Odyssey

Yet did divine Ulysses keep his roof,

αὐτὰρ ὁ ἐν μεγάρῳ ὑπελείπετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

And with Minerva plotted still the proof

μνηστήρεσσι φόνον σὺν Ἀθήνῃ μερμηρίζων·

Of all the Wooers' deaths; when thus his son

αἶψα δὲ Τηλέμαχον ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

He taught with these fore-counsels: "We must run

Τηλέμαχε, χρὴ τεύχεʼ ἀρήϊα κατθέμεν εἴσω

A close course with these arms, and lay them by,

πάντα μάλʼ· αὐτὰρ μνηστῆρας μαλακοῖς ἐπέεσσι

And to the Wooers make so fair a sky

παρφάσθαι, ὅτε κέν σε μεταλλῶσιν ποθέοντες·

As it would never thunder. Let me then,

ἐκ καπνοῦ κατέθηκʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι τοῖσιν ἐῴκει

That you may well retain, repeat again

οἷά ποτε Τροίηνδε κιὼν κατέλειπεν Ὀδυσσεύς,

What in Eumæus' cottage I advis'd:

ἀλλὰ κατῄκισται, ὅσσον πυρὸς ἵκετʼ ἀϋτμή.

If when they see no leisure exercis'd,

πρὸς δʼ ἔτι καὶ τόδε μεῖζον ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἔβαλε δαίμων

In fetching down your arms, and ask what use

μή πως οἰνωθέντες, ἔριν στήσαντες ἐν ὑμῖν,

Your mind will give them, say, 'tis their abuse

ἀλλήλους τρώσητε καταισχύνητέ τε δαῖτα

With smoke and rust that makes you take them down,

καὶ μνηστύν· αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐφέλκεται ἄνδρα σίδηρος.

This not being like the armory well-known

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθετο πατρί,

To be the leavings of Laertes' son

ἐκ δὲ καλεσσάμενος προσέφη τροφὸν Εὐρύκλειαν·

Consorting the design for Ilion;

μαῖʼ, ἄγε δή μοι ἔρυξον ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναῖκας,

Your eyes may see how much they are infected,

ὄφρα κεν ἐς θάλαμον καταθείομαι ἔντεα πατρὸς

As all fires' vapours ever since reflected

καλά, τά μοι κατὰ οἶκον ἀκηδέα καπνὸς ἀμέρδει

On those sole arms. Besides, a graver thought

πατρὸς ἀποιχομένοιο· ἐγὼ δʼ ἔτι νήπιος ἦα.

Jove graves within you, lest, their spirits wrought

νῦν δʼ ἐθέλω καταθέσθαι, ἵνʼ οὐ πυρὸς ἵξετʼ ἀϋτμή.

Above their pitch with wine, they might contend

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια·

At some high banquet, and to wounds transcend,

αἲ γὰρ δή ποτε, τέκνον, ἐπιφροσύνας ἀνέλοιο

Their feast inverting; which, perhaps, may be

οἴκου κήδεσθαι καὶ κτήματα πάντα φυλάσσειν.

Their nuptial feast with wise Penelopé.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, τίς τοι ἔπειτα μετοιχομένη φάος οἴσει;

The ready weapon, when the blood is up,

δμῳὰς δʼ οὐκ εἴας προβλωσκέμεν, αἵ κεν ἔφαινον.

Doubles the uproar heighten'd by the cup.

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Wrath's means for act, curb all the ways ye can,

ξεῖνος ὅδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἀεργὸν ἀνέξομαι ὅς κεν ἐμῆς γε

As loadstones draw the steel, so steel draws man.

χοίνικος ἅπτηται, καὶ τηλόθεν εἰληλουθώς.

Retain these words; nor what is good think, thus

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, τῇ δʼ ἄπτερος ἔπλετο μῦθος.

Receiv'd at second hand, superfluous."

κλήϊσεν δὲ θύρας μεγάρων εὖ ναιεταόντων.

The son, obeying, did Euryclea call,

τὼ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀναΐξαντʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ φαίδιμος υἱὸς

And bade her shut in th' utter porches all

ἐσφόρεον κόρυθάς τε καὶ ἀσπίδας ὀμφαλοέσσας

The other women, till himself brought down

ἔγχεά τʼ ὀξυόεντα· πάροιθε δὲ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη,

His father's arms, which all were overgrown

χρύσεον λύχνον ἔχουσα, φάος περικαλλὲς ἐποίει.

By his neglect with rust, his father gone,

δὴ τότε Τηλέμαχος προσεφώνεεν ὃν πατέρʼ αἶψα·

And he too-childish to spend thoughts upon

ὦ πάτερ, ἦ μέγα θαῦμα τόδʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρῶμαι.

Those manly implements; but he would now

ἔμπης μοι τοῖχοι μεγάρων καλαί τε μεσόδμαι,

Reform those young neglects, and th' arms bestow

εἰλάτιναί τε δοκοί, καὶ κίονες ὑψόσʼ ἔχοντες

Past reach of smoke. The loving nurse replied:

φαίνοντʼ ὀφθαλμοῖς ὡς εἰ πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο.

"I wish, O son, your pow'rs would once provide

ἦ μάλα τις θεὸς ἔνδον, οἳ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσι.

For wisdom's habit, see your household were

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

In thrifty manage, and tend all things there.

σίγα καὶ κατὰ σὸν νόον ἴσχανε μηδʼ ἐρέεινε·

But if these arms must down, and ev'ry maid

αὕτη τοι δίκη ἐστὶ θεῶν, οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσιν.

Be shut in utter rooms, who else should aid

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν κατάλεξαι, ἐγὼ δʼ ὑπολείψομαι αὐτοῦ,

Your work with light?" He answer'd: "This my guest.

ὄφρα κʼ ἔτι δμῳὰς καὶ μητέρα σὴν ἐρεθίζω·

There shall no one in my house taste my feast,

ἡ δέ μʼ ὀδυρομένη εἰρήσεται ἀμφὶς ἕκαστα.

Or join in my nave, that shall idly live,

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

However far hence he his home derive."

κείων ἐς θάλαμον, δαΐδων ὕπο λαμπομενάων,

He said, and his words stood. The doors she shut

ἔνθα πάρος κοιμᾶθʼ, ὅτε μιν γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἱκάνοι·

Of that so well-fill'd house. And th' other put

ἔνθʼ ἄρα καὶ τότʼ ἔλεκτο καὶ Ἠῶ δῖαν ἔμιμνεν.

Their thoughts in act; best shields, helms, sharpen'd lances,

αὐτὰρ ὁ ἐν μεγάρῳ ὑπελείπετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Brought down; and Pallas before both advances

μνηστήρεσσι φόνον σὺν Ἀθήνῃ μερμηρίζων.

A golden cresset, that did cast a light

ἡ δʼ ἴεν ἐκ θαλάμοιο περίφρων Πηνελόπεια,

As if the Day sat in the throne of Night.

Ἀρτέμιδι ἰκέλη ἠὲ χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ.

When, half-amaz'd, the prince said: "O my father,

τῇ παρὰ μὲν κλισίην πυρὶ κάτθεσαν, ἔνθʼ ἄρʼ ἐφῖζε,

Mine eyes my soul's pow'rs all in wonder gather,

δινωτὴν ἐλέφαντι καὶ ἀργύρῳ· ἥν ποτε τέκτων

For though the walls, and goodly wind-beams here,

ποίησʼ Ἰκμάλιος, καὶ ὑπὸ θρῆνυν ποσὶν ἧκε

All all these pillars, that their heads so rear,

προσφυέʼ ἐξ αὐτῆς, ὅθʼ ἐπὶ μέγα βάλλετο κῶας.

And all of fir, they seem yet all of fire.

ἔνθα καθέζετʼ ἔπειτα περίφρων Πηνελόπεια.

Some God is surely with us." His wise sire

ἦλθον δὲ δμῳαὶ λευκώλενοι ἐκ μεγάροιο.

