Odyssey

Ulysses in the entry laid his head,

αὐτὰρ ὁ ἐν προδόμῳ εὐνάζετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

And under him an ox-hide newly-flay'd,

κὰμ μὲν ἀδέψητον βοέην στόρεσʼ, αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε

Above him sheep-fells store; and over those

κώεα πόλλʼ ὀΐων, τοὺς ἱρεύεσκον Ἀχαιοί·

Eurynomé cast mantles. His repose

Εὐρυνόμη δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ χλαῖναν βάλε κοιμηθέντι.

Would bring no sleep yet, studying the ill

ἔνθʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μνηστῆρσι κακὰ φρονέων ἐνὶ θυμῷ

He wish'd the Wooers; who came by him still

κεῖτʼ ἐγρηγορόων· ταὶ δʼ ἐκ μεγάροιο γυναῖκες

With all their wenches, laughing, wantoning,

ἤϊσαν, αἳ μνηστῆρσιν ἐμισγέσκοντο πάρος περ,

In mutual lightness; which his heart did sting,

ἀλλήλῃσι γέλω τε καὶ εὐφροσύνην παρέχουσαι.

Contending two ways, if, all patience fled,

τοῦ δʼ ὠρίνετο θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισι·

He should rush up and strike those strumpets dead,

πολλὰ δὲ μερμήριζε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν,

Or let that night be last, and take th' extreme

ἠὲ μεταΐξας θάνατον τεύξειεν ἑκάστῃ,

Of those proud Wooers, that were so supreme

ἦ ἔτʼ ἐῷ μνηστῆρσιν ὑπερφιάλοισι μιγῆναι

In pleasure of their high-fed fantasies.

ὕστατα καὶ πύματα, κραδίη δέ οἱ ἔνδον ὑλάκτει.

His heart did bark within him to surprise

ὡς δὲ κύων ἀμαλῇσι περὶ σκυλάκεσσι βεβῶσα

Their sports with spoils; no fell she-mastiff can,

ἄνδρʼ ἀγνοιήσασʼ ὑλάει μέμονέν τε μάχεσθαι,

Amongst her whelps, fly eag'rer on a man

ὥς ῥα τοῦ ἔνδον ὑλάκτει ἀγαιομένου κακὰ ἔργα·

She doth not know, yet scents him something near,

στῆθος δὲ πλήξας κραδίην ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·

And fain would come to please her tooth, and tear,

τέτλαθι δή, κραδίη· καὶ κύντερον ἄλλο ποτʼ ἔτλης.

Than his disdain, to see his roof so fil'd

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε μοι μένος ἄσχετος ἤσθιε Κύκλωψ

With those foul fashions, grew within him wild

ἰφθίμους ἑτάρους· σὺ δʼ ἐτόλμας, ὄφρα σε μῆτις

To be in blood of them. But, finding best

ἐξάγαγʼ ἐξ ἄντροιο ὀϊόμενον θανέεσθαι.

In his free judgment to let passion rest,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἐν στήθεσσι καθαπτόμενος φίλον ἦτορ·

He chid his angry spirit, and beat his breast,

τῷ δὲ μάλʼ ἐν πείσῃ κραδίη μένε τετληυῖα

And said: "Forbear, my mind, and think on this:

νωλεμέως· ἀτὰρ αὐτὸς ἑλίσσετο ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα.

There hath been time when bitter agonies

ὡς δʼ ὅτε γαστέρʼ ἀνὴρ πολέος πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο,

Have tried thy patience. Call to mind the day

ἐμπλείην κνίσης τε καὶ αἵματος, ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

In which the Cyclop, which pass'd manly sway

αἰόλλῃ, μάλα δʼ ὦκα λιλαίεται ὀπτηθῆναι,

Of violent strength, devour'd thy friends; thou then

ὣς ἄρʼ ὅ γʼ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα ἑλίσσετο, μερμηρίζων

Stood'st firmly bold, till from that hellish den

ὅππως δὴ μνηστῆρσιν ἀναιδέσι χεῖρας ἐφήσει

Thy wisdom brought thee off, when nought but death

μοῦνος ἐὼν πολέσι. σχεδόθεν δέ οἱ ἦλθεν Ἀθήνη

Thy thoughts resolv'd on." This discourse did breathe

οὐρανόθεν καταβᾶσα· δέμας δʼ ἤϊκτο γυναικί·

The fiery boundings of his heart, that still

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

Lay in that æsture, without end his ill

τίπτʼ αὖτʼ ἐγρήσσεις, πάντων περὶ κάμμορε φωτῶν;

Yet manly suff'ring. But from side to side

οἶκος μέν τοι ὅδʼ ἐστί, γυνὴ δέ τοι ἥδʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

It made him toss apace. You have not tried

καὶ, πάϊς, οἷόν πού τις ἐέλδεται ἔμμεναι υἷα.

A fellow roasting of a pig before

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

A hasty fire, his belly yielding store

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα, θεά, κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες·

Of fat and blood, turn faster, labour more

ἀλλά τί μοι τόδε θυμὸς ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μερμηρίζει,

To have it roast, and would not have it burn,

ὅππως δὴ μνηστῆρσιν ἀναιδέσι χεῖρας ἐφήσω,

Than this and that way his unrest made turn

μοῦνος ἐών· οἱ δʼ αἰὲν ἀολλέες ἔνδον ἔασι.

His thoughts and body, would not quench the fire,

πρὸς δʼ ἔτι καὶ τόδε μεῖζον ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μερμηρίζω·

And yet not have it heighten his desire

εἴ περ γὰρ κτείναιμι Διός τε σέθεν τε ἕκητι,

Past his discretion, and the fit enough

πῆ κεν ὑπεκπροφύγοιμι; τά σε φράζεσθαι ἄνωγα.

Of haste and speed, that went to all the proof

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

His well-laid plots, and his exploits requir'd,

σχέτλιε, καὶ μέν τίς τε χερείονι πείθεθʼ ἑταίρῳ,

Since he, but one, to all their deaths aspir'd.

ὅς περ θνητός τʼ ἐστὶ καὶ οὐ τόσα μήδεα οἶδεν·

In this contention Pallas stoop'd from heav'n,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ θεός εἰμι, διαμπερὲς ἥ σε φυλάσσω

Stood over him, and had her presence giv'n

ἐν πάντεσσι πόνοις. ἐρέω δέ τοι ἐξαναφανδόν·

A woman's form, who sternly thus began:

εἴ περ πεντήκοντα λόχοι μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

"Why, thou most sour and wretched-fated man

Of all that breathe, yet liest thou thus awake?

The house in which thy cares so toss and take

Thy quiet up is thine; thy wife is there;

And such a son, as if thy wishes were

To be suffic'd with one they could not mend."

"Goddess," said he, "'tis true; but I contend

To right their wrongs, and, though I be but one,

To lay unhelp'd and wreakful hand upon

This whole resort of impudents, that here

Their rude assemblies never will forbear.

And yet a greater doubt employs my care,

That if their slaughters in my reaches are,

And I perform them, Jove and you not pleas'd,

How shall I fly their friends? And would stand seis'd

Of counsel to resolve this care in me."

"Wretch," she replied, "a friend of worse degree

Might win thy credence, that a mortal were, I

And us'd to second thee, though nothing near

So pow'rful in performance nor in care;

Yet I, a Goddess, that have still had share

In thy achievements, and thy person's guard,

Must still be doubted by thy brain, so hard

To credit anything above thy pow'r;

And that must come from heav'n; if ev'ry hour

νῶϊ περισταῖεν, κτεῖναι μεμαῶτες Ἄρηϊ,

There be not personal appearance made,

καί κεν τῶν ἐλάσαιο βόας καὶ ἴφια μῆλα.

