Odyssey

The sun now left the great and goodly lake,

Ἠέλιος δʼ ἀνόρουσε, λιπὼν περικαλλέα λίμνην,

And to the firm heav'n bright ascent did make,

οὐρανὸν ἐς πολύχαλκον, ἵνʼ ἀθανάτοισι φαείνοι

To shine as well upon the mortal birth,

καὶ θνητοῖσι βροτοῖσιν ἐπὶ ζείδωρον ἄρουραν·

Inhabiting the plow'd life-giving earth,

οἱ δὲ Πύλον, Νηλῆος ἐυκτίμενον πτολίεθρον,

As on the ever-treaders upon death.

ἷξον· τοὶ δʼ ἐπὶ θινὶ θαλάσσης ἱερὰ ῥέζον,

And now to Pylos, that so garnisheth

ταύρους παμμέλανας, ἐνοσίχθονι κυανοχαίτῃ.

Herself with buildings, old Neleus' town,

ἐννέα δʼ ἕδραι ἔσαν, πεντακόσιοι δʼ ἐν ἑκάστῃ

The prince and Goddess come had strange sights shown,

ἥατο καὶ προύχοντο ἑκάστοθι ἐννέα ταύρους.

For, on the marine shore, the people there

εὖθʼ οἱ σπλάγχνα πάσαντο, θεῷ δʼ ἐπὶ μηρίʼ ἔκαιον,

To Neptune, that the azure locks doth wear,

οἱ δʼ ἰθὺς κατάγοντο ἰδʼ ἱστία νηὸς ἐίσης

Beeves that were wholly black gave holy flame.

στεῖλαν ἀείραντες, τὴν δʼ ὥρμισαν, ἐκ δʼ ἔβαν αὐτοί·

Nine seats of state they made to his high name;

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχος νηὸς βαῖνʼ, ἦρχε δʼ Ἀθήνη.

And ev'ry seat set with five hundred men,

τὸν προτέρη προσέειπε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

And each five hundred was to furnish then

Τηλέμαχʼ, οὐ μέν σε χρὴ ἔτʼ αἰδοῦς, οὐδʼ ἠβαιόν·

With nine black oxen ev'ry sacred seat.

τοὔνεκα γὰρ καὶ πόντον ἐπέπλως, ὄφρα πύθηαι

These of the entrails only pleas'd to eat,

πατρός, ὅπου κύθε γαῖα καὶ ὅν τινα πότμον ἐπέσπεν.

And to the God enflam'd the fleshy thighs.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἰθὺς κίε Νέστορος ἱπποδάμοιο·

By this time Pallas with the sparkling eyes,

εἴδομεν ἥν τινα μῆτιν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κέκευθε.

And he she led, within the haven bore,

λίσσεσθαι δέ μιν αὐτός, ὅπως νημερτέα εἴπῃ·

Struck sail, cast anchor, and trod both the shore,

ψεῦδος δʼ οὐκ ἐρέει· μάλα γὰρ πεπνυμένος ἐστί.

She first, he after. Then said Pallas: "Now

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

No more befits thee the least bashful brow;

Μέντορ, πῶς τʼ ἄρʼ ἴω; πῶς τʼ ἂρ προσπτύξομαι αὐτόν;

T' embolden which this act is put on thee,

οὐδέ τί πω μύθοισι πεπείρημαι πυκινοῖσιν·

To seek thy father both at shore and sea,

αἰδὼς δʼ αὖ νέον ἄνδρα γεραίτερον ἐξερέεσθαι.

And learn in what clime he abides so close,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Or in the pow'r of what Fate doth repose.

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἄλλα μὲν αὐτὸς ἐνὶ φρεσὶ σῇσι νοήσεις,

Come then, go right to Nestor; let us see,

ἄλλα δὲ καὶ δαίμων ὑποθήσεται· οὐ γὰρ ὀίω

If in his bosom any counsel be,

οὔ σε θεῶν ἀέκητι γενέσθαι τε τραφέμεν τε.

That may inform us. Pray him not to trace

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασʼ ἡγήσατο Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

The common courtship, and to speak in grace

καρπαλίμως· ὁ δʼ ἔπειτα μετʼ ἴχνια βαῖνε θεοῖο.

Of the demander, but to tell the truth;

ἷξον δʼ ἐς Πυλίων ἀνδρῶν ἄγυρίν τε καὶ ἕδρας,

Which will delight him, and commend thy youth

ἔνθʼ ἄρα Νέστωρ ἧστο σὺν υἱάσιν, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἑταῖροι

For such prevention; for he loves no lies,

δαῖτʼ ἐντυνόμενοι κρέα τʼ ὤπτων ἄλλα τʼ ἔπειρον.

Nor will report them, being truly wise."

οἱ δʼ ὡς οὖν ξείνους ἴδον, ἁθρόοι ἦλθον ἅπαντες,

He answer'd: "Mentor! how, alas! shall I

χερσίν τʼ ἠσπάζοντο καὶ ἑδριάασθαι ἄνωγον.

Present myself? How greet his gravity?

πρῶτος Νεστορίδης Πεισίστρατος ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

My youth by no means that ripe form affords,

ἀμφοτέρων ἕλε χεῖρα καὶ ἵδρυσεν παρὰ δαιτὶ

That can digest my mind's instinct in words

κώεσιν ἐν μαλακοῖσιν ἐπὶ ψαμάθοις ἁλίῃσιν

Wise, and beseeming th' ears of one so sage.

πάρ τε κασιγνήτῳ Θρασυμήδεϊ καὶ πατέρι ᾧ·

Youth of most hope blush to use words with age."

δῶκε δʼ ἄρα σπλάγχνων μοίρας, ἐν δʼ οἶνον ἔχευεν

She said: "Thy mind will some conceit impress,

χρυσείῳ δέπαϊ· δειδισκόμενος δὲ προσηύδα

And something God will prompt thy towardness;

Παλλάδʼ Ἀθηναίην κούρην Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο·

For, I suppose, thy birth, and breeding too,

εὔχεο νῦν, ὦ ξεῖνε, Ποσειδάωνι ἄνακτι·

Were not in spite of what the Gods could do."

τοῦ γὰρ καὶ δαίτης ἠντήσατε δεῦρο μολόντες.

This said, she swiftly went before, and he

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν σπείσῃς τε καὶ εὔξεαι, ἣ θέμις ἐστί,

Her steps made guides, and follow'd instantly.

δὸς καὶ τούτῳ ἔπειτα δέπας μελιηδέος οἴνου

When soon they reach'd the Pylian throngs and seats,

σπεῖσαι, ἐπεὶ καὶ τοῦτον ὀίομαι ἀθανάτοισιν

Where Nestor with his sons sat; and the meats,

εὔχεσθαι· πάντες δὲ θεῶν χατέουσʼ ἄνθρωποι.

That for the feast serv'd, round about them were

ἀλλὰ νεώτερός ἐστιν, ὁμηλικίη δʼ ἐμοὶ αὐτῷ·

Adherents dressing, all their sacred cheer,

τοὔνεκα σοὶ προτέρῳ δώσω χρύσειον ἄλεισον.

Being roast and boil'd meats. When the Pylians saw

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐν χειρὶ τίθει δέπας ἡδέος οἴνου·

These strangers come, in thrust did all men draw

χαῖρε δʼ Ἀθηναίη πεπνυμένῳ ἀνδρὶ δικαίῳ,

About their entry, took their hands, and pray'd

οὕνεκα οἷ προτέρῃ δῶκε χρύσειον ἄλεισον·

They both would sit; their entry first assay'd

αὐτίκα δʼ εὔχετο πολλὰ Ποσειδάωνι ἄνακτι·

By Nestor's son, Pisistratus. In grace

κλῦθι, Ποσείδαον γαιήοχε, μηδὲ μεγήρῃς

Of whose repair, he gave them honour'd place

ἡμῖν εὐχομένοισι τελευτῆσαι τάδε ἔργα.

Betwixt his sire and brother Thrasymed,

Νέστορι μὲν πρώτιστα καὶ υἱάσι κῦδος ὄπαζε,

Who sat at feast on soft fells that were spread

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ ἄλλοισι δίδου χαρίεσσαν ἀμοιβὴν

Along the sea sands, kerv'd, and reach'd to them

σύμπασιν Πυλίοισιν ἀγακλειτῆς ἑκατόμβης.

