Odyssey

The upper rags that wise Ulysses wore

αὐτὰρ ὁ γυμνώθη ῥακέων πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,

Cast off, he rusheth to the great hall door

ἆλτο δʼ ἐπὶ μέγαν οὐδόν, ἔχων βιὸν ἠδὲ φαρέτρην

With bow and quiver full of shafts, which down

ἰῶν ἐμπλείην, ταχέας δʼ ἐκχεύατʼ ὀϊστοὺς

He pour'd before his feet, and thus made known

αὐτοῦ πρόσθε ποδῶν, μετὰ δὲ μνηστῆρσιν ἔειπεν·

His true state to the Wooers: "This strife thus

οὗτος μὲν δὴ ἄεθλος ἀάατος ἐκτετέλεσται·

Hath harmless been decided; now for us

νῦν αὖτε σκοπὸν ἄλλον, ὃν οὔ πώ τις βάλεν ἀνήρ,

There rests another mark, more hard to hit,

εἴσομαι, αἴ κε τύχωμι, πόρῃ δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀπόλλων.

And such as never man before hath smit;

ἦ καὶ ἐπʼ Ἀντινόῳ ἰθύνετο πικρὸν ὀϊστόν.

Whose full point likewise my hands shall assay,

ἦ τοι ὁ καλὸν ἄλεισον ἀναιρήσεσθαι ἔμελλε,

And try if Phœbus will give me his day."

χρύσεον ἄμφωτον, καὶ δὴ μετὰ χερσὶν ἐνώμα,

He said, and off his bitter arrow thrust

ὄφρα πίοι οἴνοιο· φόνος δέ οἱ οὐκ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

Right at Antinous; and struck him just

μέμβλετο· τίς κʼ οἴοιτο μετʼ ἀνδράσι δαιτυμόνεσσι

As he was lifting up the bowl, to show

μοῦνον ἐνὶ πλεόνεσσι, καὶ εἰ μάλα καρτερὸς εἴη,

That 'twixt the cup and lip much ill may grow.

οἷ τεύξειν θάνατόν τε κακὸν καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν;

Death touch'd not at his thoughts at feast; for who

τὸν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς κατὰ λαιμὸν ἐπισχόμενος βάλεν ἰῷ,

Would think that he alone could perish so

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἁπαλοῖο διʼ αὐχένος ἤλυθʼ ἀκωκή.

Amongst so many, and he best of all?

ἐκλίνθη δʼ ἑτέρωσε, δέπας δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε χειρὸς

The arrow in his throat took full his fall,

βλημένου, αὐτίκα δʼ αὐλὸς ἀνὰ ῥῖνας παχὺς ἦλθεν

And thrust his head far through the other side.

αἵματος ἀνδρομέοιο· θοῶς δʼ ἀπὸ εἷο τράπεζαν

Down fell his cup, down he, down all his pride;

ὦσε ποδὶ πλήξας, ἀπὸ δʼ εἴδατα χεῦεν ἔραζε·

Straight from his nostrils gush'd the human gore;

σῖτός τε κρέα τʼ ὀπτὰ φορύνετο. τοὶ δʼ ὁμάδησαν

And, as he fell, his feet far overbore

μνηστῆρες κατὰ δώμαθʼ, ὅπως ἴδον ἄνδρα πεσόντα,

The feastful table; all the roast and bread

ἐκ δὲ θρόνων ἀνόρουσαν ὀρινθέντες κατὰ δῶμα,

About the house strew'd. When his high-born head

πάντοσε παπταίνοντες ἐϋδμήτους ποτὶ τοίχους·

The rest beheld so low, up rush'd they all,

οὐδέ πη ἀσπὶς ἔην οὐδʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος ἑλέσθαι.

And ransack'd ev'ry corner of the hall

νείκειον δʼ Ὀδυσῆα χολωτοῖσιν ἐπέεσσι·

For shields and darts; but all fled far their reach.

ξεῖνε, κακῶς ἀνδρῶν τοξάζεαι· οὐκέτʼ ἀέθλων

Then fell they foul on him with terrible speech,

ἄλλων ἀντιάσεις· νῦν τοι σῶς αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

And told him it should prove the dearest shaft

καὶ γὰρ δὴ νῦν φῶτα κατέκτανες ὃς μέγʼ ἄριστος

That ever pass'd him; and that now was saft

κούρων εἰν Ἰθάκῃ· τῷ σʼ ἐνθάδε γῦπες ἔδονται.

No shift for him, but sure and sudden death;

ἴσκεν ἕκαστος ἀνήρ, ἐπεὶ ἦ φάσαν οὐκ ἐθέλοντα

For he had slain a man, whose like did breathe

ἄνδρα κατακτεῖναι· τὸ δὲ νήπιοι οὐκ ἐνόησαν,

In no part of the kingdom; and that now

ὡς δή σφιν καὶ πᾶσιν ὀλέθρου πείρατʼ ἐφῆπτο.

He should no more for games strive with his bow,

τοὺς δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

But vultures eat him there. These threats they spent,

ὦ κύνες, οὔ μʼ ἔτʼ ἐφάσκεθʼ ὑπότροπον οἴκαδʼ ἱκέσθαι

Yet ev'ry man believ'd that stern event

δήμου ἄπο Τρώων, ὅτι μοι κατεκείρετε οἶκον,

Chanc'd 'gainst the author's will. O fools, to think

δμῳῇσιν δὲ γυναιξὶ παρευνάζεσθε βιαίως,

That all their rest had any cup to drink

αὐτοῦ τε ζώοντος ὑπεμνάασθε γυναῖκα,

But what their great Antinous began!

οὔτε θεοὺς δείσαντες, οἳ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσιν,

He, frowning, said: "Dogs, see in me the man

οὔτε τινʼ ἀνθρώπων νέμεσιν κατόπισθεν ἔσεσθαι·

Ye all held dead at Troy. My house it is

νῦν ὑμῖν καὶ πᾶσιν ὀλέθρου πείρατʼ ἐφῆπται.

That thus ye spoil, and thus your luxuries

ὣς φάτο, τοὺς δʼ ἄρα πάντας ὑπὸ χλωρὸν δέος εἷλεν·

File with my women's rapes; in which ye woo

πάπτηνεν δὲ ἕκαστος ὅπη φύγοι αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

The wife of one that lives, and no thought show

Εὐρύμαχος δέ μιν οἶος ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπεν·

Of man's fit fear, or God's, your present fame,

εἰ μὲν δὴ Ὀδυσεὺς Ἰθακήσιος εἰλήλουθας,

Or any fair sense of your future name;

ταῦτα μὲν αἴσιμα εἶπας, ὅσα ῥέζεσκον Ἀχαιοί,

And, therefore, present and eternal death

πολλὰ μὲν ἐν μεγάροισιν ἀτάσθαλα, πολλὰ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀγροῦ.

Shall end your base life." This made fresh fears breathe

ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἤδη κεῖται ὃς αἴτιος ἔπλετο πάντων,

Their former boldness. Ev'ry man had eye

Ἀντίνοος· οὗτος γὰρ ἐπίηλεν τάδε ἔργα,

On all the means, and studied ways to fly

οὔ τι γάμου τόσσον κεχρημένος οὐδὲ χατίζων,

So deep deaths imminent. But seeing none,

ἀλλʼ ἄλλα φρονέων, τά οἱ οὐκ ἐτέλεσσε Κρονίων,

Eurymachus began with suppliant moan

ὄφρʼ Ἰθάκης κατὰ δῆμον ἐϋκτιμένης βασιλεύοι

To move his pity, saying: "If you be

αὐτός, ἀτὰρ σὸν παῖδα κατακτείνειε λοχήσας.

This isle's Ulysses, we must all agree,

νῦν δʼ ὁ μὲν ἐν μοίρῃ πέφαται, σὺ δὲ φείδεο λαῶν

In grant of your reproof's integrity,

σῶν· ἀτὰρ ἄμμες ὄπισθεν ἀρεσσάμενοι κατὰ δῆμον,

The Greeks have done you many a wrong at home,

ὅσσα τοι ἐκπέποται καὶ ἐδήδοται ἐν μεγάροισι,

At field as many. But of all the sum

τιμὴν ἀμφὶς ἄγοντες ἐεικοσάβοιον ἕκαστος,

Lies here contract in death; for only he

χαλκόν τε χρυσόν τʼ ἀποδώσομεν, εἰς ὅ κε σὸν κῆρ

Impos'd the whole ill-offices that we

ἰανθῇ· πρὶν δʼ οὔ τι νεμεσσητὸν κεχολῶσθαι.