And aid direct giv'n, that may sense invade.

ἀλλʼ ἑλέτω σε καὶ ὕπνος· ἀνίη καὶ τὸ φυλάσσειν

I'll tell thee, therefore, clearly: If there were

πάννυχον ἐγρήσσοντα, κακῶν δʼ ὑποδύσεαι ἤδη.

Of divers-languag'd men an army here

ὣς φάτο, καί ῥά οἱ ὕπνον ἐπὶ βλεφάροισιν ἔχευεν,

Of fifty companies, all driving hence

αὐτὴ δʼ ἂψ ἐς Ὄλυμπον ἀφίκετο δῖα θεάων.

Thy sheep and oxen, and with violence

εὖτε τὸν ὕπνος ἔμαρπτε, λύων μελεδήματα θυμοῦ,

Offer'd to charge us, and besiege us round,

λυσιμελής, ἄλοχος δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπέγρετο κεδνὰ ἰδυῖα·

Thou shouldst their prey reprise, and them confound.

κλαῖε δʼ ἄρʼ ἐν λέκτροισι καθεζομένη μαλακοῖσιν.

Let sleep then seize thee. To keep watch all night

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κλαίουσα κορέσσατο ὃν κατὰ θυμόν,

Consumes the spirits, and makes dull the sight."

Ἀρτέμιδι πρώτιστον ἐπεύξατο δῖα γυναικῶν·

Thus pour'd the Goddess sleep into his eyes,

Ἄρτεμι, πότνα θεά, θύγατερ Διός, αἴθε μοι ἤδη

And reascended the Olympian skies.

ἰὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι βαλοῦσʼ ἐκ θυμὸν ἕλοιο

When care-and-lineament-resolving sleep

αὐτίκα νῦν, ἢ ἔπειτα μʼ ἀναρπάξασα θύελλα

Had laid his temples in his golden steep,

οἴχοιτο προφέρουσα κατʼ ἠερόεντα κέλευθα,

His-wise-in-chaste-wit-worthy wife did rise,

ἐν προχοῇς δὲ βάλοι ἀψορρόου Ὠκεανοῖο.

First sitting up in her soft bed, her eyes

ὡς δʼ ὅτε Πανδαρέου κούρας ἀνέλοντο θύελλαι·

Open'd with tears, in care of her estate,

τῇσι τοκῆας μὲν φθῖσαν θεοί, αἱ δʼ ἐλίποντο

Which now her friends resolv'd to terminate

ὀρφαναὶ ἐν μεγάροισι, κόμισσε δὲ δῖʼ Ἀφροδίτη

To more delays, and make her marry one.

τυρῷ καὶ μέλιτι γλυκερῷ καὶ ἡδέϊ οἴνῳ·

Her silent tears then ceas'd, her orison

Ἥρη δʼ αὐτῇσιν περὶ πασέων δῶκε γυναικῶν

This Queen of women to Diana made:

εἶδος καὶ πινυτήν, μῆκος δʼ ἔπορʼ Ἄρτεμις ἁγνή,

"Rev'rend Diana, let thy darts invade

ἔργα δʼ Ἀθηναίη δέδαε κλυτὰ ἐργάζεσθαι.

My woeful bosom, and my life deprive,

εὖτʼ Ἀφροδίτη δῖα προσέστιχε μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον,

Now at this instant, or soon after drive

κούρῃς αἰτήσουσα τέλος θαλεροῖο γάμοιο—

My soul with tempests forth, and give it way

ἐς Δία τερπικέραυνον, ὁ γάρ τʼ εὖ οἶδεν ἅπαντα,

To those far-off dark vaults, where never day

μοῖράν τʼ ἀμμορίην τε καταθνητῶν ἀνθρώπων—

Hath pow'r to shine, and let them cast it down

τόφρα δὲ τὰς κούρας ἅρπυιαι ἀνηρείψαντο

Where refluent Oceanus doth crown

καί ῥʼ ἔδοσαν στυγερῇσιν ἐρινύσιν ἀμφιπολεύειν·

His curléd head, where Pluto's orchard is,

ὣς ἔμʼ ἀϊστώσειαν Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχοντες,

And entrance to our after miseries.

ἠέ μʼ ἐϋπλόκαμος βάλοι Ἄρτεμις, ὄφρʼ Ὀδυσῆα

As such stern whirlwinds ravish'd to that stream

ὀσσομένη καὶ γαῖαν ὕπο στυγερὴν ἀφικοίμην,

Pandareus' daughters, when the Gods to them

μηδέ τι χείρονος ἀνδρὸς ἐϋφραίνοιμι νόημα.

Had reft their parents, and them left alone,

ἀλλὰ τὸ μὲν καὶ ἀνεκτὸν ἔχει κακόν, ὁππότε κέν τις

Poor orphan children, in their mansion;

ἤματα μὲν κλαίῃ, πυκινῶς ἀκαχήμενος ἦτορ,

Whose desolate life did Love's sweet Queen incline

νύκτας δʼ ὕπνος ἔχῃσιν—ὁ γάρ τʼ ἐπέλησεν ἁπάντων,

To nurse with presséd milk and sweetest wine;

ἐσθλῶν ἠδὲ κακῶν, ἐπεὶ ἄρ βλέφαρʼ ἀμφικαλύψῃ—

Whom Juno deck'd beyond all other dames

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ καὶ ὀνείρατʼ ἐπέσσευεν κακὰ δαίμων.

With wisdom's light, and beauty's moving flames;

τῇδε γὰρ αὖ μοι νυκτὶ παρέδραθεν εἴκελος αὐτῷ,

Whom Phœbe goodliness of stature render'd;

τοῖος ἐὼν οἷος ᾖεν ἅμα στρατῷ· αὐτὰρ ἐμὸν κῆρ

And to whose fair hands wise Minerva tender'd

χαῖρʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐφάμην ὄναρ ἔμμεναι, ἀλλʼ ὕπαρ ἤδη.

The loom and needle in their utmost skill;

ὣς ἔφατʼ, αὐτίκα δὲ χρυσόθρονος ἤλυθεν Ἠώς.

And while Love's Empress scal'd th' Olympian hill

τῆς δʼ ἄρα κλαιούσης ὄπα σύνθετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

To beg of lightning-loving Jove (since he

μερμήριζε δʼ ἔπειτα, δόκησε δέ οἱ κατὰ θυμὸν

The means to all things knows, and doth decree

ἤδη γιγνώσκουσα παρεστάμεναι κεφαλῆφι.

Fortunes, infortunes, to the mortal race)

χλαῖναν μὲν συνελὼν καὶ κώεα, τοῖσιν ἐνεῦδεν,

For those poor virgins, the accomplish'd grace

ἐς μέγαρον κατέθηκεν ἐπὶ θρόνου, ἐκ δὲ βοείην

Of sweetest nuptials, the fierce Harpies prey'd

θῆκε θύραζε φέρων, Διὶ δʼ εὔξατο χεῖρας ἀνασχών·

On ev'ry good and miserable maid,

Ζεῦ πάτερ, εἴ μʼ ἐθέλοντες ἐπὶ τραφερήν τε καὶ ὑγρὴν

And to the hateful Furies gave them all

In horrid service; yet, may such fate fall

From steep Olympus on my loathéd head,

Or fair-chair'd Phœbe strike me instant dead,

That I may undergo the gloomy shore

To visit great Ulysses' soul, before

I soothe my idle blood and wed a worse.