Bade peace, and keep the counsels of the Gods,

αἱ δʼ ἀπὸ μὲν σῖτον πολὺν ᾕρεον ἠδὲ τραπέζας

Nor ask a word: "These Pow'rs, that use abodes

καὶ δέπα, ἔνθεν ἄρʼ ἄνδρες ὑπερμενέοντες ἔπινον·

Above the stars, have pow'r from thence to shine

πῦρ δʼ ἀπὸ λαμπτήρων χαμάδις βάλον, ἄλλα δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῶν

Through night and all shades to earth's inmost mine.

νήησαν ξύλα πολλά, φόως ἔμεν ἠδὲ θέρεσθαι.

Go thou for sleep, and leave me here to wake

ἡ δʼ Ὀδυσῆʼ ἐνένιπε Μελανθὼ δεύτερον αὖτις·

The women, and the Queen whose heart doth ache

ξεῖνʼ, ἔτι καὶ νῦν ἐνθάδʼ ἀνιήσεις διὰ νύκτα

To make inquiry for myself of me."

δινεύων κατὰ οἶκον, ὀπιπεύσεις δὲ γυναῖκας;

He went to sleep where lights did endlessly

ἀλλʼ ἔξελθε θύραζε, τάλαν, καὶ δαιτὸς ὄνησο·

Burn in his night-rooms; where he feasted rest,

ἢ τάχα καὶ δαλῷ βεβλημένος εἶσθα θύραζε.

Till day's fair weed did all the world invest.

τὴν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Thus was divine Ulysses left alone

δαιμονίη, τί μοι ὧδʼ ἐπέχεις κεκοτηότι θυμῷ;

With Pallas, plotting foul confusion

ἦ ὅτι δὴ ῥυπόω, κακὰ δὲ χροῒ εἵματα εἷμαι,

To all the Wooers. Forth then came the Queen;

πτωχεύω δʼ ἀνὰ δῆμον; ἀναγκαίη γὰρ ἐπείγει.

Phœbe, with golden Cytherea seen,

τοιοῦτοι πτωχοὶ καὶ ἀλήμονες ἄνδρες ἔασι

Her port presented. Whom they set a chair

καὶ γὰρ ἐγώ ποτε οἶκον ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν ἔναιον

Aside the fire, the fashion circular,

The substance silver and rich elephant;

Whose fabric did the cunning finger vaunt

Of great Icmalius, who besides had done

A footstool for her that did suit her throne,

On which they cast an ample skin, to be

The cushion for her other royalty.

And there she sat; about whom came her maids,

Who brought upon a table store of breads,

And bowls that with the Wooers' wine were crown'd.

The embers then they cast upon the ground

From out the lamps, and other fuel added,

That still with cheerful flame the sad house gladded.

Melantha seeing still Ulysses there,

Thus she held out her spleen: "Still, stranger, here?

Thus late in night? To see what ladies do?

Avaunt you, wretch, hence, go without doors, go;

And quickly, too, lest ye be singed away

With burning firebrands." He, thus seeing their fray

Continued by her with such spleen, replied:

"Minion! What makes your angry blood thus chide

My presence still? Is it because you see

I shine not in your wanton bravery,

But wear these rags? It fits the needy fate

That makes me beg thus of the common state.

Such poor souls, and such beggars, yet are men;

And ev'n my mean means means had to maintain

A wealthy house, and kept a manly press,

ὄλβιος ἀφνειὸν καὶ πολλάκι δόσκον ἀλήτῃ,

Was counted blessed, and the poor access

τοίῳ ὁποῖος ἔοι καὶ ὅτευ κεχρημένος ἔλθοι·

Of any beggar did not scorn, but feed,

ἦσαν δὲ δμῶες μάλα μυρίοι, ἄλλα τε πολλὰ

With often hand, and any man of need

οἷσίν τʼ εὖ ζώουσι καὶ ἀφνειοὶ καλέονται.

Reliev'd as fitted; kept my servants, too,

ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς ἀλάπαξε Κρονίων· ἤθελε γάρ που·

Not few, but did with those additions go

τῷ νῦν μήποτε καὶ σύ, γύναι, ἀπὸ πᾶσαν ὀλέσσῃς

That call choice men The Honest, who are styl'd

ἀγλαΐην, τῇ νῦν γε μετὰ δμῳῇσι κέκασσαι·

The rich, the great. But what such great ones build

μή πώς τοι δέσποινα κοτεσσαμένη χαλεπήνῃ,

Jove oft pulls down, as thus he ruin'd me;

ἢ Ὀδυσεὺς ἔλθῃ· ἔτι γὰρ καὶ ἐλπίδος αἶσα.

His will was such, which is his equity.

εἰ δʼ ὁ μὲν ὣς ἀπόλωλε καὶ οὐκέτι νόστιμός ἐστιν,

And therefore, woman, bear you fitting hand

ἀλλʼ ἤδη παῖς τοῖος Ἀπόλλωνός γε ἕκητι,

On your behaviour, lest your spirit thus mann'd,

Τηλέμαχος· τὸν δʼ οὔ τις ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναικῶν

And cherish'd with your beauties, when they wane,

λήθει ἀτασθάλλουσʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι τηλίκος ἐστίν.

Comes down, your pride now being then your bane;

ὣς φάτο, τοῦ δʼ ἤκουσε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια,

And in the mean space shun the present danger,

ἀμφίπολον δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Lest your bold fashion breed your sov'reign's anger,

πάντως, θαρσαλέη, κύον ἀδεές, οὔ τί με λήθεις

Or lest Ulysses come, of whom ev'n yet

ἔρδουσα μέγα ἔργον, ὃ σῇ κεφαλῇ ἀναμάξεις·

Hope finds some life in Fate. Or, be his seat

πάντα γὰρ εὖ ᾔδησθʼ, ἐπεὶ ἐξ ἐμεῦ ἔκλυες αὐτῆς

Amongst the merely ruin'd, yet his son,

ὡς τὸν ξεῖνον ἔμελλον ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐμοῖσιν

Whose life's heat Phœbus saves, is such a one

ἀμφὶ πόσει εἴρεσθαι, ἐπεὶ πυκινῶς ἀκάχημαι.

As can discover who doth well deserve

ἦ ῥα καὶ Εὐρυνόμην ταμίην πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Of any woman here his years now serve."

Εὐρυνόμη, φέρε δὴ δίφρον καὶ κῶας ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ,

The Queen gave ear, and thus suppress'd the flame:

ὄφρα καθεζόμενος εἴπῃ ἔπος ἠδʼ ἐπακούσῃ

"Thou quite without a brow, past female shame,

ὁ ξεῖνος ἐμέθεν· ἐθέλω δέ μιν ἐξερέεσθαι.

I hear thy monstrous boldness, which thy head

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἡ δὲ μάλʼ ὀτραλέως κατέθηκε φέρουσα

Shall pay me pains for. Thou hast heard it said,

δίφρον ἐΰξεστον καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ κῶας ἔβαλλεν·

And from myself too, and ev'ry part

ἔνθα καθέζετʼ ἔπειτα πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

Thy knowledge serves thee, that, to ease my heart

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

So punish'd in thy witness, my desire

ξεῖνε, τὸ μέν σε πρῶτον ἐγὼν εἰρήσομαι αὐτή·

Dwelt on this stranger, that I might inquire

τίς πόθεν εἶς ἀνδρῶν; πόθι τοι πόλις ἠδὲ τοκῆες;

My lost friend's being. But 'tis ever tried,

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Both man and God are still forgot with pride.

ὦ γύναι, οὐκ ἄν τίς σε βροτῶν ἐπʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν

Eurynomé, bring here this guest a seat,

νεικέοι· ἦ γάρ σευ κλέος οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἱκάνει,

And cushion on it, that we two may treat

ὥς τέ τευ ἢ βασιλῆος ἀμύμονος, ὅς τε θεουδὴς

Of the affair in question. Set it near,

ἀνδράσιν ἐν πολλοῖσι καὶ ἰφθίμοισιν ἀνάσσων

That I may softly speak, yet he well hear."

