Odyssey

But when air's rosy birth, the morn, arose,

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

Telemachus did for the town dispose

δὴ τότʼ ἔπειθʼ ὑπὸ ποσσὶν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα

His early steps; and took to his command

Τηλέμαχος, φίλος υἱὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο,

His fair long lance, well-sorting with his hand,

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος, ὅ οἱ παλάμηφιν ἀρήρει,

Thus parting with Eumæus: "Now, my friend,

ἄστυδε ἱέμενος, καὶ ἑὸν προσέειπε συβώτην·

I must to town, lest too far I extend

ἄττʼ, ἦ τοι μὲν ἐγὼν εἶμʼ ἐς πόλιν, ὄφρα με μήτηρ

My mother's moan for me, who, till her eyes

ὄψεται· οὐ γάρ μιν πρόσθεν παύσεσθαι ὀΐω

Mine own eyes witness, varies tears and cries

κλαυθμοῦ τε στυγεροῖο γόοιό τε δακρυόεντος,

Through all extremes. Do then this charge of mine,

πρίν γʼ αὐτόν με ἴδηται· ἀτὰρ σοί γʼ ὧδʼ ἐπιτέλλω.

And guide to town this hapless guest of thine,

τὸν ξεῖνον δύστηνον ἄγʼ ἐς πόλιν, ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐκεῖθι

To beg elsewhere his further festival.

δαῖτα πτωχεύῃ· δώσει δέ οἱ ὅς κʼ ἐθέλῃσι

Give they that please, I cannot give to all,

πύρνον καὶ κοτύλην· ἐμὲ δʼ οὔ πως ἔστιν ἅπαντας

Mine own wants take up for myself my pain.

ἀνθρώπους ἀνέχεσθαι, ἔχοντά περ ἄλγεα θυμῷ·

If it incense him, he the worst shall gain.

ὁ ξεῖνος δʼ εἴ περ μάλα μηνίει, ἄλγιον αὐτῷ

The lovely truth I love, and must be plain."

ἔσσεται· ἦ γὰρ ἐμοὶ φίλʼ ἀληθέα μυθήσασθαι.

"Alas, friend," said his father, "nor do I

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Desire at all your further charity.

ὦ φίλος, οὐδέ τοι αὐτὸς ἐρύκεσθαι μενεαίνω·

'Tis better beg in cities than in fields,

πτωχῷ βέλτερόν ἐστι κατὰ πτόλιν ἠὲ κατʼ ἀγροὺς

And take the worst a beggar's fortune yields.

δαῖτα πτωχεύειν· δώσει δέ μοι ὅς κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν.

Nor am I apt to stay in swine-styes more,

οὐ γὰρ ἐπὶ σταθμοῖσι μένειν ἔτι τηλίκος εἰμί,

However; ever the great chief before

ὥστʼ ἐπιτειλαμένῳ σημάντορι πάντα πιθέσθαι.

The poor ranks must to ev'ry step obey.

ἀλλʼ ἔρχευ· ἐμὲ δʼ ἄξει ἀνὴρ ὅδε, τὸν σὺ κελεύεις,

But go; your man in my command shall sway,

αὐτίκʼ ἐπεί κε πυρὸς θερέω ἀλέη τε γένηται.

Anon yet too, by favour, when your fires

αἰνῶς γὰρ τάδε εἵματʼ ἔχω κακά· μή με δαμάσσῃ

Have comforted the cold heat age expires,

στίβη ὑπηοίη· ἕκαθεν δέ τε ἄστυ φάτʼ εἶναι.

And when the sun's flame hath besides corrected

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ διὰ σταθμοῖο βεβήκει,

The early air abroad, not being protected

κραιπνὰ ποσὶ προβιβάς, κακὰ δὲ μνηστῆρσι φύτευεν.

By these my bare weeds from the morning's frost,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἵκανε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

Which (if so much ground is to be engrost

ἔγχος μέν ῥʼ ἔστησε φέρων πρὸς κίονα μακρήν,

By my poor feet as you report) may give

αὐτὸς δʼ εἴσω ἴεν καὶ ὑπέρβη λάϊνον οὐδόν.

Too violent charge to th' heat by which I live."

τὸν δὲ πολὺ πρώτη εἶδε τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια,

This said, his son went on with spritely pace,

κώεα καστορνῦσα θρόνοις ἔνι δαιδαλέοισι,

And to the Wooers studied little grace.

δακρύσασα δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἰθὺς κίεν· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἄλλαι

Arriv'd at home, he gave his jav'lin stay

δμῳαὶ Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος ἠγερέθοντο,

Against a lofty pillar, and bold way

καὶ κύνεον ἀγαπαζόμεναι κεφαλήν τε καὶ ὤμους.

Made further in. When having so far gone

ἡ δʼ ἴεν ἐκ θαλάμοιο περίφρων Πηνελόπεια,

That he transcended the fair porch of stone,

Ἀρτέμιδι ἰκέλη ἠὲ χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ,

The first by far that gave his entry eye

ἀμφὶ δὲ παιδὶ φίλῳ βάλε πήχεε δακρύσασα,

Was nurse Euryclea; who th' embrodery

κύσσε δέ μιν κεφαλήν τε καὶ ἄμφω φάεα καλά,

Of stools there set was giving cushions fair;

καί ῥʼ ὀλοφυρομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Who ran upon him, and her rapt repair

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

Shed tears for joy. About him gather'd round

ὄψεσθαι ἐφάμην, ἐπεὶ ᾤχεο νηῒ Πύλονδε

The other maids; his head and shoulders crown'd

λάθρη, ἐμεῦ ἀέκητι, φίλου μετὰ πατρὸς ἀκουήν.

With kisses and embraces. From above

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι κατάλεξον ὅπως ἤντησας ὀπωπῆς.

The Queen herself came, like the Queen of Love,

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Or bright Diana; cast about her son

μῆτερ ἐμή, μή μοι γόον ὄρνυθι μηδέ μοι ἦτορ

Her kind embraces, with effusión

ἐν στήθεσσιν ὄρινε φυγόντι περ αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον·

Of loving tears; kiss'd both his lovely eyes,

ἀλλʼ ὑδρηναμένη, καθαρὰ χροῒ εἵμαθʼ ἑλοῦσα,

His cheeks, and forehead; and gave all supplies

εἰς ὑπερῷʼ ἀναβᾶσα σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι γυναιξὶν

With this entreaty; "Welcome, sweetest light!

εὔχεο πᾶσι θεοῖσι τεληέσσας ἑκατόμβας

I never had conceit to set quick sight

ῥέξειν, αἴ κέ ποθι Ζεὺς ἄντιτα ἔργα τελέσσῃ.

On thee thus soon, when thy lov'd father's fame

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἀγορὴν ἐσελεύσομαι, ὄφρα καλέσσω

As far as Pylos did thy spirit inflame,

ξεῖνον, ὅτις μοι κεῖθεν ἅμʼ ἕσπετο δεῦρο κιόντι.

In that search ventur'd all-unknown to me.

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ προὔπεμψα σὺν ἀντιθέοις ἑτάροισι,

O say, by what pow'r cam'st thou now to be

Πείραιον δέ μιν ἠνώγεα προτὶ οἶκον ἄγοντα

Mine eyes' dear object?" He return'd reply:

ἐνδυκέως φιλέειν καὶ τιέμεν, εἰς ὅ κεν ἔλθω.

"Move me not now, when you my 'scape descry

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, τῇ δʼ ἄπτερος ἔπλετο μῦθος.

From imminent death, to think me fresh entrapt;

ἡ δʼ ὑδρηναμένη, καθαρὰ χροῒ εἵμαθʼ ἑλοῦσα,

The fear'd wound rubbing, felt before I 'scapt.

εὔχετο πᾶσι θεοῖσι τεληέσσας ἑκατόμβας

Double not needless passion on a heart

ῥέξειν, αἴ κέ ποθι Ζεὺς ἄντιτα ἔργα τελέσσῃ.