Are now made guilty of, and not so much

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Sought his endeavours, or in thought did touch

Εὐρύμαχʼ, οὐδʼ εἴ μοι πατρώϊα πάντʼ ἀποδοῖτε,

At any nuptials, but a greater thing

ὅσσα τε νῦν ὔμμʼ ἐστὶ καὶ εἴ ποθεν ἄλλʼ ἐπιθεῖτε,

Employ'd his forces; for to be our king

Was his chief object; his sole plot it was

To kill your son, which Jove's hand would not pass,

But set it to his own most merited end.

In which end your just anger, nor extend

Your stern wreak further; spend your royal pow'rs

In mild ruth of your people; we are yours;

And whatsoever waste of wine or food

Our liberties have made, we'll make all good

In restitutions. Call a court, and pass

A fine of twenty oxen, gold, and brass,

On ev'ry head, and raise your most rates still,

Till you are pleas'd with your confesséd fill.

Which if we fail to tender, all your wrath

It shall be justice in our bloods to bathe."

"Eurymachus," said he, "if you would give

All that your fathers' hoard, to make ye live,

And all that ever you yourselves possess,

οὐδέ κεν ὣς ἔτι χεῖρας ἐμὰς λήξαιμι φόνοιο

Or shall by any industry increase,

πρὶν πᾶσαν μνηστῆρας ὑπερβασίην ἀποτῖσαι.

I would not cease from slaughter, till your bloods

νῦν ὑμῖν παράκειται ἐναντίον ἠὲ μάχεσθαι

Had bought out your intemp'rance in my goods.

ἢ φεύγειν, ὅς κεν θάνατον καὶ κῆρας ἀλύξῃ·

It rests now for you that you either fight

ἀλλά τινʼ οὐ φεύξεσθαι ὀΐομαι αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

That will 'scape death, or make your way by flight.

ὣς φάτο, τῶν δʼ αὐτοῦ λύτο γούνατα καὶ φίλον ἦτορ.

In whose best choice, my thoughts conceive, not one

τοῖσιν δʼ Εὐρύμαχος προσεφώνεε δεύτερον αὖτις·

Shall shun the death your first hath undergone."

ὦ φίλοι, οὐ γὰρ σχήσει ἀνὴρ ὅδε χεῖρας ἀάπτους,

This quite dissolv'd their knees. Eurymachus,

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἔλλαβε τόξον ἐΰξοον ἠδὲ φαρέτρην,

Enforcing all their fears, yet counsell'd thus:

οὐδοῦ ἄπο ξεστοῦ τοξάσσεται, εἰς ὅ κε πάντας

"O friends! This man, now he hath got the bow

ἄμμε κατακτείνῃ· ἀλλὰ μνησώμεθα χάρμης.

And quiver by him, ever will bestow

φάσγανά τε σπάσσασθε καὶ ἀντίσχεσθε τραπέζας

His most inaccessible hands at us,

ἰῶν ὠκυμόρων· ἐπὶ δʼ αὐτῷ πάντες ἔχωμεν

And never leave, if we avoid him thus,

ἀθρόοι, εἴ κέ μιν οὐδοῦ ἀπώσομεν ἠδὲ θυράων,

Till he hath strewn the pavement with us all;

ἔλθωμεν δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ, βοὴ δʼ ὤκιστα γένοιτο·

And, therefore, join we swords, and on him fall

τῷ κε τάχʼ οὗτος ἀνὴρ νῦν ὕστατα τοξάσσαιτο.

With tables forc'd up, and borne in oppos'd

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας εἰρύσσατο φάσγανον ὀξὺ

Against his sharp shafts; when, being round-enclos'd

χάλκεον, ἀμφοτέρωθεν ἀκαχμένον, ἆλτο δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ

By all our onsets, we shall either take

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων· ὁ δʼ ἁμαρτῆ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

His horrid person, or for safety make

ἰὸν ἀποπροίει, βάλε δὲ στῆθος παρὰ μαζόν,

His rage retire from out the hall and gates;

ἐν δέ οἱ ἥπατι πῆξε θοὸν βέλος· ἐκ δʼ ἄρα χειρὸς

And then, if he escape, we'll make our states

φάσγανον ἧκε χαμᾶζε, περιρρηδὴς δὲ τραπέζῃ

Known to the city by our gen'ral cry.

κάππεσεν ἰδνωθείς, ἀπὸ δʼ εἴδατα χεῦεν ἔραζε

And thus this man shall let his last shaft fly

καὶ δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον· ὁ δὲ χθόνα τύπτε μετώπῳ

That ever his hand vaunted." Thus he drew

θυμῷ ἀνιάζων, ποσὶ δὲ θρόνον ἀμφοτέροισι

His sharp-edg'd sword; and with a table flew

λακτίζων ἐτίνασσε· κατʼ ὀφθαλμῶν δʼ ἔχυτʼ ἀχλύς.

In on Ulysses, with a terrible throat

Ἀμφίνομος δʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἐείσατο κυδαλίμοιο

His fierce charge urging. But Ulysses smote

ἀντίος ἀΐξας, εἴρυτο δὲ φάσγανον ὀξύ,

The board, and cleft it through from end to end

εἴ πώς οἱ εἴξειε θυράων. ἀλλʼ ἄρα μιν φθῆ

Borne at his breast; and made his shaft extend

Τηλέμαχος κατόπισθε βαλὼν χαλκήρεϊ δουρὶ

His sharp head to his liver, his broad breast

ὤμων μεσσηγύς, διὰ δὲ στήθεσφιν ἔλασσεν·

Pierc'd at his nipple; when his hand releast

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, χθόνα δʼ ἤλασε παντὶ μετώπῳ.

Forthwith his sword, that fell and kiss'd the ground,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἀπόρουσε, λιπὼν δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος

With cups and victuals lying scatter'd round

αὐτοῦ ἐν Ἀμφινόμῳ· περὶ γὰρ δίε μή τις Ἀχαιῶν

About the pavement; amongst which his brow

ἔγχος ἀνελκόμενον δολιχόσκιον ἢ ἐλάσειε

Knock'd the imbrued earth, while in pains did flow

φασγάνῳ ἀΐξας ἠὲ προπρηνέα τύψας.

His vital spirits, till his heels shook out

βῆ δὲ θέειν, μάλα δʼ ὦκα φίλον πατέρʼ εἰσαφίκανεν,

His feastful life, and hurl'd a throne about

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

That way-laid death's convulsions in his feet;

ὦ πάτερ, ἤδη τοι σάκος οἴσω καὶ δύο δοῦρε

When from his tender eyes the light did fleet.

καὶ κυνέην πάγχαλκον, ἐπὶ κροτάφοις ἀραρυῖαν

Then charg'd Amphinomus with his drawn blade

αὐτός τʼ ἀμφιβαλεῦμαι ἰών, δώσω δὲ συβώτῃ

The glorious king, in purpose to have made

καὶ τῷ βουκόλῳ ἄλλα· τετευχῆσθαι γὰρ ἄμεινον.

His feet forsake the house; but his assay

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

The prince prevented, and his lance gave way

οἶσε θέων, ἧός μοι ἀμύνεσθαι πάρʼ ὀϊστοί,

Quite through his shoulder, at his back; his breast

μή μʼ ἀποκινήσωσι θυράων μοῦνον ἐόντα.

The fierce pile letting forth. His ruin prest

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθετο πατρί,

Groans from the pavement, which his forehead strook.

βῆ δʼ ἴμεναι θάλαμόνδʼ, ὅθι οἱ κλυτὰ τεύχεα κεῖτο.