εὐδικίας ἀνέχῃσι, φέρῃσι δὲ γαῖα μέλαινα

She did this little freely; and he sat

πυροὺς καὶ κριθάς, βρίθῃσι δὲ δένδρεα καρπῷ,

Close by the Queen, who ask'd him, Whence, and what

τίκτῃ δʼ ἔμπεδα μῆλα, θάλασσα δὲ παρέχῃ ἰχθῦς

He was himself? And what th' inhabited place

ἐξ εὐηγεσίης, ἀρετῶσι δὲ λαοὶ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ.

Where liv'd his parents? Whence he fetch'd his race?

τῷ ἐμὲ νῦν τὰ μὲν ἄλλα μετάλλα σῷ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

"O woman," he replied, "with whom no man,

μηδʼ ἐμὸν ἐξερέεινε γένος καὶ πατρίδα γαῖαν,

That moves in earth's unbounded circle, can

μή μοι μᾶλλον θυμὸν ἐνιπλήσῃς ὀδυνάων

Maintain contention for true honour giv'n,

μνησαμένῳ μάλα δʼ εἰμὶ πολύστονος· οὐδέ τί με χρὴ

Whose fame hath reach'd the fairly-flowing heav'n,

οἴκῳ ἐν ἀλλοτρίῳ γοόωντά τε μυρόμενόν τε

Who, like a never-ill-deserving king,

ἧσθαι, ἐπεὶ κάκιον πενθήμεναι ἄκριτον αἰεί·

That is well-spoke of, first, for worshipping,

μή τίς μοι δμῳῶν νεμεσήσεται, ἠὲ σύ γʼ αὐτή,

And striving to resemble God in empire;

φῇ δὲ δακρυπλώειν βεβαρηότα με φρένας οἴνῳ.

Whose equal hand impartially doth temper

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

Greatness and Goodness; to whom therefore bears

ξεῖνʼ, ἦ τοι μὲν ἐμὴν ἀρετὴν εἶδός τε δέμας τε

The black earth store of all grain, trees confers

ὤλεσαν ἀθάνατοι, ὅτε Ἴλιον εἰσανέβαινον

Cracking with burthen, long-liv'd herds creates,

Ἀργεῖοι, μετὰ τοῖσι δʼ ἐμὸς πόσις ᾖεν Ὀδυσσεύς

All which the sea with her sorts emulates;

εἰ κεῖνός γʼ ἐλθὼν τὸν ἐμὸν βίον ἀμφιπολεύοι,

And all this feeds beneath his pow'rful hand

μεῖζον κε κλέος εἴη ἐμὸν καὶ κάλλιον οὕτως.

Men, valiant, many, making strong his land

νῦν δʼ ἄχομαι· τόσα γάρ μοι ἐπέσσευεν κακὰ δαίμων.

With happy lives led; nothing else the cause

ὅσσοι γὰρ νήσοισιν ἐπικρατέουσιν ἄριστοι,

Of all these blessings, but well-order'd laws;

Δουλιχίῳ τε Σάμῃ τε καὶ ὑλήεντι Ζακύνθῳ,

Like such a king are you, in love, in fame,

οἵ τʼ αὐτὴν Ἰθάκην εὐδείελον ἀμφινέμονται,

And all the bliss that deifies a dame.

οἵ μʼ ἀεκαζομένην μνῶνται, τρύχουσι δὲ οἶκον.

And therefore do not mix this with a moan

τῷ οὔτε ξείνων ἐμπάξομαι οὔθʼ ἱκετάων

So wretched as is now in question;

οὔτε τι κηρύκων, οἳ δημιοεργοὶ ἔασιν·

Ask not my race nor country, lest you fill

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσῆ ποθέουσα φίλον κατατήκομαι ἦτορ.

My heart yet fuller with repeated ill;

οἱ δὲ γάμον σπεύδουσιν· ἐγὼ δὲ δόλους τολυπεύω.

For I must follow it with many tears,

φᾶρος μέν μοι πρῶτον ἐνέπνευσε φρεσὶ δαίμων,

Though 'tis not seemly to sit wounding ears

στησαμένῃ μέγαν ἱστόν, ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ὑφαίνειν,

In public roofs with our particular life.

λεπτὸν καὶ περίμετρον· ἄφαρ δʼ αὐτοῖς μετέειπον·

Time's worst expense is still-repeated grief.

κοῦροι, ἐμοὶ μνηστῆρες, ἐπεὶ θάνε δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

I should be irksome to your ladies here,

μίμνετʼ ἐπειγόμενοι τὸν ἐμὸν γάμον, εἰς ὅ κε φᾶρος

And you yourself would say you urg'd your ear

ἐκτελέσω—μή μοι μεταμώνια νήματʼ ὄληται—

To what offends it, my still-broken eyne

Λαέρτῃ ἥρωϊ ταφήϊον, εἰς ὅτε κέν μιν

Supposing wounded with your too-much wine."

μοῖρʼ ὀλοὴ καθέλῃσι τανηλεγέος θανάτοιο·

"Stranger," said she, "you fear your own excess

μή τίς μοι κατὰ δῆμον Ἀχαιϊάδων νεμεσήσῃ,

With giving me too great a nobleness.

αἴ κεν ἄτερ σπείρου κεῖται πολλὰ κτεατίσσας.

The Gods my person, beauty, virtue too,

ὣς ἐφάμην, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπεπείθετο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ.

Long since subverted, when the Ilion woe

ἔνθα καὶ ἠματίη μὲν ὑφαίνεσκον μέγαν ἱστόν,

The Greek design attempted; in which went

νύκτας δʼ ἀλλύεσκον, ἐπεὶ δαΐδας παραθείμην.

My praise and honour. In his government

ὣς τρίετες μὲν ἔληθον ἐγὼ καὶ ἔπειθον Ἀχαιούς·

Had I deserv'd your utmost grace, but now

Sinister Deity makes dishonour woo,

In show of grace, my ruin. All the peers

Sylvan Zacynthus, and Dulichius, spheres,

Samos and Ithaca, strange strifes have shown

To win me, spending on me all mine own;

Will wed me, in my spite; and these are those

That take from me all virtue to dispose

Or guest or suppliant, or take any course

Amongst my heralds, that should all disburse,

To order anything. Though I need none

To give me grief at home, abroad errs one

That my veins shrink for, whom these holding gone,

Their nuptials hasten, and find me as slow.

Good spirits prompted me to make a show

Of undertaking a most curious task,

That an unmeasur'd space of time would ask;

Which they enduring long would often say,

When ends thy work? I soon had my delay,

And pray'd their stay; for though my lord were dead,

His father's life yet matter ministred

That must employ me; which, to tell them true,

Was that great work I nam'd. For now near drew

Laertes' death, and on my hand did lie

His funeral-robe, whose end, being now so nigh,

I must not leave, and lose so much begun,

The rather lest the Greek dames might be won

ἀλλʼ ὅτε τέτρατον ἦλθεν ἔτος καὶ ἐπήλυθον ὧραι,

To tax mine honour, if a man so great

μηνῶν φθινόντων, περὶ δʼ ἤματα πόλλʼ ἐτελέσθη,

Should greet his grave without his winding sheet.

καὶ τότε δή με διὰ δμῳάς, κύνας οὐκ ἀλεγούσας,

Pride made them credulous, and I went on;

εἷλον ἐπελθόντες καὶ ὁμόκλησαν ἐπέεσσιν.

When whatsoever all the day had done

ὣς τὸ μὲν ἐξετέλεσσα, καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλουσʼ, ὑπʼ ἀνάγκης·

I made the night help to undo again,

νῦν δʼ οὔτʼ ἐκφυγέειν δύναμαι γάμον οὔτε τινʼ ἄλλην

Though oil and watch it cost, and equal pain.

μῆτιν ἔθʼ εὑρίσκω· μάλα δʼ ὀτρύνουσι τοκῆες

Three years my wit secur'd me undiscern'd,

γήμασθʼ, ἀσχαλάᾳ δὲ πάϊς βίοτον κατεδόντων,

Yet, when the fourth came, by my maids discern'd,

γιγνώσκων· ἤδη γὰρ ἀνὴρ οἶός τε μάλιστα

False careless wenches, how they were deluded;

οἴκου κήδεσθαι, τῷ τε Ζεὺς κῦδος ὀπάζει.

