wouldst not, ere the suitors sped Back to the house, to my fond prayer relent, And, if aught clear thou heardest, show me the event.” i4 But he made answer : “ Now will I proclaim, Dear mother, the whole truth. To Pylos we And Nestor shepherd of the people came, Who in his halls with kind love welcomed me. Look, when a father his own son doth see, Whose feet from a far land the threshold tread Now after long years—with his children he Thus loved me, but could no more hear, he said, Aught of the brave Odysseus, if alive or dead. “ Natheless to Menelaus famed in war, To Sparta’s hold he bade me voyage make, And lent me horses and a well-built car. There I saw Argive Helen, for whose sake Argives and Trojans did much woe partake By judgment of the heavenly gods ; and there To me brave warrior Menelaus spake, And asked me on what need I made repair To Sparta. I to him did all the truth declare. BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 289 16 “ And he in answer to my words began : ‘Fools, who all-strengthless have aspired to sleep In the void couch of a strong-hearted man ! Even as a hind in lion’s lair doth keep Her tender sucklings lulled in slumbers deep, Then through the mountain-knees and grassy dells Roams feeding: he, returning home, doth leap Fierce on them both and in a moment quells— So on their heads Odysseus evil doom impels. 17 “ ‘ O Father Zeus, Athene, and Apollo ! Would that as once with Philomeleus’ son He wrestled, whom a stronger strength did follow, And hurled him to the Lesbian earth undone, All men rejoicing that Odysseus won— Would he might hurtle on the suitors so Swift death, sad marriage ! But I will not shun Aught of thy quest, nor darken what I know. All that the old sea-god revealed will I thee show. 18 “ ‘ He to my question on the Pharian shore Spake of the Ithacan, Laertes’ child, How his own eyes had seen him weeping sore, Pent in the palace, in mid ocean isled, Of a celestial nymph, Calypso styled. She her reluctant fere doth aye constrain, Nor can he, sailing o’er the'sea-deep wild, Gaze on the rough dear fatherland again, Reft both of oars and bark and all his valiant train ! ’ 19 “ Thus to me warrior Menelaus spake ; And I, when I had ended all my quest, Departed ; and the gods launched in my wake A breeze which bore me through the hours of rest Swift to my country over ocean’s breast.” He ceased, but the queen’s heart was moved, and her The godlike Theoclymenus addressed : “Wife of Laertiades Odysseus, hear ! He only knows in part; my prophecy is clear. T 290 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 20 “ First of the gods bear witness Zeus the while, Thy table kind, the hearth which I have found, Hearth of the brave Odysseus void of guile,— E’en now thy husband on his native ground, Sitting or walking, hears an evil sound Of suitors in his hall, and vengeance dark Broods, which with dire fulfilment shall be crowned : Such omen, while I sat beside the bark, I knew, and called aloud, and bade thy son to mark ! ” 21 So spake the brave seer Theoclymenus, Who in his soul right well the omen knew. But wise Penelope addressed him thus : “ Ah ! if, dear stranger, but thy word come true, Such gifts will I bestow, such kind things do, That all who meet thee shall declare thee blest! ” Thus spake the queen, but in sad words and few, For that she no more hoped within her breast Her dear lord to behold, and in his arms to rest. 22 They then the morning with such converse wore. The suitors all those hours in pastime spent, And spear and whistling discus, as of yore, Hurled on the well-smoothed ground without a dent, Whither of old for their proud play they went. But when the time drew near their meal to make, And as aforetime from the'fields were sent Flocks, and the same men brought them, Medon spake, Who most of heralds pleased, and did their feast partake : 23 “Young men, (for now desire of sport hath ceased), Hence to the banquet with all speed repair, For it is no bad thing betimes to feast.” So did he speak. The suitors, rising there, Cease from their games and to the palace fare, Obedient to the word. Each entering laid His beauteous mantle on a bench or chair. Then goats, fat swine, and sheep they killed and flayed, With heifer from the herd, and the rich feast purveyed. BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 291 24 Then were Odysseus and the swineherd fain To seek the town; but first the swineherd said : “ Friend, since no longer thou wilt here remain, Come with me, as my lord commandment laid. Thee for my own part would I fain have made Guard of the farm, but his rebuke I fear. Sharp is the zeal of masters disobeyed. Come let us go, for the sun’s fall is near, Lest haply soon thou feel the evening chills severe.” 2 5 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said: “ I hear, I know, I understand it all: Now will I follow, by thy guidance led. Yet prithee lend me, if thou hast withal, A staff to lean on, lest perchance I fall; Ye said the road was slippery.” Thus he spake. Eumseus found him a fit staff and tall; He on his shoulders the foul scrip did take; Then onward to the town they twain their journey make. 26 Thus they went forth, while dogs and herdsmen stay To watch the homestead and the swine to keep. He to the city led his lord away, Like to a poor old man, in anguish deep, Who stooping o’er a staff doth feebly creep, And on his thin form evil rags appear. So when they came along the hillside steep Close to the city, and the fount drew near, Fair-streaming, whence the folk their daily water bear — 2 7 Even that fountain which Polyctor made With Ithacus and Neritus—all round Grove of dank alders doth the stream o’ershade, And from the high rock the cold waters bound, And mix their murmur with the silver sound Of leaves that whisper all a summer’s day; There too an altar of the Nymphs is found, Reared on the height; and whoso comes that way Still to the Nymphs is wont due sacrifice to pay— 292 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xvir. 28 There did Melantheus overtake them, son Of Dolius, with two keepers of the herd. Goats to the palace was he driving on, Choice, very fair, from all the flocks preferred, To feast the suitors. He a bitter word Spake to them loudly in his scornful ire, And at the poor men’s penury did gird With gibes unseemly, cruel, fierce, and dire, While in Odysseus’ breast he filled the heart with fire : 2 9 “ See how God ever like with like doth pair, And still the worthless doth the worthless lead ! Unenviable swineherd, tell me where This wretch wouldst thou bestow? Not such we need, Banes of the banquet, very wolves to feed. He by the doorposts loitering in the way Will rub his shoulders, and to sate his greed Prowl ’mid the suitors for vile scraps of prey, Nor sword nor caldron earn by any manly play. 30 “ If thou wouldst lend him for a while to me, The stalls to sweep, and for the kids supply Young leaves for pasture, very soon would he Swill the rich whey and nourish a stout thigh. But the ill caitiff of all toil is shy, And with a hell-deep maw doth cringe about For victuals. Mark me, for I will not lie ! Once let him set foot ’mid the suitors’ rout, Soon will his ribs and head the flying stools wear out.” 3 T Thus the man spake, and passing with rude foot, Blind in the fury of his foolish heart, Odysseus spurned—who never budged a jot, But in the road stood rooted, and apart Mused if he now should on Melanthius dart, And with his staff the soul extinguish there, Or, on the earth dashed, make the skull-bones start Asunder—but he ruled himself to bear, While the good swineherd spake, uplifting hands of prayer : BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 293 32 “ Virgins of Zeus, ye fountain-nymphs divine, If that Odysseus thighs did ever burn Of lambs or kids, fat-folded, at your shrine, Fulfil the hope wherewith in soul I yearn ! May God yet bring him, may that man return ! Then will he fling thy finery to the wind, Wherein rejoicing thou the poor dost spurn, Roaming the city, while with evil mind Bad herdsmen waste the flocks which thou hast left behind.” 33 Then did Melanthius the goatherd say: “ O Gods, to hear how the vile dog doth prate ! Whom I from Ithaca will bear some day Far over seas, a very goodly freight, To win me by his sale a huge estate. O that Apollo from his silver bow, He or the suitors, ere the day wax late, Would deal Telemachus a deadly blow So surely as Odysseus no return shall know! ” 34 He spake, and left them slowly pacing on. He to the suitors came with hurrying feet, And, fronting bold Eurymachus, sat down, Whom most he loved. The servants gave him meat, And the staid house-dame brought him bread to eat. And lo, the swineherd and his lord drew near, And paused in entering; such a music sweet All round them of the harp, while Phemius there Amid the suitors sang, came pealing through the air. 35 Clasped he the swineherd’s hand, and him addressed: “ Thy lord’s house easy to be known doth shine, Pile after pile, each diverse from the rest. Mark now the long wall with its gleaming line Of cornice, and the doors with skill divine How firmly wrought! No spoiler need he fear. Filled is the house with feast and flowing wine; For the steam riseth, and the harp I hear, Which even the gods have made companion of good cheer.” 294 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xvir. 3 6 Swineherd Eumseus, thou didst answering say: “ Wise art thou ever; thou hast fairly guessed. But let us now within our spirits weigh How we shall enter, and which plan were best. Either do thou go first, and let me rest Here for a while, or I will go before And thou shalt wait; but spare to linger, lest Some one remark thee tarrying near the door, And hurl at thee, or strike. I bid thee think it o’er.” 37 And to the noble swineherd answered he : “ I hear, I know; go first, and I will wait. Nor blows nor hurlings come amiss to me, Patient in soul, and versed in sufferings great By wave and war—set this too in my fate ! Easy are all things, save in check to keep The belly, cause of such a wondrous weight Of ills. For this men harness on the deep Ships, and all kinds of evil on their foemen heap.” . . 38 Such things they twain in mutual converse said, While in the court they lingered at the door. And the dog Argus raised his ears and head, Whom the much-toiled Odysseus long before Reared with his own hand, but enjoyed no more. Ere the time came, he passed to sacred Troy. There lay the dog—whom in the days of yore Oft did the young men in the chase employ, Hares and the flying deer and wild goats to destroy. 39 Cast out nor cared for by his master’s hand, On dung of mules and kine, which there did stay Heaped till the servants should manure the land, Swarming with vermin the dog Argus lay; Who, when he marked Odysseus in the way, And could no longer to his lord come near, Fawned with his tail, and drooped in feeble play His ears. Odysseus turning wiped a tear, Hid from the noble swineherd, and made question there: BOOK XVII.] .THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 295 40 “ Surely, Eumaeus, it is passing strange That here this dog should on the dunghill lie. He for his beauty seemeth fit to range Both field and forest; but this know not I, Whether his fleetness with his form may vie, Or he the nature of those dogs partake Nursed at the table of some chieftain high, And men preserve them for their beauty’s sake.” Then, O Eumaeus swineherd, thou didst answer make : 41 “He to a master that hath died afar Pertaineth. Were he what in years of old Odysseus left him, when he went to war, Thou shouldst amazed his strength and speed behold. No creature whom the forest-deeps enfold Escaped the prowess of his youthful prime, In track so true, and in pursuit so bold. Now hath he fallen on an evil time, And his dear lord hath perished in a far-off clime. 42 “Nor on his wants the careless women tend; For servants, when their lords no longer sway, Their minds no more to righteous courses bend. Half that man’s virtue doth Zeus take away, Whom he surrenders to the servile day.” He, having spoken, to the doors came near, And to the hall of banquet bent his way. And upon Argus came the death-fate drear, Just having seen Odysseus in the twentieth year. 43 Godlike Telemachus, the first of all, The swineherd there remarked as he came on, And to his side with beckoning brows did call. He, glancing round, perceived a chair anon, Set for the carver who, reclined thereon, Carved for the suitors as they list to eat. This to the table of Odysseus’ son He carried, and before it took his seat. There with all speed the herald gave him bread and meat. 296 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 44 A little after him Odysseus came, With feeble feet, his firm staff leaning o’er, Like to a poor old man whom all men shame, With rags for raiment, and within the door Crouched down upon the ashen threshold floor, Lone in the revel, and did there recline Against the cypress column, which of yore Framed the shrewd craftsman with a skill divine, Rounding it rarely well, and swerveless to the line. 45 Telemachus the swineherd then bespake, While from the beauteous basket bread and meat He lifted, all that his two hands could take : “ Give now the stranger this, that he may eat. Bid him go round and every guest entreat; For needy men must gather where they can; Shame is no comrade for the poor, I weet.” Thus did he speak. The swineherd to the man Made haste, and standing near in winged words began: 46 “Telemachus, O stranger, bread and meat By me doth send thee, and, to gain new store, Bids thee go round and every guest entreat. Shame is, he says, no comrade for the poor.” He, crouched aloof upon the threshold floor, Answered and spake : “ O Zeus, eternal king, Bless thou Telemachus for evermore Past all men on the earth; and everything, Whate’er his heart desires, I pray thee to him bring! ” 47 Then, with both hands receiving, at his feet Piled on the scrip those fragments of the feast, And there, while yet the minstrel sang, did eat. When he had eaten, and the music ceased, And through the hall the suitors’ noise increased, Near to Laertiades Odysseus stood Athene, and the greatest and the least Urged him to test, as he went round for food, And in his mind mark well the evil and the good. BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 29; 48 Not that at all she meant in the last fight To shield from vengeance any suitor there. He then among them moved from left to right, With outstretched fingers, and to each made prayer, As if a beggar from of old he were. Him ever as he went they wondering scan, And give for pity what they find to spare, Asking “who is he?” and “whence came the man?” Till with these words Melanthius in the midst began : 49 “ O suitors of our noble queen, give ear, And hear me ! I have seen the man before, This stranger: ’twas the swineherd brought him here ; But him I knew not, nor what name he bore.” Antinous turning jeered the swineherd sore : “ And why, notorious swineherd, didst thou lead Such hungry caitiff to thy master’s door? Find we not vagabonds enough to feed, Beggars, the bane of feasts, and very wolves for greed ? 5 ° “ Hast thou the boldness to rebuke our sin, While in these halls assembling day by day Thy lord we spoil, and hast thyself called in Even this gorger to devour the prey?” Swineherd Eumaeus, thou didst answering say : “ O brave Antinous, it becomes not well One of thy virtue with vain words to play. Who goes about new strangers to compel Into a house, save those who in some craft excel, 51 “Framer of spears, leech, seer, or bard divine, Who with his singing may the heart enthral ? These do all mortals serve with food and wine Through the wide earth, and to their houses call. None asks the poor man, his own soul to gall. But thou hast ever been the chief to hate Odysseus’ servants, and me more than all, Who still thy wrath at little value rate, While with her godlike son the queen lives in the gate.” 298 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 5 2 To him made answer wise Telemachus : “ I pray thee, cease, and from much talk forbear. Answer him not — for aye Antinous Doth in his own heart bitter words prepare, And all the rest leads on, the like to dare.” Then, turning to Antinous, spake: “O friend, For me thou feelest quite a father’s care, Who in thy wrath wouldst by compulsion send The stranger from my hearth. May God the shame forefend! 53 “Give, for I grudge not that the poor partake. Let not to thee such offering seem amiss, Or for my mother’s or the household’s sake. But in thy breast are other thoughts, I wis. Not to bestow, but eat, is all thy bliss.” Antinous answering jeered him to his face : “Vauntful Telemachus, what word is this? Should all these suitors yield him equal grace, Soon were the house delivered for a three months’ space ! ” 54 Him thus Antinous answered, and anon Held up the footstool, which his shining feet There ’mid the revel were reclining on. But all the others gave both corn and meat, And filled the poor man’s wallet. To his seat, Lone on the ashen sill, Odysseus then Held purpose in his heart back to retreat, And taste the dole of the Achaian men; But to Antinous first with these words turned agen : 55 “Thou too, O friend, contribute some good thing; For not the meanest of Achaians here I hold thee, but the best, and like a king. If but thy spirit in thy form appear, Thou shouldst afford me even nobler cheer, And through the wide earth I would spread thy fame. Once to me also sorrow came not near, And I had riches and a noble name, And to the wandering poor still gave, whoever came. BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 299 5 6 “ Legions of slaves and many thousand things I held, which God doth on the great bestow— All that the ownership of large wealth brings. But Zeus Kronion, for he willed it so, Emptied my power and sent a wave of woe, And to ZEgyptus me at last was fain To urge in swift ships from that land to go With pirates, rovers of the wasteful main, A long dark weary way, a way of doom and pain. 57 “When in ZEgyptus stream at length we lay, I in the flowing river the barks did moor, Nor my companions suffered thence to stray, But charged them keep close sentry on the shore, While some go forth, and from the heights explore The country. These to their own lusts give rein, And, yielding to the fire within them, pour Bale on the homesteads, and lay waste the plain, Take wives and children captive, and the men leave slain. 58 “Soon in the city a wild cry was heard, And footmen, chariots, and a glint of steel Filled the wide champaign when the dawn appeared. Then from the onset of their fiery zeal Zeus, lord of thunder, made our warriors reel; Hemmed in with evil through the plain they fled, And the foe following did fierce vengeance deal. Most by the sword fell, some were captive led, Doomed in despite to labour and eat servile bread. 59 “They conquering dealt with my companions thus, But me, for Cyprus, to their guest-friend gave, Even to Dmetor, child of Iasus, Who met them : he beyond the rolling wave Ruled Cyprus isle: and I became his slave. Thence have I now come hither, sorely pressed With evil, and your pitying help I crave. Give me a little food, and let me rest! ” But him the lord Antinous answering thus addressed: 300 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 60 “ Curse on thee, wretch, who dost our feast defile ! Stand from my table, lest thou chance to find Sharp Egypt and a bitter Cyprus isle. Soothly thou art to no weak shame inclined, But for a beggar hast a brazen mind. Thou, standing near, dost still to each appeal, And much they give thee, very idly kind. Light is their reckoning, no remorse they feel, Food not their own to lavish from so brave a meal.” 61 Backward Odysseus stept, and thus replied : “Thy mind and body are of diverse make. Scarce from thine own house wouldst thou salt provide For suppliants, who for me no bread wilt break Where ye rich feast at others’ cost partake.” He ceased. Antinous, wrung with wrath, apace Turned on him scowling, and in winged words spake: “ Now shalt thou not go scatheless to thy place, Since thou dost speak vain words, and beard me to my face.” 62 So did he speak, and, in his foolish heart Conceiving fury, he the stool uptore, And smote him near the spine’s extremest part, On the right shoulder. He the great blow bore Firm as a rock, and on the palace-floor Blenched not at all, but silent waved his head, And brooded evil things; then to the door Passed, carrying in his hands the meat and bread; There the foul scrip laid down, and to the suitors said: 63 “ Hear me, ye suitors of the queen divine ! Men grieve not for the wounds they take in fight, Defending their own wealth, white sheep or kine; But me (bear witness !) doth Antinous smite Only because I suffer hunger’s bite, Fount to mankind of evils evermore. Now may Antinous, ere his nuptial night, If there be gods and furies of the poor, Die unavenged, unwept, upon the palace-floor ! ” BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 301 64 Answered the proud Antinous : “Sit and eat In peace, O stranger, or with speed begone, Lest the men drag thee by the hands and feet, And strip thy flesh, and peel thee to the bone, So dire a word thy caitiff lips hath flown.” Thus did he speak, and all exceedingly Disdained the fierce wrong to the poor man shown; And, while the murmur of their wrath grew high, One of the haughty youths did in these words reply : 6 5 “ Not to thine honour hast thou now let fall, Antinous, on the wandering poor this blow. Haply a god from heaven is in our hall, And thou art ripe for ruin: I bid thee know, Gods in the garb of strangers to and fro Wander the cities, and men’s ways discern; Yea, through the wide earth in all shapes they go, Changed, yet the same, and with their own eyes learn How live the sacred laws, who hold them, and who spurn.” 66 Thus spake the suitors. He within his heart Lightly regarded and not seemed to hear. Meanwhile Telemachus sat far apart, Feeding on fire; and deeper and more drear Grew the sharp pang, that he saw stricken there His own dear father, and the flower of kings. Yet from his eyelids he let fall no tear, But, filled in soul with dark imaginings, Silently waved his head, and brooded evil things. 67 Now when the story of that blow she heard, Dealt in her own halls, wise Penelope Among her maidens spake this winged word : “ Archer Apollo deal the like to thee ! ” And answer made discreet Eurynome: “ If only on our prayers fulfilment fall, Not one of these the golden Dawn shall see.” Then spake the queen : “Nurse, they are hateful all, All evil, but Antinous Death itself I call. 302 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVII. 68 “ Comes a poor stranger through long wanderings led, Naked and cold and overwhelmed with woe, And in his hunger asks a little bread. Then all the others a sweet alms bestow, This with the footstool deals him a rude blow.” Thus then the queen among her maidens fair Talked, sitting in her chamber, while below Odysseus, eating his appointed share, Sat. She the swineherd calling thus addressed him there: 69 “ Go, dear Eumseus, call the stranger-guest. Fain would I see him and some tidings glean, If of Odysseus, with long woe distrest, Vague rumour he have heard, or something seen. He seems like one who very far hath been.” Swineherd Eumaeus, thou didst answering say: “ If the Achaians in thy hall, O queen, Would but keep silence or go quite away, Soon would thy heart rejoice, such news doth he convey. 70 “ Three nights and days I entertained him well; Escaping from a ship, me first he sought; Nor hath he yet ceased all his woes to tell. Even as when a bard, divinely taught, Singeth a lovely lay; we, tranced in thought, Gaze on him ever with a dreaming eye, And to his voice, with melting music fraught, Yearn as he singeth—even so was I Tranced with his tale of sorrow, and sat yearning by. 71 “ In wide Crete, where the race of Minos dwells, He lives, and boasts him from an ancient date Odysseus’ guest-friend; such the tale he tells. Thence he comes hither in forlorn estate, Roaming and roaming with a weary weight Of sorrow, and to this doth firmly stand: That of Odysseus he hath heard of late, Not far off, in the rich Thesprotian land, Alive; and much wealth brings he to his native strand.” BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 7 2 Answered the wise Penelope in turn : “ Go, call him with all speed, that face to face I may converse with him and tidings learn. And let these sitting urge their sports apace There in the court, or even in this place. Well may their soul to all sweet joys incline, Who live light-hearted in such happy case. Us they consume, but their own corn and wine Lie in the house unscathed, whereon their servants dine. 73 “Yes, to our house resorting day by day, They kill fat beeves and many goats and sheep, Drink up the dark wine, as in wanton play, And squander all our wealth in one fell heap. For no Odysseus now is left to keep Destruction from our doors, and ward off wrong. Could but Odysseus from beyond the deep Stand on his own earth, with his child ere long He would in wrath wipe out their violence deep and strong 74 So said she; and Telemachus sneezed aloud. Direly the house rang, and Penelope Laughed to Eumaeus : “Call him from the crowd Right quickly, for my son (dost thou not see ?) On all my words hath sneezed right favourably. Fate shall come down on every suitor there; None of their number the black Death shall flee. But for this man—if he the truth declare, Robe shall he have and tunic, brave apparel fair.” 75 Then went the swineherd near him and spake thus : “Father, Penelope the prudent queen Doth call thee, mother of Telemachus. Fain would she of her lord some tidings glean, If something thou hast heard or haply seen. And she will grant, if thou the truth declare, Robe and rich tunic—which right sore, I ween, Thou needest—and among the folk to fare, And beg from house to house, thy ravin to repair.” 