Telemachus his long lance then forsook—

ἔνθεν τέσσαρα μὲν σάκεʼ ἔξελε, δούρατα δʼ ὀκτὼ

Left in Amphinomus—and to his sire

καὶ πίσυρας κυνέας χαλκήρεας ἱπποδασείας·

Made fiery pass, not staying to acquire

βῆ δὲ φέρων, μάλα δʼ ὦκα φίλον πατέρʼ εἰσαφίκανεν,

His lance again, in doubt that, while he drew

αὐτὸς δὲ πρώτιστα περὶ χροῒ δύσετο χαλκόν·

The fixéd pile, some other might renew

ὣς δʼ αὔτως τὼ δμῶε δυέσθην τεύχεα καλά,

Fierce charge upon him, and his unharm'd head

ἔσταν δʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆα δαΐφρονα ποικιλομήτην.

Cleave with his back-drawn sword; for which he fled

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ, ὄφρα μὲν αὐτῷ ἀμύνεσθαι ἔσαν ἰοί.

Close to his father, bade him arm, and he

τόφρα μνηστήρων ἕνα γʼ αἰεὶ ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Would bring him shield and jav'lins instantly,

βάλλε τιτυσκόμενος· τοὶ δʼ ἀγχιστῖνοι ἔπιπτον.

His own head arming, more arms laying by

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ λίπον ἰοὶ ὀϊστεύοντα ἄνακτα,

To serve the swine-herd and the oxen-herd.

τόξον μὲν πρὸς σταθμὸν ἐϋσταθέος μεγάροιο

Valour well arm'd is ever most preferr'd.

ἔκλινʼ ἑστάμεναι, πρὸς ἐνώπια παμφανόωντα,

"Run then," said he, "and come before the last

αὐτὸς δʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισι σάκος θέτο τετραθέλυμνον,

Of these auxiliary shafts are past,

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἰφθίμῳ κυνέην εὔτυκτον ἔθηκεν,

For fear, lest, left alone, they force my stand

ἵππουριν, δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν·

From forth the ports." He flew, and brought to hand

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμα δοῦρε δύω κεκορυθμένα χαλκῷ.

Eight darts, four shields, four helms. His own parts then

First put in arms, he furnish'd both his men,

That to their king stood close; but he, as long

As he had shafts to friend, enough was strong

For all the Wooers, and some one man still

He made make even with earth, till all a hill

Had rais'd in th' even-floor'd hall. His last shaft spent,

He set his bow against a beam, and went

To arm at all parts, while the other three

Kept off the Wooers, who, unarm'd, could be

No great assailants. In the well-built wall

A window was thrust out, at end of all

The house's entry; on whose utter side

There lay a way to town, and in it wide

And two-leav'd folds were forg'd, that gave fit mean

For flyers-out; and, therefore, at it then

Ulysses plac'd Eumæus in close guard;

One only pass ope to it, which (prepar'd

ὀρσοθύρη δέ τις ἔσκεν ἐϋδμήτῳ ἐνὶ τοίχῳ,

In this sort by Ulysses 'gainst all pass)

ἀκρότατον δὲ παρʼ οὐδὸν ἐϋσταθέος μεγάροιο

By Agelaus' tardy memory was

ἦν ὁδὸς ἐς λαύρην, σανίδες δʼ ἔχον εὖ ἀραρυῖαι.

In question call'd, who bade some one ascend

τὴν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς φράζεσθαι ἀνώγει δῖον ὑφορβὸν

At such a window, and bring straight to friend

ἑσταότʼ ἄγχʼ αὐτῆς· μία δʼ οἴη γίγνετʼ ἐφορμή.

The city with his clamour, that this man

τοῖς δʼ Ἀγέλεως μετέειπεν, ἔπος πάντεσσι πιφαύσκων·

Might quickly shoot his last. "This no one can

ὦ φίλοι, οὐκ ἂν δή τις ἀνʼ ὀρσοθύρην ἀναβαίη

Make safe access to," said Melanthius,

καὶ εἴποι λαοῖσι, βοὴ δʼ ὤκιστα γένοιτο;

"For 'tis too near the hall's fair doors, whence thus

τῷ κε τάχʼ οὗτος ἀνὴρ νῦν ὕστατα τοξάσσαιτο.

The man afflicts ye; for from thence there lies

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν·

But one strait passage to it, that denies

οὔ πως ἔστʼ, Ἀγέλαε διοτρεφές· ἄγχι γὰρ αἰνῶς

Access to all, if any one man stand,

αὐλῆς καλὰ θύρετρα καὶ ἀργαλέον στόμα λαύρης·

Being one of courage, and will countermand

καί χʼ εἷς πάντας ἐρύκοι ἀνήρ, ὅς τʼ ἄλκιμος εἴη.

Our offer to it. But I know a way

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ, ὑμῖν τεύχεʼ ἐνείκω θωρηχθῆναι

To bring you arms, from where the King doth lay

ἐκ θαλάμου· ἔνδον γάρ, ὀΐομαι, οὐδέ πη ἄλλῃ

His whole munition; and believe there is

τεύχεα κατθέσθην Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ φαίδιμος υἱός.

No other place to all the armories

ὣς εἰπὼν ἀνέβαινε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν,

Both of himself and son." This said, a pair

εἰς θαλάμους Ὀδυσῆος ἀνὰ ῥῶγας μεγάροιο.

Of lofty stairs he climb'd, and to th' affair

ἔνθεν δώδεκα μὲν σάκεʼ ἔξελε, τόσσα δὲ δοῦρα

Twelve shields, twelve lances brought, as many casques

καὶ τόσσας κυνέας χαλκήρεας ἱπποδασείας·

With horsehair plumes; and set to bitter tasks

βῆ δʼ ἴμεναι, μάλα δʼ ὦκα φέρων μνηστῆρσιν ἔδωκεν.

Both son and sire. Then shrunk Ulysses' knees,

καὶ τότʼ Ὀδυσσῆος λύτο γούνατα καὶ φίλον ἦτορ,

And his lov'd heart, when thus in arms he sees

ὡς περιβαλλομένους ἴδε τεύχεα χερσί τε δοῦρα

So many Wooers, and their shaken darts;

μακρὰ τινάσσοντας· μέγα δʼ αὐτῷ φαίνετο ἔργον.

For then the work show'd as it ask'd more parts

αἶψα δὲ Τηλέμαχον ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

To safe performance, and he told his son

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἦ μάλα δή τις ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναικῶν

That or Melanthius or his maids had done

νῶϊν ἐποτρύνει πόλεμον κακὸν ἠὲ Μελανθεύς.

A deed that foul war to their hands conferr'd.

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

"O father," he replied, "'tis I have err'd

ὦ πάτερ, αὐτὸς ἐγὼ τόδε γʼ ἤμβροτον—οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

In this caus'd labour; I, and none but I,

αἴτιος—ὃς θαλάμοιο θύρην πυκινῶς ἀραρυῖαν

That left the door ope of your armoury.

κάλλιπον ἀγκλίνας· τῶν δὲ σκοπὸς ἦεν ἀμείνων.

But some, it seems, hath set a sharper eye

ἀλλʼ ἴθι, δῖʼ Εὔμαιε, θύρην ἐπίθες θαλάμοιο

On that important place. Eumæus! Haste

καὶ φράσαι ἤ τις ἄρʼ ἐστὶ γυναικῶν ἣ τάδε ῥέζει,

And shut the door, observing who hath past

ἢ υἱὸς Δολίοιο, Μελανθεύς, τόν περ ὀΐω.

To this false action; any maid, or one

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

That I suspect more, which is Dolius' son."

βῆ δʼ αὖτις θάλαμόνδε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν,

While these spake thus, Melanthius went again

οἴσων τεύχεα καλά. νόησε δὲ δῖος ὑφορβός,

For more fair arms; when the renownéd swain

αἶψα δʼ Ὀδυσσῆα προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

Eumæus saw, and told Ulysses straight

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη, πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ,

It was the hateful man that his conceit

κεῖνος δʼ αὖτʼ ἀΐδηλος ἀνήρ, ὃν ὀϊόμεθʼ αὐτοί,

Before suspected, who had done that ill;

ἔρχεται ἐς θάλαμον· σὺ δέ μοι νημερτὲς ἐνίσπες,

And, being again there, ask'd if he should kill,

ἤ μιν ἀποκτείνω, αἴ κε κρείσσων γε γένωμαι,

If his pow'r serv'd, or he should bring the swain

ἦε σοὶ ἐνθάδʼ ἄγω, ἵνʼ ὑπερβασίας ἀποτίσῃ

To him, t' inflict on him a sev'ral pain

πολλάς, ὅσσας οὗτος ἐμήσατο σῷ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ.