Whose joy so green is, and so apt t' invert;

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

But pure weeds putting on, ascend and take

ἔγχος ἔχων· ἅμα τῷ γε δύω κύνες ἀργοὶ ἕποντο.

Your women with you, that ye all may make

θεσπεσίην δʼ ἄρα τῷ γε χάριν κατέχευεν Ἀθήνη·

Vows of full hecatombs in sacred fire

τὸν δʼ ἄρα πάντες λαοὶ ἐπερχόμενον θηεῦντο.

To all the Godheads, if their only Sire

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν μνηστῆρες ἀγήνορες ἠγερέθοντο

Vouchsafe revenge of guest-rites wrong'd, which he

ἔσθλʼ ἀγορεύοντες, κακὰ δὲ φρεσὶ βυσσοδόμευον.

Is to protect as being their Deity.

αὐτὰρ ὁ τῶν μὲν ἔπειτα ἀλεύατο πουλὺν ὅμιλον,

My way shall be directed to the hall

ἀλλʼ ἵνα Μέντωρ ἧστο καὶ Ἄντιφος ἠδʼ Ἁλιθέρσης,

Of common concourse, that I thence may call

οἵ τε οἱ ἐξ ἀρχῆς πατρώϊοι ἦσαν ἑταῖροι,

A stranger, who from off the Pylian shore

ἔνθα καθέζετʼ ἰών· τοὶ δʼ ἐξερέεινον ἕκαστα.

Came friendly with me; whom I sent before

τοῖσι δὲ Πείραιος δουρικλυτὸς ἐγγύθεν ἦλθεν

With all my soldiers, but in chief did charge

ξεῖνον ἄγων ἀγορήνδε διὰ πτόλιν· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν

Piræus with him, wishing him t' enlarge

Τηλέμαχος ξείνοιο ἑκὰς τράπετʼ, ἀλλὰ παρέστη.

His love to him at home, in best affair,

τὸν καὶ Πείραιος πρότερος πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

And utmost honours, till mine own repair."

Τηλέμαχʼ, αἶψʼ ὄτρυνον ἐμὸν ποτὶ δῶμα γυναῖκας,

Her son thus spoken, his words could not bear

The wings too easily through her either ear,

But putting pure weeds on, made vows entire

Of perfect hecatombs in sacred fire

To all the Deities, if their only Sire

Vouchsaf'd revenge of guest-rites wrong'd, which he

Was to protect as being their Deity.

Her son left house, in his fair hand his lance,

His dogs attending; and, on ev'ry glance

His looks cast from them, Pallas put a grace

That made him seem of the celestial race.

Whom, come to concourse, ev'ry man admir'd,

About him throng'd the Wooers, and desir'd

All good to him in tongues, but in their hearts

Most deep ills threaten'd to his most deserts.

Of whose huge rout once free, he cast glad eye

On some that, long before his infancy,

Were with his father great and gracious,

Grave Halitherses, Mentor, Antiphus:

To whom he went, took seat by them, and they

Inquir'd of all things since his parting day.

To them Piræus came, and brought his guest

Along the city thither, whom not least

The prince respected, nor was long before

He rose and met him. The first word yet bore

Piræus from them both; whose haste besought

ὥς τοι δῶρʼ ἀποπέμψω, ἅ τοι Μενέλαος ἔδωκε.

The prince to send his women to see brought

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

The gifts from his house that Atrides gave,

Πείραιʼ, οὐ γάρ τʼ ἴδμεν ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα.

Which his own roofs, he thought, would better save.

εἴ κεν ἐμὲ μνηστῆρες ἀγήνορες ἐν μεγάροισι

The wise prince answer'd: "I can scarce conceive

λάθρη κτείναντες πατρώϊα πάντα δάσωνται,

The way to these works. If the Wooers reave

αὐτὸν ἔχοντά σε βούλομʼ ἐπαυρέμεν, ἤ τινα τῶνδε·

By privy stratagem my life at home,

εἰ δέ κʼ ἐγὼ τούτοισι φόνον καὶ κῆρα φυτεύσω,

I rather wish Piræus may become

δὴ τότε μοι χαίροντι φέρειν πρὸς δώματα χαίρων.

The master of them, than the best of these.

ὣς εἰπὼν ξεῖνον ταλαπείριον ἦγεν ἐς οἶκον.

But, if I sow in their fields of excess

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἵκοντο δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

Slaughter and ruin, then thy trust employ,

χλαίνας μὲν κατέθεντο κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε,

And to me joying bring thou those with joy."

ἐς δʼ ἀσαμίνθους βάντες ἐϋξέστας λούσαντο.

This said, he brought home his grief-practis'd guest;

τοὺς δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν δμῳαὶ λοῦσαν καὶ χρῖσαν ἐλαίῳ,

Where both put off, both oil'd, and did invest

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρα χλαίνας οὔλας βάλον ἠδὲ χιτῶνας,

Themselves in rich robes, wash'd, and sate, and eat.

ἔκ ῥʼ ἀσαμίνθων βάντες ἐπὶ κλισμοῖσι καθῖζον.

His mother, in a fair chair taking seat

χέρνιβα δʼ ἀμφίπολος προχόῳ ἐπέχευε φέρουσα

Directly opposite, her loom applied;

καλῇ χρυσείῃ, ὑπὲρ ἀργυρέοιο λέβητος,

Who, when her son and guest had satisfied

νίψασθαι· παρὰ δὲ ξεστὴν ἐτάνυσσε τράπεζαν.

Their appetites with feast, said: "O my son,

σῖτον δʼ αἰδοίη ταμίη παρέθηκε φέρουσα,

You know that ever since your sire was won

εἴδατα πόλλʼ ἐπιθεῖσα, χαριζομένη παρεόντων.

To go in Agamemnon's guide to Troy,

μήτηρ δʼ ἀντίον ἷζε παρὰ σταθμὸν μεγάροιο

Attempting sleep, I never did enjoy

κλισμῷ κεκλιμένη, λέπτʼ ἠλάκατα στρωφῶσα.

One night's good rest, but made my quiet bed

οἱ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον,

A sea blown-up with sighs, with tears still shed

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

Embrew'd and troubled; yet, though all your miss

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

In your late voyage hath been made for this,

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἦ τοι ἐγὼν ὑπερώϊον εἰσαναβᾶσα

That you might know th' abode your father made.

λέξομαι εἰς εὐνήν, ἥ μοι στονόεσσα τέτυκται,

You shun to tell me what success you had.

αἰεὶ δάκρυσʼ ἐμοῖσι πεφυρμένη, ἐξ οὗ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Now then, before the insolent access

ᾤχεθʼ ἅμʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃσιν ἐς Ἴλιον· οὐδέ μοι ἔτλης,

The Wooers straight will force on us, express

πρὶν ἐλθεῖν μνηστῆρας ἀγήνορας ἐς τόδε δῶμα,

What you have heard." "I will," said he, "and true.

νόστον σοῦ πατρὸς σάφα εἰπέμεν, εἴ που ἄκουσας.

We came to Pylos, where the studious due

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

That any father could afford his son,

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, μῆτερ, ἀληθείην καταλέξω.

(But new-arriv'd from some course he had run

ᾠχόμεθʼ ἔς τε Πύλον καὶ Νέστορα, ποιμένα λαῶν·

To an extreme length, in some voyage vow'd),

δεξάμενος δέ με κεῖνος ἐν ὑψηλοῖσι δόμοισιν

Nestor, the pastor of the people, show'd

ἐνδυκέως ἐφίλει, ὡς εἴ τε πατὴρ ἑὸν υἱὸν

To me arriv'd, in turrets thrust-up high,

ἐλθόντα χρόνιον νέον ἄλλοθεν· ὣς ἐμὲ κεῖνος

Where not his brave sons were more lov'd than I.

ἐνδυκέως ἐκόμιζε σὺν υἱάσι κυδαλίμοισιν.

Yet of th' unconquer'd ever-sufferer;

αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος οὔ ποτʼ ἔφασκεν,

Ulysses, never he could set his ear,

ζωοῦ οὐδὲ θανόντος, ἐπιχθονίων τευ ἀκοῦσαι·

Alive or dead, from any earthy man.

