Odyssey

Now when with rosy fingers, th' early born

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

And thrown through all the air, appear'd the Morn,

ὤρνυτʼ ἄρʼ ἐξ εὐνῆφιν Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱὸς

Ulysses' lov'd son from his bed appear'd,

εἵματα ἑσσάμενος, περὶ δὲ ξίφος ὀξὺ θέτʼ ὤμῳ,

His weeds put on, and did about him gird

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα,

His sword that thwart his shoulders hung, and tied

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν ἐκ θαλάμοιο θεῷ ἐναλίγκιος ἄντην.

To his fair feet fair shoes, and all parts plied

αἶψα δὲ κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κέλευσε

For speedy readiness: who, when he trod

κηρύσσειν ἀγορήνδε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς.

The open earth, to men show'd like a God.

οἱ μὲν ἐκήρυσσον, τοὶ δʼ ἠγείροντο μάλʼ ὦκα.

The heralds then he straight charg'd to consort

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἤγερθεν ὁμηγερέες τʼ ἐγένοντο,

The curl'd-head Greeks, with loud calls, to a Court.

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν εἰς ἀγορήν, παλάμῃ δʼ ἔχε χάλκεον ἔγχος,

They summon'd; th' other came in utmost haste.

οὐκ οἶος, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω κύνες ἀργοὶ ἕποντο.

Who all assembled, and in one heap plac'd

θεσπεσίην δʼ ἄρα τῷ γε χάριν κατέχευεν Ἀθήνη.

He likewise came to council, and did bear

τὸν δʼ ἄρα πάντες λαοὶ ἐπερχόμενον θηεῦντο·

In his fair hand his iron-headed spear.

ἕζετο δʼ ἐν πατρὸς θώκῳ, εἶξαν δὲ γέροντες.

Nor came alone, nor with men-troops prepar'd,

τοῖσι δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἥρως Αἰγύπτιος ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν,

But two fleet dogs made both his train and guard.

ὃς δὴ γήραϊ κυφὸς ἔην καὶ μυρία ᾔδη.

Pallas supplied with her high wisdom's grace,

καὶ γὰρ τοῦ φίλος υἱὸς ἅμʼ ἀντιθέῳ Ὀδυσῆι

That all men's wants supplies, State's painted face.

Ἴλιον εἰς ἐύπωλον ἔβη κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσίν,

His ent'ring presence all men did admire;

Ἄντιφος αἰχμητής· τὸν δʼ ἄγριος ἔκτανε Κύκλωψ

Who took seat in the high throne of his sire,

ἐν σπῆι γλαφυρῷ, πύματον δʼ ὡπλίσσατο δόρπον.

To which the grave peers gave him rev'rend way.

τρεῖς δέ οἱ ἄλλοι ἔσαν, καὶ ὁ μὲν μνηστῆρσιν ὁμίλει,

Amongst whom, an Egyptian heroë

Εὐρύνομος, δύο δʼ αἰὲν ἔχον πατρώια ἔργα.

(Crookéd with age, and full of skill) begun

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὣς τοῦ λήθετʼ ὀδυρόμενος καὶ ἀχεύων.

The speech to all; who had a loved son

τοῦ ὅ γε δάκρυ χέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε·

That with divine Ulysses did ascend

κέκλυτε δὴ νῦν μευ, Ἰθακήσιοι, ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

His hollow fleet to Troy; to serve which end,

οὔτε ποθʼ ἡμετέρη ἀγορὴ γένετʼ οὔτε θόωκος

He kept fair horse, and was a man-at-arms,

ἐξ οὗ Ὀδυσσεὺς δῖος ἔβη κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσί.

And in the cruel Cyclop's stern alarms

νῦν δὲ τίς ὧδʼ ἤγειρε; τίνα χρειὼ τόσον ἵκει

His life lost by him in his hollow cave,

ἠὲ νέων ἀνδρῶν ἢ οἳ προγενέστεροί εἰσιν;

Whose entrails open'd his abhorréd grave,

ἠέ τινʼ ἀγγελίην στρατοῦ ἔκλυεν ἐρχομένοιο,

And made of him, of all Ulysses' train,

ἥν χʼ ἡμῖν σάφα εἴποι, ὅτε πρότερός γε πύθοιτο;

His latest supper, being latest slain;

ἦέ τι δήμιον ἄλλο πιφαύσκεται ἠδʼ ἀγορεύει;

His name was Antiphus, And this old man,

ἐσθλός μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι, ὀνήμενος. εἴθε οἱ αὐτῷ

This crookéd-grown, this wise Egyptian,

Ζεὺς ἀγαθὸν τελέσειεν, ὅτι φρεσὶν ᾗσι μενοινᾷ.

Had three sons more; of which one riotous

ὣς φάτο, χαῖρε δὲ φήμῃ Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱός,

A wooer was, and call'd Eurynomus;

οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν ἧστο, μενοίνησεν δʼ ἀγορεύειν,

The other two took both his own wish'd course.

στῆ δὲ μέσῃ ἀγορῇ· σκῆπτρον δέ οἱ ἔμβαλε χειρὶ

Yet both the best fates weigh'd not down the worse,

κῆρυξ Πεισήνωρ πεπνυμένα μήδεα εἰδώς.

But left the old man mindful still of moan;

πρῶτον ἔπειτα γέροντα καθαπτόμενος προσέειπεν·

Who, weeping, thus bespake the Session:

ὦ γέρον, οὐχ ἑκὰς οὗτος ἀνήρ, τάχα δʼ εἴσεαι αὐτός,

"Hear, Ithacensians, all I fitly say:

ὃς λαὸν ἤγειρα· μάλιστα δέ μʼ ἄλγος ἱκάνει.

Since our divine Ulysses' parting day

οὔτε τινʼ ἀγγελίην στρατοῦ ἔκλυον ἐρχομένοιο,

Never was council call'd, nor session,

ἥν χʼ ὑμῖν σάφα εἴπω, ὅτε πρότερός γε πυθοίμην,

And now by whom is this thus undergone?

οὔτε τι δήμιον ἄλλο πιφαύσκομαι οὐδʼ ἀγορεύω,

Whom did necessity so much compell,

ἀλλʼ ἐμὸν αὐτοῦ χρεῖος, ὅ μοι κακὰ ἔμπεσεν οἴκῳ

Of young or old? Hath anyone heard tell

δοιά· τὸ μὲν πατέρʼ ἐσθλὸν ἀπώλεσα, ὅς ποτʼ ἐν ὑμῖν

Of any coming army, that he thus now

τοίσδεσσιν βασίλευε, πατὴρ δʼ ὣς ἤπιος ἦεν·

May openly take boldness to avow,

νῦν δʼ αὖ καὶ πολὺ μεῖζον, ὃ δὴ τάχα οἶκον ἅπαντα

First having heard it? Or will any here

πάγχυ διαρραίσει, βίοτον δʼ ἀπὸ πάμπαν ὀλέσσει.

Some motion for the public good prefer?

μητέρι μοι μνηστῆρες ἐπέχραον οὐκ ἐθελούσῃ,

Some worth of note there is in this command;

τῶν ἀνδρῶν φίλοι υἷες, οἳ ἐνθάδε γʼ εἰσὶν ἄριστοι,

And, methinks, it must be some good man's hand

οἳ πατρὸς μὲν ἐς οἶκον ἀπερρίγασι νέεσθαι

That's put to it, that either hath direct

Ἰκαρίου, ὥς κʼ αὐτὸς ἐεδνώσαιτο θύγατρα,

Means to assist, or, for his good affect,

δοίη δʼ ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλοι καί οἱ κεχαρισμένος ἔλθοι·

Hopes to be happy in the proof he makes;

And that Jove grant, whate'er he undertakes."