304 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xvit. 76 And answering spake divine Odysseus thus : “Now, O Eumaeus, soon enough might she Hear of her husband, if alone with us, Icarius’ daughter, wise Penelope. All the main history is known to me, And we are old companions, he and I, In sorrow; but these suitors—one may see How fierce they are. I shudder to pass by Men whose enormous outrage climbs the iron sky. 77 “For lo, just now, when I was passing on, Nor any harm had wrought, to my deep woe That man did smite me; nor would any one, Not even Telemachus, avenge the blow. Bid then Penelope the tale forego Till sunset, and then nearer to the fire Bring me, and ask what she is fain to know. For, bear me witness, in no warm attire I to thy hearth came suppliant, in mine anguish dire.” 78 Thus spake he, and that other, when he heard, Forthwith departed and the chamber sought; And to him entering spake the queen this word: “ How then, Eumseus ? Is the man not brought ? What had the wandering stranger in his thought ? Or feels he too much shame of their rude play, And lest men not revere him as they ought ? Shame comes not often in a vagrant’s way.” Thou, O Eumaeus swineherd, didst in answer say: 79 “Justly he speaks, the word can none gainsay, Fearing the suitors who dire insult mean. He bids thee tarry till the fall of day; And for thyself ’twere better far, O queen, Alone these tidings from thy guest to glean.” Answered in turn the wise Penelope : “Now doth the stranger little err, I ween, To shun these suitors, whosoe’er he be. None on the wide earth live who deal so furiously.” BOOK XVII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 305 80 Then to the hall of banquet made repair The swineherd, and addressed the prince divine, Holding his head down lest the others hear: “Now, friend, will I go hence to guard the swine, And all things else that make my life and thine. But here look thou to thine own business still; Save thyself first, and see that no sad tyne Thou suffer—many in their minds think ill, Whom Zeus, ere yet they work our own destruction, kill! ” 81 To whom the wise Telemachus replied : “ So let it be, good father. Thou at eve Go, and fair victims with the dawn provide. The rest to me and the immortals leave.” So did he speak and to the board receive Eumaeus, who good cheer of food and wine Enjoyed, and passed forth to his swine at eve Far from the feasters. They their hearts incline, While the day wanes, to music and the dance divine. u 30 / BOOK XVIII. ODYSSEUS FIGHTS WITH THE BEGGAR IRUS—THE WARNING OF AMPHINOMUS. 1 And lo, a public beggar of old fame, One bulk of belly, valiant on the earth In strength of swallowing, from the city came, Not firm of sinew, but an ox for girth, Arnaeus; such the name he bore from birth ; Now, trained for errands at each beck and call, Dubbed by the young men Irus in their mirth. He then, to drive the king from his own hall, Came near, and scorning spake, and winged words let fall 2 “ Give place, old man, and from the door-sill go, Lest I soon hale thee forth by hands and feet. E’en now the young men—look around and know— Give me the wink : but ’twere a shame, I weet. Up and begone then, ere of blows we treat! ” But him Odysseus sternly eyed, and said : “Friend, nor in word nor deed I wrong thee. Eat, Till thou be loaded with their meat and bread! I grudge not: go thy ways, and let me too be fed. 3 “ Here on the sill is room for both, since thou Dost seem to be a beggar even as I; And both with good cheer can the gods endow. But keep thy hands off, nor my wrath defy, Lest with red blood thy lips and chest I dye, Old as I am : so shall I find less brawl To-morrow, nor again shalt thou come by To seek Laertiades Odysseus’ hall.” Then did the beggar Irus in loud anger call: 308 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. 4 “Ye gods, how glibly doth this gorger scold, Like hags o’ the furnace ! I will deal him now Such rattling blows upon his numskull old, Till all his teeth he shed like a wild sow Caught pilfering in the corn. Come, show them how Old men can hit, if thou hast nerve to fight! ” Thus by the doors they twain with darkling brow Stood wrangling. And Antinous the good sight Caught first, and sweetly laughed, and did the rest invite: 5 “ O friends, was never such good pastime seen As now the gods into this mansion bring. Here are two varlets at high war, I ween, With fists. Come quickly, let us form a ring ! ” He spake : with loud laugh from the benches spring The suitors, rush together from the hall, And round the ill-clad vagrants form a ring. But brave Antinous, ere to fight they fall, Son of Eupeithes, first outspake among them all : 6 “ Hearken, ye noble suitors, what I say! Here at the fire the rich goat-paunches fry, Which for our supper we have laid away, Filled with the fat and blood. Let these men ply Their combat; and who wins the victory Let him select the best paunch of them all, And feast for ever in our company Hereafter; and him only will we call True vagrant, and allow to beg here in the hall.” 7 Thus spake Antinous, and the rest assent. Then said Odysseus in his wary wit: “ O friends, a poor old man, with sorrow spent, Scarce with the young may fight; yet, sorely bit By rage of hunger, I perforce submit. But swear me a great oath that no one here Irus will favour and me foully hit While fighting, nor with rough hands interfere To make me yet worse off than I must needs appear.” BOOK XVIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 309 8 So spake he, and they all against it swore. And him divine Telemachus addressed : “ Friend, if thy heart and soul constrain thee sore To fight with Irus, never heed the rest. For whoso to thy harm shall thee molest, Not thee alone assails, but many of us. Mine is the house, and these approve my hest. Antinous chiefly, and Eurymachus, Both lovers of the right, will help me to deal thus.” 9 So spake he, and they all assented fain. But with his mighty hands Odysseus^there Girded the rags about his loins amain, And the firm thighs and stalwart arms laid bare, And breast and shoulders very broad and fair. For, unbeheld, Athene standing by Moulded his kingly limbs beyond compare, And spread them ampler in the people’s eye, That all who looked thereon wondered exceedingly. 10 And one toward another looked, and said : “Full soon will Irus be dis-Irused quite With plague which he hath pulled on his own head, Such wondrous thews the old man brings to light.” Thus they : but Irus filled with sore affright Slunk cowering, and the slaves with hurrying hand Gird him perforce, and thrust him on to fight, While his flesh trembles that he scarce can stand. Whom proud Antinous then with bitter words did brand : 11 “Now die, vile braggart, if thou fear to face A poor old wretch with many woes opprest, And shrink and shudder to thy fell disgrace. Hark ! if in fighting the old man prove best, Off to king Echetus, I here protest, Who all that seek him with cold iron shears, I’ll send thee howling overseas, his guest. He with the knife will geld thee when he hears, And to the dogs cast raw thy severed nose and ears.” 3io THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. I 2 He ended; and a yet more trembling fear Seized on the limbs of Irus. Him they thrust Sick to the fight: both men their fists uprear. Then brave Odysseus in his soul discussed, Whether to beat him to the bloody dust Dead, or to strike him with a softer blow Prone, yet alive, the scorn and fell disgust Of all men. At the last seemed wiser so— Softly to strike, lest him too soon the Achaians know. 1 3 They standing, Irus smote Odysseus there On the right shoulder. He with a dire clang Smote Irus on the neck, beneath the ear, And crashed the splintering bone. Out the blood sprang Red from the mouth in jets, and the earth rang Loud to the ruining mass. He writhingly Kicked in convulsion, and with hideous pang Gnashed his teeth, moaning ever; and standing by The suitors raised their hands, and laughed as they would die. 14 Him through the vestibule Odysseus drew Forth to the courtyard by the heel, and there Propped him against the wall in public view, And planted in his hands a staff to bear, And did aloud in winged words declare: “ Sit, pitiful that thou art, and learn to keep Dogs from the doors and swine, nor henceforth dare O’er men to lord it, and foul insults heap On strangers and the poor, lest a worse thing thou reap.” *5 He then the foul scrip on his shoulders cast, Torn, leathern-looped, and by the door reclined. And all the suitors, as they entering passed, Laughed sweetly, cheering him with accents kind : “ Zeus and the gods whatever in thy mind Thou list, O stranger, at thy choice dispose ! Since yonder cormorant his last hath dined At public charge. To Echetus he goes Straight, who of each new-comer crops the ears and nose.” book xvni.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 311 16 Thus did they cheer him, and the noble king Joyed in the omen from the suitors won. Then went Antinous from the fire to bring Of the goat-paunches even the choicest one, Filled with rich fat, and near him laid it down. Amphinomus two loaves brought speedily, And with a golden cup him pledged anon : “ Hail, father guest, and mayst thou happy be Hereafter in thy life, who now hast misery ! ” 17 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said: “Amphinomus, thou seemest in my sight Wise, worthy to be loved, and nobly bred. Such was thy father, if I hear aright, Dulichian Nisus, famed for wealth and might, Whose glory wanders the wide earth. Men say Thou from his loins thy lineage dost indite. Thy words seem to have wisdom. Therefore lay My speech to heart, nor voice of warning cast away. 18 “ Earth than a man no poorer feebler thing Rears, of all creatures that here breathe and move : Who, while the gods lend health and his knees string, Boasts that no sorrow he is born to prove. But when the gods assail him from above, Then doth he bear it with a bitter mind, Dies without help or liveth against love. Thus are the souls of earth-born men inclined According to that state which by God’s will they find. !9 “ Once I myself was happy among men, And, led astray by power, much folly wrought, Since in my father and my brothers then I trusted, and of sorrow knew not aught. Wherefore let no man, no, not even in thought, Turn him to evil and do lawless things, Lest he through suffering at the last be taught! Zeus from on high doth visit even kings; Therefore receive in silence what the Father brings. 312 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. 20 “ But now the suitors I see firm for wrong, Who spoil the wealth, and hurt the wife of one Who (mark my words !) shall not be absent long; Yea he is near you, and yet sees the sun. But thee may God steal homeward, and let shun That man, when he returns to his own land ! Not without blood shall the dire cause be won, Wrath, and a noise of fightings hand to hand, If once within the halls upon the floor he stand.” 21 He ended, and the sweet drink-offering poured, Quaffed what was over of the generous wine, And to that prince the golden cup restored. He, the head bowing, and with downcast eyen, Went and again did in his place recline, For in his soul he saw the evil day; Nor even thus escaped the doom divine, For that Athene on his neck did lay This burden, that even him Telemachus should slay. 22 Stern-eyed Athene then inspired the queen To go down and reveal the suitors’ heart, And her own virtue to make plainlier seen. She, smiling heavily, did her thoughts impart: “ These men, Eurynome, oft make me smart In spirit; yet methinks I will descend And plant a useful word in my child’s heart— Not on the suitors alwavs to attend, Who, though fair words they speak, mean evil in the end.” 23 And the discreet Eurynome replied: “ Right well thy words, dear child, have hit the case. Go now, declare it, nor this counsel hide. Only first wash thee, and anoint thy face, Lest on thy lovely cheeks men mark the trace Of tears. It is not good always to moan. For now thy child hath come to manly grace, Thy prayers are answered and his beard hath grown.” To her the wise Penelope made speech anon: BOOK XVIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 313 24 “ Bid me not wash, nor yet anoint my face; For now the gods that in Olympus be, Since with the hollow ships he sailed, erase All beauty from my brow. But send to me Hippodameia and Autonoe. Stand in the hall I dare not, from mere shame, Alone among the suitors.” Thus said she; And through the wide hall passed the aged dame. And with the tidings quickly to the maidens came. 2 5 And lo, Athene had new things in thought, And to Icarius’ child sweet slumber bare, Loosened her limbs upon the couch, and brought Immortal gifts, to make her wondrous fair, And with ambrosia bathed her face and hair, Like Cytherea the bright-zoned, when she To the sweet choir of Graces makes repair. Larger the queen grew, more sublime to see, And whiter than the gleam of burnished ivory. 26 Thus having wrought, Athene went her way. And the white-armed attendants, with a sound Of voices, from the hall to where she lay Came; and the queen awaking glanced around, Wiped her fair cheeks, and said : “ Sweet trance hath found Me sorrowing. O that Artemis would quell, This very hour, my life with a like swound ! Never again to pine in anguish fell, Wailing a man who all the Achaians did excel.” 27 Then by the staircase to the lower ground Passed the wise queen, but not alone went she; Two maidens followed. She the suitors found At banquet, and beside the tall roof-tree Paused in her shining veil, right fair to see, A comely maiden standing on each side. Charmed were the suitors ; love loosed every knee ; Each that beheld desired her for his bride : • * And to her own dear son Telemachus she cried: 3H THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. 28 Telemachus, thy wit no more appears. The child was wiser than the man. For thou, Grown to full stature and complete in years, So that one looking on thy form and brow Would call thee child of a great chief, art now Other than once we knew thee, and not wise. See, to thy shame among all mortals, how Rough men within thy halls the poor despise, ? Sad from long toils, and thou hast seen it with thine eyes.” 29 He answered : “ O my mother, cause thou hast; But mine own heart the right and wrong can tell. Once as a child I reasoned—that is past. Yet can I not shape all things wisely well, Since these ill-minded ones my purpose quell, And make me wander; for no help I find. Yet in the fight but now, when Irus fell, All chanced not wholly to the suitors’ mind. The stranger won; but they far otherwise designed. 30 “ O father Zeus, Athene, and Apollo ! I would these suitors, having seen the fight, Now were all destined a like doom to follow, And, with their limbs well loosened in our sight, Here in the house were nodding heads to-night, Or in the court, as yonder on the floor Irus sits nodding like a drunken wight, Nor on his feet can stand, nor quit the door, Homeward to pass, for now his limbs are loosened sore ! 31 Thus she addressed him, and he answered thus, But, when he heard them, to Penelope Spake in these words the bold Eurymachus : “ Icarius’ daughter, wise Penelope, Could all Achaians in wide Argos see How fair thou art, new feasters thou wouldst find Here in the morning, and far more than we; Since in form, stature, and a prudent mind, Thou the whole sex of women leavest far behind.” BOOK XVIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 315 3 2 Answered to him the sage Penelope : “ Eurymachus, my beauty, form, and grace The high gods ruined from that hour when he, My husband, went forth with the Argive race To Ilion. Could he but once more embrace And tend me, then should I for this loss gain A fame far better than the fairest face. Now am I straitened and bowed down with pain, And on my life the gods much evil pour amain. 33 “Well I remember, when he went away, He clasped my right hand by the wrist, and said : 1 Not all the Argives that wear arms to-day, Dear wife, believe me shall from Troy be led Safe homeward; but the many shall lie dead. They say the Trojans are all warriors tried, Hurlers of javelins, and bowmen dread, And riders of swift steeds, that far and wide Swerves of the rolling battle very soon decide. 34 “ ‘ Therefore I know not whether God will spare My life, or whether I in Troy shall fall. But thou of all things in my stead take care, And even as now, whatever fate befal, My father and my mother in our hall Remember—and yet more when I am gone. And when thy son thou seest bearded, tall, Wed whom thou wilt, and leave him here alone/ Thus did he speak, and now these things are almost done. 35 “ Yet shall that hour wherein the nuptial rite Falls on me, from whom Zeus hath taken away All joys for ever, be the hour of night; Nor let it see the dawnings of the day! But now this sorrow on my soul ye lay. Suitors of noble women in time of old Themselves brought oxen and fat sheep to slay, Feasted the maiden’s friends, gave gifts of gold— Ye, while my house ye spoil, your own things firmly hold.” I 316 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xvm. 3 6 Thus did she speak, and her much-suffering lord Joyed that she drew their presents, and entwined Their heart in snares of many a soothing word, While her own breast far other thoughts designed. Then said Antinous : “ O queen, wise of mind, What gift soever any list impart, Take—it is ill to leave a gift behind. Yet will we never from thy halls depart, Ere from our best thou wed one pleasing thine own heart.” 37 Thereto accordant for the gifts each sent His herald. One to brave Antinous brought A pictured robe, ample, magnificent, Where curven clasps in linked lustre caught Twelve golden brooches, very richly wrought. One to the lord Eurymachus anon Carried a chain of virgin gold, and fraught With quaint devices fair to look upon, Set with electron stars, and radiant like the sun. 38 Brought to Eurydamas two slaves anon Earrings, each dropt with triple brilliants fair. Came from Peisander’s house, Polyctor’s son, Necklace of gems exceeding rich and rare. Came a bright gift from each Achaian there. She, flower of women, with her maidens went, And to her chamber the rich presents bare. They to the dance and song their spirits bent, Till on their pastime came the evening’s black descent. 39 Anon three fire-racks in the halls they set To give light, and the logs all round bestow, Sapless long since and dead, for burning fit, New-cloven with sharp iron; and a row Of torches add, which through the wide hall glow. By turns the maidens of Odysseus fare Down the long tumult of the feast, and throw Logs on the fires, and make the torches flare. And the divine Odysseus spake among them there : BOOK XVIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 317 40 “ Slaves of Odysseus, the long-absent king, Hearken and hear me ! To the chamber hie, Wherein the gracious queen sits sorrowing, And, sitting round, amuse her while ye ply The distaff, or the soft wool card: and I Here in your place will on the lamps attend. For, though they list to linger till the sky Grows red with morning, they will never bend My strength nor heart, well-versed in labours without end.” 41 So spake he, and the damsels laughed to hear, While each to other glanced. And bitterly Him did the fair-faced child of Dolius jeer, Melantho, whom the queen Penelope With fond endearments brought up tenderly Even as her own child; yet in all the pain Of queen Penelope no whit grieved she, But with Eurymachus in love’s sweet chain Mingled. Odysseus now she jeered in fell disdain : 42 “ Man, thou art mad ! go seek the forge, or sleep In some low haunt, nor linger prating here. Hast thou no shame ? or doth much wine o’erleap Thy beggarly wit, and make thee proof to fear, So loud thou art ? or is thy brain not clear For pride that thou hast beaten a poor clown ? I warn thee—lest a better soon appear Than Irus, and stave in thy caitiff crown, And hunt thee from the doors, thy red blood streaming down.” 43 Answered Odysseus with a scowling brow: “ Wench, I will tell Telemachus what you say, Who limb from limb will carve you even now.” So did he speak, and scared them all away, Nerveless with terror; “for he means,” said they, “ To keep his word.” He to the fire-racks passed And torches, and fed well their burning ray, On each attentive; but in soul forecast Far other heavier things—not unfulfilled at last. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. 318 44 Hardened Athene then the suitors’ heart That they might go from sin to sin, and make Soul of Laertiades Odysseus smart Yet deeper. And Eurymachus thus spake, While in his laughter all the rest partake: “ Hear me, O friends, while I my thought declare ! Not without God came hither for our sake This baldhead, who outshineth the whole glare Of torchlight: his old pate grows never a tuft of hair.” 45 He spake, and turned him to the warlike sire: “ Friend, are you willing on my farm to try Work—if I take you at sufficient hire— Cull stones for fences, and plant trees? For I All the year round will feed you, and supply Good raiment at your need, and sandals stout. But thou, I know it, of all work art shy, And liefer through the town wouldst cringe about And get the wherewithal thy belly to bulge out.” 46 But he : “ Eurymachus, I would we twain In the spring-season, when the days are long, Each with a well-curved scythe might strive amain, Fasting till even, where the grass grew long— Or there were oxen fiery-eyed and strong, Both filled with pasture, of like strength to bear, Hard to be tired, both fearless, and both young, The ground four acres, and a sliding share— Soon should you see if I the furrow can cleave fair. 47 “ Or should Kronion stir up war to-day, And lend me helm and shield and javelins twain, Then should you mark me in the foremost fray, Nor chide my belly in such scorning strain. Great man thou seemest, and a rude disdain Art carrying among paltry men and few; But, were Odysseus to come home again, Soon would the wide space of these doors to you Seem in the huddling flight too narrow to squeeze through.” BOOK XVIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 319 48 He ceased. Eurymachus in wrath more deep Raged, and with glowering eyes addressed him there “Hast thou no shame? or doth much wine o’erleap Thy beggarly wit, and make thee proof to fear, Tongue-valiant dog? or is thy brain not clear, For pride that thou hast beaten a poor clown ? Look to thyself, lest direr foe come near Than Irus, and stave in thy caitiff crown. Now for the things thou sayest full price will I pay down.” 49 Seized he the footstool, and the king divine Crouched at Amphinomus’ knees : the stool flew by, Hit the cupbearer’s wrist, and spilt the wine. Rang the bowl falling. He with a sharp cry Fell backward in the dust, and there did lie Writhing. And one spake ’mid the suitors’ din : “Would God the vagrant had been doomed to die, Ere to our hall he brought this tumult in ! Joy from the feast hath fled, and all the worse things win.” 5 ° Spake in the midst Odysseus’ noble son : “Sirs, ye are maddened with much food and wine. Some god inflames you. Since the feast is done, Go where ye list, and in your homes recline; For to expel you is no task of mine.” He ended; but the rest in wrath did bite Their lips, and wondered at the prince divine; Such words he uttered in his royal right. Up rose Amphinomus then, and did these words indite: 5 1 “ Friends, when a man hath said a righteous thing, One would not scorn it with a cutting jeer. Ye then abuse not, nor with insult sting, This guest nor any of the servants here. But let the herald, who the wine doth bear, Go with the cups his round, that we may pour Libations, and at home find slumbers dear. And to Telemachus this stranger poor Leave; for the man first came a suppliant to his door.” 320 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XVIII. 5 2 He ended, and all gave consent thereto. And hero Mulius the bowl then bare, Dulichian herald, of the retinue Oflord Amphinomus, king Nisus’ heir. He to them all the wine presented there. They to the gods pour forth libations sweet, Drink to their hearts’ content, and quickly fare Forth from the palace, filled with wine and meat; And each to his own house for slumber makes retreat. 321 BOOK XIX. THE INTERVIEW OF ODYSSEUS WITH PENELOPE — EURYCLEIA’s RECOGNITION OF ODYSSEUS—THE DREAM OF PENELOPE. 