Odyssey

The servants thus inform'd, the matron goes

γρηῢς δʼ εἰς ὑπερῷʼ ἀνεβήσετο καγχαλόωσα,

Up where the Queen was cast in such repose,

δεσποίνῃ ἐρέουσα φίλον πόσιν ἔνδον ἐόντα·

Affected with a fervent joy to tell

γούνατα δʼ ἐρρώσαντο, πόδες δʼ ὑπερικταίνοντο.

What all this time she did with pain conceal.

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Her knees revok'd their first strength, and her feet

ἔγρεο, Πηνελόπεια, φίλον τέκος, ὄφρα ἴδηαι

Were borne above the ground with wings to greet

ὀφθαλμοῖσι τεοῖσι τά τʼ ἔλδεαι ἤματα πάντα.

The long-griev'd Queen with news her King was come;

ἦλθʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ οἶκον ἱκάνεται, ὀψέ περ ἐλθών.

And, near her, said: "Wake, leave this withdrawn room,

μνηστῆρας δʼ ἔκτεινεν ἀγήνορας, οἵ θʼ ἑὸν οἶκον

That now your eyes may see at length, though late,

κήδεσκον καὶ κτήματʼ ἔδον βιόωντό τε παῖδα.

The man return'd, which, all the heavy date

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

Your woes have rack'd out, you have long'd to see.

μαῖα φίλη, μάργην σε θεοὶ θέσαν, οἵ τε δύνανται

Ulysses is come home, and hath set free

ἄφρονα ποιῆσαι καὶ ἐπίφρονά περ μάλʼ ἐόντα,

His court of all your Wooers, slaught'ring all

καί τε χαλιφρονέοντα σαοφροσύνης ἐπέβησαν·

For wasting so his goods with festival,

οἵ σέ περ ἔβλαψαν· πρὶν δὲ φρένας αἰσίμη ἦσθα.

His house so vexing, and for violence done

τίπτε με λωβεύεις πολυπενθέα θυμὸν ἔχουσαν

So all ways varied to his only son."

ταῦτα παρὲξ ἐρέουσα καὶ ἐξ ὕπνου μʼ ἀνεγείρεις

She answer'd her: "The Gods have made thee mad,

ἡδέος, ὅς μʼ ἐπέδησε φίλα βλέφαρʼ ἀμφικαλύψας;

Of whose pow'r now thy pow'rs such proof have had.

οὐ γάρ πω τοιόνδε κατέδραθον, ἐξ οὗ Ὀδυσσεὺς

The Gods can blind with follies wisest eyes,

ᾤχετʼ ἐποψόμενος Κακοΐλιον οὐκ ὀνομαστήν.

And make men foolish so to make them wise.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν κατάβηθι καὶ ἂψ ἔρχευ μέγαρόνδε.

For they have hurt ev'n thy grave brain, that bore

εἰ γάρ τίς μʼ ἄλλη γε γυναικῶν, αἵ μοι ἔασι,

An understanding spirit heretofore.

ταῦτʼ ἐλθοῦσʼ ἤγγειλε καὶ ἐξ ὕπνου ἀνέγειρεν,

Why hast thou wak'd me to more tears, when Moan

τῷ κε τάχα στυγερῶς μιν ἐγὼν ἀπέπεμψα νέεσθαι

Hath turn'd my mind, with tears into her own?

αὖτις ἔσω μέγαρον· σὲ δὲ τοῦτό γε γῆρας ὀνήσει.

Thy madness much more blameful, that with lies

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια·

Thy haste is laden, and both robs mine eyes

οὔ τί σε λωβεύω, τέκνον φίλον, ἀλλʼ ἔτυμόν τοι

Of most delightsome sleep, and sleep of them,

ἦλθʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ οἶκον ἱκάνεται, ὡς ἀγορεύω,

That now had bound me in his sweet extreme,

ὁ ξεῖνος, τὸν πάντες ἀτίμων ἐν μεγάροισι.

T' embrace my lids and close my visual spheres:

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἄρα μιν πάλαι ᾔδεεν ἔνδον ἐόντα,

I have not slept so much this twenty years,

ἀλλὰ σαοφροσύνῃσι νοήματα πατρὸς ἔκευθεν,

Since first my dearest sleeping-mate was gone

ὄφρʼ ἀνδρῶν τίσαιτο βίην ὑπερηνορεόντων.

For that too-ill-to-speak-of Ilion.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἡ δʼ ἐχάρη καὶ ἀπὸ λέκτροιο θοροῦσα

Hence, take your mad steps back. If any maid

γρηῒ περιπλέχθη, βλεφάρων δʼ ἀπὸ δάκρυον ἧκεν·

Of all my train besides a part had play'd

καί μιν φωνήσασʼ ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

So bold to wake, and tell mine ears such lies,

εἰ δʼ ἄγε δή μοι, μαῖα φίλη, νημερτὲς ἐνίσπες,

I had return'd her to her housewif'ries

εἰ ἐτεὸν δὴ οἶκον ἱκάνεται, ὡς ἀγορεύεις,

With good proof of my wrath to such rude dames.

ὅππως δὴ μνηστῆρσιν ἀναιδέσι χεῖρας ἐφῆκε

But go, your years have sav'd their younger blames."

μοῦνος ἐών, οἱ δʼ αἰὲν ἀολλέες ἔνδον ἔμιμνον.

She answer'd her: "I nothing wrong your ear,

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια·

But tell the truth. Your long-miss'd lord is here,

οὐκ ἴδον, οὐ πυθόμην, ἀλλὰ στόνον οἶον ἄκουσα

And, with the Wooers' slaughter, his own hand,

κτεινομένων· ἡμεῖς δὲ μυχῷ θαλάμων εὐπήκτων

In chief exploit, hath to his own command

ἥμεθʼ ἀτυζόμεναι, σανίδες δʼ ἔχον εὖ ἀραρυῖαι,

Reduc'd his house; and that poor guest was he,

πρίν γʼ ὅτε δή με σὸς υἱὸς ἀπὸ μεγάροιο κάλεσσε

That all those Wooers wrought such injury.

Τηλέμαχος· τὸν γάρ ῥα πατὴρ προέηκε καλέσσαι.

Telemachus had knowledge long ago

εὗρον ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα μετὰ κταμένοισι νέκυσσιν

That 'twas his father, but his wisdom so

ἑσταόθʼ· οἱ δέ μιν ἀμφί, κραταίπεδον οὖδας ἔχοντες,

Observ'd his counsels, to give surer end

To that great work to which they did contend."

This call'd her spirits to their conceiving places;

She sprung for joy from blames into embraces

Of her grave nurse, wip'd ev'ry tear away

From her fair cheeks, and then began to say

What nurse said over thus: "O nurse, can this

Be true thou say'st? How could that hand of his

Alone destroy so many? They would still

Troop all together. How could he then kill

Such numbers so united?" "How," said she,

"I have not seen nor heard; but certainly

The deed is done. We sat within in fear,

The doors shut on us, and from thence might hear

The sighs and groans of ev'ry man he slew,

But heard nor saw more, till at length there flew

Your son's voice to mine ear, that call'd to me,

And bade me then come forth, and then I see

Ulysses standing in the midst of all

Your slaughter'd Wooers, heap'd up, like a wall,

One on another round about his side.