And yet, beneath how desperate a curse

Do I live now! It is an ill that may

Be well endur'd, to mourn the whole long day,

So night's sweet sleeps, that make a man forget

Both bad and good, in some degree would let

My thoughts leave grieving; but, both day and night,

Some cruel God gives my sad memory sight.

This night, methought, Ulysses grac'd my bed

In all the goodly state with which he led

The Grecian army; which gave joys extreme

To my distress, esteeming it no dream,

But true indeed; and that conceit I had,

That when I saw it false I might be mad.

Such cruel fates command in my life's guide."

By this the morning's orient dews had dyed

The earth in all her colours; when the King,

In his sweet sleep, suppos'd the sorrowing

That she us'd waking in her plaintive bed

To be her mourning, standing by his head,

ἤγετʼ ἐμὴν ἐς γαῖαν, ἐπεί μʼ ἐκακώσατε λίην,

As having known him there; who straight arose,

φήμην τίς μοι φάσθω ἐγειρομένων ἀνθρώπων

And did again within the hall dispose

ἔνδοθεν, ἔκτοσθεν δὲ Διὸς τέρας ἄλλο φανήτω.

The carpets and the cushions, where before

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος· τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε μητίετα Ζεύς,

They serv'd the seats. The hide without the door

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐβρόντησεν ἀπʼ αἰγλήεντος Ὀλύμπου,

He carried back, and then, with held-up hands,

ὑψόθεν ἐκ νεφέων· γήθησε δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

He pray'd to Him that heav'n and earth commands:

φήμην δʼ ἐξ οἴκοιο γυνὴ προέηκεν ἀλετρὶς

"O Father Jove, if through the moist and dry

πλησίον, ἔνθʼ ἄρα οἱ μύλαι ἥατο ποιμένι λαῶν,

You, willing, brought me home, when misery

τῇσιν δώδεκα πᾶσαι ἐπερρώοντο γυναῖκες

Had punish'd me enough by your free dooms,

ἄλφιτα τεύχουσαι καὶ ἀλείατα, μυελὸν ἀνδρῶν.

Let some of these within those inner rooms,

αἱ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄλλαι εὗδον, ἐπεὶ κατὰ πυρὸν ἄλεσσαν,

Startled with horror of some strange ostent,

ἡ δὲ μίʼ οὔπω παύετʼ, ἀφαυροτάτη δʼ ἐτέτυκτο·

Come here, and tell me that great Jove hath bent

ἥ ῥα μύλην στήσασα ἔπος φάτο, σῆμα ἄνακτι·

Threat'nings without at some lewd men within."

Ζεῦ πάτερ, ὅς τε θεοῖσι καὶ ἀνθρώποισιν ἀνάσσεις,

To this his pray'r Jove shook his sable chin,

ἦ μεγάλʼ ἐβρόντησας ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ ἀστερόεντος,

And thunder'd from those pure clouds that, above

οὐδέ ποθι νέφος ἐστί· τέρας νύ τεῳ τόδε φαίνεις.

The breathing air, in bright Olympus move.

κρῆνον νῦν καὶ ἐμοὶ δειλῇ ἔπος, ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

Divine Ulysses joy'd to hear it roar.

μνηστῆρες πύματόν τε καὶ ὕστατον ἤματι τῷδε

Report of which a woman-miller bore

ἐν μεγάροις Ὀδυσῆος ἑλοίατο δαῖτʼ ἐρατεινήν,

Straight to his ears; for near to him there ground

οἳ δή μοι καμάτῳ θυμαλγέι· γούνατʼ ἔλυσαν

Mills for his corn, that twice six women found

ἄλφιτα τευχούσῃ· νῦν ὕστατα δειπνήσειαν.

Continual motion, grinding barley-meal,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, χαῖρεν δὲ κλεηδόνι δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

And wheat, man's marrow. Sleep the eyes did seal

Ζηνός τε βροντῇ· φάτο γὰρ τίσασθαι ἀλείτας.

Of all the other women, having done

αἱ δʼ ἄλλαι δμῳαὶ κατὰ δώματα κάλʼ Ὀδυσῆος

Their usual task; which yet this dame alone

ἀγρόμεναι ἀνέκαιον ἐπʼ ἐσχάρῃ ἀκάματον πῦρ.

Had scarce giv'n end to, being, of all the rest,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ εὐνῆθεν ἀνίστατο, ἰσόθεος φώς,

Least fit for labour. But when these sounds prest

εἵματα ἑσσάμενος· περὶ δὲ ξίφος ὀξὺ θέτʼ ὤμῳ·

Her ears, above the rumbling of her mill,

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα,

She let that stand, look'd out, and heav'n's steep hill

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος, ἀκαχμένον ὀξέι· χαλκῷ·

Saw clear and temp'rate; which made her (unware

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰών, πρὸς δʼ Εὐρύκλειαν ἔειπε·

Of giving any comfort to his care

μαῖα φίλη, τὸν ξεῖνον ἐτιμήσασθʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

In that strange sign he pray'd for) thus, invoke:

εὐνῇ καὶ σίτῳ, ἦ αὔτως κεῖται ἀκηδής;

"O King of men and Gods, a mighty stroke

τοιαύτη γὰρ ἐμὴ μήτηρ, πινυτή περ ἐοῦσα·

Thy thund'ring hand laid on the cope of stars,

ἐμπλήγδην ἕτερόν γε τίει μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

No cloud in all the air; and therefore wars

χείρονα, τὸν δέ τʼ ἀρείονʼ ἀτιμήσασʼ ἀποπέμπει.

Thou bidst to some men in thy sure ostent!

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Εὐρύκλεια·

Perform to me, poor wretch, the main event,

οὐκ ἄν μιν νῦν, τέκνον, ἀναίτιον αἰτιόῳο.

And make this day the last, and most extreme,

οἶνον μὲν γὰρ πῖνε καθήμενος, ὄφρʼ ἔθελʼ αὐτός,

In which the Wooers' pride shall solace them

σίτου δʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔφη πεινήμεναι· εἴρετο γάρ μιν.

With whorish banquets in Ulysses' roof,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ κοίτοιο καὶ ὕπνου μιμνήσκοιτο,

That, with sad toil to grind them meal enough,

ἡ μὲν δέμνιʼ ἄνωγεν ὑποστορέσαι δμῳῇσιν,

Have quite dissolv'd my knees. Vouchsafe, then, now

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ, ὥς τις πάμπαν ὀϊζυρὸς καὶ ἄποτμος,

Thy thunders may their latest feast foreshow."

οὐκ ἔθελʼ ἐν λέκτροισι καὶ ἐν ῥήγεσσι καθεύδειν,

This was the boon Ulysses begg'd of Jove,

ἀλλʼ ἐν ἀδεψήτῳ βοέῃ καὶ κώεσιν οἰῶν

Which, with his thunder, through his bosom drove

ἔδραθʼ ἐνὶ προδόμῳ· χλαῖναν δʼ ἐπιέσσαμεν ἡμεῖς.

A joy, that this vaunt breath'd: "Why now these men,

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

Despite their pride, will Jove make pay me pain."

ἔγχος ἔχων, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω κύνες ἀργοὶ ἕποντο.

By this had other maids, than those that lay

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν εἰς ἀγορὴν μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς.