When, by my light discern'd, they all intruded,

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὥς μοι εἰπὲ τεὸν γένος, ὁππόθεν ἐσσί.

Used threat'ning words, and made me give it end;

οὐ γὰρ ἀπὸ δρυός ἐσσι παλαιφάτου οὐδʼ ἀπὸ πέτρης.

And then could I to no more length extend

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

My linger'd nuptials; not a counsel more

ὦ γύναι αἰδοίη Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος,

Was to be stood upon; my parents bore

οὐκέτʼ ἀπολλήξεις τὸν ἐμὸν γόνον ἐξερέουσα;

Continual hand on me to make me wed;

ἀλλʼ ἔκ τοι ἐρέω· ἦ μέν μʼ ἀχέεσσί γε δώσεις

My son grew angry that so ruinéd

πλείοσιν ἢ ἔχομαι· ἡ γὰρ δίκη, ὁππότε πάτρης

His goods were by them. He is now a man

ἧς ἀπέῃσιν ἀνὴρ τόσσον χρόνον ὅσσον ἐγὼ νῦν,

Wise in a great degree, and one that can

πολλὰ βροτῶν ἐπὶ ἄστεʼ ἀλώμενος, ἄλγεα πάσχων·

Himself give order to his household fare;

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὣς ἐρέω ὅ μʼ ἀνείρεαι ἠδὲ μεταλλᾷς.

And Jove give equal glory to his care.

Κρήτη τις γαῖʼ ἔστι, μέσῳ ἐνὶ οἴνοπι πόντῳ,

But thus you must not pass me; I must know,

καλὴ καὶ πίειρα, περίρρυτος· ἐν δʼ ἄνθρωποι

It may be for more end, from whence doth grow

πολλοί, ἀπειρέσιοι, καὶ ἐννήκοντα πόληες.

Your race and you; for I suppose you none

ἄλλη δʼ ἄλλων γλῶσσα μεμιγμένη· ἐν μὲν Ἀχαιοί,

Sprung of old oak, or justled out of stone."

ἐν δʼ Ἐτεόκρητες μεγαλήτορες, ἐν δὲ Κύδωνες,

He answer'd: "O Ulysses' rev'rend wife!

Δωριέες τε τριχάϊκες δῖοί τε Πελασγοί.

Yet hold you purpose to inquire my life?

τῇσι δʼ ἐνὶ Κνωσός, μεγάλη πόλις, ἔνθα τε Μίνως

I'll tell you, though it much afflict me more

ἐννέωρος βασίλευε Διὸς μεγάλου ὀαριστής,

Than all the sorrows I have felt before.

πατρὸς ἐμοῖο πατήρ, μεγαθύμου Δευκαλίωνος

As worthily it may, since so long time

Δευκαλίων δʼ ἐμὲ τίκτε καὶ Ἰδομενῆα ἄνακτα·

As I have wander'd from my native clime,

ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἐν νήεσσι κορωνίσιν Ἴλιον ἴσω

Through human cities, and in suff'rance still,

ᾤχεθʼ ἅμʼ Ἀτρείδῃσιν, ἐμοὶ δʼ ὄνομα κλυτὸν Αἴθων,

To rip all wounds up, though of all their ill

ὁπλότερος γενεῇ· ὁ δʼ ἄρα πρότερος καὶ ἀρείων.

I touch but part, must actuate all their pain.

ἔνθʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἐγὼν ἰδόμην καὶ ξείνια δῶκα.

But, ask you still, I'll tell, though still sustain.

καὶ γὰρ τὸν Κρήτηνδε κατήγαγεν ἲς ἀνέμοιο,

In middle of the sable sea there lies

ἱέμενον Τροίηνδε παραπλάγξασα Μαλειῶν·

An isle call'd Crete, a ravisher of eyes,

στῆσε δʼ ἐν Ἀμνισῷ, ὅθι τε σπέος Εἰλειθυίης,

Fruitful, and mann'd with many an infinite store;

ἐν λιμέσιν χαλεποῖσι, μόγις δʼ ὑπάλυξεν ἀέλλας.

Where ninety cities crown the famous shore,

αὐτίκα δʼ Ἰδομενῆα μετάλλα ἄστυδʼ ἀνελθών·

Mix'd with all-languag'd men. There Greeks survive,

ξεῖνον γάρ οἱ ἔφασκε φίλον τʼ ἔμεν αἰδοῖόν τε.

There the great-minded Eteocretans live,

τῷ δʼ ἤδη δεκάτη ἢ ἑνδεκάτη πέλεν ἠὼς

There the Dorensians never out of war,

οἰχομένῳ σὺν νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν Ἴλιον εἴσω.

The Cydons there, and there the singular

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ πρὸς δώματʼ ἄγων ἐῢ ἐξείνισσα,

Pelasgian people. There doth Cnossus stand,

ἐνδυκέως φιλέων, πολλῶν κατὰ οἶκον ἐόντων·

That mighty city, where had most command

καί οἱ τοῖς ἄλλοις ἑτάροις, οἳ ἅμʼ αὐτῷ ἕποντο,

Great Jove's disciple, Minos, who nine years

δημόθεν ἄλφιτα δῶκα καὶ αἴθοπα οἶνον ἀγείρας

Conferr'd with Jove, both great familiars

καὶ βοῦς ἱρεύσασθαι, ἵνα πλησαίατο θυμόν.

In mutual counsels. And this Minos' son,

ἔνθα δυώδεκα μὲν μένον ἤματα δῖοι Ἀχαιοί·

The mighty-minded king Deucalion,

εἴλει γὰρ Βορέης ἄνεμος μέγας οὐδʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ

Was sire to me and royal Idomen,

εἴα ἵστασθαι, χαλεπὸς δέ τις ὤρορε δαίμων.

Who with Atrides went to Ilion then,

τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ δʼ ἄνεμος πέσε, τοὶ δʼ ἀνάγοντο.

My elder brother and the better man,

ἴσκε ψεύδεα πολλὰ λέγων ἐτύμοισιν ὁμοῖα·

My name Aethon. At that time began

τῆς δʼ ἄρʼ ἀκουούσης ῥέε δάκρυα, τήκετο δὲ χρώς·

My knowledge of Ulysses, whom my home

ὡς δὲ χιὼν κατατήκετʼ ἐν ἀκροπόλοισιν ὄρεσσιν,

Receiv'd with guest-rites. He was thither come

ἥν τʼ Εὖρος κατέτηξεν, ἐπὴν Ζέφυρος καταχεύῃ·

By force of weather, from the Malean coast

τηκομένης δʼ ἄρα τῆς ποταμοὶ πλήθουσι ῥέοντες·

But new got off, where he the navy lost,

ὣς τῆς τήκετο καλὰ παρήϊα δάκρυ χεούσης,

Then under sail for Troy, and wind-bound lay

κλαιούσης ἑὸν ἄνδρα παρήμενον. αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Long in Amnisus; hardly got away

θυμῷ μὲν γοόωσαν ἑὴν ἐλέαιρε γυναῖκα,

From horrid storms, that made him anchor there,

ὀφθαλμοὶ δʼ ὡς εἰ κέρα ἕστασαν ἠὲ σίδηρος

In havens that sacred to Lucina were,

ἀτρέμας ἐν βλεφάροισι· δόλῳ δʼ ὅ γε δάκρυα κεῦθεν.

Dreadful and dang'rous, in whose bosom crept

ἡ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν τάρφθη πολυδακρύτοιο γόοιο,

Lucina's cavern. But in my roof slept

ἐξαῦτίς μιν ἔπεσσιν ἀμειβομένη προσέειπε·

Ulysses, shor'd in Crete; who first inquir'd

νῦν μὲν δή σευ, ξεῖνέ γʼ, ὀΐω πειρήσεσθαι,

For royal Idomen, and much desir'd

εἰ ἐτεὸν δὴ κεῖθι σὺν ἀντιθέοις ἑτάροισι

To taste his guest-rites, since to him had been

ξείνισας ἐν μεγάροισιν ἐμὸν πόσιν, ὡς ἀγορεύεις.