κείατʼ ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν· ἰδοῦσά κε θυμὸν ἰάνθης.

It would have done you good to have descried

νῦν δʼ οἱ μὲν δὴ πάντες ἐπʼ αὐλείῃσι θύρῃσιν

Your conqu'ring lord all-smear'd with blood and gore

ἀθρόοι, αὐτὰρ ὁ δῶμα θεειοῦται περικαλλές,

So like a lion. Straight, then, off they bore

πῦρ μέγα κηάμενος· σὲ δέ με προέηκε καλέσσαι.

The slaughter'd carcasses, that now before

ἀλλʼ ἕπευ, ὄφρα σφῶϊν ἐϋφροσύνης ἐπιβῆτον

The fore-court gates lie, one on another pil'd.

ἀμφοτέρω φίλον ἦτορ, ἐπεὶ κακὰ πολλὰ πέποσθε.

And now your victor all the hall, defil'd

νῦν δʼ ἤδη τόδε μακρὸν ἐέλδωρ ἐκτετέλεσται·

With stench of hot death, is perfuming round,

ἦλθε μὲν αὐτὸς ζωὸς ἐφέστιος, εὗρε δὲ καὶ σὲ

And with a mighty fire the hearth hath crown'd.

καὶ παῖδʼ ἐν μεγάροισι· κακῶς δʼ οἵ πέρ μιν ἔρεζον

"Thus, all the death remov'd, and ev'ry room

μνηστῆρες, τοὺς πάντας ἐτίσατο ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ.

Made sweet and sightly, that yourself should come

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

His pleasure sent me. Come, then, take you now

μαῖα φίλη, μή πω μέγʼ ἐπεύχεο καγχαλόωσα.

Your mutual fills of comfort. Grief on you

οἶσθα γὰρ ὥς κʼ ἀσπαστὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροισι φανείη

Hath long and many suff'rings laid; which length,

πᾶσι, μάλιστα δʼ ἐμοί τε καὶ υἱέϊ, τὸν τεκόμεσθα·

Which many suff'rings, now your virtuous strength

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅδε μῦθος ἐτήτυμος, ὡς ἀγορεύεις,

Of uncorrupted chasteness hath conferr'd

ἀλλά τις ἀθανάτων κτεῖνε μνηστῆρας ἀγαυούς,

A happy end to. He that long hath err'd

ὕβριν ἀγασσάμενος θυμαλγέα καὶ κακὰ ἔργα.

Is safe arriv'd at home; his wife, his son,

οὔ τινα γὰρ τίεσκον ἐπιχθονίων ἀνθρώπων,

Found safe and good; all ill that hath been done

οὐ κακὸν οὐδὲ μὲν ἐσθλόν, ὅτις σφέας εἰσαφίκοιτο·

On all the doers' heads, though long prolong'd,

τῷ διʼ ἀτασθαλίας ἔπαθον κακόν· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

His right hath wreak'd, and in the place they wrong'd."

ὤλεσε τηλοῦ νόστον Ἀχαιΐδος, ὤλετο δʼ αὐτός.

She answer'd: "Do not you now laugh and boast

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια·

As you had done some great act, seeing most

τέκνον ἐμόν, ποῖόν σε ἔπος φύγεν ἕρκος ὀδόντων,

Into his being; for you know he won—

ἣ πόσιν ἔνδον ἐόντα παρʼ ἐσχάρῃ οὔ ποτʼ ἔφησθα

Ev'n through his poor and vile condition—

οἴκαδʼ ἐλεύσεσθαι· θυμὸς δέ τοι αἰὲν ἄπιστος.

A kind of prompted thought that there was plac'd

ἀλλʼ ἄγε τοι καὶ σῆμα ἀριφραδὲς ἄλλο τι εἴπω,

Some virtue in him fit to be embrac'd

οὐλήν, τήν ποτέ μιν σῦς ἤλασε λευκῷ ὀδόντι.

By all the house, but most of all by me,

τὴν ἀπονίζουσα φρασάμην, ἔθελον δὲ σοὶ αὐτῇ

And by my son that was the progeny

εἰπέμεν· ἀλλά με κεῖνος ἑλὼν ἐπὶ μάστακα χερσὶν

Of both our loves. And yet it is not he,

οὐκ ἔα εἰπέμεναι πολυϊδρείῃσι νόοιο.

For all the likely proofs ye plead to me,—

ἀλλʼ ἕπευ· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐμέθεν περιδώσομαι αὐτῆς,

Some God hath slain the Wooers in disdain

αἴ κέν σʼ ἐξαπάφω, κτεῖναί μʼ οἰκτίστῳ ὀλέθρῳ.

Of the abhorréd pride he saw so reign

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

In those base works they did. No man alive,

μαῖα φίλη, χαλεπόν σε θεῶν αἰειγενετάων

Or good or bad, whoever did arrive

δήνεα εἴρυσθαι, μὰλα περ πολύϊδριν ἐοῦσαν.

At their abodes once, ever could obtain

ἀλλʼ ἔμπης ἴομεν μετὰ παῖδʼ ἐμόν, ὄφρα ἴδωμαι

Regard of them; and therefore their so vain

ἄνδρας μνηστῆρας τεθνηότας, ἠδʼ ὃς ἔπεφνεν.

And vile deserts have found as vile an end.

ὣς φαμένη κατέβαινʼ ὑπερώϊα· πολλὰ δέ οἱ κῆρ

But, for Ulysses, never will extend

ὥρμαινʼ, ἢ ἀπάνευθε φίλον πόσιν ἐξερεείνοι,

His wish'd return to Greece, nor he yet lives."

ἦ παρστᾶσα κύσειε κάρη καὶ χεῖρε λαβοῦσα.

"How strange a Queen are you," said she, "that gives

ἡ δʼ ἐπεὶ εἰσῆλθεν καὶ ὑπέρβη λάϊνον οὐδόν,

No truth your credit, that your husband, set

ἕζετʼ ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἐναντίη, ἐν πυρὸς αὐγῇ,

Close in his house at fire, can purchase yet

τοίχου τοῦ ἑτέρου· ὁ δʼ ἄρα πρὸς κίονα μακρὴν

No faith of you, but that he still is far

ἧστο κάτω ὁρόων, ποτιδέγμενος εἴ τί μιν εἴποι

From any home of his! Your wit's at war

ἰφθίμη παράκοιτις, ἐπεὶ ἴδεν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν.

With all credulity ever! And yet now,

I'll name a sign shall force belief from you:

I bath'd him lately, and beheld the scar

That still remains a mark too ocular

To leave your heart yet blinded; and I then

Had run and told you, but his hand was fain

To close my lips from th' acclamation

My heart was breathing, and his wisdom won

My still retention, till he gave me leave

And charge to tell you this. Now then receive

My life for gage of his return; which take

In any cruel fashion, if I make

All this not clear to you." "Lov'd nurse," said she,

"Though many things thou know'st, yet these things be

Veil'd in the counsels th' uncreated Gods

Have long time mask'd in; whose dark periods

'Tis hard for thee to see into. But come,

Let's see my son, the slain, and him by whom

They had their slaughter." This said, down they went;

When, on the Queen's part, divers thoughts were spent,

If, all this giv'n no faith, she still should stand

Aloof, and question more; or his hugg'd hand

And lovéd head she should at first assay

ἡ δʼ ἄνεω δὴν ἧστο, τάφος δέ οἱ ἦτορ ἵκανεν·

With free-giv'n kisses. When her doubtful way

ὄψει δʼ ἄλλοτε μέν μιν ἐνωπαδίως ἐσίδεσκεν,

Had pass'd the stony pavement, she took seat

ἄλλοτε δʼ ἀγνώσασκε κακὰ χροῒ εἵματʼ ἔχοντα.