1 Then was divine Odysseus left alone. He, musing by Athene’s help apart Death to the suitors, thus addressed his son: “ This thought, Telemachus, invades my heart. Let us delay not with sword, shield, and dart, And every warlike weapon in our hall, Now that the feast is ended, to depart, And in the chamber to bestow them all Far out of reach, in safety, till occasion call. 2 “ And, when the suitors miss them, softly thou Beguile them from the mark, and answering say: £ Out of the smoke I laid them, since not now Like to those arms they seem in olden day Left by Odysseus when he sailed away, But smirched with fire: and Zeus a dread not light Hath given me, lest through wine ye stir a fray, And shame the feast, and mar with foul despite Your courtship: steel itself oft lures a man to fight.’” 3 He ended; and the sage Telemachus Obeyed his father, called the nurse, and spake : “ Shut up the women, nurse, apart from us, While to the chamber from the hall I take My father’s arms, which fiery vapours make Dimmed of their lustre : for behold they lie Cared for by no one for my father’s sake All the long years—and a mere child was I. Now, where the smoke comes never, I long to lay them by.” x 322 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 4 And unto him the nurse made answer there: “ Ah ! could I see thee learning thrift at last, Dear child, and of thine own house taking care, Now that thy years of childhood are quite past! But say, if all the women be shut fast, Who will go with thee and the light convey? These thou forbiddest, but none else thou hast.” Quoth he : “ This stranger. I will let none stay Unworked, who breaks my bread, albeit from far away.” 5 He spake, and wingless in her spirit stayed The word; and she made fast the doors anon, And all things ordered as her master bade. And brave Odysseus and his noble son Quickly arose, and every weapon won, } Helmet and bossy shield and pointed spear. Pallas Athene in the front moved on, And held a golden cresset shining clear. Telemachus called wondering to his father dear : 6 “Father, a strange thing with mine eyes I see. Look, the columnar spaces on the wall, Cornice and ceiling and the fair roof-tree, The beams of pinewood, and the pillars tall Burn like the blaze of fire along the hall! Some god is with us, who on high doth reign.” To whom Odysseus : “ Hush, speak not at all! Forbear from asking, and thy soul refrain. Often the gods deal thus, who in Olympus reign. 7 “ Go thou, and sleep ; but leave me in the hall, Thy mother and her maidens to incite, And make her ask me severally of all, Though grieving.” He, led by the flaming light Of torches, sought his chamber, where each night He slumbered from of old, and there lay down To rest, and waited for the morning bright. Meanwhile divine Odysseus, left alone, Mused by Athene’s help how victory might be won. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 323 8 Then like to Artemis descending passed, Or golden Aphrodite, the sage queen. Quickly her chair beside the fire they placed, Rich work, of ivory turned and silver sheen, Framed by Icmalius ; and beneath was seen, By the skilled artist grafted on the chair, A beauteous shelf, whereon the feet might lean, Spread with a fleece. Penelope sat there. Thither the white-armed maidens from within repair. 9 These then remove the tables, cups, and food, And from the fire-racks the red cinders fling Left by the suitors, and pile up fresh wood For light and warmth. Then yet again her king With bitter words did fair Melantho sting: “ Man, do you mean to plague us, and wait even Till dawn, about the women hovering To watch them? Go, wretch, and give thanks to heaven, Lest from the doors outright with firebrands thou be driven.’' 10 Spake with a stern eye the large-hearted sire: “ Why wilt thou thus for ever scorn and fleer? Is it my unkempt look and mean attire, And that I cringe among the folk through fear Of famine, forced by such a want severe ? This to poor wanderers is a common shame. Once to me also sorrow came not near, And I had riches and a noble name, And to all needs of all still gave, whoever came. 11 “ Legions of slaves and many thousand things I held, which God doth on the great bestow— All that the ownership of large wealth brings. But Zeus Kronion, for he willed it so, Emptied my power and sent a wave of woe. Thou too beware, lest haply perish all Thy splendour, which to-night so fair doth show, Or to thy sorrow the queen’s heart thou gall, Or even Odysseus come—such chance may yet befal. 324 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 12 “ But if that he hath perished and no more Returneth, yet now by Apollo’s will Stands a fit son within the father’s door, One ripe of age all duties to fulfil— Telemachus. No woman that works ill Can foil the reach of his recording eye. Deem ye the master is an infant still? ” He ended; whom the wise queen, sitting by, Heard, and addressed the maiden, and spake angerly : “ Think not the crime by me unmarked shall go, Bold minion; thine own life shall wipe the stain; Since well thou knowest, for I told thee so, That in my halls the wanderer I was fain This night to ask in my exceeding pain For tidings of my husband.” Thus she said, And, turning to Eurynome, spake again : “ Bring now a chair, and let a fleece be spread. Here let him rest, while I ask and am answered.” 14 So did she speak, and at the word anon Passed from her mistress’ side Eurynome, And brought a chair well burnished, and thereon Cast the warm fleece, and by the queen sat he. Then first began the wise Penelope: “ O friend, this question will I first declare— Whence and of what land dost thou boast to be ? Where is thy city and thy parents where ? ” And wary-wise Odysseus spake in answer there: !5 “ Lady, no mortal on the boundless earth Can slur thy glory, which hath scaled the height, As of a great king famous in all worth, Who, like a god enthroned in sovran might, Rules a brave nation and upholds the right; And the dark earth produces wine and bread, With fruit the trees bend, and the hills teem white With flocks, and fishes swarm in the sea’s bed, And the whole people thrives for such a righteous head. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 325 16 “ Therefore, I pray thee, what thou list explore, But spare to ask my country and my race, Lest thou with sorrow wring my heart yet more When I remember all my sad sad case. J Tis not for me, poor guest in a strange place, Still to sit weeping till the dawn appears, Lest even in thine eyes I reap disgrace, Or of thy maidens one protest with jeers ’Tis but for weight of wine my eyelids swim with tears.” 17 Answered to him the wise Penelope : “ O stranger, my whole beauty, form, and grace The high gods ruin from the hour when he, My husband, went forth with the Argive race To Ilion. Could he but once more embrace And tend me, then should I for this loss gain A fame far better than the fairest face ! Now am I straitened and bowed down with pain, And on my life the gods much evil pour amain. 18 “ For all the chiefs who in the isles have power, And all in sunward Ithaca that be, Woo me reluctant and my house devour. Hence hath it come that in pure misery Toward strangers I forget my courtesy, Nor suppliants nor the public caste observe Of heralds ; but my heart continually Breaks for Odysseus, nor the suitors swerve From courtship, while I weave new wiles my turn to serve. 19 “ First of the mantle—hear thou what device The god himself breathed in my soul. I reared Here in the halls a mighty loom of price. Anon before the suitors I appeared, And said: ‘Young men, my suitors, what I feared Is come: divine Odysseus is no more. Woo ye, but leave my widowhood revered A little while, until my task is o’er, Lest my long-purposed work fall void for evermore. 326 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 20 “ ‘ I for Laertes weave a funeral sheet Against the final debt that he must pay; And I were shamed the Achaian dames to meet, Should the long slumber find but shroudless clay Of one who owned much lordship in his day.’ So did I speak amid the suitor throng, And so persuaded their large heart gave way. Daily I weaved, and then, to work them wrong, By night the woof unwound, with torches ranged along. 21 “ So for three years I prospered in my guile. But when the fourth came, as the times went by And the moons waxed and waned a long long while, Then through my women, careless creatures, I Was taken in the act, and bitterly The young men mocked me, when they came and saw. Thus the great web I finished by-and-by, Not of mine own will but compulsion’s law, Nor from the marriage-hour can I again withdraw. 22 “No help I find. My parents urge me on To marry, and my son chafes at the sight Of household waste, well knowing what is done ; For he hath manhood to maintain his right, As one whom Zeus hath lent a lordly might And on his prowess made high fame to wait. Yet even thus I pray thee tell to-night Thy lineage and thy name, thy land and state, Since not of rock thou art, nor oak of fabled date.” 23 And wary-wise Odysseus answering spake : “ Wife of Laertiades, illustrious queen, Still of my lineage wilt thou question make ? Hear then and hearken, though it make more keen All the old sorrows that my life hath seen. So must it be, when one his land hath lost Through such long years as I have homeless been On the wide earth, in weary wanderings tost. Yet will I now make answer, careless of the cost. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 327 24 “ There is a land Crete in the wine-dark main, Crowned with the cincture of the flowing sea, Fruitful and fair in hill and valley and plain; And numbers numberless of men there be And ninety cities. And all diversely Their tongues are mingled. In that land are found Achaians, and the Dorian races three, And the brave Eteocretans there abound, Cydonians, and the high Pelasgian race renowned. 25 “ There with the rest lies Cnosus, a great town, Where Minos reigned, familiar friend of Zeus, Sire of my sire, the brave Deucalion, Who me begat and lord Idomeneus. My brother, skilled in every warlike use, Following the sons of Atreus to the fight, Went in beaked ships proud Ilion to reduce. I was the younger, my name ZEthon hight, But he the foremost ever and the chief in might. 26 “There I beheld Odysseus, and plight gave Of friendship, with sweet gifts : for, on his way, Sheer past Malea driven by wind and wave, He chanced on Crete, and in Amnisus lay, Near Ilithyia’s grot, a dangerous bay. He, scarce delivered, sought my brother then, His own dear guest-friend from an ancient day, But were already passed nine days or ten Since in the barks he sailed to Ilion with his men. 27 “ Therefore did I right nobly entertain Thy husband, and the daily banquet spread, Since ever for himself and all his train I taxed the people both in wine and bread, Beeves, and fat sheep, that they might well be fed. Twelve days with us the Achaians made delay, For yet could no man, the North blew so dread, Stand even on earth; but when the thirteenth day Came, the wind fell, and all set sail and went their way.” 328 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX, 28 He like the truth feigned many a truthless word, While ever from her eyes the tears did flow, And her flesh melted, when the tale she heard. As, poured by Zephyr on the hills, the snow Quite melts when Eurus hath begun to blow, And, as it melts, the river-streams run high— Melted in tears her fair cheeks even so, While she bewailed her husband, who sat by And miserably beheld his dear wife’s misery. 2 9 Yet in his eyes he planted the firm stare Like horn or iron. He the tears suppressed, Nor let one quiver of the lids declare His passion : whom at last the queen addressed : “Now will I fail not to make certain test. If thou my husband and his men didst see, And in true fact receive him for thy guest, Tell me what raiment on his limbs had he, What manner of man he was, and in what company ? ” 30 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “ These things, O lady, it is hard to show, Since a long interval of time hath fled; For all this happened twenty years ago. Yet will I tell thee what I seem to know. Divine Odysseus did a mantle wear Sea-purpled, woollen, made to fold in two, Whereon a clasp of gold was fitted fair, Linked with twin stars, and worked in front with emblems rare. 31 “ Clasped in his fore-feet, a dog watched a fawn, Panting in pain. All marked with wondering eye How in the gold he choked the dappled fawn, And how the other, struggling hard to fly, Flashed with her feet and panted quiveringly. Also a tunic on his fair limbs shone, Smooth as the filmy peel of onion dry, Soft, but in hue resplendent like the sun, Which the admiring women flocked to gaze upon. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 329 3 2 “Yet will I say, and this I leave for thee, I know not whether in his home he wore Such robes, or some companion on the sea Or guest-friend gave them on a foreign shore; Since many loved him ever, and found few more His like among the Achaians. Even I Sword and a trailing tunic from my store Gave, and a rich fair robe of purple dye, And on the well-benched bark dismissed him honourably. 33 “And, just his elder, came a herald there Whose name and aspect I can also tell— Round in the shoulders, dark, with curly hair, Eurybates, whom eminently well Odysseus loved, since he did all excel In kind love to his master.” Thus he said. Then from her eyelids the tears faster fell, While each true token of her lord she read. Tired at the last with weeping, she in answer said : 34 “Friend, though indeed I pitied thee before, Now shalt thou ever be most dear to me. These robes I gave him at our chamber-door, And thereon with mine own hand curiously Fixed the bright clasp, fair ornament to be. Ah ! never more to my fond arms reclaimed Him shall I welcome ! Far across the sea Odysseus, by a hard fate doubly blamed, Went to that evil Ilion never to be named ! ” 35 And unto her the wise chief answering spake : “ Wife of Laertiades Odysseus, hear ! Cease now to mar thy beauty for his sake, Melt not thy heart, nor shed the ceaseless tear. Yet blame I not. To lose a husband dear, Of whom a true wife hath conceived the seed And brought forth children, it is hard to bear— Though other than Odysseus, whom indeed They match with gods—yet cease, and hear me, and give heed : THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 3 6 “ For I will speak, and all my word shall stand. Lately men told me of thy lord’s return, Not far off, in the rich Thesprotian land. There of a hoard of treasures did I learn Which he hath gotten. But destruction stern His friends and swift bark in the rolling brine Smote, from Thrinacia’s isle : such wrath did burn Zeus, and Hyperion (for they killed his kine); And in the waves all perished by the doom divine. 37 “ But him the floods hurled, on the keel astride, To the Phaeacians, god-related race, Who like a god him honoured, and supplied Large gifts, and would have sent him to his place. Yea, and the man had been here a long space, But that it seemed more gainful in his mind Wealth to collect and reap exceeding grace From all men; since his soul was aye inclined Toward wisdom, nor on earth his rival can one find. 38 “ These things from Pheidon I myself heard tell, Yea, and he told me how some while before Himself received and loved Odysseus well, Then on the voyage to his native shore. Brass, gold, wrought steel, and countless treasures more He showed me, whence a plain man wealth might reap To the tenth generation—such vast store Won by Odysseus, there in many a heap Ranged in the royal chambers, he, the king, did keep. 39 “ Of him he spake as to Dodona gone, Counsel of Zeus from that great oak to hear, How on his land set foot, how claim his own, By stealth or strength, now absent many a year. And in his house to me the king did swear, Pouring libations, that both bark and men Were ready, to his home thy lord to bear. But me he sent first. Chanced that even then Ship sailed to rich Dulichium with Thesprotian men. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 331 40 “ Thus he is safe, and near you, and ere long Will come back to his friends and fatherland. Yea, and by oath will I the word make strong. First of the gods let Zeus my witness stand, Who wields theyworld with his all-ruling hand, And next Odysseus’ hearth which I have found— This very year upon his native strand, As one month wanes, and as the next comes round, Him shalt thou see, and all my words with issue crowned.” 41 And him the wise Penelope addressed : “ Ah I if, dear stranger, but thy word come true, Each one that meets thee shall declare thee blest, Such gifts will I bestow, such kind things do. But in my soul another fate I view. Neither will he return, nor escort fair Hence shalt thou find. Remain no rulers, who Like to Odysseus, if such man there were, Serve the poor guest with reverence, and his way prepare. 42 “But come, ye maidens, bathe him, the couch spread With rugs, that even till the golden morn He slumber comfortably warm in bed. And very early, when the light is born, Bathe and anoint him and with robes adorn, That with Telemachus his meal he take. And woe befal that suitor that flings scorn Against him, and his heart with wrong doth break! Him have I done with quite, whatever broil he make. 43 “ How shalt thou learn if I at all excel, Dear stranger, others of my sex in mind, If vilely clothed and not regarded well Thou reap scant portion in my home assigned ? God but a little life hath given mankind. He who is evil, knowing evil things, Curses when living, scorn when dead, doth find. But who is blameless, knowing blameless things, Strangers of him speak well, and widely his fame rings.” 332 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. . 44 Answered the wary-wise one, versed in ills: “Wife of Laertiades Odysseus, hear ! Since I first left the snowy Cretan hills In well-benched bark to cross the rolling mere, Warm coverings are to me no longer dear. I will lie down as I have lain of old All the long night on sleepless couch severe. For many are the nights wherein I hold Comfortless watch, till Morn her glowing gates unfold. 45 “ Thus yet again shall the long night be spent Now; nor the foot-bath to my mind is sweet. None of these maidens who the house frequent, None of them all, shall ever wash my feet. But if there be an aged dame discreet, Who in her spirit hath endured as much, And all whose sorrow with mine own doth meet, As thus for thus, and such a grief for such, Her will I not forbid my toilworn feet to touch.” 46 Answered to him the wise Penelope : “ Friend, than thyself it never yet befel That dearer guest or wiser came to me, Who in thy wit dost very far excel All strangers, and so fair a tale dost tell. Yes, there is here an aged dame discreet, Who nursed that miserable, and loved him well, And held him in her arms with fondlings sweet, A new-born child. Though feeble, she shall wash thy feet. 47 “ Come, Eurycleia, rise up, wash the feet Of one coeval with thy lord and king. Such may Odysseus’ hands be, such his feet, For grief old age doth very quickly bring.” Thus said the queen. The other, covering Her face with both hands, shed there pitiably Warm tears, and spake a lamentable thing : “ Now for thy sake, my child, ah ! woe is me ! Thine was a godly soul, but yet Zeus hated thee ! BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 333 48 “ None gave to Zeus so many offerings dear As thou, who for serene old age didst pray, And in thy halls a noble son to rear. Yet hath the Father thy returning day From thee of all men taken clean away. Haply the women scoffed him when he came To strange doors, eager in their pitiless play, As by these women with no sense of shame, Poor stranger, thou art scoffed and made a butt for blame. 49 “ Such thou wilt not let wash thy feet, but me The queen commandeth, not against my will. Yea, for the sake of wise Penelope And thine I wash thee. Much experienced ill Deep in the breast my heart doth throughly fill. But hear, I pray thee, what I have to say. Guests not a few wend hither, but never till To-night have I known any come this way, Whose form, voice, feet, such likeness to my lord bewray.” 5 ° And then to Eurycleia answered he : “ Dame, all that ever with their eyes have seen Affirm that we are like exceedingly, Even as thou dost very wisely ween.” So he. The other poured in caldron sheen Cold water and then hot. Odysseus there Sat by the fire, and toward the shade did lean, Lest in the firelight, when his feet were bare, She the old scar discover and all the truth declare. 5i Then she came near and washed her lord, and knew That scar, which once with gleaming tusk a boar Dug slantly, on Parnassus hill, whereto He came to see Autolycus of yore, His mother’s sire, who very far before All men in sleight of oaths and dexterous skill Ranked by the gift of Hermes: such sweet store Of lambs and kids at Hermes’ shrine to kill He ceased not, and the god held converse with him still. 334 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 52 Now this Autoiycus, it so befel, Came on a day to Ithaca’s fair land; And in the halls, when he had eaten well, Wise Eurycleia did before him stand, And softly on his knees with this demand His grandchild set, then newly born, and spake : “ Autoiycus, receive into thy hand Thy child’s own infant; name him for her sake, Since ye the blessed fruit of many prayers partake.” 53 And then Autoiycus in answer said : “ Give ye the name which I shall now declare— For against many nursing angers dread, Both men and women under the wide air, Far through the boon earth to your home I fare : Therefore Odysseus be his name, and I When, grown up, he shall come to see me, where On hill Parnassus my possessions lie, Will send him home enriched and glad exceedingly.” 54 So for the gifts Odysseus came; and there That grandsire and his sons received him well, With greetings of the hand and welcome fair, And on his neck the kind Amphithea fell, His mother’s mother, in delight to dwell On face and eyes so lovely to behold With kisses ; and Autoiycus urged well His valiant sons the rich feast to unfold, Who from the field up-drave a fine bull five years old. 55 Him flayed they, jointed, and cut up with skill, And deftly roasted on the spits anon, And to all gave that they might feast their fill. Thus through the day divine they lingered on And feasted till the falling of the sun, Sating their souls with meat and wine and bread. ' But when the cloud came and the day was done, And the desire of food and drink had fled, They took the gift of sleep, retiring each to bed. BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 335 56 But when the rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, Autolycus and all his sons addressed Their hearts to hunting, and with dogs they fared Forth to the coverts on the windy crest Of hill Parnassus with their noble guest. From the fair-flowing river of Ocean deep The Sun, new-rising from his couch of rest, Hit slant the furrows, when that sylvan steep The huntsmen neared, wherein the woodland creatures sleep. 57 Before them scoured the keen dogs, and then came Sons of Autolycus, and with them there Odysseus, spear in hand, to find the game. But, couched among the dry leaves of his lair, Slept the huge boar in secret woodland, where Never the Sun pierced with his beaming ray, Nor the moist breathings of the wintry air Blew, nor the cold rain dripped by night or day; So was it roofed around and woven every way. 58 Round him a noise of dogs and feet there came. He from his lair straight forward, with the spine Well bristled, and his fierce eyes glaring flame, Rushed, and made halt before the huntsmen’s line. First on him pressed Odysseus with design Direly to wound him, and with lifted spear. But the boar, closing with the chief divine, With slant tusk just above the knee ripped sheer The flesh, goring it out, and to the bone came near. 59 But him Odysseus hit and wounded sore On the right shoulder, yea the shining head Of the strong spear clave through him, and the boar Fell screaming in the dust, and his life fled. But all the young men, when the beast lay dead, Tended the blameless brave Odysseus well, And bound his wound up, and the blood-stream red Staunched with the singing of a potent spell, And to their father’s home conveyed him from the dell. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 60 Whom then with his sons’ help Autolycus Healed, and with splendid gifts sent on his way Rejoicing. And his sire illustrious And mother on the dear returning day Welcome Odysseus gladly, nor delay To ask him of the scar, that they may hear. Right well did he the whole adventure say, How in the hunt the rushing boar came near, And slantwise, with his gleamy tusk, the flesh ripped clear. 