Odyssey

In Lacedæmon, large, and apt for dances,

ἡ δʼ εἰς εὐρύχορον Λακεδαίμονα Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Athenian Pallas her access advances

ᾤχετʼ, Ὀδυσσῆος μεγαθύμου φαίδιμον υἱὸν

Up to the great-in-soul Ulysses' seed,

νόστου ὑπομνήσουσα καὶ ὀτρυνέουσα νέεσθαι.

Suggesting his return now fit for deed.

εὗρε δὲ Τηλέμαχον καὶ Νέστορος ἀγλαὸν υἱὸν

She found both him and Nestor's noble son

εὕδοντʼ ἐν προδόμῳ Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο,

In bed, in front of that fair mansión,

ἦ τοι Νεστορίδην μαλακῷ δεδμημένον ὕπνῳ·

Nestorides surpris'd with pleasing sleep,

Τηλέμαχον δʼ οὐχ ὕπνος ἔχε γλυκύς, ἀλλʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

But on the watch Ulysses' son did keep,

νύκτα διʼ ἀμβροσίην μελεδήματα πατρὸς ἔγειρεν.

Sleep could not enter, cares did so excite

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

His soul, through all the solitary night,

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὐκέτι καλὰ δόμων ἄπο τῆλʼ ἀλάλησαι,

For his lov'd father. To him, near, she said:

κτήματά τε προλιπὼν ἄνδρας τʼ ἐν σοῖσι δόμοισιν

"Telemachus! 'Tis time that now were stay'd

οὕτω ὑπερφιάλους· μή τοι κατὰ πάντα φάγωσι

Thy foreign travels, since thy goods are free

κτήματα δασσάμενοι, σὺ δὲ τηϋσίην ὁδὸν ἔλθῃς.

For those proud men that all will eat from thee,

ἀλλʼ ὄτρυνε τάχιστα βοὴν ἀγαθὸν Μενέλαον

Divide thy whole possessións, and leave

πεμπέμεν, ὄφρʼ ἔτι οἴκοι ἀμύμονα μητέρα τέτμῃς.

Thy too-late presence nothing to receive.

ἤδη γάρ ῥα πατήρ τε κασίγνητοί τε κέλονται

Incite the shrill-voic'd Menelaus then,

Εὐρυμάχῳ γήμασθαι· ὁ γὰρ περιβάλλει ἅπαντας

To send thee to thy native seat again,

μνηστῆρας δώροισι καὶ ἐξώφελλεν ἔεδνα·

While thou mayst yet find in her honour strong

μή νύ τι σεῦ ἀέκητι δόμων ἐκ κτῆμα φέρηται.

Thy blameless mother, 'gainst thy fathers' wrong.

οἶσθα γὰρ οἷος θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι γυναικός·

For both the father, and the brothers too,

κείνου βούλεται οἶκον ὀφέλλειν ὅς κεν ὀπυίῃ,

Of thy lov'd mother, will not suffer so

παίδων δὲ προτέρων καὶ κουριδίοιο φίλοιο

Extended any more her widow's bed,

οὐκέτι μέμνηται τεθνηκότος οὐδὲ μεταλλᾷ.

But make her now her richest wooer wed,

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ ἐλθὼν αὐτὸς ἐπιτρέψειας ἕκαστα

Eurymachus, who chiefly may augment

δμῳάων ἥ τίς τοι ἀρίστη φαίνεται εἶναι,

Her gifts, and make her jointure eminent.

εἰς ὅ κέ τοι φήνωσι θεοὶ κυδρὴν παράκοιτιν.

And therefore haste thee, lest, in thy despite,

ἄλλο δέ τοί τι ἔπος ἐρέω, σὺ δὲ σύνθεο θυμῷ.

Thy house stand empty of thy native right.

μνηστήρων σʼ ἐπιτηδὲς ἀριστῆες λοχόωσιν

For well thou know'st what mind a woman bears;

ἐν πορθμῷ Ἰθάκης τε Σάμοιό τε παιπαλοέσσης.

The house of him, whoever she endears

ἱέμενοι κτεῖναι, πρὶν πατρίδα γαῖαν ἱκέσθαι.

Herself in nuptials to, she sees increas'd,

ἀλλὰ τά γʼ οὐκ ὀΐω· πρὶν καί τινα γαῖα καθέξει

The issue of her first lov'd lord deceas'd

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων, οἵ τοι βίοτον κατέδουσιν.

Forgotten quite, and never thought on more.

ἀλλὰ ἑκὰς νήσων ἀπέχειν εὐεργέα νῆα,

In thy return then, the re-counted store

νυκτὶ δʼ ὁμῶς πλείειν· πέμψει δέ τοι οὖρον ὄπισθεν

Thou find'st reserv'd, to thy most trusted maid

ἀθανάτων ὅς τίς σε φυλάσσει τε ῥύεταί τε.

Commit in guard, till Heav'n's Pow'rs have purvey'd

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν πρώτην ἀκτὴν Ἰθάκης ἀφίκηαι,

A wife, in virtue and in beauty's grace,

νῆα μὲν ἐς πόλιν ὀτρῦναι καὶ πάντας ἑταίρους,

Of fit sort for thee, to supply her place.

αὐτὸς δὲ πρώτιστα συβώτην εἰσαφικέσθαι,

And this note more I'll give thee, which repose

ὅς τοι ὑῶν ἐπίουρος, ὁμῶς δέ τοι ἤπια οἶδεν.

In sure remembrance: The best sort of those

ἔνθα δὲ νύκτʼ ἀέσαι· τὸν δʼ ὀτρῦναι πόλιν εἴσω

That woo thy mother watchful scouts address

ἀγγελίην ἐρέοντα περίφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ,

Both in the straits of th' Ithacensian seas,

οὕνεκά οἱ σῶς ἐσσὶ καὶ ἐκ Πύλου εἰλήλουθας.

And dusty Samos, with intent t' invade

ἡ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη πρὸς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον,

And take thy life, ere thy return be made.

αὐτὰρ ὁ Νεστορίδην ἐξ ἡδέος ὕπνου ἔγειρεν

Which yet I think will fail, and some of them

λὰξ ποδὶ κινήσας, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

That waste thy fortunes taste of that extreme

ἔγρεο, Νεστορίδη Πεισίστρατε, μώνυχας ἵππους

They plot for thee. But keep off far from shore,

ζεῦξον ὑφʼ ἅρματʼ ἄγων, ὄφρα πρήσσωμεν ὁδοῖο.

And day and night sail, for a fore-right blore,

τὸν δʼ αὖ Νεστορίδης Πεισίστρατος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Whoever of th' Immortals that vow guard

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὔ πως ἔστιν ἐπειγομένους περ ὁδοῖο

And 'scape to thy return, will see prepar'd.

νύκτα διὰ δνοφερὴν ἐλάαν· τάχα δʼ ἔσσεται ἠώς.

As soon as thou arriv'st, dismiss to town

ἀλλὰ μένʼ εἰς ὅ κε δῶρα φέρων ἐπιδίφρια θήῃ

Thy ship and men, and first of all make down

ἥρως Ἀτρείδης, δουρικλειτὸς Μενέλαος,

To him that keeps thy swine, and doth conceive

καὶ μύθοις ἀγανοῖσι παραυδήσας ἀποπέμψῃ.

A tender care to see thee well survive.

τοῦ γάρ τε ξεῖνος μιμνήσκεται ἤματα πάντα

There sleep; and send him to the town, to tell

ἀνδρὸς ξεινοδόκου, ὅς κεν φιλότητα παράσχῃ.

The chaste Penelopé, that safe and well

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτίκα δὲ χρυσόθρονος ἤλυθεν Ἠώς.

Thou liv'st in his charge, and that Pylos' sands

ἀγχίμολον δέ σφʼ ἦλθε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος,

The place contain'd from whence thy person lands."