Against her husband, in the opposite heat

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἐνένιπεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

The fire then cast upon the other wall.

μῆτερ ἐμή, δύσμητερ, ἀπηνέα θυμὸν ἔχουσα,

Himself set by the column of the hall,

τίφθʼ οὕτω πατρὸς νοσφίζεαι, οὐδὲ παρʼ αὐτὸν

His looks cast downwards, and expected still

ἑζομένη μύθοισιν ἀνείρεαι οὐδὲ μεταλλᾷς;

When her incredulous and curious will

οὐ μέν κʼ ἄλλη γʼ ὧδε γυνὴ τετληότι θυμῷ

To shun ridiculous error, and the shame

ἀνδρὸς ἀφεσταίη, ὅς οἱ κακὰ πολλὰ μογήσας

To kiss a husband that was not the same,

ἔλθοι ἐεικοστῷ ἔτεϊ ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

Would down, and win enough faith from his sight.

σοὶ δʼ αἰεὶ κραδίη στερεωτέρη ἐστὶ λίθοιο.

She silent sat, and her perplexéd plight

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

Amaze encounter'd. Sometimes she stood clear

τέκνον ἐμόν, θυμός μοι ἐνὶ στήθεσσι τέθηπεν,

He was her husband; sometimes the ill wear

οὐδέ τι προσφάσθαι δύναμαι ἔπος οὐδʼ ἐρέεσθαι

His person had put on transform'd him so

οὐδʼ εἰς ὦπα ἰδέσθαι ἐναντίον. εἰ δʼ ἐτεὸν δὴ

That yet his stamp would hardly current go.

ἔστʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ οἶκον ἱκάνεται, ἦ μάλα νῶϊ

Her son, her strangeness seeing, blam'd her thus:

γνωσόμεθʼ ἀλλήλων καὶ λώϊον· ἔστι γὰρ ἡμῖν

"Mother, ungentle mother! tyrannous!

σήμαθʼ, ἃ δὴ καὶ νῶϊ κεκρυμμένα ἴδμεν ἀπʼ ἄλλων.

In this too-curious modesty you show.

ὣς φάτο, μείδησεν δὲ πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Why sit you from my father, nor bestow

αἶψα δὲ Τηλέμαχον ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

A word on me t' enquire and clear such doubt

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἦ τοι μητέρʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἔασον

As may perplex you? Found man ever out

πειράζειν ἐμέθεν· τάχα δὲ φράσεται καὶ ἄρειον.

One other such a wife that could forbear

νῦν δʼ ὅττι ῥυπόω, κακὰ δὲ χροῒ εἵματα εἷμαι,

Her lov'd lord's welcome home, when twenty year

τοὔνεκʼ ἀτιμάζει με καὶ οὔ πω φησὶ τὸν εἶναι.

In infinite suff'rance he had spent apart.

ἡμεῖς δὲ φραζώμεθʼ ὅπως ὄχʼ ἄριστα γένηται.

No flint so hard is as a woman's heart."

καὶ γάρ τίς θʼ ἕνα φῶτα κατακτείνας ἐνὶ δήμῳ,

"Son," said she, "amaze contains my mind,

ᾧ μὴ πολλοὶ ἔωσιν ἀοσσητῆρες ὀπίσσω,

Nor can I speak and use the common kind

φεύγει πηούς τε προλιπὼν καὶ πατρίδα γαῖαν·

Of those enquiries, nor sustain to see

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἕρμα πόληος ἀπέκταμεν, οἳ μέγʼ ἄριστοι

With opposite looks his count'nance. If this be

κούρων εἰν Ἰθάκῃ· τὰ δέ σε φράζεσθαι ἄνωγα.

My true Ulysses now return'd, there are

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Tokens betwixt us of more fitness far

αὐτὸς ταῦτά γε λεῦσσε, πάτερ φίλε· σὴν γὰρ ἀρίστην

To give me argument he is my lord;

μῆτιν ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους φάσʼ ἔμμεναι, οὐδέ κέ τίς τοι

And my assurance of him may afford

ἄλλος ἀνὴρ ἐρίσειε καταθνητῶν ἀνθρώπων.

My proofs of joy for him from all these eyes

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐμμεμαῶτες ἅμʼ ἑψόμεθʼ, οὐδέ τί φημι

With more decorum than objéct their guise

ἀλκῆς δευήσεσθαι, ὅση δύναμίς γε πάρεστιν.

To public notice." The much-suff'rer brake

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς

In laughter out, and to his son said: "Take

τοιγὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα.

Your mother from the prease, that she may make

πρῶτα μὲν ἂρ λούσασθε καὶ ἀμφιέσασθε χιτῶνας,

Her own proofs of me, which perhaps may give

δμῳὰς δʼ ἐν μεγάροισιν ἀνώγετε εἵμαθʼ ἑλέσθαι·

More cause to the acknowledgments that drive

αὐτὰρ θεῖος ἀοιδὸς ἔχων φόρμιγγα λίγειαν

Their show thus off. But now, because I go

ἡμῖν ἡγείσθω φιλοπαίγμονος ὀρχηθμοῖο,

So poorly clad, she takes disdain to know

ὥς κέν τις φαίη γάμον ἔμμεναι ἐκτὸς ἀκούων,

So loath'd a creature for her lovéd lord.

ἢ ἀνʼ ὁδὸν στείχων, ἢ οἳ περιναιετάουσι·

Let us consult, then, how we may accord

μὴ πρόσθε κλέος εὐρὺ φόνου κατὰ ἄστυ γένηται

The town to our late action. Some one slain

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων, πρίν γʼ ἡμέας ἐλθέμεν ἔξω

Hath made the all-left slaughterer of him fain

ἀγρὸν ἐς ἡμέτερον πολυδένδρεον· ἔνθα δʼ ἔπειτα

To fly his friends and country; but our swords

Have slain a city's most supportful lords,

The chief peers of the kingdom, therefore see

You use wise means t' uphold your victory."

"See you to that, good father," said the son,

"Whose counsels have the sov'reign glory won

From all men living. None will strive with you,

But with unquestion'd girlands grace your brow,

To whom our whole alacrities we vow

In free attendance. Nor shall our hands leave

Your onsets needy of supplies to give

All the effects that in our pow'rs can fall."

"Then this," said he, "to me seems capital

Of all choice courses: Bathe we first, and then

Attire we freshly; all our maids and men

Enjoining likewise to their best attire.

The sacred singer then let touch his lyre,

And go before us all in graceful dance,

That all without, to whose ears shall advance

Our cheerful accents, or of travellers by,

φρασσόμεθʼ ὅττι κε κέρδος Ὀλύμπιος ἐγγυαλίξῃ.

Or firm inhabitants, solemnity

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

Of frolic nuptials may imagine here.