Parts of the inwards, and did make a stream

δὸς δʼ ἔτι Τηλέμαχον καὶ ἐμὲ πρήξαντα νέεσθαι,

Of spritely wine into a golden bowl;

οὕνεκα δεῦρʼ ἱκόμεσθα θοῇ σὺν νηὶ μελαίνῃ.

Which to Minerva with a gentle soul

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔπειτʼ ἠρᾶτο καὶ αὐτὴ πάντα τελεύτα.

He gave, and thus spake: "Ere you eat, fair guest,

Invoke the Seas' King, of whose sacred feast

Your travel hither makes ye partners now;

When, sacrificing as becomes, bestow

This bowl of sweet wine on your friend, that he

May likewise use these rites of piety;

For I suppose his youth doth prayers use,

Since all men need the Gods. But you I choose

First in this cup's disposure, since his years

Seem short of yours, who more like me appears."

Thus gave he her the cup of pleasant wine;

And since a wise and just man did design

The golden bowl first to her free receit,

Ev'n to the Goddess it did add delight,

Who thus invok'd: "Hear thou, whose vast embrace

Enspheres the whole earth, nor disdain thy grace

To us that ask it in performing this:

To Nestor first, and these fair sons of his,

Vouchsafe all honour; and, next them, bestow

On all these Pylians, that have offer'd now

This most renowned hecatomb to thee,

Remuneration fit for them, and free;

δῶκε δὲ Τηλεμάχῳ καλὸν δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον·

And lastly deign Telemachus and me,

ὣς δʼ αὔτως ἠρᾶτο Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱός.

The work perform'd for whose effect we came,

οἱ δʼ ἐπεὶ ὤπτησαν κρέʼ ὑπέρτερα καὶ ἐρύσαντο,

Our safe return, both with our ship and fame."

μοίρας δασσάμενοι δαίνυντʼ ἐρικυδέα δαῖτα.

Thus pray'd she; and herself herself obey'd,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

In th' end performing all for which she pray'd.

τοῖς ἄρα μύθων ἦρχε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

And now, to pray, and do as she had done,

νῦν δὴ κάλλιόν ἐστι μεταλλῆσαι καὶ ἐρέσθαι

She gave the fair round bowl t' Ulysses' son.

ξείνους, οἱ τινές εἰσιν, ἐπεὶ τάρπησαν ἐδωδῆς.

The meat then dress'd, and drawn, and serv'd t' each guest,

ὦ ξεῖνοι, τίνες ἐστέ; πόθεν πλεῖθʼ ὑγρὰ κέλευθα;

They celebrated a most sumptuous feast.

ἤ τι κατὰ πρῆξιν ἦ μαψιδίως ἀλάλησθε

When appetite to wine and food allay'd,

οἷά τε ληιστῆρες ὑπεὶρ ἅλα, τοί τʼ ἀλόωνται

Horse-taming Nestor then began, and said:

ψυχὰς παρθέμενοι κακὸν ἀλλοδαποῖσι φέροντες;

"Now life's desire is serv'd, as far as fare,

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα

Time fits me to enquire what guests these are.

θαρσήσας· αὐτὴ γὰρ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θάρσος Ἀθήνη

Fair guests, what are ye? And for what coast tries

θῆχʼ, ἵνα μιν περὶ πατρὸς ἀποιχομένοιο ἔροιτο

Your ship the moist deeps? For fit merchandise?

ἠδʼ ἵνα μιν κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν ἔχῃσιν·

Or rudely coast ye, like our men of prise,

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη, μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν,

The rough seas tempting, desperately erring,

εἴρεαι ὁππόθεν εἰμέν· ἐγὼ δέ κέ τοι καταλέξω.

The ill of others in their good conferring?"

ἡμεῖς ἐξ Ἰθάκης ὑπονηίου εἰλήλουθμεν·

The wise prince now his boldness did begin,

πρῆξις δʼ ἥδʼ ἰδίη, οὐ δήμιος, ἣν ἀγορεύω.

For Pallas' self had harden'd him within,

πατρὸς ἐμοῦ κλέος εὐρὺ μετέρχομαι, ἤν που ἀκούσω,

By this device of travel to explore

δίου Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος, ὅν ποτέ φασι

His absent father; which two girlonds wore;

σὺν σοὶ μαρνάμενον Τρώων πόλιν ἐξαλαπάξαι.

His good by manage of his spirits; and then

ἄλλους μὲν γὰρ πάντας, ὅσοι Τρωσὶν πολέμιζον,

To gain him high grace in th' accounts of men.

πευθόμεθʼ, ἧχι ἕκαστος ἀπώλετο λυγρῷ ὀλέθρῳ,

"O Nestor! still in whom Nelëus lives!

κείνου δʼ αὖ καὶ ὄλεθρον ἀπευθέα θῆκε Κρονίων.

And all the glory of the Greeks survives,

οὐ γάρ τις δύναται σάφα εἰπέμεν ὁππόθʼ ὄλωλεν,

You ask from whence we are, and I relate:

εἴθʼ ὅ γʼ ἐπʼ ἠπείρου δάμη ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσιν,

From Ithaca (whose seat is situate

εἴτε καὶ ἐν πελάγει μετὰ κύμασιν Ἀμφιτρίτης.

Where Neius, the renownéd mountain, rears

τοὔνεκα νῦν τὰ σὰ γούναθʼ ἱκάνομαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα

His haughty forehead, and the honour bears

κείνου λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον ἐνισπεῖν, εἴ που ὄπωπας

To be our sea-mark) we assay'd the waves.

ὀφθαλμοῖσι τεοῖσιν ἢ ἄλλου μῦθον ἄκουσας

The business, I must tell, our own good craves,

πλαζομένου· πέρι γάρ μιν ὀιζυρὸν τέκε μήτηρ.

And not the public. I am come t' enquire,

μηδέ τί μʼ αἰδόμενος μειλίσσεο μηδʼ ἐλεαίρων,

If, in the fame that best men doth inspire

ἀλλʼ εὖ μοι κατάλεξον ὅπως ἤντησας ὀπωπῆς.

Of my most-suff'ring father, I may hear

λίσσομαι, εἴ ποτέ τοί τι πατὴρ ἐμός, ἐσθλὸς Ὀδυσσεύς,

Some truth of his estate now, who did bear

ἢ ἔπος ἠέ τι ἔργον ὑποστὰς ἐξετέλεσσε

The name, being join'd in fight with you alone,

δήμῳ ἔνι Τρώων, ὅθι πάσχετε πήματʼ Ἀχαιοί,

To even with earth the height of Ilion.

τῶν νῦν μοι μνῆσαι, καί μοι νημερτὲς ἐνίσπες.

Of all men else, that any name did bear,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

And fought for Troy, the sev'ral ends we hear;

ὦ φίλʼ, ἐπεί μʼ ἔμνησας ὀιζύος, ἣν ἐν ἐκείνῳ

But his death Jove keeps from the world unknown,

δήμῳ ἀνέτλημεν μένος ἄσχετοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

The certain fame thereof being told by none;

ἠμὲν ὅσα ξὺν νηυσὶν ἐπʼ ἠεροειδέα πόντον

If on the continent by enemies slain,

πλαζόμενοι κατὰ ληίδʼ, ὅπῃ ἄρξειεν Ἀχιλλεύς,

Or with the waves eat of the ravenous main.

ἠδʼ ὅσα καὶ περὶ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

For his love 'tis that to your knees I sue,

μαρνάμεθʼ· ἔνθα δʼ ἔπειτα κατέκταθεν ὅσσοι ἄριστοι.

That you would please, out of your own clear view,

ἔνθα μὲν Αἴας κεῖται ἀρήιος, ἔνθα δʼ Ἀχιλλεύς,

T' assure his sad end; or say, if your ear

ἔνθα δὲ Πάτροκλος, θεόφιν μήστωρ ἀτάλαντος,

Hath heard of the unhappy wanderer,

ἔνθα δʼ ἐμὸς φίλος υἱός, ἅμα κρατερὸς καὶ ἀμύμων,

To too much sorrow whom his mother bore.