ἀνστὰς ἐξ εὐνῆς, Ἑλένης πάρα καλλικόμοιο.

Thus she to large Olympus made ascent.

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησεν Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱός,

When with his heel a little touch he lent

σπερχόμενός ῥα χιτῶνα περὶ χροῒ σιγαλόεντα

To Nestor's son, whose sleep's sweet chains he loos'd,

δῦνεν, καὶ μέγα φᾶρος ἐπὶ στιβαροῖς βάλετʼ ὤμοις

Bad rise, and see in chariot inclos'd

ἥρως, βῆ δὲ θύραζε, παριστάμενος δὲ προσηύδα

Their one-hoof'd horse, that they might straight be gone.

Τηλέμαχος, φίλος υἱὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο·

"No such haste," he replied, "Night holds her throne,

Ἀτρεΐδη Μενέλαε διοτρεφές, ὄρχαμε λαῶν,

And dims all way to course of chariot.

ἤδη νῦν μʼ ἀπόπεμπε φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

The morn will soon get up. Nor see forgot

ἤδη γάρ μοι θυμὸς ἐέλδεται οἴκαδʼ ἱκέσθαι.

The gifts with haste, that will, I know, be rich,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·

And put into our coach with gracious speech

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὔ τί σʼ ἐγώ γε πολὺν χρόνον ἐνθάδʼ ἐρύξω

By lance-fam'd Menelaus. Not a guest

ἱέμενον νόστοιο· νεμεσσῶμαι δὲ καὶ ἄλλῳ

Shall touch at his house, but shall store his breast

With fit mind of an hospitable man,

To last as long as any daylight can

His eyes recomfort, in such gifts as he

Will proofs make of his hearty royalty."

He had no sooner said, but up arose

Aurora, that the golden hills repose.

And Menelaus, good-at-martial-cries,

From Helen's bed rais'd, to his guest applies

His first appearance. Whose repair made known

T' Ulysses' lov'd son, on his robe was thrown

About his gracious body, his cloak cast

Athwart his ample shoulders, and in haste

Abroad he went, and did the king accost:

"Atrides, guarded with heav'n's deified host,

Grant now remission to my native right,

My mind now urging mine own house's sight."

"Nor will I stay," said he, "thy person long,

Since thy desires to go are grown so strong.

I should myself be angry to sustain

The like detention urg'd by other men.

Who loves a guest past mean, past mean will hate,

The mean in all acts bears the best estate.

ἀνδρὶ ξεινοδόκῳ, ὅς κʼ ἔξοχα μὲν φιλέῃσιν,

A like ill 'tis, to thrust out such a guest

ἔξοχα δʼ ἐχθαίρῃσιν· ἀμείνω δʼ αἴσιμα πάντα.

As would not go, as to detain the rest.

ἶσόν τοι κακόν ἐσθʼ, ὅς τʼ οὐκ ἐθέλοντα νέεσθαι

We should a guest love, while he loves to stay,

ξεῖνον ἐποτρύνει καὶ ὃς ἐσσύμενον κατερύκει.

And, when he likes not, give him loving way.

χρὴ ξεῖνον παρεόντα φιλεῖν, ἐθέλοντα δὲ πέμπειν.

Yet suffer so, that we may gifts impose

ἀλλὰ μένʼ εἰς ὅ κε δῶρα φέρων ἐπιδίφρια θείω

In coach to thee; which ere our hands inclose,

καλά, σὺ δʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδῃς, εἴπω δὲ γυναιξὶ

Thine eyes shall see, lest else our loves may glose.

δεῖπνον ἐνὶ μεγάροις τετυκεῖν ἅλις ἔνδον ἐόντων.

Besides, I'll cause our women to prepare

ἀμφότερον, κῦδός τε καὶ ἀγλαΐη καὶ ὄνειαρ,

What our house yields, and merely so much fare

δειπνήσαντας ἴμεν πολλὴν ἐπʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν.

As may suffice for health. Both well will do,

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις τραφθῆναι ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα καὶ μέσον Ἄργος,

Both for our honour and our profit too.

ὄφρα τοι αὐτὸς ἕπωμαι, ὑποζεύξω δέ τοι ἵππους,

And, serving strength with food, you after may

ἄστεα δʼ ἀνθρώπων ἡγήσομαι· οὐδέ τις ἡμέας

As much earth measure as will match the clay.

αὔτως ἀππέμψει, δώσει δέ τι ἕν γε φέρεσθαι,

If you will turn your course from sea, and go

ἠέ τινα τριπόδων εὐχάλκων ἠὲ λεβήτων,

Through Greece and Argos (that myself may so

ἠὲ δύʼ ἡμιόνους ἠὲ χρύσειον ἄλεισον.

Keep kind way with thee) I'll join horse, and guide

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

T' our human cities. Nor ungratified

Ἀτρεΐδη Μενέλαε διοτρεφές, ὄρχαμε λαῶν,

Will anyone remit us; some one thing

βούλομαι ἤδη νεῖσθαι ἐφʼ ἡμέτερʼ· οὐ γὰρ ὄπισθεν

Will each present us, that along may bring

οὖρον ἰὼν κατέλειπον ἐπὶ κτεάτεσσιν ἐμοῖσιν·

Our pass with love, and prove our virtues blaz'd:

μὴ πατέρʼ ἀντίθεον διζήμενος αὐτὸς ὄλωμαι,

A caldron, or a tripod, richly-braz'd,

ἤ τί μοι ἐκ μεγάρων κειμήλιον ἐσθλὸν ὄληται.

Two mules, a bowl of gold, that hath his price

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τό γʼ ἄκουσε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος,

Heighten'd with emblems of some rare device."

αὐτίκʼ ἄρʼ ᾗ ἀλόχῳ ἠδὲ δμῳῇσι κέλευσε

The wise prince answer'd: "I would gladly go

δεῖπνον ἐνὶ μεγάροις τετυκεῖν ἅλις ἔνδον ἐόντων.

Home to mine own, and see that govern'd so

ἀγχίμολον δέ οἱ ἦλθε Βοηθοΐδης Ἐτεωνεύς,

That I may keep what I for certain hold,

ἀνστὰς ἐξ εὐνῆς, ἐπεὶ οὐ πολὺ ναῖεν ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ·

Not hazard that for only hop'd-for gold.

τὸν πῦρ κῆαι ἄνωγε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος

I left behind me none so all ways fit

ὀπτῆσαί τε κρεῶν· ὁ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἀπίθησεν ἀκούσας.

To give it guard, as mine own trust with it.

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐς θάλαμον κατεβήσετο κηώεντα,

Besides, in this broad course which you propose,

οὐκ οἶος, ἅμα τῷ γʼ Ἑλένη κίε καὶ Μεγαπένθης.

My father seeking I myself may lose."

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι κειμήλια κεῖτο,

When this the shrill-voic'd Menelaus heard,

Ἀτρεΐδης μὲν ἔπειτα δέπας λάβεν ἀμφικύπελλον,

He charg'd his queen and maids to see prepar'd

υἱὸν δὲ κρητῆρα φέρειν Μεγαπένθεʼ ἄνωγεν

Breakfast, of what the whole house held for best.

ἀργύρεον· Ἑλένη δὲ παρίστατο φωριαμοῖσιν,

To him rose Eteoneus from his rest,

ἔνθʼ ἔσαν οἱ πέπλοι παμποίκιλοι, οὓς κάμεν αὐτή.

Whose dwelling was not far off from the court,

τῶν ἕνʼ ἀειραμένη Ἑλένη φέρε, δῖα γυναικῶν,

And his attendance his command did sort

ὃς κάλλιστος ἔην ποικίλμασιν ἠδὲ μέγιστος,

With kindling fires, and furth'ring all the roast,

ἀστὴρ δʼ ὣς ἀπέλαμπεν· ἔκειτο δὲ νείατος ἄλλων.

In act of whose charge heard no time he lost.