πρῶτα μὲν οὖν λούσαντο καὶ ἀμφιέσαντο χιτῶνας,

And this perform we, lest the massacre

ὅπλισθεν δὲ γυναῖκες· ὁ δʼ εἵλετο θεῖος ἀοιδὸς

Of all our Wooers be divulg'd about

φόρμιγγα γλαφυρήν, ἐν δέ σφισιν ἵμερον ὦρσε

The ample city, ere ourselves get out

μολπῆς τε γλυκερῆς καὶ ἀμύμονος ὀρχηθμοῖο.

And greet my father in his grove of trees,

τοῖσιν δὲ μέγα δῶμα περιστεναχίζετο ποσσὶν

Where, after, we will prove what policies

ἀνδρῶν παιζόντων καλλιζώνων τε γυναικῶν.

Olympius shall suggest to overcome

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκε δόμων ἔκτοσθεν ἀκούων·

Our latest toils, and crown our welcome home."

ἦ μάλα δή τις ἔγημε πολυμνήστην βασίλειαν·

This all obey'd; bath'd, put on fresh attire

σχετλίη, οὐδʼ ἔτλη πόσιος οὗ κουριδίοιο

Both men and women did. Then took his lyre

εἴρυσθαι μέγα δῶμα διαμπερές, ἧος ἵκοιτο.

The holy singer, and set thirst on fire

ὣς ἄρα τις εἴπεσκε, τὰ δʼ οὐκ ἴσαν ὡς ἐτέτυκτο.

With songs and faultless dances; all the court

αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσῆα μεγαλήτορα ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Rung with the footings that the numerous sport

Εὐρυνόμη ταμίη λοῦσεν καὶ χρῖσεν ἐλαίῳ,

From jocund men drew and fair-girdled dames;

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν φᾶρος καλὸν βάλεν ἠδὲ χιτῶνα·

Which heard abroad, thus flew the common fames:

αὐτὰρ κὰκ κεφαλῆς κάλλος πολὺ χεῦεν Ἀθήνη

"This sure the day is when the much-woo'd Queen

μείζονά τʼ εἰσιδέειν καὶ πάσσονα· κὰδ δὲ κάρητος

Is richly wed. O wretch! That hath not been

οὔλας ἧκε κόμας, ὑακινθίνῳ ἄνθει ὁμοίας.

So constant as to keep her ample house

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τις χρυσὸν περιχεύεται ἀργύρῳ ἀνὴρ

Till th' utmost hour had brought her foremost spouse."

ἴδρις, ὃν Ἥφαιστος δέδαεν καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Thus some conceiv'd, but little knew the thing.

τέχνην παντοίην, χαρίεντα δὲ ἔργα τελείει·

And now Eurynomé had bath'd the King,

ὣς μὲν τῷ περίχευε χάριν κεφαλῇ τε καὶ ὤμοις.

Smooth'd him with oils, and he himself attir'd

ἐκ δʼ ἀσαμίνθου βῆ δέμας ἀθανάτοισιν ὁμοῖος·

In vestures royal. Her part then inspir'd

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ θρόνου ἔνθεν ἀνέστη,

The Goddess Pallas, deck'd his head and face

ἀντίον ἧς ἀλόχου, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

With infinite beauties, gave a goodly grace

δαιμονίη, περί σοί γε γυναικῶν θηλυτεράων

Of stature to him, a much plumper plight

κῆρ ἀτέραμνον ἔθηκαν Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχοντες·

Through all his body breath'd, curls soft and bright

οὐ μέν κʼ ἄλλη γʼ ὧδε γυνὴ τετληότι θυμῷ

Adorn'd his head withal, and made it show

ἀνδρὸς ἀφεσταίη, ὅς οἱ κακὰ πολλὰ μογήσας

As if the flow'ry hyacinth did grow

ἔλθοι ἐεικοστῷ ἔτεϊ ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

In all his pride there, in the gen'ral trim

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι, μαῖα, στόρεσον λέχος, ὄφρα καὶ αὐτὸς

Of ev'ry lock and ev'ry curious limb.

λέξομαι· ἦ γὰρ τῇ γε σιδήρεον ἐν φρεσὶ ἦτορ.

Look how a skilful artizan, well-seen

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

In all arts metalline, as having been

δαιμόνιʼ, οὔτʼ ἄρ τι μεγαλίζομαι οὔτʼ ἀθερίζω

Taught by Minerva and the God of fire,

οὔτε λίην ἄγαμαι, μάλα δʼ εὖ οἶδʼ οἷος ἔησθα

Doth gold with silver mix so that entire

ἐξ Ἰθάκης ἐπὶ νηὸς ἰὼν δολιχηρέτμοιο.

They keep their self-distinction, and yet so

ἀλλʼ ἄγε οἱ στόρεσον πυκινὸν λέχος, Εὐρύκλεια,

That to the silver from the gold doth flow

ἐκτὸς ἐϋσταθέος θαλάμου, τόν ῥʼ αὐτὸς ἐποίει·

A much more artificial lustre than his own,

ἔνθα οἱ ἐκθεῖσαι πυκινὸν λέχος ἐμβάλετʼ εὐνήν,

And thereby to the gold itself is grown

κώεα καὶ χλαίνας καὶ ῥήγεα σιγαλόεντα.

A greater glory than if wrought alone,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη πόσιος πειρωμένη· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Both being stuck off by either's mixtion;

ὀχθήσας ἄλοχον προσεφώνεε κεδνὰ ἰδυῖαν·

So did Minerva her's and his combine,

ὦ γύναι, ἦ μάλα τοῦτο ἔπος θυμαλγὲς ἔειπες·

He more in her, she more in him, did shine.

τίς δέ μοι ἄλλοσε θῆκε λέχος; χαλεπὸν δέ κεν εἴη

Like an Immortal from the bath he rose,

καὶ μάλʼ ἐπισταμένῳ, ὅτε μὴ θεὸς αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

And to his wife did all his grace dispose,

Encount'ring this her strangeness: "Cruel dame

Of all that breathe, the Gods past steel and flame

Have made thee ruthless. Life retains not one

Of all dames else that bears so overgrown

A mind with abstinence, as twenty years

To miss her husband drown'd in woes and tears,

And at his coming keep aloof, and fare

As of his so long absence and his care

No sense had seiz'd her. Go, nurse, make a bed,

That I alone may sleep; her heart is dead

To all reflection!" To him thus replied

The wise Penelope: "Man half-deified,

'Tis not my fashion to be taken straight

With bravest men, nor poorest use to sleight.

Your mean appearance made not me retire,

Nor this your rich show makes me now admire,

Nor moves at all; for what is all to me

If not my husband? All his certainty

I knew at parting; but, so long apart,

The outward likeness holds no full desert

For me to trust to. Go, nurse, see addrest

ῥηϊδίως ἐθέλων θείη ἄλλῃ ἐνὶ χώρῃ.

A soft bed for him, and the single rest

ἀνδρῶν δʼ οὔ κέν τις ζωὸς βροτός, οὐδὲ μάλʼ ἡβῶν,

Himself affects so. Let it be the bed

ῥεῖα μετοχλίσσειεν, ἐπεὶ μέγα σῆμα τέτυκται

That stands within our bridal chamber-sted,

ἐν λέχει ἀσκητῷ· τὸ δʼ ἐγὼ κάμον οὐδέ τις ἄλλος.