Ἀντίλοχος, πέρι μὲν θείειν ταχὺς ἠδὲ μαχητής·

You then by all your bounties I implore,

ἄλλα τε πόλλʼ ἐπὶ τοῖς πάθομεν κακά· τίς κεν ἐκεῖνα

(If ever to you deed or word hath stood,

πάντα γε μυθήσαιτο καταθνητῶν ἀνθρώπων;

By my good father promis'd, render'd good

οὐδʼ εἰ πεντάετές γε καὶ ἑξάετες παραμίμνων

Amongst the Trojans, where ye both have tried

ἐξερέοις ὅσα κεῖθι πάθον κακὰ δῖοι Ἀχαιοί·

The Grecian suff'rance) that in nought applied

πρίν κεν ἀνιηθεὶς σὴν πατρίδα γαῖαν ἵκοιο.

To my respect or pity you will glose,

εἰνάετες γάρ σφιν κακὰ ῥάπτομεν ἀμφιέποντες

But uncloth'd truth to my desires disclose."

παντοίοισι δόλοισι, μόγις δʼ ἐτέλεσσε Κρονίων.

"O my much-lov'd," said he, "since you renew

ἔνθʼ οὔ τίς ποτε μῆτιν ὁμοιωθήμεναι ἄντην

Remembrance of the miseries that grew

ἤθελʼ, ἐπεὶ μάλα πολλὸν ἐνίκα δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Upon our still-in-strength-opposing Greece

παντοίοισι δόλοισι, πατὴρ τεός, εἰ ἐτεόν γε

Amongst Troy's people, I must touch a piece

κείνου ἔκγονός ἐσσι· σέβας μʼ ἔχει εἰσορόωντα.

Of all our woes there, either in the men

ἦ τοι γὰρ μῦθοί γε ἐοικότες, οὐδέ κε φαίης

Achilles brought by sea and led to gain

About the country, or in us that fought

About the city, where to death were brought

All our chief men, as many as were there.

There Mars-like Ajax lies; Achilles there;

There the in-counsel-like-the-Gods, his friend;

There my dear son Antilochus took end,

Past measure swift of foot, and staid in fight.

A number more that ills felt infinite;

Of which to reckon all, what mortal man,

If five or six years you should stay here, can

Serve such enquiry? You would back again,

Affected with unsufferable pain,

Before you heard it. Nine years sieg'd we them,

With all the depth and sleight of stratagem

That could be thought. Ill knit to ill past end.

Yet still they toil'd us; nor would yet Jove send

Rest to our labours, nor will scarcely yet.

But no man liv'd, that would in public set

His wisdom by Ulysses' policy,

As thought his equal; so excessively

He stood superior all ways. If you be

ἄνδρα νεώτερον ὧδε ἐοικότα μυθήσασθαι.

His son indeed, mine eyes ev'n ravish me

ἔνθʼ ἦ τοι ἧος μὲν ἐγὼ καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

To admiration. And in all consent

οὔτε ποτʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ δίχʼ ἐβάζομεν οὔτʼ ἐνὶ βουλῇ,

Your speech puts on his speech's ornament.

ἀλλʼ ἕνα θυμὸν ἔχοντε νόῳ καὶ ἐπίφρονι βουλῇ

Nor would one say, that one so young could use,

φραζόμεθʼ Ἀργείοισιν ὅπως ὄχʼ ἄριστα γένοιτο.

Unless his son, a rhetoric so profuse.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Πριάμοιο πόλιν διεπέρσαμεν αἰπήν,

And while we liv'd together, he and I

βῆμεν δʼ ἐν νήεσσι, θεὸς δʼ ἐκέδασσεν Ἀχαιούς,

Never in speech maintain'd diversity;

καὶ τότε δὴ Ζεὺς λυγρὸν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μήδετο νόστον

Nor sat in council but, by one soul led,

Ἀργείοις, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι νοήμονες οὐδὲ δίκαιοι

With spirit and prudent counsel furnishéd

πάντες ἔσαν· τῶ σφεων πολέες κακὸν οἶτον ἐπέσπον

The Greeks at all hours, that, with fairest course,

μήνιος ἐξ ὀλοῆς γλαυκώπιδος ὀβριμοπάτρης.

What best became them, they might put in force.

ἥ τʼ ἔριν Ἀτρεΐδῃσι μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔθηκε.

But when Troy's' high tow'rs we had levell'd thus,

τὼ δὲ καλεσσαμένω ἀγορὴν ἐς πάντας Ἀχαιούς,

We put to sea, and God divided us.

μάψ, ἀτὰρ οὐ κατὰ κόσμον, ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα,

And then did Jove our sad retreat devise;

οἱ ἦλθον οἴνῳ βεβαρηότες υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

For all the Greeks were neither just nor wise,

μῦθον μυθείσθην, τοῦ εἵνεκα λαὸν ἄγειραν.

And therefore many felt so sharp a fate,

ἔνθʼ ἤ τοι Μενέλαος ἀνώγει πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

Sent from Minerva's most pernicious hate;

νόστου μιμνήσκεσθαι ἐπʼ εὐρέα νῶτα θαλάσσης,

Whose mighty Father can do fearful things.

οὐδʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι πάμπαν ἑήνδανε· βούλετο γάρ ῥα

By whose help she betwixt the brother kings

λαὸν ἐρυκακέειν ῥέξαι θʼ ἱερὰς ἑκατόμβας,

Let fall contention; who in council met

ὡς τὸν Ἀθηναίης δεινὸν χόλον ἐξακέσαιτο,

In vain, and timeless, when the sun was set,

νήπιος, οὐδὲ τὸ ᾔδη, ὃ οὐ πείσεσθαι ἔμελλεν·

And all the Greeks call'd, that came charg'd with wine.

οὐ γάρ τʼ αἶψα θεῶν τρέπεται νόος αἰὲν ἐόντων.

Yet then the kings would utter their design,

ὣς τὼ μὲν χαλεποῖσιν ἀμειβομένω ἐπέεσσιν

And why they summon'd. Menelaus, he

ἕστασαν· οἱ δʼ ἀνόρουσαν ἐυκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

Put all in mind of home, and cried, To sea.

ἠχῇ θεσπεσίῃ, δίχα δέ σφισιν ἥνδανε βουλή.

But Agamemnon stood on contraries,

νύκτα μὲν ἀέσαμεν χαλεπὰ φρεσὶν ὁρμαίνοντες

Whose will was, they should stay and sacrifice

ἀλλήλοις· ἐπὶ γὰρ Ζεὺς ἤρτυε πῆμα κακοῖο·

Whole hecatombs to Pallas, to forego

ἠῶθεν δʼ οἱ μὲν νέας ἕλκομεν εἰς ἅλα δῖαν

Her high wrath to them. Fool! that did not know

κτήματά τʼ ἐντιθέμεσθα βαθυζώνους τε γυναῖκας.

She would not so be won; for not with ease

ἡμίσεες δʼ ἄρα λαοὶ ἐρητύοντο μένοντες

Th' Eternal Gods are turn'd from what they please.

αὖθι παρʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι, ποιμένι λαῶν·

So they, divided, on foul language stood.

ἡμίσεες δʼ ἀναβάντες ἐλαύνομεν· αἱ δὲ μάλʼ ὦκα

The Greeks in huge rout rose, their wine-heat blood

ἔπλεον, ἐστόρεσεν δὲ θεὸς μεγακήτεα πόντον.

Two ways affecting. And, that night's sleep too,

ἐς Τένεδον δʼ ἐλθόντες ἐρέξαμεν ἱρὰ θεοῖσιν,

We turn'd to studying either other's woe;

οἴκαδε ἱέμενοι· Ζεὺς δʼ οὔ πω μήδετο νόστον,

When Jove besides made ready woes enow.

σχέτλιος, ὅς ῥʼ ἔριν ὦρσε κακὴν ἔπι δεύτερον αὖτις.

Morn came, we launch'd, and in our ships did stow

οἱ μὲν ἀποστρέψαντες ἔβαν νέας ἀμφιελίσσας

Our goods, and fair-girt women. Half our men

ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἄνακτα δαΐφρονα, ποικιλομήτην,

The people's guide, Atrides, did contain,

αὖτις ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι ἦρα φέροντες·

And half, being now aboard, put forth to sea.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ σὺν νηυσὶν ἀολλέσιν, αἵ μοι ἕποντο,

A most free gale gave all ships prosp'rous way.