βὰν δʼ ἰέναι προτέρω διὰ δώματος, ἧος ἵκοντο

Himself then to an odorous room descended,

Τηλέμαχον· τὸν δὲ προσέφη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·

Whom Megapenthe and his queen attended.

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἦ τοι νόστον, ὅπως φρεσὶ σῇσι μενοινᾷς,

Come to his treasury, a two-ear'd cup

ὥς τοι Ζεὺς τελέσειεν, ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης.

He choos'd of all, and made his son bear up

δώρων δʼ, ὅσσʼ ἐν ἐμῷ οἴκῳ κειμήλια κεῖται,

A silver bowl. The queen then taking stand

δώσω ὃ κάλλιστον καὶ τιμηέστατόν ἐστι.

Aside her chest, where by her own fair hand

δώσω τοι κρητῆρα τετυγμένον· ἀργύρεος δὲ

Lay vests of all hues wrought, she took out one

ἐστὶν ἅπας, χρυσῷ δʼ ἐπὶ χείλεα κεκράανται,

Most large, most artful, chiefly fair, and shone

ἔργον δʼ Ἡφαίστοιο· πόρεν δέ ἑ Φαίδιμος ἥρως,

Like to a star, and lay of all the last.

Σιδονίων βασιλεύς, ὅθʼ ἑὸς δόμος ἀμφεκάλυψε

Then through the house with either's gift they past;

κεῖσέ με νοστήσαντα· τεῒν δʼ ἐθέλω τόδʼ ὀπάσσαι.

When to Ulysses' son Atrides said:

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐν χειρὶ τίθει δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον

"Telemachus, since so entirely sway'd

ἥρως Ἀτρεΐδης· ὁ δʼ ἄρα κρητῆρα φαεινὸν

Thy thoughts are with thy vow'd return now tender'd,

θῆκʼ αὐτοῦ προπάροιθε φέρων κρατερὸς Μεγαπένθης,

May Juno's thund'ring husband see it render'd

ἀργύρεον· Ἑλένη δὲ παρίστατο καλλιπάρῃος

Perfect at all parts, action answ'ring thought.

πέπλον ἔχουσʼ ἐν χερσίν, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Of all the rich gifts, in my treasure sought,

δῶρόν τοι καὶ ἐγώ, τέκνον φίλε, τοῦτο δίδωμι,

I give thee here the most in grace and best.

μνῆμʼ Ἑλένης χειρῶν, πολυηράτου ἐς γάμου ὥρην,

A bowl but silver, yet the brim's comprest

σῇ ἀλόχῳ φορέειν· τῆος δὲ φίλῃ παρὰ μητρὶ

With gold, whose fabric his desert doth bring

κείσθω ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ. σὺ δέ μοι χαίρων ἀφίκοιο

From Vulcan's hand, presented by the king

οἶκον ἐϋκτίμενον καὶ σὴν ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

And great heroë of Sidonia's state,

ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἐν χερσὶ τίθει, ὁ δʼ ἐδέξατο χαίρων.

When at our parting he did consummate

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐς πείρινθα τίθει Πεισίστρατος ἥρως

His whole house-keeping. This do thou command."

δεξάμενος, καὶ πάντα ἑῷ θηήσατο θυμῷ·

This said, he put the round bowl in his hand,

τοὺς δʼ ἦγε πρὸς δῶμα κάρη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

And then his strong son Megapenthe plac'd

ἑζέσθην δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε.

The silver cup before him, amply grac'd

χέρνιβα δʼ ἀμφίπολος προχόῳ ἐπέχευε φέρουσα

With work and lustre. Helen (standing by,

καλῇ χρυσείῃ, ὑπὲρ ἀργυρέοιο λέβητος,

And in her hand the robe, her housewifery)

νίψασθαι· παρὰ δὲ ξεστὴν ἐτάνυσσε τράπεζαν.

His name rememb'ring, said: "And I present,

σῖτον δʼ αἰδοίη ταμίη παρέθηκε φέρουσα·

Lov'd son, this gift to thee, the monument

εἴδατα πόλλʼ ἐπιθεῖσα, χαριζομένη παρεόντων·

Of the so-many-lovéd Helen's hands,

Which, at the knitting of thy nuptial bands,

Present thy wife. In mean space, may it lie

By thy lov'd mother; but to me apply

Thy pleasure in it, and thus take thy way

To thy fair house, and country's wishéd stay."

Thus gave she to his hands the veil, and he

The acceptation author'd joyfully.

Which in the chariot's chest Pisistratus

Plac'd with the rest, and held miraculous.

The yellow-headed king then led them all

To seats and thrones plac'd in his spacious hall.

The hand-maid water brought, and gave it stream

From out a fair and golden ewer to them,

From whose hands to a silver caldron fled

The troubled wave. A bright board then she spread,

On which another rev'rend dame set bread.

To which more servants store of victuals serv'd.

Eteonëus was the man that kerv'd,

And Megapenthe fill'd them all their wine.

All fed and drank, till all felt care decline

For those refreshings. Both the guests did go

πὰρ δὲ Βοηθοΐδης κρέα δαίετο καὶ νέμε μοίρας·

To horse, and coach, and forth the portico

οἰνοχόει δʼ υἱὸς Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο.

A little issued, when the yellow King

οἱ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

Brought wine himself, that, with an offering

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

To all the Gods, they might their journey take.

δὴ τότε Τηλέμαχος καὶ Νέστορος ἀγλαὸς υἱὸς

He stood before the Gods, and thus he spake:

ἵππους τε ζεύγνυντʼ ἀνά θʼ ἅρματα ποικίλʼ ἔβαινον,

"Farewell young Princes! To grave Nestor's ear

ἐκ δʼ ἔλασαν προθύροιο καὶ αἰθούσης ἐριδούπου.

This salutation from my gratitude bear:

τοὺς δὲ μετʼ Ἀτρεΐδης ἔκιε ξανθὸς Μενέλαος,

That I profess, in all our Ilion wars,

οἶνον ἔχων ἐν χειρὶ μελίφρονα δεξιτερῆφι,

He stood a careful father to my cares."

ἐν δέπαϊ χρυσέῳ, ὄφρα λείψαντε κιοίτην.

To whom the wise Ulyssides replied:

στῆ δʼ ἵππων προπάροιθε, δεδισκόμενος δὲ προσηύδα·

"With all our utmost shall be signified,

χαίρετον, ὦ κούρω, καὶ Νέστορι ποιμένι λαῶν

Jove-kept Atrides, your right royal will;

εἰπεῖν· ἦ γὰρ ἐμοί γε πατὴρ ὣς ἤπιος ἦεν,

And would to God, I could as well fulfill

ἧος ἐνὶ Τροίῃ πολεμίζομεν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

Mine own mind's gratitude, for your free grace,

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

In telling to Ulysses, in the place

καὶ λίην κείνῳ γε, διοτρεφές, ὡς ἀγορεύεις,

Of my return, in what accomplish'd kind

πάντα τάδʼ ἐλθόντες καταλέξομεν· αἲ γὰρ ἐγὼν ὣς

I have obtain'd the office of a friend

νοστήσας Ἰθάκηνδε, κιχὼν Ὀδυσῆʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

At your deservings; whose fair end you crown

εἴποιμʼ ὡς παρὰ σεῖο τυχὼν φιλότητος ἁπάσης

With gifts so many, and of such renown!"

ἔρχομαι, αὐτὰρ ἄγω κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλά.

His wish, that he might find in his retreat

ὣς ἄρα οἱ εἰπόντι ἐπέπτατο δεξιὸς ὄρνις,

His father safe return'd (to so repeat

αἰετὸς ἀργὴν χῆνα φέρων ὀνύχεσσι πέλωρον,

The king's love to him) was saluted thus:

ἥμερον ἐξ αὐλῆς· οἱ δʼ ἰΰζοντες ἕποντο

An eagle rose, and in her seres did truss

ἀνέρες ἠδὲ γυναῖκες· ὁ δέ σφισιν ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

A goose, all-white, and huge, a household one,

δεξιὸς ἤϊξε πρόσθʼ ἵππων· οἱ δὲ ἰδόντες

Which men and women, crying out upon,

γήθησαν, καὶ πᾶσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἰάνθη.