61 Thus the old nurse then washed him in the hall, Wiped him with open hands, and by-and-by Came on the scar and knew it, and let fall His heel, which on the bronze clanged heavily, Tilting it backward; and the bath ran dry. Sorrow at once and joy her soul bedim, While in her throat the liquid accents die, And both her eyelids with the warm tears swim. She to his beard upraised her hand, and spake to him : 62 “ Surely thou art Odysseus—yes, thou art— My darling child, and I not knew my king Till I had handled thee in every part.” She spake and, eager to reveal the thing, Full on Penelope her glance did fling; But, for Athene turned her thoughts aw r ay, She nor regarded nor beheld. The king Quickly his right hand on her throat did lay, And drew her with his left yet nearer, and did say: 63 “ Nurse, mother, hast thou loved me at thy breast Only to kill me? In the twentieth year Home I arrive with many toils opprest. Now since thou knowest, and God makes it clear, Hush ! lest another should suspect or hear. Else I avow, and all my word shall stand, Not even thee, my nurse, will I then spare When God subdues the suitors to my hand, And with the sword I kill this faithless household band.” BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 337 64 To whom in answer Eurycleia spake : “ What word, my darling, hath thy lips now passed ? Nothing, thou knowest, can have power to shake My heart. Like stone or iron I keep fast Thy secret. Hear me yet, and well forecast This counsel in thy soul. When God shall tame All the proud suitors to thy hand at last, Were it not well that I the women name, And show thee who deal wrong, and who are void of blame? ” 65 And wary-wise Odysseus answering spake : “Why name them to me, nurse? There is no call. Myself of each will perfect reckoning take. Hold well thy peace, and to the gods leave all.” Then the old nurse new water through the hall Brought, for the first was spilt, and him with care Washed and anointed, and again made fall Over the scar those rags which he did wear. He then, adjusting these, drew to the fire his chair. 66 And then began the wise Penelope: “ Friend, I would fain ask yet a little more; For soon of rest will the sweet season be, For whom rest is, though one be grieved sore. But me the gods unmeasurable store Of grief have given, long tears, a life of pain, Tending the house by day; and evermore, When night calls others to their couch again, Mine, sown with thorny sorrows, I frequent in vain. 67 “ Even as when, in the new vernal hours, Couched in the covert of some leafy dale Green all around her with ambrosial showers, Pandarus’ child, the sylvan nightingale, With lovely variations her sweet tale Trills beautifully well, and the woods ring With sorrow, while her boy she still doth wail, Itys, dear Itys, child of Zethus king, Whom blindly she cut off and now doth sadly sing— Y 33§ THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 68 “ Thus ever the wild passion to and fro Veers in my breast, and rends the heart in twain. Whether to stay here with my child, or go, Wife of the bravest of the Achaian train, I wist not. Once Telemachus was fain To hold me in the house nor let me wed. Now grown to manhood, with his mind in rein, He even prays me to depart, for dread Lest the Achaians eat him out of home and bread. 69 “ But come now, hearken, and my dream expound. A score of geese within the palace eat Grain from the water, and I gaze around, And my heart warms to see them love the wheat. And a great eagle from his dark retreat, Curve-beaked and strong, from the hill downward bore, And brake their necks, and slew them at my feet, And they lay strewn along the palace-floor. He the divine air mounted, and was seen no more. 70 “ Then loudly in my dream I wailed and shed Tears; and the fair Achaian maidens came And found me wailing that my geese were dead. When lo ! that eagle, even the very same, Perched on the eaves, there seeming to exclaim In human voice : ‘ Take heart, be of good cheer, Thou daughter of Icarius, large in fame ! Be not amazed, for thou beholdest here No dream, but a true vision, to be yet made clear. 71 “ £ These geese within thy court the suitors are, And I, who slew them, was before to thee An eagle, now thy husband, come from far; And a dire doom shalt thou behold by me Dealt on the horde of suitors.’ Thus spake he; And from mine eyelids fell the slumber sweet. Then through the palace peering hard I see My geese still swallowing by the trough their wheat, All eating as aforetime I had seen them eat.” BOOK XIX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 339 72 And wary-wise Odysseus answering spake : “ Lady, thy dream can one in nowise wrest Wide of the goal, nor other meaning make. Odysseus hath himself revealed it best. Dire is the doom thy suitors shall invest; None of their number the dark Fate shall flee.” But him the wise Penelope addressed : “ Dreams but ensnare us; one can seldom see Just issue, nor all things to men completed be. 73 “Two diverse gates there are of bodiless dreams, These of sawn ivory, and those of horn. Such dreams as issue where the ivory gleams Fly without fate, and turn our hopes to scorn. But dreams which issue through the burnished horn, What man soe’er beholds them on his bed, These work with virtue and of truth are bom. Never from thence came the dire dream I read; Else what a joy were ours to see the suitors dead ! 74 “ But a new thing will I declare and say, And thou revolve it well within thy breast. Now comes the dawning of that fatal day, Not to be named, which shall for ever wrest Me from this hearth—for I lay down a test: Twelve staves all set with rings, and in a line Planted like stays of oak, whereon doth rest A keel in building; and my lord divine Still from afar off, standing, shot through the whole line. 75 “This is the test which for the suitors now I offer, and the man whose strength of hand Draws most with ease the nerve of that great bow, And shoots an arrow through the staves which stand Twelve in a line, I follow his command, Leaving this house which so delightful seems, Flome of my youth, and very nobly planned, Which with all wealth and all enjoyment teems, Where yet the mind must wander, even in my dreams.” 340 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XIX. 76 And answering spake divine Odysseus there: “ Lady, defer not in thy house to show This trial; for Odysseus shall appear Ere they the nerve stretch of this burnished bow, Or shoot a winged shaft through the iron row.” And him the wise Penelope addressed : ‘ ‘ O stranger, wouldst thou charm me even so, And always at my side conversing rest, Seems that mine eyelids never should with sleep be pressed. 77 “ Yet not for ever void of sleep remains Man; for the gods by rule of life dispense Sleep on all mortals whom the earth maintains. So to my chamber will I now go hence, And on the lone couch steep my weary sense With weeping—such a grief my soul hath claimed From that dark time when, for a king’s defence, Odysseus, by a hard fate doubly blamed, Went to that evil Ilion never to be named. 78 “There will I lie down; but make thou thy bed, Whether thou sleepest or sad watch be kept, Here on the ground; or these thy couch shall spread.” She spake, and turning with her maidens stept Thence to her chamber, and in secret wept Odysseus, as of old, her husband dear, Nor closed the lamentation till she slept; For to her eyelids did Athene bear Sweet slumbers, shed with rest, that might her strength repair. 341 BOOK XX. ODYSSEUS IS INSULTED BY CTESIPPUS—THE SUITORS EXPEL THEOCLYMENUS. 1 But in the vestibule Odysseus lay Couched on raw bull’s-hide and thick skins of sheep. Slain by the proud Achaians in the day. Him in a coverlet wrapt warm for sleep Eurynome. Odysseus, fierce to keep His wrath on fire, and lying broad awake, There nursed against the suitors vengeance deep. Forth from the house the harlot women brake, Mingled in laughter loud and wanton merrimake. 2 Much was he moved, and in his soul forecast Whether to rush forth and destroy them all, Or let them sleep their latest and their last With the proud suitors ere that doom befal. Inly his heart growled as he chewed his gall. As growls a bitch who round her whelps doth pace, A strange man seeing, whom she would fight withal, So growled his deep heart at their evil ways. Smiting his breast he spake, his anger to abase: 3 “ Bear up, my soul, a little longer yet; A little longer to thy purpose cling ! For, in the day when the dire Cyclops ate Thy valiant friends, a far more horrible thing Thou didst endure, till wit had power to bring Thee from that den where thou didst think to die.” So spake he, with rebuke thus quieting His dear heart; and at anchor by-and-by Sternly the dark soul rested and did patient lie. 342 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XX. 4 But ever he rolled tossing to and fro. As when a man beside a blazing fire Turneth a rich fat goat-paunch to and fro, Over and over, with intense desire Quickly to roast it, so with tossings dire He tumbled, and debated in his bed How on the suitors to wreak vengeful ire, One against many. And lo ! near his head Stood in a woman’s form Athene, and thus said : 5 “ Ill-fated above all, why dost thou wake ? Here is thy home, thy wife, and such a son As men wish for their own.” He answering spake: “Yea, these things are, and yet I am but one : How then, O goddess, shall the deed be done ? For in close herd the suitors linger still. And greater thing yet am I musing on : If with the help of Zeus and thine I kill These shameless men, think now, what flight can I fulfil?” 6 She answered : “ Doubter, a man trusts his friend Far weaker, mortal, and not wise like me. I am that goddess who for aye defend Thy life, and plainly I avow to thee : Though fifty bands stood threatening thee and me, All breathing slaughter, their fat kine and sheep Thou shouldst drive off*, and take their wealth in fee. Now slumber; to be void all night of sleep Wears a man out; and soon deliverance thou shalt reap.” 7 She spake, and sleep did on his eyelids pour. Then the divine one to Olympus passed. He, seized with slumber, and from anguish sore Loosed in his soul, with limbs at ease slept fast. Stirred from her rest his dear wife weeping cast Her fair limbs from the carven couch, and made Her ceaseless lamentation. At the last She the strong tempest of her tears allayed, And with a yearning soul to Artemis first prayed: BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 343 8 “ Artemis, child of Zeus, divine one dread, Ah, with an arrow wouldst thou rive away My life this moment, and here strike me dead ! Or that a hurtling storm could me convey Down the dark regions from the light of day, And cast me in the coil of Ocean’s river! ‘ As when the tempest, whirling far astray, Pandarus’ daughters from their home did sever, Whose parents the gods killed, and hid them hence for ever ! 9 “ Orphans they were, and Aphrodite then Fed them with milk and honey and curds and wine ; Whom past the daughters of the tribes of men Hera gave beauty, and in wit to shine; Chaste Artemis gave stature; works divine Athene taught them ; Aphrodite went To Thunderer Zeus, who searches the dark serine Of Fate, and can discern which way the event Hangs, to demand their marriage in her kind intent. 10 “ So when to far Olympus she had passed, Came the fierce Harpies and whirled clean away Those beauteous maidens in their hurtling blast, To serve the hateful Furies. O that they, Who ’mid the mansions of Olympus stay, Would whirl me also from the earth outright! Or bright-haired Artemis my life would slay, That, once Odysseus seen, I could take flight Under the hateful earth, and no worse man delight! 11 “ Yet bearable is sorrow, if alone Wrapt in sore anguish through the day one weep, And, when the gloom falls and the light hath flown, Then the gods send us their refreshful sleep, Which good and evil from our mind doth sweep. But now bad dreams by the dark fate are mine. For one like him, ere yet he sailed the deep, Near me rejoicing did this night recline, And I—no dream I thought it, but a truth divine.” 344 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XX. 12 She ceased ; and golden-throned Morning beamed. And the divine Odysseus heard her cry And doubted, for with fond eyes standing seemed His own wife near him. He the skins laid by, Placed out of doors the bull’s-hide, and on high His hands uplifted, and to Zeus made prayer: “ O Father Zeus, if over moist and dry Me with good will to mine own land ye bare At last, though sorely crushed with toil and grief and care, 13 “ Let some one of the moving men within Send forth a voice that I may know the sign; And from without some wonder let me win, Omen of Zeus.” Thus he in prayer divine. And the great Sire did favourably incline, And far up thundered in a cloudless sky, Where the serene vaults of Olympus shine. And brave Odysseus heard him roll on high The thunder, and in heart rejoiced exceedingly, 14 And, not far off, a woman of the mill, Where for the suitors the soft flour was ground, Forth from the palace sent an omen shrill. For women, twelve in all, the mills work round, Piling continually the mealy mound Of barley and fine wheat, the marrow of men. Now all the rest slept. She alone was found Yet grinding, weakest of them all. And then Pausing she spake, clear signal for her lord to ken : !5 “ O Father Zeus, who gods and men dost sway, Loud rings thy thunder from the starry heaven Where never a cloud appeareth in the way. Surely to some one thou a sign hast given. Now help me too, poor sufferer over-driven, And in Odysseus’ halls let eat their last All the proud suitors, ere day verge to even; Who loose my knees, and make me toil and fast Grinding the meal with pain. Now let them eat their last! ” BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 345 16 She spake. Divine Odysseus, for her cry And the loud peal of Zeus, joyed in his breast, And knew the suitors in their sin should die. But soon upon the hearth clear fire the rest Kindled. Telemachus, in fair robes drest, Came from his chamber as the stir upran, Armed with a long spear tipt with steely crest, Sworded and sandalled, a most godlike man, And on the door-sill paused, and to the nurse began : 17 “ Nurse, have ye served the stranger-guest with grace, And fair couch given and entertainment fit, Or let him lie where he might find a place ? For now, with all her wisdom and her wit, Not always my dear mother the mean doth hit. Often the worthless far beyond his claim She honours, while the good goes ill acquit.” To whom in answer spake the aged dame : “ Now be content, dear child, nor thus the blameless blame. 18 “Wine, all he wished for, drank the stranger-guest; But, when she asked him, he declined to eat. When he at last remembered sleep and rest, She bade prepare a couch, refreshful, sweet. He, like a wretch whom many storms have beat And Fate drives miserably o’er land and wave, Would not in rugs lie, nor a couch think meet ; -Nought save a hide and sheep-skins would he crave. Thus in the porch he lay ; and we a covering gave.” So spake the nurse. Telemachus anon Went holding in his hand the steely spear, And toward the council moved, but not alone; For, as he went, his swift dogs followed near. His form Athene did with grace endear, And the well-greaved Achaians gazed intent, And wondered while he passed without a peer. But Eurycleia, best of women, went, And thus the handmaids called and to their business sent: 346 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XX. 20 “Up now, and scurry about, and sweep the hall And sprinkle it, and rich rugs on throne and chair Cast, and with sponges wipe the tables all, And cleanse the bowls and cups and beakers fair. Some for fresh water to the well repair; Go with all speed, nor. linger by the way ; For, as I live, there is no time to spare, Nor will the suitors any more delay, But with the dawn come back; all hold a feast to-day.” 21 So spake she, and they heard her and obeyed. Passed to the dark well twenty; and the rest Featly their business in the house essayed. Soon through the gates the Achaian servants pressed, Clave the wood deftly, and the hearth well dressed. With pitchers from the well the women speed. Then came the swineherd with three swine, his best. These in the fair enclosure he let feed, And to Odysseus first with gentle words gave heed : 22 “Friend, say if yet the Achaians act aright Or spurn thee as aforetime in the hall.” But he : “ Eumseus, may the gods requite These insults keen, wherewith my soul they gall In house not theirs, and have no shame at all! ” Thus were they twain conversing; and came near, Driving the flower of goats, from field and stall Culled choicest, for the suitors’ morning cheer, Melanthius, and with him two herdsmen in the rear. 23 Under the echoing porch the goats he bound, And then with sharp words to Odysseus cried : “ Man, to thy beggary shall no rest be found? Wilt never avaunt? Now scarce shall we decide This issue, thou and I, ere blows be tried; So fast thy greed to this one mansion clings.” Thus did he jeer. The other nought replied, But, filled in soul with dark imaginings, Silently waved his head and brooded evil things. BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 347 24 And next to these Philcetius, chief of men, Came with a heifer and fat goats, conveyed From the mainland across by ferrymen, Who for all comers ply their daily trade. His charge he tethered, and then question made Of the good swineherd : “ Who, my friend, is he, This stranger-guest that to our doors hath strayed ? Whence and of what land doth he boast to be ? And is his birth-place near, or far beyond the sea? 2 5 “ Lo, on his brow the regal stamp doth shine, Yet seems he stormed upon by adverse things: For the gods ever, by their will divine, Wear out mankind with grief and wanderings, While they weave skeins of sorrow even for kings.” He spake, and stretched his hand forth lovingly, And the man greeted with warm welcomings : “ Hail, father-guest, and mayst thou happy be Hereafter in thy life, who now hast misery! 26 “ O Father Zeus, no god more fell than thou Lives in the heaven ! Poor man no weight, no worth, Holds in thy sight, who scornest that we bow Under a load of sorrows in the earth, We, thine own race, to whom thou gavest birth. For, when I marked him, the cold sweat did run, And mine eyes wept, since haply in like dearth, Clothed in such rags, with kindred griefs undone, He too, Odysseus, roams—if yet he see the sun. 2 7 “ But if he is not, if his life be lost, Woe, woe to me then, for my-lord divine ! Who long since on the Cephallenian coast Did all his cattle to my charge consign. Well did we thrive; one cannot count the kine; Yea, with good reason might a man be glad To view such increase in his wide-browed kine. Now strange men eat whatever may be had. Fat beeves I drive here daily, and my soul is sad. 343 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XX. 28 “ Odysseus’ child they not regard at all, Nor of the gods the after-vengeance fear, Fain to divide between them in the hall Wealth of a man now absent many a year; While to and fro within my breast doth veer The grieved heart, and I know not what to do. For bitterly against my soul it were, Here while the son yet lives to claim his due, To go hence with the kine, and seek a people new. 2 9 “Yet even more I shudder to abide, And with dull sorrow in a slow decay Over the kine of strangers to preside. And truly I were gone this many a day To seek another master far away; Since wrongs too hard for flesh and blood to bear Afflict us; but within my soul there lay Hope yet a little that with some kind air Homeward he still might sail, and all the suitors scare.” 3 ° And wary-wise Odysseus answering spake : “ Herdsman, not base nor foolish is thy word; And a high matter, for thy wisdom’s sake, Now will I tell, and a great oath afford. Attest it Zeus, this hospitable board, And dear hearth of Odysseus void of blame ! While thou art here, returneth home thy lord, And thine own eyes shall mark him, with dire aim Smiting the fell usurpers of his regal claim.” 3i And answer made the herdsman of the kine : “ This word, O guest, Kronion prosper fair ! Soon shalt thou know what power of arm is mine.” Likewise Eumseus to all gods made prayer That wise Odysseus homeward might repair. Meanwhile within their mind the suitors move Death for Telemachus. And behold in air A bird, an eagle, flying far above! High on the left he flew, and held a trembling dove. BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 349 32 Then said Amphinomus : “ O friends, our plan Telemachus to smite will ne’er succeed. But time it is that we the feast began.” Thus spake Amphinomus, and all agreed. Swift to the palace of the king they speed, And on the chairs and benches quickly lay Their mantles. Soon the goats and fat swine bleed, Sheep and a heifer of the herd they slay, And roast with care the entrails, and the bowls array. 33 The swineherd set the cups; Philoetius bread In baskets gave; Melanthius poured the wine. They with quick hands assail the banquet spread. Meanwhile Telemachus with shrewd design Hard by the stony threshold did assign A small rude table and unseemly chair For his dear father, the wise chief divine, And of the entrails gave him a due share, And filled a golden goblet, and addressed him there 34 “Now with the other guests sit drinking wine, And I will save thee from all scorn and wrong. For this house is Odysseus’ house and mine, Not public. And keep down your spirits strong, Y^e suitors, lest a battle arise ere long.” He spake. The suitors in fell wrath did bite Their lips, and wondered that with such bold tongue He dared to beard them, and thus talk of fight. Then said Eupeithes’ child, Antinous, chief in might: 35 “ Hard though the word, bear with him, O my friends. Loud let him rail and threaten a great show. For Zeus Kronion prospered not our ends, Else had we stopped his shrill tongue long ago.” His word the prince regarded not. And lo ! Far up the long main street the heralds bring Fair hecatomb divine; and all below The dark grove of Apollo, the archer king, Now the long-haired Achaians are seen gathering. 350 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xx. 36 When they had roasted well the outer meat, Fresh from the spits they drew it, and with care Distributing to each his portion sweet They feasted with delight on the choice fare. Also the servants to Odysseus bare A goodly meal and equal to their own, And placed it on the board, his stated share. For thus their lord commanded to be done, Telemachus, divine Odysseus’ godlike son. 37 Hardened Athene then the suitors’ heart, That they should go from sin to sin, and make Soul of Laertiades Odysseus smart Yet deeper. And amid the suitors spake One who divine laws ever wont to break, Ctesippus, who in Same did abide. He, trusting in his wealth, was fain to take Wife of the lord Odysseus for his bride. He ’mid the suitors spake in overweening pride: 38 “ Hear me, ye noble suitors, while I speak ! This stranger, as beseemeth, long ago Hath, like all strangers who this mansion seek, His full share; since toward such men to deal woe Is neither honourable nor just, I trow. Mark what a loyal gift from even me He wins; and let him for this grace bestow Here on the servant of the bath good fee, Or other of the slaves that in this mansion be.” 39 Thus did he speak, and fiery insult planned; For a bull’s foot, which in the basket lay, Forthwith he seized and flung with violent hand. Nor for the blow did brave Odysseus stay, But from the weapon, as it came that way, Dipped his head lightly to the left; and, while Stern in his breast the writhing angers play, Smiled from the heart a fell sardonic smile. And the foot flew right on, and did the wall defile. BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 35 * 40 And lo ! Telemachus a fierce word spake : “ Hear now, Ctesippus, and thank Heaven for this, Far better is it for thine own life’s sake, That the poor stranger crouched and let thee miss, Else had I surely made my javelin hiss Clean through thy midriff; and thy father here, Not for the banquet of thy nuptial bliss, But for thy burial had set forth good cheer. Therefore let all take warning and my house revere. 41 “ I, once a child, can now discern full well Things good and evil. Sheep and wine and corn Spoil as ye list: ’tis hard for one to quell So many : but refrain from deeds of scorn. Better it were that I had not been born, Or better I were slain, if so ye will, Than thus behold the stranger-guest forlorn Spurned in mine own house and entreated ill, And the maids dealt with roughly, your dire lusts to fill.” 42 He ceased, but all were silent, and at last Son of Damastor Agelaus spake : “ Friends, when a just word from the lips hath passed, Not righteous is it scorn and strife to make. Nor let this stranger of foul wrong partake, Nor any of the servants that be here. But to Telemachus I fain would break This counsel mild, and to his mother dear, So that it please their spirit and they list to hear. 43 “While yet ye hoped Odysseus should come back, Nothing forbade that ye should still remain And of their marriage let the suitors lack, Since his return were doubly to your gain. But now that he hath perished is quite plain. Wherefore advise thy mother at last to wed That man to whom her spirit is most fain. So from thy father’s wealth shalt thou be fed Rejoicing, while she tends another home and bed.” 352 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XX. 44 To whom the wise Telemachus replied : “ Now by the lord Zeus and my father’s woe Who far from Ithaca’s dear soil hath died, Or wanders in the wide earth to and fro, Not for my word doth the queen still forego This marriage: let her marry whom she list, And on that day will I large gifts bestow. But she shall never be from home dismissed Perforce, nor such dire wrong God suffer to exist! ” 45 Scarce had Telemachus the word let fall, When lo ! Athene mid the suitor-throng Stirred a wild scream of laughter in the hall, Not to be quenched, and made their mind go wrong. Smiles not their own writhed hideously along The lank jaws, and’ their teeth chewed bloody meat; Stood in their eyes a ghastly rain, and strong With anguish in their breast the proud heart beat. Then cried the godlike seer, uprising from his seat: 46 “ Ah wretched ! what is this? what horrible woe Comes on ye now? Night folds in dark embrace Your heads, your features, and your knees below; Wild cries are kindled, tears are on the face, Blood stains the walls and each columnar space; With ghosts the vestibule, the court, doth swarm, Who toward the far realms of the west apace Strive, with their eyes on Erebus; the sun’s form Dies from the heaven, and falleth a black shadow of storm.” 