φεῦγον, ἐπεὶ γίγνωσκον, ὃ δὴ κακὰ μήδετο δαίμων.

God settled then the huge whale-bearing lake,

φεῦγε δὲ Τυδέος υἱὸς ἀρήιος, ὦρσε δʼ ἑταίρους.

And Tenedos we reach'd; where, for time's sake,

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετὰ νῶι κίε ξανθὸς Μενέλαος,

We did divine rites to the Gods. But Jove,

ἐν Λέσβῳ δʼ ἔκιχεν δολιχὸν πλόον ὁρμαίνοντας,

Inexorable still, bore yet no love

ἢ καθύπερθε Χίοιο νεοίμεθα παιπαλοέσσης,

To our return, but did again excite

νήσου ἔπι Ψυρίης, αὐτὴν ἐπʼ ἀριστέρʼ ἔχοντες,

A second sad contention, that turn'd quite

ἦ ὑπένερθε Χίοιο, παρʼ ἠνεμόεντα Μίμαντα.

A great part of us back to sea again;

ᾐτέομεν δὲ θεὸν φῆναι τέρας· αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἡμῖν

Which were th' abundant-in-all-counsels man,

δεῖξε, καὶ ἠνώγει πέλαγος μέσον εἰς Εὔβοιαν

Your matchless father, who, to gratify

τέμνειν, ὄφρα τάχιστα ὑπὲκ κακότητα φύγοιμεν.

The great Atrides, back to him did fly.

ὦρτο δʼ ἐπὶ λιγὺς οὖρος ἀήμεναι· αἱ δὲ μάλʼ ὦκα

But I fled all, with all that follow'd me,

ἰχθυόεντα κέλευθα διέδραμον, ἐς δὲ Γεραιστὸν

Because I knew God studied misery,

ἐννύχιαι κατάγοντο· Ποσειδάωνι δὲ ταύρων

To hurl amongst us. With me likewise fled

πόλλʼ ἐπὶ μῆρʼ ἔθεμεν, πέλαγος μέγα μετρήσαντες.

Martial Tydides. I the men he led

τέτρατον ἦμαρ ἔην, ὅτʼ ἐν Ἄργεϊ νῆας ἐίσας

Gat to go with him. Winds our fleet did bring

Τυδεΐδεω ἕταροι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο

To Lesbos, where the yellow-headed king,

ἵστασαν· αὐτὰρ ἐγώ γε Πύλονδʼ ἔχον, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἔσβη

Though late, yet found us, as we put to choice

οὖρος, ἐπεὶ δὴ πρῶτα θεὸς προέηκεν ἀῆναι.

A tedious voyage; if we sail should hoise

ὣς ἦλθον, φίλε τέκνον, ἀπευθής, οὐδέ τι οἶδα

Above rough Chius, left on our left hand,

κείνων, οἵ τʼ ἐσάωθεν Ἀχαιῶν οἵ τʼ ἀπόλοντο.

To th' isle of Psyria, or that rugged land

ὅσσα δʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισι καθήμενος ἡμετέροισι

Sail under, and for windy Mimas steer.

We ask'd of God that some ostent might clear

Our cloudy business, who gave us sign,

And charge, that all should, in a middle line,

The sea cut for Eubœa, that with speed

Our long-sustain'd infortune might be freed.

Then did a whistling wind begin to rise,

And swiftly flew we through the fishy skies,

Till to Geræstus we in night were brought;

Where, through the broad sea since we safe had wrought,

At Neptune's altars many solid thighs

Of slaughter'd bulls we burn'd for sacrifice.

The fourth day came, when Tydeus' son did greet

The haven of Argos with his cómplete fleet.

But I for Pylos straight steer'd on my course;

Nor ever left the wind his foreright force,

Since God fore-sent it first. And thus I came,

Dear son, to Pylos, uninform'd by fame,

Nor know one sav'd by Fate, or overcome.

Whom I have heard of since, set here at home,

As fits, thou shalt be taught, nought left unshown.

The expert spear-men, ev'ry Myrmidon,

πεύθομαι, ἣ θέμις ἐστί, δαήσεαι, οὐδέ σε κεύσω.

Led by the brave heir of the mighty-soul'd

εὖ μὲν Μυρμιδόνας φάσʼ ἐλθέμεν ἐγχεσιμώρους,

Unpeer'd Achilles, safe of home got hold;

οὓς ἄγʼ Ἀχιλλῆος μεγαθύμου φαίδιμος υἱός,

Safe Philoctetes, Pœan's famous seed;

εὖ δὲ Φιλοκτήτην, Ποιάντιον ἀγλαὸν υἱόν.

And safe Idomenæus his men led

πάντας δʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρήτην εἰσήγαγʼ ἑταίρους,

To his home, Crete, who fled the arméd field,

οἳ φύγον ἐκ πολέμου, πόντος δέ οἱ οὔ τινʼ ἀπηύρα.

Of whom yet none the sea from him withheld.

Ἀτρεΐδην δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀκούετε, νόσφιν ἐόντες,

Atrides, you have both heard, though ye be

ὥς τʼ ἦλθʼ, ὥς τʼ Αἴγισθος ἐμήσατο λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον.

His far-off dwellers, what an end had he,

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι κεῖνος μὲν ἐπισμυγερῶς ἀπέτισεν·

Done by Ægisthus to a bitter death;

ὡς ἀγαθὸν καὶ παῖδα καταφθιμένοιο λιπέσθαι

Who miserably paid for forcéd breath,

ἀνδρός, ἐπεὶ καὶ κεῖνος ἐτίσατο πατροφονῆα,

Atrides leaving a good son, that dyed,

Αἴγισθον δολόμητιν, ὅ οἱ πατέρα κλυτὸν ἔκτα.

In blood of that deceitful parricide,

καὶ σὺ φίλος, μάλα γάρ σʼ ὁρόω καλόν τε μέγαν τε,

His wreakful sword. And thou my friend, as he

ἄλκιμος ἔσσʼ, ἵνα τίς σε καὶ ὀψιγόνων ἐὺ εἴπῃ.

For this hath his fame, the like spirit in thee

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Assume at all parts. Fair and great, I see,

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη, μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν,

Thou art in all hope, make it good to th' end,

καὶ λίην κεῖνος μὲν ἐτίσατο, καί οἱ Ἀχαιοὶ

That after-times as much may thee commend."

οἴσουσι κλέος εὐρὺ καὶ ἐσσομένοισι πυθέσθαι·

He answer'd: "O thou greatest grace of Greece,

αἲ γὰρ ἐμοὶ τοσσήνδε θεοὶ δύναμιν περιθεῖεν,

Orestes made that wreak his master-piece,

τίσασθαι μνηστῆρας ὑπερβασίης ἀλεγεινῆς,

And him the Greeks will give a master-praise,

οἵ τέ μοι ὑβρίζοντες ἀτάσθαλα μηχανόωνται.

Verse finding him to last all after-days.

ἀλλʼ οὔ μοι τοιοῦτον ἐπέκλωσαν θεοὶ ὄλβον,

And would to God the Gods would favour me

πατρί τʼ ἐμῷ καὶ ἐμοί· νῦν δὲ χρὴ τετλάμεν ἔμπης.

With his performance, that my injury,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Done by my mother's Wooers, being so foul,

ὦ φίλʼ, ἐπεὶ δὴ ταῦτά μʼ ἀνέμνησας καὶ ἔειπες,

I might revenge upon their ev'ry soul;

φασὶ μνηστῆρας σῆς μητέρος εἵνεκα πολλοὺς

Who, pressing me with contumelies, dare

ἐν μεγάροις ἀέκητι σέθεν κακὰ μηχανάασθαι·

Such things as past the pow'r of utt'rance are.

εἰπέ μοι, ἠὲ ἑκὼν ὑποδάμνασαι, ἦ σέ γε λαοὶ

But Heav'n's great Pow'rs have grac'd my destiny

ἐχθαίρουσʼ ἀνὰ δῆμον, ἐπισπόμενοι θεοῦ ὀμφῇ.