For ev'ry forfeit he had made his house.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

He answer'd: "I and my Telemachus

ἦ τοι ἐγὼ καὶ Τηλέμαχος μνηστῆρας ἀγαυοὺς

Will here contain these proud ones in despite,

σχήσομεν ἔντοσθεν μεγάρων, μάλα περ μεμαῶτας.

How much soever these stol'n arms excite

σφῶϊ δʼ ἀποστρέψαντε πόδας καὶ χεῖρας ὕπερθεν

Their guilty courages, while you two take

ἐς θάλαμον βαλέειν, σανίδας δʼ ἐκδῆσαι ὄπισθε,

Possession of the chamber. The doors make

σειρὴν δὲ πλεκτὴν ἐξ αὐτοῦ πειρήναντε

Sure at your back, and then, surprising him,

κίονʼ ἀνʼ ὑψηλὴν ἐρύσαι πελάσαι τε δοκοῖσιν,

His feet and hands bind, wrapping ev'ry limb

ὥς κεν δηθὰ ζωὸς ἐὼν χαλέπʼ ἄλγεα πάσχῃ·

In pliant chains; and with a halter cast

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

Above the wind-beam—at himself made fast—

βὰν δʼ ἴμεν ἐς θάλαμον, λαθέτην δέ μιν ἔνδον ἐόντα.

Aloft the column draw him; where alive

ἦ τοι ὁ μὲν θαλάμοιο μυχὸν κάτα τεύχεʼ ἐρεύνα,

He long may hang, and pains enough deprive

τὼ δʼ ἔσταν ἑκάτερθε παρὰ σταθμοῖσι μένοντε.

His vexéd life before his death succeed."

εὖθʼ ὑπὲρ οὐδὸν ἔβαινε Μελάνθιος, αἰπόλος αἰγῶν,

This charge, soon heard, as soon they put to deed,

τῇ ἑτέρῃ μὲν χειρὶ φέρων καλὴν τρυφάλειαν,

Stole on his stealth, and at the further end

τῇ δʼ ἑτέρῃ σάκος εὐρὺ γέρον, πεπαλαγμένον ἄζῃ,

Of all the chamber saw him busily bend

Λαέρτεω ἥρωος, ὃ κουρίζων φορέεσκε·

His hands to more arms, when they, still at door,

δὴ τότε γʼ ἤδη κεῖτο, ῥαφαὶ δὲ λέλυντο ἱμάντων·

Watch'd his return. At last he came, and bore

τὼ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπαΐξανθʼ ἑλέτην ἔρυσάν τέ μιν εἴσω

In one hand a fair helm, in th' other held

A broad and ancient rusty-rested shield,

That old Laertes in his youth had worn,

Of which the cheek-bands had with age been torn.

They rush'd upon him, caught him by the hair,

And dragg'd him in again; whom, crying out,

They cast upon the pavement, wrapp'd about

With sure and pinching cords both foot and hand,

And then, in full act of their King's command,

A pliant chain bestow'd on him, and hal'd

His body up the column, till he scal'd

The highest wind-beam; where made firmly fast,

Eumæus on his just infliction past

This pleasurable cavil: "Now you may

All night keep watch here, and the earliest day

Discern, being hung so high, to rouse from rest

Your dainty cattle to the Wooers' feast.

There, as befits a man of means so fair,

Soft may you sleep, nought under you but air;

κουρίξ, ἐν δαπέδῳ δὲ χαμαὶ βάλον ἀχνύμενον κῆρ,

And so long hang you." Thus they left him there,

σὺν δὲ πόδας χεῖράς τε δέον θυμαλγέϊ δεσμῷ

Made fast the door, and with Ulysses were

εὖ μάλʼ ἀποστρέψαντε διαμπερές, ὡς ἐκέλευσεν

All arm'd in th' instant. Then they all stood close,

υἱὸς Λαέρταο, πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Their minds fire breath'd in flames against their foes,

σειρὴν δὲ πλεκτὴν ἐξ αὐτοῦ πειρήναντε

Four in th' entry fighting all alone;

κίονʼ ἀνʼ ὑψηλὴν ἔρυσαν πέλασάν τε δοκοῖσι.

When from the hall charg'd many a mighty one.

τὸν δʼ ἐπικερτομέων προσέφης, Εὔμαιε συβῶτα·

But to them then Jove's seed, Minerva, came,

νῦν μὲν δὴ μάλα πάγχυ, Μελάνθιε, νύκτα φυλάξεις,

Resembling Mentor both in voice and frame

εὐνῇ ἔνι μαλακῇ καταλέγμενος, ὥς σε ἔοικεν·

Of manly person. Passing well apaid

οὐδέ σέ γʼ ἠριγένεια παρʼ Ὠκεανοῖο ῥοάων

Ulysses was, and said: "Now, Mentor, aid

λήσει ἐπερχομένη χρυσόθρονος, ἡνίκʼ ἀγινεῖς

'Gainst these odd mischiefs; call to memory now

αἶγας μνηστήρεσσι δόμον κάτα δαῖτα πένεσθαι.

My often good to thee, and that we two

ὣς ὁ μὲν αὖθι λέλειπτο, ταθεὶς ὀλοῷ ἐνὶ δεσμῷ·

Of one year's life are." Thus he said, but thought

τὼ δʼ ἐς τεύχεα δύντε, θύρην ἐπιθέντε φαεινήν,

ft was Minerva, that had ever brought

βήτην εἰς Ὀδυσῆα δαΐφρονα, ποικιλομήτην.

To her side safety. On the other part,

ἔνθα μένος πνείοντες ἐφέστασαν, οἱ μὲν ἐπʼ οὐδοῦ

The Wooers threaten'd; but the chief in heart

τέσσαρες, οἱ δʼ ἔντοσθε δόμων πολέες τε καὶ ἐσθλοί.

Was Agelaus, who to Mentor spake:

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ ἀγχίμολον θυγάτηρ Διὸς ἦλθεν Ἀθήνη,

"Mentor! Let no words of Ulysses make

Μέντορι εἰδομένη ἠμὲν δέμας ἠδὲ καὶ αὐδήν.

Thy hand a fighter on his feeble side

τὴν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς γήθησεν ἰδὼν καὶ μῦθον ἔειπε·

'Gainst all us Wooers; for we firm abide

Μέντορ, ἄμυνον ἀρήν, μνῆσαι δʼ ἑτάροιο φίλοιο,

In this persuasion, that when sire and son

ὅς σʼ ἀγαθὰ ῥέζεσκον· ὁμηλικίην δέ μοί ἐσσι.

Our swords have slain, thy life is sure to run

ὣς φάτʼ, ὀϊόμενος λαοσσόον ἔμμεν Ἀθήνην.

One fortune with them. What strange acts hast thou

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ὁμόκλεον ἐν μεγάροισι·

Conceit to form here? Thy head must bestow

πρῶτος τήν γʼ ἐνένιπε Δαμαστορίδης Ἀγέλαος·

The wreak of theirs on us. And when thy pow'rs

Μέντορ, μή σʼ ἐπέεσσι παραιπεπίθῃσιν Ὀδυσσεὺς

Are taken down by these fierce steels of ours,

μνηστήρεσσι μάχεσθαι, ἀμυνέμεναι δέ οἱ αὐτῷ.

All thy possessions, in-doors and without,

ὧδε γὰρ ἡμέτερόν γε νόον τελέεσθαι ὀΐω·

Must raise on heap with his; and all thy rout

ὁππότε κεν τούτους κτέωμεν, πατέρʼ ἠδὲ καὶ υἱόν,

Of sons and daughters in thy turrets bleed

ἐν δὲ σὺ τοῖσιν ἔπειτα πεφήσεαι, οἷα μενοινᾷς

Wreak off'rings to us; and our town stand freed

ἔρδειν ἐν μεγάροις· σῷ δʼ αὐτοῦ κράατι τίσεις.