47 Spake the divine seer Theoclymenus. Sweetly the suitors laughed, and thus began Eurymachus the child of Polybus : “ Now of a truth meseemeth that the man Fails of his senses, if such things he scan, New from another land, I know not where. Young men, arise ! and quickly as ye can Forth to the market thrust him, to prate there, Since to the shadow of night these things he doth compare.” BOOK XX.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 353 48 And the divine seer answered him again: “Needs not, Eurymachus, to send with me Young men for guides, my pathway to make plain. Eyes, ears, and feet for mine own use there be, And a true mind not moulded pitiably. With these will I go hence; for I behold Evil upon you coming, which none can flee Of all these suitors who the mansion hold Of godlike brave Odysseus, and in wrong wax bold.” 49 Thus went he forth, and to Piraeus came, Who well received him. But the suitors all Looked one to other, and with angry blame Telemachus reviled; and loud did call One of those fiery youths amid the hall: “Telemachus, of all men thou art found Worst off for guests. Comes first within thy wall, Pining for food and drink, this cringing hound,. Weak, without skill to work, a cumberer of the ground; 50 “ And now this other rises up to preach. Wouldst thou but hear me, good advice have I. Come, let us take both strangers to the beach, And clap them in a swift ship by-and-by, And send them overseas to Sicily, Whence a rich guerdon thou mayst chance to gain.” Thus spake the young men. He with silent eye Sat gazing on his sire, expecting fain When he the shameless suitors should by force restrain. 5 1 Meanwhile anear them, where her throne was set, Icarnis’ daughter, wise Penelope, Heard the men talking in the hall, where yet Smiling at ease, with voices of wild glee, They from the victims furnished delicately Their morning meal—but what more dire repast Could happen than their next was doomed to be, Now by a goddess and brave man forecast, Wherein the first wrong-doers were to suffer at last ? z 355 BOOK XXL THE TRIAL OF THE BOW-ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO EUM/EUS AND PHILCETIUS. 1 But in the queen’s heart did Athene breathe This counsel, that from steel and bow might be Strife to the suitors and a fount of death. She the stair clomb, and took the well-bent key Bright, of pure brass, handled with ivory, And with her women to the chamber went, The last and furthest, her lord’s treasury, Wherein large store of well-wrought steel lay pent, Silver and brass and gold, for use and ornament. 2 Stocked with sad arrows there the quiver lay, And the great bow bent back in idle ease, Gifts which in Lacedaemon on a day The godlike Iphitus Eurytides His guest-friend, gave : for in Messene these Met at the house of brave Orsilochus, when Odysseus came to seek his public fees; For some Messenians in their ships had then Lifted three hundred sheep from Ithaca—flocks and men, 3 Hence, young in years, on a far embassy, Sent by his father and the chieftains, came Odysseus. Seeking twelve brood-mares came he, Iphitus, and twelve mules beneath the same. Whence doom and death assailed him, when he came To Heracles, great worker, child of Zeus, Who on his own hearth slew him with foul shame Despite of Heaven, and to the dire abuse Of guesthood, and the steeds kept back for his own use. 356 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 4 Thus he Odysseus met, and gave the bow Which Eurytus left dying to his son. Sharp sword Odysseus did on him bestow And strong spear. Thus their friendship was begun. Nor either use of other’s table won; For Iphitus by child of Zeus was slain. And profit of that bow Odysseus none Reaped in the war. At home it aye had lain, Memorial of his friend—there used, his strength to train. 5 So to that chamber the fair queen divine Came, and the oaken threshold paused before, Skilfully planed and swerveless to the line, Set with tall pillars and the shining door; Then from the ring the loop untwined, and bore Inward the key with deft aim to repel The firm bolts, which retiring gave a roar Like a bull feeding in the field. Thus fell Backward the beauteous doors, and opened to her well. 6 She on the high floor, where in goodly row Filled with sweet raiment lay the coffers, stept; Thence, with her hand upreaching, took the bow Down from the peg, in the bright sheath well kept, And sitting laid it on her knees and wept With shrill voice, and took out the master’s bow. But at the last, when she had freely wept, Back to the wide hall she made haste to go, Where the proud suitors held their revelries below. 7 Thus coming in, the curved bow she held And the large quiver with sad arrows stored. Also the maidens bare a coffer, filled With brass and steel, the prizes of their lord. So came the queen near to the banquet-board; And by the pillar of the dome she stood, Screened with her lucid veil, and spake this word: “ Hear now, ye suitors, who for drink and food Lie heavy on this house, and vex my widowhood. BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 357 8 “ This was your pretext, and none else but this, To wed me. Come, behold your test of skill! Nor of due guerdon shall the victor miss. Here is my lord’s bow; feel it as ye will; And from whose hand the shaft with easiest thrill Flies through each ring which there in order gleams, Him will I follow both for good and ill, Leaving this house which so delightful seems, Home to be yet remembered even in my dreams.” 9 Thus did she speak, and the good swineherd bade Give them the bow and plant the rings in line. He with a tear those arms beside them laid. And, where he stood, the herdsman of the kine Wept, the bow seeing of his lord divine. On whom Antinous bitter scorn did heap : “Fools of the passing hour, why stand and whine, Boors that ye are, and make the lady weep? Is not enough that still she wails in anguish deep 10 " Her husband? Feast in quiet, or go out And wail your fill; but leave the weapons here. Soon will the suitors have a weary bout. Nor lightly will they bend, as I much fear, The burnished bow: for not a single peer, Of all now present, to the brave old king Stands, as I viewed him in a distant year. Yea, to my mind full readily can I bring— Though a mere child I was—remembrance of the king.” 11 Thus the man spake, but hoped the while in heart Himself the chord to conquer, and make fly Sheer through the steely rings the barbed dart; Yet first was fated to taste by-and-by That arrow, aimed from the unerring eye Of brave Odysseus—whom within the hall Late he reviled and used discourteously, And to like outrage did his comrades call. Then said divine Telemachus among them all: 358 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 12 “ Now hath Kronion fooled me ; for indeed, Wise as she is, my mother means to go, Far following from my house a stranger's lead— Yet in my silly soul I laugh. But lo, What prize, ye suitors, now the gods bestow ! There is none like her on Achaian strand, In Argos or Mycene, well ye know, Nor in our own isle, nor the dark mainland. Why should I praise my mother, since all can understand ? 13 “ Come, fence not off with colourable guile This test, nor turn from stretching of the bow. Stand up and shoot like men ! Myself the while First will arise and gird me to the bow. And if I bend it, and the fleet shaft go Clean through the rings, my mother well may quit This mansion, nor in weakness nor in woe Shall I here linger, if once proven flt To win my father’s guerdon, and the mark to hit.” 14 He from his shoulders flung the mantle rich, Sprang to his full height, put the sword away, And the staves planted, having delved a ditch Long, straight, and roomy, stamping-in the clay, While all admired, such skill did he display At first sight. He then to the gate did move. Thrice the bow shuddered as he made essay; Thrice he desisted, though on fire to prove His force, and drive the arrow through the iron groove. T 5 And now the fourth time he had stretched the chord By sheer strength, but Odysseus with his eye Warned him to cease, though yearning. And this word Telemachus outspake : “Ye powers on high, Shall then my frame be feeble? or am I Too young to answer, if one strike me first? Come ye the rest, and each with other vie, Since, if I err not, I am found the worst— Stand to the mark, and win that prize for which ye thirst.” BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 359 16 Thus having spoken he the strife gave o’er, And on the shining valves the bow did lean, Then by the beauteous handle of the door Rested in sight of all the arrow keen, Passed, and sat down where he before had been. Then said Antinous, Eupeithes’ son : “Stand forth in order. It were best, I ween, From left to right to follow, one by one, As in the feast the pouring of the wine is done.” 17 Thus spake Antinous, and it pleased their soul. And first rose up Leiodes, GEnops’ son, Priest of the altar, who beside the bowl Sat inmost ever. He, and Save him none, Hated the evil by the suitors done. He first, beside the threshold of the door, Stood to the trial, yet by no means won To bend it, ere in straining he made sore The unworn delicate fingers, never used in war. 18 He ’mid the suitors spake : “ O friends, in vain I strive to bend it: let some other try, For now this bow shall cause our bravest pain, And a deep curse on many a life shall lie: Since it is far more honourable to die Than to live on and lack our hearts’ desire, For which through all our days we tarrying sigh. Now each within his soul conceiveth fire To wed the noble consort of that kingly sire. 19 “ But when with force ye come to feel the bow, Then of the long-robed women of the land Seek out some other, and your gifts bestow. So to that suitor she can yield her hand Who comes the wealthiest, and by Fate’s command.” He spake, and on the shining valves did lean Bow of the brave Odysseus, and made stand Against the beauteous ring the arrow keen, And, thence retiring, sat where he before had been. 3<5o THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI, 20 But to the priest Antinous railing said : “ What word, Leiodes, from thy lips doth fly ! I scorn to hear thee speak a thing so dread— As if this bow must make our bravest sigh And a deep curse on many a life to lie, Because thou canst not bend it. For to thee Neither the firm hand nor the archer’s eye Came from thy mother. But desist, and see Here of the rest how many shall victorious be.” 21 He spake, and turning to Melanthius said: “ Up, light a fire, Melanthius, and prepare Beside it a huge seat with fleeces spread, And from the stores a roll of suet bear, That the young men may warm it, and with care Rub the bow well, and strive their strife, and win.” He ceased. Melanthius lit the fire, and there Placed a huge seat with fleeces, and brought in The suet. They then melt it, and the work begin. 22 So for the combat they stood forth in line, From left to right still following, one by one, As in the feast the herald pours the wine. With their whole strength they struggled, yet could none Move it at all, nor was a murmur won From the tense chord; so far they failed in might. Natheless divine Eurymachus held on And brave Antinous in the suitors’ sight. These were their chief in virtue, and their best for fight. 23 But from the house the herdsman of the kine Went with the swineherd past the outer gate, And close behind them came their lord divine, Who in a soft voice there addressed them straight: “ O herdsman, and thou swineherd, how relate This word ?—yet no more can I brook delay. How would ye serve Odysseus, if high Fate Should send him on a sudden from far away ? Which would ye help, Odysseus, or the suitors? say.’ BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 361 24 And answer made the herdsman of the kine : “ Zeus Father, wouldst thou but my wish fulfil, And send him hither by some fate divine, Soon could one see my nerve and power and will Him to defend and work the suitors ill! ” Likewise Eumseus to all gods made prayer That wise Odysseus might return and kill The suitors. Thus, when he was made aware, And knew the soul of each, the king made answer there : 2 5 “See now and mark, for I myself am here, Who from long sorrows, roaming earth and sea, Come to mine own land in the twentieth year. And of the servants I well know that ye Alone desire me; none I heard save ye Pray for my coming; and to you this day The truth will I reveal, as it shall be: If God subdue them, this shall be your pay— Wives, wealth, and builded houses near my own for aye. 26 “And to Telemachus, mine own dear son, Shall ye be friends and brethren evermore. Thus I avow, and thus shall it be done. Yet stay, for I will show one token more, Clear to the eyes, that ye may read it o’er And know me and believe—this ancient scar Dug by the gleamy tusk of a wild boar, When to Parnassus, from my land afar, I with Autolycus’ sons went hunting, ere the war.” 2 7 Thus having said he drew the rags aside From the great scar, and laid it bare to view. They twain the mark with mute observance eyed, And their encircling arms about him threw, And o’er him wept, and kisses not a few Showered on his face and shoulders. Likewise he Showered on their hands and faces a warm dew Of kisses; and the light had ceased to be, They weeping, but Odysseus spake reprovingly: 362 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 28 “ Cease now to weep, lest one come forth and see, And tell it in the house. Now entering go, One after one, I first, you after me. And this shall be the sign : for well I know All the proud suitors, this my roof below, Will set their souls against me, nor be fain To let you bring the quiver and the bow. But thou, divine Eumaeus, quickly gain The weapons, nor to place them in my hands refrain. 2 9 “ And bid the women lock the doors with care, And if they hear dire groanings and a din Of tumult in our courts, let no one fare Forth from the shelter of the house to win Sight of the work, but each abide within, And hushed like death to her own labour see, While I avenge me of the suitors’ sin. And lo, divine Philoetius, I charge thee Guard well the outer gates with bolt and chain and key.” 3 ° Thus having spoken, through the doors he went, And the chair found where he did erst recline. Also the herdsman and the swineherd went Back to the mansion of their lord divine. Nor would Eurymachus the bow resign, But felt it over, and now here, now there, Warmed it with fire : yet gave the chord no sign Of yielding; and his heart groaned with despair, And in fierce grief he spake among the suitors there : 3 1 “ Now woe to me, by heaven, and woe to all! Not loss of marriage I so deeply rue, (Though bitterly that loss my spirit gall), Since there be brides Achaian not a few Both here in Ithaca and elsewhere too ; But in my soul the sad reproach I fear, That not one man among the suitors drew Bow of divine Odysseus, or came near In strength to him. Our children will cry shame to hear.” BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. n 0 3 2 Whereto the proud Antinous made reply : “ This, O Eurymachus, shall not be so. Yea, thou thyself canst tell the reason why. For this day’s light the god’s high feast doth show, Inviolable—and who could draw the bow ? Nay, put it by, but let" the rings all stand In order till the morning: for, I trow, Lives neither prince nor peasant in the land Who will come hither and dare remove them with his hand. 33 “ Now let the bearer of the cup fulfil His task, to each in order ministering; So will we pour, and let the bow lie still. But in the morning bid Melanthius bring Goats from the herd, most fair and flourishing, That to the glorious bender of the bow, Phoebus Apollo, the far-darting king, Thighs we may burn, and try the contest so Once more, and amplest proof of our high virtue show.” 34 He spake, and to his word the rest incline. Fresh water on their hands the heralds pour, Quickly the young men crown the bowls with wine, And in due rank along the palace-floor Bear round to each, as is the use of yore. When they had poured and drunk their hearts’ content, Nor any man among them wished for more, Uprose Odysseus, chief pre-eminent In wisdom, and thus spake with subtil shrewd intent: 35 “ Hear now, ye suitors ! most Eurymachus And godlike brave Antinous I entreat, Who with good reason hath now spoken thus. Yea, leave it to the gods : some god, I weet, Strength on the morrow as he list will mete : Yet lend me also first the burnished bow, To prove me, if in hands and arms and feet Dwell the old vigour that I used to know, Or wanderings and vile fare have marred me long ago.” THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 36 He spake; but all grew wroth exceedingly, Fearing lest he the burnished bow should bend, And in fierce scorn Antinous made reply: “ Wretch, senseless utterly, and inapt to mend, Art thou not satisfied that like a friend Thou sitt’st among thy betters, and dost hear Our talk and converse, eating without end, And all the while no hungry guest comes near Save thee, our words to listen and partake our cheer? 37 “ Ha ! thou art wounded by the sweet red wine, Bane of all those who with a throat like hell Drink it, and know not reason when they dine. By wine Eurytion the great Centaur fell, Guest of the proud Pirithous, who did dwell Among the Lapithas. Mad with wine he wrought Deeds in Pirithous’ house by no means well. Wrath seized the heroes, and they rushed and caught Eurytion, and him thrust beyond the doors distraught, 38 “ Shorn miserably of nose and ears. Whence came Strife between Centaurs and mankind ; but he First for himself found doom by the dire flame Of wine ; and I foretel the like to thee, If thou the bow draw—for beyond the sea King Echetus shall have thee, one who shears All mortals, a less affable host than we, And there good reason shalt thou find for tears. Sit then, and drink in peace ; strive only with thy peers.” 39 And wise Penelope made answer thus: “Antinous, it is neither just nor fair Guest to dishonour of Telemachus. Or can you think that if the stranger there Draw the great bow by sheer strength, he will bear Me to his home, and claim me for his wife ? Not so—nor entereth in his breast that care. Nought lies in this to make your banquet rife With grievance : far, far different are the terms of strife.” BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 40 To her Eurymachus made answer then: “ Not such our fear; it is no likely thing. We tremble for the tongues of women and men, Lest the unworthier this reproach should fling: ‘ See now the dear wife of the blameless king By worse men wooed, who cannot bend his bow. But this poor beggar, whom mere chance doth bring, Bends it with ease, and makes the arrow go [so ! ” Clean through the rings.’ Woe worth our fame, if men speak 41 And answer made the wise Penelope : “ Fret not, Eurymachus, for loss of fame. Never can those who eat up violently A good man’s wealth, usurp a noble name ; Nor can this failure add new stings of blame. See now, your guest is bravely built and tall, Yea, and avers that from the loins he came Of a good parent in a princely hall. Come, let him prove the bow in presence of us all. 42 “For I declare it, and my word shall stand, If that Apollo grant his prayer to-day, And the bow yield to his prevailing hand, Then from this mansion, for his virtue’s pay, Robe and rich tunic shall he bear away, A sword twain-edged, and sandals for his feet, And spear, both dogs and men to keep at bay, And he shall go wherever he thinks meet.” Then answering spake Telemachus, her son discreet: 43 “There is none mightier in the isles than I, Here, nor by Elis, where the chieftains sway, My mother, to bestow it or deny. If to my guest I give the bow this day Once and for ever, who shall say me nay? Go, seek the loom and distaff, these are thine, And to thy maids their works appointed weigh, But not to bow nor quiver thy heart incline; Of such shall men take care, I most, the rule is mine.” 3 66 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 44 She, smit with wonder, to the house went back, And in her mind the sapient counsel kept. Thither the maidens followed in her track; Even to the upper chamber on she stept. They following. There, withdrawn apart, she wept Odysseus, as of old, her husband dear, Nor closed the lamentation till she slept; For to her eyelids did Athene bear Sweet slumbers, shed with rest, that might her strength repair. 45 Then did the noble swineherd lift the bow, To take it to his master. But they all Cried out against him with loud voice, and lo ! One of the young men spake within the hall: “ Wretch of a swineherd, let the weapons fall Right quickly, or in some lone place, I swear, Soon shall fleet dogs devour thee, swine and all, If but Apollo and the gods declare Their strength upon our side, and hearken to our prayer.” 46 He, scared with clamour, put the weapons back. But with loud voice Telemachus then cried : “ Take them, old man, nor let thy pace be slack, Lest to thy sorrow, for my word defied, With stones I pelt thee to the far hillside. For, were the suitors weak as thou this day, Soon would I miserably abate their pride, And drive them from our mansion a long way, Doomed for their evil deeds to earn an evil pay! ” 47 He spake, and smiled the suitors, laughing low, Upon him, and sharp hatred ceased to bear. The swineherd to Odysseus took the bow, Called out the old nurse, and addressed her there : “ Nurse, the prince bids thee lock the doors with care; And if be heard dire groanings and a din Of tumult in our courts, let no one fare Forth from the doors, but each abide within And to her work cleave fast, lest it be held a sin.” BOOK XXI.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 367 48 He spake; and wingless in her soul she kept The word, and soon the shining doors made fast. Forth from the house by stealth Philcetius leapt, Locked firm the courtyard gates, and o’er them cast Tough rope of byblus, from a swift ship’s mast, Found in the porch; then came with eager eyen, And on the couch, whence he had lately passed, Sat, gazing ever on his lord divine, And deeply mused in soul, and waited for the sign. 49 Meantime the king was handling the great bow, Turning it round, now this way and now that, To prove it, if the horn or timber show Print of the worm. They, marvelling much thereat, Spake one to other, leaning as they sat: “ Surely the rogue some pilfering expert is In bows and arrows, which by fraud he gat—• Or would the varlet mould a bow like this ? So featly doth he feel it with his hands, I wis.” 5 ° Then did another of the young men say : “Now for the future may his profit be No larger than the luck he finds to-day ! Wait but a little while, and we shall see If the great bow will yield to such as he.” Thus spake the suitors in their foolish scorn. But wary-wise Odysseus curiously Eyed the great bow, and all through wood and horn Found it a perfect weapon and worthy to be borne. 5 1 As when a lyrist, who sweet song doth know, Round a new peg the twisted gut doth hang And strain it to the pitch, so he the bow Strung without pain, and gave the nerve a twang; And in a low tone beautifully it sang, Voiced like a swallow. Then the suitors all Deep in their spirits felt a piercing pang, And each man’s face changed colour in the hall; And in the height Zeus thundered, as a sign to all. 368 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXI. 5 2 Much did Odysseus in his soul rejoice, For that the son of deep-wiled Kronos sent Thunder, the omen of his glorious voice. Then from the table a bare shaft he hent; But in the quiver all the rest lay pent, Soon to be tasted by the Achaian crew. He the fleet shaft against the centre leant, And laid the notch upon the nerve, and drew. Straight flew the dart and pierced the iron rings all through. 53 Where he was sitting, there the chord he strained, Not moving from his place. The arrow passed Clean through the rings, and in the wall remained, As through the first so even through the last. “Telemachus,” he cried, “no slur I cast On thee my host; behold the mark is hit, Hit without labour ! the old strength cleaves fast Upon me, and my bones are stourly knit— Not as the suitors mock me in their scornful wit. 54 “ Now is it time their evening meal to set Before the Achaians, ere the sun go down. And other entertainment shall come yet, Dance and the song, which are the banquet’s crown.” He spake, and with his eyebrows curved the frown. Seizing his sword and spear Telemachus came, Son of Odysseus, chief of high renown, And, helmeted with brass like fiery flame, Stood by his father’s throne and waited the dire aim. 369 BOOK XXII. THE SLAYING OF THE SUITORS. 