With no such honour. Both my sire and I

τίς δʼ οἶδʼ εἴ κέ ποτέ σφι βίας ἀποτίσεται ἐλθών,

Are born to suffer everlastingly."

ἢ ὅ γε μοῦνος ἐὼν ἢ καὶ σύμπαντες Ἀχαιοί;

"Because you name those Wooers, friend," said he,

εἰ γάρ σʼ ὣς ἐθέλοι φιλέειν γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

"Report says, many such, in spite of thee,

ὡς τότʼ Ὀδυσσῆος περικήδετο κυδαλίμοιο

Wooing thy mother, in thy house commit

δήμῳ ἔνι Τρώων, ὅθι πάσχομεν ἄλγεʼ Ἀχαιοί—

The ills thou nam'st. But say: Proceedeth it

οὐ γάρ πω ἴδον ὧδε θεοὺς ἀναφανδὰ φιλεῦντας,

From will in thee to bear so foul a foil?

ὡς κείνῳ ἀναφανδὰ παρίστατο Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη—

Or from thy subjects' hate, that wish thy spoil,

εἴ σʼ οὕτως ἐθέλοι φιλέειν κήδοιτό τε θυμῷ,

And will not aid thee, since their spirits rely,

τῶ κέν τις κείνων γε καὶ ἐκλελάθοιτο γάμοιο.

Against thy rule, on some grave augury?

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

What know they, but at length thy father may

ὦ γέρον, οὔ πω τοῦτο ἔπος τελέεσθαι ὀίω·

Come, and with violence their violence pay;

λίην γὰρ μέγα εἶπες· ἄγη μʼ ἔχει. οὐκ ἂν ἐμοί γε

Or he alone, or all the Greeks with him?

ἐλπομένῳ τὰ γένοιτʼ, οὐδʼ εἰ θεοὶ ὣς ἐθέλοιεν.

But if Minerva now did so esteem

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Thee, as thy father in times past; whom, past

Τηλέμαχε, ποῖόν σε ἔπος φύγεν ἕρκος ὀδόντων.

All measure, she with glorious favours grac't

ῥεῖα θεός γʼ ἐθέλων καὶ τηλόθεν ἄνδρα σαώσαι.

Amongst the Trojans, where we suffer'd so;

βουλοίμην δʼ ἂν ἐγώ γε καὶ ἄλγεα πολλὰ μογήσας

(O! I did never see, in such clear show,

οἴκαδέ τʼ ἐλθέμεναι καὶ νόστιμον ἦμαρ ἰδέσθαι,

The Gods so grace a man, as she to him,

ἢ ἐλθὼν ἀπολέσθαι ἐφέστιος, ὡς Ἀγαμέμνων

To all our eyes, appear'd in all her trim)

ὤλεθʼ ὑπʼ Αἰγίσθοιο δόλῳ καὶ ἧς ἀλόχοιο.

If so, I say, she would be pleas'd to love,

ἀλλʼ ἦ τοι θάνατον μὲν ὁμοίιον οὐδὲ θεοί περ

And that her mind's care thou so much couldst move,

καὶ φίλῳ ἀνδρὶ δύνανται ἀλαλκέμεν, ὁππότε κεν δὴ

As did thy father, ev'ry man of these

μοῖρʼ ὀλοὴ καθέλῃσι τανηλεγέος θανάτοιο.

Would lose in death their seeking marriages."

τὴν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

"O father," answer'd he, "you make amaze

Μέντορ, μηκέτι ταῦτα λεγώμεθα κηδόμενοί περ·

Seize me throughout. Beyond the height of phrase

κείνῳ δʼ οὐκέτι νόστος ἐτήτυμος, ἀλλά οἱ ἤδη

You raise expression; but 'twill never be,

φράσσαντʼ ἀθάνατοι θάνατον καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν.

That I shall move in any Deity

νῦν δʼ ἐθέλω ἔπος ἄλλο μεταλλῆσαι καὶ ἐρέσθαι

So blest an honour. Not by any means,

Νέστορʼ, ἐπεὶ περὶ οἶδε δίκας ἠδὲ φρόνιν ἄλλων·

If Hope should prompt me, or blind Confidence,

τρὶς γὰρ δή μίν φασιν ἀνάξασθαι γένεʼ ἀνδρῶν·

(The Gods of Fools) or ev'ry Deity

ὥς τέ μοι ἀθάνατος ἰνδάλλεται εἰσοράασθαι.

Should will it; for 'tis past my destiny."

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη, σὺ δʼ ἀληθὲς ἐνίσπες·

The burning-eyed Dame answer'd: "What a speech

πῶς ἔθανʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων;

Hath past the teeth-guard Nature gave to teach

Fit question of thy words before they fly!

God easily can (when to mortal eye

He's furthest off) a mortal satisfy;

And does the more still. For thy car'd-for sire,

I rather wish, that I might home retire,

After my suff'rance of a world of woes,

Far off, and then my glad eyes might disclose

The day of my return, then straight retire,

And perish standing by my household fire;

As Agamemnon did, that lost his life

By false Ægisthus, and his falser wife.

For Death to come at length, 'tis due to all;

Nor can the Gods themselves, when Fate shall call

Their most-lov'd man, extend his vital breath

Beyond the fix'd bounds of abhorréd Death."

"Mentor!" said he, "let's dwell no more on this,

Although in us the sorrow pious is.

No such return, as we wish, Fates bequeath

My erring father; whom a present death

The Deathless have decreed. I'll now use speech

That tends to other purpose; and beseech

ποῦ Μενέλαος ἔην; τίνα δʼ αὐτῷ μήσατʼ ὄλεθρον

Instruction of grave Nestor, since he flows

Αἴγισθος δολόμητις, ἐπεὶ κτάνε πολλὸν ἀρείω;

Past shore in all experience, and knows

ἦ οὐκ Ἄργεος ἦεν Ἀχαιικοῦ, ἀλλά πῃ ἄλλῃ

The sleights and wisdoms, and whose heights aspire

πλάζετʼ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους, ὁ δὲ θαρσήσας κατέπεφνε;

Others, as well as my commended sire,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Whom Fame reports to have commanded three

τοιγὰρ ἐγώ τοι, τέκνον, ἀληθέα πάντʼ ἀγορεύσω.

Ages of men, and doth in sight to me

ἦ τοι μὲν τάδε καὐτὸς ὀίεαι, ὥς κεν ἐτύχθη,

Show like th' Immortals. Nestor! the renown

εἰ ζωόν γʼ Αἴγισθον ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἔτετμεν

Of old Neleius, make the clear truth known,

Ἀτρεΐδης Τροίηθεν ἰών, ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·

How the most-great-in-empire, Atreus' son,

τῶ κέ οἱ οὐδὲ θανόντι χυτὴν ἐπὶ γαῖαν ἔχευαν,

Sustain'd the act of his destruction,

ἀλλʼ ἄρα τόν γε κύνες τε καὶ οἰωνοὶ κατέδαψαν

Where then was Menelaus? How was it

κείμενον ἐν πεδίῳ ἑκὰς ἄστεος, οὐδέ κέ τίς μιν

That false Ægisthus, being so far unfit

κλαῦσεν Ἀχαιιάδων· μάλα γὰρ μέγα μήσατο ἔργον.

A match for him, could his death so enforce?

ἡμεῖς μὲν γὰρ κεῖθι πολέας τελέοντες ἀέθλους

Was he not then in Argos? or his course

ἥμεθʼ· ὁ δʼ εὔκηλος μυχῷ Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο

With men so left, to let a coward breathe

πόλλʼ Ἀγαμεμνονέην ἄλοχον θέλγεσκʼ ἐπέεσσιν.

Spirit enough to dare his brother's death?"

ἡ δʼ ἦ τοι τὸ πρὶν μὲν ἀναίνετο ἔργον ἀεικὲς

"I'll tell thee truth in all, fair son," said he:

δῖα Κλυταιμνήστρη· φρεσὶ γὰρ κέχρητʼ ἀγαθῇσι·

"Right well was this event conceiv'd by thee.

πὰρ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔην καὶ ἀοιδὸς ἀνήρ, ᾧ πόλλʼ ἐπέτελλεν

If Menelaus in his brother's house

Ἀτρεΐδης Τροίηνδε κιὼν εἴρυσθαι ἄκοιτιν.

