Verse
Odyssey
Book 9, Line 256 by Samuel Butler (English)
"We were frightened out of our senses by his loud voice and monstrous form, but I managed to say, ‘We are Achaeans on our way home from Troy , but by the will of Zeus, and stress of weather, we have been driven far out of our course. We are the people of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, who has won infinite kleos throughout the whole world, by sacking so great a city and killing so many people. We therefore humbly pray you to show us some hospitality, and otherwise make us such presents as visitors may reasonably expect. May your excellency give reverence [ aidôs ] to the gods, for we are your suppliants, and Zeus takes all respectable travelers under his protection, for he is the avenger of all suppliants and foreigners in distress.’
OdysseyBook 9, Line 256Samuel ButlerEnglishVerse permalinkRead in Book 9
HomerProseID odyssey-odyssey-butler-en-prose-9-256