Pursued, but she, being near the guests, her flight

τοῖσι δὲ Νεστορίδης Πεισίστρατος ἤρχετο μύθων·

Made on their right hand, and kept still fore-right

φράζεο δή, Μενέλαε διοτρεφές, ὄρχαμε λαῶν,

Before their horses; which observ'd by them,

ἢ νῶϊν τόδʼ ἔφηνε θεὸς τέρας ἦε σοὶ αὐτῷ.

The spirits in all their minds took joys extreme,

ὣς φάτο, μερμήριξε δʼ ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος,

Which Nestor's son thus question'd: "Jove-kept king,

ὅππως οἱ κατὰ μοῖραν ὑποκρίναιτο νοήσας.

Yield your grave thoughts, if this ostentful thing

τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη τανύπεπλος ὑποφθαμένη φάτο μῦθον·

(This eagle, and this goose) touch us, or you?"

κλῦτέ μευ· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μαντεύσομαι, ὡς ἐνὶ θυμῷ

He put to study, and not knowing how

ἀθάνατοι βάλλουσι καὶ ὡς τελέεσθαι ὀΐω.

To give fit answer, Helen took on her

ὡς ὅδε χῆνʼ ἥρπαξʼ ἀτιταλλομένην ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Th' ostent's solution, and did this prefer:

ἐλθὼν ἐξ ὄρεος, ὅθι οἱ γενεή τε τόκος τε,

"Hear me, and I will play the prophet's part,

ὣς Ὀδυσεὺς κακὰ πολλὰ παθὼν καὶ πόλλʼ ἐπαληθεὶς

As the Immortals cast it in my heart,

οἴκαδε νοστήσει καὶ τίσεται· ἠὲ καὶ ἤδη

And as, I think, will make the true sense known:

οἴκοι, ἀτὰρ μνηστῆρσι κακὸν πάντεσσι φυτεύει.

As this Jove's bird, from out the mountains flown,

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

(Where was her eyrie, and whence rose her race,)

οὕτω νῦν Ζεὺς θείη, ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης·

Truss'd up this goose, that from the house did graze,

τῷ κέν τοι καὶ κεῖθι θεῷ ὣς εὐχετοῴμην.

So shall Ulysses, coming from the wild

ἦ καὶ ἐφʼ ἵπποιϊν μάστιν βάλεν· οἱ δὲ μάλʼ ὦκα

Of seas and suff'rings, reach, unreconcil'd,

ἤϊξαν πεδίονδε διὰ πτόλιος μεμαῶτες.

His native home, where ev'n this hour he is,

οἱ δὲ πανημέριοι σεῖον ζυγὸν ἀμφὶς ἔχοντες.

And on those house-fed Wooers those wrongs of his

δύσετό τʼ ἠέλιος σκιόωντό τε πᾶσαι ἀγυιαί·

Will shortly wreak, with all their miseries."

ἐς Φηρὰς δʼ ἵκοντο Διοκλῆος ποτὶ δῶμα,

"O," said Telemachus, "if Saturnian Jove

υἱέος Ὀρτιλόχοιο, τὸν Ἀλφειὸς τέκε παῖδα.

To my desires thy dear presage approve,

ἔνθα δὲ νύκτʼ ἄεσαν ὁ δὲ τοῖς πὰρ ξείνια θῆκεν.

When I arrive, I will perform to thee

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

My daily vows, as to a Deity."

ἵππους τε ζεύγνυντʼ ἀνά θʼ ἅρματα ποικίλʼ ἔβαινον,

This said, he us'd his scourge upon the horse,

ἐκ δʼ ἔλασαν προθύροιο καὶ αἰθούσης ἐριδούπου·

That through the city freely made their course

μάστιξεν δʼ ἐλάαν, τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἄκοντε πετέσθην.

To field, and all day made that first speed good.

αἶψα δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἵκοντο Πύλου αἰπὺ πτολίεθρον·

But when the sun set, and obscureness stood

καὶ τότε Τηλέμαχος προσεφώνεε Νέστορος υἱόν·

In each man's way, they ended their access

Νεστορίδη, πῶς κέν μοι ὑποσχόμενος τελέσειας

At Pheras, in the house of Diocles,

μῦθον ἐμόν; ξεῖνοι δὲ διαμπερὲς εὐχόμεθʼ εἶναι

Son to Orsilochus, Alphëus' seed,

ἐκ πατέρων φιλότητος, ἀτὰρ καὶ ὁμήλικές εἰμεν·

Who gave them guest-rites; and sleep's natural need

ἥδε δʼ ὁδὸς καὶ μᾶλλον ὁμοφροσύνῃσιν ἐνήσει.

They that night served there. When Aurora rose,

μή με παρὲξ ἄγε νῆα, διοτρεφές, ἀλλὰ λίπʼ αὐτοῦ,

They join'd their horse, took coach, and did dispose

μή μʼ ὁ γέρων ἀέκοντα κατάσχῃ ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Their course for Pylos; whose high city soon

ἱέμενος φιλέειν· ἐμὲ δὲ χρεὼ θᾶσσον ἱκέσθαι.

They reach'd. Nor would Telemachus be won

ὣς φάτο, Νεστορίδης δʼ ἄρʼ ἑῷ συμφράσσατο θυμῷ,

To Nestor's house, and therefore order'd thus

ὅππως οἱ κατὰ μοῖραν ὑποσχόμενος τελέσειεν.

His speech to Nestor's son, Pisistratus:

ὧδε δέ οἱ φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι·

"How shall I win thy promise to a grace

στρέψʼ ἵππους ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν καὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης,

That I must ask of thee? We both embrace

νηῒ δʼ ἐνὶ πρύμνῃ ἐξαίνυτο κάλλιμα δῶρα,

The names of bed-fellows, and in that name

ἐσθῆτα χρυσόν τε, τά οἱ Μενέλαος ἔδωκε·

Will glory as an adjunct of our fame;

καί μιν ἐποτρύνων ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Our fathers' friendship, our own equal age,

And our joint travel, may the more engage

Our mutual concord. Do not then assay,

My God-lov'd friend, to lead me from my way

To my near ship, but take a course direct

And leave me there, lest thy old sire's respect,

In his desire to love me, hinder so

My way for home, that have such need to go."

This said, Nestorides held all discourse

In his kind soul, how best he might enforce

Both promise and performance; which, at last;

He vow'd to venture, and directly cast

His horse about to fetch the ship and shore.

Where come, his friends' most lovely gifts he bore

Aboard the ship, and in her hind-deck plac'd

The veil that Helen's curious hand had grac'd,

And Menelaus' gold, and said: "Away,

Nor let thy men, in any least date, stay,

But quite put off, ere I get home, and tell

The old duke, you are past; for passing well

I know his mind to so exceed all force

Of any pray'r, that he will stay your course,

Himself make hither, all your course call back,

σπουδῇ νῦν ἀνάβαινε κέλευέ τε πάντας ἑταίρους,

And, when he hath you, have no thought to rack

πρὶν ἐμὲ οἴκαδʼ ἱκέσθαι ἀπαγγεῖλαί τε γέροντι.

Him from his bounty, and to let you part

εὖ γὰρ ἐγὼ τόδε οἶδα κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν·

Without a present, but be vex'd at heart

οἷος κείνου θυμὸς ὑπέρβιος, οὔ σε μεθήσει,

With both our pleadings, if we once put move

ἀλλʼ αὐτὸς καλέων δεῦρʼ εἴσεται, οὐδέ ἕ φημι

The least repression of his fiery love."