Had found the idle liver with his spouse,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή μιν μοῖρα θεῶν ἐπέδησε δαμῆναι,

Arriv'd from Troy, he had not liv'd, nor dead

δὴ τότε τὸν μὲν ἀοιδὸν ἄγων ἐς νῆσον ἐρήμην

Had the digg'd heap pour'd on his lustful head,

κάλλιπεν οἰωνοῖσιν ἕλωρ καὶ κύρμα γενέσθαι,

But fowls and dogs had torn him in the fields,

τὴν δʼ ἐθέλων ἐθέλουσαν ἀνήγαγεν ὅνδε δόμονδε.

Far off of Argos; not a dame it yields

πολλὰ δὲ μηρίʼ ἔκηε θεῶν ἱεροῖς ἐπὶ βωμοῖς,

Had giv'n him any tear, so foul his fact

πολλὰ δʼ ἀγάλματʼ ἀνῆψεν, ὑφάσματά τε χρυσόν τε,

Show'd ev'n to women. Us Troy's wars had rack'd

ἐκτελέσας μέγα ἔργον, ὃ οὔ ποτε ἔλπετο θυμῷ.

To ev'ry sinew's sufferance, while he

ἡμεῖς μὲν γὰρ ἅμα πλέομεν Τροίηθεν ἰόντες,

In Argos' uplands liv'd, from those works free,

Ἀτρεΐδης καὶ ἐγώ, φίλα εἰδότες ἀλλήλοισιν·

And Agamemnon's wife with force of word

ἀλλʼ ὅτε Σούνιον ἱρὸν ἀφικόμεθʼ, ἄκρον Ἀθηνέων,

Flatter'd and soften'd, who, at first, abhorr'd

ἔνθα κυβερνήτην Μενελάου Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

A fact so infamous. The heav'nly dame

οἷς ἀγανοῖς βελέεσσιν ἐποιχόμενος κατέπεφνε,

A good mind had, but was in blood to blame.

πηδάλιον μετὰ χερσὶ θεούσης νηὸς ἔχοντα,

There was a poet, to whose care the king

Φρόντιν Ὀνητορίδην, ὃς ἐκαίνυτο φῦλʼ ἀνθρώπων

His queen committed, and in ev'ry thing,

νῆα κυβερνῆσαι, ὁπότε σπέρχοιεν ἄελλαι.

When he from Troy went, charg'd him to apply

ὣς ὁ μὲν ἔνθα κατέσχετʼ, ἐπειγόμενός περ ὁδοῖο,

Himself in all guard to her dignity.

ὄφρʼ ἕταρον θάπτοι καὶ ἐπὶ κτέρεα κτερίσειεν.

But when strong Fate so wrapt-in her effects,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ κεῖνος ἰὼν ἐπὶ οἴνοπα πόντον

That she resolv'd to leave her fit respects,

ἐν νηυσὶ γλαφυρῇσι Μαλειάων ὄρος αἰπὺ

Into a desert isle her guardian led,

ἷξε θέων, τότε δὴ στυγερὴν ὁδὸν εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

There left, the rapine of the vultures fed.

ἐφράσατο, λιγέων δʼ ἀνέμων ἐπʼ ἀυτμένα χεῦε,

Then brought he willing home his will's won prize,

κύματά τε τροφέοντο πελώρια, ἶσα ὄρεσσιν.

On sacred altars offer'd many thighs,

ἔνθα διατμήξας τὰς μὲν Κρήτῃ ἐπέλασσεν,

Hung in the God's fanes many ornaments,

ἧχι Κύδωνες ἔναιον Ἰαρδάνου ἀμφὶ ῥέεθρα.

Garments and gold, that he the vast events

ἔστι δέ τις λισσὴ αἰπεῖά τε εἰς ἅλα πέτρη

Of such a labour to his wish had brought,

ἐσχατιῇ Γόρτυνος ἐν ἠεροειδέι πόντῳ·

As neither fell into his hope nor thought.

ἔνθα Νότος μέγα κῦμα ποτὶ σκαιὸν ῥίον ὠθεῖ,

At last, from Troy sail'd Sparta's king and I,

ἐς Φαιστόν, μικρὸς δὲ λίθος μέγα κῦμʼ ἀποέργει.

Both holding her untouch'd. And, that his eye

αἱ μὲν ἄρʼ ἔνθʼ ἦλθον, σπουδῇ δʼ ἤλυξαν ὄλεθρον

Might see no worse of her, when both were blown

ἄνδρες, ἀτὰρ νῆάς γε ποτὶ σπιλάδεσσιν ἔαξαν

To sacred Sunium, of Minerva's town

κύματʼ· ἀτὰρ τὰς πέντε νέας κυανοπρῳρείους

The goodly promontory, with his shafts severe

Αἰγύπτῳ ἐπέλασσε φέρων ἄνεμός τε καὶ ὕδωρ.

Augur Apollo slew him that did steer

ὣς ὁ μὲν ἔνθα πολὺν βίοτον καὶ χρυσὸν ἀγείρων

Atrides' ship, as he the stern did guide,

ἠλᾶτο ξὺν νηυσὶ κατʼ ἀλλοθρόους ἀνθρώπους·

And she the full speed of her sail applied.

τόφρα δὲ ταῦτʼ Αἴγισθος ἐμήσατο οἴκοθι λυγρά.

He was a man that natións of men

ἑπτάετες δʼ ἤνασσε πολυχρύσοιο Μυκήνης,

Excell'd in safe guide of a vessel, when

κτείνας Ἀτρεΐδην, δέδμητο δὲ λαὸς ὑπʼ αὐτῷ.

A tempest rush'd in on the ruffled seas;

τῷ δέ οἱ ὀγδοάτῳ κακὸν ἤλυθε δῖος Ὀρέστης

His name was Phrontis Onetorides.

ἂψ ἀπʼ Ἀθηνάων, κατὰ δʼ ἔκτανε πατροφονῆα,

And thus was Menelaus held from home,

Αἴγισθον δολόμητιν, ὅ οἱ πατέρα κλυτὸν ἔκτα.

Whose way he thirsted so to overcome,

ἦ τοι ὁ τὸν κτείνας δαίνυ τάφον Ἀργείοισιν

To give his friend the earth, being his pursuit,

And all his exequies to execute.

But sailing still the wine-hued seas, to reach

Some shore for fit performance, he did fetch

The steep mount of the Malians, and there,

With open voice, offended Jupiter

Proclaim'd the voyage his repugnant mind,

And pour'd the puffs out of a shrieking wind,

That nourish'd billows heighten'd like to hills;

And with the fleet's division fulfills

His hate proclaim'd; upon a part of Crete

Casting the navy, where the sea-waves meet

Rough Jardanus, and where the Cydons live.

There is a rock, on which the sea doth drive,

Bare, and all broken, on the confines set

Of Gortys, that the dark seas likewise fret;

And hither sent the South a horrid drift

Of waves against the top, that was the left

Of that torn cliff as far as Phæstus' strand.

A little stone the great sea's rage did stand.

The men here driv'n 'scap'd hard the ship's sore shocks,

The ships themselves being wrack'd against the rocks,

Save only five, that blue fore-castles bore,

μητρός τε στυγερῆς καὶ ἀνάλκιδος Αἰγίσθοιο·

Which wind and water cast on Egypt's shore.

αὐτῆμαρ δέ οἱ ἦλθε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος

When he (there victling well, and store of gold

πολλὰ κτήματʼ ἄγων, ὅσα οἱ νέες ἄχθος ἄειραν.

Aboard his ships brought) his wild way did hold,

καὶ σύ, φίλος, μὴ δηθὰ δόμων ἄπο τῆλʼ ἀλάλησο,

And t' other languag'd men was forc'd to roam.

κτήματά τε προλιπὼν ἄνδρας τʼ ἐν σοῖσι δόμοισιν

Mean space Ægisthus made sad work at home,

οὕτω ὑπερφιάλους, μή τοι κατὰ πάντα φάγωσιν

And slew his brother, forcing to his sway

κτήματα δασσάμενοι, σὺ δὲ τηϋσίην ὁδὸν ἔλθῃς.