Of all charge with thy wife." Minerva's heart

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ὑμέων γε βίας ἀφελώμεθα χαλκῷ,

Was fir'd with these braves, the approv'd desert

κτήμαθʼ ὁπόσσα τοί ἐστι, τά τʼ ἔνδοθι καὶ τὰ θύρηφι,

Of her Ulysses chiding, saying: "No more

τοῖσιν Ὀδυσσῆος μεταμίξομεν· οὐδέ τοι υἷας

Thy force nor fortitude as heretofore

ζώειν ἐν μεγάροισιν ἐάσομεν, οὐδέ θύγατρας

Will gain thee glory; when nine years at Troy

οὐδʼ ἄλοχον κεδνὴν Ἰθάκης κατὰ ἄστυ πολεύειν.

White-wristed Helen's rescue did employ

ὣς φάτʼ, Ἀθηναίη δὲ χολώσατο κηρόθι μᾶλλον,

Thy arms and wisdom, still and ever us'd,

νείκεσσεν δʼ Ὀδυσῆα χολωτοῖσιν ἐπέεσσιν·

The bloods of thousands through the field diffus'd

οὐκέτι σοί γʼ, Ὀδυσεῦ, μένος ἔμπεδον οὐδέ τις ἀλκή

By thy vast valour; Priam's broad-way'd town

οἵη ὅτʼ ἀμφʼ Ἑλένῃ λευκωλένῳ εὐπατερείῃ,

By thy grave parts was sack'd and overthrown;

εἰνάετες Τρώεσσιν ἐμάρναο νωλεμὲς αἰεί,

And now, amongst thy people and thy goods,

πολλοὺς δʼ ἄνδρας ἔπεφνες ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι,

Against the Wooers' base and petulant bloods

σῇ δʼ ἥλω βουλῇ Πριάμου πόλις εὐρυάγυια.

Stint'st thou thy valour? Rather mourning here

πῶς δὴ νῦν, ὅτε σόν τε δόμον καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἱκάνεις,

Than manly fighting? Come, friend, stand we near,

ἄντα μνηστήρων ὀλοφύρεαι ἄλκιμος εἶναι;

And note my labour, that thou may'st discern

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δεῦρο, πέπον, παρʼ ἔμʼ ἵστασο καὶ ἴδε ἔργον,

Amongst thy foes how Mentor's nerves will earn

ὄφρʼ εἰδῇς οἷός τοι ἐν ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσιν

All thy old bounties." This she spake, but stay'd

Μέντωρ Ἀλκιμίδης εὐεργεσίας ἀποτίνειν.

Her hand from giving each-way-often-sway'd

ἦ ῥα, καὶ οὔ πω πάγχυ δίδου ἑτεραλκέα νίκην,

Uncertain conquest to his certain use,

ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἄρα σθένεός τε καὶ ἀλκῆς πειρήτιζεν

But still would try what self-pow'rs would produce

ἠμὲν Ὀδυσσῆος ἠδʼ υἱοῦ κυδαλίμοιο.

Both in the father and the glorious son.

αὐτὴ δʼ αἰθαλόεντος ἀνὰ μεγάροιο μέλαθρον

Then on the wind-beam that along did ron

ἕζετʼ ἀναΐξασα, χελιδόνι εἰκέλη ἄντην.

The smoky roof, transform'd, Minerva sat,

μνηστῆρας δʼ ὤτρυνε Δαμαστορίδης Ἀγέλαος,

Like to a swallow; sometimes cuffing at

Εὐρύνομός τε καὶ Ἀμφιμέδων Δημοπτόλεμός τε,

The swords and lances, rushing from her seat,

Πείσανδρός τε Πολυκτορίδης Πόλυβός τε δαΐφρων·

And up and down the troubl'd house did beat

οἱ γὰρ μνηστήρων ἀρετῇ ἔσαν ἔξοχʼ ἄριστοι,

Her wing at ev'ry motion. And as she

ὅσσοι ἔτʼ ἔζωον περί τε ψυχέων ἐμάχοντο·

Had rous'd Ulysses; so the enemy

τοὺς δʼ ἤδη ἐδάμασσε βιὸς καὶ ταρφέες ἰοί.

Damastor's son excited, Polybus,

τοῖς δʼ Ἀγέλεως μετέειπεν, ἔπος πάντεσσι πιφαύσκων·

Amphinomus, and Demoptolemus,

ὦ φίλοι, ἤδη σχήσει ἀνὴρ ὅδε χεῖρας ἀάπτους·

Eurynomus, and Polyctorides;

καὶ δή οἱ Μέντωρ μὲν ἔβη κενὰ εὔγματα εἰπών,

For these were men that of the wooing prease

οἱ δʼ οἶοι λείπονται ἐπὶ πρώτῃσι θύρῃσι.

Were most egregious, and the clearly best

In strength of hand of all the desp'rate rest

That yet surviv'd, and now fought for their souls;

Which straight swift arrows sent among the fowls.

But first, Damastor's son had more spare breath

To spend on their excitements ere his death,

And said: That now Ulysses would forbear

His dismal hand, since Mentor's spirit was there,

And blew vain vaunts about Ulysses' ears;

In whose trust he would cease his massacres,

Rest him, and put his friend's huge boasts in proof;

And so was he beneath the entry's roof

Left with Telemachus and th' other two.

"At whom," said he, "discharge no darts, but throw

All at Ulysses, rousing his faint rest;

Whom if we slaughter, by our interest

In Jove's assistance, all the rest may yield

Our pow'rs no care, when he strews once the field."

τῷ νῦν μὴ ἅμα πάντες ἐφίετε δούρατα μακρά,

As he then will'd, they all at random threw

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ οἱ ἓξ πρῶτον ἀκοντίσατʼ, αἴ κέ ποθι Ζεὺς

Where they suppos'd he rested; and then flew

δώῃ Ὀδυσσῆα βλῆσθαι καὶ κῦδος ἀρέσθαι.

Minerva after ev'ry dart, and made

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων οὐ κῆδος, ἐπὴν οὗτός γε πέσῃσιν.

Some strike the threshold, some the walls invade,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκόντισαν ὡς ἐκέλευεν,

Some beat the doors, and all acts render'd vain

ἱέμενοι· τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐτώσια θῆκεν Ἀθήνη,

Their grave steel offer'd. Which escap'd, again

τῶν ἄλλος μὲν σταθμὸν ἐϋσταθέος μεγάροιο

Came on Ulysses, saying: "O that we

βεβλήκει, ἄλλος δὲ θύρην πυκινῶς ἀραρυῖαν·

The Wooers' troop with our joint archery

ἄλλου δʼ ἐν τοίχῳ μελίη πέσε χαλκοβάρεια.

Might so assail, that where their spirits dream

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ δούρατʼ ἀλεύαντο μνηστήρων,

On our deaths first, we first may slaughter them!"

τοῖς δʼ ἄρα μύθων ἦρχε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

Thus the much-suff'rer said; and all let-fly,

ὦ φίλοι, ἤδη μέν κεν ἐγὼν εἴποιμι καὶ ἄμμι

When ev'ry man struck dead his enemy.

μνηστήρων ἐς ὅμιλον ἀκοντίσαι, οἳ μεμάασιν

Ulysses slaughter'd Demoptolemus.

ἡμέας ἐξεναρίξαι ἐπὶ προτέροισι κακοῖσιν.

Euryades by young Telemachus

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκόντισαν ὀξέα δοῦρα

His death encounter'd. Good Eumæus slew

ἄντα τιτυσκόμενοι· Δημοπτόλεμον μὲν Ὀδυσσεύς,

Elatus. And Philœtius overthrew

Εὐρυάδην δʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχος, Ἔλατον δὲ συβώτης,

Pisander. All which tore the pavéd floor

Πείσανδρον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπεφνε βοῶν ἐπιβουκόλος ἀνήρ.

Up with their teeth. The rest retir'd before

οἱ μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἅμα πάντες ὀδὰξ ἕλον ἄσπετον οὖδας,

Their second charge to inner rooms; and then

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἀνεχώρησαν μεγάροιο μυχόνδε·

Ulysses follow'd; from the slaughter'd men

τοὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπήϊξαν, νεκύων δʼ ἐξ ἔγχεʼ ἕλοντο.

Their darts first drawing. While which work was done,

αὖτις δὲ μνηστῆρες ἀκόντισαν ὀξέα δοῦρα

The Wooers threw with huge contention

ἱέμενοι· τὰ δὲ πολλὰ ἐτώσια θῆκεν Ἀθήνη.