Mix'd with the Wooers, made a fire like day

ἡ δʼ αὖτε δμῳῇσιν ἐκέκλετο δῖα γυναικῶν,

Amidst the hearth of the illustrious hall;

And then the Prince, like a Celestial,

Rose from his bed, to his embalm'd feet tied

Fair shoes, his sword about his breast applied,

Took to his hand his sharp-pil'd lance, and met,

Amidst the entry, his old nurse, that set

His haste at sudden stand; to whom he said:

"O, my lov'd nurse, with what grace have you laid

And fed my guest here? Could you so neglect

His age, to lodge him thus? Though all respect

I give my mother's wisdom, I must yet

Affirm it fail'd in this; for she hath set

At much more price a man of much less worth,

Without his person's note, and yet casts forth

With ignominious hands, for his form sake,

A man much better." "Do not faulty make,

Good son, the faultless. He was giv'n his seat

Close to her side, and food till he would eat,

Wine till his wish was serv'd; for she requir'd

His wants, and will'd him all things he desir'd;

Commanded her chief maids to make his bed,

But he, as one whom sorrow only fed

And all infortune, would not take his rest

In bed, and cov'rings fit for any guest,

But in the entry, on an ox's hide

Εὐρύκλειʼ, Ὦπος θυγάτηρ Πεισηνορίδαο·

Never at tanner's, his old limbs implied,

ἀγρεῖθʼ, αἱ μὲν δῶμα κορήσατε ποιπνύσασαι,

In warm sheep-fells; yet over all we cast

ῥάσσατέ τʼ, ἔν τε θρόνοις εὐποιήτοισι τάπητας

A mantle, fitting for a man more grac'd."

βάλλετε πορφυρέους· αἱ δὲ σπόγγοισι τραπέζας

He took her answer, left the house, and went,

πάσας ἀμφιμάσασθε, καθήρατε δὲ κρητῆρας

Attended with his dogs, to sift th' event

καὶ δέπα ἀμφικύπελλα τετυγμένα· ταὶ δὲ μεθʼ ὕδωρ

Of private plots, betwixt him and his sire

ἔρχεσθε κρήνηνδε, καὶ οἴσετε θᾶσσον ἰοῦσαι.

In common counsel. Then the crew entire

οὐ γὰρ δὴν μνηστῆρες ἀπέσσονται μεγάροιο,

Of all the household maids Euryclea bad

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἦρι νέονται, ἐπεὶ καὶ πᾶσιν ἑορτή.

Bestir them through the house, and see it clad

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, αἱ δʼ ἄρα τῆς μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδʼ ἐπίθοντο.

In all best form; gave all their parts; and one

αἱ μὲν ἐείκοσι βῆσαν ἐπὶ κρήνην μελάνυδρον,

She set to furnish ev'ry seat and throne

αἱ δʼ αὐτοῦ κατὰ δώματʼ ἐπισταμένως πονέοντο.

With needle works, and purple clothes of state;

ἐς δʼ ἦλθον δρηστῆρες Ἀχαιῶν. οἱ μὲν ἔπειτα

Another set to scour and cleanse the plate;

εὖ καὶ ἐπισταμένως κέασαν ξύλα, ταὶ δὲ γυναῖκες

Another all the tables to make proud

ἦλθον ἀπὸ κρήνης· ἐπὶ δέ σφισιν ἦλθε συβώτης

With porous sponges; others she bestow'd

τρεῖς σιάλους κατάγων, οἳ ἔσαν μετὰ πᾶσιν ἄριστοι.

In all speed to the spring, to fetch from thence

καὶ τοὺς μέν ῥʼ εἴασε καθʼ ἕρκεα καλὰ νέμεσθαι,

Fit store of water; all at all expence

αὐτὸς δʼ αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα προσηύδα μειλιχίοισι·

Of pains she will'd to be; for this to all

ξεῖνʼ, ἦ ἄρ τί σε μᾶλλον Ἀχαιοὶ εἰσορόωσιν,

Should be a day of common festival,

ἦέ σʼ ἀτιμάζουσι κατὰ μέγαρʼ, ὡς τὸ πάρος περ;

And not a Wooer now should seek his home,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολυμήτις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Elsewhere than there, but all were bid to come

αἲ γὰρ δή, Εὔμαιε, θεοὶ τισαίατο λώβην,

Exceeding early, and be rais'd to heav'n

ἣν οἵδʼ ὑβρίζοντες ἀτάσθαλα μηχανόωνται

With all the entertainment could be giv'n.

οἴκῳ ἐν ἀλλοτρίῳ, οὐδʼ αἰδοῦς μοῖραν ἔχουσιν.

They heard with greedy ears, and ev'rything

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

Put straight in practice. Twenty to the spring

ἀγχίμολον δέ σφʼ ἦλθε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν.

Made speed for water; many in the house

αἶγας ἄγων αἳ πᾶσι μετέρεπον αἰπολίοισι,

Took pains; and all were both laborious

δεῖπνον μνηστήρεσσι. δύω δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο νομῆες.

And skill'd in labour; many fell to fell

καὶ τὰς μὲν κατέδησεν ὑπʼ αἰθούσῃ ἐριδούπῳ,

And cleave their wood; and all did more than well.

αὐτὸς δʼ αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα προσηύδα κερτομίοισι·

Then troop'd the lusty Wooers in; and then

ξεῖνʼ, ἔτι καὶ νῦν ἐνθάδʼ ἀνιήσεις κατὰ δῶμα

Came all from spring; at their heels loaded men

ἀνέρας αἰτίζων, ἀτὰρ οὐκ ἔξεισθα θύραζε;

With slaughter'd brawns, of all the herd the prize,

πάντως οὐκέτι νῶϊ διακρινέεσθαι ὀΐω

That had been long fed-up in sev'ral styes;

πρὶν χειρῶν γεύσασθαι, ἐπεὶ σύ περ οὐ κατὰ κόσμον

Eumæus and his men convey'd them there,

αἰτίζεις· εἰσὶν δὲ καὶ ἄλλαι δαῖτες Ἀχαιῶν.

He, seeing now the king, began to cheer,

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ οὔ τι προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,

And thus saluted him: "How now, my guest?

ἀλλʼ ἀκέων κίνησε κάρη, κακὰ βυσσοδομεύων.

Have yet your virtues found more interest

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπὶ τρίτος ἦλθε Φιλοίτιος, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν,

In these great Wooers' good respects? Or still

βοῦν στεῖραν μνηστῆρσιν ἄγων καὶ πίονας αἶγας.

Pursue they you with all their wonted ill?"

πορθμῆες δʼ ἄρα τούς γε διήγαγον, οἵ τε καὶ ἄλλους

"I would to heav'n, Eumæus," he replied,

ἀνθρώπους πέμπουσιν, ὅτις σφέας εἰσαφίκηται.

"The Deities once would take in hand their pride,

καὶ τὰ μὲν εὖ κατέδησεν ὑπʼ αἰθούσῃ ἐριδούπῳ,

That such unseemly fashions put in frame

αὐτὸς δʼ αὖτʼ ἐρέεινε συβώτην ἄγχι παραστάς·

In others' roofs, as show no spark of shame."

τίς δὴ ὅδε ξεῖνος νέον εἰλήλουθε, συβῶτα,

Thus these; and to these came Melanthius,

ἡμέτερον πρὸς δῶμα; τέων δʼ ἐξ εὔχεται εἶναι

Great guardian of the most egregious

ἀνδρῶν; ποῦ δέ νύ οἱ γενεὴ καὶ πατρὶς ἄρουρα;

Rich Wooers' herds, consisting all of goats;

δύσμορος, ἦ τε ἔοικε δέμας βασιλῆϊ ἄνακτι·

Which he, with two more, drave, and made their cotes

ἀλλὰ θεοὶ δυόωσι πολυπλάγκτους ἀνθρώπους,

The sounding porticos of that fair court.

ὁππότε καὶ βασιλεῦσιν ἐπικλώσωνται ὀϊζύν.