1 Stript of his rags then leapt the godlike king On the great threshold, in his hand the bow And quiver, filled with arrows of mortal sting. These with a rattle he rained down below, Loose at his feet, and spake among them so: “ See, at the last our matchless bout is o’er! Now for another mark, that I may know If I can hit what none hath hit before, And if Apollo hear me in the prayers I pour ! ” 2 Thus did he speak, and aimed a bitter dart Against Antinous. He the beauteous cup, Twin-eared and golden, carved with curious art, Was lifting in his hands and tilting up Close to his red lips, the sweet wine to sup, And in his mind of murder held no care. Who could believe, ’mid feast and flowing cup, One of a crowd, though he far mightier were, Would for a guest black fate and evil death prepare ? 3 Him with an arrow in his throat the king Shot. Through his delicate neck the barb made way. He, falling backward, made the pavement ring. Down clanged the cup, and where it clanged it lay. And, ere a man could wonder or gainsay, Blood from the nostrils the wide floor imbrued. He in a moment wildly kicked away The table with both feet, and spilt the food, And all the place with bread and broken flesh was strewed. 2 A 370 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 4 And now, behold, the suitors a dire clang Stirred in the palace, when they marked him fall. And from the benches and the chairs they sprang, Pale and aghast within the shadowy hall, Peering about in terror from wall to wall. Nor, as they looked, could they discern within Spear, sword, nor shield, nor any arms at all. Scared as from sleep, and with a troublous din, They to divine Odysseus wrathful words begin : 5 “Stranger, not well thou doest to aim at men. These are thy last lists; thou shalt surely die. See, by thy hand the bravest of our men, Flower of all Ithaca, doth murdered lie. Thy bones the vultures shall pick by and by.” But each held back, averring that he slew By chance the man. How fatal and how nigh Death’s snares were set, they foolish never knew ! Whom the king sternly eyed, and to the godless crew: 6 “ Dogs, ye denied that I should e’er come back From Troia’s people to my native land. Long in your pride my house ye rend and wrack, Yea, and ye force the women with violent hand, And my wife claim while I on earth yet stand, Nor fear the gods who rule in the wide sky, Nor lest a mortal on the earth demand Your price of guilt—and ye are like to die ! Round you Death’s fatal toils inextricably lie.” 7 He ceased, and all were taken with pale fear, Peering about in terror, if they might flee Black doom and ruin and destruction sheer. Then spake Eurymachus, and only he: “ If thou the Ithacan Odysseus be, Now home returning to thy native land, Well hast thou spoken : for I know that we Oft in thy town and fields with violent hand, And here within thy mansion, have much evil planned. BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 371 8 “ But now behold he lieth dead, the cause Of all our crime, Antinous. He alone Urged us to drink and revel and break the laws— He in his heart, it is a thing well known, Caring far less to make thy wife his own Than for a scheme, which Zeus doth bring to nought, That here the king’s line might be overthrown ; Yea, for thy child a secret snare he wrought, And for himself in Ithaca the kingdom sought. 9 “Now hath he fallen by the doom of Fate. But spare thy people, who in after day Swear in this country on thy will to wait, And in thy palace the whole price to pay Of all things drunk and eaten, and to lay Each one before thy feet fines worth a score Of oxen, brass, and gold, whate’er we may, Till thy heart warms to view the countless store. Reason enough thou hast to feel enraged before.” 10 Him wise Odysseus sternly eyed, and spake : “Eurymachus, though ye the whole restore, And all your own wealth and your fathers’ take, And the earth ransack till ye add much more, Never these hands shall the dire work give o’er Ere your flown pride is to the full repaid. Choose now to fight, or if ye list explore Some byway, if escape may yet be made. But, as I think, Death’s toils no longer ye evade.” 11 Then quailed their knees and heart, and thus again Eurymachus spake forth : “ O friends, the man Will not give over till we all are slain. Quick draw your knives, and pile up as ye can Tables to cover us. It were best we ran All in close volley against him, firm to try And thrust him by the strength of all our clan Down from the doors, and stir a public cry. Then quickly his last arrow will the man let fly.” 372 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 12 Then he his knife drew, and with terrible cry Sprang toward the king; who, aiming at the breast, Hard by the nipple, let the arrow fly; And in his liver the keen barb found rest. Dropt from his hand the knife. He with prone chest Fell like a ruin, and threw down the meat And the rich wine-cup. His tall forehead’s crest Knocked on the earth, he rattling with both feet The throne, and on his eyes the darkling death-rain beat. 13 Then rushed Amphinomus onward with drawn knife, To thrust Odysseus from the doors, but lo! First with the spear Telemachus reft his life, And ’twixt the shoulders made the iron go Clean through the lungs ; and with a clang the foe Knocked with his forehead on the earth. Back pressed Telemachus, the long spear leaving so, Lest, from the wound when he the spear would wrest, One cut him down unwares, or stab him breast to breast. 14 Now therefore running to his sire came he, And in winged words : “ O father, I will seek Helm, shield, and two spears both for thee and me And these our helpers, lest we prove too weak. Not without arms can we our vengeance wreak.” And wary-wise Odysseus made reply : “ Pause not a moment: if thou tarry and speak, Soon will the river of our darts run dry. Quick, lest the men dislodge me—all alone am I.” 15 Thus spake he, and Telemachus obeyed, And to the chamber went where the arms lay. He from the armoury four shields conveyed, Eight spears, four helms of brass in plumed array, And to his father quickly bent his way. He first the armour round his flesh put on; Also the servants to his word obey, And the spears lift, and shield and helmet don, And by the brave Odysseus take their stand anon. BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 373 16 But the brave king, while yet his shafts availed, This one and that kept piercing in the hall. Still the men dropt. But when the arrows failed, Then he the bow leaned on the shining wall, And on his shoulders took the targe withal, Four-hided, vast, and on his valiant head Laced the firm helmet with its streamy fall Of horsehair and the white plume dancing dread; And two strong spears he lifted, each with steely head. 17 Now in the wall a narrow postern lay, Which from the corner of the threshold-floor Gave, through fair valves, upon a secret way. And the king bade the swineherd keep this door Standing on watch: there was no pass-way more. And thither Agelaus turned his eye, And to his comrades a fierce counsel bore : “Friends, why not pass the wicket, and stir a cry? Then quickly his last arrow shall the man let fly.” 18 Melanthius, herdsman of the goats, replied : “ O Zeus-born Agelaus, it may not be. Yon gates stand direly near, close at the side, And the lane’s mouth is narrow, and you may see That one strong man might hold it easily. But come now, quickly will I hence and bring Arms to your service from the armoury. For, as I think, Telemachus and the king Stowed not the arms elsewhere, but there laid everything.” 19 Thus having said, Melanthius quickly went, Up the long staircase stealing, to the place. Twelve shields, twelve helmets, and twelve spears he hent, And to the suitors brought them down apace. Then was Odysseus in an evil case, And quailed in knees and heart, as they put on Their armour, and long spears before his face Waved : for he saw that a great work was done. And quickly in winged words he spake unto his son : 374 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 20 “Not all, Telemachus, goes well with us. Some one against us moveth evil war, Either a woman or Melanthius.” But he : “The rest, O father, blameless are, But that I left the chamber-door ajar Mine is the fault; they had the better scout. Haste, good Eumaeus, and the chamber bar, And if a woman be at work find out, Or Dolius’ son Melanthius, whom I shrewdly doubt.” 2 I Thus they conferred, and lo, Melanthius passed Back to the chamber, the fair arms to bring. And on the man quick glance the swineherd cast, And, as he stood near, whispered to the king: “ Son of Laertes, hearken ! for the thing Comes true—once more that dark thief prowls away. Say, shall I kill him if I can, or bring The varlet hither, for all crimes to pay Which he within thy house hath planned this many a day ? ” 22 And wary-wise Odysseus answering said : “ I and Telemachus will hold at bay All the proud foes, though burning to make head; But ye twain to the chamber take your way; There backward twist, as tightly as ye may, His hands and feet, then cast him on the floor Bound, a rope draw beneath his arms, and weigh And hoist him to the beam, and lock the door— There to feel bitter things long time ere life be o’er.” 23 So spake he, and they heard him and obeyed. And all unseen they stole upon him there, While in the far recess deep search he made; They twain on each side by the door-posts were. He carrying in one hand a helmet fair Came; in the other a broad buckler lay, Which in his youth divine Laertes bare, Now battered and burned up with long decay, And the old loops hung limp, their dry seams dropt away. BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 375 24 And lo, the twain rushed forward and him drew Back to the chamber by his hair, and cast Sore groaning to the ground, and backward threw His hands and feet, and linked them direly fast With knots of spirit-piercing cord, and passed Under his limbs a stout rope, as the king Commanded, and by main strength at the last Hoised him aloft, beneath the beam to swing— Whom with sharp words, Eumseus, thou didst jeer and sting: 2 5 “ Now, O Melanthius, if I err not quite, Where thou reclinest thou art like to be, Brisk and alert, through all the livelong night, Wrapt in a soft couch as is good for thee. Nor shall the Morning, when from out the sea She comes up charioted, with golden throne, Escape thine eyes ere well awake are we, While for the suitors thou art driving down Choice fadings from the herd, and prime goats not their own.” 26 Thus bound they leave him, and then swiftly win Back to Odysseus. Breathing might they four Stood by the threshold, and the rest within, So many and brave. And near them at the door Came one who Mentor’s voice and likeness bore. Glad spake Odysseus: “ Shield us from the foe, Brave Mentor !—I was thy twin friend of yore.” Thus spake he, nor Athene failed to know. And Agelaus then, Damastor’s son, spake so : 2 7 “ Mentor, be thou not fooled to take their part! Else are we minded, when our foes we slay, Thee to kill also for thine evil heart j Yea, with thine own head thou the price shalt pay. When with the sword we take your power away, All that within doors and without is thine We will make even as this man’s, I say. Nor son nor daughter nor thy wife divine Shall linger in the land, nor any of thy line.” 37<5 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 28 He ended, and Athene raged the more, And in fierce accents to the king she spake : “Not such thine arm, Odysseus, as of yore, When for the nobly-born fair Helen’s sake Nine years by Troia thou didst war partake, And in the dread siege many men subdue, And by shrewd wit the towers of Priam break. How with house, wealth, and all sweet things in view, Turnest thou back from blood, nor canst the work go through? 2 9 “ But come, beloved, and stand near me thus, And ’mid the fierce throng shalt thou soon behold In what way Mentor, child of Alkimus, Pays back the kindness of his friends fourfold.” She spake, nor yet full tide of victory rolled Before them, but Odysseus and his son Proved yet a little, lest their blood were cold. She, to the roof-beam taking flight anon, There like a swallow sat, and from above looked on. 30 And Agelaus then, Damastor’s son, Urged on the rest, with bold Eurynomus Hot for the battle, and Amphimedon, And the brave strength of Demoptolemus, Peisander, and the warlike Polybus. These of the suitors who yet lived and fought Were far the bravest and most glorious; But many others the fleet shafts had brought To bale. And Agelaus a fierce counsel taught: 3i “ Friends, soon that madman shall yield up the ghost. See, they are left beside the doors alone, And gone is Mentor with an empty boast. Now therefore, suitors, hurl not all in one Your spears against them, but let six come on And first in order at our foe take aim, If haply Zeus vouchsafe that we strike down Odysseus, and acquire a noble name, Since all the rest count nothing, if that man we tame.” BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 377 32 So they stood forth and hurled, but none the more Thrived, for Athene sent their javelins wide. One hit the pillar, and one hit the door, And one fell heavy on the wall aside. Then to his friends divine Odysseus cried : “ Come, let us also hurl our spears, nor miss Yon crowd of suitors, who, by Heaven ! have tried Now to their past crimes to add even this, And make the barb-tipt iron in our life-blood hiss.” 33 He spake, and all then, firming well their eye, Aimed the long spears; and Demoptolemus Low by the javelin of the king did lie; Euryades fell by Telemachus; And by the swineherd’s steel died Elatus; The herdsman of the kine Peisander slew. These with their teeth the bloody ground bit thus; And, while the suitors far apart withdrew, Straight rushed the four, and tugged their weapons forth anew. 34 And lo, the suitors their sharp spears once more Hurled ; but Athene sent the most part wide. One hit the pillar, and one hit the door, And one fell heavy on the wall aside. Natheless Amphimedon with blood just dyed Skin of the wrist of brave Odysseus’ son. Ctesippus, hurling o’er the tough bull’s-hide, Wrote on the swineherd’s shoulder—so passed on The dart, and flew beyond him, and to earth fell down. 35 Then did Odysseus and his friends renew Their hurling, and among the crowd shot thus— Stormer of towns, the brave Odysseus, slew Eurydamas; and young Telemachus Amphimedon ; the swineherd, Polybus. The herdsman hit Ctesippus in the breast, And cried : “No longer vaunt and fleer at us, But let the gods speak, who are far the best. This for the foot thou gavest to the suppliant guest! ” 378 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 36 Also in close fight with his spear the king Tore Agelaus ; the young prince his spear Drave through Leiocritus. He ruining Clanged with his forehead. And Athene there Waved her man-murdering aegis in the air. Then, scared in spirit, through the hall they fled, As when the gadfly, in the spring of the year, When the days lengthen, ’mid the kine makes head, And stings them into fury where at peace they fed. 37 And as when eagles, curven-beaked and strong, Fly from the hills and the fleet birds assail; These in the low plain flit and cower along, Pounced on with fury, nor can flight avail Nor courage, while good sport the fowlers hail— So ’mid the suitors hovering evermore, Turning about they smite them, and deal bale. Direly the heads crashed, and a hideous roar Sounded for ever, and still the bubbling earth ran gore. 3 8 Then did Leiodes clasp Odysseus’ knees And in winged words his supplication make : “ Spare me, O king, nor let my suit displease ! Since never to the women I did nor spake Evil, but strove the lawless ways to break Of these proud men; but they regarded not, And for their folly a fit doom partake. I, the mere altar-priest, now share their lot, Though clean of guilt—so soon are benefits forgot.” 39 Him wise Odysseus sternly eyed, and said: “ Priest of their altar if thou boast to be, Then for my death thou must have often prayed, And that my sweet return I might not see, And that my dear wife should bear sons to thee— Die ! ” Thus he answered, and the sword did take, Dropt by Damastor’s child when slain was he, Shore through the mid-neck, and the neck-bones brake; And the head rolled beneath him, while the mouth yet spake. BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 379 40 But yet the minstrel Phemius shunned black Fate, Who by compulsion to the suitors sang. Mute he stood, lingering by the postern-gate, And there the shrill lyre from his hands let hang. And his soul mused if it were best he sprang Forth from the house, and to the altar clave Of court-guard Zeus, to shun the dire death-pang, Where often from old time fat thighs they gave, Or to rush forth, and mercy at the king’s knees crave. 41 And in his soul it seemed more gainful so— To pass forth from his place, and at the knees Fall, and wild hands of supplication throw, Crouching before the lord Laertiades. First he lays down the lyre, where space he sees Betwixt the bowl and silver-studded throne, Then rushes forth, and to Odysseus’ knees Clings with a sore clasp, crouched on the cold stone. There sadly in winged words he maketh suppliant moan : 42 “ Spare me, Odysseus, lest a time come when Fall on thine own heart sorrow, if thou kill Me, the self-taught, who sing to gods and men. Not man, but God, did my sweet voice instil. Thee too with songs can I divinely thrill. O let me live ! Telemachus can say How not desiring, and with no goodwill, I came to sing amid their feasts : but they, Far mightier and far more, compelled me to obey.” 43 He ceased; and the divine Telemachus Heard the man’s suppliant anguish, and came near, And in winged words addressed his father thus: “ Hold, and the guiltless wound not, but revere. Also the herald Medon hold we clear, Who the good cause did never once forget, But loved me from a child this many a year— If nor Philoetius nor the swineherd yet Have slain him, nor thee raging through the house he met.” 3So THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 44 Him the wise Medon heard, where ’neath a throne, Wrapt in a raw bull’s-hide, he crouching lay, Black Fate avoiding. Forth he leapt anon, Cast off the hide, and by his knees did pray Telemachus : “ Behold me, friend, and stay Thine arm, and tell thy father to forbear, Lest me, exulting in his strength, he slay, And angered for these men, who nought did spare; Who nor thyself, his child, had no regard for care.” 45 On whom the wise Odysseus smiled and said: “ Cheer up, and live, for thou hast heard his will, This to know ever, and thy friends persuade— How ’tis far better to do good than ill. But now go forth and in the court sit still, Clear of the blood, beyond the doors, ye two, And leave me in the house while I fulfil The remnant of the work I have to do.” They to the altar went, and crouching quailed anew. 46 Meanwhile the king pried busily to and fro, Lest one alive yet lurk, avoiding bale. And all he found in bloody dust laid low, Strewn, like dumb fishes on the sandy graile, Whom from the hoary deep the fishers hale In many-windowed net. They on dry land, Sick for the sea, gasp dying; nor doth fail Fierce noon to kill them on the burning sand— Thus lay the slain men heaped by his victorious hand. 47 Then to his dear son spake Odysseus there : “ My son, the old nurse Eurycleia call. Somewhat I have which I would fain declare.” He spake; Telemachus obeyed withal, And the door moved, exclaiming from the hall: “ Come down, old woman, born of ancient day ! Thou to whose care within our house doth fall The guardianship of women, come this way ! Quick, for my father calls, who somewhat hath to say.” BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 0 Si 48 He spake, and wingless in her soul she kept The king’s word, and the wide valves open threw And came. Telemachus before her stept. There, girt with corpses whom his own arm slew, She found Odysseus, very dire to view, With smears of onset foully clotted o’er, And his fair limbs defiled with murder’s dew, Like to a lion who stalks red with gore, Fleshed with a grass-fed bullock whom he seized and tore. 49 As he with both cheeks and his tawny breast Comes soaked in slaughter, hideous to be seen, Such were Odysseus’ hands and feet and chest, And such the terror of his eyes and mien. She then, beholding the wide floor unclean, Strewn with the fallen suitors’ bloody rout, When she perceived that a great work had been, Stood pale with triumph, and in act to shout. But the wise king restrained her, ere the cry came out: 5° “ Nurse, with a mute heart this my vengeance hail! Not holy is it o’er the slain to boast. These Heaven and their own crimes have brought to bale; Since of all strangers, from earth’s every coast, No man was honoured of this godless host, Nor good nor evil, whomsoe’er they knew— And with their souls they pay the fatal cost. But of the women, come now, tell me true, Which keep a sinless spirit, and which evil do.” 5 r She answered : “ Hear now what is in thy thought. Fifty maid-servants in thy mansion stay Tending the house, whom we their works have taught, Fleeces to card and bear the servile day. Twelve are quite shameless, and no reverence pay To me, nor even to Penelope. Nor, when thy dear son’s childhood passed away, Durst he against the women aught decree, Since the wise queen his mother willed it not to be. 382 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXII. 5 2 “ But let me to the chamber hence, and tell Thy wife, on whom some god doth slumber pour.” But he: “To wake her were by no means well. * Go, call the women who did wrong before.” Then the old nurse along the palace-floor Passed for the women. But the chief divine, Now that his bloody work was wholly o’er, His son called, and the keeper of the kine, And swineherd, and to them this charge did he consign : 53 “Take now the dead forth, and the maids compel. Then with fresh water and fine sponges clean Tables and thrones, till it be all done well. But when the fair house is in order seen, Lead out the guilt-stained women, and between The high dome and enclosure of the court Smite them and slay them with your broadswords keen, Till they forget for ever their dearling sport, Which with bad men they knew, sweet, secret, and too short.” 54 Thus he commanded, and the women all Came in a crowd together, wailing sore And weeping, and the dead bare from the hall, And laid them in the porch, beside the door, One on the other leaning, foul with gore. There stood the king directing what was done, And they the slain men by compulsion bore. But from the vestibule they came anon, And with fine sponges cleansed each table, bench, and throne. 55 The prince, the herdsman, and the swineherd then Scraped the fair pavement, and the women cast Their gory scourings from the house. But when All was now done, they took the handmaids last, And ’twixt the high dome and the court, where passed A strait lane, shut them up, whence none might flee. Then said the wise prince, having shut them fast: “Not by a clean death should these ended be, Who with the suitors slept, and mocked the queen and me.” BOOK XXII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 383 56 He spake, and hawser of a blue-prowed ship Down from high pillar of the dome he let, Fastened aloft, lest too near earth they dip. As doves or long-winged thrushes on a net Strike in a thick bush, when to bed they get, And finding ill roosting where they nightly throng, So were their heads caught, and the nooses set Fast round their necks, to make their misery strong, And with their feet they writhed a little while, not long. 57 Then to the courtyard they Melanthius draw, Lop with the knife his nose and ears, and cast His manhood to the dogs, to eat up raw, And his limbs dock with iron—for so vast Burned the grim wrath within them. At the last, Washed in pure water, and with hands and feet Clean from the red gore, to the king they passed; And all was over, and the work complete. Then he in winged words addressed the dame discreet: 58 “ Quickly, O nurse, bring fire that I may burn Sulphur, the cure of ills, and bid the queen Come with her maids, and let the rest return.” She answered : “Rightly hast thou judged, I ween; But let me bring rich robe and tunic clean; Nor with vile rags about thy shoulders wide Stand thus disfigured in thy form and mien.” But wary-wise Odysseus quick replied : “First of all now bring sulphur, and the fire provide.” 59 He spake, and swiftly she obeyed, and brought Sulphur and fire, and he made pure and sweet All the wide space wherein the fight was fought. Then for the women went the nurse discreet. These come with torches, and Odysseus greet, Pouring wild kisses on his face and head And shoulders, and him lovingly entreat, His strong hands clasping. And sweet tears they shed, Wailing aloud together, and he their faces read. n 0 85 BOOK XXIII. ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO PENELOPE. 