Atrides' subjects, and did sev'n years lay

ἀλλʼ ἐς μὲν Μενέλαον ἐγὼ κέλομαι καὶ ἄνωγα

His yoke upon the rich Mycenian state.

ἐλθεῖν· κεῖνος γὰρ νέον ἄλλοθεν εἰλήλουθεν,

But in the eighth, to his affrighting fate,

ἐκ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὅθεν οὐκ ἔλποιτό γε θυμῷ

Divine Orestes home from Athens came,

ἐλθέμεν, ὅν τινα πρῶτον ἀποσφήλωσιν ἄελλαι

And what his royal father felt, the same

ἐς πέλαγος μέγα τοῖον, ὅθεν τέ περ οὐδʼ οἰωνοὶ

He made the false Ægisthus groan beneath.

αὐτόετες οἰχνεῦσιν, ἐπεὶ μέγα τε δεινόν τε.

Death evermore is the reward of death.

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν σὺν νηί τε σῇ καὶ σοῖς ἑτάροισιν·

Thus having slain him, a sepulchral feast

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις πεζός, πάρα τοι δίφρος τε καὶ ἵπποι,

He made the Argives for his lustful guest,

πὰρ δέ τοι υἷες ἐμοί, οἵ τοι πομπῆες ἔσονται

And for his mother whom he did detest.

ἐς Λακεδαίμονα δῖαν, ὅθι ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

The self-same day upon him stole the king

λίσσεσθαι δέ μιν αὐτός, ἵνα νημερτὲς ἐνίσπῃ·

Good-at-a-martial-shout, and goods did bring,

ψεῦδος δʼ οὐκ ἐρέει· μάλα γὰρ πεπνυμένος ἐστίν.

As many as his freighted fleet could bear.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἠέλιος δʼ ἄρʼ ἔδυ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἦλθε.

But thou, my son, too long by no means err,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Thy goods left free for many a spoilful guest,

ὦ γέρον, ἦ τοι ταῦτα κατὰ μοῖραν κατέλεξας·

Lest they consume some, and divide the rest,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε τάμνετε μὲν γλώσσας, κεράασθε δὲ οἶνον,

And thou, perhaps, besides, thy voyage lose.

ὄφρα Ποσειδάωνι καὶ ἄλλοις ἀθανάτοισιν

To Menelaus yet thy course dispose

σπείσαντες κοίτοιο μεδώμεθα· τοῖο γὰρ ὥρη.

I wish and charge thee; who but late arriv'd

ἤδη γὰρ φάος οἴχεθʼ ὑπὸ ζόφον, οὐδὲ ἔοικεν·

From such a shore and men, as to have liv'd

δηθὰ θεῶν ἐν δαιτὶ θαασσέμεν, ἀλλὰ νέεσθαι.

In a return from them he never thought,

ἦ ῥα Διὸς θυγάτηρ, οἱ δʼ ἔκλυον αὐδησάσης.

And whom black whirlwinds violently brought

τοῖσι δὲ κήρυκες μὲν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν,

Within a sea so vast, that in a year

κοῦροι δὲ κρητῆρας ἐπεστέψαντο ποτοῖο,

Not any fowl could pass it anywhere,

νώμησαν δʼ ἄρα πᾶσιν ἐπαρξάμενοι δεπάεσσι·

So huge and horrid was it. But go thou

γλώσσας δʼ ἐν πυρὶ βάλλον, ἀνιστάμενοι δʼ ἐπέλειβον.

With ship and men (or, if thou pleasest now

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σπεῖσάν τʼ ἔπιον θʼ, ὅσον ἤθελε θυμός,

To pass by land, there shall be brought for thee

δὴ τότʼ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Τηλέμαχος θεοειδὴς

Both horse and chariot, and thy guides shall be

ἄμφω ἱέσθην κοίλην ἐπὶ νῆα νέεσθαι.

My sons themselves) to Sparta the divine,

Νέστωρ δʼ αὖ κατέρυκε καθαπτόμενος ἐπέεσσιν·

And to the king whose locks like amber shine.

Ζεὺς τό γʼ ἀλεξήσειε καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι,

Intreat the truth of him, nor loves he lies,

ὡς ὑμεῖς παρʼ ἐμεῖο θοὴν ἐπὶ νῆα κίοιτε

Wisdom in truth is, and he's passing wise."

ὥς τέ τευ ἦ παρὰ πάμπαν ἀνείμονος ἠδὲ πενιχροῦ,

This said, the Sun went down, and up rose Night,

ᾧ οὔ τι χλαῖναι καὶ ῥήγεα πόλλʼ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ,

When Pallas spake: "O father, all good right

οὔτʼ αὐτῷ μαλακῶς οὔτε ξείνοισιν ἐνεύδειν.

Bear thy directions. But divide we now

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ πάρα μὲν χλαῖναι καὶ ῥήγεα καλά.

The sacrifices' tongues, mix wines, and vow

οὔ θην δὴ τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς Ὀδυσσῆος φίλος υἱὸς

To Neptune, and the other Ever-Blest,

νηὸς ἐπʼ ἰκριόφιν καταλέξεται, ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγώ γε

That, having sacrific'd, we may to rest.

ζώω, ἔπειτα δὲ παῖδες ἐνὶ μεγάροισι λίπωνται,

The fit hour runs now, light dives out of date,

ξείνους ξεινίζειν, ὅς τίς κʼ ἐμὰ δώμαθʼ ἵκηται.

At sacred feasts we must not sit too late."

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεά, γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

She said; they heard; the heralds water gave;

εὖ δὴ ταῦτά γʼ ἔφησθα, γέρον φίλε· σοὶ δὲ ἔοικεν

The youths crown'd cups with wine, and let all have

Τηλέμαχον πείθεσθαι, ἐπεὶ πολὺ κάλλιον οὕτως.

Their equal shares, beginning from the cup

ἀλλʼ οὗτος μὲν νῦν σοὶ ἅμʼ ἕψεται, ὄφρα κεν εὕδῃ

Their parting banquet. All the tongues cut up,

σοῖσιν ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ νῆα μέλαιναν

The fire they gave them, sacrific'd, and rose,

εἶμʼ, ἵνα θαρσύνω θʼ ἑτάρους εἴπω τε ἕκαστα.

Wine, and divine rites us'd, to each dispose;

οἶος γὰρ μετὰ τοῖσι γεραίτερος εὔχομαι εἶναι·

Minerva and Telemachus desir'd

οἱ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητι νεώτεροι ἄνδρες ἕπονται,

They might to ship be, with his leave, retir'd.

πάντες ὁμηλικίη μεγαθύμου Τηλεμάχοιο.

He, mov'd with that, provok'd thus their abodes:

ἔνθα κε λεξαίμην κοίλῃ παρὰ νηὶ μελαίνῃ

"Now Jove forbid, and all the long-liv'd Gods,

νῦν· ἀτὰρ ἠῶθεν μετὰ Καύκωνας μεγαθύμους

Your leaving me, to sleep aboard a ship;

εἶμʼ ἔνθα χρεῖός μοι ὀφέλλεται, οὔ τι νέον γε

As I had drunk of poor Penia's whip,

οὐδʼ ὀλίγον. σὺ δὲ τοῦτον, ἐπεὶ τεὸν ἵκετο δῶμα,

Even to my nakedness, and had nor sheet

πέμψον σὺν δίφρῳ τε καὶ υἱέι· δὸς δέ οἱ ἵππους,

Nor cov'ring in my house; that warm nor sweet

οἵ τοι ἐλαφρότατοι θείειν καὶ κάρτος ἄριστοι.

A guest, nor I myself, had means to sleep;

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασʼ ἀπέβη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

Where I, both weeds and wealthy cov'rings keep

For all my guests. Nor shall Fame ever say,

The dear son of the man Ulysses lay

All night a-ship-board here while my days shine,

Or in my court whiles any son of mine

Enjoys survival, who shall guests receive,

Whomever my house hath a nook to leave."

"My much-lov'd father," said Minerva, "well

All this becomes thee. But persuade to dwell

This night with thee thy son Telemachus,

For more convenient is the course for us,

That he may follow to thy house and rest,

And I may board our black-sail, that addrest

At all parts I may make our men, and cheer

All with my presence, since of all men there

I boast myself the senior, th' others are

Youths, that attend in free and friendly care

Great-soul'd Telemachus, and are his peers

In fresh similitude of form and years.