A welcome guest my brother Idomen.

εἰπέ μοι ὁπποῖʼ ἄσσα περὶ χροῒ εἵματα ἕστο,

The tenth or 'leventh light on Ulysses shin'd

αὐτός θʼ οἷος ἔην, καὶ ἑταίρους, οἵ οἱ ἕποντο.

In stay at Crete, attending then the wind

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

For threaten'd Ilion. All which time my house

ὦ γύναι, ἀργαλέον τόσσον χρόνον ἀμφὶς ἐόντα

With love and entertainments curious

εἰπέμεν· ἤδη γάρ οἱ ἐεικοστὸν ἔτος ἐστὶν

Embrac'd his person, though a number more

ἐξ οὗ κεῖθεν ἔβη καὶ ἐμῆς ἀπελήλυθε πάτρης·

My hospitable roofs receiv'd before,

αὐτάρ τοι ἐρέω ὥς μοι ἰνδάλλεται ἦτορ.

His men I likewise call'd, and from the store

χλαῖναν πορφυρέην οὔλην ἔχε δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Allow'd them meal and heat-exciting wine,

διπλῆν· αὐτάρ οἱ περόνη χρυσοῖο τέτυκτο

And oxen for their slaughter, to confine

In my free hand the utmost of their need.

Twelve days the Greeks stay'd, ere they got them freed,

A gale so bitter blew out of the north,

That none could stand on earth, being tumbled forth

By some stern God. But on the thirteenth day

The tempest ceas'd, and then went Greeks their way."

Thus many tales Ulysses told his wife,

At most but painting, yet most like the life;

Of which her heart such sense took through her ears,

It made her weep as she would turn to tears.

And as from off the mountains melts the snow,

Which Zephyr's breath conceal'd, but was made flow

By hollow Eurus, which so fast pours down,

That with their torrent floods have overflown;

So down her fair cheeks her kind tears did glide,

Her miss'd lord mourning set so near her side.

Ulysses much was mov'd to see her mourn,

Whose eyes yet stood as dry as iron or horn

In his untroubled lids, which in his craft

Of bridling passion he from issue saft.

When she had giv'n her moan so many tears,

That now 'twas satiate, her yet loving fears

Ask'd thus much further: "You have thus far tried

My love's credulity, but if gratified

With so long stay he was with you, you can

Describe what weed he wore, what kind of man

Both he himself was, and what followers

Observ'd him there." "Alas," said he, "the years

αὐλοῖσιν διδύμοισι· πάροιθε δὲ δαίδαλον ἦεν·

Have grown so many since—this making now

ἐν προτέροισι πόδεσσι κύων ἔχε ποικίλον ἐλλόν,

Their twentieth revolution—that my show

ἀσπαίροντα λάων· τὸ δὲ θαυμάζεσκον ἅπαντες,

Of these slight notes will set my memory sore,

ὡς οἱ χρύσεοι ἐόντες ὁ μὲν λάε νεβρὸν ἀπάγχων,

But, to my now remembrance, this he wore:

αὐτὰρ ὁ ἐκφυγέειν μεμαὼς ἤσπαιρε πόδεσσι.

A double purple robe, drawn close before

τὸν δὲ χιτῶνʼ ἐνόησα περὶ χροῒ σιγαλόεντα,

With golden buttons, plaited thick, and bore

οἷόν τε κρομύοιο λοπὸν κάτα ἰσχαλέοιο·

A facing where a hundred colours shin'd.

τὼς μὲν ἔην μαλακός, λαμπρὸς δʼ ἦν ἠέλιος ὥς·

About the skirts a hound a freckled hind

ἦ μὲν πολλαί γʼ αὐτὸν ἐθηήσαντο γυναῖκες.

In full course hunted; on the fore skirts, yet,

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

He pinch'd and pull'd her down, when with her feet,

οὐκ οἶδʼ ἢ τάδε ἕστο περὶ χροῒ οἴκοθʼ Ὀδυσσεύς,

And all her force, she struggled hard for flight.

ἦ τις ἑταίρων δῶκε θοῆς ἐπὶ νηὸς ἰόντι,

Which had such life in gold, that to the sight

ἤ τίς που καὶ ξεῖνος, ἐπεὶ πολλοῖσιν Ὀδυσσεὺς

It seem'd the hind itself for ev'ry hue,

ἔσκε φίλος· παῦροι γὰρ Ἀχαιῶν ἦσαν ὁμοῖοι.

The hound and all so answering the view,

καί οἱ ἐγὼ χάλκειον ἄορ καὶ δίπλακα δῶκα

That all admir'd all. I observ'd beside

καλὴν πορφυρέην καὶ τερμιόεντα χιτῶνα,

His inner weed, so rarely beautified

αἰδοίως δʼ ἀπέπεμπον ἐϋσσέλμου ἐπὶ νηός.

That dumb amaze it bred, and was as thin

καὶ μέν οἱ κῆρυξ ὀλίγον προγενέστερος αὐτοῦ

As any dry and tender onion skin;

εἵπετο· καὶ τόν τοι μυθήσομαι, οἷος ἔην περ.

As soft 'twas, too, and glister'd like the sun.

γυρὸς ἐν ὤμοισιν, μελανόχροος, οὐλοκάρηνος,

The women were to loving wonder won

Εὐρυβάτης δʼ ὄνομʼ ἔσκε· τίεν δέ μιν ἔξοχον ἄλλων

By him and by his weeds. But, by the way,

ὧν ἑτάρων Ὀδυσεύς, ὅτι οἱ φρεσὶν ἄρτια ᾔδη.

You must excuse me, that I cannot say

ὣς φάτο, τῇ δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ὑφʼ ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο,

He brought this suit from home, or had it there

σήματʼ ἀναγνούσῃ τά οἱ ἔμπεδα πέφραδʼ Ὀδυσσεύς.

Sent for some present, or, perhaps, elsewhere

ἡ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν τάρφθη πολυδακρύτοιο γόοιο.

Receiv'd it for his guest-gift; for your lord

καὶ τότε μιν μύθοισιν ἀμειβομένη προσέειπε·

Had friends not few, the fleet did not afford

νῦν μὲν δή μοι, ξεῖνε, πάρος περ ἐὼν ἐλεεινός,

Many that had not fewer. I bestow'd

ἐν μεγάροισιν ἐμοῖσι φίλος τʼ ἔσῃ αἰδοῖός τε·

A well-edg'd sword on him, a robe that flow'd

αὐτὴ γὰρ τάδε εἵματʼ ἐγὼ πόρον, οἷʼ ἀγορεύεις,

In folds and fulness, and did reach his feet,

πτύξασʼ ἐκ θαλάμου, περόνην τʼ ἐπέθηκα φαεινὴν

Of richest purple; brought him to his fleet

κείνῳ ἄγαλμʼ ἔμεναι· τὸν δʼ οὐχ ὑποδέξομαι αὖτις

With all my honour; and besides, to add

οἴκαδε νοστήσαντα φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

To all this sifted circumstance, he had

τῷ ῥα κακῇ αἴσῃ κοίλης ἐπὶ νηὸς Ὀδυσσεὺς

A herald there, in height a little more

ᾤχετʼ ἐποψόμενος Κακοΐλιον οὐκ ὀνομαστήν.

Put from the earth, that thicker shoulders wore,

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

A swarth complexion and a curléd head,

ὦ γύναι αἰδοίη Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος,

His name Eurybates; and much in stead

μηκέτι νῦν χρόα καλὸν ἐναίρεο, μηδέ τι θυμὸν

He stood your king, employ'd in most command,

τῆκε, πόσιν γοόωσα. νεμεσσῶμαί γε μὲν οὐδέν·

Since most of all his mind could understand."

καὶ γάρ τίς τʼ ἀλλοῖον ὀδύρεται ἄνδρʼ ὀλέσασα

When all these signs she knew for chiefly true,

κουρίδιον, τῷ τέκνα τέκῃ φιλότητι μιγεῖσα,

Desire of moan upon her beauties grew,

ἢ Ὀδυσῆʼ, ὅν φασι θεοῖς ἐναλίγκιον εἶναι.