Which he himself made. Bring it forth from thence,

θάμνος ἔφυ τανύφυλλος ἐλαίης ἕρκεος ἐντός,

And see it furnish'd with magnificence."

ἀκμηνὸς θαλέθων· πάχετος δʼ ἦν ἠΰτε κίων.

This said she to assay him, and did stir

τῷ δʼ ἐγὼ ἀμφιβαλὼν θάλαμον δέμον, ὄφρʼ ἐτέλεσσα,

Ev'n his establish'd patience; and to her

πυκνῇσιν λιθάδεσσι, καὶ εὖ καθύπερθεν ἔρεψα,

Whom thus he answer'd: "Woman! your words prove

κολλητὰς δʼ ἐπέθηκα θύρας, πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας.

My patience strangely. Who is it can move

καὶ τότʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀπέκοψα κόμην τανυφύλλου ἐλαίης,

My bed out of his place? It shall oppress

κορμὸν δʼ ἐκ ῥίζης προταμὼν ἀμφέξεσα χαλκῷ

Earth's greatest understander; and, unless

εὖ καὶ ἐπισταμένως, καὶ ἐπὶ στάθμην ἴθυνα,

Ev'n God himself come, that can eas'ly grace

ἑρμῖνʼ ἀσκήσας, τέτρηνα δὲ πάντα τερέτρῳ.

Men in their most skills, it shall hold his place;

ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ἀρχόμενος λέχος ἔξεον, ὄφρʼ ἐτέλεσσα,

For man he lives not that (as not most skill'd,

δαιδάλλων χρυσῷ τε καὶ ἀργύρῳ ἠδʼ ἐλέφαντι·

So not most young) shall easily make it yield,

ἐκ δʼ ἐτάνυσσα ἱμάντα βοὸς φοίνικι φαεινόν.

If, building on the strength in which he flows,

οὕτω τοι τόδε σῆμα πιφαύσκομαι· οὐδέ τι οἶδα,

He adds both levers too and iron crows:

ἤ μοι ἔτʼ ἔμπεδόν ἐστι, γύναι, λέχος, ἦέ τις ἤδη

For in the fixture of the bed is shown

ἀνδρῶν ἄλλοσε θῆκε, ταμὼν ὕπο πυθμένʼ ἐλαίης.

A master-piece, a wonder; and 'twas done

ὣς φάτο, τῆς δʼ αὐτοῦ λύτο γούνατα καὶ φίλον ἦτορ,

By me, and none but me, and thus was wrought:

σήματʼ ἀναγνούσῃ τά οἱ ἔμπεδα πέφραδʼ Ὀδυσσεύς·

There was an olive-tree that had his grought

δακρύσασα δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἰθὺς δράμεν, ἀμφὶ δὲ χεῖρας

Amidst a hedge, and was of shadow proud,

δειρῇ βάλλʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ, κάρη δʼ ἔκυσʼ ἠδὲ προσηύδα·

Fresh, and the prime age of his verdure show'd,

μή μοι, Ὀδυσσεῦ, σκύζευ, ἐπεὶ τά περ ἄλλα μάλιστα

His leaves and arms so thick that to the eye

ἀνθρώπων πέπνυσο· θεοὶ δʼ ὤπαζον ὀϊζύν,

It show'd a column for solidity.

οἳ νῶϊν ἀγάσαντο παρʼ ἀλλήλοισι μένοντε

To this had I a comprehension

ἥβης ταρπῆναι καὶ γήραος οὐδὸν ἱκέσθαι.

To build my bridal bow'r; which all of stone,

αὐτὰρ μὴ νῦν μοι τόδε χώεο μηδὲ νεμέσσα,

Thick as the tree of leaves, I rais'd, and cast

οὕνεκά σʼ οὐ τὸ πρῶτον, ἐπεὶ ἴδον, ὧδʼ ἀγάπησα.

A roof about it nothing meanly grac'd,

αἰεὶ γάρ μοι θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισιν

Put glued doors to it, that op'd art enough,

ἐρρίγει μή τίς με βροτῶν ἀπάφοιτο ἔπεσσιν

Then from the olive ev'ry broad-leav'd bough

ἐλθών· πολλοὶ γὰρ κακὰ κέρδεα βουλεύουσιν.

I lopp'd away; then fell'd the tree; and then

οὐδέ κεν Ἀργείη Ἑλένη, Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα,

Went over it both with my axe and plane,

ἀνδρὶ παρʼ ἀλλοδαπῷ ἐμίγη φιλότητι καὶ εὐνῇ,

Both govern'd by my line, And then I hew'd

εἰ ᾔδη ὅ μιν αὖτις ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

My curious bedstead out; in which I shew'd

ἀξέμεναι οἶκόνδε φίλην ἐς πατρίδʼ ἔμελλον.

Work of no common hand. All this begun,

τὴν δʼ ἦ τοι ῥέξαι θεὸς ὤρορεν ἔργον ἀεικές·

I could not leave till to perfection

τὴν δʼ ἄτην οὐ πρόσθεν ἑῷ ἐγκάτθετο θυμῷ

My pains had brought it; took my wimble, bor'd

λυγρήν, ἐξ ἧς πρῶτα καὶ ἡμέας ἵκετο πένθος.

The holes, as fitted, and did last afford

νῦν δʼ, ἐπεὶ ἤδη σήματʼ ἀριφραδέα κατέλεξας

The varied ornament, which show'd no want

εὐνῆς ἡμετέρης, ἣν οὐ βροτὸς ἄλλος ὀπώπει,

Of silver, gold, and polish'd elephant.

ἀλλʼ οἶοι σύ τʼ ἐγώ τε καὶ ἀμφίπολος μία μούνη,

An ox-hide dyed in purple then I threw

Ἀκτορίς, ἥν μοι δῶκε πατὴρ ἔτι δεῦρο κιούσῃ,

Above the cords. And thus to curious view

ἣ νῶϊν εἴρυτο θύρας πυκινοῦ θαλάμοιο,

I hope I have objected honest sign

πείθεις δή μευ θυμόν, ἀπηνέα περ μάλʼ ἐόντα.

To prove I author nought that is not mine.

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ὑφʼ ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο·

But if my bed stand unremov'd or no,

O woman, passeth human wit to know."

This sunk her knees and heart, to hear so true

The signs she urg'd; and first did tears ensue

Her rapt assurance; then she ran and spread

Her arms about his neck, kiss'd oft his head,

And thus the curious stay she made excus'd:

"Ulysses! Be not angry that I us'd

Such strange delays to this, since heretofore

Your suff'ring wisdom hath the garland wore

From all that breathe; and 'tis the Gods that, thus

With mutual miss so long afflicting us,

Have caus'd my coyness; to our youths envied

That wish'd society that should have tied

Our youths and years together; and since now

Judgment and Duty should our age allow

As full joys therein as in youth and blood,

See all young anger and reproof withstood

For not at first sight giving up my arms,

My heart still trembling lest the false alarms

That words oft strike-up should ridiculize me.

Had Argive Helen known credulity

κλαῖε δʼ ἔχων ἄλοχον θυμαρέα, κεδνὰ ἰδυῖαν.