1 Up-stairs the nurse tript, laughing in her soul, To tell the queen her husband was within. Her knees were strengthened, and her feet made whole, Swift as in youth, and she did thus begin : “ Wake up, Penelope, and sweet sight win Of that which thou hast longed for all thy life; For now, though late, Odysseus hath come in And slain the suitors, who with plague so rife Daily devoured his wealth, and vexed his child and wife.” 2 But her the wise Penelope addressed : “ Dear nurse, the gods have sent thee raving mad, Who oft to folly turn the prudent breast, And the mind heal which no direction had. These warp thy judgment, which was once not bad. Why thus arouse me, whelmed in grief too sore, Vain things to prate, and make me yet more sad ? Ah me ! such sleep I never knew before As now some pitying god did on mine eyelids pour. 3 “Not to mine eyelids a like sleep there came From the dark hour Odysseus went away To that bad Ilion, which let no one name! But go back, leave me, and without delay; For if another woman had come this day Vain things to prate, and spoil me of my sleep, Roughly would I her thankless zeal repay, Driving her down again with cause to weep— But for thyself herein let old age pardon reap.” 2 B 386 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xxm. 4 Her Eurycleia, the dear nurse, addressed : “ Child, I not mock thee. In mere sober deed Odysseus hath returned, and now doth rest Safe on his own hearth, as the gods decreed. He is that stranger, full of years and need, Whom the young men dishonoured in the hall; And thy son knew it, but gave prudent heed None of his counsels to reveal at all, Till the whole godless rout his father should make fall.” 5 Then joyed the queen, and leaping from her bed Fell on the nurse’s neck with many a tear, And at the last in winged words she said : “Yet tell the truth, kind nurse, and show me clear— If, as thou sayest, he indeed be here, How did he lay hands on that shameless crowd ? Methinks that one man were not much to fear, Matched against these, so many and so proud; Still were they all together, with huge strength endowed.” 6 And the dear nurse in answer spake this word : “Nothing I saw, and nothing have been told, Only a noise of dying groans I heard. We, in the well-built chambers kept in hold, Sat mute, bewildered, by our fears controlled, With the firm doors around us folded fast. Thus we sat huddling, and our blood ran cold, Till that Telemachus thy child at last Thence called me to his father, and I quickly passed. 7 “ There I beheld Odysseus ringed with slain, High in the midst, and on the hard-paved ground Spread the thick corpses; yea, thy heart were fain Him like a lion to behold half-drowned In slaughter. And beyond the threshold’s bound All are now piled, he steaming the wide hall With sulphur. Come quick, for thy lord hath found Both wife and child, and the proud suitors fall. After long woes take heart; thy wish, thou hast it all! ” BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 387 8 “ Boast not thyself,” she said, “ dear nurse, to-day ! All would that dear news gladden, but far most My child and me. Things are not as ye say. But now a god wreaks on this sinful host Their deeds of evil. Very well thou know’st, No man they honoured, whomsoe’er they knew, Nor good nor evil—let them bear the cost! But my dear husband never more can view Land of his own Achaia; for the Fates him slew.” 9 Again the dear nurse Eurycleia spake : “ My child, what fell words from thy lips depart, Who saidst thy husband can no more come back, And he within ! Thou hast a faithless heart. Yea, this clear sign can I indeed impart. Scar of the gleamy tusk of a wild boar I spied, and would have told thee, but with art He held me, washing—if I lie, then pour My life out at thy feet in misery the most sore ! ” 10 Answered in turn the sage Penelope : “ Dear nurse, the counsels of the gods to spy, Though much thou knowest, is too hard for thee. But we will seek together, thou and I, At least my child, that we may there descry All the slain suitors, and who smote them dead.” So went she ; but with doubt the heart surged high, Whether aloof to test him, or to shed Warm tears, and clasp his hands, and kiss the face and head. 11 So when she entered and the threshold passed, She in the firelight, by the further wall, Sat the king fronting. He, with eyes downcast, Leaned in his place against the pillar tall, Expecting if his wife some word let fall, When she had seen him with her eyes. Long space Mute she remained, he wondering much withal. One time she looked upon him, face to face ; One time she knew him not, clothed in such evil case. 388 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIII. 12 Sharply Telemachus then spake, and said : “Mother, bad mother, and with hardened heart, Why shun my father, who once shared thy bed, And not sit near him, and in talk have part? Lives not another wife so blunt of heart, Herself to sunder from a husband dear, Who from long toil, and pierced with sorrow’s smart, Comes to his own land in the twentieth year. But, as it seems, thy breast than stone is more severe.” 13 And sage Penelope in answer spake: “ Stunned is my spirit, and my brain seems wild. Nought can I speak to him, no question make, Nor even look him in the eyes, dear child. But if indeed ye are not all beguiled, If my Odysseus hath at last returned, Then lightly can we twain stand reconciled; For there be true marks, readily discerned Betwixt us, secret signs, which no one else hath learned.” 14 She ceasing, smiled the suffering chief divine, And in winged words Telemachus addressed: “ Leave now thy mother here to prove each sign; Soon will she know me better in her breast. Now that I seem poor, and am foully drest, She casts it in my teeth I am not he. But come now, let us see which way were best; Since there is much cause both for thee and me To take thought of the morrow, that our lives go free. “ For in a people if one chance to kill But one man only, who avengers few Leaveth behind him on the earth, yet still Fain is the slayer, who that one man slew, Kin to forsake, and seek out countries new. But we the bulwark of the state have slain, Even the flower of all the youth that grew In Ithaca—what refuge can we gain ? Therefore, I pray, take thought if any help remain.” BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 389 16 And him the wise Telemachus addressed : “ Thou for us both take counsel, father dear; For among men they say thy mind is best, And of all mortals, who live breathing here, None stands thy rival or can make thee fear. I too will follow thee with all my heart, Such as I am; nor shall the world not hear Our fame in battle and each prudent art, If the Fates will, and if Athene take our part.” *7 And wise Odysseus answering spake anon : “ Now will I speak what seemeth in mine eyes The best: first bathe, and put clean raiment on, And bid the servants also do likewise. Then let the sweet bard, skilled in minstrelsies, Lead with shrill harp the sprightly dance, that they Who passing take note of our revelries, Or that dwell near us in the town, may say That the fair queen doth hold her marriage-feast to-day. 18 • “ So through the city shall be blown about No word, no rumour, of the suitors slain, Till to our well-farmed woodland we come out, There to take thought, if haply the Sire deign Into our hands to pour some gift of gain.” Thus spake he, leaning on the pillar tall, And they well heard him, and obeyed right fain, Washed, and put on clean raiment, each and all. Also the women obeyed, and came into the hall. 19 Then took the bard divine the hollow lyre, And of the sprightly dance and music sweet Stirred in their breasts a very warm desire. There with loud minstrelsies the great dome beat, And the low thunder of their flying feet. And each that heard it from afar off said: “ Some one hath married the fair queen, I weet. Heartless, to quit the house of him she wed In sweet youth, nor abide till he reclaims her bed ! ” 390 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIII. 20 Thus spake they, knowing not the things that were. Meanwhile the staid housedame Eurynome Washed in his own house and anointed fair Divine Odysseus. From the bath came he, In tunic and rich robe clad beauteously. And on his form new grace Athene shed, And ampler made him, and more large to see. Curled like the hyacinth divinely spread The full locks, clustering dark, around his glorious head 21 As when some artist, fired with plastic thought, Silver doth overlay with liquid gold, One by Hephaestus and Athene taught Fair-shining forms, instinct with love, to mould, She thus the king’s head did with grace enfold And the fair shoulders. Like a god in mien He, clothed in beauty, glistering to behold, Came and reclined where he before had been, And, on the pillar leaning, thus addressed the queen : 22 “ Lady, the gods that in Olympus dwell Have, beyond female women, given to thee Heart as of flint, which none can soften well. Lives not a wife who could endure, save thee, Her lord to slight, who roaming earth and sea Comes to his own land in the twentieth year. Haste, Eurycleia, and go spread for me Some couch, that I may sleep, but not with her— For, as it seems, her breast than steel is more severe.” 23 But him the wise Penelope addressed: “ Friend, neither I exalt, nor rate thee low, Nor marvel overmuch; but in my breast Too well thy features and thy form I know, Such as from Ithaca long years ago Thee to a far land the fleet bark conveyed. But go, nurse, and his own choice bed bestow Outside the bridal chamber which he made, And rugs and fleeces pile, that he be warmly laid.” BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 391 24 Thus she spake, proving him. He, direly stirred, Quick to his loyal wife made answer there : “ Wife, thou hast spoken a soul-piercing word. Tell me what hand hath set my couch elsewhere. Yea, for a skilled man very hard it were, Save a god helped him, who can all things do. Lives not a mortal, though life’s flower he bear, Could stir it. For with that bed’s growth there grew A wondrous sign, my work; none else that secret knew. 25 “ For in the court an olive stem there grew, Stout as a column, and thick leaves it bore. Round it a chamber, built with stones, I threw, And with a tight roof firmly spanned it o’er, And by the threshold hung the well-framed door; Then cut the olive hair, and smooth and round Planed to a basement on the chamber-floor The wide trunk, like a bedpost in the ground, And with a wimble pierced it, for the core was sound. 26 “ So, thence beginning, I the bed did mould Shapely and perfect, and the whole inlaid With ivory and silver and rich gold; And, well stretched out, a leathern work I made, Shining with purple. I have now displayed This sign, this marvel ; nor at all I know Whether my couch in the old place hath stayed, Or some one could elsewhere my work bestow, When first he had cut through the olive stump below.” 27 He ended, and were loosed her knees and heart, When she the tokens of her husband knew. Then from her eyelids the quick tears did start, And she ran to him from her place, and threw Her arms about his neck, and a warm dew Of kisses poured upon him, and thus spake : “ Frown not, Odysseus ; thou art wise and true ! But God gave sorrow, and hath grudged to make Our path to old age sweet, nor willed us to partake 392 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIII. 28 “Youth’s joys together. Yet forgive me this, Nor hate me that when first I saw thy brow I fell not on thy neck, and gave no kiss, Nor wept in thy dear arms as I weep now. For in my breast a bitter fear did bow My soul, and I lived shuddering day by day, Lest a strange man come hither, and avow False things, and steal my spirit, and bewray My love; such guile men scheme, to lead the pure astray. 29 “ For neither Argive Helen, seed divine, Had with a strange man mingled in love’s chain, If she had known that heroes of high line Should to Achaia lead her home again. But the god stamped her with a grievous stain, Stirring her soul to dare a shameful wrong; Nor of set mind she pondered the dark skein Of sorrow, fated to befal ere long, When first came even to us our load of anguish strong. 30 “ But now, since clearly thou unfoldest this, The secret of our couch, which none hath read, Save only thee and me and Actoris, Whom my sire gave me, when I first was wed, To guard the chamber of our bridal bed— Now I believe against mine own belief.” She ending a desire of weeping bred Within him, and in tears the noble chief Clasped his true wife, exulting in their glorious grief. 31 Sweet as to swimmers the dry land appears, Whose bark Poseidon in the angry sea Strikes with a tempest, and in pieces tears, And a few swimmers from the white deep flee, Crusted with salt foam, and with tremulous knee Spring to the shore exulting; even so Sweet was her husband to Penelope, Nor from his neck could she at all let go Her white arms, nor forbid her thickening tears to flow. BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 393 32 And now the rosy-fingered Dawn had found Them weeping, but Athene a new scheme Planned, and the long Night held within her bound, Nor from the rolling river of Ocean’s stream Suffered the golden-throned Dawn to beam, Or yoke the horses that bear light to men, Lampus and Phaethon, her fiery team, Who draw the chariot of the Dawn. And then Answered the wise Odysseus to his wife agen: 33 “ Wife, the end is not yet, but there abide Hard labours and extreme which I must bear. For thus to me in Hades prophesied Soul of Tiresias, the Theban seer, In that day when I sought death’s kingdom drear, My friends’ return enquiring and my own. But come with me to bed, that we may cheer With sleep and love our souls, ere night be flown.” Whereto the wise Penelope replied anon : 34 “ Spread shall thy couch be, whensoe’er thou will. Thine is the house; for to thy native land The gods have led thee through long years of ill, And thy feet suffer on our hearth to stand. But now the labour which thou hast in hand Tell me, which God hath made thy lips avow; For the time comes when all that Fate hath planned Shall not be hidden—it were no worse now To learn what yet must happen, though I know not how.” 35 And quickly to his dear wife answered he : “ Why urge me to unfold, to thine own pain, This fortune ? it is sad even for me. Take up an oar he bade me, and again ^oam through the countries, hill and valley and plain, Till at the last I light upon a race Which eat not salt, nor know the rolling main, Nor vermeil ships, whose sails from place to place Waft them like wings, nor oars that sweep the marble face 394 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIII. 36 “ Of ocean. And this notable clear sign He told, not easy to escape my care: When that a man shall meet me in my line Of travel, and accost me, and declare On my illustrious shoulder that I bear A winnowing-van, he bade me plant mine oar In that same spot, and sacrifices fair, A ram, a bull, and'a swine-mounting boar, Slay to Poseidon, monarch of the waters hoar; 37 “ Then return home, and sacred hecatombs To the immortal gods in order due, To all and each that dwell beneath the domes Of heaven, present; and lastly shall ensue My calm death, wafted from the billows blue, And I shall fall in a serene old age, Painless and ripe, with nothing left to do, While a blest people at the gates engage My sovereign care. Such future his true lips presage.” 38 And answer made the wise Penelope : “ If for old age the gods annul thy curse, Hope is, though late, that thou shalt yet be free From all thy sorrows.” Thus did they converse. Meantime, above, Eurynome and the nurse Make up the bed with raiment soft and fair, Under the blazing torchlight; and the nurse, When they had spread the couch with studious care, Back to the house, for sleep, right quickly made repair. 39 But them Eurynome, with torch aflame, Led to the chamber, and then went her way. Glad to the rites of the old couch they came. The prince, the herdsman, and the swineherd stay Their feet from dancings, and bid pause from play The women, and along the hall recline. But when they twain, where on the couch they lay, Had taken their sweet fill of loves divine, Then they conversed together of their former tyne. BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 395 40 There she, divine of women, told him all Her suffering that she bore from day to day, While the fell suitors slew within the hall Beeves and fat sheep, and drained the wine away. Also Odysseus to his wife did say All the dread strife which on his foes he won, And the sad labour on himself that lay; She ever with enjoyment listening on ; Nor to her eyes came sleep, until the tale was done. 41 First told he of the Cicons tamed, and then How through the main to the rich land they drew Where dreams the tribe of Lotus-eating men ; And how no pity the dire Cyclops knew, But his guests ate, and paid for whom he slew; And how to ZEolus he came, who well Dismissed him; but not yet was he to view His country; for from heaven the tempest fell, And whirled him back, deep groaning, o’er the sea’s dark swell. 42 Of the wide-gated Laestrygonian town He spake, where they destroyed his friends and fleet, Whence in the black ship he escaped alone; Of Circe’s wondrous wiles, and how his feet Trod the dark realm of Hades, to entreat Soul of Tiresias the Theban seer, What time he sailed in well-manned bark complete Past the divine sea-river, and saw there His dead friends, and the mother who him nursed and bare. 43 And how he heard, what none but he might tell, Strain of the Sirens o’er the marbly mere, And reached the Wandering Rocks, Charybdis fell, And the dread Scylla, of whose doom ran clear No sailors yet that born of women were; And how his comrades the Sun’s kine had slain, And thunderer Zeus with flaming bolt clave sheer The swift bark, and cut off in the wild main All, all alike; he only his own soul did gain. 396 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIII, 44 How, tost by waves, he reached Ogygia’s isle, On the tenth day delivered from the deep, And found the nymph Calypso, who long while Nursed him in hollow caves, his love to reap, Who for his dear wife could but mourn and weep ; And how she promised with her lips that he There should remain within her island-keep Blest with an ageless immortality, But in his breast the soul would not persuaded be. 45 And how sore-laboured at the last he won The land of the divine Phaeacian race, Who like a god him honoured, and sent on Rich with all gifts of much exceeding grace, Brass, gold, and raiment, to his native place, On shipboard. This was the last word he spoke, Ere the sweet slumber, rushing down apace, Loosened his limbs, and the tired senses took, And from his mind each care and sad remembrance shook. 46 Then did Athene a new thought devise; And when she judged within her heart that he Had with a full sleep now regaled his eyes, And from desire of his dear wife lay free, Then from the rolling river of Ocean she Drave up the golden Dawn, to fill the land With light for mortals; and right eagerly Sprang from the couch Odysseus, and did stand Beside his wife, and spake, and added this command : 47 “ Wife, a long warfare to the end we fought, Thou with thy tears bewailing me for lost, I with all sorrows which the gods have brought, Who far off chained me from my native coast. Now, since we both gain what we longed for most, Thou in my halls this wealth securely keep, And for the flocks, which that ungodly host Hath slaughtered, I myself will payment reap By plunder and free gift, till my folds teem with sheep. BOOK XXIII.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 397 48 “ But to the woodland farm I now depart, To visit my dear father, who indeed Grieves for my sake a sore grief in his heart. And thou, my wife, though prudent, yet give heed And hear me. As the sun goes up, will speed Fame of the murder of the young men slain. Therefore with all thy maidens now proceed Hence to the upper chamber; there remain Withdrawn, regard not any, and all quest refrain.” 49 He spake, and on his shoulders quickly threw Fair arms, and bade Telemachus his son, The herdsman of the kine, and swineherd too, Take up their weapons and their mail put on. So they obeyed, and robed in brass anon Their breasts, and with Odysseus went their way. Already on the earth the sunlight shone When, by Athene wrapt in darkness, they Passed from the gates, unseen beneath the eyes of day. 399 BOOK XXIV. ODYSSEUS DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO LAERTES, AND IS ESTABLISHED IN HIS KINGDOM. 1 Meanwhile the spirits of the suitors quelled Cyllenian Hermes summoned forth and drew Down from the sunlight : in his hands he held Wand of pure gold, right beautiful to view, Even that wand which can men’s eyes subdue, Whomso he listeth in long sleep to cast, Or sleeping wake to breathe and feel anew. Therewith he led them : the ghosts gibbering fast Flocked with low whirr behind him, as adown he passed. 2 And as when bats, amid the far recess Of some great cave, flit gibbering and squeak low, If from the rock, where clusteringly they press, One fall away, and the long chain let go, While with soft whirr they huddle again; e’en so Clustered the dim ghosts gibbering in their fear, Whom Hermes, giver of all good below, On through the wide waste places, cold and drear, Down to the sunless land was leading void of cheer. 3 So were they led beyond the Ocean-streams, The White Rock, and the portals of the Sun, And past the dim land of the people of Dreams. Thence quick the fields of asphodel they won, Where souls of men, whose toils on earth are done, Dwell shadowy and phantasmal. There they found Soul of Patroclus, and of Peleus’ son, And Aias after him the fairest crowned For beauty, and the brave Antilochus renowned. 400 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV, 4 Thus after Hermes a thin shadowy host They came down clustering; and anear them drew Silent in sorrow Agamemnon’s ghost, Girt with the souls whom dark FEgisthus slew. Him, as he came, the son of Peleus knew, And spake : “ O child of Atreus, thee we thought Dearer to thundering Zeus thy whole life through Than all men, while in Troy such toils we wrought; Yea, for so many and brave round thee their captain fought. 5 “ Yet was the doom of Fate, which none can flee Of all earth’s mortals that have been and are, First in thine own land to alight on thee; So that in Troia it were happier far Crowned with full glory to have died in war. Then had the full host of Achaians all Entombed thee, and a fame, which none could mar, Come to thy child an heirloom in the hall. Now by a death most piteous thou wast doomed to fall.” 6 Soul of the son of Atreus him addressed : “ O lord Achilleus, like the gods on high, Hail, son of Peleus, above heroes blest, Who far from Argos didst in Troia die, With all the flower about thee falling nigh Of Ilion and Achaia, friend and foe; While, careless of thine old car-mastery, Thou, where the dust whirled eddying to and fro, A great man, large in death, wast mightily lying low! 7 “ All day we battled, nor at all through night Had rested, but that Zeus a hurricane sent. So to the ships we bare thee from the fight, Laid on a couch thy limbs magnificent, Cleansed with warm water and with oil, and bent In warm tears over thee, and shore our hair. From the sea-chambers with her sea-nvmphs went Thy mother, for the news came even there; Moved o’er the deep loud stirrings of an ominous air. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 401 8 “ Then on the host a trembling fear laid hold, And they had rushed in tumult to the fleet, But one man, versed in many things and old, Nestor, whose mind was ever the most discreet, Thus with good heart restrained their hurrying feet: ‘ Stay, sons of Argos, and hold back from flight! ’Tis but the mother from her ocean-seat, Who with her fair nymphs cometh up to-night, Her dear son to behold, who hath been slain in fight.’ 9 “ He spake, and the Achaians ceased from dread. And all the daughters of the old sea-king Stood round thee, and with tears bewailed their dead, And round thy form immortal robes did fling. There the nine Muses a sweet dirge did sing, Responsive each to other, and their cry Came on the army, both to serf and king; Nor could thy soul have seen a tearless eye, Sang with such power the Muse, and poured her voice on high. 10 “Ten days and seven, with all their space of night, Both gods and mortals we bewailed thee there. But on the morning of the eighteenth light We gave thee to the fire, and victims fair Slew round thee, sheep and oxen; and the air Hung sweet with smoke, thou burning in rich state Of robes divine, sweet honey, and unguents rare, While with a noise of arms about thee wait Horsemen alike and footmen; and the cry was great. 