And yet, ev'n that desire suffic'd, she said:

ἀλλὰ γόου μὲν παῦσαι, ἐμεῖο δὲ σύνθεο μῦθον·

"Till this, my guest, a wretched state array'd

νημερτέως γάρ τοι μυθήσομαι οὐδʼ ἐπικεύσω

Your ill-us'd person, but from this hour forth

ὡς ἤδη Ὀδυσῆος ἐγὼ περὶ νόστου ἄκουσα

You shall be honour'd, and find all the worth

ἀγχοῦ, Θεσπρωτῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐν πίονι δήμῳ,

That fits a friend. Those weeds these hands bestow'd

ζωοῦ· αὐτὰρ ἄγει κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

From out my wardrobe; those gold buttons sew'd

αἰτίζων ἀνὰ δῆμον. ἀτὰρ ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους

Before for closure and for ornament.

ὤλεσε καὶ νῆα γλαφυρὴν ἐνὶ οἴνοπι πόντῳ,

But never more must his return present

Θρινακίης ἄπο νήσου ἰών· ὀδύσαντο γὰρ αὐτῷ

The person that gave those adornments state;

Ζεύς τε καὶ Ἠέλιος· τοῦ γὰρ βόας ἔκταν ἑταῖροι.

And therefore, under an abhorréd fate,

οἱ μὲν πάντες ὄλοντο πολυκλύστῳ ἐνὶ πόντῳ·

Was he induc'd to feed the common fame,

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ τρόπιος νεὸς ἔκβαλε κῦμʼ ἐπὶ χέρσου,

To visit vile Troy, ay too vile to name."

Φαιήκων ἐς γαῖαν, οἳ ἀγχίθεοι γεγάασιν,

"No more yet mourn," said he, "nor thus see pin'd

οἳ δή μιν περὶ κῆρι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσαντο

Your lovely person. Weeping wastes the mind.

καί οἱ πολλὰ δόσαν πέμπειν τέ μιν ἤθελον αὐτοὶ

And yet I blame you not; for any dame

οἴκαδʼ ἀπήμαντον. καί κεν πάλαι ἐνθάδʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

That weds one young, and brings to him his name,

ἤην· ἀλλʼ ἄρα οἱ τό γε κέρδιον εἴσατο θυμῷ,

Whatever man he is, will mourn his loss.

χρήματʼ ἀγυρτάζειν πολλὴν ἐπὶ γαῖαν ἰόντι·

Much more respectful then must show your woes

ὣς περὶ κέρδεα πολλὰ καταθνητῶν ἀνθρώπων

That weep thus for Ulysses, who, Fame says,

οἶδʼ Ὀδυσεύς, οὐδʼ ἄν τις ἐρίσσειε βροτὸς ἄλλος.

Was equal with the Gods in all his ways.

ὥς μοι Θεσπρωτῶν βασιλεὺς μυθήσατο Φείδων·

But where no cause is there must be no moan,

ὤμνυε δὲ πρὸς ἔμʼ αὐτόν, ἀποσπένδων ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

And therefore hear me, my relation

νῆα κατειρύσθαι καὶ ἐπαρτέας ἔμμεν ἑταίρους,

Shall lay the clear truth naked to your view:

οἳ δή μιν πέμψουσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

I heard amongst the Thesprots for most true,

ἀλλʼ ἐμὲ πρὶν ἀπέπεμψε· τύχησε γὰρ ἐρχομένη νηῦς

That lord Ulysses liv'd, and stood just now

ἀνδρῶν Θεσπρωτῶν ἐς Δουλίχιον πολύπυρον.

On his return for home; that wealth did flow

καί μοι κτήματʼ ἔδειξεν, ὅσα ξυναγείρατʼ Ὀδυσσεύς·

In his possession, which he made not known,

καί νύ κεν ἐς δεκάτην γενεὴν ἕτερόν γʼ ἔτι βόσκοι,

But begg'd amongst the people, since alone

ὅσσα οἱ ἐν μεγάροις κειμήλια κεῖτο ἄνακτος.

He quite was left, for all his men were lost

τὸν δʼ ἐς Δωδώνην φάτο βήμεναι, ὄφρα θεοῖο

In getting off from the Trinacrian coast;

ἐκ δρυὸς ὑψικόμοιο Διὸς βουλὴν ἐπακούσαι,

Jove and the Sun was wroth with them for rape

ὅππως νοστήσειε φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

Made of his oxen, and no man let 'scape

ἤδη δὴν ἀπεών, ἤ ἀμφαδὸν ἦε κρυφηδόν.

The rugged deeps of Neptune; only he,

ὣς ὁ μὲν οὕτως ἐστὶ σόος καὶ ἐλεύσεται ἤδη

The ship's keel only keeping, was by sea

ἄγχι μάλʼ, οὐδʼ ἔτι τῆλε φίλων καὶ πατρίδος αἴης

Cast on the fair Phæacian continent,

δηρὸν ἀπεσσεῖται· ἔμπης δέ τοι ὅρκια δώσω.

Where men survive that are the Gods' descent,

And like a God receiv'd him, gave him heaps

Of wealthy gifts, and would conduct his steps

Themselves safe home; which he might long ago

His pleasure make, but profit would not so.

He gather'd going, and had mighty store

Of gold in safeguard; so beyond the shore

That common sails kept, his high flood of wit

Bore glorious top, and all the world for it

Hath far exceeded. All this Phædon told,

That doth the sceptre of Thesprotia hold,

Who swore to me, in household sacrifice,

The ship was launch'd, and men to man the prise,

That soon should set him on his country earth,

Show'd me the goods, enough to serve the birth

That in the tenth age of his seed should spring,

Yet in his court contain'd. But then the king,

Your husband, for Dodona was in way,

That from th' Oraculous Oak he might display

Jove's will what course for home would best prevail,

To come in pomp, or bear a secret sail.

But me the king dispatch'd in course before,

A ship then bound for the Dulichian shore.

So thus you see his safety whom you mourn;

Who now is passing near, and his return

No more will punish with delays, but see

His friends and country. All which truth to thee

ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς πρῶτα, θεῶν ὕπατος καὶ ἄριστος,

I'll seal with sacred oath. Be witness, Jove,

ἱστίη τʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος, ἣν ἀφικάνω·

Thou first and best of all the thron'd above!

ἦ μέν τοι τάδε πάντα τελείεται ὡς ἀγορεύω.

And thou house of the great Laertes' heir,

τοῦδʼ αὐτοῦ λυκάβαντος ἐλεύσεται ἐνθάδʼ Ὀδυσσεύς,

To whose high roofs I tender my repair,

τοῦ μὲν φθίνοντος μηνός, τοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένοιο.

That what I tell the Queen event shall crown!

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

This year Ulysses shall possess his own,

αἲ γὰρ τοῦτο, ξεῖνε, ἔπος τετελεσμένον εἴη·

Nay ere the next month ends shall here arrive,

τῷ κε τάχα γνοίης φιλότητά τε πολλά τε δῶρα

Nay, ere it enters, here abide alive!"

ἐξ ἐμεῦ, ὡς ἄν τίς σε συναντόμενος μακαρίζοι.

"O may this prove," said she; "gifts, friendship, then

ἀλλά μοι ὧδʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ὀΐεται, ὡς ἔσεταί περ·

Should make your name the most renown'd of men.

οὔτʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ἔτι οἶκον ἐλεύσεται, οὔτε σὺ πομπῆς

But 'tis of me receiv'd, and must so sort,

τεύξῃ, ἐπεὶ οὐ τοῖοι σημάντορές εἰσʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

That nor my lord shall ever see his court,

οἷος Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔσκε μετʼ ἀνδράσιν, εἴ ποτʼ ἔην γε,

Nor you gain your deduction thence, for now

ξείνους αἰδοίους ἀποπεμπέμεν ἠδὲ δέχεσθαι.