ἂψ ἰέναι κενεόν· μάλα γὰρ κεχολώσεται ἔμπης.

Thus took he coach, his fair-man'd steeds scourg'd on

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἔλασεν καλλίτριχας ἵππους

Along the Pylian city, and anon

ἂψ Πυλίων εἰς ἄστυ, θοῶς δʼ ἄρα δώμαθʼ ἵκανε.

His father's court reach'd; while Ulysses' son

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἐποτρύνων ἐκέλευσεν·

Bade board, and arm; which with a thought was done.

ἐγκοσμεῖτε τὰ τεύχεʼ, ἑταῖροι, νηῒ μελαίνῃ,

His rowers set, and he rich odours firing

αὐτοί τʼ ἀμβαίνωμεν, ἵνα πρήσσωμεν ὁδοῖο.

In his hind-deck, for his secure retiring,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδʼ ἐπίθοντο,

To great Athenia, to his ship came flying

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ εἴσβαινον καὶ ἐπὶ κληῗσι καθῖζον.

A stranger, and a prophet, as relying

ἦ τοι ὁ μὲν τὰ πονεῖτο καὶ εὔχετο, θῦε δʼ Ἀθήνῃ

On wishéd passage, having newly slain

νηῒ πάρα πρυμνῇ· σχεδόθεν δέ οἱ ἤλυθεν ἀνὴρ

A man at Argos, yet his race's vein

τηλεδαπός, φεύγων ἐξ Ἄργεος ἄνδρα κατακτάς,

Flow'd from Melampus, who in former date

μάντις· ἀτὰρ γενεήν γε Μελάμποδος ἔκγονος ἦεν,

In Pylos liv'd, and had a huge estate,

ὃς πρὶν μέν ποτʼ ἔναιε Πύλῳ ἔνι, μητέρι μήλων,

But fled his country, and the punishing hand

ἀφνειὸς Πυλίοισι μέγʼ ἔξοχα δώματα ναίων·

Of great-soul'd Neleus, in a foreign land,

δὴ τότε γʼ ἄλλων δῆμον ἀφίκετο, πατρίδα φεύγων

From that most famous mortal, having held

Νηλέα τε μεγάθυμον, ἀγαυότατον ζωόντων,

A world of riches, nor could be compell'd

ὅς οἱ χρήματα πολλὰ τελεσφόρον εἰς ἐνιαυτὸν

To render restitution in a year.

εἶχε βίῃ. ὁ δὲ τῆος ἐνὶ μεγάροις Φυλάκοιο

In mean space, living as close prisoner

δεσμῷ ἐν ἀργαλέῳ δέδετο, κρατέρʼ ἄλγεα πάσχων

In court of Phylacus, and for the sake

εἵνεκα Νηλῆος κούρης ἄτης τε βαρείης,

Of Neleus' daughter mighty cares did take,

τήν οἱ ἐπὶ φρεσὶ θῆκε θεὰ δασπλῆτις Ἐρινύς.

Together with a grievous languor sent

ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἔκφυγε κῆρα καὶ ἤλασε βοῦς ἐριμύκους

From grave Erinnys, that did much torment

ἐς Πύλον ἐκ Φυλάκης καὶ ἐτίσατο ἔργον ἀεικὲς

His vexéd conscience; yet his life's expence

ἀντίθεον Νηλῆα, κασιγνήτῳ δὲ γυναῖκα

He scap'd, and drave the loud-voiced oxen thence,

ἠγάγετο πρὸς δώμαθʼ. ὁ δʼ ἄλλων ἵκετο δῆμον,

To breed-sheep Pylos, bringing vengeance thus

Ἄργος ἐς ἱππόβοτον· τόθι γάρ νύ οἱ αἴσιμον ἦεν

Her foul demerit to great Neleüs,

ναιέμεναι πολλοῖσιν ἀνάσσοντʼ Ἀργείοισιν

And to his brother's house reduc'd his wife.

ἔνθα δʼ ἔγημε γυναῖκα καὶ ὑψερεφὲς θέτο δῶμα,

Who yet from Pylos did remove his life

γείνατο δʼ Ἀντιφάτην καὶ Μάντιον, υἷε κραταιώ.

For feed-horse Argos, where his fate set down

Ἀντιφάτης μὲν ἔτικτεν Ὀϊκλῆα μεγάθυμον,

A dwelling for him, and in much renown

αὐτὰρ Ὀϊκλείης λαοσσόον Ἀμφιάραον,

Made govern many Argives, where a spouse

ὃν περὶ κῆρι φίλει Ζεύς τʼ αἰγίοχος καὶ Ἀπόλλων

He took to him, and built a famous house.

παντοίην φιλότητʼ· οὐδʼ ἵκετο γήραος οὐδόν,

There had he born to him Antiphates,

ἀλλʼ ὄλετʼ ἐν Θήβῃσι γυναίων εἵνεκα δώρων.

And forceful Mantius. To the first of these

τοῦ δʼ υἱεῖς ἐγένοντʼ Ἀλκμαίων Ἀμφίλοχός τε.

Was great Oïcleus born: Oïcleus gat

Μάντιος αὖ τέκετο Πολυφείδεά τε Κλεῖτόν τε·

Amphiaraus, that the popular state

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι Κλεῖτον χρυσόθρονος ἥρπασεν Ἠὼς

Had all their health in, whom ev'n from his heart

κάλλεος εἵνεκα οἷο, ἵνʼ ἀθανάτοισι μετείη·

Jove lov'd, and Phœbus in the whole desert

αὐτὰρ ὑπέρθυμον Πολυφείδεα μάντιν Ἀπόλλων

Of friendship held him; yet not bless'd so much

θῆκε βροτῶν ὄχʼ ἄριστον, ἐπεὶ θάνεν Ἀμφιάραος·

That age's threshold he did ever touch,

ὅς ῥʼ Ὑπερησίηνδʼ ἀπενάσσατο πατρὶ χολωθείς,

But lost his life by female bribery.

ἔνθʼ ὅ γε ναιετάων μαντεύετο πᾶσι βροτοῖσιν.

Yet two sons author'd his posterity,

τοῦ μὲν ἄρʼ υἱὸς ἐπῆλθε, Θεοκλύμενος δʼ ὄνομʼ ἦεν,

Alcmæon, and renown'd Amphilochus.

ὃς τότε Τηλεμάχου πέλας ἵστατο· τὸν δʼ ἐκίχανεν

Mantius had issue Polyphidius,

σπένδοντʼ εὐχόμενόν τε θοῇ παρὰ νηῒ μελαίνῃ,

And Clytus, but Aurora ravish'd him,

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

For excellence of his admiréd limb,

ὦ φίλʼ, ἐπεί σε θύοντα κιχάνω τῷδʼ ἐνὶ χώρῳ,

And interested him amongst the Gods.

λίσσομʼ ὑπὲρ θυέων καὶ δαίμονος, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

His brother knew men's good and bad abodes

σῆς τʼ αὐτοῦ κεφαλῆς καὶ ἑταίρων, οἵ τοι ἕπονται,

The best of all men, after the decease

εἰπέ μοι εἰρομένῳ νημερτέα μηδʼ ἐπικεύσῃς·

Of him that perish'd in unnatural peace

τίς πόθεν εἶς ἀνδρῶν; πόθι τοι πόλις ἠδὲ τοκῆες;

At spacious Thebes. Apollo did inspire

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

His knowing soul with a prophetic fire.

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, ξεῖνε, μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορεύσω.

Who, angry with his father, took his way

ἐξ Ἰθάκης γένος εἰμί, πατὴρ δέ μοί ἐστιν Ὀδυσσεύς,

To Hyperesia; where, making stay,

εἴ ποτʼ ἔην· νῦν δʼ ἤδη ἀπέφθιτο λυγρῷ ὀλέθρῳ.

