Odyssey

Ulysses and divine Eumæus rose

τὼ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐν κλισίῃ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ δῖος ὑφορβὸς

Soon as the morning could her eyes unclose,

ἐντύνοντο ἄριστον ἅμʼ ἠοῖ, κηαμένω πῦρ,

Made fire, brake fast, and to their pasture send

ἔκπεμψάν τε νομῆας ἅμʼ ἀγρομένοισι σύεσσι·

The gather'd herds, on whom their swains attend.

Τηλέμαχον δὲ περίσσαινον κύνες ὑλακόμωροι,

The self-tire barking dogs all fawn'd upon,

οὐδʼ ὕλαον προσιόντα. νόησε δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Nor bark'd, at first sight of Ulysses' son.

σαίνοντάς τε κύνας, περί τε κτύπος ἦλθε ποδοῖϊν.

The whinings of their fawnings yet did greet

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ Εὔμαιον ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Ulysses' ears, and sounds of certain feet,

Εὔμαιʼ, ἦ μάλα τίς τοι ἐλεύσεται ἐνθάδʼ ἑταῖρος

Who thus bespake Eumæus: "Sure some friend,

ἢ καὶ γνώριμος ἄλλος, ἐπεὶ κύνες οὐχ ὑλάουσιν,

Or one well-known, comes, that the mastiffs spend

ἀλλὰ περισσαίνουσι· ποδῶν δʼ ὑπὸ δοῦπον ἀκούω.

Their mouths no louder. Only some one near

οὔ πω πᾶν εἴρητο ἔπος, ὅτε οἱ φίλος υἱὸς

They whine, and leap about, whose feet I hear."

ἔστη ἐνὶ προθύροισι. ταφὼν δʼ ἀνόρουσε συβώτης,

Each word of this speech was not spent, before

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα οἱ χειρῶν πέσον ἄγγεα, τοῖς ἐπονεῖτο,

His son stood in the entry of the door.

κιρνὰς αἴθοπα οἶνον. ὁ δʼ ἀντίος ἦλθεν ἄνακτος,

Out-rush'd amaz'd Eumæus, and let go

κύσσε δέ μιν κεφαλήν τε καὶ ἄμφω φάεα καλὰ

The cup to earth, that he had labour'd so,

χεῖράς τʼ ἀμφοτέρας· θαλερὸν δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε δάκρυ.

Cleans'd for the neat wine, did the prince-surprise,

ὡς δὲ πατὴρ ὃν παῖδα φίλα φρονέων ἀγαπάζῃ

Kiss'd his fair forehead, both his lovely eyes,

ἐλθόντʼ ἐξ ἀπίης γαίης δεκάτῳ ἐνιαυτῷ,

Both his white hands, and tender tears distill'd.

μοῦνον τηλύγετον, τῷ ἔπʼ ἄλγεα πολλὰ μογήσῃ,

There breath'd no kind-soul'd father that was fill'd

ὣς τότε Τηλέμαχον θεοειδέα δῖος ὑφορβὸς

Less with his son's embraces, that had liv'd

πάντα κύσεν περιφύς, ὡς ἐκ θανάτοιο φυγόντα·

Ten years in far-off earth, now new retriev'd,

καί ῥʼ ὀλοφυρόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

His only child too, gotten in his age,

ἦλθες, Τηλέμαχε, γλυκερὸν φάος. οὔ σʼ ἔτʼ ἐγώ γε

And for whose absence he had felt the rage

ὄψεσθαι ἐφάμην, ἐπεὶ ᾤχεο νηῒ Πύλονδε.

Of griefs upon him, than for this divin'd

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν εἴσελθε, φίλον τέκος, ὄφρα σε θυμῷ

So-much-for-form was this divine-for-mind;

τέρψομαι εἰσορόων νέον ἄλλοθεν ἔνδον ἐόντα.

Who kiss'd him through, who grew about him kissing,

οὐ μὲν γάρ τι θάμʼ ἀγρὸν ἐπέρχεαι οὐδὲ νομῆας,

As fresh from death 'scap'd. Whom so long time missing,

ἀλλʼ ἐπιδημεύεις· ὣς γάρ νύ τοι εὔαδε θυμῷ,

He wept for joy, and said: "Thou yet art come,

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων ἐσορᾶν ἀΐδηλον ὅμιλον.

Sweet light, sweet sun-rise, to thy cloudy home.

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

O, never I look'd, when once shipp'd away

ἔσσεται οὕτως, ἄττα· σέθεν δʼ ἕνεκʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἱκάνω,

For Pylos' shores, to see thy turning day.

ὄφρα σέ τʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδω καὶ μῦθον ἀκούσω,

Come, enter, lov'd son, let me feast my heart

ἤ μοι ἔτʼ ἐν μεγάροις μήτηρ μένει, ἦέ τις ἤδη

With thy sweet sight, new-come, so far apart.

ἀνδρῶν ἄλλος ἔγημεν, Ὀδυσσῆος δέ που εὐνὴ

Nor, when you liv'd at home, would you walk down

χήτει ἐνευναίων κάκʼ ἀράχνια κεῖται ἔχουσα.

Often enough here, but stay'd still at town;

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε συβώτης, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν·

It pleas'd you then to cast such forehand view

καὶ λίην κείνη γε μένει τετληότι θυμῷ

About your house on that most damnéd crew."

σοῖσιν ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν· ὀϊζυραὶ δέ οἱ αἰεὶ

"It shall be so then, friend," said he, "but now

φθίνουσιν νύκτες τε καὶ ἤματα δάκρυ χεούσῃ.

I come to glad mine eyes with thee, and know

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας οἱ ἐδέξατο χάλκεον ἔγχος·

If still my mother in her house remain,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ εἴσω ἴεν καὶ ὑπέρβη λάϊνον οὐδόν.

Or if some Wooer hath aspir'd to gain

τῷ δʼ ἕδρης ἐπιόντι πατὴρ ὑπόειξεν Ὀδυσσεύς·

Of her in nuptials; for Ulysses' bed,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐρήτυε φώνησέν τε·

By this, lies all with spiders's cobwebs spread,

ἧσʼ, ὦ ξεῖνʼ· ἡμεῖς δὲ καὶ ἄλλοθι δήομεν ἕδρην

In penury of him that should supply it."

σταθμῷ ἐν ἡμετέρῳ· πάρα δʼ ἀνὴρ ὃς καταθήσει.

"She still," said he, "holds her most constant quiet,

ὣς φάθʼ, ὁ δʼ αὖτις ἰὼν κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο· τῷ δὲ συβώτης.

Aloft thine own house, for the bed's respect;

χεῦεν ὕπο χλωρὰς ῥῶπας καὶ κῶας ὕπερθεν·

But, for her lord's sad loss, sad nights and days

ἔνθα καθέζετʼ ἔπειτα Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱός.

Obscure her beauties, and corrupt their rays."

τοῖσιν δʼ αὖ κρειῶν πίνακας παρέθηκε συβώτης

This said, Eumæus took his brazen spear,

ὀπταλέων, ἅ ῥα τῇ προτέρῃ ὑπέλειπον ἔδοντες,

And in he went; when, being enter'd near

σῖτον δʼ ἐσσυμένως παρενήνεεν ἐν κανέοισιν,

Within the stony threshold; from his seat

ἐν δʼ ἄρα κισσυβίῳ κίρνη μελιηδέα οἶνον·

His father rose to him, who would not let

αὐτὸς δʼ ἀντίον ἷζεν Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο.

Th' old man remove, but drew him back and prest

οἱ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

With earnest terms his sitting, saying: "Guest,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

Take here your seat again, we soon shall get

δὴ τότε Τηλέμαχος προσεφώνεε δῖον ὑφορβόν·

Within our own house here some other seat.