To kill them all; when with her swallow-wing

τῶν ἄλλος μὲν σταθμὸν ἐϋσταθέος μεγάροιο

Minerva cuff'd, and made their jav'lins ring

βεβλήκειν, ἄλλος δὲ θύρην πυκινῶς ἀραρυῖαν·

Against the doors and thresholds, as before.

ἄλλου δʼ ἐν τοίχῳ μελίη πέσε χαλκοβάρεια.

Some yet did graze upon their marks. One tore

Ἀμφιμέδων δʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχον βάλε χεῖρʼ ἐπὶ καρπῷ

The prince's wrist, which was Amphimedon,

λίγδην, ἄκρον δὲ ῥινὸν δηλήσατο χαλκός.

Th' extreme part of the skin but touch'd upon.

Κτήσιππος δʼ Εὔμαιον ὑπὲρ σάκος ἔγχεϊ μακρῷ

Ctesippus over good Eumeeus' shield

ὦμον ἐπέγραψεν· τὸ δʼ ὑπέρπτατο, πῖπτε δʼ ἔραζε.

His shoulder's top did taint; which yet did yield

τοὶ δʼ αὖτʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆα δαΐφρονα ποικιλομήτην,

The lance free pass, and gave his hurt the ground.

μνηστήρων ἐς ὅμιλον ἀκόντισαν ὀξέα δοῦρα.

Again then charg'd the Wooers, and girt round

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρυδάμαντα βάλε πτολίπορθος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Ulysses with their lances; who turn'd head,

Ἀμφιμέδοντα δὲ Τηλέμαχος, Πόλυβον δὲ συβώτης·

And with his jav'lin struck Eurydamas dead.

Κτήσιππον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα βοῶν ἐπιβουκόλος ἀνὴρ

Telemachus disliv'd Amphimedon;

βεβλήκει πρὸς στῆθος, ἐπευχόμενος δὲ προσηύδα·

Eumæus, Polybus; Philœtius won

ὦ Πολυθερσεΐδη φιλοκέρτομε, μή ποτε πάμπαν

Ctesippus' bosom with his dart, and said,

εἴκων ἀφραδίῃς μέγα εἰπεῖν, ἀλλὰ θεοῖσιν

In quittance of the jester's part he play'd,

μῦθον ἐπιτρέψαι, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτεροί εἰσι.

The neat's foot hurling at Ulysses: "Now,

τοῦτό τοι ἀντὶ ποδὸς ξεινήϊον, ὅν ποτʼ ἔδωκας

Great son of Polytherses, you that vow

ἀντιθέῳ Ὀδυσῆϊ δόμον κάτʼ ἀλητεύοντι.

Your wit to bitter taunts, and love to wound

ἦ ῥα βοῶν ἑλίκων ἐπιβουκόλος· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

The heart of any with a jest, so crown'd

οὖτα Δαμαστορίδην αὐτοσχεδὸν ἔγχεϊ μακρῷ.

Your wit be with a laughter, never yielding

Τηλέμαχος δʼ Εὐηνορίδην Λειώκριτον οὖτα

To fools in folly, but your glory building

δουρὶ μέσον κενεῶνα, διαπρὸ δὲ χαλκὸν ἔλασσεν·

On putting down in fooling, spitting forth

ἤριπε δὲ πρηνής, χθόνα δʼ ἤλασε παντὶ μετώπῳ.

Puff'd words at all sorts, cease to scoff at worth,

δὴ τότʼ Ἀθηναίη φθισίμβροτον αἰγίδʼ ἀνέσχεν

And leave revenge of vile words to the Gods,

ὑψόθεν ἐξ ὀροφῆς· τῶν δὲ φρένες ἐπτοίηθεν.

Since their wits bear the sharper edge by odds;

οἱ δʼ ἐφέβοντο κατὰ μέγαρον βόες ὣς ἀγελαῖαι·

And, in the mean time, take the dart I drave,

τὰς μέν τʼ αἰόλος οἶστρος ἐφορμηθεὶς ἐδόνησεν

For that right hospitable foot you gave

ὥρῃ ἐν εἰαρινῇ, ὅτε τʼ ἤματα μακρὰ πέλονται.

Divine Ulysses, begging but his own."

οἱ δʼ ὥς τʼ αἰγυπιοὶ γαμψώνυχες ἀγκυλοχεῖλαι,

Thus spake the black-ox-herdsman; and straight down

ἐξ ὀρέων ἐλθόντες ἐπʼ ὀρνίθεσσι θόρωσι·

Ulysses struck another with his dart—

ταὶ μέν τʼ ἐν πεδίῳ νέφεα πτώσσουσαι ἵενται,

Damastor's son. Telemachus did part,

οἱ δέ τε τὰς ὀλέκουσιν ἐπάλμενοι, οὐδέ τις ἀλκὴ

Just in the midst, the belly of the fair

γίγνεται οὐδὲ φυγή· χαίρουσι δέ τʼ ἀνέρες ἄγρῃ·

Evenor's son; his fierce pile taking air

ὣς ἄρα τοὶ μνηστῆρας ἐπεσσύμενοι κατὰ δῶμα

Out at his back. Flat fell he on his face,

τύπτον ἐπιστροφάδην· τῶν δὲ στόνος ὤρνυτʼ ἀεικὴς

His whole brows knocking, and did mark the place.

κράτων τυπτομένων, δάπεδον δʼ ἅπαν αἵματι θῦε.

And now man-slaught'ring Pallas took in hand

Λειώδης δʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἐπεσσύμενος λάβε γούνων,

Her snake-fring'd shield, and on that beam took stand

καί μιν λισσόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

In her true form, where swallow-like she sat.

γουνοῦμαί σʼ, Ὀδυσεῦ· σὺ δέ μʼ αἴδεο καί μʼ ἐλέησον·

And then, in this way of the house and that,

οὐ γάρ πώ τινά φημι γυναικῶν ἐν μεγάροισιν

The Wooers, wounded at the heart with fear,

Fled the encounter; as in pastures where

Fat herds of oxen feed, about the field

(As if wild madness their instincts impell'd)

The high-fed bullocks fly, whom in the spring,

When days are long, gad-bees or breezes sting.

Ulysses and his son the flyers chas'd,

As when, with crooked beaks and seres, a cast

Of hill-bred eagles, cast-off at some game,

That yet their strengths keep, but, put up, in flame

The eagle stoops; from which, along the field

The poor fowls make wing, this and that way yield

Their hard-flown pinions, then the clouds assay

For 'scape or shelter, their forlorn dismay

All spirit exhaling, all wings' strength to carry

Their bodies forth, and, truss'd up, to the quarry

Their falconers ride-in, and rejoice to see

εἰπεῖν οὐδέ τι ῥέξαι ἀτάσθαλον· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἄλλους

Their hawks perform a flight so fervently;

παύεσκον μνηστῆρας, ὅτις τοιαῦτά γε ῥέζοι.

So, in their flight, Ulysses with his heir

ἀλλά μοι οὐ πείθοντο κακῶν ἄπο χεῖρας ἔχεσθαι·

Did stoop and cuff the Wooers, that the air

τῷ καὶ ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ἀεικέα πότμον ἐπέσπον.

Broke in vast sighs, whose heads they shot and cleft,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μετὰ τοῖσι θυοσκόος οὐδὲν ἐοργὼς

The pavement boiling with the souls they reft.

κείσομαι, ὡς οὐκ ἔστι χάρις μετόπισθʼ εὐεργέων·

Liodes, running to Ulysses, took

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

His knees, and thus did on his name invoke;

εἰ μὲν δὴ μετὰ τοῖσι θυοσκόος εὔχεαι εἶναι,

"Ulysses! Let me pray thee to my place

πολλάκι που μέλλεις ἀρήμεναι ἐν μεγάροισι

Afford the rev'rence, and to me the grace;

τηλοῦ ἐμοὶ νόστοιο τέλος γλυκεροῖο γενέσθαι,

That never did or said, to any dame

σοὶ δʼ ἄλοχόν τε φίλην σπέσθαι καὶ τέκνα τεκέσθαι·

Thy court contain'd, or deed, or word to blame;

τῷ οὐκ ἂν θάνατόν γε δυσηλεγέα προφύγοισθα.