ἀλλά μʼ ἐς Ἀτρεΐδην, δουρικλειτὸν Μενέλαον,

But to the great Lacedæmonian,

ἵπποισι προὔπεμψε καὶ ἅρμασι κολλητοῖσιν.

Atrides, famous for his lance, he sent,

ἔνθʼ ἴδον Ἀργείην Ἑλένην, ἧς εἵνεκα πολλὰ

With horse and chariots, me, to learn th' event

Ἀργεῖοι Τρῶές τε θεῶν ἰότητι μόγησαν.

From his relation; where I had the view

εἴρετο δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος

Of Argive Helen, whose strong beauties drew,

ὅττευ χρηΐζων ἱκόμην Λακεδαίμονα δῖαν·

By wills of Gods, so many Grecian states,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ τῷ πᾶσαν ἀληθείην κατέλεξα·

And Trojans, under such laborious fates.

καὶ τότε δή με ἔπεσσιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπεν·

Where Menelaus ask'd me, what affair

ὢ πόποι, ἦ μάλα δὴ κρατερόφρονος ἀνδρὸς ἐν εὐνῇ

To Lacedæmon render'd my repair.

ἤθελον εὐνηθῆναι, ἀνάλκιδες αὐτοὶ ἐόντες.

I told him all the truth, who made reply:

ὡς δʼ ὁπότʼ ἐν ξυλόχῳ ἔλαφος κρατεροῖο λέοντος

'O deed of most abhorr'd indecency!

νεβροὺς κοιμήσασα νεηγενέας γαλαθηνοὺς

A sort of impotents attempt his bed

κνημοὺς ἐξερέῃσι καὶ ἄγκεα ποιήεντα

Whose strength of mind hath cities levelléd!

βοσκομένη, ὁ δʼ ἔπειτα ἑὴν εἰσήλυθεν εὐνήν,

As to a lion's den, when any hind

ἀμφοτέροισι δὲ τοῖσιν ἀεικέα πότμον ἐφῆκεν,

Hath brought her young calves, to their rest inclin'd,

ὣς Ὀδυσεὺς κείνοισιν ἀεικέα πότμον ἐφήσει.

When he is ranging hills, and herby dales,

αἲ γάρ, Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον,

To make of feeders there his festivals,

τοῖος ἐὼν οἷός ποτʼ ἐϋκτιμένῃ ἐνὶ Λέσβῳ

But, turning to his luster, calves and dam

ἐξ ἔριδος Φιλομηλεΐδῃ ἐπάλαισεν ἀναστάς,

He shows abhorr'd death, in his anger's flame;

κὰδ δʼ ἔβαλε κρατερῶς, κεχάροντο δὲ πάντες Ἀχαιοί,

So, should Ulysses find this rabble hous'd

τοῖος ἐὼν μνηστῆρσιν ὁμιλήσειεν Ὀδυσσεύς·

In his free turrets, courting his espous'd,

πάντες κʼ ὠκύμοροί τε γενοίατο πικρόγαμοί τε.

Foul death would fall them. O, I would to Jove,

ταῦτα δʼ ἅ μʼ εἰρωτᾷς καὶ λίσσεαι, οὐκ ἂν ἐγώ γε

Phœbus, and Pallas, that, when he shall prove

ἄλλα παρὲξ εἴποιμι παρακλιδὸν οὐδʼ ἀπατήσω,

The broad report of his exhausted store

ἀλλὰ τὰ μέν μοι ἔειπε γέρων ἅλιος νημερτής,

True with his eyes, his nerves and sinews wore

τῶν οὐδέν τοι ἐγὼ κρύψω ἔπος οὐδʼ ἐπικεύσω.

That vigour then that in the Lesbian tow'rs,

φῆ μιν ὅ γʼ ἐν νήσῳ ἰδέειν κρατέρʼ ἄλγεʼ ἔχοντα,

Provok'd to wrastle with the iron pow'rs

νύμφης ἐν μεγάροισι Καλυψοῦς, ἥ μιν ἀνάγκῃ

Philomelides vaunted, he approv'd;

ἴσχει· ὁ δʼ οὐ δύναται ἣν πατρίδα γαῖαν ἱκέσθαι.

When down he hurl'd his challenger, and mov'd

οὐ γάρ οἱ πάρα νῆες ἐπήρετμοι καὶ ἑταῖροι,

Huge shouts from all the Achives then in view.

οἵ κέν μιν πέμποιεν ἐπʼ εὐρέα νῶτα θαλάσσης

If, once come home, he all those forces drew

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀτρεΐδης, δουρικλειτὸς Μενέλαος.

About him there to work, they all were dead,

ταῦτα τελευτήσας νεόμην· ἔδοσαν δέ μοι οὖρον

And should find bitter his attempted bed.

ἀθάνατοι, τοί μʼ ὦκα φίλην ἐς πατρίδʼ ἔπεμψαν.

But what you ask and sue for, I, as far

ὣς φάτο, τῇ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε.

As I have heard the true-spoke mariner,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

Will tell directly, nor delude your ear:

He told me that an island did ensphere,

In much discomfort, great Laertes' son;

And that the Nymph Calypso, overrun

With his affection, kept him in her caves,

Where men, nor ship, of pow'r to brook the waves,

Were near his convoy to his country's shore,

And where herself importun'd evermore

His quiet stay; which not obtain'd, by force

She kept his person from all else recourse.'

This told Atrides, which was all he knew.

Nor stay'd I more, but from the Gods there blew

A prosp'rous wind, that set me quickly here."

This put his mother quite from all her cheer.

When Theoclymenus the augur said:

"O woman, honour'd with Ulysses' bed,

Your son, no doubt, knows clearly nothing more,

Hear me yet speak, that can the truth uncore,

Nor will be curious. Jove then witness bear,

And this thy hospitable table here,

With this whole household of your blameless lord,

That at this hour his royal feet are shor'd

On his lov'd country-earth, and that ev'n here

Coming, or creeping, he will see the cheer

These Wooers make, and in his soul's field sow

Seeds that shall thrive to all their overthrow.

ὦ γύναι αἰδοίη Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος,

This, set a ship-board, I knew sorted thus,

ἦ τοι ὅ γʼ οὐ σάφα οἶδεν, ἐμεῖο δὲ σύνθεο μῦθον·

And cried it out to your Telemachus."

ἀτρεκέως γάρ σοι μαντεύσομαι οὐδʼ ἐπικεύσω·

Penelopé replied: "Would this would prove,

ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς πρῶτα θεῶν, ξενίη τε τράπεζα

You well should witness a most friendly love,

ἱστίη τʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος, ἣν ἀφικάνω,

And gifts such of me, as encount'ring Fame

ὡς ἦ τοι Ὀδυσεὺς ἤδη ἐν πατρίδι γαίῃ,

Should greet you with a blesséd mortal's name."

ἥμενος ἢ ἕρπων, τάδε πευθόμενος κακὰ ἔργα,

This mutual speech past, all the Wooers were

ἔστιν, ἀτὰρ μνηστῆρσι κακὸν πάντεσσι φυτεύει·

Hurling the stone, and tossing of the spear,

τοῖον ἐγὼν οἰωνὸν ἐϋσσέλμου ἐπὶ νηὸς

Before the palace, in the pavéd court,

ἥμενος ἐφρασάμην καὶ Τηλεμάχῳ ἐγεγώνευν.

Where otherwhiles their petulant resort

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

Sat plotting injuries. But when the hour

αἲ γὰρ τοῦτο, ξεῖνε, ἔπος τετελεσμένον εἴη·

Of supper enter'd, and the feeding pow'r

τῷ κε τάχα γνοίης φιλότητά τε πολλά τε δῶρα

Brought sheep from field, that fill'd up ev'ry way

ἐξ ἐμεῦ, ὡς ἄν τίς σε συναντόμενος μακαρίζοι.