Telemachus (rejoicing much to hear

The good hope and opinion men did bear

Of his young actions) no longer sat,

But long'd t' approve what this man pointed at,

And make his first proof in a cause so good;

And in the council's chief place up he stood;

When straight Pisenor (herald to his sire,

And learn'd in counsels) felt his heart on fire

To hear him speak, and put into his hand

The sceptre that his father did command;

Then, to the old Egyptian turn'd, he spoke:

"Father, not far he is that undertook

To call this Council; whom you soon shall know.

Myself, whose wrongs my griefs will make me show,

Am he that author'd this assembly here.

Nor have I heard of any army near,

Of which, being first told, I might iterate,

Nor for the public good can aught relate,

Only mine own affairs all this procure,

That in my house a double ill endure;

One, having lost a father so renown'd,

Whose kind rule once with' your command was crown'd;

οἱ δʼ εἰς ἡμέτερον πωλεύμενοι ἤματα πάντα,

The other is, what much more doth augment

βοῦς ἱερεύοντες καὶ ὄις καὶ πίονας αἶγας

His weighty loss, the ruin imminent

εἰλαπινάζουσιν πίνουσί τε αἴθοπα οἶνον

Of all my house by it, my goods all spent.

μαψιδίως· τὰ δὲ πολλὰ κατάνεται. οὐ γὰρ ἔπʼ ἀνήρ,

And of all this the wooers, that are sons

οἷος Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔσκεν, ἀρὴν ἀπὸ οἴκου ἀμῦναι.

To our chief peers, are the confusións,

ἡμεῖς δʼ οὔ νύ τι τοῖοι ἀμυνέμεν· ἦ καὶ ἔπειτα

Importuning my mother's marriáge

λευγαλέοι τʼ ἐσόμεσθα καὶ οὐ δεδαηκότες ἀλκήν.

Against her will; nor dares their blood's bold rage

ἦ τʼ ἂν ἀμυναίμην, εἴ μοι δύναμίς γε παρείη.

Go to Icarius', her father's, court,

οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἀνσχετὰ ἔργα τετεύχαται, οὐδʼ ἔτι καλῶς

That, his will ask'd in kind and comely sort,

οἶκος ἐμὸς διόλωλε. νεμεσσήθητε καὶ αὐτοί,

He may endow his daughter with a dow'r,

ἄλλους τʼ αἰδέσθητε περικτίονας ἀνθρώπους,

And, she consenting, at his pleasure's pow'r

οἳ περιναιετάουσι· θεῶν δʼ ὑποδείσατε μῆνιν,

Dispose her to a man, that, thus behav'd,

μή τι μεταστρέψωσιν ἀγασσάμενοι κακὰ ἔργα.

May have fit grace, and see her honour sav'd.

λίσσομαι ἠμὲν Ζηνὸς Ὀλυμπίου ἠδὲ Θέμιστος,

But these, in none but my house, all their lives

ἥ τʼ ἀνδρῶν ἀγορὰς ἠμὲν λύει ἠδὲ καθίζει·

Resolve to spend; slaught'ring my sheep and beeves,

σχέσθε, φίλοι, καί μʼ οἶον ἐάσατε πένθεϊ λυγρῷ

And with my fattest goats lay feast on feast,

τείρεσθʼ, εἰ μή πού τι πατὴρ ἐμὸς ἐσθλὸς Ὀδυσσεὺς

My gen'rous wine consuming as they list.

δυσμενέων κάκʼ ἔρεξεν ἐυκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς,

A world of things they spoil, here wanting one,

τῶν μʼ ἀποτινύμενοι κακὰ ῥέζετε δυσμενέοντες,

That, like Ulysses, quickly could set gone

τούτους ὀτρύνοντες. ἐμοὶ δέ κε κέρδιον εἴη

These peace-plagues from his house, that spoil like war;

ὑμέας ἐσθέμεναι κειμήλιά τε πρόβασίν τε.

Whom my pow'rs are unfit to urge so far,

εἴ χʼ ὑμεῖς γε φάγοιτε, τάχʼ ἄν ποτε καὶ τίσις εἴη·

Myself immartial. But, had I the pow'r,

τόφρα γὰρ ἂν κατὰ ἄστυ ποτιπτυσσοίμεθα μύθῳ

My will should serve me to exempt this hour

χρήματʼ ἀπαιτίζοντες, ἕως κʼ ἀπὸ πάντα δοθείη·

From out my life-time. For, past patience,

νῦν δέ μοι ἀπρήκτους ὀδύνας ἐμβάλλετε θυμῷ.

Base deeds are done here, that exceed defence

ὣς φάτο χωόμενος, ποτὶ δὲ σκῆπτρον βάλε γαίῃ

Of any honour. Falling is my house,

δάκρυʼ ἀναπρήσας· οἶκτος δʼ ἕλε λαὸν ἅπαντα.

Which you should shame to see so ruinous.

ἔνθʼ ἄλλοι μὲν πάντες ἀκὴν ἔσαν, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη

Rev'rence the censures that all good men give,

Τηλέμαχον μύθοισιν ἀμείψασθαι χαλεποῖσιν·

That dwell about you; and for fear to live

Ἀντίνοος δέ μιν οἶος ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπε·

Expos'd to heav'n's wrath (that doth ever pay

Τηλέμαχʼ ὑψαγόρη, μένος ἄσχετε, ποῖον ἔειπες

Pains for joys forfeit) even by Jove I pray,

ἡμέας αἰσχύνων· ἐθέλοις δέ κε μῶμον ἀνάψαι.

Or Themis, both which pow'rs have to restrain,

σοὶ δʼ οὔ τι μνηστῆρες Ἀχαιῶν αἴτιοί εἰσιν,

Or gather, councils, that ye will abstain

ἀλλὰ φίλη μήτηρ, ἥ τοι πέρι κέρδεα οἶδεν.

From further spoil, and let me only waste

ἤδη γὰρ τρίτον ἐστὶν ἔτος, τάχα δʼ εἶσι τέταρτον,

In that most wretched grief I have embrac'd

ἐξ οὗ ἀτέμβει θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

For my lost father. And though I am free

πάντας μέν ῥʼ ἔλπει καὶ ὑπίσχεται ἀνδρὶ ἑκάστῳ

From meriting your outrage, yet, if he,

ἀγγελίας προϊεῖσα, νόος δέ οἱ ἄλλα μενοινᾷ.

Good man, hath ever with a hostile heart

ἡ δὲ δόλον τόνδʼ ἄλλον ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μερμήριξε·

Done ill to any Greek, on me convert

στησαμένη μέγαν ἱστὸν ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ὕφαινε,

Your like hostility, and vengeance take

λεπτὸν καὶ περίμετρον· ἄφαρ δʼ ἡμῖν μετέειπε·

Of his ill on my life, and all these make

κοῦροι ἐμοὶ μνηστῆρες, ἐπεὶ θάνε δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Join in that justice; but, to see abus'd

μίμνετʼ ἐπειγόμενοι τὸν ἐμὸν γάμον, εἰς ὅ κε φᾶρος

Those goods that do none ill but being ill-us'd,

ἐκτελέσω, μή μοι μεταμώνια νήματʼ ὄληται,

Exceeds all right. Yet better 'tis for me,

Λαέρτῃ ἥρωι ταφήιον, εἰς ὅτε κέν μιν

My whole possessions and my rents to see

μοῖρʼ ὀλοὴ καθέλῃσι τανηλεγέος θανάτοιο,

Consum'd by you, than lose my life and all;

μή τίς μοι κατὰ δῆμον Ἀχαιϊάδων νεμεσήσῃ.

For on your rapine a revenge may fall,

αἴ κεν ἄτερ σπείρου κεῖται πολλὰ κτεατίσσας.

While I live; and so long I may complain

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἡμῖν δʼ αὖτʼ ἐπεπείθετο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ.

About the city, till my goods again,

ἔνθα καὶ ἠματίη μὲν ὑφαίνεσκεν μέγαν ἱστόν,

Oft ask'd, may be with all amends repaid.