ἄττα, πόθεν τοι ξεῖνος ὅδʼ ἵκετο; πῶς δέ ἑ ναῦται

Here's one will fetch it." This said, down again

ἤγαγον εἰς Ἰθάκην; τίνες ἔμμεναι εὐχετόωντο;

His father sat, and to his son his swain

οὐ μὲν γάρ τί ἑ πεζὸν ὀΐομαι ἐνθάδʼ ἱκέσθαι.

Strew'd fair green osiers, and impos'd thereon

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

A good soft sheepskin, which made him a throne.

Then he appos'd to them his last-left roast,

And in a wicker basket bread engrost,

Fill'd luscious wine, and then took opposite seat

To the divine Ulysses. When, the meat

Set there before them, all fell-to, and eat.

When they had fed, the prince said: "Pray thee say,

Whence comes this guest? What seaman gave him way

To this our isle? I hope these feet of his

Could walk no water. Who boasts he he is?"

"I'll tell all truly son: From ample Crete

He boasts himself, and says, his erring feet

Have many cities trod, and God was he

Whose finger wrought in his infirmity.

But, to my cottage, the last 'scape of his

Was from a Thesprot's ship. Whate'er he is,

I'll give him you, do what you please; his vaunt

Is, that he is, at most, a suppliant."

"Eumæus," said the prince, "to tell me this,

You have afflicted my weak faculties;

For how shall I receive him to my house

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, τέκνον, ἀληθέα πάντʼ ἀγορεύσω.

With any safety, that suspicious

ἐκ μὲν Κρητάων γένος εὔχεται εὐρειάων,

Of my young forces (should I be assay'd

φησὶ δὲ πολλὰ βροτῶν ἐπὶ ἄστεα δινηθῆναι

With any sudden violence) may want aid

πλαζόμενος· ὣς γάρ οἱ ἐπέκλωσεν τά γε δαίμων.

To shield myself? Besides, if I go home,

νῦν αὖ Θεσπρωτῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκ νηὸς ἀποδρὰς

My mother is with two doubts overcome,

ἤλυθʼ ἐμὸν πρὸς σταθμόν, ἐγὼ δέ τοι ἐγγυαλίξω·

If she shall stay with me, and take fit care

ἔρξον ὅπως ἐθέλεις· ἱκέτης δέ τοι εὔχεται εἶναι.

For all such guests as there seek guestive fare,

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Her husband's bed respecting, and her fame

Εὔμαιʼ, ἦ μάλα τοῦτο ἔπος θυμαλγὲς ἔειπες·

Amongst the people; or her blood may frame

πῶς γὰρ δὴ τὸν ξεῖνον ἐγὼν ὑποδέξομαι οἴκῳ;

A liking to some Wooer, such as best

αὐτὸς μὲν νέος εἰμὶ καὶ οὔ πω χερσὶ πέποιθα

May bed her in his house, not giving least.

ἄνδρʼ ἀπαμύνασθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ·

And thus am I unsure of all means free

μητρὶ δʼ ἐμῇ δίχα θυμὸς ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μερμηρίζει,

To use a guest there, fit for his degree.

ἢ αὐτοῦ παρʼ ἐμοί τε μένῃ καὶ δῶμα κομίζῃ,

But, being thy guest, I'll be his supply

εὐνήν τʼ αἰδομένη πόσιος δήμοιό τε φῆμιν,

For all weeds, such as mere necessity

ἦ ἤδη ἅμʼ ἕπηται Ἀχαιῶν ὅς τις ἄριστος

Shall more than furnish. Fit him with a sword,

μνᾶται ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἀνὴρ καὶ πλεῖστα πόρῃσιν.

And set him where his heart would have been shor'd;

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοὶ τὸν ξεῖνον, ἐπεὶ τεὸν ἵκετο δῶμα,

Or, if so pleas'd, receive him in thy shed,

ἕσσω μιν χλαῖνάν τε χιτῶνά τε, εἵματα καλά,

I'll send thee clothes, I vow, and all the bread

δώσω δὲ ξίφος ἄμφηκες καὶ ποσσὶ πέδιλα,

His wish would eat, that to thy men and thee

πέμψω δʼ ὅππη μιν κραδίη θυμός τε κελεύει.

He be no burthen. But that I should be

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις, σὺ κόμισσον ἐνὶ σταθμοῖσιν ἐρύξας·

His mean to my house; where a company

εἵματα δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἐγὼ πέμψω καὶ σῖτον ἅπαντα

Of wrong-professing Wooers wildly live,

ἔδμεναι, ὡς ἂν μή σε κατατρύχῃ καὶ ἑταίρους.

I will in no sort author, lest they give

κεῖσε δʼ ἂν οὔ μιν ἐγώ γε μετὰ μνηστῆρας ἐῷμι

Foul use to him, and me as gravely grieve.

ἔρχεσθαι· λίην γὰρ ἀτάσθαλον ὕβριν ἔχουσι·

For what great act can anyone achieve

μή μιν κερτομέωσιν, ἐμοὶ δʼ ἄχος ἔσσεται αἰνόν.

Against a multitude, although his mind

πρῆξαι δʼ ἀργαλέον τι μετὰ πλεόνεσσιν ἐόντα

Retain a courage of the greatest kind?

ἄνδρα καὶ ἴφθιμον, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτεροί εἰσι.

For all minds have not force in one degree."

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Ulysses answer'd: "O friend, since 'tis free

ὦ φίλʼ, ἐπεί θήν μοι καὶ ἀμείψασθαι θέμις ἐστίν,

For any man to change fit words with thee,

ἦ μάλα μευ καταδάπτετʼ ἀκούοντος φίλον ἦτορ,

I'll freely speak: Methinks, a wolfish pow'r

οἷά φατε μνηστῆρας ἀτάσθαλα μηχανάασθαι

My heart puts on to tear and to devour,

ἐν μεγάροις, ἀέκητι σέθεν τοιούτου ἐόντος.

To hear your affirmation, that, in spite

εἰπέ μοι ἠὲ ἑκὼν ὑποδάμνασαι, ἦ σέ γε λαοὶ

Of what may fall on you, made opposite,

ἐχθαίρουσʼ ἀνὰ δῆμον, ἐπισπόμενοι θεοῦ ὀμφῇ,

Being one of your proportion, birth, and age,

ἦ τι κασιγνήτοις ἐπιμέμφεαι, οἷσί περ ἀνὴρ

These Wooers should in such injustice rage.

μαρναμένοισι πέποιθε, καὶ εἰ μέγα νεῖκος ὄρηται.

What should the cause be? Do you wilfully

αἲ γάρ ἐγὼν οὕτω νέος εἴην τῷδʼ ἐπὶ θυμῷ,

Endure their spoil? Or hath your empery

ἢ παῖς ἐξ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος ἠὲ καὶ αὐτός·

Been such amongst your people, that all gather

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀπʼ ἐμεῖο κάρη τάμοι ἀλλότριος φώς,

In troop, and one voice (which ev'n God doth father)

εἰ μὴ ἐγὼ κείνοισι κακὸν πάντεσσι γενοίμην,

And vow your hate so, that they suffer them?

ἐλθὼν ἐς μέγαρον Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος.

Or blame your kinsfolk's faiths, before th' extreme

εἰ δʼ αὖ με πληθυῖ δαμασαίατο μοῦνον ἐόντα,

Of your first stroke hath tried them, whom a man,

βουλοίμην κʼ ἐν ἐμοῖσι κατακτάμενος μεγάροισι

When strifes to blows rise, trusts, though battle ran

τεθνάμεν ἢ τάδε γʼ αἰὲν ἀεικέα ἔργʼ ὁράασθαι,

In huge and high waves? Would to heav'n my spirit

ξείνους τε στυφελιζομένους δμῳάς τε γυναῖκας

Such youth breath'd, as the man that must inherit

ῥυστάζοντας ἀεικελίως κατὰ δώματα καλά,

Yet-never-touch'd Ulysses, or that he,

καὶ οἶνον διαφυσσόμενον, καὶ σῖτον ἔδοντας

But wand'ring this way, would but come, and see

μὰψ αὔτως, ἀτέλεστον, ἀνηνύστῳ ἐπὶ ἔργῳ.