Would bring such plagues with it, and her again,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἀσπάσιος γῆ νηχομένοισι φανήῃ,

As authoress of them all, with that foul stain

ὧν τε Ποσειδάων εὐεργέα νῆʼ ἐνὶ πόντῳ

To her and to her country, she had stay'd

ῥαίσῃ, ἐπειγομένην ἀνέμῳ καὶ κύματι πηγῷ·

Her love and mixture from a stranger's bed;

παῦροι δʼ ἐξέφυγον πολιῆς ἁλὸς ἤπειρόνδε

But God impell'd her to a shameless deed,

νηχόμενοι, πολλὴ δὲ περὶ χροῒ τέτροφεν ἅλμη,

Because she had not in herself decreed,

ἀσπάσιοι δʼ ἐπέβαν γαίης, κακότητα φυγόντες·

Before th' attempt, that such acts still were shent

ὣς ἄρα τῇ ἀσπαστὸς ἔην πόσις εἰσοροώσῃ,

As simply in themselves as in th' event

δειρῆς δʼ οὔ πω πάμπαν ἀφίετο πήχεε λευκώ.

By which not only she herself sustains,

καί νύ κʼ ὀδυρομένοισι φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

But we, for her fault, have paid mutual pains.

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

Yet now, since these signs of our certain bed

νύκτα μὲν ἐν περάτῃ δολιχὴν σχέθεν, Ἠῶ δʼ αὖτε

You have discover'd, and distinguishéd

ῥύσατʼ ἐπʼ Ὠκεανῷ χρυσόθρονον, οὐδʼ ἔα ἵππους

From all earth's others, no one man but you

ζεύγνυσθʼ ὠκύποδας, φάος ἀνθρώποισι φέροντας,

Yet ever getting of it th' only show,

Λάμπον καὶ Φαέθονθʼ, οἵ τʼ Ἠῶ πῶλοι ἄγουσι.

Nor one of all dames but myself and she

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ ἣν ἄλοχον προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς

My father gave, old Actor's progeny,

ὦ γύναι, οὐ γάρ πω πάντων ἐπὶ πείρατʼ ἀέθλων

Who ever guarded to ourselves the door

ἤλθομεν, ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ὄπισθεν ἀμέτρητος πόνος ἔσται,

Of that thick-shaded chamber, I no more

πολλὸς καὶ χαλεπός, τὸν ἐμὲ χρὴ πάντα τελέσσαι.

Will cross your clear persuasion, though till now

ὣς γάρ μοι ψυχὴ μαντεύσατο Τειρεσίαο

I stood too doubtful and austere to you,"

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε δὴ κατέβην δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω,

These words of hers, so justifying her stay,

νόστον ἑταίροισιν διζήμενος ἠδʼ ἐμοὶ αὐτῷ.

Did more desire of joyful moan convey

ἀλλʼ ἔρχευ, λέκτρονδʼ ἴομεν, γύναι, ὄφρα καὶ ἤδη

To his glad mind than if at instant sight

ὕπνῳ ὕπο γλυκερῷ ταρπώμεθα κοιμηθέντε.

She had allow'd him all his wishes' right.

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

He wept for joy, t' enjoy a wife so fit

εὐνὴ μὲν δή σοί γε τότʼ ἔσσεται ὁππότε θυμῷ

For his grave mind, that knew his depth of wit,

σῷ ἐθέλῃς, ἐπεὶ ἄρ σε θεοὶ ποίησαν ἱκέσθαι

And held chaste virtue at a price so high,

οἶκον ἐϋκτίμενον καὶ σὴν ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

And as sad men at sea when shore is nigh,

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἐφράσθης καί τοι θεὸς ἔμβαλε θυμῷ,

Which long their hearts have wish'd, their ship quite lost

εἴπʼ ἄγε μοι τὸν ἄεθλον, ἐπεὶ καὶ ὄπισθεν, ὀΐω,

By Neptune's rigour, and they vex'd and tost

πεύσομαι, αὐτίκα δʼ ἐστὶ δαήμεναι οὔ τι χέρειον.

'Twixt winds and black waves, swimming for their lives,

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

A few escap'd, and that few that survives,

δαιμονίη, τί τʼ ἄρʼ αὖ με μάλʼ ὀτρύνουσα κελεύεις

All drench'd in foam and brine, crawl up to land,

εἰπέμεν; αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μυθήσομαι οὐδʼ ἐπικεύσω.

With joy as much as they did worlds command;

οὐ μέν τοι θυμὸς κεχαρήσεται· οὐδὲ γὰρ αὐτὸς

So dear to this wife was her husband's sight,

χαίρω, ἐπεὶ μάλα πολλὰ βροτῶν ἐπὶ ἄστεʼ ἄνωγεν

Who still embrac'd his neck, and had, till light

ἐλθεῖν, ἐν χείρεσσιν ἔχοντʼ εὐῆρες ἐρετμόν,

Display'd her silver ensign, if the Dame,

εἰς ὅ κε τοὺς ἀφίκωμαι οἳ οὐκ ἴσασι θάλασσαν

That bears the blue sky intermix'd with flame

ἀνέρες, οὐδέ θʼ ἅλεσσι μεμιγμένον εἶδαρ ἔδουσιν·

In her fair eyes, had not infix'd her thought

οὐδʼ ἄρα τοί γʼ ἴσασι νέας φοινικοπαρῄους,

On other joys, for loves so hardly brought

οὐδʼ εὐήρεʼ ἐρετμά, τά τε πτερὰ νηυσὶ πέλονται.

To long'd-for meeting; who th' extended night

σῆμα δέ μοι τόδʼ ἔειπεν ἀριφραδές, οὐδέ σε κεύσω·

Withheld in long date, nor would let the light

ὁππότε κεν δή μοι ξυμβλήμενος ἄλλος ὁδίτης

Her wing-hoov'd horse join—Lampus, Phaeton—

φήῃ ἀθηρηλοιγὸν ἔχειν ἀνὰ φαιδίμῳ ὤμῳ,

Those ever-colts that bring the morning on

καὶ τότε μʼ ἐν γαίῃ πήξαντʼ ἐκέλευεν ἐρετμόν,

To worldly men, but, in her golden chair,

ἔρξανθʼ ἱερὰ καλὰ Ποσειδάωνι ἄνακτι,

Down to the ocean by her silver hair

ἀρνειὸν ταῦρόν τε συῶν τʼ ἐπιβήτορα κάπρον,

Bound her aspirings. Then Ulysses said:

"O wife! Nor yet are my contentions stay'd.

A most unmeasur'd labour long and hard

Asks more performance; to it being prepar'd

By grave Tiresiás, when down to hell

I made dark passage, that his skill might tell

My men's return and mine. But come, and now

Enjoy the sweet rest that our Fates allow."

"The place of rest is ready," she replied,

"Your will at full serve, since the Deified

Have brought you where your right is to command.

But since you know, God making understand

Your searching mind, inform me what must be

Your last set labour; since 'twill fall to me,

I hope, to hear it after, tell me now.

The greatest pleasure is before to know."