νύκτας δʼ ἀλλύεσκεν, ἐπεὶ δαΐδας παραθεῖτο.

But in the mean space your misrule hath laid

ὣς τρίετες μὲν ἔληθε δόλῳ καὶ ἔπειθεν Ἀχαιούς·

Griefs on my bosom, that can only speak,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε τέτρατον ἦλθεν ἔτος καὶ ἐπήλυθον ὧραι,

And are denied the instant pow'r of wreak."

καὶ τότε δή τις ἔειπε γυναικῶν, ἣ σάφα ᾔδη,

This said, his sceptre 'gainst the ground he threw,

And tears still'd from him; which mov'd all the crew,

The court struck silent, not a man did dare

To give a word that might offend his ear.

Antinous only in this sort replied:

"High spoken, and of spirit unpacified,

How have you sham'd us in this speech of yours!

Will you brand us for an offence not ours?

Your mother, first in craft, is first in cause.

Three years are past, and near the fourth now draws,

Since first she mock'd the peers Achaian.

All she made hope, and promis'd ev'ry man,

Sent for us ever, left love's show in nought,

But in her heart conceal'd another thought.

Besides, as curious in her craft, her loom

She with a web charg'd, hard to overcome,

And thus bespake us: 'Youths, that seek my bed,

Since my divine spouse rests amongst the dead,

Hold on your suits but till I end, at most,

This funeral weed, lest what is done be lost.

Besides, I purpose, that when th' austere fate

Of bitter death shall take into his state

Laertes the heroë, it shall deck

His royal corse, since I should suffer check

In ill report of ev'ry common dame,

καὶ τήν γʼ ἀλλύουσαν ἐφεύρομεν ἀγλαὸν ἱστόν.

If one so rich should show in death his shame.'

ὣς τὸ μὲν ἐξετέλεσσε καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλουσʼ ὑπʼ ἀνάγκης·

This speech she us'd; and this did soon persuade

σοὶ δʼ ὧδε μνηστῆρες ὑποκρίνονται, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς

Our gentle minds. But this a work she made

αὐτὸς σῷ θυμῷ, εἰδῶσι δὲ πάντες Ἀχαιοί·

So hugely long, undoing still in night,

μητέρα σὴν ἀπόπεμψον, ἄνωχθι δέ μιν γαμέεσθαι

By torches, all she did by day's broad light,

τῷ ὅτεῴ τε πατὴρ κέλεται καὶ ἁνδάνει αὐτῇ.

That three years her deceit div'd past our view,

εἰ δʼ ἔτʼ ἀνιήσει γε πολὺν χρόνον υἷας Ἀχαιῶν,

And made us think that all she feign'd was true.

τὰ φρονέουσʼ ἀνὰ θυμόν, ὅ οἱ πέρι δῶκεν Ἀθήνη

But when the fourth year came, and those sly hours

ἔργα τʼ ἐπίστασθαι περικαλλέα καὶ φρένας ἐσθλὰς

That still surprise at length dames' craftiest powers,

κέρδεά θʼ, οἷʼ οὔ πώ τινʼ ἀκούομεν οὐδὲ παλαιῶν,

One of her women, that knew all, disclos'd

τάων αἳ πάρος ἦσαν ἐυπλοκαμῖδες Ἀχαιαί,

The secret to us, that she still unloos'd

Τυρώ τʼ Ἀλκμήνη τε ἐυστέφανός τε Μυκήνη·

Her whole day's fair affair in depth of night.

τάων οὔ τις ὁμοῖα νοήματα Πηνελοπείῃ

And then no further she could force her sleight,

ᾔδη· ἀτὰρ μὲν τοῦτό γʼ ἐναίσιμον οὐκ ἐνόησε.

But, of necessity, her work gave end.

τόφρα γὰρ οὖν βίοτόν τε τεὸν καὶ κτήματʼ ἔδονται,

And thus, by me, doth ev'ry other friend,

ὄφρα κε κείνη τοῦτον ἔχῃ νόον, ὅν τινά οἱ νῦν

Professing love to her, reply to thee;

ἐν στήθεσσι τιθεῖσι θεοί. μέγα μὲν κλέος αὐτῇ

That ev'n thyself, and all Greeks else, may see,

ποιεῖτʼ, αὐτὰρ σοί γε ποθὴν πολέος βιότοιο.

That we offend not in our stay, but she.

ἡμεῖς δʼ οὔτʼ ἐπὶ ἔργα πάρος γʼ ἴμεν οὔτε πῃ ἄλλῃ,

To free thy house then, send her to her sire,

πρίν γʼ αὐτὴν γήμασθαι Ἀχαιῶν ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃσι.

Commanding that her choice be left entire

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

To his election, and one settled will.

Ἀντίνοʼ, οὔ πως ἔστι δόμων ἀέκουσαν ἀπῶσαι

Nor let her vex with her illusions still

ἥ μʼ ἔτεχʼ, ἥ μʼ ἔθρεψε· πατὴρ δʼ ἐμὸς ἄλλοθι γαίης,

Her friends that woo her, standing on her wit,

ζώει ὅ γʼ ἦ τέθνηκε· κακὸν δέ με πόλλʼ ἀποτίνειν

Because wise Pallas hath giv'n wills to it

Ἰκαρίῳ, αἴ κʼ αὐτὸς ἑκὼν ἀπὸ μητέρα πέμψω.

So full of art, and made her understand

ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ πατρὸς κακὰ πείσομαι, ἄλλα δὲ δαίμων

All works in fair skill of a lady's hand.

δώσει, ἐπεὶ μήτηρ στυγερὰς ἀρήσετʼ ἐρινῦς

But (for her working mind) we read of none

οἴκου ἀπερχομένη· νέμεσις δέ μοι ἐξ ἀνθρώπων

Of all the old world, in which Greece hath shown

ἔσσεται· ὣς οὐ τοῦτον ἐγώ ποτε μῦθον ἐνίψω.

Her rarest pieces, that could equal her:

ὑμέτερος δʼ εἰ μὲν θυμὸς νεμεσίζεται αὐτῶν,

Tyro, Alcmena, and Mycena were

ἔξιτέ μοι μεγάρων, ἄλλας δʼ ἀλεγύνετε δαῖτας

To hold comparison in no degree,

ὑμὰ κτήματʼ ἔδοντες ἀμειβόμενοι κατὰ οἴκους.

For solid brain, with wise Penelope.

εἰ δʼ ὑμῖν δοκέει τόδε λωίτερον καὶ ἄμεινον

And yet, in her delays of us, she shows

ἔμμεναι, ἀνδρὸς ἑνὸς βίοτον νήποινον ὀλέσθαι,

No prophet's skill with all the wit she owes;

κείρετʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ θεοὺς ἐπιβώσομαι αἰὲν ἐόντας,

For all this time thy goods and victuals go

αἴ κέ ποθι Ζεὺς δῷσι παλίντιτα ἔργα γενέσθαι.

To utter ruin; and shall ever so,

νήποινοί κεν ἔπειτα δόμων ἔντοσθεν ὄλοισθε.

While thus the Gods her glorious mind dispose.

ὣς φάτο Τηλέμαχος, τῷ δʼ αἰετὼ εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

Glory herself may gain, but thou shalt lose

ὑψόθεν ἐκ κορυφῆς ὄρεος προέηκε πέτεσθαι.

Thy longings ev'n for necessary food,

τὼ δʼ ἕως μέν ῥʼ ἐπέτοντο μετὰ πνοιῇς ἀνέμοιο

For we will never go where lies our good,

πλησίω ἀλλήλοισι τιταινομένω πτερύγεσσιν·

Nor any other where, till this delay

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ μέσσην ἀγορὴν πολύφημον ἱκέσθην,

She puts on all she quits with th' endless stay

ἔνθʼ ἐπιδινηθέντε τιναξάσθην πτερὰ πυκνά,

Of some one of us, that to all the rest

ἐς δʼ ἰδέτην πάντων κεφαλάς, ὄσσοντο δʼ ὄλεθρον·

May give free farewell with his nuptial feast."