The alter'd house doth no such man allow

ἀλλά μιν, ἀμφίπολοι, ἀπονίψατε, κάτθετε δʼ εὐνήν,

As was Ulysses, if he ever were,

δέμνια καὶ χλαίνας καὶ ῥήγεα σιγαλόεντα,

To entertain a rev'rend passenger,

ὥς κʼ εὖ θαλπιόων χρυσόθρονον Ἠῶ ἵκηται.

And give him fair dismission. But, maids, see

ἠῶθεν δὲ μάλʼ ἦρι λοέσσαι τε χρῖσαί τε,

Ye bathe his feet, and then with tapestry,

ὥς κʼ ἔνδον παρὰ Τηλεμάχῳ δείπνοιο μέδηται

Best sheets and blankets, make his bed, and lay

ἥμενος ἐν μεγάρῳ· τῷ δʼ ἄλγιον ὅς κεν ἐκείνων

Soft waistcoats by him, that, lodg'd warm, he may

τοῦτον ἀνιάζῃ θυμοφθόρος· οὐδέ τι ἔργον

Ev'n till the golden-seated morning's ray

ἐνθάδʼ ἔτι πρήξει, μάλα περ κεχολωμένος αἰνῶς.

Enjoy good rest; and then, with her first light,

πῶς γὰρ ἐμεῦ σύ, ξεῖνε, δαήσεαι εἴ τι γυναικῶν

Bathe, and give alms, that cherish'd appetite

ἀλλάων περίειμι νόον καὶ ἐπίφρονα μῆτιν,

He may apply within our hall, and sit

εἴ κεν ἀϋσταλέος, κακὰ εἱμένος ἐν μεγάροισιν

Safe by Telemachus. Or, if th' unfit

δαινύῃ; ἄνθρωποι δὲ μινυνθάδιοι τελέθουσιν.

And harmful mind of any be so base

ὃς μὲν ἀπηνὴς αὐτὸς ἔῃ καὶ ἀπηνέα εἰδῇ,

To grieve his age again, let none give grace

τῷ δὲ καταρῶνται πάντες βροτοὶ ἄλγεʼ ὀπίσσω

Of doing any deed he shall command,

ζωῷ, ἀτὰρ τεθνεῶτί γʼ ἐφεψιόωνται ἅπαντες·

How wroth soever, to his barbarous hand.

ὃς δʼ ἂν ἀμύμων αὐτὸς ἔῃ καὶ ἀμύμονα εἰδῇ,

For how shall you, guest, know me for a dame

τοῦ μέν τε κλέος εὐρὺ δὶα ξεῖνοι φορέουσι

That pass so far, nay, turn and wind the fame

πάντας ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους, πολλοί τέ μιν ἐσθλὸν ἔειπον.

Of other dames for wisdom, and the frame

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Of household usage, if your poor thin weeds

ὦ γύναι αἰδοίη Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος,

I let draw on you want, and worser deeds,

ἦ τοι ἐμοὶ χλαῖναι καὶ ῥήγεα σιγαλόεντα

That may, perhaps, cause here your latest day?

ἤχθεθʼ, ὅτε πρῶτον Κρήτης ὄρεα νιφόεντα

The life of man is short and flies away.

νοσφισάμην ἐπὶ νηὸς ἰὼν δολιχηρέτμοιο,

And if the ruler's self of households be

κείω δʼ ὡς τὸ πάρος περ ἀΰπνους νύκτας ἴαυον·

Ungentle, studying inhumanity,

πολλὰς γὰρ δὴ νύκτας ἀεικελίῳ ἐνὶ κοίτῃ

The rest prove worse, but he bears all the blame;

ἄεσα καί τʼ ἀνέμεινα ἐΰθρονον Ἠῶ δῖαν.

All men will, living, vow against his name

οὐδέ τί μοι ποδάνιπτρα ποδῶν ἐπιήρανα θυμῷ

Mischiefs and miseries, and, dead, supply

γίγνεται· οὐδὲ γυνὴ ποδὸς ἅψεται ἡμετέροιο

With bitter epitaphs his memory.

τάων αἵ τοι δῶμα κάτα δρήστειραι ἔασιν,

But if himself be noble—noble things

εἰ μή τις γρηῦς ἔστι παλαιή, κεδνὰ ἰδυῖα,

Doing and knowing—all his underlings

ἥ τις δὴ τέτληκε τόσα φρεσὶν ὅσσα τʼ ἐγώ περ·

Will imitate his noblesse, and all guests

τῇ δʼ οὐκ ἂν φθονέοιμι ποδῶν ἅψασθαι ἐμεῖο.

Give it, in many, many interests."

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

"But, worthiest Queen," said he, "where you command

ξεῖνε φίλʼ· οὐ γάρ πώ τις ἀνὴρ πεπνυμένος ὧδε

Baths and rich beds for me, I scorn to stand

ξείνων τηλεδαπῶν φιλίων ἐμὸν ἵκετο δῶμα,

On such state now nor ever thought it yet,

ὡς σὺ μάλʼ εὐφραδέως πεπνυμένα πάντʼ ἀγορεύεις·

Since first I left the snowy hills of Crete.

ἔστι δέ μοι γρηῢς πυκινὰ φρεσὶ μήδεʼ ἔχουσα

When once I fell a-shipboard those thoughts fled;

ἣ κεῖνον δύστηνον ἐῢ τρέφεν ἠδʼ ἀτίταλλε,

I love to take now, as long since, my bed.

δεξαμένη χείρεσσʼ, ὅτε μιν πρῶτον τέκε μήτηρ,

Though I began the use with sleepless nights,

ἥ σε πόδας νίψει, ὀλιγηπελέουσά περ ἔμπης.

I many a darkness with right homely rites

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἀνστᾶσα, περίφρων Εὐρύκλεια,

Have spent ere this hour, and desir'd the morn

νίψον σοῖο ἄνακτος ὁμήλικα· καί που Ὀδυσσεὺς

Would come, and make sleep to the world a scorn.

ἤδη τοιόσδʼ ἐστὶ πόδας τοιόσδε τε χεῖρας·

Nor run these dainty baths in my rude head;

αἶψα γὰρ ἐν κακότητι βροτοὶ καταγηράσκουσιν.

Nor any handmaid, to your service bred,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, γρηῢς δὲ κατέσχετο χερσὶ πρόσωπα,

Shall touch my ill-kept feet, unless there live

δάκρυα δʼ ἔκβαλε θερμά, ἔπος δʼ ὀλοφυδνὸν ἔειπεν·

Some poor old drudge here, that hath learn'd to give

ὤ μοι ἐγὼ σέο, τέκνον, ἀμήχανος· ἦ σε περὶ Ζεὺς

Old men good usage, and no work will fly,

ἀνθρώπων ἤχθηρε θεουδέα θυμὸν ἔχοντα.

As having suffer'd ill as much as I.

οὐ γάρ πώ τις τόσσα βροτῶν Διὶ τερπικεραύνῳ

But if there live one such in your command,

πίονα μηρίʼ ἔκηʼ οὐδʼ ἐξαίτους ἑκατόμβας,

I will not shame to give my foot her hand."

ὅσσα σὺ τῷ ἐδίδους, ἀρώμενος ἧος ἵκοιο

She gave this answer: "O my lovéd guest,

γῆράς τε λιπαρὸν θρέψαιό τε φαίδιμον υἱόν·

There never enter'd these kind roofs for rest

νῦν δέ τοι οἴῳ πάμπαν ἀφείλετο νόστιμον ἦμαρ.

Stranger or friend that so much wisdom laid

οὕτω που καὶ κείνῳ ἐφεψιόωντο γυναῖκες

In gage for guest-rites, as your lips have paid.

ξείνων τηλεδαπῶν, ὅτε τευ κλυτὰ δώμαθʼ ἵκοιτο,

There lives an old maid in my charge that knows

ὡς σέθεν αἱ κύνες αἵδε καθεψιόωνται ἅπασαι,

The good you speak of by her many woes;

τάων νῦν λώβην τε καὶ αἴσχεα πόλλʼ ἀλεείνων

That nourish'd and brought up, with curious care,

οὐκ ἐάας νίζειν· ἐμὲ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκουσαν ἄνωγε

Th' unhappy man; your old familiar,

κούρη Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρων Πηνελόπεια.