Melanthius, seeing the king, this former sort

ἦ καὶ δεξιτερῇ δειδίσκετο χειρὶ παραστάς,

Of upland language gave: "What? Still stay here,

And dull these Wooers with thy wretched cheer?

Not gone for ever yet? Why now I see

This strife of cuffs betwixt the beggary,

That yesterday assay'd to get thee gone,

And thy more roguery, needs will fall upon

My hands to arbitrate. Thou wilt not hence

Till I set on thee; thy ragg'd impudence

Is so fast-footed. Are there not beside

Other great banquetants, but you must tide

At anchor still with us?" He nothing said,

But thought of ill enough, and shook his head.

Then came Philœtius, a chief of men,

That to the Wooers' all-devouring den

A barren steer drave, and fat goats; for they

In custom were with traffickers by sea,

That who they would sent, and had utt'rance there.

And for these likewise the fair porches were

Hurdles and sheep-pens, as in any fair.

Philœtius took note in his repair

Of seen Ulysses, being a man as well

Giv'n to his mind's use as to buy and sell,

Or do the drudg'ry that the blood desir'd,

And, standing near Eumæus, this enquir'd:

"What guest is this that makes our house of late

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

His entertainer? Whence claims he the state

χαῖρε, πάτερ ὦ ξεῖνε· γένοιτό τοι ἔς περ ὀπίσσω

His birth in this life holds? What nation?

ὄλβος· ἀτὰρ μὲν νῦν γε κακοῖς ἔχεαι πολέεσσι.

What race? What country stands his speech upon?

Ζεῦ πάτερ, οὔ τις σεῖο θεῶν ὀλοώτερος ἄλλος·

O'er hardly portion'd by the terrible Fates.

οὐκ ἐλεαίρεις ἄνδρας, ἐπὴν δὴ γείνεαι αὐτός,

The structure of his lineaments relates

μισγέμεναι κακότητι καὶ ἄλγεσι λευγαλέοισιν.

A king's resemblance in his pomp of reign

ἴδιον, ὡς ἐνόησα, δεδάκρυνται δέ μοι ὄσσε

Ev'n thus in these rags. But poor erring men,

μνησαμένῳ Ὀδυσῆος, ἐπεὶ καὶ κεῖνον ὀΐω

That have no firm home, but range here and there

τοιάδε λαίφεʼ ἔχοντα κατʼ ἀνθρώπους ἀλάλησθαι,

As need compels, God keeps in this earth's sphere,

εἴ που ἔτι ζώει καὶ ὁρᾷ φάος ἠελίοιο.

As under water, and this tune he sings,

εἰ δʼ ἤδη τέθνηκε καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισιν,

When he is spinning ev'n the cares of kings."

ὤ μοι ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος, ὅς μʼ ἐπὶ βουσὶν

Thus coming to him, with a kind of fear

εἷσʼ ἔτι τυτθὸν ἐόντα Κεφαλλήνων ἐνὶ δήμῳ.

He took his hand, and, touch'd exceeding near

νῦν δʼ αἱ μὲν γίγνονται ἀθέσφατοι, οὐδέ κεν ἄλλως

With mere imagination of his worth,

ἀνδρί γʼ ὑποσταχύοιτο βοῶν γένος εὐρυμετώπων·

This salutation he sent loudly forth:

τὰς δʼ ἄλλοι με κέλονται ἀγινέμεναί σφισιν αὐτοῖς

"Health! Father stranger! In another world

ἔδμεναι· οὐδέ τι παιδὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροις ἀλέγουσιν,

Be rich and happy, though thou here art hurl'd

οὐδʼ ὄπιδα τρομέουσι θεῶν· μεμάασι γὰρ ἤδη

At feet of never such insulting Need.

κτήματα δάσσασθαι δὴν οἰχομένοιο ἄνακτος.

O Jove, there lives no one God of thy seed

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ τόδε θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισι

More ill to man than thou. Thou tak'st no ruth—

πόλλʼ ἐπιδινεῖται· μάλα μὲν κακὸν υἷος ἐόντος

When thou thyself hast got him in most truth—

ἄλλων δῆμον ἱκέσθαι ἰόντʼ αὐτῇσι βόεσσιν,

To wrap him in the straits of most distress,

ἄνδρας ἐς ἀλλοδαπούς· τὸ δὲ ῥίγιον, αὖθι μένοντα

And in the curse of others' wickedness.

βουσὶν ἐπʼ ἀλλοτρίῃσι καθήμενον ἄλγεα πάσχειν.

My brows have swet to see it, and mine eyes

καί κεν δὴ πάλαι ἄλλον ὑπερμενέων βασιλήων

Broke all in tears, when this being still the guise

ἐξικόμην φεύγων, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτʼ ἀνεκτὰ πέλονται·

Of worthiest men, I have but only thought,

ἀλλʼ ἔτι τὸν δύστηνον ὀΐομαι, εἴ ποθεν ἐλθὼν

That down to these ills was Ulysses wrought,

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων σκέδασιν κατὰ δώματα θείῃ.

And that, thus clad, ev'n he is error-driv'n,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

If yet he live and sees the light of heav'n.

βουκόλʼ, ἐπεὶ οὔτε κακῷ οὔτʼ ἄφρονι φωτὶ ἔοικας,

But, if now dead, and in the house of hell,

γιγνώσκω δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς ὅ τοι πινυτὴ φρένας ἵκει,

O me! O good Ulysses! That my weal

τοὔνεκά τοι ἐρέω καὶ ἐπὶ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμοῦμαι·

Did ever wish, and when, but half a man

ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς πρῶτα θεῶν ξενίη τε τράπεζα

Amongst the people Cephallenian,

ἱστίη τʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος, ἣν ἀφικάνω,

His bounty to his oxen's charge preferr'd

ἦ σέθεν ἐνθάδʼ ἐόντος ἐλεύσεται οἴκαδʼ Ὀδυσσεύς·

One in that youth; which now is grown a herd

σοῖσιν δʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἐπόψεαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα,

Unspeakable for number, and feed there

κτεινομένους μνηστῆρας, οἳ ἐνθάδε κοιρανέουσιν.

With their broad heads, as thick as of his ear

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε βοῶν ἐπιβουκόλος ἀνήρ·

A field of corn is to a man. Yet these

αἲ γὰρ τοῦτο, ξεῖνε, ἔπος τελέσειε Κρονίων·

Some men advise me with this noted prease

γνοίης χʼ οἵη ἐμὴ δύναμις καὶ χεῖρες ἕπονται.

Of Wooers may devour, and wish me drive

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Εὔμαιος ἐπεύξατο πᾶσι θεοῖσι

Up to their feasts with them, that neither give

νοστῆσαι Ὀδυσῆα πολύφρονα ὅνδε δόμονδε.

His son respect, though in his own free roof,

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

Nor have the wit to fear th' infallible proof

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἄρα Τηλεμάχῳ θάνατόν τε μόρον τε

Of Heav'nly vengeance, but make offer now

ἤρτυον· αὐτὰρ ὁ τοῖσιν ἀριστερὸς ἤλυθεν ὄρνις,

The long-lack'd King's possessions to bestow

αἰετὸς ὑψιπέτης, ἔχε δὲ τρήρωνα πέλειαν.

In their self-shares. Methinks the mind in me

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀμφίνομος ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

Doth turn as fast, as in a flood or sea

ὦ φίλοι, οὐχ ἡμῖν συνθεύσεται ἥδε γε βουλή,

A raging whirlpit doth, to gather in

Τηλεμάχοιο φόνος· ἀλλὰ μνησώμεθα δαιτός.