"Unhappy!" said Ulysses; "To what end

Importune you this labour? It will lend

Nor you nor me delight, but you shall know

I was commanded yet more to bestow

οἴκαδʼ ἀποστείχειν, ἔρδειν θʼ ἱερὰς ἑκατόμβας

My years in travel, many cities more

ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσι, τοὶ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσι,

By sea to visit; and when first for shore

πᾶσι μάλʼ ἑξείης· θάνατος δέ μοι ἐξ ἁλὸς αὐτῷ

I left my shipping, I was will'd to take

ἀβληχρὸς μάλα τοῖος ἐλεύσεται, ὅς κέ με πέφνῃ

A naval oar in hand, and with it make

γήρα’ ὕπο λιπαρῷ ἀρημένον· ἀμφὶ δὲ λαοὶ

My passage forth till such strange men I met

ὄλβιοι ἔσσονται· τὰ δέ μοι φάτο πάντα τελεῖσθαι.

As knew no sea, nor ever salt did eat

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε περίφρων Πηνελόπεια·

With any victuals, who the purple beaks

εἰ μὲν δὴ γῆράς γε θεοὶ τελέουσιν ἄρειον,

Of ships did never see, nor that which breaks

ἐλπωρή τοι ἔπειτα κακῶν ὑπάλυξιν ἔσεσθαι.

The waves in curls, which is a fan-like oar,

ὣς οἱ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

And serves as wings with which a ship doth soar.

τόφρα δʼ ἄρʼ Εὐρυνόμη τε ἰδὲ τροφὸς ἔντυον εὐνὴν

To let me know, then, when I was arriv'd

ἐσθῆτος μαλακῆς, δαΐδων ὕπο λαμπομενάων.

On that strange earth where such a people liv'd,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ στόρεσαν πυκινὸν λέχος ἐγκονέουσαι,

He gave me this for an unfailing sign:

γρηῢς μὲν κείουσα πάλιν οἶκόνδε βεβήκει,

When any one that took that oar of mine,

τοῖσιν δʼ Εὐρυνόμη θαλαμηπόλος ἡγεμόνευεν

Borne on my shoulder, for a corn-cleanse fan,

ἐρχομένοισι λέχοσδε, δάος μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχουσα·

I met ashore, and show'd to be a man

ἐς θάλαμον δʼ ἀγαγοῦσα πάλιν κίεν. οἱ μὲν ἔπειτα

Of that land's labour, there had I command

ἀσπάσιοι λέκτροιο παλαιοῦ θεσμὸν ἵκοντο·

To fix mine oar, and offer on that strand

αὐτὰρ Τηλέμαχος καὶ βουκόλος ἠδὲ συβώτης

T' imperial Neptune, whom I must implore,

παῦσαν ἄρʼ ὀρχηθμοῖο πόδας, παῦσαν δὲ γυναῖκας,

A lamb, a bull, and sow-ascending boar;

αὐτοὶ δʼ εὐνάζοντο κατὰ μέγαρα σκιόεντα.

And then turn home, where all the other Gods

τὼ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν φιλότητος ἐταρπήτην ἐρατεινῆς,

That in the broad heav'n made secure abodes

τερπέσθην μύθοισι, πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἐνέποντε,

I must solicit—all my curious heed

ἡ μὲν ὅσʼ ἐν μεγάροισιν ἀνέσχετο δῖα γυναικῶν,

Giv'n to the sev'ral rites they have decreed—

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων ἐσορῶσʼ ἀΐδηλον ὅμιλον,

With holy hecatombs; and then, at home,

οἳ ἕθεν εἵνεκα πολλά, βόας καὶ ἴφια μῆλα,

A gentle death should seize me that would come

ἔσφαζον, πολλὸς δὲ πίθων ἠφύσσετο οἶνος·

From out the sea, and take me to his rest

αὐτὰρ ὁ διογενὴς Ὀδυσεὺς ὅσα κήδεʼ ἔθηκεν

In full ripe age, about me living blest

ἀνθρώποις ὅσα τʼ αὐτὸς ὀϊζύσας ἐμόγησε,

My loving people; to which, he presag'd,

πάντʼ ἔλεγʼ· ἡ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐτέρπετʼ ἀκούουσʼ, οὐδέ οἱ ὕπνος

The sequel of my fortunes were engag'd."

πῖπτεν ἐπὶ βλεφάροισι πάρος καταλέξαι ἅπαντα.

"If then," said she, "the Gods will please t' impose

ἤρξατο δʼ ὡς πρῶτον Κίκονας δάμασʼ, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

A happier being to your fortune's close

ἦλθʼ ἐς Λωτοφάγων ἀνδρῶν πίειραν ἄρουραν·

Than went before, your hope gives comfort strength

ἠδʼ ὅσα Κύκλωψ ἔρξε, καὶ ὡς ἀπετίσατο ποινὴν

That life shall lend you better days at length."

ἰφθίμων ἑτάρων, οὓς ἤσθιεν οὐδʼ ἐλέαιρεν·

While this discourse spent mutual speech, the bed

ἠδʼ ὡς Αἴολον ἵκεθʼ, ὅ μιν πρόφρων ὑπέδεκτο

Eurynomé and nurse had made, and spread

καὶ πέμπʼ, οὐδέ πω αἶσα φίλην ἐς πατρίδʼ ἱκέσθαι

With richest furniture, while torches spent

ἤην, ἀλλά μιν αὖτις ἀναρπάξασα θύελλα

Their parcel-gilt thereon. To bed then went

πόντον ἐπʼ ἰχθυόεντα φέρεν βαρέα στενάχοντα·

The aged nurse; and, where their sov'reigns were,

ἠδʼ ὡς Τηλέπυλον Λαιστρυγονίην ἀφίκανεν,

Eurynomé, the chambermaid, did bear

οἳ νῆάς τʼ ὄλεσαν καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας ἑταίρους

A torch, and went before them to their rest;

πάντας· Ὀδυσσεὺς δʼ οἶος ὑπέκφυγε νηῒ μελαίνῃ·

To which she left them and for her's addrest.

καὶ Κίρκης κατέλεξε δόλον πολυμηχανίην τε,

The King and Queen then now, as newly-wed,

ἠδʼ ὡς εἰς Ἀΐδεω δόμον ἤλυθεν εὐρώεντα,

Resum'd the old laws of th' embracing bed.

ψυχῇ χρησόμενος Θηβαίου Τειρεσίαο,

Telemachus and both his herdsmen then

νηῒ πολυκλήϊδι, καὶ εἴσιδε πάντας ἑταίρους

Dissolv'd the dances both to maids and men;

Who in their shady roofs took timely sleep.

The bride and bridegroom having ceas'd to keep

Observéd love-joys, from their fit delight

They turn'd to talk. The Queen then did recite

What she had suffer'd by the hateful rout

Of harmful Wooers, who had eat her out

So many oxen and so many sheep,

How many tun of wine their drinking deep

Had quite exhausted. Great Ulysses then

Whatever slaughters he had made of men,

Whatever sorrows he himself sustain'd,

Repeated amply; and her ears remain'd

With all delight attentive to their end,

Nor would one wink sleep till he told her all,

Beginning where he gave the Cicons fall;

From thence his pass to the Lotophagi;

The Cyclop's acts, the putting out his eye,

And wreak of all the soldiers he had eat,

No least ruth shown to all they could entreat;

His way to Æolus; his prompt receit

And kind dismission; his enforc'd retreat

μητέρα θʼ, ἥ μιν ἔτικτε καὶ ἔτρεφε τυτθὸν ἐόντα·

By sudden tempest to the fishy main,

ἠδʼ ὡς Σειρήνων ἁδινάων φθόγγον ἄκουσεν,

And quite distraction from his course again;