δρυψαμένω δʼ ὀνύχεσσι παρειὰς ἀμφί τε δειρὰς

The wise young prince replied: "Antinous!

δεξιὼ ἤιξαν διά τʼ οἰκία καὶ πόλιν αὐτῶν.

I may by no means turn out of my house

θάμβησαν δʼ ὄρνιθας, ἐπεὶ ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσιν·

Her that hath brought me forth and nourish'd me.

ὥρμηναν δʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ἅ περ τελέεσθαι ἔμελλον.

Besides, if quick or dead my father be

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε γέρων ἥρως Ἁλιθέρσης

In any region, yet abides in doubt;

Μαστορίδης· ὁ γὰρ οἶος ὁμηλικίην ἐκέκαστο

And 'twill go hard, my means being so run out,

ὄρνιθας γνῶναι καὶ ἐναίσιμα μυθήσασθαι·

To tender to Icarius again,

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε·

If he again my mother must maintain

κέκλυτε δὴ νῦν μευ, Ἰθακήσιοι, ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

In her retreat, the dow'r she brought with her.

μνηστῆρσιν δὲ μάλιστα πιφαυσκόμενος τάδε εἴρω·

And then a double ill it will confer,

Both from my father and from God on me,

When, thrust out of her house, on her bent knee,

My mother shall the horrid Furies raise

With imprecations, and all men dispraise

My part in her exposure. Never then

Will I perform this counsel. If your spleen

Swell at my courses, once more I command

Your absence from my house; some other's hand

Charge with your banquets; on your own goods eat,

And either other mutually in treat,

At either of your houses, with your feast.

But if ye still esteem more sweet and best

Another's spoil, so you still wreakless live,

Gnaw, vermin-like, things sacred, no laws give

To your devouring; it remains that I

Invoke each Ever-living Deity,

And vow, if Jove shall deign in any date

Pow'r of like pains for pleasure so past rate,

From thenceforth look, where ye have revell'd so

Unwreak'd, your ruins all shall undergo."

Thus spake Telemachus; t' assure whose threat,

Far-seeing Jove upon their pinions set

Two eagles from the high brows of a hill,

τοῖσιν γὰρ μέγα πῆμα κυλίνδεται· οὐ γὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

That, mounted on the Winds, together still

δὴν ἀπάνευθε φίλων ὧν ἔσσεται, ἀλλά που ἤδη

Their strokes extended; but arriving now

ἐγγὺς ἐὼν τοῖσδεσσι φόνον καὶ κῆρα φυτεύει

Amidst the Council, over ev'ry brow

πάντεσσιν· πολέσιν δὲ καὶ ἄλλοισιν κακὸν ἔσται,

Shook their thick wings and, threat'ning death's cold fears,

οἳ νεμόμεσθʼ Ἰθάκην ἐυδείελον. ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὶν

Their necks and cheeks tore with their eager seres;

φραζώμεσθʼ, ὥς κεν καταπαύσομεν· οἱ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ

Then, on the court's right hand away they flew,

παυέσθων· καὶ γάρ σφιν ἄφαρ τόδε λώιόν ἐστιν.

Above both court and city. With whose view,

οὐ γὰρ ἀπείρητος μαντεύομαι, ἀλλʼ ἐὺ εἰδώς·

And study what events they might foretell

καὶ γὰρ κείνῳ φημὶ τελευτηθῆναι ἅπαντα,

The Council into admiration fell.

ὥς οἱ ἐμυθεόμην, ὅτε Ἴλιον εἰσανέβαινον

The old heroë, Halitherses, then,

Ἀργεῖοι, μετὰ δέ σφιν ἔβη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς.

The son of Nestor, that of all old men,

φῆν κακὰ πολλὰ παθόντʼ, ὀλέσαντʼ ἄπο πάντας ἑταίρους,

His peers in that court, only could foresee

ἄγνωστον πάντεσσιν ἐεικοστῷ ἐνιαυτῷ

By flight of fowls man's fixed destiny,

οἴκαδʼ ἐλεύσεσθαι· τὰ δὲ δὴ νῦν πάντα τελεῖται.

'Twixt them and their amaze, this interpos'd:

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Εὐρύμαχος Πολύβου πάϊς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

"Hear, Ithacensians, all your doubts disclos'd.

ὦ γέρον, εἰ δʼ ἄγε νῦν μαντεύεο σοῖσι τέκεσσιν

The Wooers most are touch'd in this ostent,

οἴκαδʼ ἰών, μή πού τι κακὸν πάσχωσιν ὀπίσσω·

To whom are dangers great and imminent;

ταῦτα δʼ ἐγὼ σέο πολλὸν ἀμείνων μαντεύεσθαι.

For now not long more shall Ulysses bear

ὄρνιθες δέ τε πολλοὶ ὑπʼ αὐγὰς ἠελίοιο

Lack of his most lov'd, but fills some place near,

φοιτῶσʼ, οὐδέ τε πάντες ἐναίσιμοι· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Addressing to these Wooers fate and death.

ὤλετο τῆλʼ, ὡς καὶ σὺ καταφθίσθαι σὺν ἐκείνῳ

And many more this mischief menaceth

ὤφελες. οὐκ ἂν τόσσα θεοπροπέων ἀγόρευες,

Of us inhabiting this famous isle.

οὐδέ κε Τηλέμαχον κεχολωμένον ὧδʼ ἀνιείης,

Let us consult yet, in this long forewhile,

σῷ οἴκῳ δῶρον ποτιδέγμενος, αἴ κε πόρῃσιν.

How to ourselves we may prevent this ill.

ἀλλʼ ἔκ τοι ἐρέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

Let these men rest secure, and revel still;

αἴ κε νεώτερον ἄνδρα παλαιά τε πολλά τε εἰδὼς

Though they might find it safer, if with us

παρφάμενος ἐπέεσσιν ἐποτρύνῃς χαλεπαίνειν,

They would in time prevent what threats them thus;

αὐτῷ μέν οἱ πρῶτον ἀνιηρέστερον ἔσται,

Since not without sure trial I foretell

πρῆξαι δʼ ἔμπης οὔ τι δυνήσεται εἵνεκα τῶνδε·

These coming storms, but know their issue well.

σοὶ δέ, γέρον, θωὴν ἐπιθήσομεν, ἥν κʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

For to Ulysses all things have event,

τίνων ἀσχάλλῃς· χαλεπὸν δέ τοι ἔσσεται ἄλγος.

As I foretold him, when for Ilion went

Τηλεμάχῳ δʼ ἐν πᾶσιν ἐγὼν ὑποθήσομαι αὐτός·

The whole Greek fleet together, and with them

μητέρα ἣν ἐς πατρὸς ἀνωγέτω ἀπονέεσθαι·

Th' abundant-in-all-counsels took the stream.

οἱ δὲ γάμον τεύξουσι καὶ ἀρτυνέουσιν ἔεδνα

I told him, that, when much ill he had past,

πολλὰ μάλʼ, ὅσσα ἔοικε φίλης ἐπὶ παιδὸς ἕπεσθαι.

And all his men were lost, he should at last,

οὐ γὰρ πρὶν παύσεσθαι ὀίομαι υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

The twentieth year, turn home, to all unknown;

μνηστύος ἀργαλέης, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινα δείδιμεν ἔμπης,

All which effects are to perfection grown."

οὔτʼ οὖν Τηλέμαχον μάλα περ πολύμυθον ἐόντα,

Eurymachus, the son of Polybus,

οὔτε θεοπροπίης ἐμπαζόμεθʼ, ἣν σύ, γεραιέ,

Oppos'd this man's presage, and answer'd thus:

μυθέαι ἀκράαντον, ἀπεχθάνεαι δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον.