To fishy death those swimmers in their sin;

Or feeds a motion as circular

To drive my herds away. But while the son

Bears up with life, 'twere heinous wrong to run

To other people with them, and to trust

Men of another earth. And yet more just

It were to venture their laws, the main right

Made still their masters, than at home lose quite

Their right and them, and sit and grieve to see

The wrong authoriz'd by their gluttony.

And I had long since fled, and tried th' event

With other proud kings, since more insolent

These are than can be borne, but that ev'n still

I had a hope that this, though born to ill,

Would one day come from some coast, and their last

In his roofs strew with ruins red and vast."

"Herdsman," said he, "because thou art in show

Nor lewd nor indiscreet, and that I know

There rules in thee an understanding soul,

I'll take an oath, that in thee shall control

All doubt of what I swear: Be witness, Jove,

That sway'st the first seat of the thron'd above,

This hospitable table, and this house,

That still hold title for the strenuous

Son of Laertes, that, if so you please,

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀμφίνομος, τοῖσιν δʼ ἐπιήνδανε μῦθος.

Your eyes shall witness Laertiades

ἐλθόντες δʼ ἐς δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

Arriv'd at home, and all these men that reign

χλαίνας μὲν κατέθεντο κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε,

In such excesses here shall here lie slain!"

οἱ δʼ ἱέρευον ὄϊς μεγάλους καὶ πίονας αἶγας,

He answer'd: "Stranger! Would just Jove would sign

ἵρευον δὲ σύας σιάλους καὶ βοῦν ἀγελαίην·

What you have sworn! In your eyes' beams should shine

σπλάγχνα δʼ ἄρʼ ὀπτήσαντες ἐνώμων, ἐν δέ τε οἶνον

What pow'rs I manage, and how these my hands

κρητῆρσιν κερόωντο· κύπελλα δὲ νεῖμε συβώτης.

Would rise and follow where he first commands."

σῖτον δέ σφʼ ἐπένειμε Φιλοίτιος, ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν,

So said Eumæus, praying all the Sky

καλοῖς ἐν κανέοισιν, ἐῳνοχόει δὲ Μελανθεύς.

That wise Ulysses might arrive and try.

οἱ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

Thus while they vow'd, the Wooers sat as hard

Τηλέμαχος δʼ Ὀδυσῆα καθίδρυε, κέρδεα νωμῶν,

On his son's death, but had their counsels scar'd,

ἐντὸς ἐϋσταθέος μεγάρου, παρὰ λάϊνον οὐδόν,

For on their left hand did an eagle soar,

δίφρον ἀεικέλιον καταθεὶς ὀλίγην τε τράπεζαν·

And in her seres a fearful pigeon bore.

πὰρ δʼ ἐτίθει σπλάγχνων μοίρας, ἐν δʼ οἶνον ἔχευεν

Which seen, Amphinomus presag'd: "O friends,

ἐν δέπαϊ χρυσέῳ, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Our counsels never will receive their ends

ἐνταυθοῖ νῦν ἧσο μετʼ ἀνδράσιν οἰνοποτάζων·

In this man's slaughter. Let us therefore ply

κερτομίας δέ τοι αὐτὸς ἐγὼ καὶ χεῖρας ἀφέξω

Our bloody feast, and make his oxen die."

πάντων μνηστήρων, ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι δήμιός ἐστιν

Thus came they in, cast off on seats their cloaks,

οἶκος ὅδʼ, ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσῆος, ἐμοὶ δʼ ἐκτήσατο κεῖνος.

And fell to giving sacrificing strokes

ὑμεῖς δέ, μνηστῆρες, ἐπίσχετε θυμὸν ἐνιπῆς

Of sheep and goats, the chiefly fat and great,

καὶ χειρῶν, ἵνα μή τις ἔρις καὶ νεῖκος ὄρηται.

Slew fed-up swine, and from the herd a neat.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ὀδὰξ ἐν χείλεσι φύντες

The inwards roasted they dispos'd bewixt

Τηλέμαχον θαύμαζον, ὃ θαρσαλέως ἀγόρευε.

Their then observers, wine in flagons mixt.

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντίνοος μετέφη, Εὐπείθεος υἱός·

The bowls Eumæus brought, Philœtius bread,

καὶ χαλεπόν περ ἐόντα δεχώμεθα μῦθον, Ἀχαιοί,

Melanthius fill'd the wine. Thus drank and fed

Τηλεμάχου· μάλα δʼ ἧμιν ἀπειλήσας ἀγορεύει.

The feastful Wooers. Then the prince, in grace

οὐ γὰρ Ζεὺς εἴασε Κρονίων· τῷ κέ μιν ἤδη

Of his close project, did his father place

παύσαμεν ἐν μεγάροισι, λιγύν περ ἐόντʼ ἀγορητήν.

Amidst the pavéd entry, in a seat

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀντίνοος· ὁ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἐμπάζετο μύθων.

Seemless and abject, a small board and meat

κήρυκες δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ θεῶν ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην

Of th' only inwards; in a cup of gold

ἦγον· τοὶ δʼ ἀγέροντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Yet sent him wine, and bade him now drink bold,

ἄλσος ὕπο σκιερὸν ἑκατηβόλου Ἀπόλλωνος.

All his approaches he himself would free

οἱ δʼ ἐπεὶ ὤπτησαν κρέʼ ὑπέρτερα καὶ ἐρύσαντο,

'Gainst all the Wooers, since he would not see

μοίρας δασσάμενοι δαίνυντʼ ἐρικυδέα δαῖτα·

His court made popular, but that his sire

πὰρ δʼ ἄρʼ Ὀδυσσῆϊ μοῖραν θέσαν οἳ πονέοντο

Built it to his use. Therefore all the fire

ἴσην, ὡς αὐτοί περ ἐλάγχανον· ὣς γὰρ ἀνώγει

Blown in the Wooers' spleens he bade suppress,

Τηλέμαχος, φίλος υἱὸς Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο.

And that in hands nor words they should digress

μνηστῆρας δʼ οὐ πάμπαν ἀγήνορας εἴα Ἀθήνη

From that set peace his speech did then proclaim.

λώβης ἴσχεσθαι θυμαλγέος, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον

They bit their lips and wonder'd at his aim

δύη ἄχος κραδίην Λαερτιάδην Ὀδυσῆα.

In that brave language; when Antinous said:

ἦν δέ τις ἐν μνηστῆρσιν ἀνὴρ ἀθεμίστια εἰδώς,

"Though this speech, Grecians, be a mere upbraid,

Κτήσιππος δʼ ὄνομʼ ἔσκε, Σάμῃ δʼ ἐνὶ οἰκία ναῖεν·

Yet this time give it pass. The will of Jove

ὃς δή τοι κτεάτεσσι πεποιθὼς θεσπεσίοισι

Forbids the violence of our hands to move,

μνάσκετʼ Ὀδυσσῆος δὴν οἰχομένοιο δάμαρτα.

But of our tongues we keep the motion free,

ὅς ῥα τότε μνηστῆρσιν ὑπερφιάλοισι μετηύδα·

And, therefore, if his further jollity

κέκλυτέ μευ, μνηστῆρες ἀγήνορες, ὄφρα τι εἴπω·

Tempt our encounter with his braves, let's check

μοῖραν μὲν δὴ ξεῖνος ἔχει πάλαι, ὡς ἐπέοικεν,

His growing insolence, though pride to speak

ἴσην· οὐ γὰρ καλὸν ἀτέμβειν οὐδὲ δίκαιον

Fly passing high with him." The wise prince made

ξείνους Τηλεμάχου, ὅς κεν τάδε δώμαθʼ ἵκηται.