11 “At sunrise, when the fire had ceased to burn, Thy cinders white in oil and unmixed wine We gathered, and thy mother gave an urn All-golden, calling it the gift divine Of Dionysus, moulded from the mine By work-renowned Hephaestus : there abide The ashes of Patroclus, mixed with thine; Antilochus lies separate at thy side, Best loved of all thy comrades, when Patroclus died. 2 c 402 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 12 “ These with a glorious tomb we mounded o’er, We the divine host of Achaian men, Toward Hellespontus, on a beard of shore, Sign for all mariners afar to ken Now and hereafter. But thy mother then Asked of the gods, and offered prizes fair. I in the funeral-rites of many men Have borne my portion in the realms of air, When kings die, and the youths their manly games prepare ; “ Yet most I marvelled at the prizes brave Which (for the gods thee held exceeding dear) Silver-foot Thetis at thy funeral gave. So wast thou famous even on thy bier, And the whole world, Achilleus, shall revere Thy glory. As for me, when the long strife Was spun for ever, what had I to cheer ? Hard at my home Zeus direly reft my life, By hands of dark H5gisthus and my cursed wife.” 14 Thus mutually they talked; and near them drew Hermes the Argicide, still leading on Shades of the dead men, whom Odysseus slew. And they twain with amazement moved anon Straightforward ; and the soul of Atreus’ son Looked on them, and discerned amid the host Melantheus’ child, renowned Amphimedon, His guest-friend once on Ithaca’s rough coast, And unto him the first spake Agamemnon’s ghost : " Amphimedon, how sought ye this dark place, All of you picked men in the prime of life, Whom in a people one would choose for grace ? Did then Poseidon utter loud winds rife Against you, and with storms cut off your life ? Or on dry land, when ye had fled the deep, Did rude barbarians maim you in fell strife, And, as ye plundered their fat kine and sheep, Slay you, to save their city, and their wives to keep ? BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 403 16 I pray thee answer — for I boast to be Thy guest-friend; yea, remember how I came With Menelaus, chief divine, to thee, Urging Odysseus o’er the seas, to tame Proud Ilion in the dust, for that foul shame Wrought by the Trojan, a long grief to all! We the broad waves passed, and repassed the same, And a whole moon did wax and wane and fall, When with our arts we lured Odysseus from his hall.” 17 And the soul answered of Amphimedon : “ Atrides Agamemnon, glorious chief, Well I remember how these things were done; And now will I recount our evil grief, And how death came, as comes by night a thief. We of Odysseus’ wife the suitors were. She nor refused the marriage, nor was lief To crown it with fulfilment, but still bare Doom in her heart against us, and a fate unfair. 18 “Now of all others hearken this device Which in her mind the queen did frame. She reared There in her halls a mighty loom of price. Anon before the suitors she appeared, And said : ‘Young men, my suitors, what I feared Is come; divine Odysseus is no more : Woo ye, but leave my widowhood revered A little while, until my task is o’er, Lest my long-purposed work fall void for evermore. 19 “ ‘ I for Laertes weave a funeral-sheet Against the final debt that he must pay ; And I were shamed the Achaian dames to meet, Should the long slumber find but shroudless clay Of one who owned much lordship in his day.’ So did she speak amid the suitor-throng, And so persuaded our large heart gave way. Daily she weaved ; then, working grievous wrong, By night the woof unwound, with torches ranged along. 404 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 20 “ So for three years she prospered in her wile. But when the fourth came, with the seasons’ flight, One of her women, making known the guile, Showed us the queen unwinding in the night. So force, not will, constrained her to the right. When the whole sheet was woven on the loom, And like the moon or sun shone clean and white With splendour, then came by an evil doom Odysseus, whence I know not, to the swineherd’s home. 21 “ Thither by ship divine Odysseus’ son From sandy Pylos sailed; and when they two Had for the suitors evil schemes begun, Back to the far-famed town the prince withdrew First, and then after him Odysseus, who, Like to a poor old man in form and mien, Came with the swineherd, sad and pale to view; He, feebly creeping, on a staff did lean, And evil rags for raiment on his limbs were seen. 22 “ So on a sudden he appeared, and there None, from the eldest downward, knew the king. Hard words w r e gave, and hurlings, and rough fare; He in his own halls each unworthy thing Bore, and to patience his brave soul did bring. But when the counsel of high Zeus at last Inly aroused him, with his son the king Took the fair arms, and to the chamber passed, And there in secret laid them, and the bolts made fast. 2 3 “ He in shrewd craftiness his wife then bade Set for our strife the iron rings and bow, The fountain of our fate and murder sad. There miserably in might we failed, and lo ! None, from the eldest downward, drew the bow. But when it came into Odysseus’ hand, Then with one voice we sternly cried out No ! Nor willed him have it, though he oft demand. Telemachus alone did our fierce will withstand. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 405 24 “ So then divine Odysseus took the bow And strung it, and behold the shrill nerve sang, And flew the keen dart through the iron row. He with his weapon on the threshold sprang, Poured out the arrows, and the pavement rang. Peering with terrible eye, he first of all Antinous shot, who bowed with a dire clang; Then launched his death-bolts on the rest, who fall, One after one, thick corpses, in the shadowy hall. 25 “ Then that some god was on their side we found, When through the wide house, hot with rage, they pour, Turning about, and smite us, while a sound Rings, of heads crashing, and the earth runs gore. Such, Agamemnon, was the doom we bore; And, all uncared for, in the house we lie; Nor yet have tidings come to each one’s door, So that dear friends might wash our wounds, and cry Sad dirges for our fall—the meed of those that die.” 26 And Agamemnon’s spirit thus replied : “Now, wary-wise Odysseus, hail to thee, Who with much virtue hast regained thy bride. O the kind heart of pure Penelope ! O to her first one love how true was she ! Nought shall make dim the flower of her sweet fame For ever, but the gods unceasingly Shall to the earth’s inhabitants her name, Wide on the wings of song, with endless praise proclaim. 2 7 “ For she was not like Clytsemnestra found, False wife, the husband of her youth that slew, Making her name inherit an ill sound In earthly song for ever; for she drew On the whole sex of women, even the true, Bad fame, and caused them to partake her curse ! ” Thus, ’mid the dark womb of the earth, they two In Hades’ house did mutually converse, And he to Atreus’ son did all their doom rehearse. THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 28 But from the city went the others down, And to the good farm of Laertes came, Which long ago with toil he made his own. There stood the house, and round it passed a frame Of woodwork, and his few serfs in the same Ate, drank, and slumbered, as occasion pressed. And therein dwelt an old Sicilian dame, Who on the farm, were he at work or rest, Tended the old man well, and watched on his behest. 29 And brave Odysseus, when he came in sight, Turned to his son and servants, and thus spake : “Go ye, I pray you, to the house outright, And quickly of his swine the choicest take, And a rich feast against my coming make. But to my sire will I depart, and try If the remembrance in his mind awake, And he peruse me with a father’s eye, Or know me not; for now hath many a year gone by.” 30 He spake, and his own arms of warlike fame Then gave them, and the house they quickly won. He to the fruitful vineyard nearer came, Nor Dolius, nor a servant, nor a son Found, through the large estate as he went on. They, for the vineyard to the winds lay bare, Under the old man’s guidance now were gone Stones on the hill to gather here and there, That for their master’s vines a fence they might prepare. 31 Thus he his aged father, all alone, Found in the well-placed garden, with sad mien Weeding around a plant, and stooping down. Patched rags unseemly on his form were seen, And greaves upon his legs, now wasted lean, Lest the thorns tear him; on each hand a glove Working he wore, against the brambles keen, And on his locks a goatskin helm above, Feeding the long deep sorrow of a father’s love. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 407 Whom when divine Odysseus heeded there, Worn with old age, with many griefs opprest, Standing unseen behind a well-grown pear He shed tears, and debated which were best, Whether to fall upon his father’s breast And the whole story of his fate make clear, How from affliction, toil, and wide unrest, Safe he returned home in the twentieth year, Or first with words enquire, till all the truth appear. 33 And in his mind it seemed more gainful so, First with soul-piercing words to prove him there. The old man in his orchard, stooping low, Round the plant weeded; and his son came near And spake: “ Old man, thou art not slack to rear Thy fruit-trees, nor a fool in husbandry. Lives not a plant, fig, olive, vine, or pear, But thou with art hast trained it tenderly, Nor in thy garden-beds a drooping flower I see. 34 “ But now another thing will I declare, Nor thou, I pray, feel anger in thy breast. Thyself art husbanded with no good care, But marred with mean old age, and foully drest. ’Tis not for sloth thy master leaves thee prest With leanness and contempt; nor, as I ween, Aught slavish, and unworthy of the best, Or in thy form or stature, may be seen, But like a king thou seemest in thy face and mien. 35 “ Like one thou seemest who should bathe and eat And lie down softly—’tis an old man’s due. But now this tidings would I fain entreat, Who owns thy service, and this garden who ? And tell me also this, and tell me true: Is the land Ithaca, as one now said That met me ? who methinks scant manners knew, Nor stayed to hear me, nor my question read, Nor of my guest-friend told me, if alive or dead. 408 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 3 6 i “For I will tell thee what I have to say; Therefore observe, and to my tale give ear. At home, in my dear country, on a day A guest I entertained; and none more dear . Of strangers ever to my house came near. That man from Ithaca did claim his race, Sprung from a line whose rumour all men hear, And to Laertes his own birth did trace, Even the glorious son of lord Arkeisias. 37 “ Whom with fond heart I cherished as I could, And for a token of my courtesy Gave talents seven of gold, well-wrought and good, A bowl of silver, flowered, and fair to see, Twelve single cloaks, twelve robes of tapestry, Twelve costly tunics, and twelve mantles fair; And women, beautiful exceedingly, Whom he himself chose, in his train to bear, I gave him, four in all, who skilled in house-craft were.” 38 And to his son with tears the old man spake : “Friend, ’tis the land thou seekest; but abide Fierce men therein, who dire confusion make. And for the gifts which thou didst then provide, Vain were they all, and like himself have died. Were he in Ithaca alive this day, Large in requital were the gifts supplied, And much sweet kindness would he haste to pay. Such was the custom still, whoever came this way. 39 “ But come now, tell me this, and show me plain : How many seasons have now passed and gone Since thou thy hapless friend didst entertain, Whose life so miserably the Fates have spun, Thy friend, and, if I dream not, once my son ? Who from his own hath perished far away, Reft of his country, and no grave hath won; But torn by fishes in the deep he lay, Or to wild beasts and birds on land became a prey. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 409 40 “Nor were his mother and his sire decreed To shroud him for the burning, nor lament Their own dear child, the offspring of our seed ; No, nor the wife so goodly eminent In reason, riches, and a pure intent, Penelope herself, the dirge did cry Over her dear lord on the couch, nor bent To press the cold lip and the lightless eye, And the last rite fulfil, the meed of those that die. 41 “ But tell me truly, for I fain would know, Whence be thy parents, and thy country where, And where the bark, that o’er the wide sea-flow Thee with thy comrades to our island bare ? Or to some trader didst thou pay thy fare, Who set thee on our shore, and went his way? ” And answering spake the wise Odysseus there : “ Now the whole story thou dost bid me say, I will to thee set forth in order, as I may. 42 “ From Alybas I come, there lies my home, Child of Apheidas, Polypemon’s son, And I am named Eperitus. I roam By the god’s blast unwillingly sent on From Sicily ; my bark hath moorings won Beyond the city. Since he left our strand, Even Odysseus, four full years are gone. Good birds of omen flocked on his right hand, When, with a glad farewell, he gladly left the land. 43 “ And still within our heart expected we To mix in friendship, and fair gifts bestow, Vain promise, each on other.” Thus spake he; And on his father the black cloud of woe Came, and with both hands he began to throw Foul dust adown his white locks, groaning deep. And his son trembled, and fierce breath did blow, And, as the pulsing nostrils quiver and leap, Sprang to his sire, and spake, and kissed him, fain to weep. 4 io THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 44 “ I only am that man, my father dear, I only whom thou seekest: I at last Come to mine own land in the twentieth year. But cease thy groaning, and let tears be cast Far from thine eyes, for the old grief hath passed. No word of sorrow from thy lips let fall. For I will speak (and there is need of haste): Now have I slain those suitors in the hall; God made their own fierce deeds recoil upon them all.’’ 45 Then said Laertes, “ If thou art indeed Odysseus, my own child, returned from far, Show me a sign which I may clearly read.” He answered : “ First consider well this scar, Dug, where the deep glens of Parnassus are, By the boar’s tusk, when I had gone to see Autolycus my grandsire, ere the war, Thence to bring back what he had vowed to me, When to our house he came, fair largess and rich fee. 46 “ Hear the trees also, which with kindly speech Thou gav’st me, when a child I followed thee All through the orchard, and made suit for each. Thou, ’mid the long rows passing, tree by tree, Their name and nature didst explain to me. Ten apples, forty fig-trees, pears thirteen Thou gavest, adding, when fit time should be, Fifty fair rows of vines, with corn between, Where, by the ripe hours laden, the full grapes are seen.” 47 Then were the old man’s heart and knees unstrung, When he the tokens of his dear son knew; And round his neck with feeble arms he clung; Whom to his breast divine Odysseus drew Fainting and pale. But when the wonted hue Came to his lips, and he revived again, He answering spake : “O Zeus, if it be true That the proud suitors their full guerdon gain, Surely in far Olympus ye, the gods, yet reign ! BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 411 48 “ But now right sorely in my soul I fear Lest all the people come to make us die, And rouse the Cephallenians, when they hear.” And wary-wise Odysseus made reply : “ Take heart, my father; let thy fear pass by. But to the house come now, that we may dine; Near to the orchard is it; and I bade hie Telemachus, the herdsman of the kine, And swineherd, there with zeal to furnish food and wine.” 49 So they departed, having spoken thus. And, when they came into the mansion fair, They found the swineherd and Telemachus And herdsman of the kine, dividing there Choice meat in portions; and red wine they bear For mixing. But the old Sicilian dame Washed in his house the brave old man with care, And rubbed with glistening oil his aged frame; And in a robe of purple from the bath he came. 5 ° And near him stood Athene, and did touch His limbs, and made him larger than before, And grander; and his dear son marvelled much, And with rapt eyes perused him o’er and o’er, So like a semblance to the gods he wore, And at the last in winged words began : “ Some god, my father, who lives evermore, Sends thee a beautiful and blameless man Down from the bath; thy mien all wonderingly we scan.” 5 1 And wise Laertes did in answer say : “ O Father Zeus, Athene, Phoebus, hear ! Had I but in our house stood yesterday Such as men knew me when beyond the mere, Lord of the Cephallenians, I struck fear On Nericus, and all her bulwarks fell— Clothed in like power had I stood harnessed there, Soon had I fought the suitors, loosening well The knees of many, and made with glory thy heart swell! ” 412 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 5 2 Thus they conversed together ; and the rest, When they had ceased from labour and arrayed The board, sat couched in order to the feast, And on the banquet eager hands they laid. Then Dolius came, and all his sons, o’erweighed With hard work; for the old Sicilian dame, Their mother, called them, when the feast was made, Who with a tender service, void of blame, Cared for the old man’s wants, since age upon him came. 53 These, when Odysseus they beheld and knew, Stood there astonied at the door: but he Spake in mild voice, “ Old man, sit down, fall to; Spare to feel wonder : for a long time we Wait your arrival, and right hungry be.” He spake; but Dolius forward rushed, and cast Both arms about his lord’s neck lovingly, And on his wrist with tears imprinted fast Warm kisses, and thus spake in winged words at last: 54 “ O friend and master, who from far art come, Found to our joy, whom we despaired to find, Now by the gods brought safely to thy home, Hail, and rejoice, and may the gods be kind, And grant what thou desirest in thy mind ! But now resolve me this, that I may know, If to the wise queen thou hast yet consigned News of thy coming; or shall we now go Hence to her royal mansion, and the tidings show ? ” * 55 And wary-wise Odysseus answered there : “ Old man, these things unto my wife are known Why for such matters art thou fain to care ? ” He spake : the other to a burnished throne Passed, and reclined; and all his sons anon Press round the brave Odysseus, and him greet With hand outstretched, and voice of kindliest tone, Then by the aged Dolius take their seat ; And in the hall rejoicing they sit down to meat. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 4 5 6 Rumour the while, in passing up and down, Told of the suitors’ murder and black fate. All at the cry came hurrying through the town, Moaning and groaning, to Odysseus’ gate, And took their own dead, and with funeral state Entombed them; but the rest, each to his home, They send by fishers, ere the day wax late, In ships to the mainland, across the foam; Then to the council hasten, with their hearts in gloom. 57 And in the midst with tears uprising spake Eupeithes, who an unforgetful grief Nursed in his dear heart for Antinous’ sake, Slain ere his comrades by that noble chief: “Friends, a great work, and even past belief, This man against the Achaians hath now planned, Who with the flower of all our island-fief Went, to the ruin both of ships and band, And now the best hath slain in Cephallenia’s land. SS “Up, ere to Pylos the man sail with speed, Or divine Elis, where the Epeians sway; Up, lest for ever a mute life we lead, And go down branded to the future day ! Save that the murderers of our sons we slay, And of our brothers, ’twere not sweet to me Here in the sunlight on the earth to stay; Dead with the dead would I much gladlier be. Up, then, arise, and smite them, ere they cross the sea !” 59 Thus, pouring forth a fire of tears, he spake, And at his voice on each Achaian there Came down soft pity for the old man’s sake. Then from the palace of the king came near, And, where they sat, did in the midst appear Medon the herald and the bard divine, When now from sleep their eyes unsealed were, Each that beheld paused wondering for a sign, And with these words sage Medon did their ears incline : 4 T 4 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book XXIV. 60 “ Hearken, ye sons of Ithaca, this day ! Not without fate, nor in the gods’ despite, Death for these men did brave Odysseus lay. Myself beheld a god, immortal, bright, One like to Mentor in his mien and height, Stand near him; now would he shine forth and call Loud to the king, and cheer him on to fight, Now drive the huddling suitors, while they fall One after one, thick corpses, in the shadowy hall.” 61 He ceased, and all were taken with pale fear; And hero Halitherses, Mastor’s son, Spake in the midst: he only, a true seer, Saw in his mind things past and to be done: He now with goodwill in the midst begun : “ Hearken, ye sons of Ithaca, to me ! Know, by your own fault, O my friends, ye won This deed of vengeance which your eyes now see; What your own hands have sown ye now reap miserably. 62 “Vile were your sons, and ye restrained them not, Nor me nor Mentor would ye deign to hear. Careless ye saw them, and their crime forgot, Wasting a good man’s wealth, and year by year Dishonouring in the house his consort dear, While he, they vaunted, no return should know. Therefore now hearken, and my word revere— Neither be wroth against the man, nor go, Lest in the end ye feel a self-inflicted woe.” 6 3 He ceased; and more than half with uproar wild Rise for Eupeithes, and with one consent Rush to their arms, disdaining counsels mild. Flaming with brass before the gates they went, Led by Eupeithes, who with fond intent Thought dreadly to avenge Antinous slain, But now far other was to find the event, Himself not fated to return again, But to the earth go down, and his own doom sustain. BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 415 64 Then did Athene to Kronion call: “ Chiefest of thrones, great Kronides, our sire, Say, is it peace ? or must there yet befal War, and the peal of arms, and carnage dire ? ” Then to her answering spake the cloud-wrapt Sire : “ Child, ’twas thy counsel, the whole work is thine; Why come to me then, and my thought enquire ? Thou causedst that Odysseus, chief divine, Home should return, and slay them by the gods’ design. 6 5 “ Do what thou wilt; but hear what seemeth best. Since brave Odysseus hath the suitors paid, Come, let them strike a league, and therein rest, He to reign ever ; and we will cause to fade From their remembrance the great doom he laid On these their kinsmen ; till the land we fill With love, wealth, joy, and a long peace be made.’ 7 He spake; Athene, more impetuous still, Down in hot flight came rushing from Olympus hill. 66 But when desire of meat and wine had passed, Then the much-toiled divine Odysseus said : “ Some one look forth, if they be near at last ! ” He spake ; and forth a son of Dolius sped, Stood on the threshold, saw them near, and said: “ Arm ! they are near ! ”—and the king’s four anon Rushed to their arms, and six by Dolius led, His sons; e’en Dolius and Laertes don, Both grey with age, bright arms, by need of war driv’n on. 67 They, when their limbs are robed in flaming brass, Fling the doors open, in one band convene, And, with Odysseus at their head, forth pass. Near them Athene, child of Zeus, was seen, Like unto Mentor both in voice and mien. Glad was Odysseus, and addressed his son : “ Soon wilt thou prove, Telemachus, I ween, How amid warriors a great name is won, Nor shame thy sires, whose glory through the world hath gone.” 41 6 THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. [book xxiv. 68 And wise Telemachus addressed the king: “ Soon of a truth, dear father, shalt thou see That I no shame upon thy house will bring.” Heard him Laertes, and in joy spake he : “ O what a day, dear gods, is this for me, When son and grandson for the palm contend ! ” Near him Athene whispered : “ ’Tis for thee, Son of Arkeisias, and my dearest friend, Zeus and Athene praying, thy long spear to send.” 69 Thus spake Athene, and his soul grew hot, And to the virgin child of Zeus he prayed, And hurled the long spear, and Eupeithes shot Full in the helm, nor was the spear-head stayed Till through the brass an utter rent it made. Prone with a noise he fell, and his arms rang. Then rushed Odysseus, with his son to aid, And on the front rank lion-like they sprang, With spear and sword devouring, 'mid the war’s rude clang. 70 And now full soon had they destroyed them all, And from that field let none return again, But that Athene with loud voice did call, Daughter of Zeus, and all their host restrain : “ Ye sons of Ithaca, at last refrain Your minds from battle and rough hate severe ! Come, without blood let each his cause maintain, And a true sentence be decided here ! ” So did she speak, and all were taken with pale fear. 71 Forth flew their arms and fell to earth, when she Spake with her voice, for each man’s heart was gone ; And, hungry for their lives, they turn and flee. Then loud and far Odysseus cried anon, And, like an eagle of the clouds, came on With fell swoop, doubling up his strength ; and lo, Down from the heaven a flaming bolt there shone, Which Zeus Kronion in his wrath let go. Hard at Athene’s feet it fell, and she spake so: BOOK XXIV.] THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER. 417 72 “Zeus-born Odysseus, wise Laertiades, Hold now thy hand, and stop the doubtful sway Of battle, lest Kronion thou displease ! ” Thus spake Athene : he to heart did lay Her counsel mild, and with glad thought obey. Then did Athene, child of Zeus, rejoice, And a firm compact to the after-day She, like to Mentor both in mien and voice, Sealed for both sides, and they consented with free choice. THE END. PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS. 4 PA4025 •A5W9 13738 BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CH.ES NUT HILL, MASS. Books may b, kept for two weeks and may be renewed for he same period, unless re¬ served . Two cents a day is charged for each book kept overtime. If you cannot find what you want, ask the Librarian who will be glad to help you. The borrower is responsible for books drawn on his card and for all fines accruing on the same.