"Hence, great in years, go, prophesy at home,

χρήματα δʼ αὖτε κακῶς βεβρώσεται, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἶσα

Thy children teach to shun their ills to come.

ἔσσεται, ὄφρα κεν ἥ γε διατρίβῃσιν Ἀχαιοὺς

In these superior far to thee am I.

ὃν γάμον· ἡμεῖς δʼ αὖ ποτιδέγμενοι ἤματα πάντα

A world of fowls beneath the sun-beams fly

εἵνεκα τῆς ἀρετῆς ἐριδαίνομεν, οὐδὲ μετʼ ἄλλας

That are not fit t' inform a prophecy.

ἐρχόμεθʼ, ἃς ἐπιεικὲς ὀπυιέμεν ἐστὶν ἑκάστῳ.

Besides, Ulysses perish'd long ago;

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

And would thy fates to thee had destin'd so,

Εὐρύμαχʼ ἠδὲ καὶ ἄλλοι, ὅσοι μνηστῆρες ἀγαυοί,

Since so thy so much prophecy had spar'd

ταῦτα μὲν οὐχ ὑμέας ἔτι λίσσομαι οὐδʼ ἀγορεύω·

Thy wronging of our rights, which, for reward

ἤδη γὰρ τὰ ἴσασι θεοὶ καὶ πάντες Ἀχαιοί.

Expected home with thee, hath summon'd us

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι δότε νῆα θοὴν καὶ εἴκοσʼ ἑταίρους,

Within the anger of Telemachus.

οἵ κέ μοι ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα διαπρήσσωσι κέλευθον.

But this I will presage, which shall be true:

εἶμι γὰρ ἐς Σπάρτην τε καὶ ἐς Πύλον ἠμαθόεντα

If any spark of anger chance t' ensue

νόστον πευσόμενος πατρὸς δὴν οἰχομένοιο,

Thy much old art in these deep auguries,

ἤν τίς μοι εἴπῃσι βροτῶν ἢ ὄσσαν ἀκούσω

In this young man incenséd by thy lies,

ἐκ Διός, ἥ τε μάλιστα φέρει κλέος ἀνθρώποισιν·

Ev'n to himself his anger shall confer

The greater anguish, and thine own ends err

From all their objects; and, besides, thine age

Shall feel a pain, to make thee curse presage

With worthy cause, for it shall touch thee near.

But I will soon give end to all our fear,

Preventing whatsoever chance can fall,

In my suit to the young prince for us all,

To send his mother to her father's house,

That he may sort her out a worthy spouse,

And such a dow'r bestow, as may befit

One lov'd, to leave her friends and follow it.

Before which course be, I believe that none

Of all the Greeks will cease th' ambitión

Of such a match. For, chance what can to us,

We no man fear, no not Telemachus,

Though ne'er so greatly spoken. Nor care we

For any threats of austere prophecy,

Which thou, old dotard, vaunt'st of so in vain.

And thus shalt thou in much more hate remain;

For still the Gods shall bear their ill expense,

Nor ever be dispos'd by competence,

Till with her nuptials she dismiss our suits,

Our whole lives' days shall sow hopes for such fruits.

εἰ μέν κεν πατρὸς βίοτον καὶ νόστον ἀκούσω,

Her virtues we contend to, nor will go

ἦ τʼ ἄν, τρυχόμενός περ, ἔτι τλαίην ἐνιαυτόν·

To any other, be she never so

εἰ δέ κε τεθνηῶτος ἀκούσω μηδʼ ἔτʼ ἐόντος,

Worthy of us, and all the worth we owe."

νοστήσας δὴ ἔπειτα φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

He answer'd him: "Eurymachus, and all

σῆμά τέ οἱ χεύω καὶ ἐπὶ κτέρεα κτερεΐξω

Ye gen'rous Wooers, now, in general,

πολλὰ μάλʼ, ὅσσα ἔοικε, καὶ ἀνέρι μητέρα δώσω.

I see your brave resolves, and will no more

ἦ τοι ὅ γʼ ὣς εἰπὼν κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο, τοῖσι δʼ ἀνέστη

Make speech of these points, and, much less, implore.

Μέντωρ, ὅς ῥʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀμύμονος ἦεν ἑταῖρος,

It is enough, that all the Grecians here,

καί οἱ ἰὼν ἐν νηυσὶν ἐπέτρεπεν οἶκον ἅπαντα,

And all the Gods besides, just witness bear,

πείθεσθαί τε γέροντι καὶ ἔμπεδα πάντα φυλάσσειν·

What friendly premonitions have been spent

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

On your forbearance, and their vain event.

κέκλυτε δὴ νῦν μευ, Ἰθακήσιοι, ὅττι κεν εἴπω·

Yet, with my other friends, let love prevail

μή τις ἔτι πρόφρων ἀγανὸς καὶ ἤπιος ἔστω

To fit me with a vessel free of sail,

σκηπτοῦχος βασιλεύς, μηδὲ φρεσὶν αἴσιμα εἰδώς,

And twenty men, that may divide to me

ἀλλʼ αἰεὶ χαλεπός τʼ εἴη καὶ αἴσυλα ῥέζοι·

My ready passage through the yielding sea

ὡς οὔ τις μέμνηται Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

For Sparta, and Amathoan Pylos' shore,

λαῶν οἷσιν ἄνασσε, πατὴρ δʼ ὣς ἤπιος ἦεν.

I now am bound, in purpose to explore

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι μνηστῆρας ἀγήνορας οὔ τι μεγαίρω

My long-lack'd father, and to try if fame

ἔρδειν ἔργα βίαια κακορραφίῃσι νόοιο·

Or Jove, most author of man's honour'd name,

σφὰς γὰρ παρθέμενοι κεφαλὰς κατέδουσι βιαίως

With his return and life may glad mine ear,

οἶκον Ὀδυσσῆος, τὸν δʼ οὐκέτι φασὶ νέεσθαι.

Though toil'd in that proof I sustain a year.

νῦν δʼ ἄλλῳ δήμῳ νεμεσίζομαι, οἷον ἅπαντες

If dead I hear him, nor of more state, here

ἧσθʼ ἄνεῳ, ἀτὰρ οὔ τι καθαπτόμενοι ἐπέεσσι

Retir'd to my lov'd country, I will rear

παύρους μνηστῆρας καταπαύετε πολλοὶ ἐόντες.

A sepulchre to him, and celebrate

τὸν δʼ Εὐηνορίδης Λειώκριτος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Such royal parent-rites, as fits his state;

Μέντορ ἀταρτηρέ, φρένας ἠλεέ, ποῖον ἔειπες

And then my mother to a spouse dispose."

ἡμέας ὀτρύνων καταπαυέμεν. ἀργαλέον δὲ

This said, he sat; and to the rest arose

ἀνδράσι καὶ πλεόνεσσι μαχήσασθαι περὶ δαιτί.

Mentor, that was Ulysses' chosen friend,

εἴ περ γάρ κʼ Ὀδυσεὺς Ἰθακήσιος αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

To whom, when he set forth, he did commend

δαινυμένους κατὰ δῶμα ἑὸν μνηστῆρας ἀγαυοὺς

His cómplete family, and whom he will'd

ἐξελάσαι μεγάροιο μενοινήσειʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ,

To see the mind of his old sire fulfill'd,

οὔ κέν οἱ κεχάροιτο γυνή, μάλα περ χατέουσα,

All things conserving safe, till his retreat.

ἐλθόντʼ, ἀλλά κεν αὐτοῦ ἀεικέα πότμον ἐπίσποι,

Who, tender of his charge, and seeing so set

εἰ πλεόνεσσι μάχοιτο· σὺ δʼ οὐ κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

In slight care of their king his subjects there,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, λαοὶ μὲν σκίδνασθʼ ἐπὶ ἔργα ἕκαστος,

Suff'ring his son so much contempt to bear,

τούτῳ δʼ ὀτρυνέει Μέντωρ ὁδὸν ἠδʼ Ἁλιθέρσης,

Thus gravely, and with zeal, to him began:

οἵ τέ οἱ ἐξ ἀρχῆς πατρώιοί εἰσιν ἑταῖροι.