ὥς θʼ ἵκετο Πλαγκτὰς πέτρας δεινήν τε Χάρυβδιν

His landing at the Læstrigonian port,

Σκύλλην θʼ, ἣν οὔ πώ ποτʼ ἀκήριοι ἄνδρες ἄλυξαν·

Where ships and men in miserable sort

ἠδʼ ὡς Ἠελίοιο βόας κατέπεφνον ἑταῖροι·

Met all their spoils, his ship and he alone

ἠδʼ ὡς νῆα θοὴν ἔβαλε ψολόεντι κεραυνῷ

Got off from the abhorr'd confusión;

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης, ἀπὸ δʼ ἔφθιθεν ἐσθλοὶ ἑταῖροι

His pass to Circe, her deceits and arts;

πάντες ὁμῶς, αὐτὸς δὲ κακὰς ὑπὸ κῆρας ἄλυξεν·

His thence descension to th' Infernal parts;

ὥς θʼ ἵκετʼ Ὠγυγίην νῆσον νύμφην τε Καλυψώ,

His life's course of the Theban prophet learn'd,

ἣ δή μιν κατέρυκε, λιλαιομένη πόσιν εἶναι,

Where all the slaughter'd Grecians he discern'd,

ἐν σπέσσι γλαφυροῖσι, καὶ ἔτρεφεν ἠδὲ ἔφασκε

And lovéd mother; his astonish'd ear

θήσειν ἀθάνατον καὶ ἀγήραον ἤματα πάντα·

With what the Siren's voices made him hear;

ἀλλὰ τοῦ οὔ ποτε θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔπειθεν·

His 'scape from th' erring rocks, which Scylla was,

ἠδʼ ὡς ἐς Φαίηκας ἀφίκετο πολλὰ μογήσας,

And rough Charybdis, with the dang'rous pass

οἳ δή μιν περὶ κῆρι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσαντο

Of all that touch'd there; his Sicilian

καὶ πέμψαν σὺν νηῒ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν,

Offence giv'n to the Sun; his ev'ry man

χαλκόν τε χρυσόν τε ἅλις ἐσθῆτά τε δόντες.

Destroy'd by thunder vollied out of heav'n,

τοῦτʼ ἄρα δεύτατον εἶπεν ἔπος, ὅτε οἱ γλυκὺς ὕπνος

That split his ship; his own endeavours driv'n

λυσιμελὴς ἐπόρουσε, λύων μελεδήματα θυμοῦ.

To shift for succours on th' Ogygian shore,

ἡ δʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Where Nymph Calypso such affection bore

ὁππότε δή ῥʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἐέλπετο ὃν κατὰ θυμὸν

To him in his arrival, that with feast

εὐνῆς ἧς ἀλόχου ταρπήμεναι ἠδὲ καὶ ὕπνου,

She kept him in her caves, and would have blest

αὐτίκʼ ἀπʼ Ὠκεανοῦ χρυσόθρονον ἠριγένειαν

His welcome life with an immortal state

ὦρσεν, ἵνʼ ἀνθρώποισι φόως φέροι· ὦρτο δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Would he have stay'd and liv'd her nuptial mate,

εὐνῆς ἐκ μαλακῆς, ἀλόχῳ δʼ ἐπὶ μῦθον ἔτελλεν·

All which she never could persuade him to;

ὦ γύναι, ἤδη μὲν πολέων κεκορήμεθʼ ἀέθλων

His pass to the Phæacians spent in woe;

ἀμφοτέρω, σὺ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ ἐμὸν πολυκηδέα νόστον

Their hearty welcome of him, as he were

κλαίουσʼ. αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ Ζεὺς ἄλγεσι καὶ θεοὶ ἄλλοι

A God descended from the starry sphere;

ἱέμενον πεδάασκον ἐμῆς ἀπὸ πατρίδος αἴης·

Their kind dismission of him home with gold,

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ ἀμφοτέρω πολυήρατον ἱκόμεθʼ εὐνήν,

Brass, garments, all things his occasions would.

κτήματα μὲν τά μοι ἔστι, κομιζέμεν ἐν μεγάροισι,

This last word us'd, sleep seiz'd his weary eye

μῆλα δʼ ἅ μοι μνηστῆρες ὑπερφίαλοι κατέκειραν,

That salves all care to all mortality.

πολλὰ μὲν αὐτὸς ἐγὼ ληΐσσομαι, ἄλλα δʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

In mean space Pallas entertain'd intent

δώσουσʼ, εἰς ὅ κε πάντας ἐνιπλήσωσιν ἐπαύλους.

That when Ulysses thought enough time spent

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι μὲν ἐγὼ πολυδένδρεον ἀγρὸν ἔπειμι,

In love-joys with his wife, to raise the day,

ὀψόμενος πατέρʼ ἐσθλόν, ὅ μοι πυκινῶς ἀκάχηται·

And make his grave occasions call away.

σοὶ δέ, γύναι, τάδʼ ἐπιτέλλω, πινυτῇ περ ἐούσῃ·

The morning rose and he, when thus he said:

αὐτίκα γὰρ φάτις εἶσιν ἅμʼ ἠελίῳ ἀνιόντι

"O Queen, now satiate with afflictions laid

ἀνδρῶν μνηστήρων, οὓς ἔκτανον ἐν μεγάροισιν·

On both our bosoms,—you oppresséd here

εἰς ὑπερῷʼ ἀναβᾶσα σὺν ἀμφιπόλοισι γυναιξὶν

With cares for my return, I ev'rywhere

ἧσθαι, μηδέ τινα προτιόσσεο μηδʼ ἐρέεινε.

By Jove and all the other Deities tost

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἐδύσετο τεύχεα καλά,

Ev'n till all hope of my return was lost,—

ὦρσε δὲ Τηλέμαχον καὶ βουκόλον ἠδὲ συβώτην,

And both arriv'd at this sweet haven, our bed,

πάντας δʼ ἔντεʼ ἄνωγεν ἀρήϊα χερσὶν ἑλέσθαι.

Be your care us'd to see administ'red

οἱ δέ οἱ οὐκ ἀπίθησαν, ἐθωρήσσοντο δὲ χαλκῷ,

My house-possessions left. Those sheep, that were

ὤϊξαν δὲ θύρας, ἐκ δʼ ἤϊον· ἦρχε δʼ Ὀδυσσεύς.

Consum'd in surfeits by your Wooers here,

ἤδη μὲν φάος ἦεν ἐπὶ χθόνα, τοὺς δʼ ἄρʼ Ἀθήνη

I'll forage to supply with some; and more

The suff'ring Grecians shall be made restore,

Ev'n till our stalls receive their wonted fill.

"And now, to comfort my good father's ill

Long suffer'd for me, to the many-tree'd

And ample vineyard grounds it is decreed

In my next care that I must haste and see

His long'd-for presence. In the mean time, be

Your wisdom us'd, that since, the sun ascended,

The fame will soon be through the town extended

Of those I here have slain, yourself, got close

Up to your chamber, see you there repose,

Cheer'd with your women, and nor look afford

Without your court, nor any man a word."

This said, he arm'd; to arms both son and swain

His pow'r commanding, who did entertain

His charge with spirit, op'd the gates and out,

He leading all. And now was hurl'd about

Aurora's ruddy fire; through all whose light

Minerva led them through the town from sight.