He prophesied to all men, and had there

τοὔνεκα νῦν ἑτάρους τε λαβὼν καὶ νῆα μέλαιναν

A son call'd Theoclymenus, who here

ἦλθον πευσόμενος πατρὸς δὴν οἰχομένοιο.

Came to Telemachus, and found aboard

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

Himself at sacrifice, whom in a word

οὕτω τοι καὶ ἐγὼν ἐκ πατρίδος, ἄνδρα κατακτὰς

He thus saluted: "O friend, since I find,

ἔμφυλον· πολλοὶ δὲ κασίγνητοί τε ἔται τε

Ev'n here at ship, a sacrificing mind

Ἄργος ἀνʼ ἱππόβοτον, μέγα δὲ κρατέουσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

Inform your actions, by your sacrifice,

τῶν ὑπαλευάμενος θάνατον καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν

And by that worthy choice of Deities

φεύγω, ἐπεί νύ μοι αἶσα κατʼ ἀνθρώπους ἀλάλησθαι.

To whom you offer, by yourself, and all

ἀλλά με νηὸς ἔφεσσαι, ἐπεί σε φυγὼν ἱκέτευσα,

These men that serve your course maritimal,

μή με κατακτείνωσι· διωκέμεναι γὰρ ὀΐω.

Tell one that asks the truth, nor give it glose,

Both who, and whence, you are? From what seed rose

Your royal person? And what city's tow'rs

Hold habitation to your parents' pow'rs?"

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

I am of Ithaca; my father is

(Or was) Ulysses, but austere death now

Takes his state from him; whose event to know

Himself being long away, I set forth thus

With ship and soldiers." Theoclymenus

As freely said: "And I to thee am fled

From forth my country, for a man struck dead

By my unhappy hand, who was with me

Of one self-tribe, and of his pedigree

Are many friends and brothers, and the sway

Of Achive kindred reacheth far away.

From whom, because I fear their spleens suborn

Blood and black fate against me (being born

To be a wand'rer among foreign men)

Make thy fair ship my rescue, and sustain

My life from slaughter. Thy deservings may

Perform that mercy, and to them I pray."

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

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

My means and equal ship thy aid, but take

οὐ μὲν δή σʼ ἐθέλοντά γʼ ἀπώσω νηὸς ἐΐσης,

(With what we have here, in all friendly use)

ἀλλʼ ἕπευ· αὐτὰρ κεῖθι φιλήσεαι, οἷά κʼ ἔχωμεν.

Thy life from any violence that pursues."

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας οἱ ἐδέξατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Thus took he in his lance, and it extended

καὶ τό γʼ ἐπʼ ἰκριόφιν τάνυσεν νεὸς ἀμφιελίσσης·

Aloft the hatches, which himself ascended.

ἂν δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς νηὸς ἐβήσετο ποντοπόροιο.

The prince took seat at stern, on his right hand

ἐν πρύμνῃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα καθέζετο, πὰρ δὲ οἷ αὐτῷ

Set Theoclymenus, and gave command

εἷσε Θεοκλύμενον· τοὶ δὲ πρυμνήσιʼ ἔλυσαν.

To all his men to arm, and see made fast

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἐποτρύνας ἐκέλευσεν

Amidst the hollow keel the beechen mast

ὅπλων ἅπτεσθαι· τοὶ δʼ ἐσσυμένως ἐπίθοντο.

With able halsers, hoise sail, launch; which soon

ἱστὸν δʼ εἰλάτινον κοίλης ἔντοσθε μεσόδμης

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

στῆσαν ἀείραντες, κατὰ δὲ προτόνοισιν ἔδησαν,

A merry course; blue-eyed Minerva sent

ἕλκον δʼ ἱστία λευκὰ ἐϋστρέπτοισι βοεῦσι.

A fore-right gale, tumultuous, vehement,

τοῖσιν δʼ ἴκμενον οὖρον ἵει γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

Along the air, that her way's utmost yield

λάβρον ἐπαιγίζοντα διʼ αἰθέρος, ὄφρα τάχιστα

The ship might make, and plough the brackish field.

νηῦς ἀνύσειε θέουσα θαλάσσης ἁλμυρὸν ὕδωρ.

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

βὰν δὲ παρὰ Κρουνοὺς καὶ Χαλκίδα καλλιρέεθρον.

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

δύσετό τʼ ἠέλιος σκιόωντό τε πᾶσαι ἀγυιαί·

Fetch'd Pheras first, then Elis the divine,

ἡ δὲ Φεὰς ἐπέβαλλεν ἐπειγομένη Διὸς οὔρῳ

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

ἠδὲ παρʼ Ἤλιδα δῖαν, ὅθι κρατέουσιν Ἐπειοί.

For form and sharpness like a lance's head,

ἔνθεν δʼ αὖ νήσοισιν ἐπιπροέηκε θοῇσιν,

About which lay the Wooers ambushéd;

ὁρμαίνων ἤ κεν θάνατον φύγοι ἦ κεν ἁλώῃ.

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

τὼ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐν κλισίῃ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ δῖος ὑφορβὸς

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

δορπείτην· παρὰ δέ σφιν ἐδόρπεον ἀνέρες ἄλλοι.

And now return we to Eumæus' shed,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

Where, at their food with others marshalléd,

τοῖς δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μετέειπε, συβώτεω πειρητίζων,

Ulysses and his noble herdsman sate.

ἤ μιν ἔτʼ ἐνδυκέως φιλέοι μεῖναί τε κελεύοι

To try if whose love's curious estate

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ σταθμῷ, ἦ ὀτρύνειε πόλινδε·

Stood firm to his abode, or felt it fade,

κέκλυθι νῦν, Εὔμαιε, καὶ ἄλλοι πάντες ἑταῖροι·

And so would take each best cause to persuade

ἠῶθεν προτὶ ἄστυ λιλαίομαι ἀπονέεσθαι

His guest to town, Ulysses thus contends:

πτωχεύσων, ἵνα μή σε κατατρύχω καὶ ἑταίρους.

"Hear me, Eumæus, and ye other friends.

ἀλλά μοι εὖ θʼ ὑπόθευ καὶ ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνʼ ἐσθλὸν ὄπασσον

Next morn to town I covet to be gone,

ὅς κέ με κεῖσʼ ἀγάγῃ· κατὰ δὲ πτόλιν αὐτὸς ἀνάγκῃ

To beg some others' alms, not still charge one.

πλάγξομαι, αἴ κέν τις κοτύλην καὶ πύρνον ὀρέξῃ.

Advise me well then, and as well provide

καί κʼ ἐλθὼν πρὸς δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

I may be fitted with an honest guide,

ἀγγελίην εἴποιμι περίφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ,

For through the streets, since need will have it so,

καί κε μνηστήρεσσιν ὑπερφιάλοισι μιγείην,

I'll tread, to try if any will bestow

εἴ μοι δεῖπνον δοῖεν ὀνείατα μυρίʼ ἔχοντες.

A dish of drink on me, or bit of bread,

αἶψά κεν εὖ δρώοιμι μετὰ σφίσιν ἅσσʼ ἐθέλοιεν.

Till to Ulysses' house I may be led;

ἐκ γάρ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δὲ σύνθεο καί μευ ἄκουσον·

And there I'll tell all-wise Penelope news,

Ἑρμείαο ἕκητι διακτόρου, ὅς ῥά τε πάντων

Mix with the Wooers' pride, and, since they use

ἀνθρώπων ἔργοισι χάριν καὶ κῦδος ὀπάζει,

To fare above the full, their hands excite

δρηστοσύνῃ οὐκ ἄν μοι ἐρίσσειε βροτὸς ἄλλος,

To some small feast from out their infinite:

πῦρ τʼ εὖ νηῆσαι διά τε ξύλα δανὰ κεάσσαι,

For which, I'll wait, and play the servingman,

δαιτρεῦσαί τε καὶ ὀπτῆσαι καὶ οἰνοχοῆσαι,

Fairly enough, command the most they can.