"No more let any sceptre-bearing man,

ἀλλʼ ὀίω, καὶ δηθὰ καθήμενος ἀγγελιάων

Benevolent, or mild, or human be,

πεύσεται εἰν Ἰθάκῃ, τελέει δʼ ὁδὸν οὔ ποτε ταύτην.

Nor in his mind form acts of piety,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, λῦσεν δʼ ἀγορὴν αἰψηρήν.

But ever feed on blood, and facts unjust

οἱ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐσκίδναντο ἑὰ πρὸς δώμαθʼ ἕκαστος,

Commit, ev'n to the full swing of his lust,

μνηστῆρες δʼ ἐς δώματʼ ἴσαν θείου Ὀδυσῆος.

Since of divine Ulysses no man now,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἀπάνευθε κιὼν ἐπὶ θῖνα θαλάσσης,

Of all his subjects, any thought doth show.

χεῖρας νιψάμενος πολιῆς ἁλὸς εὔχετʼ Ἀθήνῃ·

All whom he govern'd, and became to them,

κλῦθί μευ, ὃ χθιζὸς θεὸς ἤλυθες ἡμέτερον δῶ

Rather than one that wore a diadem,

καί μʼ ἐν νηὶ κέλευσας ἐπʼ ἠεροειδέα πόντον

A most indulgent father. But, for all

νόστον πευσόμενον πατρὸς δὴν οἰχομένοιο

That can touch me, within no envy fall

ἔρχεσθαι· τὰ δὲ πάντα διατρίβουσιν Ἀχαιοί,

These insolent Wooers, that in violent kind

μνηστῆρες δὲ μάλιστα κακῶς ὑπερηνορέοντες.

Commit things foul by th' ill wit of the mind,

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, σχεδόθεν δέ οἱ ἦλθεν Ἀθήνη,

And with the hazard of their heads devour

Μέντορι εἰδομένη ἠμὲν δέμας ἠδὲ καὶ αὐδήν,

Ulysses' house, since his returning hour

καί μιν φωνήσασʼ ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

They hold past hope. But it affects me much,

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὐδʼ ὄπιθεν κακὸς ἔσσεαι οὐδʼ ἀνοήμων,

Ye dull plebeians, that all this doth touch

εἰ δή τοι σοῦ πατρὸς ἐνέστακται μένος ἠύ,

Your free states nothing; who, struck dumb, afford

These Wooers not so much wreak as a word,

Though few, and you with only number might

Extinguish to them the profaned light."

Evenor's son, Leocritus, replied:

"Mentor! the railer, made a fool with pride,

What language giv'st thou that would quiet us

With putting us in storm, exciting thus

The rout against us? Who, though more than we,

Should find it is no easy victory

To drive men, habited in feast, from feasts,

No not if Ithacus himself such guests

Should come and find so furnishing his Court,

And hope to force them from so sweet a fort.

His wife should little joy in his arrive,

Though much she wants him; for, where she alive

Would her's enjoy, there death should claim his rights.

He must be conquer'd that with many fights.

Thou speak'st unfit things. To their labours then

Disperse these people; and let these two men,

Mentor and Halitherses, that so boast

From the beginning to have govern'd most

In friendship of the father, to the son

Confirm the course he now affects to run.

οἷος κεῖνος ἔην τελέσαι ἔργον τε ἔπος τε·

But my mind says, that, if he would but use

οὔ τοι ἔπειθʼ ἁλίη ὁδὸς ἔσσεται οὐδʼ ἀτέλεστος.

A little patience, he should here hear news

εἰ δʼ οὐ κείνου γʼ ἐσσὶ γόνος καὶ Πηνελοπείης,

Of all things that his wish would understand,

οὐ σέ γʼ ἔπειτα ἔολπα τελευτήσειν, ἃ μενοινᾷς.

But no good hope for of the course in hand."

παῦροι γάρ τοι παῖδες ὁμοῖοι πατρὶ πέλονται,

This said, the Council rose; when ev'ry peer

οἱ πλέονες κακίους, παῦροι δέ τε πατρὸς ἀρείους.

And all the people in dispersion were

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ οὐδʼ ὄπιθεν κακὸς ἔσσεαι οὐδʼ ἀνοήμων,

To houses of their own; the Wooers yet

οὐδέ σε πάγχυ γε μῆτις Ὀδυσσῆος προλέλοιπεν,

Made to Ulysses' house their old retreat.

ἐλπωρή τοι ἔπειτα τελευτῆσαι τάδε ἔργα.

Telemachus, apart from all the prease,

τῶ νῦν μνηστήρων μὲν ἔα βουλήν τε νόον τε

Prepar'd to shore, and, in the aged seas

ἀφραδέων, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι νοήμονες οὐδὲ δίκαιοι·

His fair hands wash'd, did thus to Pallas pray:

οὐδέ τι ἴσασιν θάνατον καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν,

"Hear me, O Goddess, that but yesterday

ὃς δή σφι σχεδόν ἐστιν, ἐπʼ ἤματι πάντας ὀλέσθαι.

Didst deign access to me at home, and lay

σοὶ δʼ ὁδὸς οὐκέτι δηρὸν ἀπέσσεται ἣν σὺ μενοινᾷς·

Grave charge on me to take ship, and inquire

τοῖος γάρ τοι ἑταῖρος ἐγὼ πατρώιός εἰμι,

Along the dark seas for mine absent sire!

ὅς τοι νῆα θοὴν στελέω καὶ ἅμʼ ἕψομαι αὐτός.

Which all the Greeks oppose; amongst whom most

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν πρὸς δώματʼ ἰὼν μνηστῆρσιν ὁμίλει,

Those that are proud still at another's cost,

ὅπλισσόν τʼ ἤια καὶ ἄγγεσιν ἄρσον ἅπαντα,

Past measure, and the civil rights of men,

οἶνον ἐν ἀμφιφορεῦσι, καὶ ἄλφιτα, μυελὸν ἀνδρῶν,

My mother's Wooers, my repulse maintain."

δέρμασιν ἐν πυκινοῖσιν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἀνὰ δῆμον ἑταίρους

Thus spake he praying; when close to him came

αἶψʼ ἐθελοντῆρας συλλέξομαι. εἰσὶ δὲ νῆες

Pallas, resembling Mentor both in frame

πολλαὶ ἐν ἀμφιάλῳ Ἰθάκῃ, νέαι ἠδὲ παλαιαί·

Of voice and person, and advis'd him thus:

τάων μέν τοι ἐγὼν ἐπιόψομαι ἥ τις ἀρίστη,

"Those Wooers well might know, Telemachus,

ὦκα δʼ ἐφοπλίσσαντες ἐνήσομεν εὐρέι πόντῳ.

Thou wilt not ever weak and childish be,

ὣς φάτʼ Ἀθηναίη κούρη Διός· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν

If to thee be instill'd the faculty

Τηλέμαχος παρέμιμνεν, ἐπεὶ θεοῦ ἔκλυεν αὐδήν.

Of mind and body that thy father grac'd;

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι πρὸς δῶμα, φίλον τετιημένος ἦτορ,

And if, like him, there be in thee enchac'd

εὗρε δʼ ἄρα μνηστῆρας ἀγήνορας ἐν μεγάροισιν,

Virtue to give words works, and works their end.

αἶγας ἀνιεμένους σιάλους θʼ εὕοντας ἐν αὐλῇ.

This voyage, that to them thou didst commend,

Ἀντίνοος δʼ ἰθὺς γελάσας κίε Τηλεμάχοιο,

Shall not so quickly, as they idly ween,

ἔν τʼ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρί, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Be vain, or giv'n up, for their opposite spleen.