What my age could achieve (and there is Fate

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

For Hope yet left, that he may recreate

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, ξεῖνε, μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορεύσω.

His eyes with such an object) this my head

οὔτε τί μοι πᾶς δῆμος ἀπεχθόμενος χαλεπαίνει,

Should any stranger strike off, if stark dead

οὔτε κασιγνήτοις ἐπιμέμφομαι, οἷσί περ ἀνὴρ

I struck not all, the house in open force

μαρναμένοισι πέποιθε, καὶ εἰ μέγα νεῖκος ὄρηται.

Ent'ring with challenge! If their great concourse

ὧδε γὰρ ἡμετέρην γενεὴν μούνωσε Κρονίων·

Did over-lay me, being a man alone,

μοῦνον Λαέρτην Ἀρκείσιος υἱὸν ἔτικτε,

(Which you urge for yourself) be you that one,

μοῦνον δʼ αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα πατὴρ τέκεν· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

I rather in mine own house wish to die

μοῦνον ἔμʼ ἐν μεγάροισι τεκὼν λίπεν οὐδʼ ἀπόνητο.

One death for all, than so indecently

See evermore deeds worse than death applied,

Guests wrong'd with vile words and blow-giving pride,

The women-servants dragg'd in filthy kind

About the fair house, and in corners blind

Made serve the rapes of ruffians, food devour'd

Idly and rudely, wine exhaust, and pour'd

Through throats profane; and all about a deed

That's ever wooing, and will never speed."

"I'll tell you, guest, most truly," said his son,

"I do not think that all my people run

One hateful course against me; nor accuse

Kinsfolks that I in strifes of weight might use;

But Jove will have it so, our race alone

(As if made singular) to one and one

His hand confining. Only to the king,

Jove-bred Arcesius, did Laertes spring;

Only to old Laertes did descend

Ulysses; only to Ulysses' end

Am I the adjunct, whom he left so young,

That from me to him never comfort sprung.

And to all these now, for their race, arise

Up in their house a brood of enemies.

τῷ νῦν δυσμενέες μάλα μυρίοι εἴσʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ.

As many as in these isles bow men's knees,

ὅσσοι γὰρ νήσοισιν ἐπικρατέουσιν ἄριστοι,

Samos, Dulichius, and the rich-in-trees

Δουλιχίῳ τε Σάμῃ τε καὶ ὑλήεντι Ζακύνθῳ,

Zacynthus, or in this rough isle's command,

ἠδʼ ὅσσοι κραναὴν Ἰθάκην κάτα κοιρανέουσι,

So many suitors for the nuptials stand,

τόσσοι μητέρʼ ἐμὴν μνῶνται, τρύχουσι δὲ οἶκον.

That ask my mother, and, mean space, prefer

ἡ δʼ οὔτʼ ἀρνεῖται στυγερὸν γάμον οὔτε τελευτὴν

Their lusts to all spoil, that dishonour her.

ποιῆσαι δύναται· τοὶ δὲ φθινύθουσιν ἔδοντες

Nor doth she, though she loaths, deny their suits,

οἶκον ἐμόν· τάχα δή με διαρραίσουσι καὶ αὐτόν.

Nor they denials take, though taste their fruits.

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι μὲν ταῦτα θεῶν ἐν γούνασι κεῖται·

But all this time the state of all things there

ἄττα, σὺ δʼ ἔρχεο θᾶσσον, ἐχέφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ

Their throats devour, and I must shortly bear

εἴφʼ ὅτι οἱ σῶς εἰμὶ καὶ ἐκ Πύλου εἰλήλουθα.

A part in all. And yet the periods

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν αὐτοῦ μενέω, σὺ δὲ δεῦρο νέεσθαι,

Of these designs lie in the knees of Gods.

οἴῃ ἀπαγγείλας· τῶν δʼ ἄλλων μή τις Ἀχαιῶν

Of all loves then, Eumæus, make quick way

πευθέσθω· πολλοὶ γὰρ ἐμοὶ κακὰ μηχανόωνται.

To wise Penelopé, and to her say

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

My safe return from Pylos, and alone,

γιγνώσκω, φρονέω· τά γε δὴ νοέοντι κελεύεις.

Return thou hither, having made it known.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον,

Nor let, besides my mother, any ear

ἦ καὶ Λαέρτῃ αὐτὴν ὁδὸν ἄγγελος ἔλθω

Partake thy message, since a number bear

δυσμόρῳ, ὃς τῆος μὲν Ὀδυσσῆος μέγʼ ἀχεύων

My safe return displeasure." He replied;

ἔργα τʼ ἐποπτεύεσκε μετὰ δμώων τʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

"I know, and comprehend you. You divide

πῖνε καὶ ἦσθʼ, ὅτε θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀνώγοι·

Your mind with one that understands you well.

αὐτὰρ νῦν, ἐξ οὗ σύ γε ᾤχεο νηῒ Πύλονδε,

But, all in one yet, may I not reveal

οὔ πω μίν φασιν φαγέμεν καὶ πιέμεν αὔτως,

To th' old hard-fated Arcesiades

οὐδʼ ἐπὶ ἔργα ἰδεῖν, ἀλλὰ στοναχῇ τε γόῳ τε

Your safe return? Who, through his whole distress

ἧσται ὀδυρόμενος, φθινύθει δʼ ἀμφʼ ὀστεόφι χρώς.

Felt for Ulysses, did not yet so grieve,

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

But with his household he had will to live,

ἄλγιον, ἀλλʼ ἔμπης μιν ἐάσομεν, ἀχνύμενοί περ·

And serv'd his appetite with wine and food,

εἰ γὰρ πως εἴη αὐτάγρετα πάντα βροτοῖσι,

Survey'd his husbandry, and did his blood

πρῶτόν κεν τοῦ πατρὸς ἑλοίμεθα νόστιμον ἦμαρ.

Some comforts fitting life; but since you took

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ ἀγγείλας ὀπίσω κίε, μηδὲ κατʼ ἀγροὺς

Your ship for Pylos, he would never brook

πλάζεσθαι μετʼ ἐκεῖνον· ἀτὰρ πρὸς μητέρα εἰπεῖν

Or wine or food, they say, nor cast an eye

ἀμφίπολον ταμίην ὀτρυνέμεν ὅττι τάχιστα

On any labour, but sits weeping by,

κρύβδην· κείνη γὰρ κεν ἀπαγγείλειε γέροντι.

And sighing out his sorrows, ceaseless moans

ἦ ῥα καὶ ὦρσε συφορβόν· ὁ δʼ εἵλετο χερσὶ πέδιλα,

Wasting his body, turn'd all skin and bones."

δησάμενος δʼ ὑπὸ ποσσὶ πόλινδʼ ἴεν. οὐδʼ ἄρʼ Ἀθήνην

"More sad news still," said he, "yet, mourn he still;

λῆθεν ἀπὸ σταθμοῖο κιὼν Εὔμαιος ὑφορβός,

For if the rule of all men's works be will,

ἀλλʼ ἥ γε σχεδὸν ἦλθε· δέμας δʼ ἤϊκτο γυναικὶ

And his will his way goes, mine stands inclin'd

καλῇ τε μεγάλῃ τε καὶ ἀγλαὰ ἔργα ἰδυίῃ.

T' attend the home-turn of my nearer kind.

στῆ δὲ κατʼ ἀντίθυρον κλισίης Ὀδυσῆϊ φανεῖσα·

Do then what I enjoin; which giv'n effect,

οὐδʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχος ἴδεν ἀντίον οὐδʼ ἐνόησεν,

Err nor to field to him, but turn direct,

οὐ γὰρ πω πάντεσσι θεοὶ φαίνονται ἐναργεῖς,

Entreating first my mother, with most speed,

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσεύς τε κύνες τε ἴδον, καί ῥʼ οὐχ ὑλάοντο

And all the secrecy that now serves need,

κνυζηθμῷ δʼ ἑτέρωσε διὰ σταθμοῖο φόβηθεν.