For their confirmance, I will therefore now

Sleep in our black bark. But, when light shall show

Her silver forehead, I intend my way

φήνῃ εἰδομένη· θάμβος δʼ ἕλε πάντας ἰδόντας.

Amongst the Caucons, men that are to pay

θαύμαζεν δʼ ὁ γεραιός, ὅπως ἴδεν ὀφθαλμοῖς·

A debt to me, nor small, nor new. For this,

Τηλεμάχου δʼ ἕλε χεῖρα, ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Take you him home; whom in the morn dismiss,

ὦ φίλος, οὔ σε ἔολπα κακὸν καὶ ἄναλκιν ἔσεσθαι,

With chariot and your sons, and give him horse

εἰ δή τοι νέῳ ὧδε θεοὶ πομπῆες ἕπονται.

Ablest in strength, and of the speediest course"

οὐ μὲν γάρ τις ὅδʼ ἄλλος Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἐχόντων,

This said, away she flew, form'd like the fowl

ἀλλὰ Διὸς θυγάτηρ, κυδίστη Τριτογένεια,

Men call the ossifrage; when ev'ry soul

ἥ τοι καὶ πατέρʼ ἐσθλὸν ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἐτίμα.

Amaze invaded; even th' old man admir'd,

ἀλλὰ ἄνασσʼ ἵληθι, δίδωθι δέ μοι κλέος ἐσθλόν,

The youth's hand took, and said: "O most desir'd,

αὐτῷ καὶ παίδεσσι καὶ αἰδοίῃ παρακοίτι·

My hope says thy proof will no coward show,

σοὶ δʼ αὖ ἐγὼ ῥέξω βοῦν ἦνιν εὐρυμέτωπον

Nor one unskill'd in war, when Deities now

ἀδμήτην, ἣν οὔ πω ὑπὸ ζυγὸν ἤγαγεν ἀνήρ·

So young attend thee, and become thy guides;

τήν τοι ἐγὼ ῥέξω χρυσὸν κέρασιν περιχεύας.

Nor any of the heav'n-hous'd States besides,

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

But Tritogenia's self, the Seed of Jove,

τοῖσιν δʼ ἡγεμόνευε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

The great-in-prey, that did in honour move

υἱάσι καὶ γαμβροῖσιν, ἑὰ πρὸς δώματα καλά.

So much about thy father, amongst all

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δώμαθʼ ἵκοντο ἀγακλυτὰ τοῖο ἄνακτος,

The Grecian army. Fairest queen, let fall

ἑξείης ἕζοντο κατὰ κλισμούς τε θρόνους τε·

On me like favours! Give me good renown!

τοῖς δʼ ὁ γέρων ἐλθοῦσιν ἀνὰ κρητῆρα κέρασσεν

Which, as on me, on my lov'd wife let down,

οἴνου ἡδυπότοιο, τὸν ἑνδεκάτῳ ἐνιαυτῷ

And all my children. I will burn to thee

ὤιξεν ταμίη καὶ ἀπὸ κρήδεμνον ἔλυσε·

An ox right bred, broad-headed, and yoke-free,

τοῦ ὁ γέρων κρητῆρα κεράσσατο, πολλὰ δʼ Ἀθήνῃ

To no man's hand yet humbled. Him will I,

εὔχετʼ ἀποσπένδων, κούρῃ Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο.

His horns in gold hid, give thy Deity."

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σπεῖσάν τʼ ἔπιον θʼ, ὅσον ἤθελε θυμός,

Thus pray'd he, and she heard; and home he led

οἱ μὲν κακκείοντες ἔβαν οἶκόνδε ἕκαστος,

His sons, and all his heaps of kindered.

τὸν δʼ αὐτοῦ κοίμησε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

Who ent'ring his court royal, ev'ry one

Τηλέμαχον, φίλον υἱὸν Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο,

He marshall'd in his sev'ral seat and throne;

τρητοῖς ἐν λεχέεσσιν ὑπʼ αἰθούσῃ ἐριδούπῳ,

And ev'ry one, so kindly come, he gave

πὰρʼ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐυμμελίην Πεισίστρατον, ὄρχαμον ἀνδρῶν,

His sweet-wine cup; which none was let to have

ὅς οἱ ἔτʼ ἠίθεος παίδων ἦν ἐν μεγάροισιν·

Before his 'leventh year landed him from Troy;

αὐτὸς δʼ αὖτε καθεῦδε μυχῷ δόμου ὑψηλοῖο,

Which now the butleress had leave t' employ,

τῷ δʼ ἄλοχος δέσποινα λέχος πόρσυνε καὶ εὐνήν.

Who therefore pierc'd it, and did give it vent.

ἦμος δʼ ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

Of this the old duke did a cup present

ὤρνυτʼ ἄρʼ ἐξ εὐνῆφι Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

To ev'ry guest; made his Maid many a pray'r

ἐκ δʼ ἐλθὼν κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετʼ ἐπὶ ξεστοῖσι λίθοισιν,

That wears the shield fring'd with his nurse's hair,

οἵ οἱ ἔσαν προπάροιθε θυράων ὑψηλάων,

And gave her sacrifice. With this rich wine

λευκοί, ἀποστίλβοντες ἀλείφατος· οἷς ἔπι μὲν πρὶν

And food suffic'd, sleep all eyes did decline,

Νηλεὺς ἵζεσκεν, θεόφιν μήστωρ ἀτάλαντος·

And all for home went; but his court alone

ἀλλʼ ὁ μὲν ἤδη κηρὶ δαμεὶς Ἄϊδόσδε βεβήκει,

Telemachus, divine Ulysses' son,

Νέστωρ αὖ τότʼ ἐφῖζε Γερήνιος, οὖρος Ἀχαιῶν,

Must make his lodging, or not please his heart.

σκῆπτρον ἔχων. περὶ δʼ υἷες ἀολλέες ἠγερέθοντο

A bed, all chequer'd with elaborate art,

ἐκ θαλάμων ἐλθόντες, Ἐχέφρων τε Στρατίος τε

Within a portico that rung like brass,

Περσεύς τʼ Ἄρητός τε καὶ ἀντίθεος Θρασυμήδης.

He brought his guest to; and his bedfere was

τοῖσι δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἕκτος Πεισίστρατος ἤλυθεν ἥρως,

Pisistratus, the martial guide of men,

πὰρ δʼ ἄρα Τηλέμαχον θεοείκελον εἷσαν ἄγοντες.

That liv'd, of all his sons, unwed till then.

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Himself lay in a by-room, far above,

καρπαλίμως μοι, τέκνα φίλα, κρηήνατʼ ἐέλδωρ,

His bed made by his barren wife, his love.

ὄφρʼ ἦ τοι πρώτιστα θεῶν ἱλάσσομʼ Ἀθήνην,

The rosy-finger'd Morn no sooner shone,

ἥ μοι ἐναργὴς ἦλθε θεοῦ ἐς δαῖτα θάλειαν.

But up he rose, took air, and sat upon

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ὁ μὲν πεδίονδʼ ἐπὶ βοῦν, ἴτω, ὄφρα τάχιστα

A seat of white and goodly polish'd stone,

ἔλθῃσιν, ἐλάσῃ δὲ βοῶν ἐπιβουκόλος ἀνήρ·

That such a gloss as richest ointments wore,

εἷς δʼ ἐπὶ Τηλεμάχου μεγαθύμου νῆα μέλαιναν

Before his high gates; where the counsellor

πάντας ἰὼν ἑτάρους ἀγέτω, λιπέτω δὲ δύʼ οἴους·

That match'd the Gods (his father) us'd to sit,

εἷς δʼ αὖ χρυσοχόον Λαέρκεα δεῦρο κελέσθω

Who now, by fate forc'd, stoop'd as low as it.

ἐλθεῖν, ὄφρα βοὸς χρυσὸν κέρασιν περιχεύῃ.

And here sat Nestor, holding in his hand

οἱ δʼ ἄλλοι μένετʼ αὐτοῦ ἀολλέες, εἴπατε δʼ εἴσω

A sceptre; and about him round did stand,