With those that us'd to furnish that purvey,

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

Medon, the herald (who of all the rest

μνηστῆρες δὲ πάροιθεν Ὀδυσσῆος μεγάροιο

Pleas'd most the Wooers, and at ev'ry feast

δίσκοισιν τέρποντο καὶ αἰγανέῃσιν ἱέντες,

Was ever near) said: "You whose kind consort

ἐν τυκτῷ δαπέδῳ, ὅθι περ πάρος ὕβριν ἔχοντες.

Make the fair branches of the tree our court,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ δείπνηστος ἔην καὶ ἐπήλυθε μῆλα

Grace it within now, and your suppers take.

πάντοθεν ἐξ ἀγρῶν, οἱ δʼ ἤγαγον οἳ τὸ πάρος περ,

You that for health, and fair contention's sake,

καὶ τότε δή σφιν ἔειπε Μέδων· ὃς γάρ ῥα μάλιστα

Will please your minds, know, bodies must have meat;

ἥνδανε κηρύκων, καὶ σφιν παρεγίγνετο δαιτί·

Play's worse than idleness in times to eat."

κοῦροι, ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντες ἐτέρφθητε φρένʼ ἀέθλοις,

This said, all left, came in, cast by, on thrones

ἔρχεσθε πρὸς δώμαθʼ, ἵνʼ ἐντυνώμεθα δαῖτα·

And chairs, their garments. Their provisións

οὐ μὲν γάρ τι χέρειον ἐν ὥρῃ δεῖπνον ἑλέσθαι.

Were sheep, swine, goats, the chiefly-great and fat,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἀνστάντες ἔβαν πείθοντό τε μύθῳ.

Besides an ox that from the herd they gat.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἵκοντο δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

And now the king and herdsman, from the field,

χλαίνας μὲν κατέθεντο κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε,

In good way were to town; 'twixt whom was held

οἱ δʼ ἱέρευον ὄϊς μεγάλους καὶ πίονας αἶγας,

Some walking conference, which thus begun

ἵρευον δὲ σύας σιάλους καὶ βοῦν ἀγελαίην,

The good Eumæus: "Guest, your will was won,

δαῖτʼ ἐντυνόμενοι. τοὶ δʼ ἐξ ἀγροῖο πόλινδε

Because the prince commanded, to make way

ὠτρύνοντʼ Ὀδυσεύς τʼ ἰέναι καὶ δῖος ὑφορβός.

Up to the city, though I wish'd your stay,

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε συβώτης, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν·

And to have made you guardian of my stall;

ξεῖνʼ, ἐπεὶ ἂρ δὴ ἔπειτα πόλινδʼ ἰέναι μενεαίνεις

But I, in care and fear of what might fall

σήμερον, ὡς ἐπέτελλεν ἄναξ ἐμός—ἦ σʼ ἂν ἐγώ γε

In after-anger of the prince, forbore.

αὐτοῦ βουλοίμην σταθμῶν ῥυτῆρα λιπέσθαι·

The checks of princes touch their subjects sore.

ἀλλὰ τὸν αἰδέομαι καὶ δείδια, μή μοι ὀπίσσω

But make we haste, the day is nearly ended,

νεικείῃ· χαλεπαὶ δέ τʼ ἀνάκτων εἰσὶν ὁμοκλαί—

And cold airs still are in the even extended."

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἴομεν· δὴ γὰρ μέμβλωκε μάλιστα

"I know't," said he, "consider all; your charge

ἦμαρ, ἀτὰρ τάχα τοι ποτὶ ἕσπερα ῥίγιον ἔσται.

Is giv'n to one that understands at large.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Haste then. Hereafter, you shall lead the way;

γιγνώσκω, φρονέω· τά γε δὴ νοέοντι κελεύεις.

Afford your staff too, if it fit your stay,

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν, σὺ δʼ ἔπειτα διαμπερὲς ἡγεμόνευε.

That I may use it; since you say our pass

δὸς δέ μοι, εἴ ποθί τοι ῥόπαλον τετμημένον ἐστίν,

Is less friend to a weak foot than it was."

σκηρίπτεσθʼ, ἐπεὶ ἦ φατʼ ἀρισφαλέʼ ἔμμεναι οὐδόν.

Thus cast he on his neck his nasty scrip,

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἀεικέα βάλλετο πήρην,

All-patch'd and torn; a cord, that would not slip

πυκνὰ ῥωγαλέην· ἐν δὲ στρόφος ἦεν ἀορτήρ·

For knots and bracks about the mouth of it,

Εὔμαιος δʼ ἄρα οἱ σκῆπτρον θυμαρὲς ἔδωκε.

Made serve the turn; and then his swain did fit

τὼ βήτην, σταθμὸν δὲ κύνες καὶ βώτορες ἄνδρες

His forc'd state with a staff. Then plied they hard

ῥύατʼ ὄπισθε μένοντες· ὁ δʼ ἐς πόλιν ἦγεν ἄνακτα

Their way to town, their cottage left in guard

πτωχῷ λευγαλέῳ ἐναλίγκιον ἠδὲ γέροντι,

To swains and dogs. And now Eumæus led

σκηπτόμενον· τὰ δὲ λυγρὰ περὶ χροῒ εἵματα ἕστο.

The king along, his garments to a thread

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ στείχοντες ὁδὸν κάτα παιπαλόεσσαν

All-bare and burn'd, and he himself hard bore

ἄστεος ἐγγὺς ἔσαν καὶ ἐπὶ κρήνην ἀφίκοντο

Upon his staff, at all parts like a poor

τυκτὴν καλλίροον, ὅθεν ὑδρεύοντο πολῖται,

And sad old beggar. But when now they got

τὴν ποίησʼ Ἴθακος καὶ Νήριτος ἠδὲ Πολύκτωρ·

The rough highway, their voyage wanted not

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αἰγείρων ὑδατοτρεφέων ἦν ἄλσος,

Much of the city, where a fount they reach'd,

πάντοσε κυκλοτερές, κατὰ δὲ ψυχρὸν ῥέεν ὕδωρ

From whence the town their choicest water fetch'd,

ὑψόθεν ἐκ πέτρης· βωμὸς δʼ ἐφύπερθε τέτυκτο

That ever overflow'd, and curious art

νυμφάων, ὅθι πάντες ἐπιρρέζεσκον ὁδῖται·

Was shown about it; in which three had part

ἔνθα σφέας ἐκίχανʼ υἱὸς Δολίοιο Μελανθεὺς

Whose names Neritus and Polyctor were,

αἶγας ἄγων, αἳ πᾶσι μετέπρεπον αἰπολίοισι,

And famous Ithacus. It had a sphere

δεῖπνον μνηστήρεσσι· δύω δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο νομῆες.

Of poplar, that ran round about the wall;

τοὺς δὲ ἰδὼν νείκεσσεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν,

And into it a lofty rock let fall

ἔκπαγλον καὶ ἀεικές· ὄρινε δὲ κῆρ Ὀδυσῆος·

Continual supply of cool clear stream.

νῦν μὲν δὴ μάλα πάγχυ κακὸς κακὸν ἡγηλάζει,

On whose top, to the Nymphs that were supreme

ὡς αἰεὶ τὸν ὁμοῖον ἄγει θεὸς ὡς τὸν ὁμοῖον.

In those parts' loves, a stately altar rose,

πῇ δὴ τόνδε μολοβρὸν ἄγεις, ἀμέγαρτε συβῶτα,

Where ev'ry traveller did still impose

πτωχὸν ἀνιηρόν δαιτῶν ἀπολυμαντῆρα;

Devoted sacrifice. At this fount found

ὃς πολλῇς φλιῇσι παραστὰς θλίψεται ὤμους,

These silly travellers a man renown'd

αἰτίζων ἀκόλους, οὐκ ἄορας οὐδὲ λέβητας·

For guard of goats, which now he had in guide,

τόν κʼ εἴ μοι δοίης σταθμῶν ῥυτῆρα γενέσθαι

Whose huge-stor'd herd two herdsmen kept beside,

σηκοκόρον τʼ ἔμεναι θαλλόν τʼ ἐρίφοισι φορῆναι,

For all herds it excell'd, and bred a feed

καί κεν ὀρὸν πίνων μεγάλην ἐπιγουνίδα θεῖτο.

For Wooers only. He was Dolius' seed,

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν δὴ ἔργα κάκʼ ἔμμαθεν, οὐκ ἐθελήσει

And call'd Melanthius. Who casting eye

ἔργον ἐποίχεσθαι, ἀλλὰ πτώσσων κατὰ δῆμον

On these two there, he chid them terribly,

And so past mean, that ev'n the wretched fate

Now on Ulysses he did irritate.

His fume to this effect he did pursue:

"Why so,'tis now at all parts passing true,

That ill leads ill, good evermore doth train

With like his like. Why, thou unenvied swain,

Whither dost thou lead this same victless leaguer,

This bane of banquets, this most nasty beggar,

Whose sight doth make one sad, it so abhors?

Who, with his standing in so many doors,

Hath broke his back; and all his beggary tends

To beg base crusts, but to no manly ends,

As asking swords, or with activity

To get a caldron. Wouldst thou give him me,

To farm my stable, or to sweep my yard,

And bring browse to my kids, and that preferr'd

He should be at my keeping for his pains

To drink as much whey as his thirsty veins

Would still be swilling (whey made all his fees)

His monstrous belly would oppress his knees.

But he hath learn'd to lead base life about,

And will not work, but crouch among the rout

For broken meat to cram his bursten gut.

Yet this I'll say, and he will find it put

βούλεται αἰτίζων βόσκειν ἣν γαστέρʼ ἄναλτον.

In sure effect, that if he enters where

ἀλλʼ ἔκ τοι ἐρέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

Ulysses' roofs cast shade, the stools will there

αἴ κʼ ἔλθῃ πρὸς δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο,

About his ears fly, all the house will throw,

πολλά οἱ ἀμφὶ κάρη σφέλα ἀνδρῶν ἐκ παλαμάων

And rub his ragged sides with cuffs enow."

πλευραὶ ἀποτρίψουσι δόμον κάτα βαλλομένοιο.

Past these reviles, his manless rudeness spurn'd

ὣς φάτο, καὶ παριὼν λὰξ ἔνθορεν ἀφραδίῃσιν

Divine Ulysses; who at no part turn'd

ἰσχίῳ· οὐδέ μιν ἐκτὸς ἀταρπιτοῦ ἐστυφέλιξεν,

His face from him, but had his spirit fed

ἀλλʼ ἔμενʼ ἀσφαλέως· ὁ δὲ μερμήριξεν Ὀδυσσεὺς

With these two thoughts, if he should strike him dead

ἠὲ μεταΐξας ῥοπάλῳ ἐκ θυμὸν ἕλοιτο,

With his bestowéd staff, or at his feet

ἦ πρὸς γῆν ἐλάσειε κάρη ἀμφουδὶς ἀείρας.

Make his direct head and the pavement meet.

ἀλλʼ ἐπετόλμησε, φρεσὶ δʼ ἔσχετο· τὸν δὲ συβώτης

But he bore all, and entertain'd a breast

νείκεσʼ ἐσάντα ἰδών, μέγα δʼ εὔξατο χεῖρας ἀνασχών·

That in the strife of all extremes did rest.

νύμφαι κρηναῖαι, κοῦραι Διός, εἴ ποτʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Eumæus, frowning on him, chid him yet,

ὔμμʼ ἐπὶ μηρίʼ ἔκηε, καλύψας πίονι δημῷ,

And, lifting up his hands to heav'n, he set

ἀρνῶν ἠδʼ ἐρίφων, τόδε μοι κρηήνατʼ ἐέλδωρ,

This bitter curse at him: "O you that bear

ὡς ἔλθοι μὲν κεῖνος ἀνήρ, ἀγάγοι δέ ἑ δαίμων·

Fair name to be the race of Jupiter,

τῷ κέ τοι ἀγλαΐας γε διασκεδάσειεν ἁπάσας,

Nymphs of these fountains! If Ulysses ever

τὰς νῦν ὑβρίζων φορέεις, ἀλαλήμενος αἰεὶ

Burn'd thighs to you, that, hid in fat, did never

ἄστυ κάτʼ· αὐτὰρ μῆλα κακοὶ φθείρουσι νομῆες.

Fail your acceptance, of or lamb or kid,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν·

Grant this grace to me: Let the man thus hid

ὢ πόποι, οἶον ἔειπε κύων ὀλοφώϊα εἰδώς,

Shine through his dark fate, make some God his guide,

τόν ποτʼ ἐγὼν ἐπὶ νηὸς ἐϋσσέλμοιο μελαίνης

That, to thee, goatherd, this same palate's pride,

ἄξω τῆλʼ Ἰθάκης, ἵνα μοι βίοτον πολὺν ἄλφοι.

Thou driv'st afore thee, he may come and make

αἲ γὰρ Τηλέμαχον βάλοι ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων

The scatt'rings of the earth, and overtake

σήμερον ἐν μεγάροις, ἢ ὑπὸ μνηστῆρσι δαμείη,

Thy wrongs, with forcing thee to ever err

ὡς Ὀδυσῆΐ γε τηλοῦ ἀπώλετο νόστιμον ἦμαρ.

About the city, hunted by his fear.

ὣς εἰπὼν τοὺς μὲν λίπεν αὐτοῦ ἦκα κιόντας,

And in the mean space by some slothful swains

αὐτὰρ ὁ βῆ, μάλα δʼ ὦκα δόμους ἵκανεν ἄνακτος.

Let lousy sickness gnaw thy cattle's veins."

αὐτίκα δʼ εἴσω ἴεν, μετὰ δὲ μνηστῆρσι καθῖζεν,

"O Gods!" replied Melanthius, "what a curse

ἀντίον Εὐρυμάχου· τὸν γὰρ φιλέεσκε μάλιστα.

Hath this dog bark'd out, and can yet do worse!

τῷ πάρα μὲν κρειῶν μοῖραν θέσαν οἳ πονέοντο,

This man shall I have giv'n into my hands,

σῖτον δʼ αἰδοίη ταμίη παρέθηκε φέρουσα

When in a well-built ship to far-off lands

ἔδμεναι. ἀγχίμολον δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ δῖος ὑφορβὸς

I shall transport him, that, should I want here,

στήτην ἐρχομένω, περὶ δέ σφεας ἤλυθʼ ἰωὴ

My sale of him may find me victuals there.

φόρμιγγος γλαφυρῆς· ἀνὰ γάρ σφισι βάλλετʼ ἀείδειν

And, for Ulysses, would to heav'n his joy

Φήμιος· αὐτὰρ ὁ χειρὸς ἑλὼν προσέειπε συβώτην·

The silver-bearing-bow God would destroy,

Εὔμαιʼ, ἦ μάλα δὴ τάδε δώματα κάλʼ Ὀδυσῆος,

This day, within his house, as sure as he

ῥεῖα δʼ ἀρίγνωτʼ ἐστὶ καὶ ἐν πολλοῖσιν ἰδέσθαι.

The day of his return shall never see."

ἐξ ἑτέρων ἕτερʼ ἐστίν, ἐπήσκηται δέ οἱ αὐλὴ

This said, he left them going silent on;

τοίχῳ καὶ θριγκοῖσι, θύραι δʼ εὐερκέες εἰσὶ

But he out-went them, and took straight upon

δικλίδες· οὐκ ἄν τίς μιν ἀνὴρ ὑπεροπλίσσαιτο.

The palace-royal, which he enter'd straight,

γιγνώσκω δʼ ὅτι πολλοὶ ἐν αὐτῷ δαῖτα τίθενται

Sat with the Wooers, and his trencher's freight

ἄνδρες, ἐπεὶ κνίση μὲν ἀνήνοθεν, ἐν δέ τε φόρμιγξ

The carvers gave him of the flesh there vented,

ἠπύει, ἣν ἄρα δαιτὶ θεοὶ ποίησαν ἑταίρην.

But bread the rev'rend butleress presented.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

He took against Eurymachus his place,

ῥεῖʼ ἔγνως, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ τά τʼ ἄλλα πέρ ἐσσʼ ἀνοήμων.

Who most of all the Wooers gave him grace.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ φραζώμεθʼ ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα.

And now Ulysses and his swain got near,

ἠὲ σὺ πρῶτος ἔσελθε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

When round about them visited their ear

δύσεο δὲ μνηστῆρας, ἐγὼ δʼ ὑπολείψομαι αὐτοῦ·

The hollow harp's delicious-stricken string,

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις, ἐπίμεινον, ἐγὼ δʼ εἶμι προπάροιθε·

To which did Phemius, near the Wooers, sing.

μηδὲ σὺ δηθύνειν, μή τίς σʼ ἔκτοσθε νοήσας

Then by the hand Ulysses took his swain,

ἢ βάλῃ ἢ ἐλάσῃ· τὰ δέ σε φράζεσθαι ἄνωγα.

And said: "Eumæus, one may here see plain,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

In many a grace, that Laertiades

γιγνώσκω, φρονέω· τά γε δὴ νοέοντι κελεύεις.

Built here these turrets, and,'mongst others these,

ἀλλʼ ἔρχευ προπάροιθεν, ἐγὼ δʼ ὑπολείψομαι αὐτοῦ.

His whole court arm'd with such a goodly wall,

οὐ γάρ τι πληγέων ἀδαήμων οὐδὲ βολάων·

The cornice, and the cope, majestical,

τολμήεις μοι θυμός, ἐπεὶ κακὰ πολλὰ πέπονθα

His double gates, and turrets, built too strong

κύμασι καὶ πολέμῳ· μετὰ καὶ τόδε τοῖσι γενέσθω·

For force or virtue ever to expugn.

γαστέρα δʼ οὔ πως ἔστιν ἀποκρύψαι μεμαυῖαν,

I know the feasters in it now abound,

οὐλομένην, ἣ πολλὰ κάκʼ ἀνθρώποισι δίδωσι,

Their cates cast such a savour; and the sound

τῆς ἕνεκεν καὶ νῆες ἐΰζυγοι ὁπλίζονται

The harp gives argues an accomplish'd feast.

πόντον ἐπʼ ἀτρύγετον, κακὰ δυσμενέεσσι φέρουσαι.

The Gods made music banquet's dearest guest."

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

"These things," said he, "your skill may tell with ease,

ἂν δὲ κύων κεφαλήν τε καὶ οὔατα κείμενος ἔσχεν,

Since you are grac'd with greater knowledges.

Ἄργος, Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος, ὅν ῥά ποτʼ αὐτὸς

But now consult we how these works shall sort,

θρέψε μέν, οὐδʼ ἀπόνητο, πάρος δʼ εἰς Ἴλιον ἱρὴν

If you will first approach this praiséd court,

ᾤχετο. τὸν δὲ πάροιθεν ἀγίνεσκον νέοι ἄνδρες

And see these Wooers, I remaining here;

αἶγας ἐπʼ ἀγροτέρας ἠδὲ πρόκας ἠδὲ λαγωούς·

Or I shall enter, and yourself forbear?

δὴ τότε κεῖτʼ ἀπόθεστος ἀποιχομένοιο ἄνακτος,

But be not you too tedious in your stay,

ἐν πολλῇ κόπρῳ, ἥ οἱ προπάροιθε θυράων

Lest thrust ye be and buffeted away.

ἡμιόνων τε βοῶν τε ἅλις κέχυτʼ, ὄφρʼ ἂν ἄγοιεν

Brain hath no fence for blows; look to 't I pray."

δμῶες Ὀδυσσῆος τέμενος μέγα κοπρήσοντες·

"You speak to one that comprehends," said he,

ἔνθα κύων κεῖτʼ Ἄργος, ἐνίπλειος κυνοραιστέων.

"Go you before, and here adventure me.

δὴ τότε γʼ, ὡς ἐνόησεν Ὀδυσσέα ἐγγὺς ἐόντα,

I have of old been us'd to cuffs and blows;

οὐρῇ μέν ῥʼ ὅ γʼ ἔσηνε καὶ οὔατα κάββαλεν ἄμφω,

My mind is harden'd, having borne the throes

ἆσσον δʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔπειτα δυνήσατο οἷο ἄνακτος

Of many a sour event in waves and wars,

Where knocks and buffets are no foreigners.

And this same harmful belly by no mean

The greatest abstinent can ever wean.

Men suffer much bane by the belly's rage;

For whose sake ships in all their equipage

Are arm'd, and set out to th' untamed seas,

Their bulks full-fraught with ills to enemies."

Such speech they chang'd; when in the yard there lay

A dog, call'd Argus, which, before his way

Assum'd for Ilion, Ulysses bred,

Yet stood his pleasure then in little stead,

As being too young, but, growing to his grace,

Young men made choice of him for ev'ry chace,

Or of their wild goats, of their hares, or harts.

But his king gone, and he, now past his parts,

Lay all abjectly on the stable's store,

Before the oxstall, and mules' stable door,

To keep the clothes cast from the peasants' hands,

While they laid compass on Ulysses' lands,

The dog, with ticks (unlook'd-to) overgrown.

But by this dog no sooner seen but known

Was wise Ulysses, who new-enter'd there,

Up went his dog's laid ears, and, coming near,

Up he himself rose, fawn'd, and wagg'd his stern,

Couch'd close his ears, and lay so; nor discern

ἐλθέμεν· αὐτὰρ ὁ νόσφιν ἰδὼν ἀπομόρξατο δάκρυ,

Could evermore his dear-lov'd lord again.

ῥεῖα λαθὼν Εὔμαιον, ἄφαρ δʼ ἐρεείνετο μύθῳ·

Ulysses saw it, nor had pow'r t' abstain

Εὔμαιʼ, ἦ μάλα θαῦμα, κύων ὅδε κεῖτʼ ἐνὶ κόπρῳ.

From shedding tears; which (far-off seeing his swain)

καλὸς μὲν δέμας ἐστίν, ἀτὰρ τόδε γʼ οὐ σάφα οἶδα,

He dried from his sight clean; to whom he thus

εἰ δὴ καὶ ταχὺς ἔσκε θέειν ἐπὶ εἴδεϊ τῷδε,

His grief dissembled: "'Tis miraculous,

ἦ αὔτως οἷοί τε τραπεζῆες κύνες ἀνδρῶν

That such a dog as this should have his lair

γίγνοντʼ· ἀγλαΐης δʼ ἕνεκεν κομέουσιν ἄνακτες.

On such a dunghill, for his form is fair.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

And yet, I know not, if there were in him

καὶ λίην ἀνδρός γε κύων ὅδε τῆλε θανόντος.

Good pace, or parts, for all his goodly limb;

εἰ τοιόσδʼ εἴη ἠμὲν δέμας ἠδὲ καὶ ἔργα,

Or he liv'd empty of those inward things,

οἷόν μιν Τροίηνδε κιὼν κατέλειπεν Ὀδυσσεύς,

As are those trencher-beagles tending kings,

αἶψά κε θηήσαιο ἰδὼν ταχυτῆτα καὶ ἀλκήν.

Whom for their pleasure's, or their glory's, sake,

οὐ μὲν γάρ τι φύγεσκε βαθείης βένθεσιν ὕλης

Or fashion, they into their favour take."

κνώδαλον, ὅττι δίοιτο· καὶ ἴχνεσι γὰρ περιῄδη·

"This dog," said he, "was servant to one dead

νῦν δʼ ἔχεται κακότητι, ἄναξ δέ οἱ ἄλλοθι πάτρης

A huge time since. But if he bore his head,

ὤλετο, τὸν δὲ γυναῖκες ἀκηδέες οὐ κομέουσι.

For form and quality, of such a height,

δμῶες δʼ, εὖτʼ ἂν μηκέτʼ ἐπικρατέωσιν ἄνακτες,

As when Ulysses, bound for th' Ilion fight,

οὐκέτʼ ἔπειτʼ ἐθέλουσιν ἐναίσιμα ἐργάζεσθαι·

Or quickly after, left him, your rapt eyes

ἥμισυ γάρ τʼ ἀρετῆς ἀποαίνυται εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

Would then admire to see him use his thighs

ἀνέρος, εὖτʼ ἄν μιν κατὰ δούλιον ἦμαρ ἕλῃσιν.

In strength and swiftness. He would nothing fly,

ὣς εἰπὼν εἰσῆλθε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

Nor anything let 'scape. If once his eye

βῆ δʼ ἰθὺς μεγάροιο μετὰ μνηστῆρας ἀγαυούς.

Seiz'd any wild beast, he knew straight his scent;

Ἄργον δʼ αὖ κατὰ μοῖρʼ ἔλαβεν μέλανος θανάτοιο,

Go where he would, away with him he went.

αὐτίκʼ ἰδόντʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἐεικοστῷ ἐνιαυτῷ.

Nor was there ever any savage stood

τὸν δὲ πολὺ πρῶτος ἴδε Τηλέμαχος θεοειδὴς

Amongst the thickets of the deepest wood

ἐρχόμενον κατὰ δῶμα συβώτην, ὦκα δʼ ἔπειτα

Long time before him, but he pull'd him down;

νεῦσʼ ἐπὶ οἷ καλέσας· ὁ δὲ παπτήνας ἕλε δίφρον

As well by that true hunting to be shown

κείμενον, ἔνθα τε δαιτρὸς ἐφίζεσκε κρέα πολλὰ

In such vast coverts, as for speed of pace

δαιόμενος μνηστῆρσι δόμον κάτα δαινυμένοισι·

In any open lawn. For in deep chace

τὸν κατέθηκε φέρων πρὸς Τηλεμάχοιο τράπεζαν

He was a passing-wise and well-nos'd hound.

ἀντίον, ἔνθα δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτὸς ἐφέζετο· τῷ δʼ ἄρα κῆρυξ

And yet is all this good in him uncrown'd

μοῖραν ἑλὼν ἐτίθει κανέου τʼ ἐκ σῖτον ἀείρας.

With any grace here now, nor he more fed

ἀγχίμολον δὲ μετʼ αὐτὸν ἐδύσετο δώματʼ Ὀδυσσεύς,

Than any errant cur. His king is dead,

πτωχῷ λευγαλέῳ ἐναλίγκιος ἠδὲ γέροντι,

Far from his country; and his servants are

σκηπτόμενος· τὰ δὲ λυγρὰ περὶ χροΐ εἵματα ἕστο.

So negligent they lend his hound no care.

ἷζε δʼ ἐπὶ μελίνου οὐδοῦ ἔντοσθε θυράων,

Where masters rule not, but let men alone,

κλινάμενος σταθμῷ κυπαρισσίνῳ, ὅν ποτε τέκτων

You never there see honest service done.

ξέσσεν ἐπισταμένως καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνεν.

That man's half-virtue Jove takes quite away,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἐπὶ οἷ καλέσας προσέειπε συβώτην,

That once is sun-burnt with the servile day."

ἄρτον τʼ οὖλον ἑλὼν περικαλλέος ἐκ κανέοιο

This said, he enter'd the well-builded-tow'rs,

καὶ κρέας, ὥς οἱ χεῖρες ἐχάνδανον ἀμφιβαλόντι·

Up bearing right upon the glorious Wooers,

δὸς τῷ ξείνῳ ταῦτα φέρων αὐτόν τε κέλευε

And left poor Argus dead; his lord's first sight

αἰτίζειν μάλα πάντας ἐποιχόμενον μνηστῆρας·

Since that time twenty years bereft his light.

αἰδὼς δʼ οὐκ ἀγαθὴ κεχρημένῳ ἀνδρὶ παρεῖναι.

Telemachus did far the first behold

ὣς φάτο, βῆ δὲ συφορβός, ἐπεὶ τὸν μῦθον ἄκουσεν,

Eumæus enter, and made signs he should

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευε·

Come up to him. He, noting, came, and took

Τηλέμαχός τοι, ξεῖνε, διδοῖ τάδε, καί σε κελεύει

On earth his seat. And then the master-cook

αἰτίζειν μάλα πάντας ἐποιχόμενον μνηστῆρας·

Serv'd in more banquet; of which, part he set

αἰδῶ δʼ οὐκ ἀγαθήν φησʼ ἔμμεναι ἀνδρὶ προΐκτῃ.

Before the Wooers, part the prince did get,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Who sate alone, his table plac'd aside;

Ζεῦ ἄνα, Τηλέμαχόν μοι ἐν ἀνδράσιν ὄλβιον εἶναι,

To which the herald did the bread divide.

καί οἱ πάντα γένοιθʼ ὅσσα φρεσὶν ᾗσι μενοινᾷ.

After Eumæus, enter'd straight the king,

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφοτέρῃσιν ἐδέξατο καὶ κατέθηκεν

Like to a poor and heavy aged thing,

αὖθι ποδῶν προπάροιθεν, ἀεικελίης ἐπὶ πήρης,

Bore hard upon his staff, and was so clad

ἤσθιε δʼ ἧος ἀοιδὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἄειδεν·

As would have made his mere beholder sad.

εὖθʼ ὁ δεδειπνήκειν, ὁ δʼ ἐπαύετο θεῖος ἀοιδός.

Upon the ashen floor his limbs he spread,

μνηστῆρες δʼ ὁμάδησαν ἀνὰ μέγαρʼ. αὐτὰρ Ἀθήνη,

And 'gainst a cypress-threshold stay'd his head,

ἄγχι παρισταμένη Λαερτιάδην Ὀδυσῆα

The tree wrought smooth, and in a line direct

ὤτρυνʼ, ὡς ἂν πύρνα κατὰ μνηστῆρας ἀγείροι,

Tried by the plumb and by the architect.

γνοίη θʼ οἵ τινές εἰσιν ἐναίσιμοι οἵ τʼ ἀθέμιστοι·

The prince then bade the herdsman give him bread,

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὥς τινʼ ἔμελλʼ ἀπαλεξήσειν κακότητος.

The finest there, and see that prostrated

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν αἰτήσων ἐνδέξια φῶτα ἕκαστον,

At-all-parts plight of his giv'n all the cheer

πάντοσε χεῖρʼ ὀρέγων, ὡς εἰ πτωχὸς πάλαι εἴη.

His hands could turn to: "Take," said he, "and bear

οἱ δʼ ἐλεαίροντες δίδοσαν, καὶ ἐθάμβεον αὐτόν,

These cates to him, and bid him beg of all

ἀλλήλους τʼ εἴροντο τίς εἴη καὶ πόθεν ἔλθοι.

These Wooers here, and to their festival

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν·

Bear up with all the impudence he can;

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγακλειτῆς βασιλείης,

Bashful behaviour fits no needy man."

τοῦδε περὶ ξείνου· ἦ γάρ μιν πρόσθεν ὄπωπα.

He heard, and did his will. "Hold guest," said he,

ἦ τοι μέν οἱ δεῦρο συβώτης ἡγεμόνευεν,

"Telemachus commends these cates to thee,

αὐτὸν δʼ οὐ σάφα οἶδα, πόθεν γένος εὔχεται εἶναι.

Bids thee bear up, and all these Wooers implore.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἔπεσιν νείκεσσε συβώτην·

Wit must make impudent whom Fate makes poor."

ὦ ἀρίγνωτε συβῶτα, τίη δὲ σὺ τόνδε πόλινδε

"O Jove," said he, "do my poor pray'rs the grace

ἤγαγες; ἦ οὐχ ἅλις ἧμιν ἀλήμονές εἰσι καὶ ἄλλοι,

To make him blessed'st of the mortal race,

πτωχοὶ ἀνιηροί, δαιτῶν ἀπολυμαντῆρες;

And ev'ry thought now in his gen'rous heart

ἦ ὄνοσαι ὅτι τοι βίοτον κατέδουσιν ἄνακτος

To deeds that further my desires convert."

Thus took he in with both his hands his store,

And in the uncouth scrip, that lay before

His ill-shod feet, repos'd it; whence he fed

All time the music to the feasters play'd.