To send this way their store-house guardian,

ἡ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ ὀφρύσι νεῦσε· νόησε δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

And she shall tell all to the aged man."

ἐκ δʼ ἦλθεν μεγάροιο παρὲκ μέγα τειχίον αὐλῆς,

He took his shoes up, put them on, and went.

στῆ δὲ πάροιθʼ αὐτῆς· τὸν δὲ προσέειπεν Ἀθήνη·

Nor was his absence hid from Jove's descent,

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη, πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ.

Divine Minerva, who took straight to view,

ἤδη νῦν σῷ παιδὶ ἔπος φάο μηδʼ ἐπίκευθε,

A goodly woman's shape that all works knew,

ὡς ἄν μνηστῆρσιν θάνατον καὶ κῆρʼ ἀραρόντε

And, standing in the entry, did prefer

ἔρχησθον προτὶ ἄστυ περικλυτόν· οὐδʼ ἐγὼ αὐτὴ

Her sight t' Ulysses; but, though meeting her,

δηρὸν ἀπὸ σφῶϊν ἔσομαι μεμαυῖα μάχεσθαι.

His son Telemachus nor saw nor knew.

ἦ καὶ χρυσείῃ ῥάβδῳ ἐπεμάσσατʼ Ἀθήνη.

The Gods' clear presences are known to few.

φᾶρος μέν οἱ πρῶτον ἐϋπλυνὲς ἠδὲ χιτῶνα

Yet, with Ulysses, ev'n the dogs did see,

θῆκʼ ἀμφὶ στήθεσσι, δέμας δʼ ὤφελλε καὶ ἥβην.

And would not bark, but, whining lovingly,

ἂψ δὲ μελαγχροιὴς γένετο, γναθμοὶ δὲ τάνυσθεν,

Fled to the stall's far side. When she her eyne

κυάνεαι δʼ ἐγένοντο γενειάδες ἀμφὶ γένειον.

Mov'd to Ulysses; he knew her design,

ἡ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς ἔρξασα πάλιν κίεν· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

And left the house, pass'd the great sheep-cote's wall,

ἤϊεν ἐς κλισίην· θάμβησε δέ μιν φίλος υἱός,

And stood before her. She bade utter all

ταρβήσας δʼ ἑτέρωσε βάλʼ ὄμματα, μὴ θεὸς εἴη,

Now to his son, nor keep the least unlos'd,

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

That, all the Wooers' deaths being now dispos'd,

They might approach the town; affirming; she

Not long would fail t' assist to victory.

This said, she laid her golden rod on him,

And with his late-worn weeds grac'd ev'ry limb,

His body straighten'd, and his youth instill'd,

His fresh blood call'd up, ev'ry wrinkle fill'd

About his broken eyes, and on his chin

The brown hair spread. When his whole trim wrought in,

She issued, and he enter'd to his son,

Who stood amaz'd, and thought some God had done

His house that honour, turn'd away his eyes,

And said; "Now guest, you grace another guise

Than suits your late show. Other weeds you wear,

And other person. Of the starry sphere

You certainly present some deathless God.

Be pleas'd, that to your here-vouchsaf'd abode

We may give sacred rites, and offer gold,

To do us favour." He replied; "I hold

No deified state. Why put you thus on me

A God's resemblance? I am only he

That bears thy father's name; for whose lov'd sake

ἀλλοῖός μοι, ξεῖνε, φάνης νέον ἠὲ πάροιθεν,

Thy youth so grieves, whose absence makes thee take

ἄλλα δὲ εἵματʼ ἔχεις, καί τοι χρὼς οὐκέθʼ ὁμοῖος.

Such wrongs of men." Thus kiss'd he him, nor could

ἦ μάλα τις θεός ἐσσι, τοὶ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσιν·

Forbear those tears that in such mighty hold

ἀλλʼ ἵληθʼ, ἵνα τοι κεχαρισμένα δώομεν ἱρὰ

He held before, still held, still issuing ever;

ἠδὲ χρύσεα δῶρα, τετυγμένα· φείδεο δʼ ἡμέων

And now, the shores once broke, the springtide never

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Forbore earth from the cheeks he kiss'd. His son,

οὔ τίς τοι θεός εἰμι· τί μʼ ἀθανάτοισιν ἐΐσκεις;

By all these violent arguments not won

ἀλλὰ πατὴρ τεός εἰμι, τοῦ εἵνεκα σὺ στεναχίζων

To credit him his father, did deny

πάσχεις ἄλγεα πολλά, βίας ὑποδέγμενος ἀνδρῶν.

His kind assumpt, and said, some Deity

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας υἱὸν κύσε, κὰδ δὲ παρειῶν

Feign'd that joy's cause, to make him grieve the more;

δάκρυον ἧκε χαμᾶζε· πάρος δʼ ἔχε νωλεμὲς αἰεί.

Affirming, that no man, whoever wore

Τηλέμαχος δʼ, οὐ γάρ πω ἐπείθετο ὃν πατέρʼ εἶναι,

The garment of mortality, could take,

ἐξαῦτίς μιν ἔπεσσιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπεν·

By any utmost pow'r his soul could make,

οὐ σύ γʼ Ὀδυσσεύς ἐσσι, πατὴρ ἐμός, ἀλλά με δαίμων

Such change into it, since, at so much will,

θέλγει, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ὀδυρόμενος στεναχίζω.

Not Jove himself could both remove and fill

οὐ γάρ πως ἂν θνητὸς ἀνὴρ τάδε μηχανόῳτο

Old age with youth, and youth with age so spoil,

ᾧ αὐτοῦ γε νόῳ, ὅτε μὴ θεὸς αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

In such an instant. "You wore all the soil

ῥηϊδίως ἐθέλων θείη νέον ἠὲ γέροντα.

Of age but now, and were old; and but now

ἦ γάρ τοι νέον ἦσθα γέρων καὶ ἀεικέα ἕσσο·

You bear that young grace that the Gods indow

νῦν δὲ θεοῖσιν ἔοικας, οἳ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσι.

Their heav'n-born forms withal." His father said:

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

"Telemachus! Admire, nor stand dismay'd,

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὔ σε ἔοικε φίλον πατέρ ἔνδον ἐόντα

But know thy solid father; since within

οὔτε τι θαυμάζειν περιώσιον οὔτʼ ἀγάασθαι·

He answers all parts that adorn his skin.

οὐ μὲν γάρ τοι ἔτʼ ἄλλος ἐλεύσεται ἐνθάδʼ Ὀδυσσεύς,

There shall no more Ulyssesses come here.

ἀλλʼ ὅδʼ ἐγὼ τοιόσδε, παθὼν κακά, πολλὰ δʼ ἀληθείς,

I am the man, that now this twentieth year

ἤλυθον εἰκοστῷ ἔτεϊ ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

(Still under suff'rance of a world of ill)

αὐτάρ τοι τόδε ἔργον Ἀθηναίης ἀγελείης,

My country-earth recover. 'Tis the will

ἥ τέ με τοῖον ἔθηκεν, ὅπως ἐθέλει, δύναται γὰρ,

The prey-professor Pallas puts in act,

ἄλλοτε μὲν πτωχῷ ἐναλίγκιον, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε

Who put me thus together, thus distract

ἀνδρὶ νέῳ καὶ καλὰ περὶ χροῒ εἵματʼ ἔχοντι.

In aged pieces as ev'n now you saw,

ῥηΐδιον δὲ θεοῖσι, τοὶ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσιν,

This youth now rend'ring. 'Tis within the law

ἠμὲν κυδῆναι θνητὸν βροτὸν ἠδὲ κακῶσαι.

Of her free pow'r. Sometimes to show me poor,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ

Sometimes again thus amply to restore

ἀμφιχυθεὶς πατέρʼ ἐσθλὸν ὀδύρετο, δάκρυα λείβων,

My youth and ornaments, she still would please.

ἀμφοτέροισι δὲ τοῖσιν ὑφʼ ἵμερος ὦρτο γόοιο·

The Gods can raise, and throw men down, with ease."

κλαῖον δὲ λιγέως, ἀδινώτερον ἤ τʼ οἰωνοί,

This said, he sat; when his Telemachus pour'd

φῆναι ἢ αἰγυπιοὶ γαμψώνυχες, οἷσί τε τέκνα

Himself about him; tears on tears he show'r'd,

ἀγρόται ἐξείλοντο πάρος πετεηνὰ γενέσθαι·

And to desire of moan increas'd the cloud.

ὣς ἄρα τοί γʼ ἐλεεινὸν ὑπʼ ὀφρύσι δάκρυον εἶβον.

Both wept and howl'd, and laid out shrieks more loud

καί νύ κʼ ὀδυρομένοισιν ἔδυ φάος ἠελίοιο,

Than or the bird-bone-breaking eagle rears,

εἰ μὴ Τηλέμαχος προσεφώνεεν ὃν πατέρʼ αἶψα·

Or brood-kind vulture with the crooked seres,

ποίῃ γὰρ νῦν δεῦρο, πάτερ φίλε, νηΐ σε ναῦται

When rustic hands their tender eyries draw,

ἤγαγον εἰς Ἰθάκην; τίνες ἔμμεναι εὐχετόωντο;

Before they give their wings their full-plum'd law.

οὐ μὲν γάρ τί σε πεζὸν ὀΐομαι ἐνθάδʼ ἱκέσθαι.

But miserably pour'd they from beneath

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Their lids their tears, while both their breasts did breathe

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, τέκνον, ἀληθείην καταλέξω.

As frequent cries; and, to their fervent moan,

Φαίηκές μʼ ἄγαγον ναυσίκλυτοι, οἵ τε καὶ ἄλλους

The light had left the skies, if first the son

ἀνθρώπους πέμπουσιν, ὅτις σφέας εἰσαφίκηται·

Their dumb moans had not vented, with demand

καί μʼ εὕδοντʼ ἐν νηῒ θοῇ ἐπὶ πόντον ἄγοντες

What ship it was that gave the natural land

κάτθεσαν εἰς Ἰθάκην, ἔπορον δέ μοι ἀγλαὰ δῶρα,

To his bless'd feet? He then did likewise lay

χαλκόν τε χρυσόν τε ἅλις ἐσθῆτά θʼ ὑφαντήν.

Hand on his passion, and gave these words way:

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν σπήεσσι θεῶν ἰότητι κέονται·

"I'll tell thee truth, my son: The men that bear

νῦν αὖ δεῦρʼ ἱκόμην ὑποθημοσύνῃσιν Ἀθήνης,

Much fame for shipping, my reducers were

ὄφρα κε δυσμενέεσσι φόνου πέρι βουλεύσωμεν.

To long-wish'd Ithaca, who each man else

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι μνηστῆρας ἀριθμήσας κατάλεξον,

That greets their shore give pass to where he dwells.

ὄφρʼ εἰδέω ὅσσοι τε καὶ οἵ τινες ἀνέρες εἰσί·

The Phæacensian peers, in one night's date,

καί κεν ἐμὸν κατὰ θυμὸν ἀμύμονα μερμηρίξας

While I fast slept, fetch'd th' Ithacensian state,

φράσσομαι, ἤ κεν νῶϊ δυνησόμεθʼ ἀντιφέρεσθαι

Grac'd me with wealthy gifts, brass, store of gold,

μούνω ἄνευθʼ ἄλλων, ἦ καὶ διζησόμεθʼ ἄλλους.

And robes fair-wrought; all which have secret hold

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

In caves that by the Gods' advice I chus'd.

And now Minerva's admonitions us'd

For this retreat, that we might here dispose

In close discourse the slaughters of our foes.

Recount the number of the Wooers then,

And let me know what name they hold with men,

That my mind may cast over their estates

A curious measure, and confer the rates

Of our two pow'rs and theirs, to try, if we

Alone may propagate to victory

Our bold encounters of them all, or prove

The kind assistance of some others' love."

"O father," he replied, "I oft have heard

Your counsels and your force of hand preferr'd

To mighty glory, but your speeches now

Your vent'rous mind exceeding mighty show.

Ev'n to amaze they move me; for, in right

Of no fit counsel, should be brought to fight

Two men 'gainst th' able faction of a throng.

No one two, no one ten, no twice ten, strong

These Wooers are, but more by much. For know,

That from Dulichius there are fifty-two,

ὦ πάτερ, ἦ τοι σεῖο μέγα κλέος αἰὲν ἄκουον,

All choice young men; and ev'ry one of these

χεῖράς τʼ αἰχμητὴν ἔμεναι καὶ ἐπίφρονα βουλήν·

Six men attend. From Samos cross'd the seas

ἀλλὰ λίην μέγα εἶπες· ἄγη μʼ ἔχει· οὐδέ κεν εἴη

Twice-twelve young gallants. From Zacynthus came

ἄνδρε δύω πολλοῖσι καὶ ἰφθίμοισι μάχεσθαι.

Twice-ten. Of Ithaca, the best of name,

μνηστήρων δʼ οὔτʼ ἂρ δεκὰς ἀτρεκὲς οὔτε δύʼ οἶαι,

Twice-six. Of all which all the state they take

ἀλλὰ πολὺ πλέονες· τάχα δʼ εἴσεαι ἐνθάδʼ ἀριθμόν.

A sacred poet and a herald make.

ἐκ μὲν Δουλιχίοιο δύω καὶ πεντήκοντα

Their delicacies two, of special sort

κοῦροι κεκριμένοι, ἓξ δὲ δρηστῆρες ἕπονται·

In skill of banquets, serve. And all this port

ἐκ δὲ Σάμης πίσυρές τε καὶ εἴκοσι φῶτες ἔασιν,

If we shall dare t' encounter, all-thrust-up

ἐκ δὲ Ζακύνθου ἔασιν ἐείκοσι κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν,

In one strong roof, have great care lest the cup,

ἐκ δʼ αὐτῆς Ἰθάκης δυοκαίδεκα πάντες ἄριστοι,

Your great mind thirsts, exceeding bitter taste,

καί σφιν ἅμʼ ἐστὶ Μέδων κῆρυξ καὶ θεῖος ἀοιδὸς

And your retreat commend not to your haste

καὶ δοιὼ θεράποντε, δαήμονε δαιτροσυνάων.

Your great attempt, but make you say, you buy

τῶν εἴ κεν πάντων ἀντήσομεν ἔνδον ἐόντων,

Their pride's revenges at a price too high.

μὴ πολύπικρα καὶ αἰνὰ βίας ἀποτίσεαι ἐλθών.

And therefore, if you could; 'twere well you thought

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ, εἰ δύνασαί τινʼ ἀμύντορα μερμηρίξαι,

Of some assistant. Be your spirit wrought

φράζευ, ὅ κέν τις νῶϊν ἀμύνοι πρόφρονι θυμῷ.

In such a man's election, as may lend

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

His succours freely, and express a friend."

τοιγὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω, σὺ δὲ σύνθεο καί μευ ἄκουσον·

His father answer'd: "Let me ask of thee;

καὶ φράσαι ἤ κεν νῶϊν Ἀθήνη σὺν Διὶ πατρὶ

Hear me, consider, and then answer me.

ἀρκέσει, ἦέ τινʼ ἄλλον ἀμύντορα μερμηρίξω.

Think'st thou, if Pallas and the King of skies

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

We had to friend, would their sufficiencies

ἐσθλώ τοι τούτω γʼ ἐπαμύντορε, τοὺς ἀγορεύεις,

Make strong our part? Or that some other yet

ὕψι περ ἐν νεφέεσσι καθημένω· ὥ τε καὶ ἄλλοις

My thoughts must work for?" "These," said he "are set

ἀνδράσι τε κρατέουσι καὶ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσι.

Aloft the clouds, and are found aids indeed,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

As pow'rs not only that these men exceed,

οὐ μέν τοι κείνω γε πολὺν χρόνον ἀμφὶς ἔσεσθον

But bear of all men else the high command,

φυλόπιδος κρατερῆς, ὁπότε μνηστῆρσι καὶ ἡμῖν

And hold of Gods an overruling hand."

ἐν μεγάροισιν ἐμοῖσι μένος κρίνηται Ἄρηος.

"Well then," said he, "not these shall sever long

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν ἔρχευ ἅμʼ ἠοῖ φαινομένηφιν

Their force and ours in fights assur'd and strong.

οἴκαδε, καὶ μνηστῆρσιν ὑπερφιάλοισιν ὁμίλει·

And then 'twixt us and them shall Mars prefer

αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ προτὶ ἄστυ συβώτης ὕστερον ἄξει,

His strength, to stand our great distinguisher,

πτωχῷ λευγαλέῳ ἐναλίγκιον ἠδὲ γέροντι.

When in mine own roofs I am forc'd to blows.

εἰ δέ μʼ ἀτιμήσουσι δόμον κάτα, σὸν δὲ φίλον κῆρ

But when the day shall first her fires disclose,

τετλάτω ἐν στήθεσσι κακῶς πάσχοντος ἐμεῖο,

Go thou for home, and troop up with the Wooers,

ἤν περ καὶ διὰ δῶμα ποδῶν ἕλκωσι θύραζε

Thy will with theirs join'd, pow'r with their rude pow'rs;

ἢ βέλεσι βάλλωσι· σὺ δʼ εἰσορόων ἀνέχεσθαι.

And after shall the herdsman guide to town

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι παύεσθαι ἀνωγέμεν ἀφροσυνάων,

My steps, my person wholly overgrown

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσι παραυδῶν· οἱ δέ τοι οὔ τι

With all appearance of a poor old swain,

πείσονται· δὴ γάρ σφι παρίσταται αἴσιμον ἦμαρ.

Heavy, and wretched. If their high disdain

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ βάλλεο σῇσιν·

Of my vile presence make them my desert

ὁππότε κεν πολύβουλος ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θῇσιν Ἀθήνη,

Affect with contumelies, let thy lov'd heart

νεύσω μέν τοι ἐγὼ κεφαλῇ, σὺ δʼ ἔπειτα νοήσας

Beat in fix'd cónfines of thy bosom still,

ὅσσα τοι ἐν μεγάροισιν Ἀρήϊα τεύχεα κεῖται

And see me suffer, patient of their ill.

ἐς μυχὸν ὑψηλοῦ θαλάμου καταθεῖναι ἀείρας

Ay, though they drag me by the heels about

πάντα μάλʼ· αὐτὰρ μνηστῆρας μαλακοῖς ἐπέεσσι

Mine own free earth, and after hurl me out,

παρφάσθαι, ὅτε κέν σε μεταλλῶσιν ποθέοντες·

Do thou still suffer. Nay, though with their darts

ἐκ καπνοῦ κατέθηκʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι τοῖσιν ἐῴκει

They beat and bruise me, bear. But these foul parts

οἷά ποτε Τροίηνδε κιὼν κατέλειπεν Ὀδυσσεύς,

Persuade them to forbear, and by their names

ἀλλὰ κατῄκισται, ὅσσον πυρὸς ἵκετʼ ἀϋτμή.

Call all with kind words; bidding, for their shames,

πρὸς δʼ ἔτι καὶ τόδε μεῖζον ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θῆκε Κρονίων,

Their pleasures cease. If yet they yield not way,

μή πως οἰνωθέντες, ἔριν στήσαντες ἐν ὑμῖν,

There breaks the first light of their fatal day.

ἀλλήλους τρώσητε καταισχύνητέ τε δαῖτα

In mean space, mark this: When the chiefly-wise

καὶ μνηστύν· αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐφέλκεται ἄνδρα σίδηρος.

Minerva prompts me, I'll inform thine eyes

νῶϊν δʼ οἴοισιν δύο φάσγανα καὶ δύο δοῦρε

With some giv'n sign, and then all th' arms that are

καλλιπέειν καὶ δοιὰ βοάγρια χερσὶν ἑλέσθαι,

Aloft thy roof in some near room prepare

ὡς ἂν ἐπιθύσαντες ἑλοίμεθα· τοὺς δέ κʼ ἔπειτα

For speediest use. If those brave men inquire

Παλλὰς Ἀθηναίη θέλξει καὶ μητίετα Ζεύς.

Thy end in all, still rake up all thy fire

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ βάλλεο σῇσιν·

In fair cool words, and say: 'I bring them down

εἰ ἐτεόν γʼ ἐμός ἐσσι καὶ αἵματος ἡμετέροιο,

To scour the smoke off, being so overgrown

That one would think all fumes, that ever were

Breath'd since Ulysses' loss, reflected here.

These are not like the arms he left behind,

In way for Troy. Besides, Jove prompts my mind

In their remove apart thus with this thought,

That, if in height of wine there should be wrought,

Some harsh contention 'twixt you, this apt mean

To mutual bloodshed may be taken clean

From out your reach, and all the spoil prevented

Of present feast, perhaps ev'n then presented

My mother's nuptials to your long kind vows.

Steel itself, ready, draws a man to blows.'

Thus make their thoughts secure; to us alone

Two swords, two darts, two shields left: which see done

Within our readiest reach, that at our will

We may resume, and charge, and all their skill

Pallas and Jove, that all just counsels breathe,

May darken with secureness to their death.

And let me charge thee now, as thou art mine,

And as thy veins mine own true blood combine:

Let, after this, none know Ulysses near,

μή τις ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀκουσάτω ἔνδον ἐόντος,

Not anyone of all the household there,

μήτʼ οὖν Λαέρτης ἴστω τό γε μήτε συβώτης

Not here the herdsman, not Laertes be

μήτε τις οἰκήων μήτʼ αὐτὴ Πηνελόπεια,

Made privy, not herself Penelopé

ἀλλʼ οἶοι σύ τʼ ἐγώ τε γυναικῶν γνώομεν ἰθύν·

But only let thyself and me work out

καί κέ τεο δμώων ἀνδρῶν ἔτι πειρηθεῖμεν,

The women's thoughts of all things borne about

ἠμὲν ὅπου τις νῶϊ τίει καὶ δείδιε θυμῷ,

The Wooers' hearts; and then thy men approve,

ἠδʼ ὅτις οὐκ ἀλέγει, σὲ δʼ ἀτιμᾷ τοῖον ἐόντα.

To know who honours, who with rev'rence love,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσεφώνεε φαίδιμος υἱός

Our well-weigh'd memories, and who is won

ὦ πάτερ, ἦ τοι ἐμὸν θυμὸν καὶ ἔπειτά γʼ, ὀΐω,

To fail thy fit right, though my only son."

γνώσεαι· οὐ μὲν γάρ τι χαλιφροσύναι γέ μʼ ἔχουσιν·

"You teach," said he, "so punctually now,

ἀλλʼ οὔ τοι τόδε κέρδος ἐγὼν ἔσσεσθαι ὀΐω

As I knew nothing, nor were sprung from you.

ἡμῖν ἀμφοτέροισι· σὲ δὲ φράζεσθαι ἄνωγα.

I hope, hereafter, you shall better know

δηθὰ γὰρ αὔτως εἴσῃ ἑκάστου πειρητίζων,

What soul I bear, and that it doth not let

ἔργα μετερχόμενος· τοὶ δʼ ἐν μεγάροισιν ἕκηλοι

The least loose motion pass his natural seat.