No more spring of his speech, but let it fade.

And now the heralds bore about the town

The sacred hecatomb; to whose renown

The fair-hair'd Greeks assembled, and beneath

Apollo's shady wood the holy death

They put to fire; which, made enough, they drew,

Divided all, that did in th' end accrue

To glorious satisfaction. Those that were

Disposers of the feast did equal cheer

Bestow on wretched Laertiades,

With all the Wooers' souls; it so did please

Telemachus to charge them. And for these

Minerva would not see the malices

The Wooers bore too much contain'd, that so

Ulysses' mov'd heart yet might higher flow

In wreakful anguish. There was wooing there,

Amongst the rest, a gallant that did bear

The name of one well-learn'd in jests profane,

His name Ctesippus, born a Samian;

Who, proud because his father was so rich,

Had so much confidence as did bewitch

His heart with hope to wed Ulysses' wife;

And this man said: "Hear me, my lords, in strife

For this great widow. This her guest did share

Even feast with us, with very comely care

Of him that order'd it; for 'tis not good

ἀλλʼ ἄγε οἱ καὶ ἐγὼ δῶ ξείνιον, ὄφρα καὶ αὐτὸς

Nor equal to deprive guests of their food,

ἠὲ λοετροχόῳ δώῃ γέρας ἠέ τῳ ἄλλῳ

And specially whatever guest makes way

δμώων, οἳ κατὰ δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο.

To that house where Telemachus doth sway;

ὣς εἰπὼν ἔρριψε βοὸς πόδα χειρὶ παχείῃ.

And therefore I will add to his receit

κείμενον ἐκ κανέοιο λαβών· ὁ δʼ ἀλεύατʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

A gift of very hospitable weight,

ἦκα παρακλίνας κεφαλήν, μείδησε δὲ θυμῷ

Which he may give again to any maid

σαρδάνιον μάλα τοῖον· ὁ δʼ εὔδμητον βάλε τοῖχον.

That bathes his grave feet, and her pains see paid,

Κτήσιππον δʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχος ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·

Or any servant else that the divine

Κτήσιππʼ, ἦ μάλα τοι τόδε κέρδιον ἔπλετο θυμῷ·

Ulysses' lofty battlements confine."

οὐκ ἔβαλες τὸν ξεῖνον· ἀλεύατο γὰρ βέλος αὐτός.

Thus snatch'd he with a valiant hand, from out

ἦ γάρ κέν σε μέσον βάλον ἔγχεϊ ὀξυόεντι,

The poor folks' common basket, a neat's foot,

καί κέ τοι ἀντὶ γάμοιο πατὴρ τάφον ἀμφεπονεῖτο

And threw it at Ulysses; who his head

ἐνθάδε. τῷ μή τίς μοι ἀεικείας ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Shrunk quietly aside, and let it shed

φαινέτω· ἤδη γὰρ νοέω καὶ οἶδα ἕκαστα,

His malice on the wall; the suff'ring man

ἐσθλά τε καὶ τὰ χέρηα· πάρος δʼ ἔτι νήπιος ἦα.

A laughter raising most Sardinian,

ἀλλʼ ἔμπης τάδε μὲν καὶ τέτλαμεν εἰσορόωντες,

With scorn and wrath mix'd, at the Samian.

μήλων σφαζομένων οἴνοιό τε πινομένοιο

Whom thus the prince reprov'd: "Your valour wan

καὶ σίτου· χαλεπὸν γὰρ ἐρυκακέειν ἕνα πολλούς.

Much grace, Ctesippus, and hath eas'd your mind

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μηκέτι μοι κακὰ ῥέζετε δυσμενέοντες·

With mighty profit, yet you see it find

εἰ δʼ ἤδη μʼ αὐτὸν κτεῖναι μενεαίνετε χαλκῷ,

No mark it aim'd at; the poor stranger's part

καί κε τὸ βουλοίμην, καί κεν πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη

Himself made good enough, to 'scape your dart.

τεθνάμεν ἢ τάδε γʼ αἰὲν ἀεικέα ἔργʼ ὁράασθαι,

But should I serve thee worthily, my lance

ξείνους τε στυφελιζομένους δμῳάς τε γυναῖκας

Should strike thy heart through, and, in place t' advance

ῥυστάζοντας ἀεικελίως κατὰ δώματα καλά.

Thyself in nuptials with his wealth, thy sire

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·

Should make thy tomb here; that the foolish fire

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε Δαμαστορίδης Ἀγέλαος·

Of all such valours may not dare to show

ὦ φίλοι, οὐκ ἂν δή τις ἐπὶ ῥηθέντι δικαίῳ

These foul indecencies to me. I now

ἀντιβίοις ἐπέεσσι καθαπτόμενος χαλεπαίνοι·

Have years to understand my strength, and know

μήτε τι τὸν ξεῖνον στυφελίζετε μήτε τινʼ ἄλλον

The good and bad of things, and am no more

δμώων, οἳ κατὰ δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο.

At your large suff'rance, to behold my store

Τηλεμάχῳ δέ κε μῦθον ἐγὼ καὶ μητέρι φαίην

Consum'd with patience, see my cattle slain,

ἤπιον, εἴ σφωϊν κραδίῃ ἅδοι ἀμφοτέροιϊν.

My wine exhausted, and my bread in vain

ὄφρα μὲν ὑμῖν θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐώλπει

Spent on your license; for to one then young

νοστήσειν Ὀδυσῆα πολύφρονα ὅνδε δόμονδε,

So many enemies were match too strong.

τόφρʼ οὔ τις νέμεσις μενέμεν τʼ ἦν ἰσχέμεναί τε

But let me never more be witness to

μνηστῆρας κατὰ δώματʼ, ἐπεὶ τόδε κέρδιον ἦεν,

Your hostile minds, nor those base deeds ye do;

εἰ νόστησʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ ὑπότροπος ἵκετο δῶμα·

For, should ye kill me in my offer'd wreak,

νῦν δʼ ἤδη τόδε δῆλον, ὅ τʼ οὐκέτι νόστιμός ἐστιν.

I wish it rather, and my death would speak

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, σῇ τάδε μητρὶ παρεζόμενος κατάλεξον,

Much more good of me, than to live and see

γήμασθʼ ὅς τις ἄριστος ἀνὴρ καὶ πλεῖστα πόρῃσιν,

Indignity upon indignity,

ὄφρα σὺ μὲν χαίρων πατρώϊα πάντα νέμηαι,

My guests provok'd with bitter words and blows,

ἔσθων καὶ πίνων, ἡ δʼ ἄλλου δῶμα κομίζῃ.

My women-servants dragg'd about my house

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

To lust and rapture." This made silence seize

οὐ μὰ Ζῆνʼ, Ἀγέλαε, καὶ ἄλγεα πατρὸς ἐμοῖο,

The house throughout; till Damastorides

ὅς που τῆλʼ Ἰθάκης ἢ ἔφθιται ἢ ἀλάληται,

At length the calm brake, and said: "Friend, forbear

οὔ τι διατρίβω μητρὸς γάμον, ἀλλὰ κελεύω

To give a just speech a disdainful ear;

γήμασθʼ ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃ, ποτὶ δʼ ἄσπετα δῶρα δίδωμι.

The guest no more touch, nor no servant here.

αἰδέομαι δʼ ἀέκουσαν ἀπὸ μεγάροιο δίεσθαι

Myself will to the Prince and Queen commend

μύθῳ ἀναγκαίῳ· μὴ τοῦτο θεὸς τελέσειεν.