But others so affected I have made

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ξίφος εἵλετο χειρὶ παχείῃ

I lay down their insolence; and, if the trade

κείμενον, ὅ ῥʼ Ἀγέλαος ἀποπροέηκε χαμᾶζε

They kept with wickedness have made them still

κτεινόμενος· τῷ τόν γε κατʼ αὐχένα μέσσον ἔλασσε.

Despise my speech, and use their wonted ill,

φθεγγομένου δʼ ἄρα τοῦ γε κάρη κονίῃσιν ἐμίχθη.

They have their penance by the stroke of death,

Τερπιάδης δʼ ἔτʼ ἀοιδὸς ἀλύσκανε κῆρα μέλαιναν,

Which their desert divinely warranteth.

Φήμιος, ὅς ῥʼ ἤειδε μετὰ μνηστῆρσιν ἀνάγκῃ.

But I am priest amongst them, and shall I

ἔστη δʼ ἐν χείρεσσίν ἔχων φόρμιγγα λίγειαν

That nought have done worth death amongst them die?

ἄγχι παρʼ ὀρσοθύρην· δίχα δὲ φρεσὶ μερμήριζεν,

From thee this proverb then will men derive:

ἢ ἐκδὺς μεγάροιο Διὸς μεγάλου ποτὶ βωμὸν

Good turns do never their mere deeds survive."

ἑρκείου ἵζοιτο τετυγμένον, ἔνθʼ ἄρα πολλὰ

He, bending his displeaséd forehead, said:

Λαέρτης Ὀδυσεύς τε βοῶν ἐπὶ μηρίʼ ἔκηαν,

"If you be priest among them, as you plead,

ἦ γούνων λίσσοιτο προσαΐξας Ὀδυσῆα.

Yet you would marry, and with my wife too,

ὧδε δέ οἱ φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι,

And have descent by her. For all that woo

γούνων ἅψασθαι Λαερτιάδεω Ὀδυσῆος.

Wish to obtain, which they should never do,

ἦ τοι ὁ φόρμιγγα γλαφυρὴν κατέθηκε χαμᾶζε

Dames' husbands living. You must therefore pray

μεσσηγὺς κρητῆρος ἰδὲ θρόνου ἀργυροήλου,

Of force, and oft in Court here, that the day

αὐτὸς δʼ αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα προσαΐξας λάβε γούνων,

Of my return for him might never shine;

καί μιν λισσόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

The death to me wish'd, therefore, shall be thine."

γουνοῦμαί σʼ, Ὀδυσεῦ· σὺ δέ μʼ αἴδεο καί μʼ ἐλέησον·

This said, he took a sword up that was cast

αὐτῷ τοι μετόπισθʼ ἄχος ἔσσεται, εἴ κεν ἀοιδὸν

From Agelaus, having struck his last,

πέφνῃς, ὅς τε θεοῖσι καὶ ἀνθρώποισιν ἀείδω.

And on the priest's mid neck he laid a stroke

αὐτοδίδακτος δʼ εἰμί, θεὸς δέ μοι ἐν φρεσὶν οἴμας

That struck his head off, tumbling as he spoke.

παντοίας ἐνέφυσεν· ἔοικα δέ τοι παραείδειν

Then did the poet Phemius (whose surname

ὥς τε θεῷ· τῷ μή με λιλαίεο δειροτομῆσαι.

Was call'd Terpiades; who thither came

καί κεν Τηλέμαχος τάδε γʼ εἴποι, σὸς φίλος υἱός,

Forc'd by the Wooers) fly death; but being near

ὡς ἐγὼ οὔ τι ἑκὼν ἐς σὸν δόμον οὐδὲ χατίζων

The court's great gate, he stood, and parted there

πωλεύμην μνηστῆρσιν ἀεισόμενος μετὰ δαῖτας,

In two his counsels; either to remove

ἀλλὰ πολὺ πλέονες καὶ κρείσσονες ἦγον ἀνάγκῃ.

And take the altar of Herceian Jove

ὣς φάτο, τοῦ δʼ ἤκουσʼ ἱερὴ ἲς Τηλεμάχοιο,

(Made sacred to him, with a world of art

αἶψα δʼ ἑὸν πατέρα προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

Engrav'n about it, where were wont t' impart

ἴσχεο μηδέ τι τοῦτον ἀναίτιον οὔταε χαλκῷ·

Laertes and Ulysses many a thigh

καὶ κήρυκα Μέδοντα σαώσομεν, ὅς τέ μευ αἰεὶ

Of broad-brow'd oxen to the Deity)

οἴκῳ ἐν ἡμετέρῳ κηδέσκετο παιδὸς ἐόντος,

Or venture to Ulysses, clasp his knee,

εἰ δὴ μή μιν ἔπεφνε Φιλοίτιος ἠὲ συβώτης,

And pray his ruth. The last was the decree

ἠὲ σοὶ ἀντεβόλησεν ὀρινομένῳ κατὰ δῶμα.

His choice resolv'd on. 'Twixt the royal throne

ὣς φάτο, τοῦ δʼ ἤκουσε Μέδων πεπνυμένα εἰδώς·

And that fair table that the bowl stood on

πεπτηὼς γὰρ ἔκειτο ὑπὸ θρόνον, ἀμφὶ δὲ δέρμα

With which they sacrific'd, his harp he laid

ἕστο βοὸς νεόδαρτον, ἀλύσκων κῆρα μέλαιναν.

Along the earth, the King's knees hugg'd, and said:

αἶψα δʼ ἀπὸ θρόνου ὦρτο, θοῶς δʼ ἀπέδυνε βοείην

"Ulysses! Let my pray'rs obtain of thee

Τηλέμαχον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα προσαΐξας λάβε γούνων,

My sacred skill's respect, and ruth to me!

καί μιν λισσόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

It will hereafter grieve thee to have slain

ὦ φίλʼ, ἐγὼ μὲν ὅδʼ εἰμί, σὺ δʼ ἴσχεο εἰπὲ δὲ πατρὶ

A poet, that doth sing to Gods and men.

μή με περισθενέων δηλήσεται ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

I of myself am taught, for God alone

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων κεχολωμένος, οἵ οἱ ἔκειρον

All sorts of song hath in my bosom sown,

κτήματʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροις, σὲ δὲ νήπιοι οὐδὲν ἔτιον.

And I, as to a God, will sing to thee;

τὸν δʼ ἐπιμειδήσας προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Then do not thou deal like the priest with me.

θάρσει, ἐπεὶ δή σʼ οὗτος ἐρύσσατο καὶ ἐσάωσεν,

Thine own lov'd son Telemachus will say,

ὄφρα γνῷς κατὰ θυμόν, ἀτὰρ εἴπῃσθα καὶ ἄλλῳ,

That not to beg here, nor with willing way

ὡς κακοεργίης εὐεργεσίη μέγʼ ἀμείνων.

Was my access to thy high court addrest,

ἀλλʼ ἐξελθόντες μεγάρων ἕζεσθε θύραζε

To give the Wooers my song after feast,

But, being many, and so much more strong,

They forced me hither, and compell'd my song."

This did the prince's sacred virtue hear,

And to the King, his father, said: "Forbear

To mix the guiltless with the guilty's blood.

And with him likewise let our mercies save

Medon the herald, that did still behave

Himself with care of my good from a child;

If by Eumæus yet he be not kill'd,

Or by Philœtius, nor your fury met,

While all this blood about the house it swet."

This Medon heard, as lying hid beneath

A throne set near, half-dead with fear of death;

A new-flay'd ox-hide, as but there thrown by,

His serious shroud made, he lying there to fly.

But hearing this he quickly left the throne,

His ox-hide cast as quickly, and as soon

The prince's knees seiz'd, saying: "O my love,

ἐκ φόνου εἰς αὐλήν, σύ τε καὶ πολύφημος ἀοιδός,

I am not slain, but here alive and move.

ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼ κατὰ δῶμα πονήσομαι ὅττεό με χρή.

Abstain yourself, and do not see your sire

ὣς φάτο, τὼ δʼ ἔξω βήτην μεγάροιο κιόντε,

Quench with my cold blood the unmeasur'd fire

ἑζέσθην δʼ ἄρα τώ γε Διὸς μεγάλου ποτὶ βωμόν,

That flames in his strength, making spoil of me,

πάντοσε παπταίνοντε, φόνον ποτιδεγμένω αἰεί.