χρήματα δαρδάπτουσιν ὑπέρβιον οὐδʼ ἔπι φειδώ.

But this course you propose will prove, I fear,

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοί σε γυναῖκας ἐγὼ δεδάασθαι ἄνωγα,

Small profit to us; and could wish your care

αἵ τέ σʼ ἀτιμάζουσι καὶ αἳ νηλείτιδές εἰσιν·

Would weigh it better as too far about.

ἀνδρῶν δʼ οὐκ ἂν ἐγώ γε κατὰ σταθμοὺς ἐθέλοιμι

For time will ask much, to the sifting out

ἡμέας πειράζειν, ἀλλʼ ὕστερα ταῦτα πένεσθαι,

Of each man's disposition by his deeds;

εἰ ἐτεόν γέ τι οἶσθα Διὸς τέρας αἰγιόχοιο.

And, in the mean time, ev'ry Wooer feeds

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

Beyond satiety, nor knows how to spare.

ἡ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτʼ Ἰθάκηνδε κατήγετο νηῦς εὐεργής,

The women yet, since they more easy are

ἣ φέρε Τηλέμαχον Πυλόθεν καὶ πάντας ἑταίρους.

For our inquiry, I would wish you try,

οἱ δʼ ὅτε δὴ λιμένος πολυβενθέος ἐντὸς ἵκοντο,

Who right your state, who do it injury.

νῆα μὲν οἵ γε μέλαιναν ἐπʼ ἠπείροιο ἔρυσσαν,

The men I would omit, and these things make

τεύχεα δέ σφʼ ἀπένεικαν ὑπέρθυμοι θεράποντες,

Your labour after. But, to undertake

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐς Κλυτίοιο φέρον περικαλλέα δῶρα.

The Wooers' war, I wish your utmost speed,

αὐτὰρ κήρυκα πρόεσαν δόμον εἰς Ὀδυσῆος,

Especially if you could cheer the deed

ἀγγελίην ἐρέοντα περίφρονι Πηνελοπείῃ,

With some ostent from Jove." Thus, as the sire

οὕνεκα Τηλέμαχος μὲν ἐπʼ ἀγροῦ, νῆα δʼ ἀνώγει

Consented to the son, did here expire

ἄστυδʼ ἀποπλείειν, ἵνα μὴ δείσασʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

Their mutual speech. And now the ship was come,

ἰφθίμη βασίλεια τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυον εἴβοι

That brought the young prince and his soldiers home,

τὼ δὲ συναντήτην κῆρυξ καὶ δῖος ὑφορβὸς

The deep haven reach'd, they drew the ship ashore,

τῆς αὐτῆς ἕνεκʼ ἀγγελίης, ἐρέοντε γυναικί.

Took all their arms out, and the rich gifts bore

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκοντο δόμον θείου βασιλῆος,

To Clitius' house. But to Ulysses' court

κῆρυξ μέν ῥα μέσῃσι μετὰ δμῳῇσιν ἔειπεν·

They sent a herald first, to make report

ἤδη τοι, βασίλεια, φίλος πάϊς εἰλήλουθε.

To wise Penelopé, that safe at field

Πηνελοπείῃ δʼ εἶπε συβώτης ἄγχι παραστὰς

Her son was left; yet, since the ship would yield

πάνθʼ ὅσα οἱ φίλος υἱὸς ἀνώγει μυθήσασθαι.

Most haste to her, he sent that first, and them

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πᾶσαν ἐφημοσύνην ἀπέειπε,

To comfort with his utmost the extreme

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεναι μεθʼ ὕας, λίπε δʼ ἕρκεά τε μέγαρόν τε.

He knew she suffer'd. At the court now met

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἀκάχοντο κατήφησάν τʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ,

The herald and the herdsman, to repeat

ἐκ δʼ ἦλθον μεγάροιο παρὲκ μέγα τειχίον αὐλῆς,

One message to the queen. Both whom arriv'd

αὐτοῦ δὲ προπάροιθε θυράων ἑδριόωντο.

Within the gates; both to be foremost striv'd

τοῖσιν δʼ Εὐρύμαχος, Πολύβου πάϊς, ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν·

In that good news. The herald, he for haste

ὦ φίλοι, ἦ μέγα ἔργον ὑπερφιάλως τετέλεσται

Amongst the maids bestow'd it, thinking plac'd

Τηλεμάχῳ ὁδὸς ἥδε· φάμεν δέ οἱ οὐ τελέεσθαι.

The queen amongst them. "Now," said he, "O queen,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῆα μέλαιναν ἐρύσσομεν ἥ τις ἀρίστη,

Your lov'd son is arriv'd." And, then was seen

ἐς δʼ ἐρέτας ἁλιῆας ἀγείρομεν, οἵ κε τάχιστα

The queen herself, to whom the herdsman told

κείνοις ἀγγείλωσι θοῶς οἶκόνδε νέεσθαι.

All that Telemachus enjoin'd he should;

οὔ πω πᾶν εἴρηθʼ, ὅτʼ ἄρʼ Ἀμφίνομος ἴδε νῆα,

All which discharg'd, his steps he back bestows,

στρεφθεὶς ἐκ χώρης, λιμένος πολυβενθέος ἐντός,

And left both court and city for his sows.

ἱστία τε στέλλοντας ἐρετμά τε χερσὶν ἔχοντας.

The Wooers then grew sad; soul-vex'd, and all

ἡδὺ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐκγελάσας μετεφώνεεν οἷς ἑτάροισι·

Made forth the court; when, by the mighty wall

μή τινʼ ἔτʼ ἀγγελίην ὀτρύνομεν· οἵδε γὰρ ἔνδον.

They took their sev'ral seats, before the gates.

ἤ τίς σφιν τόδʼ ἔειπε θεῶν, ἢ εἴσιδον αὐτοὶ

To whom Eurymachus initiates.

νῆα παρερχομένην, τὴν δʼ οὐκ ἐδύναντο κιχῆναι.

Their utter'd grievance. "O," said he, "my friends,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἀνστάντες ἔβαν ἐπὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης,

A work right-great begun, as proudly ends,

αἶψα δὲ νῆα μέλαιναν ἐπʼ ἠπείροιο ἔρυσσαν,

We said, Telemachus should never make

τεύχεα δέ σφʼ ἀπένεικαν ὑπέρθυμοι θεράποντες.

His voyage good, nor this shore ever take

For his return's receipt; and yet we fail,

And he performs it. Come, let's man a sail,

The best In our election, and bestow

Such soldiers in her as can swiftest row,

To tell our friends that way-lay his retreat

'Tis safe perform'd, and make them quickly get

Their ship for Ithaca." This was not said

Before Amphinomus in port display'd

The ship arriv'd, her sails then under-stroke,

And oars resum'd; when, laughing, thus he spoke:

"Move for no messenger. These men are come,

Some God hath either told his turning home,

Or they themselves have seen his ship gone by,

Had her in chase, and lost her." Instantly

They rose, and went to port; found drawn to land

The ship, the soldiers taking arms in hand.

The Wooers themselves to council went in throng,

And not a man besides, or old, or young,

Let sit amongst them. Then Eupitheus' son,

Antinous, said: "See, what the Gods have done!

They only have deliver'd from our ill

αὐτοὶ δʼ εἰς ἀγορὴν κίον ἀθρόοι, οὐδέ τινʼ ἄλλον

The men we way-laid. Ev'ry windy hill

εἴων οὔτε νέων μεταΐζειν οὔτε γερόντων.

Hath been their watch-tow'r, where by turns they stood

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντίνοος μετέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

Continual sentinel. And we made good

ὢ πόποι, ὡς τόνδʼ ἄνδρα θεοὶ κακότητος ἔλυσαν.