Τηλέμαχʼ ὑψαγόρη, μένος ἄσχετε, μή τί τοι ἄλλο

But, if Ulysses nor Penelope

ἐν στήθεσσι κακὸν μελέτω ἔργον τε ἔπος τε,

Were thy true parents, I then hope in thee

ἀλλά μοι ἐσθιέμεν καὶ πινέμεν, ὡς τὸ πάρος περ.

Of no more urging thy attempt in hand;

ταῦτα δέ τοι μάλα πάντα τελευτήσουσιν Ἀχαιοί,

For few, that rightly bred on both sides stand,

νῆα καὶ ἐξαίτους ἐρέτας, ἵνα θᾶσσον ἵκηαι

Are like their parents, many that are worse,

ἐς Πύλον ἠγαθέην μετʼ ἀγαυοῦ πατρὸς ἀκουήν.

And most few better. Those then that the nurse

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Or mother call true-born yet are not so,

Ἀντίνοʼ, οὔ πως ἔστιν ὑπερφιάλοισι μεθʼ ὑμῖν

Like worthy sires much less are like to grow.

δαίνυσθαί τʼ ἀκέοντα καὶ εὐφραίνεσθαι ἕκηλον.

But thou show'st now that in thee fades not quite

ἦ οὐχ ἅλις ὡς τὸ πάροιθεν ἐκείρετε πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

Thy father's wisdom; and that future light

κτήματʼ ἐμά, μνηστῆρες, ἐγὼ δʼ ἔτι νήπιος ἦα;

Shall therefore show thee far from being unwise,

νῦν δʼ ὅτε δὴ μέγας εἰμὶ καὶ ἄλλων μῦθον ἀκούων

Or touch'd with stain of bastard cowardice.

πυνθάνομαι, καὶ δή μοι ἀέξεται ἔνδοθι θυμός,

Hope therefore says, that thou wilt to the end

πειρήσω, ὥς κʼ ὔμμι κακὰς ἐπὶ κῆρας ἰήλω,

Pursue the brave act thou didst erst intend.

ἠὲ Πύλονδʼ ἐλθών, ἢ αὐτοῦ τῷδʼ ἐνὶ δήμῳ.

But for the foolish Wooers, they bewray

εἶμι μέν, οὐδʼ ἁλίη ὁδὸς ἔσσεται ἣν ἀγορεύω,

They neither counsel have nor soul, since they

ἔμπορος· οὐ γὰρ νηὸς ἐπήβολος οὐδʼ ἐρετάων

Are neither wise nor just, and so must needs

γίγνομαι· ὥς νύ που ὔμμιν ἐείσατο κέρδιον εἶναι.

Rest ignorant how black above their heads

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς χεῖρα σπάσατʼ Ἀντινόοιο

Fate hovers holding Death, that one sole day

ῥεῖα· μνηστῆρες δὲ δόμον κάτα δαῖτα πένοντο.

Will make enough to make them all away.

οἱ δʼ ἐπελώβευον καὶ ἐκερτόμεον ἐπέεσσιν.

For thee, the way thou wishest shall no more

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκε νέων ὑπερηνορεόντων·

Fly thee a step; I, that have been before

ἦ μάλα Τηλέμαχος φόνον ἡμῖν μερμηρίζει.

Thy father's friend, thine likewise now will be,

Provide thy ship myself, and follow thee.

Go thou then home, and sooth each Wooer's vein,

But under hand fit all things for the main;

Wine in as strong and sweet casks as you can,

And meal, the very marrow of a man,

Which put in good sure leather sacks, and see

That with sweet food sweet vessels still agree.

I from the people straight will press for you

Free voluntaries; and, for ships, enow

Sea-circled Ithaca contains, both new

And old-built; all which I'll exactly view,

And choose what one soever most doth please;

Which rigg'd, we'll straight launch, and assay the seas."

This spake Jove's daughter, Pallas; whose voice heard,

No more Telemachus her charge deferr'd,

But hasted home, and, sad at heart, did see

Amidst his hall th' insulting Wooers flea

Goats, and roast swine. 'Mongst whom, Antinous

Careless, discov'ring in Telemachus

His grudge to see them, laugh'd, met, took his hand,

And said: "High-spoken, with the mind so mann'd!

Come, do as we do, put not up your spirits

With these low trifles, nor our loving merits

In gall of any hateful purpose steep,

ἤ τινας ἐκ Πύλου ἄξει ἀμύντορας ἠμαθόεντος

But eat egregiously, and drink as deep.

ἢ ὅ γε καὶ Σπάρτηθεν, ἐπεί νύ περ ἵεται αἰνῶς·

The things thou think'st on, all at full shall be

ἠὲ καὶ εἰς Ἐφύρην ἐθέλει, πίειραν ἄρουραν,

By th' Achives thought on, and perform'd to thee;

ἐλθεῖν, ὄφρʼ ἔνθεν θυμοφθόρα φάρμακʼ ἐνείκῃ,

Ship, and choice oars, that in a trice will land

ἐν δὲ βάλῃ κρητῆρι καὶ ἡμέας πάντας ὀλέσσῃ.

Thy hasty fleet on heav'nly Pylos' sand,

ἄλλος δʼ αὖτʼ εἴπεσκε νέων ὑπερηνορεόντων·

And at the fame of thy illustrious sire."

τίς δʼ οἶδʼ, εἴ κε καὶ αὐτὸς ἰὼν κοίλης ἐπὶ νηὸς

He answer'd: "Men, whom pride did so inspire,

τῆλε φίλων ἀπόληται ἀλώμενος ὥς περ Ὀδυσσεύς;

Are not fit consorts for an humble guest;

οὕτω κεν καὶ μᾶλλον ὀφέλλειεν πόνον ἄμμιν·

Nor are constrain'd men merry at their feast.

κτήματα γάρ κεν πάντα δασαίμεθα, οἰκία δʼ αὖτε

Is 't not enough, that all this time ye have

τούτου μητέρι δοῖμεν ἔχειν ἠδʼ ὅς τις ὀπυίοι.

Op'd in your entrails my chief goods a grave,

ὣς φάν, ὁ δʼ ὑψόροφον θάλαμον κατεβήσετο πατρὸς

And, while I was a child, made me partake?

εὐρύν, ὅθι νητὸς χρυσὸς καὶ χαλκὸς ἔκειτο

My now more growth more grown my mind doth make,

ἐσθής τʼ ἐν χηλοῖσιν ἅλις τʼ ἐυῶδες ἔλαιον·

And, hearing speak more judging men than you,

ἐν δὲ πίθοι οἴνοιο παλαιοῦ ἡδυπότοιο

Perceive how much I was misgovern'd now.

ἕστασαν, ἄκρητον θεῖον ποτὸν ἐντὸς ἔχοντες,

I now will try if I can bring ye home

ἑξείης ποτὶ τοῖχον ἀρηρότες, εἴ ποτʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

An ill Fate to consort you; if it come

οἴκαδε νοστήσειε καὶ ἄλγεα πολλὰ μογήσας.

From Pylos, or amongst the people here.

κληισταὶ δʼ ἔπεσαν σανίδες πυκινῶς ἀραρυῖαι,

But thither I resolve, and know that there

δικλίδες· ἐν δὲ γυνὴ ταμίη νύκτας τε καὶ ἦμαρ

I shall not touch in vain. Nor will I stay,

ἔσχʼ, ἣ πάντʼ ἐφύλασσε νόου πολυϊδρείῃσιν,

Though in a merchant's ship I steer my way;

Εὐρύκλειʼ, Ὦπος θυγάτηρ Πεισηνορίδαο.

Which shows in your sights best; since me ye know

τὴν τότε Τηλέμαχος προσέφη θαλαμόνδε καλέσσας·

Incapable of ship, or men to row."