Both jointly ending, then began the Wooers

To put in old act their tumultuous pow'rs;

When Pallas standing close did prompt her friend,

To prove how far the bounties would extend

Of those proud Wooers; so, to let him try

Who most, who least, had learn'd humanity.

However, no thought touch'd Minerva's mind,

That anyone should 'scape his wreak design'd.

He handsomely became all, crept about

To ev'ry Wooer, held a forc'd hand out,

And all his work did in so like a way,

As he had practis'd begging many a day.

And though they knew all beggars could do this,

Yet they admir'd it as no deed of his;

Though far from thought of other, us'd expence

And pity to him, who he was, and whence,

Inquiring mutually. Melanthius then:

"Hear me, ye Wooers of the far-fam'd queen,

About this beggar. I have seen before

This face of his; and know for certain more,

That this swain brought him hither. What he is,

ἐνθάδʼ ἀγειρόμενοι, σὺ δὲ καὶ προτὶ τόνδʼ ἐκάλεσσας;

Or whence he came, flies me." Reply to this

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

Antinous made, and mock'd Eumæus thus:

Ἀντίνοʼ, οὐ μὲν καλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὸς ἐὼν ἀγορεύεις·

"O thou renownéd herdsman, why to us

τίς γὰρ δὴ ξεῖνον καλεῖ ἄλλοθεν αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

Brought'st thou this beggar? Serves it not our hands;

ἄλλον γʼ, εἰ μὴ τῶν οἳ δημιοεργοὶ ἔασι,

That other land-leapers, and cormorands,

μάντιν ἢ ἰητῆρα κακῶν ἢ τέκτονα δούρων,

Profane poor knaves, lie on us, unconducted,

ἢ καὶ θέσπιν ἀοιδόν, ὅ κεν τέρπῃσιν ἀείδων;

But you must bring them? So amiss instructed

οὗτοι γὰρ κλητοί γε βροτῶν ἐπʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν·

Art thou in course of thrift, as not to know

πτωχὸν δʼ οὐκ ἄν τις καλέοι τρύξοντα ἓ αὐτόν.

Thy lord's goods wrack'd in this their overflow?

ἀλλʼ αἰεὶ χαλεπὸς περὶ πάντων εἶς μνηστήρων

Which think'st thou nothing, that thou call'st in these?"

δμωσὶν Ὀδυσσῆος, πέρι δʼ αὖτʼ ἐμοί· αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε

Eumæus answer'd: "Though you may be wise,

οὐκ ἀλέγω, ἧός μοι ἐχέφρων Πηνελόπεια

You speak not wisely. Who calls in a guest

ζώει ἐνὶ μεγάροις καὶ Τηλέμαχος θεοειδής.

That is a guest himself? None call to feast

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Other than men that are of public use,

σίγα, μή μοι τοῦτον ἀμείβεο πολλὰ ἔπεσσιν·

Prophets, or poets, whom the Gods produce,

Ἀντίνοος δʼ εἴωθε κακῶς ἐρεθιζέμεν αἰεὶ

Physicians for men's ills, or architects.

μύθοισιν χαλεποῖσιν, ἐποτρύνει δὲ καὶ ἄλλους.

Such men the boundless earth affords respects

ἦ ῥα καὶ Ἀντίνοον ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Bounded in honour, and may call them well.

Ἀντίνοʼ, ἦ μευ καλὰ πατὴρ ὣς κήδεαι υἷος,

But poor men who calls? Who doth so excell

ὃς τὸν ξεῖνον ἄνωγας ἀπὸ μεγάροιο διέσθαι

In others' good to do himself an ill?

μύθῳ ἀναγκαίῳ· μὴ τοῦτο θεὸς τελέσειε.

But all Ulysses' servants have been still

δός οἱ ἑλών· οὔ τοι φθονέω· κέλομαι γὰρ ἐγώ γε·

Eyesores in your way more than all that woo,

μήτʼ οὖν μητέρʼ ἐμὴν ἅζευ τό γε μήτε τινʼ ἄλλον

And chiefly I. But what care I for you,

δμώων, οἳ κατὰ δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο.

As long as these roofs hold as thralls to none

ἀλλʼ οὔ τοι τοιοῦτον ἐνὶ στήθεσσι νόημα·

The wise Penelope and her god-like son?"

αὐτὸς γὰρ φαγέμεν πολὺ βούλεαι ἢ δόμεν ἄλλῳ.

"Forbear," said he, "and leave this tongue's bold ill.

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἀντίνοος ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέειπε·

Antinous uses to be crossing still,

Τηλέμαχʼ ὑψαγόρη, μένος ἄσχετε, ποῖον ἔειπες.

And give sharp words; his blood that humour bears,

εἴ οἱ τόσσον ἅπαντες ὀρέξειαν μνηστῆρες,

To set men still together by the ears.

καί κέν μιν τρεῖς μῆνας ἀπόπροθεν οἶκος ἐρύκοι.

But," turning then t' Antinous, "O," said he,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, καὶ θρῆνυν ἑλὼν ὑπέφηνε τραπέζης

"You entertain a father's care of me,

κείμενον, ᾧ ῥʼ ἔπεχεν λιπαροὺς πόδας εἰλαπινάζων·

To turn these eating guests out. 'Tis advice

οἱ δʼ ἄλλοι πάντες δίδοσαν, πλῆσαν δʼ ἄρα πήρην

Of needful use for my poor faculties,

σίτου καὶ κρειῶν· τάχα δὴ καὶ ἔμελλεν Ὀδυσσεὺς

But God doth not allow this; there must be

αὖτις ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰὼν προικὸς γεύσεσθαι Ἀχαιῶν·

Some care of poor men in humanity.

στῆ δὲ παρʼ Ἀντίνοον, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

What you yourselves take, give; I not envy,

δός, φίλος· οὐ μέν μοι δοκέεις ὁ κάκιστος Ἀχαιῶν

But give command that hospitality

ἔμμεναι, ἀλλʼ ὤριστος, ἐπεὶ βασιλῆϊ ἔοικας.

Be giv'n all strangers. Nor shall my pow'rs fear,

τῷ σε χρὴ δόμεναι καὶ λώϊον ἠέ περ ἄλλοι

If this mood in me reach my mother's ear;

σίτου· ἐγὼ δέ κέ σε κλείω κατʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν.

Much less the servants', that are here to see

καὶ γὰρ ἐγώ ποτε οἶκον ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν ἔναιον

Ulysses' house kept in his old degree.

ὄλβιος ἀφνειὸν καὶ πολλάκι δόσκον ἀλήτῃ,

But you bear no such mind, your wits more cast

τοίῳ ὁποῖος ἔοι καὶ ὅτευ κεχρημένος ἔλθοι·

To fill yourself than let another taste."

ἦσαν δὲ δμῶες μάλα μυρίοι ἄλλα τε πολλὰ

Antinous answer'd him: "Brave-spoken man!

οἷσίν τʼ εὖ ζώουσι καὶ ἀφνειοὶ καλέονται.

Whose mind's free fire see check'd no virtue can.

ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς ἀλάπαξε Κρονίων—ἤθελε γάρ που—

If all we Wooers here would give as much

ὅς μʼ ἅμα ληϊστῆρσι πολυπλάγκτοισιν ἀνῆκεν

As my mind serves, his largess should be such

Αἴγυπτόνδʼ ἰέναι, δολιχὴν ὁδόν, ὄφρʼ ἀπολοίμην.

As would for three months serve his far-off way

στῆσα δʼ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ ποταμῷ νέας ἀμφιελίσσας.

From troubling your house with more cause of stay."

ἔνθʼ ἦ τοι μὲν ἐγὼ κελόμην ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους

This said, he took a stool up, that did rest,

αὐτοῦ πὰρ νήεσσι μένειν καὶ νῆας ἔρυσθαι,

Beneath the board, his spangled feet at feast,

ὀπτῆρας δὲ κατὰ σκοπιὰς ὤτρυνα νέεσθαι.