Our work as well, for, sun once set, we never

ἤματα μὲν σκοποὶ ἷζον ἐπʼ ἄκριας ἠνεμοέσσας

Slept wink ashore all night, but made sail ever,

αἰὲν ἐπασσύτεροι· ἅμα δʼ ἠελίῳ καταδύντι

This way and that, ev'n till the morning kept

οὔ ποτʼ ἐπʼ ἠπείρου νύκτʼ ἄσαμεν, ἀλλʼ ἐνὶ πόντῳ

Her sacred station, so to intercept

νηῒ θοῇ πλείοντες ἐμίμνομεν Ἠῶ δῖαν,

And take his life, for whom our ambush lay;

Τηλέμαχον λοχόωντες, ἵνα φθίσωμεν ἑλόντες

And yet hath God to his return giv'n way.

αὐτόν· τὸν δʼ ἄρα τῆος ἀπήγαγεν οἴκαδε δαίμων,

But let us prosecute with counsels here

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐνθάδε οἱ φραζώμεθα λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον

His necessary death, nor anywhere

Τηλεμάχῳ, μηδʼ ἧμας ὑπεκφύγοι· οὐ γὰρ ὀΐω

Let rest his safety; for if he survive,

τούτου γε ζώοντος ἀνύσσεσθαι τάδε ἔργα.

Our sails will never in wish'd havens arrive;

αὐτὸς μὲν γὰρ ἐπιστήμων βουλῇ τε νόῳ τε,

Since he is wise, hath soul, and counsel too,

λαοὶ δʼ οὐκέτι πάμπαν ἐφʼ ἡμῖν ἦρα φέρουσιν.

To work the people, who, will never do

ἀλλʼ ἄγετε, πρὶν κεῖνον ὁμηγυρίσασθαι Ἀχαιοὺς

Our faction favour. What we then intend

εἰς ἀγορήν—οὐ γάρ τι μεθησέμεναί μιν ὀΐω,

Against his person, give we present end,

ἀλλʼ ἀπομηνίσει, ἐρέει δʼ ἐν πᾶσιν ἀναστὰς

Before he call a council, which, believe,

οὕνεκά οἱ φόνον αἰπὺν ἐράπτομεν οὐδʼ ἐκίχημεν·

His spirit will haste, and point where it doth grieve,

οἱ δʼ οὐκ αἰνήσουσιν ἀκούοντες κακὰ ἔργα·

Stand up amongst them all, and urge his death

μή τι κακὸν ῥέξωσι καὶ ἡμέας ἐξελάσωσι

Decreed amongst us. Which complaint will breathe

γαίης ἡμετέρης, ἄλλων δʼ ἀφικώμεθα δῆμον·

A fire about their spleens, and blow no praise

ἀλλὰ φθέωμεν ἑλόντες ἐπʼ ἀγροῦ νόσφι πόληος

On our ill labours. Lest, they therefore raise

ἢ ἐν ὁδῷ· βίοτον δʼ αὐτοὶ καὶ κτήματʼ ἔχωμεν,

Pow'r to exile us from our native earth,

δασσάμενοι κατὰ μοῖραν ἐφʼ ἡμέας, οἰκία δʼ αὖτε

And force our lives' societies to the birth

κείνου μητέρι δοῖμεν ἔχειν ἠδʼ ὅστις ὀπυίοι.

Of foreign countries, let our speeds prevent,

εἰ δʼ ὑμῖν ὅδε μῦθος ἀφανδάνει, ἀλλὰ βόλεσθε

His coming home to this austere complaint,

αὐτόν τε ζώειν καὶ ἔχειν πατρώϊα πάντα,

At field and far from town, or in some way

μή οἱ χρήματʼ ἔπειτα ἅλις θυμηδέʼ ἔδωμεν

Of narrow passage, with his latest day

ἐνθάδʼ ἀγειρόμενοι, ἀλλʼ ἐκ μεγάροιο ἕκαστος

Shown to his forward youth, his goods and lands

μνάσθω ἐέδνοισιν διζήμενος· ἡ δέ κʼ ἔπειτα

Left to the free division of our hands,

γήμαιθʼ ὅς κε πλεῖστα πόροι καὶ μόρσιμος ἔλθοι.

The moveables made all his mother's dow'r,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

And his, whoever Fate affords the pow'r

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀμφίνομος ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε,

To celebrate, with her sweet Hymen's rites.

Νίσου φαίδιμος υἱός, Ἀρητιάδαο ἄνακτος,

Or if this please not, but your appetites

ὅς ῥʼ ἐκ Δουλιχίου πολυπύρου, ποιήεντος,

Stand to his safety, and to give him seat

ἡγεῖτο μνηστῆρσι, μάλιστα δὲ Πηνελοπείῃ

In his whole birth-right, let us look to eat

ἥνδανε μύθοισι· φρεσὶ γὰρ κέχρητʼ ἀγαθῇσιν·

At his cost never more, but ev'ry man

ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

Haste to his home, and wed, with whom he can

ὦ φίλοι, οὐκ ἂν ἐγώ γε κατακτείνειν ἐθέλοιμι

At home, and there lay first about for dow'r

Τηλέμαχον· δεινὸν δὲ γένος βασιλήϊόν ἐστιν

And then the woman give his second pow'r

κτείνειν· ἀλλὰ πρῶτα θεῶν εἰρώμεθα βουλάς.

Of nuptial-liking, and, for last, apply

εἰ μέν κʼ αἰνήσωσι Διὸς μεγάλοιο θέμιστες,

His purpose with most gifts and destiny."

αὐτός τε κτενέω τούς τʼ ἄλλους πάντας ἀνώξω·

This silence caus'd; whose breach, at last, begun

εἰ δέ κʼ ἀποτρωπῶσι θεοί, παύσασθαι ἄνωγα.

Amphinomus, the much renownéd son

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀμφίνομος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

Of Nisus surnam'd Aretiades,

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀνστάντες ἔβαν δόμον εἰς Ὀδυσῆος,

Who from Dulichius full of flow'ry leas

ἐλθόντες δὲ καθῖζον ἐπὶ ξεστοῖσι θρόνοισιν.

Led all the Wooers, and in chief did please

ἡ δʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια,

The queen with his discourse, because it grew

μνηστήρεσσι φανῆναι ὑπέρβιον ὕβριν ἔχουσι.

From roots of those good minds that did endue

πεύθετο γὰρ οὗ παιδὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ὄλεθρον·

His goodly person; who, exceeding wise,

κῆρυξ γὰρ οἱ ἔειπε Μέδων, ὃς ἐπεύθετο βουλάς.

Us'd this speech: "Friends, I never will advise

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι μέγαρόνδε σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι γυναιξίν.

The prince's death; for 'tis a damnéd thing

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ μνηστῆρας ἀφίκετο δῖα γυναικῶν,

To put to death the issue of a king.

στῆ ῥα παρὰ σταθμὸν τέγεος πύκα ποιητοῖο,

First, therefore, let's examine, what applause

ἄντα παρειάων σχομένη λιπαρὰ κρήδεμνα,

The Gods will give it: If the equal laws

Ἀντίνοον δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Of Jove approve it, I myself will be

Ἀντίνοʼ, ὕβριν ἔχων, κακομήχανε, καὶ δέ σέ φασιν

The man shall kill him, and this company

ἐν δήμῳ Ἰθάκης μεθʼ ὁμήλικας ἔμμεν ἄριστον

Exhort to that mind: If the Gods remain

βουλῇ καὶ μύθοισι· σὺ δʼ οὐκ ἄρα τοῖος ἔησθα.

Adverse, and hate it, I advise, refrain."

This said Amphinomus, and pleas'd them all

When all arose, and in Ulysses' hall

Took seat again. Then to the queen was come

The Wooers' plot, to kill her son at home,

Since their abroad-design had miss'd success,

The herald Medon (who the whole address

Knew of their counsels) making the report.

The Goddess of her sex, with her fair sort

Of lovely women, at the large hall's door

(Her bright cheeks clouded with a veil she wore)

Stood, and directed to Antinous