His wrath's right, for the Wooers' injury."

πάπτηνεν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καθʼ ἑὸν δόμον, εἴ τις ἔτʼ ἀνδρῶν

Ulysses smil'd, and said: "Be confident

ζωὸς ὑποκλοπέοιτο, ἀλύσκων κῆρα μέλαιναν.

This man hath sav'd and made thee different,

τοὺς δὲ ἴδεν μάλα πάντας ἐν αἵματι καὶ κονίῃσι

To let thee know, and say, and others see,

πεπτεῶτας πολλούς, ὥστʼ ἰχθύας, οὕς θʼ ἁλιῆες

Good life is much more safe than villany.

κοῖλον ἐς αἰγιαλὸν πολιῆς ἔκτοσθε θαλάσσης

Go then, sit free without from death within.

δικτύῳ ἐξέρυσαν πολυωπῷ· οἱ δέ τε πάντες

This much-renownéd singer from the sin

κύμαθʼ ἁλὸς ποθέοντες ἐπὶ ψαμάθοισι κέχυνται·

Of these men likewise quit. Both rest you there,

τῶν μέν τʼ Ἠέλιος φαέθων ἐξείλετο θυμόν·

While I my house purge as it fits me here."

ὣς τότʼ ἄρα μνηστῆρες ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισι κέχυντο.

This said, they went and took their seat without

δὴ τότε Τηλέμαχον προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

At Jove's high altar, looking round about,

Τηλέμαχʼ, εἰ δʼ ἄγε μοι κάλεσον τροφὸν Εὐρύκλειαν,

Expecting still their slaughter. When the King

ὄφρα ἔπος εἴπωμι τό μοι καταθύμιόν ἐστιν.

Search'd round the hall, to try life's hidden wing

ὣς φάτο, Τηλέμαχος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθετο πατρί,

Made from more death. But all laid prostrate there

κινήσας δὲ θύρην προσέφη τροφὸν Εὐρύκλειαν·

In blood and gore he saw. Whole shoals they were,

δεῦρο δὴ ὄρσο, γρηῢ παλαιγενές, ἥ τε γυναικῶν

And lay as thick as in a hollow creek

δμῳάων σκοπός ἐσσι κατὰ μέγαρʼ ἡμετεράων·

Without the white sea, when the fishers break

ἔρχεο· κικλήσκει σε πατὴρ ἐμός, ὄφρα τι εἴπῃ.

Their many-mesh'd draught-net up, there lie

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, τῇ δʼ ἄπτερος ἔπλετο μῦθος,

Fish frisking on the sands, and fain the dry

ὤϊξεν δὲ θύρας μεγάρων εὖ ναιεταόντων,

Would for the wet change, but th' all-seeing beam

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν· αὐτὰρ Τηλέμαχος πρόσθʼ ἡγεμόνευεν.

The sun exhales hath suck'd their lives from them;

εὗρεν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα μετὰ κταμένοισι νέκυσσιν,

So one by other sprawl'd the Wooers there.

αἵματι καὶ λύθρῳ πεπαλαγμένον ὥστε λέοντα,

Ulysses and his son then bid appear

ὅς ῥά τε βεβρωκὼς βοὸς ἔρχεται ἀγραύλοιο·

The nurse Euryclea, to let her hear

πᾶν δʼ ἄρα οἱ στῆθός τε παρήϊά τʼ ἀμφοτέρωθεν

His mind in something fit for her affair.

αἱματόεντα πέλει, δεινὸς δʼ εἰς ὦπα ἰδέσθαι·

He op'd the door, and call'd, and said: "Repair,

ὣς Ὀδυσεὺς πεπάλακτο πόδας καὶ χεῖρας ὕπερθεν.

Grave matron long since born, that art our spy

ἡ δʼ ὡς οὖν νέκυάς τε καὶ ἄσπετον εἴσιδεν αἷμα,

To all this house's servile housewif'ry;

ἴθυσέν ῥʼ ὀλολύξαι, ἐπεὶ μέγα εἴσιδεν ἔργον·

My father calls thee, to impart some thought

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσεὺς κατέρυκε καὶ ἔσχεθεν ἱεμένην περ,

That asks thy action." His word found in nought

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Her slack observance, who straight op'd the door

ἐν θυμῷ, γρηῦ, χαῖρε καὶ ἴσχεο μηδʼ ὀλόλυζε·

And enter'd to him; when himself before

οὐχ ὁσίη κταμένοισιν ἐπʼ ἀνδράσιν εὐχετάασθαι.

Had left the hall. But there the King she view'd

τούσδε δὲ μοῖρʼ ἐδάμασσε θεῶν καὶ σχέτλια ἔργα·

Amongst the slain, with blood and gore imbrued.

οὔ τινα γὰρ τίεσκον ἐπιχθονίων ἀνθρώπων,

And as a lion skulking all in night,

οὐ κακὸν οὐδὲ μὲν ἐσθλόν, ὅτις σφέας εἰσαφίκοιτο·

Far-off in pastures, and come home, all dight

τῷ καὶ ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ἀεικέα πότμον ἐπέσπον.

In jaws and breast-locks with an ox's blood

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι σὺ γυναῖκας ἐνὶ μεγάροις κατάλεξον,

New feasted on him, his looks full of mood;

αἵ τέ μʼ ἀτιμάζουσι καὶ αἳ νηλείτιδές εἰσιν.

So look'd Ulysses, all his hands and feet

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια·

Freckled with purple. When which sight did greet

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, τέκνον, ἀληθείην καταλέξω.

The poor old woman (such works being for eyes

πεντήκοντά τοί εἰσιν ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναῖκες

Of no soft temper) out she brake in cries,

δμῳαί, τὰς μέν τʼ ἔργα διδάξαμεν ἐργάζεσθαι,

Whose vent, though throughly open'd, he yet clos'd,

εἴριά τε ξαίνειν καὶ δουλοσύνην ἀνέχεσθαι·

Call'd her more near, and thus her plaints compos'd:

τάων δώδεκα πᾶσαι ἀναιδείης ἐπέβησαν,

"Forbear, nor shriek thus, but vent joys as loud.

οὔτʼ ἐμὲ τίουσαι οὔτʼ αὐτὴν Πηνελόπειαν.

It is no piety to bemoan the proud,

Τηλέμαχος δὲ νέον μὲν ἀέξετο, οὐδέ ἑ μήτηρ

Though ends befall them moving ne'er so much,

σημαίνειν εἴασκεν ἐπὶ δμῳῇσι γυναιξίν.

These are the portions of the Gods to such.

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἐγὼν ἀναβᾶσʼ ὑπερώϊα σιγαλόεντα

Men's own impieties in their instant act

εἴπω σῇ ἀλόχῳ, τῇ τις θεὸς ὕπνον ἐπῶρσε.

Sustain their plagues, which are with stay but rackt.

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς

But these men Gods nor men had in esteem,

μή πω τήνδʼ ἐπέγειρε· σὺ δʼ ἐνθάδε εἰπὲ γυναιξὶν

Nor good nor bad had any sense in them,

ἐλθέμεν, αἵ περ πρόσθεν ἀεικέα μηχανόωντο.

Their lives directly ill were, therefore, cause

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, γρηῢς δὲ διὲκ μεγάροιο βεβήκει

That Death in these stern forms so deeply draws.

ἀγγελέουσα γυναιξὶ καὶ ὀτρυνέουσα νέεσθαι.

Recount, then, to me those licentious dames

αὐτὰρ ὁ Τηλέμαχον καὶ βουκόλον ἠδὲ συβώτην

That lost my honour and their sex's shames."

εἰς ἓ καλεσσάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

"I'll tell you truly," she replied: "There are

ἄρχετε νῦν νέκυας φορέειν καὶ ἄνωχθε γυναῖκας·

Twice five-and-twenty women here that share

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα θρόνους περικαλλέας ἠδὲ τραπέζας

All work amongst them; whom I taught to spin,

And bear the just bands that they suffer'd in.

Of all which only there were twelve that gave

Themselves to impudence and light behave,

Nor me respecting, nor herself—the Queen.

And for your son he hath but lately been

Of years to rule; nor would his mother bear

His empire where her women's labours were,

But let me go and give her notice now

Of your arrival. Sure some God doth show

His hand upon her in this rest she takes,