οἷά τε τοῖς ἀγαθοῖσι παραδρώωσι χέρηες.

For I will tell thee, note me well, and hear,

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

That, if the will be of Heav'n's Messenger,

ὤ μοι, ξεῖνε, τίη τοι ἐνὶ φρεσὶ τοῦτο νόημα

(Who to the works of men, of any sort,

ἔπλετο; ἦ σύ γε πάγχυ λιλαίεαι αὐτόθʼ ὀλέσθαι.

Can grace infuse, and glory) nothing short

εἰ δὴ μνηστήρων ἐθέλεις καταδῦναι ὅμιλον,

Am I of him, that doth to most aspire

τῶν ὕβρις τε βίη τε σιδήρεον οὐρανὸν ἵκει.

In any service, as to build a fire,

οὔ τοι τοιοίδʼ εἰσὶν ὑποδρηστῆρες ἐκείνων,

To cleave sere wood, to roast or boil their meat,

ἀλλὰ νέοι, χλαίνας εὖ εἱμένοι ἠδὲ χιτῶνας,

To wait at board, mix wine, or know the neat,

αἰεὶ δὲ λιπαροὶ κεφαλὰς καὶ καλὰ πρόσωπα,

Or any work, in which the poor-call'd worst

οἵ σφιν ὑποδρώωσιν· ἐΰξεστοι δὲ τράπεζαι

To serve the rich-call'd best in Fate are forc'd."

σίτου καὶ κρειῶν ἠδʼ οἴνου βεβρίθασιν.

He, angry with him, said: "Alas, poor guest,

ἀλλὰ μένʼ· οὐ γάρ τίς τοι ἀνιᾶται παρεόντι,

Why did this counsel ever touch thy breast?

οὔτʼ ἐγὼ οὔτε τις ἄλλος ἑταίρων, οἵ μοι ἔασιν.

Thou seek'st thy utter spoil beyond all doubt,

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἔλθῃσιν Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱός,

If thou giv'st venture on the Wooers' rout,

κεῖνός σε χλαῖνάν τε χιτῶνά τε εἵματα ἕσσει,

Whose wrong and force affects the iron heav'n,

πέμψει δʼ ὅππη σε κραδίη θυμός τε κελεύει.

Their light delights are far from being giv'n

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

To such grave servitors. Youths richly trick'd

αἴθʼ οὕτως, Εὔμαιε, φίλος Διὶ πατρὶ γένοιο

In coats or cassocks, locks divinely slick'd,

ὡς ἐμοί, ὅττι μʼ ἔπαυσας ἄλης καὶ ὀϊζύος αἰνῆς.

And looks most rapting, ever have the gift

πλαγκτοσύνης δʼ οὐκ ἔστι κακώτερον ἄλλο βροτοῖσιν·

To taste their crown'd cups, and full trenchers shift.

ἀλλʼ ἕνεκʼ οὐλομένης γαστρὸς κακὰ κήδεʼ ἔχουσιν

Their tables ever like their glasses shine,

ἀνέρες, ὅν τινʼ ἵκηται ἄλη καὶ πῆμα καὶ ἄλγος.

Loaded with bread, with varied flesh, and wine.

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ ἰσχανάᾳς μεῖναι τέ με κεῖνον ἄνωγας,

And thou go thither? Stay, for here do none

εἴπʼ ἄγε μοι περὶ μητρὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

Grudge at thy presence, nor myself, nor one

πατρός θʼ, ὃν κατέλειπεν ἰὼν ἐπὶ γήραος οὐδῷ,

Of all I feed. But when Ulysses' son

Again shall greet us, he shall put thee on

Both coat and cassock, and thy quick retreat

Set where thy heart and soul desire thy seat."

Industrious Ulysses gave reply:

"I still much wish, that Heav'n's chief Deity

Lov'd thee, as I do, that hast eas'd my mind

Of woes and wand'rings never yet confin'd.

Nought is more wretched in a human race,

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

But for the baneful belly men take care

Beyond good counsel, whosoever are

In compass of the wants it undergoes

By wand'rings, losses, or dependent woes.

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

Which since thou wilt make here, as overcome

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

Cares appertaining to this place, like thee.

Does then Ulysses' sire, and mother, breathe,

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

Or are they breathless, and descended where

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

ἤ που ἔτι ζώουσιν ὑπʼ αὐγὰς ἠελίοιο,

"Laertes lives," said he, "but ev'ry hour

ἦ ἤδη τεθνᾶσι καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισι.

Beseecheth Jove to take from him the pow'r

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε συβώτης, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν·

That joins his life and limbs; for with a moan

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, ξεῖνε, μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορεύσω.

That breeds a marvel he laments his son

Λαέρτης μὲν ἔτι ζώει, Διὶ δʼ εὔχεται αἰεὶ

Depriv'd by death, and adds to that another

θυμὸν ἀπὸ μελέων φθίσθαι οἷς ἐν μεγάροισιν·

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

ἐκπάγλως γὰρ παιδὸς ὀδύρεται οἰχομένοιο

Whom he a virgin wedded, which the more

κουριδίης τʼ ἀλόχοιο δαΐφρονος, ἥ ἑ μάλιστα

Makes him lament her loss, and doth deplore

ἤκαχʼ ἀποφθιμένη καὶ ἐν ὠμῷ γήραϊ θῆκεν.

Yet more her miss, because her womb the truer

ἡ δʼ ἄχεϊ οὗ παιδὸς ἀπέφθιτο κυδαλίμοιο,

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

λευγαλέῳ θανάτῳ, ὡς μὴ θάνοι ὅς τις ἐμοί γε

Which last love to her doth his life engage,

ἐνθάδε ναιετάων φίλος εἴη καὶ φίλα ἔρδοι.

And makes him live an undigested age.

ὄφρα μὲν οὖν δὴ κείνη ἔην, ἀχέουσά περ ἔμπης,

O! such a death she died as never may

τόφρα τί μοι φίλον ἔσκε μεταλλῆσαι καὶ ἐρέσθαι,

Seize anyone that here beholds the day,

οὕνεκά μʼ αὐτὴ θρέψεν ἅμα Κτιμένῃ τανυπέπλῳ,

That either is to any man a friend,

θυγατέρʼ ἰφθίμῃ, τὴν ὁπλοτάτην τέκε παίδων·

Or can a woman kill in such a kind.

τῇ ὁμοῦ ἐτρεφόμην, ὀλίγον δέ τί μʼ ἧσσον ἐτίμα.

As long as she had being, I would be

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἥβην πολυήρατον ἱκόμεθʼ ἄμφω,

A still inquirer (since 'twas dear to me,

τὴν μὲν ἔπειτα Σάμηνδʼ ἔδοσαν καὶ μυρίʼ ἕλοντο,

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

αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ χλαῖνάν τε χιτῶνά τε εἵματʼ ἐκείνη

Heard of Ulysses, for I might be bold,

καλὰ μάλʼ ἀμφιέσασα, ποσὶν δʼ ὑποδήματα δοῦσα

She brought me up, and in her love did hold

ἀγρόνδε προΐαλλε· φίλει δέ με κηρόθι μᾶλλον.

My life, compar'd with long-veil'd Ctimené,

νῦν δʼ ἤδη τούτων ἐπιδεύομαι· ἀλλά μοι αὐτῷ

Her youngest issue (in some small degree

ἔργον ἀέξουσιν μάκαρες θεοὶ ᾧ ἐπιμίμνω·

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

τῶν ἔφαγόν τʼ ἔπιόν τε καὶ αἰδοίοισιν ἔδωκα.