Ev'n since his mother let him view the light,

τῷ σε πόδας νίψω ἅμα τʼ αὐτῆς Πηνελοπείης

And oft hath felt in her weak arms his weight;

καὶ σέθεν εἵνεκʼ, ἐπεί μοι ὀρώρεται ἔνδοθι θυμὸς

And she, though now much weaker, shall apply

Her maiden service to your modesty.

Euryclea, rise, and wash the feet of one

That is of one age with your sov'reign gone,

Such hands, such feet hath, though of alter'd grace.

Much grief in men will bring on change apace."

She, from her aged slumber wak'd, did clear

Her heavy eyes, and instantly, to hear

Her sov'reign's name, had work enough to dry

Her cheeks from tears, and to his memory

These moans did offer: "O my son," said she,

"I never can take grief enough for thee,

Whom Goodness hurts, and whom ev'n Jove's high spleen,

Since thou art Jove-like, hates the most of men.

For none hath offer'd him so many thighs,

Nor such whole hecatombs of sacrifice,

Fat and selected, as thy zeal hath done;

For all, but praying that thy noble son,

Thy happy age might see at state of man.

And yet hath Jove with mists Cimmerian

Put out the light of his returning day.

And as yourself, O father, in your way

Took these fair roofs for hospitable rites,

Yet find, for them, our dogged women's spites;

So he, in like course, being driven to proof,

Long time ere this, what such a royal roof

Would yield his mis'ries, found such usage there.

And you, now flying the foul language here,

κήδεσιν. ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ξυνίει ἔπος, ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

And many a filthy fact of our fair dames,

πολλοὶ δὴ ξεῖνοι ταλαπείριοι ἐνθάδʼ ἵκοντο,

Fly me like them, and put on causeless shames

ἀλλʼ οὔ πώ τινά φημι ἐοικότα ὧδε ἰδέσθαι

To let me cleanse your feet. For not the cause

ὡς σὺ δέμας φωνήν τε πόδας τʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ ἔοικας.

The Queen's command yields is the pow'r that draws

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

My will to wash your feet, but what I do

ὦ γρηῦ, οὕτω φασὶν ὅσοι ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσιν

Proceeds from her charge and your rev'rence too;

ἡμέας ἀμφοτέρους, μάλα εἰκέλω ἀλλήλοιϊν

Since I in soul am stricken with a ruth

ἔμμεναι, ὡς σύ περ αὐτὴ ἐπιφρονέουσʼ ἀγορεύεις.

Of your distresses, and past show of truth;

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, γρηῢς δὲ λέβηθʼ ἕλε παμφανόωντα

Your strangeness claiming little interest

τοῦ πόδας ἐξαπένιζεν, ὕδωρ δʼ ἐνεχεύατο πουλὺ

In my affections. And yet many a guest

ψυχρόν, ἔπειτα δὲ θερμὸν ἐπήφυσεν. αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Of poor condition hath been harbour'd here,

ἷζεν ἐπʼ ἐσχαρόφιν, ποτὶ δὲ σκότον ἐτράπετʼ αἶψα·

But never any did so right appear

αὐτίκα γὰρ κατὰ θυμὸν ὀΐσατο, μή ἑ λαβοῦσα

Like king Ulysses as yourself, for state

οὐλὴν ἀμφράσσαιτο καὶ ἀμφαδὰ ἔργα γένοιτο.

Both of your stature, voice, and very gait."

νίζε δʼ ἄρʼ ἆσσον ἰοῦσα ἄναχθʼ ἑόν· αὐτίκα δʼ ἔγνω

"So all have said," said he, "that ever yet

οὐλήν, τήν ποτέ μιν σῦς ἤλασε λευκῷ ὀδόντι

Had the proportions of our figures met

Παρνησόνδʼ ἐλθόντα μετʼ Αὐτόλυκόν τε καὶ υἷας,

In their observance; so right your eye

μητρὸς ἑῆς πάτερʼ ἐσθλόν, ὃς ἀνθρώπους ἐκέκαστο

Proves in your soul your judging faculty."

κλεπτοσύνῃ θʼ ὅρκῳ τε· θεὸς δέ οἱ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν

Thus took she up a caldron brightly scour'd,

Ἑρμείας· τῷ γὰρ κεχαρισμένα μηρία καῖεν

To cleanse his feet in; and into it pour'd

ἀρνῶν ἠδʼ ἐρίφων· ὁ δέ οἱ πρόφρων ἅμʼ ὀπήδει.

Store of cold wave, which on the fire she set;

Αὐτόλυκος δʼ ἐλθὼν Ἰθάκης ἐς πίονα δῆμον

And therein bath'd, being temperately heat,

παῖδα νέον γεγαῶτα κιχήσατο θυγατέρος ἧς·

Her sov'reign's feet. Who turn'd him from the light,

τόν ῥά οἱ Εὐρύκλεια φίλοις ἐπὶ γούνασι θῆκε

Since suddenly he doubted her conceit,

παυομένῳ δόρποιο, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

So rightly touching at his state before,

Αὐτόλυκʼ, αὐτὸς νῦν ὄνομʼ εὕρεο ὅττι κε θῆαι

A scar now seeing on his foot, that bore

παιδὸς παιδὶ φίλῳ· πολυάρητος δέ τοί ἐστιν.

An old note, to discern him, might descry

τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Αὐτόλυκος ἀπαμείβετο φώνησέν τε·

The absolute truth; which, witness'd by her eye,

γαμβρὸς ἐμὸς θυγάτηρ τε, τίθεσθʼ ὄνομʼ ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

Was straight approv'd. He first receiv'd this sore

πολλοῖσιν γὰρ ἐγώ γε ὀδυσσάμενος τόδʼ ἱκάνω,

As in Parnassus' tops a white-tooth'd boar

ἀνδράσιν ἠδὲ γυναιξὶν ἀνὰ χθόνα πουλυβότειραν·

He stood in chase withal, who struck him there,

τῷ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ὄνομʼ ἔστω ἐπώνυμον· αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε,

At such time as he liv'd a sojourner

ὁππότʼ ἂν ἡβήσας μητρώϊον ἐς μέγα δῶμα

With his grandsire, Autolycus; who th' art

ἔλθῃ Παρνησόνδʼ, ὅθι πού μοι κτήματʼ ἔασι,

Of theft and swearing (not out of the heart,

τῶν οἱ ἐγὼ δώσω καί μιν χαίροντʼ ἀποπέμψω.

But by equivocation) first adorn'd

τῶν ἕνεκʼ ἦλθʼ Ὀδυσεύς, ἵνα οἱ πόροι ἀγλαὰ δῶρα.

Your witty man withal, and was suborn'd

τὸν μὲν ἄρʼ Αὐτόλυκός τε καὶ υἱέες Αὐτολύκοιο

By Jove's descent, ingenious Mercury,

χερσίν τʼ ἠσπάζοντο ἔπεσσί τε μειλιχίοισι·

Who did bestow it, since so many a thigh

μήτηρ δʼ Ἀμφιθέη μητρὸς περιφῦσʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ

Of lambs and kids he had on him bestow'd

κύσσʼ ἄρα μιν κεφαλήν τε καὶ ἄμφω φάεα καλά.

In sacred flames, who therefore when he vow'd

Αὐτόλυκος δʼ υἱοῖσιν ἐκέκλετο κυδαλίμοισι

Was ever with him. And this man impos'd

δεῖπνον ἐφοπλίσσαι· τοὶ δʼ ὀτρύνοντος ἄκουσαν,

Ulysses' name, the light being first disclos'd

αὐτίκα δʼ εἰσάγαγον βοῦν ἄρσενα πενταέτηρον·

To his first sight then, when his grandsire came

τὸν δέρον ἀμφί θʼ ἕπον, καί μιν διέχευαν ἅπαντα,

To see the then preferrer of his fame,

μίστυλλόν τʼ ἄρʼ ἐπισταμένως πεῖράν τʼ ὀβελοῖσιν,