A motion grateful, if they please to lend

Grateful receipt. As long as any hope

Left wise Ulysses any passage ope

To his return in our conceits, so long

The Queen's delays to our demands stood strong

In cause and reason, and our quarrels thus

With guests, the Queen, or her Telemachus,

Set never foot amongst our lib'ral feast;

For should the King return, though thought deceas'd,

It had been gain to us, in finding him,

To lose his wife. But now, since nothing dim

The days break out that show he never more

Shall reach the dear touch of his country-shore,

Sit by your mother, in persuasion

That now it stands her honour much upon

To choose the best of us, and, who gives most,

To go with him home. For so, all things lost

In sticking on our haunt so, you shall clear

Recover in our no more concourse here,

Possess your birth-right wholly, eat and drink,

And never more on our disgraces think."

"By Jove, no, Agelaus! For I swear

By all my father's sorrows, who doth err

Far off from Ithaca, or rests in death,

I am so far from spending but my breath

ὣς φάτο Τηλέμαχος· μνηστῆρσι δὲ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

To make my mother any more defer

ἄσβεστον γέλω ὦρσε, παρέπλαγξεν δὲ νόημα.

Her wishéd nuptials, that I'll counsel her

οἱ δʼ ἤδη γναθμοῖσι γελοίων ἀλλοτρίοισιν,

To make her free choice; and besides will give

αἱμοφόρυκτα δὲ δὴ κρέα ἤσθιον· ὄσσε δʼ ἄρα σφέων

Large gifts to move her. But I fear to drive

δακρυόφιν πίμπλαντο, γόον δʼ ὠΐετο θυμός.

Or charge her hence; for God will not give way

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

To any such course, if I should assay."

ἆ δειλοί, τί κακὸν τόδε πάσχετε; νυκτὶ μὲν ὑμέων

At this, Minerva made for foolish joy

εἰλύαται κεφαλαί τε πρόσωπά τε νέρθε τε γοῦνα.

The Wooers mad, and rous'd their late annoy

οἰμωγὴ δὲ δέδηε, δεδάκρυνται δὲ παρειαί,

To such a laughter as would never down.

αἵματι δʼ ἐρράδαται τοῖχοι καλαί τε μεσόδμαι·

They laugh'd with others' cheeks, ate meat o'erflown

εἰδώλων δὲ πλέον πρόθυρον, πλείη δὲ καὶ αὐλή,

With their own bloods, their eyes stood full of tears

ἱεμένων Ἔρεβόσδε ὑπὸ ζόφον· ἠέλιος δὲ

For violent joys; their souls yet thought of fears,

οὐρανοῦ ἐξαπόλωλε, κακὴ δʼ ἐπιδέδρομεν ἀχλύς.

Which Theoclymenus express'd, and said:

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπʼ αὐτῷ ἡδὺ γέλασσαν.

"O wretches! Why sustain ye, well apaid,

τοῖσιν δʼ Εὐρύμαχος, Πολύβου πάϊς, ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν·

Your imminent ill? A night, with which death sees,

ἀφραίνει ξεῖνος νέον ἄλλοθεν εἰληλουθώς.

Your heads and faces hides beneath your knees;

ἀλλά μιν αἶψα, νέοι, δόμου ἐκπέμψασθε θύραζε

Shrieks burn about you; your eyes thrust out tears;

εἰς ἀγορὴν ἔρχεσθαι, ἐπεὶ τάδε νυκτὶ ἐΐσκει.

These fixéd walls, and that main beam that bears

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Θεοκλύμενος θεοειδής·

The whole house up, in bloody torrents fall;

Εὐρύμαχʼ, οὔ τί σʼ ἄνωγα ἐμοὶ πομπῆας ὀπάζειν·

The entry full of ghosts stands; full the hall

εἰσί μοι ὀφθαλμοί τε καὶ οὔατα καὶ πόδες ἄμφω

Of passengers to hell; and under all

καὶ νόος ἐν στήθεσσι τετυγμένος οὐδὲν ἀεικής.

The dismal shades; the sun sinks from the poles;

τοῖς ἔξειμι θύραζε, ἐπεὶ νοέω κακὸν ὔμμιν

And troubled air pours bane about your souls."

ἐρχόμενον, τό κεν οὔ τις ὑπεκφύγοι οὐδʼ ἀλέαιτο

They sweetly laughed at this. Eurymachus

μνηστήρων, οἳ δῶμα κάτʼ ἀντιθέου Ὀδυσῆος

To mocks dispos'd, and said: "This new-come-t'-us

ἀνέρας ὑβρίζοντες ἀτάσθαλα μηχανάασθε.

Is surely mad, conduct him forth to light

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐξῆλθε δόμων εὖ ναιεταόντων,

In th' open market-place; he thinks 'tis night

ἵκετο δʼ ἐς Πείραιον, ὅ μιν πρόφρων ὑπέδεκτο.

Within the house." "Eurymachus," said he,

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐς ἀλλήλους ὁρόωντες

"I will not ask for any guide of thee,

Τηλέμαχον ἐρέθιζον, ἐπὶ ξείνοις γελόωντες·

I both my feet enjoy, have ears and eyes,

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκε νέων ὑπερηνορεόντων·

And no mad soul within me; and with these

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὔ τις σεῖο κακοξεινώτερος ἄλλος·

Will I go forth the doors, because I know

οἷον μέν τινα τοῦτον ἔχεις ἐπίμαστον ἀλήτην,

That imminent mischief must abide with you,

σίτου καὶ οἴνου κεχρημένον, οὐδέ τι ἔργων

Which not a man of all the Wooers here

ἔμπαιον οὐδὲ βίης, ἀλλʼ αὔτως ἄχθος ἀρούρης.

Shall fly or 'scape. Ye all too highly bear

ἄλλος δʼ αὖτέ τις οὗτος ἀνέστη μαντεύεσθαι.

Your uncurb'd heads. Impieties ye commit,

ἀλλʼ εἴ μοί τι πίθοιο, τό κεν πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη·

And ev'ry man affect with forms unfit."

τοὺς ξείνους ἐν νηῒ πολυκληῗδι βαλόντες

This said, he left the house, and took his way

ἐς Σικελοὺς πέμψωμεν, ὅθεν κέ τοι ἄξιον ἄλφοι.

Home to Piræus; who, as free as day,

ὣς ἔφασαν μνηστῆρες· ὁ δʼ οὐκ ἐμπάζετο μύθων,

Was of his welcome. When the Wooers' eyes

ἀλλʼ ἀκέων πατέρα προσεδέρκετο, δέγμενος αἰεί,

Chang'd looks with one another, and, their guise

ὁππότε δὴ μνηστῆρσιν ἀναιδέσι χεῖρας ἐφήσει.

Of laughters still held on, still eas'd their breasts

ἡ δὲ κατʼ ἄντηστιν θεμένη περικαλλέα δίφρον

Of will to set the Prince against his guests,

κούρη Ἰκαρίοιο, περίφρων Πηνελόπεια,

Affirming that of all the men alive

ἀνδρῶν ἐν μεγάροισιν ἑκάστου μῦθον ἄκουεν.

He worst luck had, and prov'd it worst to give

δεῖπνον μὲν γάρ τοί γε γελοίωντες τετύκοντο

Guests entertainment; for he had one there

ἡδὺ τε καὶ μενοεικές, ἐπεὶ μάλα πόλλʼ ἱέρευσαν·

A wand'ring hunter-out of provender,

δόρπου δʼ οὐκ ἄν πως ἀχαρίστερον ἄλλο γένοιτο,

An errant beggar ev'ry way, yet thought

οἷον δὴ τάχʼ ἔμελλε θεὰ καὶ καρτερὸς ἀνὴρ

(He was so hungry) that he needed nought