And when of youth the dearly-lovéd flame

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα δεσποίνης οὐ μείλιχον ἔστιν ἀκοῦσαι

Was lighted in us, marriage did prefer

οὔτʼ ἔπος οὔτε τι ἔργον, ἐπεὶ κακὸν ἔμπεσεν οἴκῳ,

The maid to Samos; whence was sent for her

ἄνδρες ὑπερφίαλοι· μέγα δὲ δμῶες χατέουσιν

Infinite riches, when the queen bestow'd

ἀντία δεσποίνης φάσθαι καὶ ἕκαστα πυθέσθαι

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

καὶ φαγέμεν πιέμεν τε, ἔπειτα δὲ καί τι φέρεσθαι

Me to the field, but passing loth to part,

ἀγρόνδʼ, οἷά τε θυμὸν ἀεὶ δμώεσσιν ἰαίνει.

As loving me more than she lov'd her heart.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

And these I want now; but their business grows

ὢ πόποι, ὡς ἄρα τυτθὸς ἐών, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα,

Upon me daily, which the Gods impose,

πολλὸν ἀπεπλάγχθης σῆς πατρίδος ἠδὲ τοκήων.

To whom I hold all, give account to them,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον,

For I see none left to the diadem

ἠὲ διεπράθετο πτόλις ἀνδρῶν εὐρυάγυια,

That may dispose all better. So, I drink

ᾗ ἔνι ναιετάασκε πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ,

And eat of what is here; and whom I think

ἦ σέ γε μουνωθέντα παρʼ οἴεσιν ἢ παρὰ βουσὶν

Worthy or rev'rend, I have giv'n to, still,

ἄνδρες δυσμενέες νηυσὶν λάβον ἠδʼ ἐπέρασσαν

These kinds of guest-rites; for the household ill

τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς πρὸς δώμαθʼ, ὁ δʼ ἄξιον ὦνον ἔδωκε.

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

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε συβώτης, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν·

From thought of these things. Nor is it delight

ξεῖνʼ, ἐπεὶ ἂρ δὴ ταῦτά μʼ ἀνείρεαι ἠδὲ μεταλλᾷς,

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

σιγῇ νῦν ξυνίει καὶ τέρπεο, πῖνέ τε οἶνον

The Wooers spoil all. But yet my men will board

ἥμενος. αἵδε δὲ νύκτες ἀθέσφατοι· ἔστι μὲν εὕδειν,

Her sorrows often with discourse of all,

ἔστι δὲ τερπομένοισιν ἀκούειν· οὐδέ τί σε χρή,

Eating and drinking of the festival

πρὶν ὥρη, καταλέχθαι· ἀνίη καὶ πολὺς ὕπνος.

That there is kept, and after bring to field

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων ὅτινα κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀνώγει,

Such things as servants make their pleasures yield."

εὑδέτω ἐξελθών· ἅμα δʼ ἠοῖ φαινομένηφι

"O me, Eumæus," said Laertes' son,

δειπνήσας ἅμʼ ὕεσσιν ἀνακτορίῃσιν ἑπέσθω.

"Hast thou then err'd so of a little one,

νῶϊ δʼ ἐνὶ κλισίῃ πίνοντέ τε δαινυμένω τε

Like me, from friends and country? Pray thee say,

κήδεσιν ἀλλήλων τερπώμεθα λευγαλέοισι,

And say a truth, doth vast Destruction lay

μνωομένω· μετὰ γάρ τε καὶ ἄλγεσι τέρπεται ἀνήρ,

Her hand upon the wide-way'd seat of men,

ὅς τις δὴ μάλα πολλὰ πάθῃ καὶ πόλλʼ ἐπαληθῇ.

Where dwelt thy sire and rev'rend mother then,

τοῦτο δέ τοι ἐρέω ὅ μʼ ἀνείρεαι ἠδὲ μεταλλᾷς.

That thou art spar'd there? Or else, set alone

νῆσός τις Συρίη κικλήσκεται, εἴ που ἀκούεις,

In guard of beeves, or sheep, set th' enemy on,

Ὀρτυγίης καθύπερθεν, ὅθι τροπαὶ ἠελίοιο,

Surpris'd, and shipp'd, transferr'd, and sold thee here?

οὔ τι περιπληθὴς λίην τόσον, ἀλλʼ ἀγαθὴ μέν,

He that bought thee paid well, yet bought not dear."

εὔβοτος, εὔμηλος, οἰνοπληθής, πολύπυρος.

"Since thou enquir'st of that, my guest," said he,

πείνη δʼ οὔ ποτε δῆμον ἐσέρχεται, οὐδέ τις ἄλλη

"Hear and be silent, and, mean space, sit free

νοῦσος ἐπὶ στυγερὴ πέλεται δειλοῖσι βροτοῖσιν·

In use of these cups to thy most delights;

ἀλλʼ ὅτε γηράσκωσι πόλιν κάτα φῦλʼ ἀνθρώπων,

Unspeakable in length now are the nights.

ἐλθὼν ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων Ἀρτέμιδι ξὺν

Those that affect sleep yet, to sleep have leave,

οἷς ἀγανοῖς βελέεσσιν ἐποιχόμενος κατέπεφνεν.

Those that affect to hear, their hearers give.

ἔνθα δύω πόλιες, δίχα δέ σφισι πάντα δέδασται·

But sleep not ere your hour; much sleep doth grieve.

τῇσιν δʼ ἀμφοτέρῃσι πατὴρ ἐμὸς ἐμβασίλευε,

Whoever lists to sleep, away to bed,

Κτήσιος Ὀρμενίδης, ἐπιείκελος ἀθανάτοισιν.

Together with the morning raise his head,

ἔνθα δὲ Φοίνικες ναυσίκλυτοι ἤλυθον ἄνδρες,

Together with his fellows break his fast,

τρῶκται, μυρίʼ ἄγοντες ἀθύρματα νηῒ μελαίνῃ.

And then his lord's herd drive to their repast.

ἔσκε δὲ πατρὸς ἐμοῖο γυνὴ Φοίνισσʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

We two, still in our tabernacle here

Drinking and eating, will our bosoms cheer

With memories and tales of our annoys.

Betwixt his sorrows ev'ry human joys,

He most, who most hath felt and furthest err'd.

And now thy will to act shall be preferr'd.

There is an isle above Ortygia,

If thou hast heard, they call it Syria,

Where, once a day, the sun moves backward still.

'Tis not so great as good, for it doth fill

The fields with oxen, fills them still with sheep,

Fills roofs with wine, and makes all corn there cheap.

No dearth comes ever there, nor no disease

That doth with hate us wretched mortals seize,

But when men's varied nations, dwelling there

In any city, enter th' aged year,

The silver-bow-bearer, the Sun, and She

That bears as much renown for archery,

Stoop with their painless shafts, and strike them dead,

As one would sleep, and never keep the bed.

In this isle stand two cities, betwixt whom

All things that of the soil's fertility come

In two parts are divided. And both these

καλή τε μεγάλη τε καὶ ἀγλαὰ ἔργα ἰδυῖα·

My father rul'd, Ctesius Ormenides,

τὴν δʼ ἄρα Φοίνικες πολυπαίπαλοι ἠπερόπευον.

A man like the Immortals. With these states

πλυνούσῃ τις πρῶτα μίγη κοίλῃ παρὰ νηῒ

The cross-biting Phœnicians traffick'd rates

εὐνῇ καὶ φιλότητι, τά τε φρένας ἠπεροπεύει

Of infinite merchandise in ships brought there,

θηλυτέρῃσι γυναιξί, καὶ ἥ κʼ εὐεργὸς ἔῃσιν.

In which they then were held exempt from peer.

εἰρώτα δὴ ἔπειτα τίς εἴη καὶ πόθεν ἔλθοι·

There dwelt within my father's house a dame,

ἡ δὲ μάλʼ αὐτίκα πατρὸς ἐπέφραδεν ὑψερεφὲς δῶ·

Born a Phœnician, skilful in the frame

ἐκ μὲν Σιδῶνος πολυχάλκου εὔχομαι εἶναι,