μαῖʼ, ἄγε δή μοι οἶνον ἐν ἀμφιφορεῦσιν ἄφυσσον

This said, his hand he coyly snatch'd away

ἡδύν, ὅτις μετὰ τὸν λαρώτατος ὃν σὺ φυλάσσεις

From forth Antinous' hand. The rest the day

κεῖνον ὀιομένη τὸν κάμμορον, εἴ ποθεν ἔλθοι

Spent through the house with banquets; some with jests,

διογενὴς Ὀδυσεὺς θάνατον καὶ κῆρας ἀλύξας.

And some with railings, dignifying their feasts.

δώδεκα δʼ ἔμπλησον καὶ πώμασιν ἄρσον ἅπαντας.

To whom a jest-proud youth the wit began:

ἐν δέ μοι ἄλφιτα χεῦον ἐϋρραφέεσσι δοροῖσιν·

"Telemachus will kill us ev'ry man.

εἴκοσι δʼ ἔστω μέτρα μυληφάτου ἀλφίτου ἀκτῆς.

From Sparta, to the very Pylian sand,

αὐτὴ δʼ οἴη ἴσθι· τὰ δʼ ἁθρόα πάντα τετύχθω·

He will raise aids to his impetuous hand.

ἑσπέριος γὰρ ἐγὼν αἱρήσομαι, ὁππότε κεν δὴ

O he affects it strangely! Or he means

μήτηρ εἰς ὑπερῷʼ ἀναβῇ κοίτου τε μέδηται.

To search Ephyra's fat shores, and from thence

εἶμι γὰρ ἐς Σπάρτην τε καὶ ἐς Πύλον ἠμαθόεντα

Bring deathful poisons, which amongst our bowls

νόστον πευσόμενος πατρὸς φίλου, ἤν που ἀκούσω.

Will make a general shipwrack of our souls."

ὣς φάτο, κώκυσεν δὲ φίλη τροφὸς Εὐρύκλεια,

Another said: "Alas, who knows but he

καί ῥʼ ὀλοφυρομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Once gone, and erring like his sire at sea,

τίπτε δέ τοι, φίλε τέκνον, ἐνὶ φρεσὶ τοῦτο νόημα

May perish like him, far from aid of friends,

ἔπλετο; πῇ δʼ ἐθέλεις ἰέναι πολλὴν ἐπὶ γαῖαν

And so he makes us work? For all the ends

μοῦνος ἐὼν ἀγαπητός; ὁ δʼ ὤλετο τηλόθι πάτρης

Left of his goods here we shall share, the house

διογενὴς Ὀδυσεὺς ἀλλογνώτῳ ἐνὶ δήμῳ.

Left to his mother and her chosen spouse."

οἱ δέ τοι αὐτίκʼ ἰόντι κακὰ φράσσονται ὀπίσσω,

Thus they; while he a room ascended, high

ὥς κε δόλῳ φθίῃς, τάδε δʼ αὐτοὶ πάντα δάσονται.

And large, built by his father, where did lie

ἀλλὰ μένʼ αὖθʼ ἐπὶ σοῖσι καθήμενος· οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

Gold and brass heap'd up, and in coffers were

πόντον ἐπʼ ἀτρύγετον κακὰ πάσχειν οὐδʼ ἀλάλησθαι.

Rich robes, great store of odorous oils, and there

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Stood tuns of sweet old wines along the wall,

θάρσει, μαῖʼ, ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι ἄνευ θεοῦ ἥδε γε βουλή.

Neat and divine drink, kept to cheer with all

ἀλλʼ ὄμοσον μὴ μητρὶ φίλῃ τάδε μυθήσασθαι,

Ulysses' old heart, if he turn'd again

πρίν γʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἑνδεκάτη τε δυωδεκάτη τε γένηται,

From labours fatal to him to sustain.

ἢ αὐτὴν ποθέσαι καὶ ἀφορμηθέντος ἀκοῦσαι,

The doors of plank were, their close exquisite,

ὡς ἂν μὴ κλαίουσα κατὰ χρόα καλὸν ἰάπτῃ.

Kept with a double key, and day and night

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, γρῆυς δὲ θεῶν μέγαν ὅρκον ἀπώμνυ.

A woman lock'd within; and that was she

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ὄμοσέν τε τελεύτησέν τε τὸν ὅρκον,

Who all trust had for her sufficiency,

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτά οἱ οἶνον ἐν ἀμφιφορεῦσιν ἄφυσσεν,

Old Euryclea, one of Opis' race,

Son to Pisenor, and in passing grace

With grey Minerva; her the prince did call,

And said: "Nurse! Draw me the most sweet of all

The wine thou keep'st; next that which for my sire

Thy care reserves, in hope he shall retire.

Twelve vessels fill me forth, and stop them well.

Then into well-sew'd sacks of fine ground meal

Pour twenty measures. Nor, to anyone

But thee thyself, let this design be known.

All this see got together; I it all

In night will fetch off, when my mother shall

Ascend her high room, and for sleep prepare.

Sparta and Pylos I must see, in care

To find my father." Out Euryclea cried,

And ask'd with tears: "Why is your mind applied.

Dear son, to this course? Whither will you go?

So far off leave us, and belovéd so,

So only? And the sole hope of your race?

Royal Ulysses, far from the embrace

Of his kind country, in a land unknown

Is dead; and, you from your lov'd country gone,

The Wooers will with some deceit assay

To your destruction, making then their prey

ἐν δέ οἱ ἄλφιτα χεῦεν ἐϋρραφέεσσι δοροῖσι.

Of all your goods. Where, in your own y'are strong,

Τηλέμαχος δʼ ἐς δώματʼ ἰὼν μνηστῆρσιν ὁμίλει.

Make sure abode. It fits not you so young

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

To suffer so much by the aged seas,

Τηλεμάχῳ ἐικυῖα κατὰ πτόλιν ᾤχετο πάντῃ,

And err in such a wayless wilderness."

καί ῥα ἑκάστῳ φωτὶ παρισταμένη φάτο μῦθον,

"Be cheer'd, lov'd nurse," said he, "for, not without

ἑσπερίους δʼ ἐπὶ νῆα θοὴν ἀγέρεσθαι ἀνώγει.

The will of God, go my attempts about.

ἡ δʼ αὖτε Φρονίοιο Νοήμονα φαίδιμον υἱὸν

Swear therefore, not to wound my mother's ears

ᾔτεε νῆα θοήν· ὁ δέ οἱ πρόφρων ὑπέδεκτο.

With word of this, before from heav'n appears

δύσετό τʼ ἠέλιος σκιόωντό τε πᾶσαι ἀγυιαί,

Th' elev'nth or twelfth light, or herself shall please

καὶ τότε νῆα θοὴν ἅλαδʼ εἴρυσε, πάντα δʼ ἐν αὐτῇ

To ask of me, or hears me put to seas,

ὅπλʼ ἐτίθει, τά τε νῆες ἐύσσελμοι φορέουσι.

Lest her fair body with her woe be wore."

στῆσε δʼ ἐπʼ ἐσχατιῇ λιμένος, περὶ δʼ ἐσθλοὶ ἑταῖροι

To this the great oath of the Gods she swore;

ἁθρόοι ἠγερέθοντο· θεὰ δʼ ὤτρυνεν ἕκαστον.

Which having sworn, and of it every due

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

Perform'd to full, to vessels wine she drew,

βῆ ῤʼ ἰέναι πρὸς δώματʼ Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο·

And into well-sew'd sacks pour'd foody meal.

ἔνθα μνηστήρεσσιν ἐπὶ γλυκὺν ὕπνον ἔχευε,

In mean time he, with cunning to conceal

πλάζε δὲ πίνοντας, χειρῶν δʼ ἔκβαλλε κύπελλα.

All thought of this from others, himself bore

οἱ δʼ εὕδειν ὤρνυντο κατὰ πτόλιν, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν

In broad house, with the Wooers, as before.

ἥατʼ, ἐπεί σφισιν ὕπνος ἐπὶ βλεφάροισιν ἔπιπτεν.

Then grey-eyed Pallas other thoughts did own,

αὐτὰρ Τηλέμαχον προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη