diff --git "a/data/odysee.txt" "b/data/odysee.txt" --- "a/data/odysee.txt" +++ "b/data/odysee.txt" @@ -1,4 +1,74 @@ -BOOK I +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Odyssey of Homer + +This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online +at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, +you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located +before using this eBook. + +Title: The Odyssey of Homer + +Author: Homer + +Translator: William Cowper + +Release date: January 13, 2008 [eBook #24269] + Most recently updated: June 9, 2021 + +Language: English + +Credits: Louise Pryor, Ted Garvin and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER *** + + + + +{Transcriber's note: + +The spelling and hyphenation in the original are inconsistent, and have +not been changed. A few obvious typographical errors have been corrected, +as listed at the end of the etext.} + + + + + THE ODYSSEY + OF HOMER + _Translated by_ + WILLIAM + COWPER + + LONDON: PUBLISHED + by J·M·DENT·&·SONS·LTD + AND IN NEW YORK + BY E·P·DUTTON & CO + + TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE + + COUNTESS DOWAGER SPENCER + + THE FOLLOWING TRANSLATION OF THE ODYSSEY, A POEM + THAT EXHIBITS IN THE CHARACTER OF ITS HEROINE + AN EXAMPLE OF ALL DOMESTIC VIRTUE, IS WITH + EQUAL PROPRIETY AND RESPECT INSCRIBED + BY HER LADYSHIP'S MOST DEVOTED + SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. + + + + + THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER + TRANSLATED INTO + ENGLISH BLANK VERSE + + + + +BOOK I ARGUMENT @@ -277,4 +347,16927 @@ profligacy of the suitors are occasionally suggested. So many Princes of Achaia steer'd. Him since I saw not, nor Ulysses me. To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. - Stranger! I tell thee true; my mother's voice \ No newline at end of file + Stranger! I tell thee true; my mother's voice + Affirms me his, but since no mortal knows 270 + His derivation, I affirm it not. + Would I had been son of some happier Sire, + Ordain'd in calm possession of his own + To reach the verge of life. But now, report + Proclaims me his, whom I of all mankind + Unhappiest deem.--Thy question is resolved. + Then answer thus Pallas blue-eyed return'd. + From no ignoble race, in future days, + The Gods shall prove thee sprung, whom so endow'd + With ev'ry grace Penelope hath borne. 280 + But tell me true. What festival is this? + This throng--whence are they? wherefore hast thou need + Of such a multitude? Behold I here + A banquet, or a nuptial? for these + Meet not by contribution[3] to regale, + With such brutality and din they hold + Their riotous banquet! a wise man and good + Arriving, now, among them, at the sight + Of such enormities would much be wroth. + To whom replied Telemachus discrete. 290 + Since, stranger! thou hast ask'd, learn also this. + While yet Ulysses, with his people dwelt, + His presence warranted the hope that here + Virtue should dwell and opulence; but heav'n + Hath cast for us, at length, a diff'rent lot, + And he is lost, as never man before. + For I should less lament even his death, + Had he among his friends at Ilium fall'n, + Or in the arms of his companions died, + Troy's siege accomplish'd. Then his tomb the Greeks 300 + Of ev'ry tribe had built, and for his son, + He had immortal glory atchieved; but now, + By harpies torn inglorious, beyond reach + Of eye or ear he lies; and hath to me + Grief only, and unceasing sighs bequeath'd. + Nor mourn I for his sake alone; the Gods + Have plann'd for me still many a woe beside; + For all the rulers of the neighbour isles, + Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd + Zacynthus, others also, rulers here 310 + In craggy Ithaca, my mother seek + In marriage, and my household stores consume. + But neither she those nuptial rites abhorr'd, + Refuses absolute, nor yet consents + To end them; they my patrimony waste + Meantime, and will not long spare even me. + To whom, with deep commiseration pang'd, + Pallas replied. Alas! great need hast thou + Of thy long absent father to avenge + These num'rous wrongs; for could he now appear 320 + There, at yon portal, arm'd with helmet, shield, + And grasping his two spears, such as when first + I saw him drinking joyous at our board, + From Ilus son of Mermeris, who dwelt + In distant Ephyre, just then return'd, + (For thither also had Ulysses gone + In his swift bark, seeking some pois'nous drug + Wherewith to taint his brazen arrows keen, + Which drug through fear of the eternal Gods + Ilus refused him, and my father free 330 + Gave to him, for he loved him past belief) + Could now, Ulysses, clad in arms as then, + Mix with these suitors, short his date of life + To each, and bitter should his nuptials prove. + But these events, whether he shall return + To take just vengeance under his own roof, + Or whether not, lie all in the Gods lap. + Meantime I counsel thee, thyself to think + By what means likeliest thou shalt expel + These from thy doors. Now mark me: close attend. 340 + To-morrow, summoning the Grecian Chiefs + To council, speak to them, and call the Gods + To witness that solemnity. Bid go + The suitors hence, each to his own abode. + Thy mother--if her purpose be resolved + On marriage, let her to the house return + Of her own potent father, who, himself, + Shall furnish forth her matrimonial rites, + And ample dow'r, such as it well becomes + A darling daughter to receive, bestow. 350 + But hear me now; thyself I thus advise. + The prime of all thy ships preparing, mann'd + With twenty rowers, voyage hence to seek + Intelligence of thy long-absent Sire. + Some mortal may inform thee, or a word,[4] + Perchance, by Jove directed (safest source + Of notice to mankind) may reach thine ear. + First voyaging to Pylus, there enquire + Of noble Nestor; thence to Sparta tend, + To question Menelaus amber-hair'd, 360 + Latest arrived of all the host of Greece. + There should'st thou learn that still thy father lives, + And hope of his return, although + Distress'd, thou wilt be patient yet a year. + But should'st thou there hear tidings that he breathes + No longer, to thy native isle return'd, + First heap his tomb; then with such pomp perform + His funeral rites as his great name demands, + And make thy mother's spousals, next, thy care. + These duties satisfied, delib'rate last 370 + Whether thou shalt these troublers of thy house + By stratagem, or by assault, destroy. + For thou art now no child, nor longer may'st + Sport like one. Hast thou not the proud report + Heard, how Orestes hath renown acquired + With all mankind, his father's murtherer + Ægisthus slaying, the deceiver base + Who slaughter'd Agamemnon? Oh my friend! + (For with delight thy vig'rous growth I view, + And just proportion) be thou also bold, 380 + And merit praise from ages yet to come. + But I will to my vessel now repair, + And to my mariners, whom, absent long, + I may perchance have troubled. Weigh thou well + My counsel; let not my advice be lost. + To whom Telemachus discrete replied. + Stranger! thy words bespeak thee much my friend, + Who, as a father teaches his own son, + Hast taught me, and I never will forget. + But, though in haste thy voyage to pursue, 390 + Yet stay, that in the bath refreshing first + Thy limbs now weary, thou may'st sprightlier seek + Thy gallant bark, charged with some noble gift + Of finish'd workmanship, which thou shalt keep + As my memorial ever; such a boon + As men confer on guests whom much they love. + Then Pallas thus, Goddess cærulean-eyed. + Retard me not, for go I must; the gift + Which liberal thou desirest to bestow, + Give me at my return, that I may bear 400 + The treasure home; and, in exchange, thyself + Expect some gift equivalent from me. + She spake, and as with eagle-wings upborne, + Vanish'd incontinent, but him inspired + With daring fortitude, and on his heart + Dearer remembrance of his Sire impress'd + Than ever. Conscious of the wond'rous change, + Amazed he stood, and, in his secret thought + Revolving all, believed his guest a God. + The youthful Hero to the suitors then 410 + Repair'd; they silent, listen'd to the song + Of the illustrious Bard: he the return + Deplorable of the Achaian host + From Ilium by command of Pallas, sang. + Penelope, Icarius' daughter, mark'd + Meantime the song celestial, where she sat + In the superior palace; down she came, + By all the num'rous steps of her abode; + Not sole, for two fair handmaids follow'd her. + She then, divinest of her sex, arrived 420 + In presence of that lawless throng, beneath + The portal of her stately mansion stood, + Between her maidens, with her lucid veil + Her lovely features mantling. There, profuse + She wept, and thus the sacred bard bespake. + Phemius! for many a sorrow-soothing strain + Thou know'st beside, such as exploits record + Of Gods and men, the poet's frequent theme; + Give them of those a song, and let themselves + Their wine drink noiseless; but this mournful strain 430 + Break off, unfriendly to my bosom's peace, + And which of all hearts nearest touches mine, + With such regret my dearest Lord I mourn, + Rememb'ring still an husband praised from side + To side, and in the very heart of Greece. + Then answer thus Telemachus return'd. + My mother! wherefore should it give thee pain + If the delightful bard that theme pursue + To which he feels his mind impell'd? the bard + Blame not, but rather Jove, who, as he wills, 440 + Materials for poetic art supplies. + No fault is his, if the disastrous fate + He sing of the Achaians, for the song + Wins ever from the hearers most applause + That has been least in use. Of all who fought + At Troy, Ulysses hath not lost, alone, + His day of glad return; but many a Chief + Hath perish'd also. Seek thou then again + Thy own apartment, spindle ply and loom, + And task thy maidens; management belongs 450 + To men of joys convivial, and of men + Especially to me, chief ruler here. + She heard astonish'd; and the prudent speech + Reposing of her son deep in her heart, + Again with her attendant maidens sought + Her upper chamber. There arrived, she wept + Her lost Ulysses, till Minerva bathed + Her weary lids in dewy sleep profound. + Then echoed through the palace dark-bedimm'd + With evening shades the suitors boist'rous roar, 460 + For each the royal bed burn'd to partake, + Whom thus Telemachus discrete address'd. + All ye my mother's suitors, though addict + To contumacious wrangling fierce, suspend + Your clamour, for a course to me it seems + More decent far, when such a bard as this, + Godlike, for sweetness, sings, to hear his song. + To-morrow meet we in full council all, + That I may plainly warn you to depart + From this our mansion. Seek ye where ye may 470 + Your feasts; consume your own; alternate feed + Each at the other's cost; but if it seem + Wisest in your account and best, to eat + Voracious thus the patrimonial goods + Of one man, rend'ring no account of all,[5] + Bite to the roots; but know that I will cry + Ceaseless to the eternal Gods, in hope + That Jove, for retribution of the wrong, + Shall doom you, where ye have intruded, there + To bleed, and of your blood ask no account.[5] 480 + He ended, and each gnaw'd his lip, aghast + At his undaunted hardiness of speech. + Then thus Antinoüs spake, Eupithes' son. + Telemachus! the Gods, methinks, themselves + Teach thee sublimity, and to pronounce + Thy matter fearless. Ah forbid it, Jove! + That one so eloquent should with the weight + Of kingly cares in Ithaca be charged, + A realm, by claim hereditary, thine. + Then prudent thus Telemachus replied. 490 + Although my speech Antinoüs may, perchance, + Provoke thee, know that I am not averse + From kingly cares, if Jove appoint me such. + Seems it to thee a burthen to be fear'd + By men above all others? trust me, no, + There is no ill in royalty; the man + So station'd, waits not long ere he obtain + Riches and honour. But I grant that Kings + Of the Achaians may no few be found + In sea-girt Ithaca both young and old, 500 + Of whom since great Ulysses is no more, + Reign whoso may; but King, myself, I am + In my own house, and over all my own + Domestics, by Ulysses gained for me. + To whom Eurymachus replied, the son + Of Polybus. What Grecian Chief shall reign + In sea-girt Ithaca, must be referr'd + To the Gods' will, Telemachus! meantime + Thou hast unquestionable right to keep + Thy own, and to command in thy own house. 510 + May never that man on her shores arrive, + While an inhabitant shall yet be left + In Ithaca, who shall by violence wrest + Thine from thee. But permit me, noble Sir! + To ask thee of thy guest. Whence came the man? + What country claims him? Where are to be found + His kindred and his patrimonial fields? + Brings he glad tidings of thy Sire's approach + Homeward? or came he to receive a debt + Due to himself? How swift he disappear'd! 520 + Nor opportunity to know him gave + To those who wish'd it; for his face and air + Him speak not of Plebeian birth obscure. + Whom answered thus Telemachus discrete. + Eurymachus! my father comes no more. + I can no longer now tidings believe, + If such arrive; nor he'd I more the song + Of sooth-sayers whom my mother may consult. + But this my guest hath known in other days + My father, and he came from Taphos, son 530 + Of brave Anchialus, Mentes by name, + And Chief of the sea-practis'd Taphian race. + So spake Telemachus, but in his heart + Knew well his guest a Goddess from the skies. + Then they to dance and heart-enlivening song + Turn'd joyous, waiting the approach of eve, + And dusky evening found them joyous still. + Then each, to his own house retiring, sought + Needful repose. Meantime Telemachus + To his own lofty chamber, built in view 540 + Of the wide hall, retired; but with a heart + In various musings occupied intense. + Sage Euryclea, bearing in each hand + A torch, preceded him; her sire was Ops, + Pisenor's son, and, in her early prime, + At his own cost Laertes made her his, + Paying with twenty beeves her purchase-price, + Nor in less honour than his spotless wife + He held her ever, but his consort's wrath + Fearing, at no time call'd her to his bed. 550 + She bore the torches, and with truer heart + Loved him than any of the female train, + For she had nurs'd him in his infant years. + He open'd his broad chamber-valves, and sat + On his couch-side: then putting off his vest + Of softest texture, placed it in the hands + Of the attendant dame discrete, who first + Folding it with exactest care, beside + His bed suspended it, and, going forth, + Drew by its silver ring the portal close, 560 + And fasten'd it with bolt and brace secure. + There lay Telemachus, on finest wool + Reposed, contemplating all night his course + Prescribed by Pallas to the Pylian shore. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] We are told that Homer was under obligations to Mentes, who had +frequently given him a passage in his ship to different countries which +he wished to see, for which reason he has here immortalised him. + +[2] Milton uses the word--Sewers and seneschals. + +[3] Ἔρανος, a convivial meeting, at which every man paid his proportion, +at least contributed something; but it seems to have been a meeting at +which strict sobriety was observed, else Pallas would not have inferred +from the noise and riot of this, that it was not such a one. + +[4] Οσσα--a word spoken, with respect to the speaker, casually; but with +reference to the inquirer supposed to be sent for his information by the +especial appointment and providential favour of the Gods. + +[5] There is in the Original an evident stress laid on the word Νήποινοι, +which is used in both places. It was a sort of Lex Talionis which +Telemachus hoped might be put in force against them; and that Jove would +demand no satisfaction for the lives of those who made him none for the +waste of his property. + + + + +BOOK II + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus having convened an assembly of the Greecians, publicly calls +on the Suitors to relinquish the house of Ulysses. During the continuance +of the Council he has much to suffer from the petulance of the Suitors, +from whom, having informed them of his design to undertake a voyage in +hope to obtain news of Ulysses, he asks a ship, with all things necessary +for the purpose. He is refused, but is afterwards furnished with what he +wants by Minerva, in the form of Mentor. He embarks in the evening +without the privity of his mother, and the Goddess sails with him. + + + Aurora, rosy daughter of the dawn, + Now ting'd the East, when habited again, + Uprose Ulysses' offspring from his bed. + Athwart his back his faulchion keen he flung, + His sandals bound to his unsullied feet, + And, godlike, issued from his chamber-door. + At once the clear-voic'd heralds he enjoin'd + To call the Greeks to council; they aloud + Gave forth the summons, and the throng began. + When all were gather'd, and the assembly full, 10 + Himself, his hand arm'd with a brazen spear, + Went also; nor alone he went; his hounds + Fleet-footed follow'd him, a faithful pair. + O'er all his form Minerva largely shed + Majestic grace divine, and, as he went, + The whole admiring concourse gaz'd on him, + The seniors gave him place, and down he sat + On his paternal Throne. Then grave arose + The Hero, old Ægyptius; bow'd with age + Was he, and by experience deep-inform'd. 20 + His son had with Ulysses, godlike Chief, + On board his fleet to steed-fam'd Ilium gone, + The warrior Antiphus, whom in his cave + The savage Cyclops slew, and on his flesh + At ev'ning made obscene his last regale. + Three sons he had beside, a suitor one, + Eurynomus; the other two, employ + Found constant managing their Sire's concerns. + Yet he forgat not, father as he was + Of these, his absent eldest, whom he mourn'd 30 + Ceaseless, and thus his speech, weeping, began. + Hear me, ye men of Ithaca, my friends! + Nor council here nor session hath been held + Since great Ulysses left his native shore. + Who now convenes us? what especial need + Hath urged him, whether of our youth he be, + Or of our senators by age matured? + Have tidings reach'd him of our host's return, + Which here he would divulge? or brings he aught + Of public import on a diff'rent theme? 40 + I deem him, whosoe'er he be, a man + Worthy to prosper, and may Jove vouchsafe + The full performance of his chief desire! + He ended, and Telemachus rejoiced + In that good omen. Ardent to begin, + He sat not long, but, moving to the midst, + Received the sceptre from Pisenor's hand, + His prudent herald, and addressing, next, + The hoary Chief Ægyptius, thus began. + Not far remote, as thou shalt soon thyself 50 + Perceive, oh venerable Chief! he stands, + Who hath convened this council. I, am He. + I am in chief the suff'rer. Tidings none + Of the returning host I have received, + Which here I would divulge, nor bring I aught + Of public import on a different theme, + But my own trouble, on my own house fall'n, + And two-fold fall'n. One is, that I have lost + A noble father, who, as fathers rule + Benign their children, govern'd once yourselves; 60 + The other, and the more alarming ill, + With ruin threatens my whole house, and all + My patrimony with immediate waste. + Suitors, (their children who in this our isle + Hold highest rank) importunate besiege + My mother, though desirous not to wed, + And rather than resort to her own Sire + Icarius, who might give his daughter dow'r, + And portion her to whom he most approves, + (A course which, only named, moves their disgust) 70 + They chuse, assembling all within my gates + Daily to make my beeves, my sheep, my goats + Their banquet, and to drink without restraint + My wine; whence ruin threatens us and ours; + For I have no Ulysses to relieve + Me and my family from this abuse. + Ourselves are not sufficient; we, alas! + Too feeble should be found, and yet to learn + How best to use the little force we own; + Else, had I pow'r, I would, myself, redress 80 + The evil; for it now surpasses far + All suff'rance, now they ravage uncontroul'd, + Nor show of decency vouchsafe me more. + Oh be ashamed[6] yourselves; blush at the thought + Of such reproach as ye shall sure incur + From all our neighbour states, and fear beside + The wrath of the Immortals, lest they call + Yourselves one day to a severe account. + I pray you by Olympian Jove, by her + Whose voice convenes all councils, and again 90 + Dissolves them, Themis, that henceforth ye cease, + That ye permit me, oh my friends! to wear + My days in solitary grief away, + Unless Ulysses, my illustrious Sire, + Hath in his anger any Greecian wrong'd, + Whose wrongs ye purpose to avenge on me, + Inciting these to plague me. Better far + Were my condition, if yourselves consumed + My substance and my revenue; from you + I might obtain, perchance, righteous amends 100 + Hereafter; you I might with vehement suit + O'ercome, from house to house pleading aloud + For recompense, till I at last prevail'd. + But now, with darts of anguish ye transfix + My inmost soul, and I have no redress. + He spake impassion'd, and to earth cast down + His sceptre, weeping. Pity at that sight + Seiz'd all the people; mute the assembly sat + Long time, none dared to greet Telemachus + With answer rough, till of them all, at last, 110 + Antinoüs, sole arising, thus replied. + Telemachus, intemp'rate in harangue, + High-sounding orator! it is thy drift + To make us all odious; but the offence + Lies not with us the suitors; she alone + Thy mother, who in subtlety excels, + And deep-wrought subterfuge, deserves the blame. + It is already the third year, and soon + Shall be the fourth, since with delusive art + Practising on their minds, she hath deceived 120 + The Greecians; message after message sent + Brings hope to each, by turns, and promise fair, + But she, meantime, far otherwise intends. + Her other arts exhausted all, she framed + This stratagem; a web of amplest size + And subtlest woof beginning, thus she spake. + Princes, my suitors! since the noble Chief + Ulysses is no more, press not as yet + My nuptials, wait till I shall finish, first, + A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads decay) 130 + Which for the antient Hero I prepare, + Laertes, looking for the mournful hour + When fate shall snatch him to eternal rest; + Else I the censure dread of all my sex, + Should he, so wealthy, want at last a shroud. + So spake the Queen, and unsuspicious, we + With her request complied. Thenceforth, all day + She wove the ample web, and by the aid + Of torches ravell'd it again at night. + Three years by such contrivance she deceived 140 + The Greecians; but when (three whole years elaps'd) + The fourth arriv'd, then, conscious of the fraud, + A damsel of her train told all the truth, + And her we found rav'ling the beauteous work. + Thus, through necessity she hath, at length, + Perform'd the task, and in her own despight. + Now therefore, for the information clear + Of thee thyself, and of the other Greeks, + We answer. Send thy mother hence, with charge + That him she wed on whom her father's choice 150 + Shall fall, and whom she shall, herself, approve. + But if by long procrastination still + She persevere wearing our patience out, + Attentive only to display the gifts + By Pallas so profusely dealt to her, + Works of surpassing skill, ingenious thought, + And subtle shifts, such as no beauteous Greek + (For aught that we have heard) in antient times + E'er practised, Tyro, or Alcemena fair, + Or fair Mycene, of whom none in art 160 + E'er match'd Penelope, although we yield + To this her last invention little praise, + Then know, that these her suitors will consume + So long thy patrimony and thy goods, + As she her present purpose shall indulge, + With which the Gods inspire her. Great renown + She to herself insures, but equal woe + And devastation of thy wealth to thee; + For neither to our proper works at home + Go we, of that be sure, nor yet elsewhere, 170 + Till him she wed, to whom she most inclines. + Him prudent, then, answer'd Telemachus. + Antinoüs! it is not possible + That I should thrust her forth against her will, + Who both produced and reared me. Be he dead, + Or still alive, my Sire is far remote, + And should I, voluntary, hence dismiss + My mother to Icarius, I must much + Refund, which hardship were and loss to me. + So doing, I should also wrath incur 180 + From my offended Sire, and from the Gods + Still more; for she, departing, would invoke + Erynnis to avenge her, and reproach + Beside would follow me from all mankind. + That word I, therefore, never will pronounce. + No, if ye judge your treatment at her hands + Injurious to you, go ye forth yourselves, + Forsake my mansion; seek where else ye may + Your feasts; consume your own; alternate feed + Each at the other's cost. But if it seem 190 + Wisest in your account and best to eat + Voracious thus the patrimonial goods + Of one man, rend'ring no account of all, + Bite to the roots; but know that I will cry + Ceaseless to the eternal Gods, in hope + That Jove, in retribution of the wrong, + Shall doom you, where ye have intruded, there + To bleed, and of your blood ask no account. + So spake Telemachus, and while he spake, + The Thund'rer from a lofty mountain-top 200 + Turn'd off two eagles; on the winds, awhile, + With outspread pinions ample side by side + They floated; but, ere long, hov'ring aloft, + Right o'er the midst of the assembled Chiefs + They wheel'd around, clang'd all their num'rous plumes, + And with a downward look eyeing the throng, + Death boded, ominous; then rending each + The other's face and neck, they sprang at once + Toward the right, and darted through the town. + Amazement universal, at that sight, 210 + Seized the assembly, and with anxious thought + Each scann'd the future; amidst whom arose + The Hero Halitherses, antient Seer, + Offspring of Mastor; for in judgment he + Of portents augural, and in forecast + Unerring, his coevals all excell'd, + And prudent thus the multitude bespake. + Ye men of Ithaca, give ear! hear all! + Though chief my speech shall to the suitors look, + For, on their heads devolved, comes down the woe. 220 + Ulysses shall not from his friends, henceforth, + Live absent long, but, hasting to his home, + Comes even now, and as he comes, designs + A bloody death for these, whose bitter woes + No few shall share, inhabitants with us + Of pleasant Ithaca; but let us frame + Effectual means maturely to suppress + Their violent deeds, or rather let themselves + Repentant cease; and soonest shall be best. + Not inexpert, but well-inform'd I speak 230 + The future, and the accomplishment announce + Of all which when Ulysses with the Greeks + Embark'd for Troy, I to himself foretold. + I said that, after many woes, and loss + Of all his people, in the twentieth year, + Unknown to all, he should regain his home, + And my prediction shall be now fulfill'd. + Him, then, Eurymachus thus answer'd rough + The son of Polybus. Hence to thy house, + Thou hoary dotard! there, prophetic, teach 240 + Thy children to escape woes else to come. + Birds num'rous flutter in the beams of day, + Not all predictive. Death, far hence remote + Hath found Ulysses, and I would to heav'n + That, where he died, thyself had perish'd too. + Thou hadst not then run o'er with prophecy + As now, nor provocation to the wrath + Giv'n of Telemachus, in hope to win, + Perchance, for thine some favour at his hands. + But I to _thee_ foretell, skilled as thou art 250 + In legends old, (nor shall my threat be vain) + That if by artifice thou move to wrath + A younger than thyself, no matter whom, + Woe first the heavier on himself shall fall, + Nor shalt thou profit him by thy attempt, + And we will charge thee also with a mulct, + Which thou shalt pay with difficulty, and bear + The burthen of it with an aching heart. + As for Telemachus, I him advise, + Myself, and press the measure on his choice 260 + Earnestly, that he send his mother hence + To her own father's house, who shall, himself, + Set forth her nuptial rites, and shall endow + His daughter sumptuously, and as he ought. + For this expensive wooing, as I judge, + Till then shall never cease; since we regard + No man--no--not Telemachus, although + In words exub'rant; neither fear we aught + Thy vain prognostics, venerable sir! + But only hate thee for their sake the more. 270 + Waste will continue and disorder foul + Unremedied, so long as she shall hold + The suitors in suspense, for, day by day, + Our emulation goads us to the strife, + Nor shall we, going hence, seek to espouse + Each his own comfort suitable elsewhere. + To whom, discrete, Telemachus replied. + Eurymachus, and ye the suitor train + Illustrious, I have spoken: ye shall hear + No more this supplication urged by me. 280 + The Gods, and all the Greeks, now know the truth. + But give me instantly a gallant bark + With twenty rowers, skill'd their course to win + To whatsoever haven; for I go + To sandy Pylus, and shall hasten thence + To Lacedemon, tidings to obtain + Of my long-absent Sire, or from the lips + Of man, or by a word from Jove vouchsafed + Himself, best source of notice to mankind. + If, there inform'd that still my father lives, 290 + I hope conceive of his return, although + Distress'd, I shall be patient yet a year. + But should I learn, haply, that he survives + No longer, then, returning, I will raise + At home his tomb, will with such pomp perform + His fun'ral rites, as his great name demands, + And give my mother's hand to whom I may. + This said, he sat, and after him arose + Mentor, illustrious Ulysses' friend, + To whom, embarking thence, he had consign'd 300 + All his concerns, that the old Chief might rule + His family, and keep the whole secure. + Arising, thus the senior, sage, began. + Hear me, ye Ithacans! be never King + Henceforth, benevolent, gracious, humane + Or righteous, but let every sceptred hand + Rule merciless, and deal in wrong alone, + Since none of all his people, whom he sway'd + With such paternal gentleness and love, + Remembers the divine Ulysses more! 310 + That the imperious suitors thus should weave + The web of mischief and atrocious wrong, + I grudge not; since at hazard of their heads + They make Ulysses' property a prey, + Persuaded that the Hero comes no more. + But much the people move me; how ye sit + All mute, and though a multitude, yourselves, + Opposed to few, risque not a single word + To check the license of these bold intruders! + Then thus Liocritus, Evenor's son. 320 + Injurious Mentor! headlong orator! + How dar'st thou move the populace against + The suitors? Trust me they should find it hard, + Numerous as they are, to cope with us, + A feast the prize. Or should the King himself + Of Ithaca, returning, undertake + T' expell the jovial suitors from his house, + Much as Penelope his absence mourns, + His presence should afford her little joy; + For fighting sole with many, he should meet 330 + A dreadful death. Thou, therefore, speak'st amiss. + As for Telemachus, let Mentor him + And Halytherses furnish forth, the friends + Long valued of his Sire, with all dispatch; + Though him I judge far likelier to remain + Long-time contented an enquirer here, + Than to perform the voyage now proposed. + Thus saying, Liocritus dissolved in haste + The council, and the scattered concourse sought + Their sev'ral homes, while all the suitors flock'd 340 + Thence to the palace of their absent King. + Meantime, Telemachus from all resort + Retiring, in the surf of the gray Deep + First laved his hands, then, thus to Pallas pray'd. + O Goddess! who wast yesterday a guest + Beneath my roof, and didst enjoin me then + A voyage o'er the sable Deep in quest + Of tidings of my long regretted Sire! + Which voyage, all in Ithaca, but most + The haughty suitors, obstinate impede, 350 + Now hear my suit and gracious interpose! + Such pray'r he made; then Pallas, in the form, + And with the voice of Mentor, drawing nigh, + In accents wing'd, him kindly thus bespake. + Telemachus! thou shalt hereafter prove + Nor base, nor poor in talents. If, in truth, + Thou have received from heav'n thy father's force + Instill'd into thee, and resemblest him + In promptness both of action and of speech, + Thy voyage shall not useless be, or vain. 360 + But if Penelope produced thee not + His son, I, then, hope not for good effect + Of this design which, ardent, thou pursuest. + Few sons their fathers equal; most appear + Degenerate; but we find, though rare, sometimes + A son superior even to his Sire. + And since thyself shalt neither base be found + Nor spiritless, nor altogether void + Of talents, such as grace thy royal Sire, + I therefore hope success of thy attempt. 370 + Heed not the suitors' projects; neither wise + Are they, nor just, nor aught suspect the doom + Which now approaches them, and in one day + Shall overwhelm them all. No long suspense + Shall hold thy purposed enterprise in doubt, + Such help from me, of old thy father's friend, + Thou shalt receive, who with a bark well-oar'd + Will serve thee, and myself attend thee forth. + But haste, join thou the suitors, and provide, + In sep'rate vessels stow'd, all needful stores, 380 + Wine in thy jars, and flour, the strength of man, + In skins close-seam'd. I will, meantime, select + Such as shall voluntary share thy toils. + In sea-girt Ithaca new ships and old + Abound, and I will chuse, myself, for thee + The prime of all, which without more delay + We will launch out into the spacious Deep. + Thus Pallas spake, daughter of Jove; nor long, + So greeted by the voice divine, remain'd + Telemachus, but to his palace went 390 + Distress'd in heart. He found the suitors there + Goats slaying in the hall, and fatted swine + Roasting; when with a laugh Antinoüs flew + To meet him, fasten'd on his hand, and said, + Telemachus, in eloquence sublime, + And of a spirit not to be controul'd! + Give harbour in thy breast on no account + To after-grudge or enmity, but eat, + Far rather, cheerfully as heretofore, + And freely drink, committing all thy cares 400 + To the Achaians, who shall furnish forth + A gallant ship and chosen crew for thee, + That thou may'st hence to Pylus with all speed, + Tidings to learn of thy illustrious Sire. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Antinoüs! I have no heart to feast + With guests so insolent, nor can indulge + The pleasures of a mind at ease, with you. + Is't not enough, suitors, that ye have used + My noble patrimony as your own 410 + While I was yet a child? now, grown mature, + And competent to understand the speech + Of my instructors, feeling, too, a mind + Within me conscious of augmented pow'rs, + I will attempt your ruin, be assured, + Whether at Pylus, or continuing here. + I go, indeed, (nor shall my voyage prove + Of which I speak, bootless or vain) I go + An humble passenger, who neither bark + Nor rowers have to boast my own, denied 420 + That honour (so ye judg'd it best) by you. + He said, and from Antinoüs' hand his own + Drew sudden. Then their delicate repast + The busy suitors on all sides prepar'd, + Still taunting as they toil'd, and with sharp speech + Sarcastic wantoning, of whom a youth, + Arrogant as his fellows, thus began. + I see it plain, Telemachus intends + Our slaughter; either he will aids procure + From sandy Pylus, or will bring them arm'd 430 + From Sparta; such is his tremendous drift. + Even to fruitful Ephyre, perchance, + He will proceed, seeking some baneful herb + Which cast into our cup, shall drug us all. + To whom some haughty suitor thus replied. + Who knows but that himself, wand'ring the sea + From all his friends and kindred far remote, + May perish like Ulysses? Whence to us + Should double toil ensue, on whom the charge + To parcel out his wealth would then devolve, 440 + And to endow his mother with the house + For his abode whom she should chance to wed. + So sported they; but he, ascending sought + His father's lofty chamber, where his heaps + He kept of brass and gold, garments in chests, + And oils of fragrant scent, a copious store. + There many a cask with season'd nectar fill'd + The grape's pure juice divine, beside the wall + Stood orderly arranged, waiting the hour + (Should e'er such hour arrive) when, after woes 450 + Num'rous, Ulysses should regain his home. + Secure that chamber was with folding doors + Of massy planks compact, and night and day, + Within it antient Euryclea dwelt, + Guardian discrete of all the treasures there, + Whom, thither call'd, Telemachus address'd. + Nurse! draw me forth sweet wine into my jars, + Delicious next to that which thou reserv'st + For our poor wand'rer; if escaping death + At last, divine Ulysses e'er return. 460 + Fill twelve, and stop them close; pour also meal + Well mill'd (full twenty measures) into skins + Close-seam'd, and mention what thou dost to none. + Place them together; for at even-tide + I will convey them hence, soon as the Queen, + Retiring to her couch, shall seek repose. + For hence to Sparta will I take my course, + And sandy Pylus, tidings there to hear + (If hear I may) of my lov'd Sire's return. + He ceas'd, then wept his gentle nurse that sound 470 + Hearing, and in wing'd accents thus replied. + My child! ah, wherefore hath a thought so rash + Possess'd thee? whither, only and belov'd, + Seek'st thou to ramble, travelling, alas! + To distant climes? Ulysses is no more; + Dead lies the Hero in some land unknown, + And thou no sooner shalt depart, than these + Will plot to slay thee, and divide thy wealth. + No, stay with us who love thee. Need is none + That thou should'st on the barren Deep distress 480 + Encounter, roaming without hope or end. + Whom, prudent, thus answer'd Telemachus. + Take courage, nurse! for not without consent + Of the Immortals I have thus resolv'd. + But swear, that till eleven days be past, + Or twelve, or, till enquiry made, she learn + Herself my going, thou wilt not impart + Of this my purpose to my mother's ear, + Lest all her beauties fade by grief impair'd. + He ended, and the antient matron swore 490 + Solemnly by the Gods; which done, she fill'd + With wine the vessels and the skins with meal, + And he, returning, join'd the throng below. + Then Pallas, Goddess azure-eyed, her thoughts + Elsewhere directing, all the city ranged + In semblance of Telemachus, each man + Exhorting, at the dusk of eve, to seek + The gallant ship, and from Noëmon, son + Renown'd of Phronius, ask'd, herself, a bark, + Which soon as ask'd, he promis'd to supply. 500 + Now set the sun, and twilight dimm'd the ways, + When, drawing down his bark into the Deep, + He gave her all her furniture, oars, arms + And tackle, such as well-built galleys bear, + Then moor'd her in the bottom of the bay. + Meantime, his mariners in haste repair'd + Down to the shore, for Pallas urged them on. + And now on other purposes intent, + The Goddess sought the palace, where with dews + Of slumber drenching ev'ry suitor's eye, 510 + She fool'd the drunkard multitude, and dash'd + The goblets from their idle hands away. + They through the city reeled, happy to leave + The dull carousal, when the slumb'rous weight + Oppressive on their eye-lids once had fall'n. + Next, Pallas azure-eyed in Mentor's form + And with the voice of Mentor, summoning + Telemachus abroad, him thus bespake. + Telemachus! already at their oars + Sit all thy fellow-voyagers, and wait 520 + Thy coming; linger not, but haste away. + This said, Minerva led him thence, whom he + With nimble steps follow'd, and on the shore + Arrived, found all his mariners prepared, + Whom thus the princely voyager address'd. + Haste, my companions! bring we down the stores + Already sorted and set forth; but nought + My mother knows, or any of her train + Of this design, one matron sole except. + He spake, and led them; they, obedient, brought 530 + All down, and, as Ulysses' son enjoin'd, + Within the gallant bark the charge bestow'd. + Then, led by Pallas, went the prince on board, + Where down they sat, the Goddess in the stern, + And at her side Telemachus. The crew + Cast loose the hawsers, and embarking, fill'd + The benches. Blue-eyed Pallas from the West + Call'd forth propitious breezes; fresh they curled + The sable Deep, and, sounding, swept the waves. + He loud-exhorting them, his people bade 540 + Hand, brisk, the tackle; they, obedient, reared + The pine-tree mast, which in its socket deep + They lodg'd, then strain'd the cordage, and with thongs + Well-twisted, drew the shining sail aloft. + A land-breeze fill'd the canvas, and the flood + Roar'd as she went against the steady bark + That ran with even course her liquid way. + The rigging, thus, of all the galley set, + Their beakers crowning high with wine, they hail'd + The ever-living Gods, but above all 550 + Minerva, daughter azure-eyed of Jove. + Thus, all night long the galley, and till dawn + Had brighten'd into day, cleaved swift the flood. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[6] The reader is to be reminded that this is not an assembly of the +suitors only, but a general one, which affords Telemachus an opportunity +to apply himself to the feelings of the Ithacans at large. + + + + +BOOK III + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus arriving at Pylus, enquires of Nestor concerning Ulysses. +Nestor relates to him all that he knows or has heard of the Greecians +since their departure from the siege of Troy, but not being able to give +him any satisfactory account of Ulysses, refers him to Menelaus. At +evening Minerva quits Telemachus, but discovers herself in going. Nestor +sacrifices to the Goddess, and the solemnity ended, Telemachus sets forth +for Sparta in one of Nestor's chariots, and accompanied by Nestor's son, +Pisistratus. + + + The sun, emerging from the lucid waves, + Ascended now the brazen vault with light + For the inhabitants of earth and heav'n, + When in their bark at Pylus they arrived, + City of Neleus. On the shore they found + The people sacrificing; bulls they slew + Black without spot, to Neptune azure-hair'd. + On ranges nine of seats they sat; each range + Received five hundred, and to each they made + Allotment equal of nine sable bulls. 10 + The feast was now begun; these eating sat + The entrails, those stood off'ring to the God + The thighs, his portion, when the Ithacans + Push'd right ashore, and, furling close the sails, + And making fast their moorings, disembark'd. + Forth came Telemachus, by Pallas led, + Whom thus the Goddess azure-eyed address'd. + Telemachus! there is no longer room + For bashful fear, since thou hast cross'd the flood + With purpose to enquire what land conceals 20 + Thy father, and what fate hath follow'd him. + Advance at once to the equestrian Chief + Nestor, within whose bosom lies, perhaps, + Advice well worthy of thy search; entreat + Himself, that he will tell thee only truth, + Who will not lye, for he is passing wise. + To whom Telemachus discrete replied. + Ah Mentor! how can I advance, how greet + A Chief like him, unpractis'd as I am + In manag'd phrase? Shame bids the youth beware 30 + How he accosts the man of many years. + But him the Goddess answer'd azure-eyed, + Telemachus! Thou wilt, in part, thyself + Fit speech devise, and heav'n will give the rest; + For thou wast neither born, nor hast been train'd + To manhood, under unpropitious Pow'rs. + So saying, Minerva led him thence, whom he + With nimble steps attending, soon arrived + Among the multitude. There Nestor sat, + And Nestor's sons, while, busily the feast 40 + Tending, his num'rous followers roasted, some, + The viands, some, transfix'd them with the spits. + They seeing guests arrived, together all + Advanced, and, grasping courteously their hands, + Invited them to sit; but first, the son + Of Nestor, young Pisistratus, approach'd, + Who, fast'ning on the hands of both, beside + The banquet placed them, where the beach was spread + With fleeces, and where Thrasymedes sat + His brother, and the hoary Chief his Sire. 50 + To each a portion of the inner parts + He gave, then fill'd a golden cup with wine, + Which, tasted first, he to the daughter bore + Of Jove the Thund'rer, and her thus bespake. + Oh guest! the King of Ocean now adore! + For ye have chanced on Neptune's festival; + And, when thou hast, thyself, libation made + Duly, and pray'r, deliver to thy friend + The gen'rous juice, that he may also make + Libation; for he, doubtless, seeks, in prayer 60 + The Immortals, of whose favour all have need. + But, since he younger is, and with myself + Coeval, first I give the cup to thee. + He ceas'd, and to her hand consign'd the cup, + Which Pallas gladly from a youth received + So just and wise, who to herself had first + The golden cup presented, and in pray'r + Fervent the Sov'reign of the Seas adored. + Hear, earth-encircler Neptune! O vouchsafe + To us thy suppliants the desired effect 70 + Of this our voyage; glory, first, bestow + On Nestor and his offspring both, then grant + To all the Pylians such a gracious boon + As shall requite their noble off'ring well. + Grant also to Telemachus and me + To voyage hence, possess'd of what we sought + When hither in our sable bark we came. + So Pallas pray'd, and her own pray'r herself + Accomplish'd. To Telemachus she gave + The splendid goblet next, and in his turn 80 + Like pray'r Ulysses' son also preferr'd. + And now (the banquet from the spits withdrawn) + They next distributed sufficient share + To each, and all were sumptuously regaled. + At length, (both hunger satisfied and thirst) + Thus Nestor, the Gerenian Chief, began. + Now with more seemliness we may enquire, + After repast, what guests we have received. + Our guests! who are ye? Whence have ye the waves + Plough'd hither? Come ye to transact concerns 90 + Commercial, or at random roam the Deep + Like pirates, who with mischief charged and woe + To foreign States, oft hazard life themselves? + Him answer'd, bolder now, but still discrete, + Telemachus. For Pallas had his heart + With manly courage arm'd, that he might ask + From Nestor tidings of his absent Sire, + And win, himself, distinction and renown. + Oh Nestor, Neleus' son, glory of Greece! + Thou askest whence we are. I tell thee whence. 100 + From Ithaca, by the umbrageous woods + Of Neritus o'erhung, by private need, + Not public, urged, we come. My errand is + To seek intelligence of the renown'd + Ulysses; of my noble father, prais'd + For dauntless courage, whom report proclaims + Conqueror, with thine aid, of sacred Troy. + We have already learn'd where other Chiefs + Who fought at Ilium, died; but Jove conceals + Even the death of my illustrious Sire 110 + In dull obscurity; for none hath heard + Or confident can answer, where he dy'd; + Whether he on the continent hath fall'n + By hostile hands, or by the waves o'erwhelm'd + Of Amphitrite, welters in the Deep. + For this cause, at thy knees suppliant, I beg + That thou would'st tell me his disast'rous end, + If either thou beheld'st that dread event + Thyself, or from some wanderer of the Greeks + Hast heard it: for my father at his birth 120 + Was, sure, predestin'd to no common woes. + Neither through pity, or o'erstrain'd respect + Flatter me, but explicit all relate + Which thou hast witness'd. If my noble Sire + E'er gratified thee by performance just + Of word or deed at Ilium, where ye fell + So num'rous slain in fight, oh, recollect + Now his fidelity, and tell me true. + Then Nestor thus Gerenian Hero old. + Young friend! since thou remind'st me, speaking thus, 130 + Of all the woes which indefatigable + We sons of the Achaians there sustain'd, + Both those which wand'ring on the Deep we bore + Wherever by Achilles led in quest + Of booty, and the many woes beside + Which under royal Priam's spacious walls + We suffer'd, know, that there our bravest fell. + There warlike Ajax lies, there Peleus' son; + There, too, Patroclus, like the Gods themselves + In council, and my son beloved there, 140 + Brave, virtuous, swift of foot, and bold in fight, + Antilochus. Nor are these sorrows all; + What tongue of mortal man could all relate? + Should'st thou, abiding here, five years employ + Or six, enquiring of the woes endured + By the Achaians, ere thou should'st have learn'd + The whole, thou would'st depart, tir'd of the tale. + For we, nine years, stratagems of all kinds + Devised against them, and Saturnian Jove + Scarce crown'd the difficult attempt at last. 150 + There, no competitor in wiles well-plann'd + Ulysses found, so far were all surpass'd + In shrewd invention by thy noble Sire, + If thou indeed art his, as sure thou art, + Whose sight breeds wonder in me, and thy speech + His speech resembles more than might be deem'd + Within the scope of years so green as thine. + There, never in opinion, or in voice + Illustrious Ulysses and myself + Divided were, but, one in heart, contrived 160 + As best we might, the benefit of all. + But after Priam's lofty city sack'd, + And the departure of the Greeks on board + Their barks, and when the Gods had scatter'd them, + Then Jove imagin'd for the Argive host + A sorrowful return; for neither just + Were all, nor prudent, therefore many found + A fate disast'rous through the vengeful ire + Of Jove-born Pallas, who between the sons + Of Atreus sharp contention interposed. 170 + They both, irregularly, and against + Just order, summoning by night the Greeks + To council, of whom many came with wine + Oppress'd, promulgated the cause for which + They had convened the people. Then it was + That Menelaus bade the general host + Their thoughts bend homeward o'er the sacred Deep, + Which Agamemnon in no sort approved. + His counsel was to slay them yet at Troy, + That so he might assuage the dreadful wrath 180 + Of Pallas, first, by sacrifice and pray'r. + Vain hope! he little thought how ill should speed + That fond attempt, for, once provok'd, the Gods + Are not with ease conciliated again. + Thus stood the brothers, altercation hot + Maintaining, till at length, uprose the Greeks + With deaf'ning clamours, and with diff'ring minds. + We slept the night, but teeming with disgust + Mutual, for Jove great woe prepar'd for all. + At dawn of day we drew our gallies down 190 + Into the sea, and, hasty, put on board + The spoils and female captives. Half the host, + With Agamemnon, son of Atreus, stay'd + Supreme commander, and, embarking, half + Push'd forth. Swift course we made, for Neptune smooth'd + The waves before us of the monstrous Deep. + At Tenedos arriv'd, we there perform'd + Sacrifice to the Gods, ardent to reach + Our native land, but unpropitious Jove, + Not yet designing our arrival there, 200 + Involved us in dissension fierce again. + For all the crews, followers of the King, + Thy noble Sire, to gratify our Chief, + The son of Atreus, chose a diff'rent course, + And steer'd their oary barks again to Troy. + But I, assured that evil from the Gods + Impended, gath'ring all my gallant fleet, + Fled thence in haste, and warlike Diomede + Exhorting his attendants, also fled. + At length, the Hero Menelaus join'd 210 + Our fleets at Lesbos; there he found us held + In deep deliberation on the length + Of way before us, whether we should steer + Above the craggy Chios to the isle + Psyria, that island holding on our left, + Or under Chios by the wind-swept heights + Of Mimas. Then we ask'd from Jove a sign, + And by a sign vouchsafed he bade us cut + The wide sea to Eubœa sheer athwart, + So soonest to escape the threat'ned harm. 220 + Shrill sang the rising gale, and with swift prows + Cleaving the fishy flood, we reach'd by night + Geræstus, where arrived, we burn'd the thighs + Of num'rous bulls to Neptune, who had safe + Conducted us through all our perilous course. + The fleet of Diomede in safety moor'd + On the fourth day at Argos, but myself + Held on my course to Pylus, nor the wind + One moment thwarted us, or died away, + When Jove had once commanded it to blow. 230 + Thus, uninform'd, I have arrived, my son! + Nor of the Greecians, who are saved have heard, + Or who have perish'd; but what news soe'er + I have obtain'd, since my return, with truth + I will relate, nor aught conceal from thee. + The spear-famed Myrmidons, as rumour speaks, + By Neoptolemus, illustrious son + Of brave Achilles led, have safe arrived; + Safe, Philoctetes, also son renown'd + Of Pæas; and Idomeneus at Crete 240 + Hath landed all his followers who survive + The bloody war, the waves have swallow'd none. + Ye have yourselves doubtless, although remote, + Of Agamemnon heard, how he return'd, + And how Ægisthus cruelly contrived + For him a bloody welcome, but himself + Hath with his own life paid the murth'rous deed. + Good is it, therefore, if a son survive + The slain, since Agamemnon's son hath well + Avenged his father's death, slaying, himself, 250 + Ægisthus, foul assassin of his Sire. + Young friend! (for pleas'd thy vig'rous youth I view, + And just proportion) be thou also bold, + That thine like his may be a deathless name. + Then, prudent, him answer'd Telemachus. + Oh Nestor, Neleus' son, glory of Greece! + And righteous was that vengeance; _his_ renown + Achaia's sons shall far and wide diffuse, + To future times transmitting it in song. + Ah! would that such ability the Gods 260 + Would grant to me, that I, as well, the deeds + Might punish of our suitors, whose excess + Enormous, and whose bitter taunts I feel + Continual, object of their subtle hate. + But not for me such happiness the Gods + Have twined into my thread; no, not for me + Or for my father. Patience is our part. + To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied. + Young friend! (since thou remind'st me of that theme) + Fame here reports that num'rous suitors haunt 270 + Thy palace for thy mother's sake, and there + Much evil perpetrate in thy despight. + But say, endur'st thou willing their controul + Imperious, or because the people, sway'd + By some response oracular, incline + Against thee? But who knows? the time may come + When to his home restored, either alone, + Or aided by the force of all the Greeks, + Ulysses may avenge the wrong; at least, + Should Pallas azure-eyed thee love, as erst 280 + At Troy, the scene of our unnumber'd woes, + She lov'd Ulysses (for I have not known + The Gods assisting so apparently + A mortal man, as him Minerva there) + Should Pallas view thee also with like love + And kind solicitude, some few of those + Should dream, perchance, of wedlock never more. + Then answer thus Telemachus return'd. + That word's accomplishment I cannot hope; + It promises too much; the thought alone 290 + O'erwhelms me; an event so fortunate + Would, unexpected on my part, arrive, + Although the Gods themselves should purpose it. + But Pallas him answer'd cærulean-eyed. + Telemachus! what word was that which leap'd + The iv'ry guard[7] that should have fenced it in? + A God, so willing, could with utmost ease + Save any man, howe'er remote. Myself, + I had much rather, many woes endured, + Revisit home, at last, happy and safe, 300 + Than, sooner coming, die in my own house, + As Agamemnon perish'd by the arts + Of base Ægisthus and the subtle Queen. + Yet not the Gods themselves can save from death + All-levelling, the man whom most they love, + When Fate ordains him once to his last sleep. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Howe'er it interest us, let us leave + This question, Mentor! He, I am assured, + Returns no more, but hath already found 310 + A sad, sad fate by the decree of heav'n. + But I would now interrogate again + Nestor, and on a different theme, for him + In human rights I judge, and laws expert, + And in all knowledge beyond other men; + For he hath govern'd, as report proclaims, + Three generations; therefore in my eyes + He wears the awful impress of a God. + Oh Nestor, son of Neleus, tell me true; + What was the manner of Atrides' death, 320 + Wide-ruling Agamemnon? Tell me where + Was Menelaus? By what means contrived + Ægisthus to inflict the fatal blow, + Slaying so much a nobler than himself? + Had not the brother of the Monarch reach'd + Achaian Argos yet, but, wand'ring still + In other climes, his long absence gave + Ægisthus courage for that bloody deed? + Whom answer'd the Gerenian Chief renown'd. + My son! I will inform thee true; meantime 330 + Thy own suspicions border on the fact. + Had Menelaus, Hero, amber hair'd, + Ægisthus found living at his return + From Ilium, never on _his_ bones the Greeks + Had heap'd a tomb, but dogs and rav'ning fowls + Had torn him lying in the open field + Far from the town, nor him had woman wept + Of all in Greece, for he had foul transgress'd. + But we, in many an arduous task engaged, + Lay before Ilium; he, the while, secure 340 + Within the green retreats of Argos, found + Occasion apt by flatt'ry to delude + The spouse of Agamemnon; she, at first, + (The royal Clytemnestra) firm refused + The deed dishonourable (for she bore + A virtuous mind, and at her side a bard + Attended ever, whom the King, to Troy + Departing, had appointed to the charge.) + But when the Gods had purposed to ensnare + Ægisthus, then dismissing far remote 350 + The bard into a desart isle, he there + Abandon'd him to rav'ning fowls a prey, + And to his own home, willing as himself, + Led Clytemnestra. Num'rous thighs he burn'd + On all their hallow'd altars to the Gods, + And hung with tap'stry, images, and gold + Their shrines, his great exploit past hope atchiev'd. + We (Menelaus and myself) had sailed + From Troy together, but when we approach'd + Sunium, headland of th' Athenian shore, 360 + There Phœbus, sudden, with his gentle shafts + Slew Menelaus' pilot while he steer'd + The volant bark, Phrontis, Onetor's son, + A mariner past all expert, whom none + In steerage match'd, what time the tempest roar'd. + Here, therefore, Menelaus was detained, + Giving his friend due burial, and his rites + Funereal celebrating, though in haste + Still to proceed. But when, with all his fleet + The wide sea traversing, he reach'd at length 370 + Malea's lofty foreland in his course, + Rough passage, then, and perilous he found. + Shrill blasts the Thund'rer pour'd into his sails, + And wild waves sent him mountainous. His ships + There scatter'd, some to the Cydonian coast + Of Crete he push'd, near where the Jardan flows. + Beside the confines of Gortyna stands, + Amid the gloomy flood, a smooth rock, steep + Toward the sea, against whose leftward point + Phæstus by name, the South wind rolls the surge 380 + Amain, which yet the rock, though small, repells. + Hither with part he came, and scarce the crews + Themselves escaped, while the huge billows broke + Their ships against the rocks; yet five he saved, + Which winds and waves drove to the Ægyptian shore. + Thus he, provision gath'ring as he went + And gold abundant, roam'd to distant lands + And nations of another tongue. Meantime, + Ægisthus these enormities at home + Devising, slew Atrides, and supreme 390 + Rul'd the subjected land; sev'n years he reign'd + In opulent Mycenæ, but the eighth + From Athens brought renown'd Orestes home + For his destruction, who of life bereaved + Ægisthus base assassin of his Sire. + Orestes, therefore, the funereal rites + Performing to his shameless mother's shade + And to her lustful paramour, a feast + Gave to the Argives; on which self-same day + The warlike Menelaus, with his ships 400 + All treasure-laden to the brink, arrived. + And thou, young friend! from thy forsaken home + Rove not long time remote, thy treasures left + At mercy of those proud, lest they divide + And waste the whole, rend'ring thy voyage vain. + But hence to Menelaus is the course + To which I counsel thee; for he hath come + Of late from distant lands, whence to escape + No man could hope, whom tempests first had driv'n + Devious into so wide a sea, from which 410 + Themselves the birds of heaven could not arrive + In a whole year, so vast is the expanse. + Go, then, with ship and shipmates, or if more + The land delight thee, steeds thou shalt not want + Nor chariot, and my sons shall be thy guides + To noble Lacedemon, the abode + Of Menelaus; ask from him the truth, + Who will not lye, for he is passing wise. + While thus he spake, the sun declined, and night + Approaching, blue-eyed Pallas interposed. 420 + O antient King! well hast thou spoken all. + But now delay not. Cut ye forth the tongues,[8] + And mingle wine, that (Neptune first invoked + With due libation, and the other Gods) + We may repair to rest; for even now + The sun is sunk, and it becomes us not + Long to protract a banquet to the Gods + Devote, but in fit season to depart. + So spake Jove's daughter; they obedient heard. + The heralds, then, pour'd water on their hands, 430 + And the attendant youths, filling the cups, + Served them from left to right. Next all the tongues + They cast into the fire, and ev'ry guest + Arising, pour'd libation to the Gods. + Libation made, and all with wine sufficed, + Godlike Telemachus and Pallas both + Would have return'd, incontinent, on board, + But Nestor urged them still to be his guests. + Forbid it, Jove, and all the Pow'rs of heav'n! + That ye should leave me to repair on board 440 + Your vessel, as I were some needy wretch + Cloakless and destitute of fleecy stores + Wherewith to spread the couch soft for myself, + Or for my guests. No. I have garments warm + An ample store, and rugs of richest dye; + And never shall Ulysses' son belov'd, + My frend's own son, sleep on a galley's plank + While I draw vital air; grant also, heav'n, + That, dying, I may leave behind me sons + Glad to accommodate whatever guest! 450 + Him answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. + Old Chief! thou hast well said, and reason bids + Telemachus thy kind commands obey. + Let _him_ attend thee hence, that he may sleep + Beneath thy roof, but I return on board + Myself, to instruct my people, and to give + All needful orders; for among them none + Is old as I, but they are youths alike, + Coevals of Telemachus, with whom + They have embark'd for friendship's sake alone. 460 + I therefore will repose myself on board + This night, and to the Caucons bold in arms + Will sail to-morrow, to demand arrears + Long time unpaid, and of no small amount. + But, since he is become thy guest, afford + My friend a chariot, and a son of thine + Who shall direct his way, nor let him want + Of all thy steeds the swiftest and the best. + So saying, the blue-eyed Goddess as upborne + On eagle's wings, vanish'd; amazement seized 470 + The whole assembly, and the antient King + O'erwhelmed with wonder at that sight, the hand + Grasp'd of Telemachus, whom he thus bespake. + My friend! I prophesy that thou shalt prove + Nor base nor dastard, whom, so young, the Gods + Already take in charge; for of the Pow'rs + Inhabitants of heav'n, none else was this + Than Jove's own daughter Pallas, who among + The Greecians honour'd most thy gen'rous Sire. + But thou, O Queen! compassionate us all, 480 + Myself, my sons, my comfort; give to each + A glorious name, and I to thee will give + For sacrifice an heifer of the year, + Broad-fronted, one that never yet hath borne + The yoke, and will incase her horns with gold. + So Nestor pray'd, whom Pallas gracious heard. + Then the Gerenian warrior old, before + His sons and sons in law, to his abode + Magnificent proceeded: they (arrived + Within the splendid palace of the King) 490 + On thrones and couches sat in order ranged, + Whom Nestor welcom'd, charging high the cup + With wine of richest sort, which she who kept + That treasure, now in the eleventh year + First broach'd, unsealing the delicious juice. + With this the hoary Senior fill'd a cup, + And to the daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd + Pouring libation, offer'd fervent pray'r. + When all had made libation, and no wish + Remain'd of more, then each to rest retired, 500 + And Nestor the Gerenian warrior old + Led thence Telemachus to a carved couch + Beneath the sounding portico prepared. + Beside him he bade sleep the spearman bold, + Pisistratus, a gallant youth, the sole + Unwedded in his house of all his sons. + Himself in the interior palace lay, + Where couch and cov'ring for her antient spouse + The consort Queen had diligent prepar'd. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, 510 + Had tinged the East, arising from his bed, + Gerenian Nestor issued forth, and sat + Before his palace-gate on the white stones + Resplendent as with oil, on which of old + His father Neleus had been wont to sit, + In council like a God; but he had sought, + By destiny dismiss'd long since, the shades. + On those stones therefore now, Nestor himself, + Achaia's guardian, sat, sceptre in hand, + Where soon his num'rous sons, leaving betimes 520 + The place of their repose, also appeared, + Echephron, Stratius, Perseus, Thrasymedes, + Aretus and Pisistratus. They placed + Godlike Telemachus at Nestor's side, + And the Gerenian Hero thus began. + Sons be ye quick--execute with dispatch + My purpose, that I may propitiate first + Of all the Gods Minerva, who herself + Hath honour'd manifest our hallow'd feast. + Haste, one, into the field, to order thence 530 + An ox, and let the herdsman drive it home. + Another, hasting to the sable bark + Of brave Telemachus, bring hither all + His friends, save two, and let a third command + Laerceus, that he come to enwrap with gold + The victim's horns. Abide ye here, the rest, + And bid my female train (for I intend + A banquet) with all diligence provide + Seats, stores of wood, and water from the rock. + He said, whom instant all obey'd. The ox 540 + Came from the field, and from the gallant ship + The ship-mates of the brave Telemachus; + Next, charged with all his implements of art, + His mallet, anvil, pincers, came the smith + To give the horns their gilding; also came + Pallas herself to her own sacred rites. + Then Nestor, hoary warrior, furnish'd gold, + Which, hammer'd thin, the artist wrapp'd around + The victim's horns, that seeing him attired + So costly, Pallas might the more be pleased. 550 + Stratius and brave Echephron introduced + The victim by his horns; Aretus brought + A laver in one hand, with flow'rs emboss'd, + And in his other hand a basket stored + With cakes, while warlike Thrasymedes, arm'd + With his long-hafted ax, prepared to smite + The ox, and Perseus to receive the blood. + The hoary Nestor consecrated first + Both cakes and water, and with earnest pray'r + To Pallas, gave the forelock to the flames. 560 + When all had worshipp'd, and the broken cakes + Sprinkled, then godlike Thrasymedes drew + Close to the ox, and smote him. Deep the edge + Enter'd, and senseless on the floor he fell. + Then Nestor's daughters, and the consorts all + Of Nestor's sons, with his own consort, chaste + Eurydice, the daughter eldest-born + Of Clymenus, in one shrill orison + Vocif'rous join'd, while they, lifting the ox, + Held him supported firmly, and the prince 570 + Of men, Pisistratus, his gullet pierced. + Soon as the sable blood had ceased, and life + Had left the victim, spreading him abroad, + With nice address they parted at the joint + His thighs, and wrapp'd them in the double cawl, + Which with crude slices thin they overspread. + Nestor burn'd incense, and libation pour'd + Large on the hissing brands, while him beside, + Busy with spit and prong, stood many a youth + Train'd to the task. The thighs consumed, each took + His portion of the maw, then, slashing well 581 + The remnant, they transpierced it with the spits + Neatly, and held it reeking at the fire. + Meantime the youngest of the daughters fair + Of Nestor, beauteous Polycaste, laved, + Anointed, and in vest and tunic cloathed + Telemachus, who, so refresh'd, stepp'd forth + From the bright laver graceful as a God, + And took his seat at antient Nestor's side. + The viands dress'd, and from the spits withdrawn, 590 + They sat to share the feast, and princely youths + Arising, gave them wine in cups of gold. + When neither hunger now nor thirst remain'd + Unsated, thus Gerenian Nestor spake. + My sons, arise, lead forth the sprightly steeds, + And yoke them, that Telemachus may go. + So spake the Chief, to whose commands his sons, + Obedient, yoked in haste the rapid steeds, + And the intendant matron of the stores + Disposed meantime within the chariot, bread 600 + And wine, and dainties, such as princes eat. + Telemachus into the chariot first + Ascended, and beside him, next, his place + Pisistratus the son of Nestor took, + Then seiz'd the reins, and lash'd the coursers on. + They, nothing loth, into the open plain + Flew, leaving lofty Pylus soon afar. + Thus, journeying, they shook on either side + The yoke all day, and now the setting sun + To dusky evening had resign'd the roads, 610 + When they to Pheræ came, and the abode + Reach'd of Diocles, whose illustrious Sire + Orsilochus from Alpheus drew his birth, + And there, with kindness entertain'd, they slept. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy from the East, yoking the steeds, + They in their sumptuous chariot sat again. + The son of Nestor plied the lash, and forth + Through vestibule and sounding portico + The royal coursers, not unwilling, flew. 620 + A corn-invested land receiv'd them next, + And there they brought their journey to a close, + So rapidly they moved; and now the sun + Went down, and even-tide dimm'd all the ways. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[7] Ερκος οδοντων. Prior, alluding to this expression, ludicrously +renders it-- + + "When words like these in vocal breath + Burst from his twofold hedge of teeth." + +[8] It is said to have been customary in the days of Homer, when the +Greeks retired from a banquet to their beds, to cut out the tongues of +the victims, and offer them to the Gods in particular who presided over +conversation. + + + + +BOOK IV + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus, with Pisistratus, arrives at the palace of Menelaus, from +whom he receives some fresh information concerning the return of the +Greecians, and is in particular told on the authority of Proteus, that +his father is detained by Calypso. The suitors, plotting against the life +of Telemachus, lie in wait to intercept him in his return to Ithaca. +Penelope being informed of his departure, and of their designs to slay +him, becomes inconsolable, but is relieved by a dream sent to her from +Minerva. + + + In hollow Lacedæmon's spacious vale + Arriving, to the house they drove direct + Of royal Menelaus; him they found + In his own palace, all his num'rous friends + Regaling at a nuptial banquet giv'n + Both for his daughter and the prince his son. + His daughter to renown'd Achilles' heir + He sent, to whom he had at Troy engaged + To give her, and the Gods now made her his. + With chariots and with steeds he sent her forth 10 + To the illustrious city where the prince, + Achilles' offspring, ruled the Myrmidons. + But to his son he gave a Spartan fair, + Alector's daughter; from an handmaid sprang + That son to Menelaus in his age, + Brave Megapenthes; for the Gods no child + To Helen gave, made mother, once, of her + Who vied in perfect loveliness of form + With golden Venus' self, Hermione. + Thus all the neighbour princes and the friends 20 + Of noble Menelaus, feasting sat + Within his spacious palace, among whom + A sacred bard sang sweetly to his harp, + While, in the midst, two dancers smote the ground + With measur'd steps responsive to his song. + And now the Heroes, Nestor's noble son + And young Telemachus arrived within + The vestibule, whom, issuing from the hall, + The noble Eteoneus of the train + Of Menelaus, saw; at once he ran 30 + Across the palace to report the news + To his Lord's ear, and, standing at his side, + In accents wing'd with haste thus greeted him. + Oh Menelaus! Heav'n descended Chief! + Two guests arrive, both strangers, but the race + Of Jove supreme resembling each in form. + Say, shall we loose, ourselves, their rapid steeds, + Or hence dismiss them to some other host? + But Menelaus, Hero golden-hair'd, + Indignant answer'd him. Boethe's son! 40 + Thou wast not, Eteoneus, heretofore, + A babbler, who now pratest as a child. + We have ourselves arrived indebted much + To hospitality of other men, + If Jove shall, even here, some pause at last + Of woe afford us. Therefore loose, at once, + Their steeds, and introduce them to the feast. + He said, and, issuing, Eteoneus call'd + The brisk attendants to his aid, with whom + He loos'd their foaming coursers from the yoke. 50 + Them first they bound to mangers, which with oats + And mingled barley they supplied, then thrust + The chariot sidelong to the splendid wall.[9] + Themselves he, next, into the royal house + Conducted, who survey'd, wond'ring, the abode + Of the heav'n-favour'd King; for on all sides + As with the splendour of the sun or moon + The lofty dome of Menelaus blazed. + Satiate, at length, with wonder at that sight, + They enter'd each a bath, and by the hands 60 + Of maidens laved, and oil'd, and cloath'd again + With shaggy mantles and resplendent vests, + Sat both enthroned at Menelaus' side. + And now a maiden charged with golden ew'r, + And with an argent laver, pouring first + Pure water on their hands, supplied them next + With a bright table, which the maiden, chief + In office, furnish'd plenteously with bread + And dainties, remnants of the last regale. + Then came the sew'r, who with delicious meats 70 + Dish after dish, served them, and placed beside + The chargers cups magnificent of gold, + When Menelaus grasp'd their hands, and said. + Eat and rejoice, and when ye shall have shared + Our nuptial banquet, we will then inquire + Who are ye both, for, certain, not from those + Whose generation perishes are ye, + But rather of some race of sceptred Chiefs + Heav'n-born; the base have never sons like you. + So saying, he from the board lifted his own 80 + Distinguish'd portion, and the fatted chine + Gave to his guests; the sav'ry viands they + With outstretch'd hands assail'd, and when the force + No longer now of appetite they felt, + Telemachus, inclining close his head + To Nestor's son, lest others should his speech + Witness, in whisper'd words him thus address'd. + Dearest Pisistratus, observe, my friend! + How all the echoing palace with the light + Of beaming brass, of gold and amber shines 90 + Silver and ivory! for radiance such + Th' interior mansion of Olympian Jove + I deem. What wealth, how various, how immense + Is here! astonish'd I survey the sight! + But Menelaus, golden-hair'd, his speech + O'erhearing, thus in accents wing'd replied + My children! let no mortal man pretend + Comparison with Jove; for Jove's abode + And all his stores are incorruptible. + But whether mortal man with me may vie 100 + In the display of wealth, or whether not, + This know, that after many toils endured, + And perilous wand'rings wide, in the eighth year + I brought my treasures home. Remote I roved + To Cyprus, to Phœnice, to the shores + Of Ægypt; Æthiopia's land I reach'd, + Th' Erembi, the Sidonians, and the coasts + Of Lybia, where the lambs their foreheads shew + At once with horns defended, soon as yean'd. + There, thrice within the year the flocks produce, 110 + Nor master, there, nor shepherd ever feels + A dearth of cheese, of flesh, or of sweet milk + Delicious, drawn from udders never dry. + While, thus, commodities on various coasts + Gath'ring I roam'd, another, by the arts + Of his pernicious spouse aided, of life + Bereav'd my brother privily, and when least + He fear'd to lose it. Therefore little joy + To me results from all that I possess. + Your fathers (be those fathers who they may) 120 + These things have doubtless told you; for immense + Have been my suff'rings, and I have destroy'd + A palace well inhabited and stored + With precious furniture in ev'ry kind; + Such, that I would to heav'n! I own'd at home + Though but the third of it, and that the Greeks + Who perish'd then, beneath the walls of Troy + Far from steed-pastured Argos, still survived. + Yet while, sequester'd here, I frequent mourn + My slaughter'd friends, by turns I sooth my soul 130 + With tears shed for them, and by turns again + I cease; for grief soon satiates free indulged. + But of them all, although I all bewail, + None mourn I so as one, whom calling back + To memory, I both sleep and food abhor. + For, of Achaia's sons none ever toiled + Strenuous as Ulysses; but his lot + Was woe, and unremitting sorrow mine + For his long absence, who, if still he live, + We know not aught, or be already dead. 140 + Him doubtless, old Laertes mourns, and him + Discrete Penelope, nor less his son + Telemachus, born newly when he sail'd. + So saying, he kindled in him strong desire + To mourn his father; at his father's name + Fast fell his tears to ground, and with both hands + He spread his purple cloak before his eyes; + Which Menelaus marking, doubtful sat + If he should leave him leisure for his tears, + Or question him, and tell him all at large. 150 + While thus he doubted, Helen (as it chanced) + Leaving her fragrant chamber, came, august + As Dian, goddess of the golden bow. + Adrasta, for her use, set forth a throne, + Alcippe with soft arras cover'd it, + And Philo brought her silver basket, gift + Of fair Alcandra, wife of Polybus, + Whose mansion in Ægyptian Thebes is rich + In untold treasure, and who gave, himself, + Ten golden talents, and two silver baths 160 + To Menelaus, with two splendid tripods + Beside the noble gifts which, at the hand + Of his illustrious spouse, Helen receiv'd; + A golden spindle, and a basket wheel'd, + Itself of silver, and its lip of gold. + That basket Philo, her own handmaid, placed + At beauteous Helen's side, charged to the brim + With slender threads, on which the spindle lay + With wool of purple lustre wrapp'd around. + Approaching, on her foot-stool'd throne she sat, 170 + And, instant, of her royal spouse enquired. + Know we, my Menelaus, dear to Jove! + These guests of ours, and whence they have arrived? + Erroneous I may speak, yet speak I must; + In man or woman never have I seen + Such likeness to another (wonder-fixt + I gaze) as in this stranger to the son + Of brave Ulysses, whom that Hero left + New-born at home, when (shameless as I was) + For my unworthy sake the Greecians sailed 180 + To Ilium, with fierce rage of battle fir'd. + Then Menelaus, thus, the golden-hair'd. + I also such resemblance find in him + As thou; such feet, such hands, the cast of eye[10] + Similar, and the head and flowing locks. + And even now, when I Ulysses named, + And his great sufferings mention'd, in my cause, + The bitter tear dropp'd from his lids, while broad + Before his eyes his purple cloak he spread. + To whom the son of Nestor thus replied. 190 + Atrides! Menelaus! Chief renown'd! + He is in truth his son, as thou hast said, + But he is modest, and would much himself + Condemn, if, at his first arrival here, + He should loquacious seem and bold to thee, + To whom we listen, captived by thy voice, + As if some God had spoken. As for me, + Nestor, my father, the Gerenian Chief + Bade me conduct him hither, for he wish'd + To see thee, promising himself from thee 200 + The benefit of some kind word or deed. + For, destitute of other aid, he much + His father's tedious absence mourns at home. + So fares Telemachus; his father strays + Remote, and, in his stead, no friend hath he + Who might avert the mischiefs that he feels. + To whom the Hero amber-hair'd replied. + Ye Gods! the offspring of indeed a friend + Hath reach'd my house, of one who hath endured + Arduous conflicts num'rous for my sake; 210 + And much I purpos'd, had Olympian Jove + Vouchsaf'd us prosp'rous passage o'er the Deep, + To have receiv'd him with such friendship here + As none beside. In Argos I had then + Founded a city for him, and had rais'd + A palace for himself; I would have brought + The Hero hither, and his son, with all + His people, and with all his wealth, some town + Evacuating for his sake, of those + Ruled by myself, and neighb'ring close my own. 220 + Thus situate, we had often interchanged + Sweet converse, nor had other cause at last + Our friendship terminated or our joys, + Than death's black cloud o'ershadowing him or me. + But such delights could only envy move + Ev'n in the Gods, who have, of all the Greeks, + Amerc'd _him_ only of his wish'd return. + So saying, he kindled the desire to weep + In ev'ry bosom. Argive Helen wept + Abundant, Jove's own daughter; wept as fast 230 + Telemachus and Menelaus both; + Nor Nestor's son with tearless eyes remain'd, + Calling to mind Antilochus[11] by the son[12] + Illustrious of the bright Aurora slain, + Rememb'ring whom, in accents wing'd he said. + Atrides! antient Nestor, when of late + Conversing with him, we remember'd thee, + Pronounced thee wise beyond all human-kind. + Now therefore, let not even my advice + Displease thee. It affords me no delight 240 + To intermingle tears with my repast, + And soon, Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Will tinge the orient. Not that I account + Due lamentation of a friend deceased + Blameworthy, since, to sheer the locks and weep, + Is all we can for the unhappy dead. + I also have my grief, call'd to lament + One, not the meanest of Achaia's sons, + My brother; him I cannot but suppose + To thee well-known, although unknown to me 250 + Who saw him never;[13] but report proclaims + Antilochus superior to the most, + In speed superior, and in feats of arms. + To whom, the Hero of the yellow locks. + O friend belov'd! since nought which thou hast said + Or recommended now, would have disgraced + A man of years maturer far than thine, + (For wise thy father is, and such art thou, + And easy is it to discern the son + Of such a father, whom Saturnian Jove 260 + In marriage both and at his birth ordain'd + To great felicity; for he hath giv'n + To Nestor gradually to sink at home + Into old age, and, while he lives, to see + His sons past others wise, and skill'd in arms) + The sorrow into which we sudden fell + Shall pause. Come--now remember we the feast; + Pour water on our hands, for we shall find, + (Telemachus and I) no dearth of themes + For mutual converse when the day shall dawn. 270 + He ended; then, Asphalion, at his word, + Servant of glorious Menelaus, poured + Pure water on their hands, and they the feast + Before them with keen appetite assail'd. + But Jove-born Helen otherwise, meantime, + Employ'd, into the wine of which they drank + A drug infused, antidote to the pains + Of grief and anger, a most potent charm + For ills of ev'ry name. Whoe'er his wine + So medicated drinks, he shall not pour 280 + All day the tears down his wan cheek, although + His father and his mother both were dead, + Nor even though his brother or his son + Had fall'n in battle, and before his eyes. + Such drugs Jove's daughter own'd, with skill prepar'd, + And of prime virtue, by the wife of Thone, + Ægyptian Polydamna, giv'n her. + For Ægypt teems with drugs, yielding no few + Which, mingled with the drink, are good, and many + Of baneful juice, and enemies to life. 290 + There ev'ry man in skill medicinal + Excels, for they are sons of Pæon all. + That drug infused, she bade her servant pour + The bev'rage forth, and thus her speech resumed. + Atrides! Menelaus! dear to Jove! + These also are the sons of Chiefs renown'd, + (For Jove, as pleases him, to each assigns + Or good or evil, whom all things obey) + Now therefore, feasting at your ease reclin'd, + Listen with pleasure, for myself, the while, 300 + Will matter seasonable interpose. + I cannot all rehearse, nor even name, + (Omitting none) the conflicts and exploits + Of brave Ulysses; but with what address + Successful, one atchievement he perform'd + At Ilium, where Achaia's sons endured + Such hardship, will I speak. Inflicting wounds + Dishonourable on himself, he took + A tatter'd garb, and like a serving-man + Enter'd the spacious city of your foes. 310 + So veil'd, some mendicant he seem'd, although + No Greecian less deserved that name than he. + In such disguise he enter'd; all alike + Misdeem'd him; me alone he not deceived + Who challeng'd him, but, shrewd, he turn'd away. + At length, however, when I had myself + Bathed him, anointed, cloath'd him, and had sworn + Not to declare him openly in Troy + Till he should reach again the camp and fleet, + He told me the whole purpose of the Greeks. 320 + Then, (many a Trojan slaughter'd,) he regain'd + The camp, and much intelligence he bore + To the Achaians. Oh what wailing then + Was heard of Trojan women! but my heart + Exulted, alter'd now, and wishing home; + For now my crime committed under force + Of Venus' influence I deplored, what time + She led me to a country far remote, + A wand'rer from the matrimonial bed, + From my own child, and from my rightful Lord 330 + Alike unblemish'd both in form and mind. + Her answer'd then the Hero golden-hair'd. + Helen! thou hast well spoken. All is true. + I have the talents fathom'd and the minds + Of num'rous Heroes, and have travell'd far + Yet never saw I with these eyes in man + Such firmness as the calm Ulysses own'd; + None such as in the wooden horse he proved, + Where all our bravest sat, designing woe + And bloody havoc for the sons of Troy. 340 + Thou thither cam'st, impell'd, as it should seem, + By some divinity inclin'd to give + Victory to our foes, and with thee came + Godlike Deiphobus. Thrice round about + The hollow ambush, striking with thy hand + Its sides thou went'st, and by his name didst call + Each prince of Greece feigning his consort's voice. + Myself with Diomede, and with divine + Ulysses, seated in the midst, the call + Heard plain and loud; we (Diomede and I) 350 + With ardour burn'd either to quit the horse + So summon'd, or to answer from within. + But, all impatient as we were, Ulysses + Controul'd the rash design; so there the sons + Of the Achaians silent sat and mute, + And of us all Anticlus would alone + Have answer'd; but Ulysses with both hands + Compressing close his lips, saved us, nor ceased + Till Pallas thence conducted thee again. + Then thus, discrete, Telemachus replied. 360 + Atrides! Menelaus! prince renown'd! + Hard was his lot whom these rare qualities + Preserved not, neither had his dauntless heart + Been iron, had he scaped his cruel doom. + But haste, dismiss us hence, that on our beds + Reposed, we may enjoy sleep, needful now. + He ceas'd; then Argive Helen gave command + To her attendant maidens to prepare + Beds in the portico with purple rugs + Resplendent, and with arras, overspread, 370 + And cover'd warm with cloaks of shaggy pile. + Forth went the maidens, bearing each a torch, + And spread the couches; next, the herald them + Led forth, and in the vestibule the son + Of Nestor and the youthful Hero slept, + Telemachus; but in the interior house + Atrides, with the loveliest of her sex + Beside him, Helen of the sweeping stole. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Glow'd in the East, then from his couch arose 380 + The warlike Menelaus, fresh attir'd; + His faulchion o'er his shoulders slung, he bound + His sandals fair to his unsullied feet, + And like a God issuing, at the side + Sat of Telemachus, to whom he spake. + Hero! Telemachus! what urgent cause + Hath hither led thee, to the land far-famed + Of Lacedæmon o'er the spacious Deep? + Public concern or private? Tell me true. + To whom Telemachus discrete replied. 390 + Atrides! Menelaus! prince renown'd! + News seeking of my Sire, I have arrived. + My household is devour'd, my fruitful fields + Are desolated, and my palace fill'd + With enemies, who while they mutual wage + Proud competition for my mother's love, + My flocks continual slaughter, and my beeves. + For this cause, at thy knees suppliant, I beg + That thou wouldst tell me his disastrous end, + If either thou beheld'st with thine own eyes 400 + His death, or from some wand'rer of the Greeks + Hast heard it; for no common woes, alas! + Was he ordain'd to share ev'n from the womb. + Neither through pity or o'erstrain'd respect + Flatter me, but explicit all relate + Which thou hast witness'd. If my noble Sire + E'er gratified thee by performance just + Of word or deed at Ilium, where ye fell + So num'rous slain in fight, oh recollect + Now his fidelity, and tell me true! 410 + Then Menelaus, sighing deep, replied. + Gods! their ambition is to reach the bed + Of a brave man, however base themselves. + But as it chances, when the hart hath lay'd + Her fawns new-yean'd and sucklings yet, to rest + Within some dreadful lion's gloomy den, + She roams the hills, and in the grassy vales + Feeds heedless, till the lion, to his lair + Return'd, destroys her and her little-ones, + So them thy Sire shall terribly destroy. 420 + Jove, Pallas and Apollo! oh that such + As erst in well-built Lesbos, where he strove + With Philomelides, and threw him flat, + A sight at which Achaia's sons rejoic'd, + Such, now, Ulysses might assail them all! + Short life and bitter nuptials should be theirs. + But thy enquiries neither indirect + Will I evade, nor give thee false reply, + But all that from the Antient of the Deep[14] + I have receiv'd will utter, hiding nought. 430 + As yet the Gods on Ægypt's shore detained + Me wishing home, angry at my neglect + To heap their altars with slain hecatombs. + For they exacted from us evermore + Strict rev'rence of their laws. There is an isle + Amid the billowy flood, Pharos by name, + In front of Ægypt, distant from her shore + Far as a vessel by a sprightly gale + Impell'd, may push her voyage in a day. + The haven there is good, and many a ship 440 + Finds wat'ring there from riv'lets on the coast. + There me the Gods kept twenty days, no breeze + Propitious granting, that might sweep the waves, + And usher to her home the flying bark. + And now had our provision, all consumed, + Left us exhausted, but a certain nymph + Pitying saved me. Daughter fair was she + Of mighty Proteus, Antient of the Deep, + Idothea named; her most my sorrows moved; + She found me from my followers all apart 450 + Wand'ring (for they around the isle, with hooks + The fishes snaring roamed, by famine urged) + And standing at my side, me thus bespake. + Stranger! thou must be ideot born, or weak + At least in intellect, or thy delight + Is in distress and mis'ry, who delay'st + To leave this island, and no egress hence + Canst find, although thy famish'd people faint. + So spake the Goddess, and I thus replied. + I tell thee, whosoever of the Pow'rs 460 + Divine thou art, that I am prison'd here + Not willingly, but must have, doubtless, sinn'd + Against the deathless tenants of the skies. + Yet say (for the Immortals all things know) + What God detains me, and my course forbids + Hence to my country o'er the fishy Deep? + So I; to whom the Goddess all-divine. + Stranger! I will inform thee true. A seer + Oracular, the Antient of the Deep, + Immortal Proteus, the Ægyptian, haunts 470 + These shores, familiar with all Ocean's gulphs, + And Neptune's subject. He is by report + My father; him if thou art able once + To seize and bind, he will prescribe the course + With all its measured distances, by which + Thou shalt regain secure thy native shores. + He will, moreover, at thy suit declare, + Thou favour'd of the skies! what good, what ill + Hath in thine house befall'n, while absent thou + Thy voyage difficult perform'st and long. 480 + She spake, and I replied--Thyself reveal + By what effectual bands I may secure + The antient Deity marine, lest, warn'd + Of my approach, he shun me and escape. + Hard task for mortal hands to bind a God! + Then thus Idothea answer'd all-divine. + I will inform thee true. Soon as the sun + Hath climb'd the middle heav'ns, the prophet old, + Emerging while the breezy zephyr blows, + And cover'd with the scum of ocean, seeks 490 + His spacious cove, in which outstretch'd he lies. + The phocæ[15] also, rising from the waves, + Offspring of beauteous Halosydna, sleep + Around him, num'rous, and the fishy scent + Exhaling rank of the unfathom'd flood. + Thither conducting thee at peep of day + I will dispose thee in some safe recess, + But from among thy followers thou shalt chuse + The bravest three in all thy gallant fleet. + And now the artifices understand 500 + Of the old prophet of the sea. The sum + Of all his phocæ numb'ring duly first, + He will pass through them, and when all by fives + He counted hath, will in the midst repose + Content, as sleeps the shepherd with his flock. + When ye shall see him stretch'd, then call to mind + That moment all your prowess, and prevent, + Howe'er he strive impatient, his escape. + All changes trying, he will take the form + Of ev'ry reptile on the earth, will seem 510 + A river now, and now devouring fire; + But hold him ye, and grasp him still the more. + And when himself shall question you, restored + To his own form in which ye found him first + Reposing, then from farther force abstain; + Then, Hero! loose the Antient of the Deep, + And ask him, of the Gods who checks thy course + Hence to thy country o'er the fishy flood. + So saying, she plunged into the billowy waste. + I then, in various musings lost, my ships 520 + Along the sea-beach station'd sought again, + And when I reach'd my galley on the shore + We supp'd, and sacred night falling from heav'n, + Slept all extended on the ocean-side. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy forth, pensive beside the shore + I walk'd of Ocean, frequent to the Gods + Praying devout, then chose the fittest three + For bold assault, and worthiest of my trust. + Meantime the Goddess from the bosom wide 530 + Of Ocean rising, brought us thence four skins + Of phocæ, and all newly stript, a snare + Contriving subtle to deceive her Sire. + Four cradles in the sand she scoop'd, then sat + Expecting us, who in due time approach'd; + She lodg'd us side by side, and over each + A raw skin cast. Horrible to ourselves + Proved that disguise whom the pernicious scent + Of the sea-nourish'd phocæ sore annoy'd; + For who would lay him down at a whale's side? 540 + But she a potent remedy devised + Herself to save us, who the nostrils sooth'd + Of each with pure ambrosia thither brought + Odorous, which the fishy scent subdued. + All morning, patient watchers, there we lay; + And now the num'rous phocæ from the Deep + Emerging, slept along the shore, and he + At noon came also, and perceiving there + His fatted monsters, through the flock his course + Took regular, and summ'd them; with the first 550 + He number'd us, suspicion none of fraud + Conceiving, then couch'd also. We, at once, + Loud-shouting flew on him, and in our arms + Constrain'd him fast; nor the sea-prophet old + Call'd not incontinent his shifts to mind. + First he became a long-maned lion grim, + Then dragon, panther then, a savage boar, + A limpid stream, and an o'ershadowing tree. + We persevering held him, till at length + The Antient of the Deep, skill'd as he is 560 + In wiles, yet weary, question'd me, and said. + Oh Atreus' son, by what confed'rate God + Instructed liest thou in wait for me, + To seize and hold me? what is thy desire? + So He; to whom thus answer I return'd. + Old Seer! thou know'st; why, fraudful, should'st thou ask? + It is because I have been prison'd long + Within this isle, whence I have sought in vain + Deliv'rance, till my wonted courage fails. + Yet say (for the Immortals all things know) 570 + What God detains me, and my course forbids + Hence to my country o'er the fishy Deep? + So I; when thus the old one of the waves. + But thy plain duty[16] was to have adored + Jove, first, in sacrifice, and all the Gods, + That then embarking, by propitious gales + Impell'd, thou might'st have reach'd thy country soon. + For thou art doom'd ne'er to behold again + Thy friends, thy palace, or thy native shores, + Till thou have seen once more the hallow'd flood 580 + Of Ægypt, and with hecatombs adored + Devout, the deathless tenants of the skies. + Then will they speed thee whither thou desir'st. + He ended, and my heart broke at his words, + Which bade me pass again the gloomy gulph + To Ægypt; tedious course, and hard to atchieve! + Yet, though in sorrow whelm'd, I thus replied. + Old prophet! I will all thy will perform. + But tell me, and the truth simply reveal; + Have the Achaians with their ships arrived 590 + All safe, whom Nestor left and I, at Troy? + Or of the Chiefs have any in their barks, + Or in their followers' arms found a dire death + Unlook'd for, since that city's siege we closed? + I spake, when answer thus the God return'd. + Atrides, why these questions? Need is none + That thou should'st all my secrets learn, which once + Reveal'd, thou would'st not long dry-eyed remain. + Of those no few have died, and many live; + But leaders, two alone, in their return 600 + Have died (thou also hast had war to wage) + And one, still living, roams the boundless sea. + Ajax,[17] surrounded by his galleys, died. + Him Neptune, first, against the bulky rocks + The Gyræ drove, but saved him from the Deep; + Nor had he perish'd, hated as he was + By Pallas, but for his own impious boast + In frenzy utter'd that he would escape + The billows, even in the Gods' despight. + Neptune that speech vain-glorious hearing, grasp'd 610 + His trident, and the huge Gyræan rock + Smiting indignant, dash'd it half away; + Part stood, and part, on which the boaster sat + When, first, the brainsick fury seiz'd him, fell, + Bearing him with it down into the gulphs + Of Ocean, where he drank the brine, and died. + But thy own brother in his barks escaped + That fate, by Juno saved; yet when, at length, + He should have gain'd Malea's craggy shore, + Then, by a sudden tempest caught, he flew 620 + With many a groan far o'er the fishy Deep + To the land's utmost point, where once his home + Thyestes had, but where Thyestes' son + Dwelt then, Ægisthus. Easy lay his course + And open thence, and, as it pleased the Gods, + The shifted wind soon bore them to their home. + He, high in exultation, trod the shore + That gave him birth, kiss'd it, and, at the sight, + The welcome sight of Greece, shed many a tear. + Yet not unseen he landed; for a spy, 630 + One whom the shrewd Ægisthus had seduced + By promise of two golden talents, mark'd + His coming from a rock where he had watch'd + The year complete, lest, passing unperceived, + The King should reassert his right in arms. + Swift flew the spy with tidings to this Lord, + And He, incontinent, this project framed + Insidious. Twenty men, the boldest hearts + Of all the people, from the rest he chose, + Whom he in ambush placed, and others charged 640 + Diligent to prepare the festal board. + With horses, then, and chariots forth he drove + Full-fraught with mischief, and conducting home + The unsuspicious King, amid the feast + Slew him, as at his crib men slay an ox. + Nor of thy brother's train, nor of his train + Who slew thy brother, one survived, but all, + Welt'ring in blood together, there expired. + He ended, and his words beat on my heart + As they would break it. On the sands I sat 650 + Weeping, nor life nor light desiring more. + But when I had in dust roll'd me, and wept + To full satiety, mine ear again + The oracle of Ocean thus address'd. + Sit not, O son of Atreus! weeping here + Longer, for remedy can none be found; + But quick arising, trial make, how best + Thou shalt, and soonest, reach thy home again. + For either him still living thou shalt find, + Or ere thou come, Orestes shall have slain 660 + The traytor, and thine eyes shall see his tomb. + He ceas'd, and I, afflicted as I was, + Yet felt my spirit at that word refresh'd, + And in wing'd accents answer thus return'd. + Of these I am inform'd; but name the third + Who, dead or living, on the boundless Deep + Is still detain'd; I dread, yet wish to hear. + So I; to whom thus Proteus in return. + Laertes' son, the Lord of Ithaca-- + Him in an island weeping I beheld, 670 + Guest of the nymph Calypso, by constraint + Her guest, and from his native land withheld + By sad necessity; for ships well-oar'd, + Or faithful followers hath he none, whose aid + Might speed him safely o'er the spacious flood. + But, Menelaus dear to Jove! thy fate + Ordains not thee the stroke of death to meet + In steed-fam'd Argos, but far hence the Gods + Will send thee to Elysium, and the earth's + Extremest bounds; (there Rhadamanthus dwells, 680 + The golden-hair'd, and there the human kind + Enjoy the easiest life; no snow is there, + No biting winter, and no drenching show'r, + But zephyr always gently from the sea + Breathes on them to refresh the happy race) + For that fair Helen is by nuptial bands + Thy own, and thou art son-in-law of Jove. + So saying, he plunged into the billowy waste, + I then, with my brave comrades to the fleet + Return'd, deep-musing as I went, and sad. 690 + No sooner had I reach'd my ship beside + The ocean, and we all had supp'd, than night + From heav'n fell on us, and, at ease reposed + Along the margin of the sea, we slept. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy forth, drawing our galleys down + Into the sacred Deep, we rear'd again + The mast, unfurl'd the sail, and to our seats + On board returning, thresh'd the foamy flood. + Once more, at length, within the hallow'd stream 700 + Of Ægypt mooring, on the shore I slew + Whole hecatombs, and (the displeasure thus + Of the immortal Gods appeased) I reared + To Agamemnon's never-dying fame + A tomb, and finishing it, sail'd again + With such a gale from heaven vouchsafed, as sent + My ships swift-scudding to the shores of Greece. + But come--eleven days wait here, or twelve + A guest with me, when I will send thee hence + Nobly, and honour'd with illustrious gifts, 710 + With polish'd chariot, with three princely steeds, + And with a gorgeous cup, that to the Gods + Libation pouring ever while thou liv'st + From that same cup, thou may'st remember me. + Him, prudent, then answer'd Telemachus. + Atrides, seek not to detain me here + Long time; for though contented I could sit + The year beside thee, nor regret my home + Or parents, (so delightful thy discourse + Sounds in my ear) yet, even now, I know, 720 + That my attendants to the Pylian shore + Wish my return, whom thou thus long detain'st. + What boon soe'er thou giv'st me, be it such + As I may treasur'd keep; but horses none + Take I to Ithaca; them rather far + Keep thou, for thy own glory. Thou art Lord + Of an extended plain, where copious springs + The lotus, herbage of all savours, wheat, + Pulse, and white barley of luxuriant growth. + But Ithaca no level champaign owns, 730 + A nursery of goats, and yet a land + Fairer than even pastures to the eye. + No sea-encircled isle of ours affords + Smooth course commodious and expanse of meads, + But my own Ithaca transcends them all! + He said; the Hero Menelaus smiled, + And stroaking tenderly his cheek, replied. + Dear youth! thy speech proclaims thy noble blood. + I can with ease supply thee from within + With what shall suit thee better, and the gift 740 + Of all that I possess which most excels + In beauty, and the noblest shall be thine. + I give thee, wrought elaborate, a cup + Itself all silver, bound with lip of gold. + It is the work of Vulcan, which to me + The Hero Phædimus imparted, King + Of the Sidonians, when on my return + His house received me. That shall be thy own. + Thus they conferr'd; and now the busy train + Of menials culinary,[18] at the gate 750 + Enter'd of Menelaus, Chief renown'd; + They brought him sheep, with heart-ennobling wine, + While all their wives, their brows with frontlets bound, + Came charg'd with bread. Thus busy they prepared + A banquet in the mansion of the King. + Meantime, before Ulysses' palace gate + The suitors sported with the quoit and spear + On the smooth area, customary scene + Of all their strife and angry clamour loud. + There sat Antinoüs, and the godlike youth 760 + Eurymachus, superior to the rest + And Chiefs among them, to whom Phronius' son + Noëmon drawing nigh, with anxious mien + Question'd Antinoüs, and thus began. + Know we, Antinoüs! or know we not, + When to expect Telemachus at home + Again from Pylus? in my ship he went, + Which now I need, that I may cross the sea + To Elis, on whose spacious plain I feed + Twelve mares, each suckling a mule-colt as yet 770 + Unbroken, but of which I purpose one + To ferry thence, and break him into use. + He spake, whom they astonish'd heard; for him + They deem'd not to Nelëian Pylus gone, + But haply into his own fields, his flocks + To visit, or the steward of his swine. + Then thus, Eupithes' son, Antinoüs, spake. + Say true. When sail'd he forth? of all our youth, + Whom chose he for his followers? his own train + Of slaves and hirelings? hath he pow'r to effect 780 + This also? Tell me too, for I would learn-- + Took he perforce thy sable bark away, + Or gav'st it to him at his first demand? + To whom Noëmon, Phronius' son, replied. + I gave it voluntary; what could'st thou, + Should such a prince petition for thy bark + In such distress? Hard were it to refuse. + Brave youths (our bravest youths except yourselves) + Attend him forth; and with them I observed + Mentor embarking, ruler o'er them all, 790 + Or, if not him, a God; for such he seem'd. + But this much moves my wonder. Yester-morn + I saw, at day-break, noble Mentor here, + Whom shipp'd for Pylus I had seen before. + He ceas'd; and to his father's house return'd; + They, hearing, sat aghast. Their games meantime + Finish'd, the suitors on their seats reposed, + To whom Eupithes' son, Antinoüs, next, + Much troubled spake; a black storm overcharged + His bosom, and his vivid eyes flash'd fire. 800 + Ye Gods, a proud exploit is here atchieved, + This voyage of Telemachus, by us + Pronounced impracticable; yet the boy + In downright opposition to us all, + Hath headlong launched a ship, and, with a band + Selected from our bravest youth, is gone. + He soon will prove more mischievous, whose pow'r + Jove wither, ere we suffer its effects! + But give me a swift bark with twenty rowers, + That, watching his return within the streights 810 + Of rocky Samos and of Ithaca, + I may surprise him; so shall he have sail'd + To seek his Sire, fatally for himself. + He ceased and loud applause heard in reply, + With warm encouragement. Then, rising all, + Into Ulysses' house at once they throng'd. + Nor was Penelope left uninformed + Long time of their clandestine plottings deep, + For herald Medon told her all, whose ear + Their councils caught while in the outer-court 820 + He stood, and they that project framed within. + Swift to Penelope the tale he bore, + Who as he pass'd the gate, him thus address'd. + For what cause, herald! have the suitors sent + Thee foremost? Wou'd they that my maidens lay + Their tasks aside, and dress the board for them? + Here end their wooing! may they hence depart + Never, and may the banquet now prepared, + This banquet prove your last![19] who in such throngs + Here meeting, waste the patrimony fair 830 + Of brave Telemachus; ye never, sure, + When children, heard how gracious and how good + Ulysses dwelt among your parents, none + Of all his people, or in word or deed + Injuring, as great princes oft are wont, + By favour influenc'd now, now by disgust. + He no man wrong'd at any time; but plain + Your wicked purpose in your deeds appears, + Who sense have none of benefits conferr'd. + Then Medon answer'd thus, prudent, return'd. 840 + Oh Queen! may the Gods grant this prove the worst. + But greater far and heavier ills than this + The suitors plan, whose counsels Jove confound! + Their base desire and purpose are to slay + Telemachus on his return; for he, + To gather tidings of his Sire is gone + To Pylus, or to Sparta's land divine. + He said; and where she stood, her trembling knees + Fail'd under her, and all her spirits went. + Speechless she long remain'd, tears filled her eyes, 850 + And inarticulate in its passage died + Her utt'rance, till at last with pain she spake. + Herald! why went my son? he hath no need + On board swift ships to ride, which are to man + His steeds that bear him over seas remote. + Went he, that, with himself, his very name + Might perish from among mankind for ever? + Then answer, thus, Medon the wise return'd. + I know not whether him some God impell'd + Or his own heart to Pylus, there to hear 860 + News of his Sire's return, or by what fate + At least he died, if he return no more. + He said, and traversing Ulysses' courts, + Departed; she with heart consuming woe + O'erwhelm'd, no longer could endure to take + Repose on any of her num'rous seats, + But on the threshold of her chamber-door + Lamenting sat, while all her female train + Around her moan'd, the antient and the young, + Whom, sobbing, thus Penelope bespake. 870 + Hear me, ye maidens! for of women born + Coeval with me, none hath e'er received + Such plenteous sorrow from the Gods as I, + Who first my noble husband lost, endued + With courage lion-like, of all the Greeks + The Chief with ev'ry virtue most adorn'd, + A prince all-excellent, whose glorious praise + Through Hellas and all Argos flew diffused. + And now, my darling son,--him storms have snatch'd + Far hence inglorious, and I knew it not. 880 + Ah treach'rous servants! conscious as ye were + Of his design, not one of you the thought + Conceived to wake me when he went on board. + For had but the report once reach'd my ear, + He either had not gone (how much soe'er + He wish'd to leave me) or had left me dead. + But haste ye,--bid my antient servant come, + Dolion, whom (when I left my father's house + He gave me, and whose office is to attend + My num'rous garden-plants) that he may seek 890 + At once Laertes, and may tell him all, + Who may contrive some remedy, perchance, + Or fit expedient, and shall come abroad + To weep before the men who wish to slay + Even the prince, godlike Ulysses' son. + Then thus the gentle Euryclea spake, + Nurse of Telemachus. Alas! my Queen! + Slay me, or spare, deal with me as thou wilt, + I will confess the truth. I knew it all. + I gave him all that he required from me. 900 + Both wine and bread, and, at his bidding, swore + To tell thee nought in twelve whole days to come, + Or till, enquiry made, thou should'st thyself + Learn his departure, lest thou should'st impair + Thy lovely features with excess of grief. + But lave thyself, and, fresh attired, ascend + To thy own chamber, there, with all thy train, + To worship Pallas, who shall save, thenceforth, + Thy son from death, what ills soe'er he meet. + Add not fresh sorrows to the present woes 910 + Of the old King, for I believe not yet + Arcesias' race entirely by the Gods + Renounced, but trust that there shall still be found + Among them, who shall dwell in royal state, + And reap the fruits of fertile fields remote. + So saying, she hush'd her sorrow, and her eyes + No longer stream'd. Then, bathed and fresh attired, + Penelope ascended with her train + The upper palace, and a basket stored + With hallow'd cakes off'ring, to Pallas pray'd. 920 + Hear matchless daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd! + If ever wise Ulysses offer'd here + The thighs of fatted kine or sheep to thee, + Now mindful of his piety, preserve + His darling son, and frustrate with a frown + The cruelty of these imperious guests! + She said, and wept aloud, whose earnest suit + Pallas received. And now the spacious hall + And gloomy passages with tumult rang + And clamour of that throng, when thus, a youth, 930 + Insolent as his fellows, dared to speak. + Much woo'd and long, the Queen at length prepares + To chuse another mate,[20] and nought suspects + The bloody death to which her son is doom'd. + So he; but they, meantime, themselves remain'd + Untaught, what course the dread concern elsewhere + Had taken, whom Antinoüs thus address'd. + Sirs! one and all, I counsel you, beware + Of such bold boasting unadvised; lest one + O'erhearing you, report your words within. 940 + No--rather thus, in silence, let us move + To an exploit so pleasant to us all. + He said, and twenty chose, the bravest there, + With whom he sought the galley on the shore, + Which drawing down into the deep, they placed + The mast and sails on board, and, sitting, next, + Each oar in order to its proper groove, + Unfurl'd and spread their canvas to the gale. + Their bold attendants, then, brought them their arms, + And soon as in deep water they had moor'd 950 + The ship, themselves embarking, supp'd on board, + And watch'd impatient for the dusk of eve. + But when Penelope, the palace stairs + Remounting, had her upper chamber reach'd, + There, unrefresh'd with either food or wine, + She lay'd her down, her noble son the theme + Of all her thoughts, whether he should escape + His haughty foes, or perish by their hands. + Num'rous as are the lion's thoughts, who sees, + Not without fear, a multitude with toils 960 + Encircling him around, such num'rous thoughts + Her bosom occupied, till sleep at length + Invading her, she sank in soft repose. + Then Pallas, teeming with a new design, + Set forth an airy phantom in the form + Of fair Iphthima, daughter of the brave + Icarius, and Eumelus' wedded wife + In Pheræ. Shaped like her the dream she sent + Into the mansion of the godlike Chief + Ulysses, with kind purpose to abate 970 + The sighs and tears of sad Penelope. + Ent'ring the chamber-portal, where the bolt + Secured it, at her head the image stood, + And thus, in terms compassionate, began. + Sleep'st thou, distress'd Penelope? The Gods, + Happy in everlasting rest themselves, + Forbid thy sorrows. Thou shalt yet behold + Thy son again, who hath by no offence + Incurr'd at any time the wrath of heav'n. + To whom, sweet-slumb'ring in the shadowy gate 980 + By which dreams pass, Penelope replied. + What cause, my sister, brings thee, who art seen + Unfrequent here, for that thou dwell'st remote? + And thou enjoin'st me a cessation too + From sorrows num'rous, and which, fretting, wear + My heart continual; first, my spouse I lost + With courage lion-like endow'd, a prince + All-excellent, whose never-dying praise + Through Hellas and all Argos flew diffused; + And now my only son, new to the toils 990 + And hazards of the sea, nor less untaught + The arts of traffic, in a ship is gone + Far hence, for whose dear cause I sorrow more + Than for his Sire himself, and even shake + With terror, lest he perish by their hands + To whom he goes, or in the stormy Deep; + For num'rous are his foes, and all intent + To slay him, ere he reach his home again. + Then answer thus the shadowy form return'd. + Take courage; suffer not excessive dread 1000 + To overwhelm thee, such a guide he hath + And guardian, one whom many wish their friend, + And ever at their side, knowing her pow'r, + Minerva; she compassionates thy griefs, + And I am here her harbinger, who speak + As thou hast heard by her own kind command. + Then thus Penelope the wise replied. + Oh! if thou art a goddess, and hast heard + A Goddess' voice, rehearse to me the lot + Of that unhappy one, if yet he live 1010 + Spectator of the cheerful beams of day, + Or if, already dead, he dwell below. + Whom answer'd thus the fleeting shadow vain. + I will not now inform thee if thy Lord + Live, or live not. Vain words are best unspoken. + So saying, her egress swift beside the bolt + She made, and melted into air. Upsprang + From sleep Icarius' daughter, and her heart + Felt heal'd within her, by that dream distinct + Visited in the noiseless night serene. 1020 + Meantime the suitors urged their wat'ry way, + To instant death devoting in their hearts + Telemachus. There is a rocky isle + In the mid sea, Samos the rude between + And Ithaca, not large, named Asteris. + It hath commodious havens, into which + A passage clear opens on either side, + And there the ambush'd Greeks his coming watch'd. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[9] Hesychius tells us, that the Greecians ornamented with much attention +the front wall of their courts for the admiration of passengers. + +[10] Οφθαλμῶν τε βολαι. + +[11] Antilochus was his brother. + +[12] The son of Aurora, who slew Antilochus, was Memnon. + +[13] Because Pisistratus was born after Antilochus had sailed to Troy. + +[14] Proteus + +[15] Seals, or sea-calves. + +[16] From the abruptness of this beginning, Virgil, probably, who has +copied the story, took the hint of his admired exordium. + + Nam quis te, juvenum confidentissime, nostras. + Egit adire domos. + +[17] Son of Oïleus. + +[18] Δαιτυμων--generally signifies the founder of a feast; but we are +taught by Eustathius to understand by it, in this place, the persons +employed in preparing it. + +[19] This transition from the third to the second person belongs to the +original, and is considered as a fine stroke of art in the poet, who +represents Penelope in the warmth of her resentment, forgetting where she +is, and addressing the suitors as if present. + +[20] Mistaking, perhaps, the sound of her voice, and imagining that she +sang.--Vide Barnes in loco. + + + + +BOOK V + +ARGUMENT + +Mercury bears to Calypso a command from Jupiter that she dismiss Ulysses. +She, after some remonstrances, promises obedience, and furnishes him with +instruments and materials, with which he constructs a raft. He quits +Calypso's island; is persecuted by Neptune with dreadful tempests, but by +the assistance of a sea nymph, after having lost his raft, is enabled to +swim to Phæacia. + + + Aurora from beside her glorious mate + Tithonus now arose, light to dispense + Through earth and heav'n, when the assembled Gods + In council sat, o'er whom high-thund'ring Jove + Presided, mightiest of the Pow'rs above. + Amid them, Pallas on the num'rous woes + Descanted of Ulysses, whom she saw + With grief, still prison'd in Calypso's isle. + Jove, Father, hear me, and ye other Pow'rs + Who live for ever, hear! Be never King 10 + Henceforth to gracious acts inclined, humane, + Or righteous, but let ev'ry sceptred hand + Rule merciless, and deal in wrong alone, + Since none of all his people whom he sway'd + With such paternal gentleness and love + Remembers, now, divine Ulysses more. + He, in yon distant isle a suff'rer lies + Of hopeless sorrow, through constraint the guest + Still of the nymph Calypso, without means + Or pow'r to reach his native shores again, 20 + Alike of gallant barks and friends depriv'd, + Who might conduct him o'er the spacious Deep. + Nor is this all, but enemies combine + To slay his son ere yet he can return + From Pylus, whither he hath gone to learn + There, or in Sparta, tidings of his Sire. + To whom the cloud-assembler God replied. + What word hath pass'd thy lips, daughter belov'd? + Hast thou not purpos'd that arriving soon + At home, Ulysses shall destroy his foes? 30 + Guide thou, Telemachus, (for well thou canst) + That he may reach secure his native coast, + And that the suitors baffled may return. + He ceas'd, and thus to Hermes spake, his son. + Hermes! (for thou art herald of our will + At all times) to yon bright-hair'd nymph convey + Our fix'd resolve, that brave Ulysses thence + Depart, uncompanied by God or man. + Borne on a corded raft, and suff'ring woe + Extreme, he on the twentieth day shall reach, 40 + Not sooner, Scherie the deep-soil'd, possess'd + By the Phæacians, kinsmen of the Gods. + They, as a God shall reverence the Chief, + And in a bark of theirs shall send him thence + To his own home, much treasure, brass and gold + And raiment giving him, to an amount + Surpassing all that, had he safe return'd, + He should by lot have shared of Ilium's spoil. + Thus Fate appoints Ulysses to regain + His country, his own palace, and his friends. 50 + He ended, nor the Argicide refused, + Messenger of the skies; his sandals fair, + Ambrosial, golden, to his feet he bound, + Which o'er the moist wave, rapid as the wind, + Bear him, and o'er th' illimitable earth, + Then took his rod with which, at will, all eyes + He closes soft, or opes them wide again. + So arm'd, forth flew the valiant Argicide. + Alighting on Pieria, down he stoop'd + To Ocean, and the billows lightly skimm'd 60 + In form a sew-mew, such as in the bays + Tremendous of the barren Deep her food + Seeking, dips oft in brine her ample wing. + In such disguise o'er many a wave he rode, + But reaching, now, that isle remote, forsook + The azure Deep, and at the spacious grot, + Where dwelt the amber-tressed nymph arrived, + Found her within. A fire on all the hearth + Blazed sprightly, and, afar-diffused, the scent + Of smooth-split cedar and of cypress-wood 70 + Odorous, burning, cheer'd the happy isle. + She, busied at the loom, and plying fast + Her golden shuttle, with melodious voice + Sat chaunting there; a grove on either side, + Alder and poplar, and the redolent branch + Wide-spread of Cypress, skirted dark the cave. + There many a bird of broadest pinion built + Secure her nest, the owl, the kite, and daw + Long-tongued, frequenter of the sandy shores. + A garden-vine luxuriant on all sides 80 + Mantled the spacious cavern, cluster-hung + Profuse; four fountains of serenest lymph + Their sinuous course pursuing side by side, + Stray'd all around, and ev'ry where appear'd + Meadows of softest verdure, purpled o'er + With violets; it was a scene to fill + A God from heav'n with wonder and delight. + Hermes, Heav'n's messenger, admiring stood + That sight, and having all survey'd, at length + Enter'd the grotto; nor the lovely nymph 90 + Him knew not soon as seen, for not unknown + Each to the other the Immortals are, + How far soever sep'rate their abodes. + Yet found he not within the mighty Chief + Ulysses; he sat weeping on the shore, + Forlorn, for there his custom was with groans + Of sad regret t' afflict his breaking heart. + Looking continual o'er the barren Deep. + Then thus Calypso, nymph divine, the God + Question'd, from her resplendent throne august. 100 + Hermes! possessor of the potent rod! + Who, though by me much reverenc'd and belov'd, + So seldom com'st, say, wherefore comest now? + Speak thy desire; I grant it, if thou ask + Things possible, and possible to me. + Stay not, but ent'ring farther, at my board + Due rites of hospitality receive. + So saying, the Goddess with ambrosial food + Her table cover'd, and with rosy juice + Nectareous charged the cup. Then ate and drank 110 + The argicide and herald of the skies, + And in his soul with that repast divine + Refresh'd, his message to the nymph declared. + Questionest thou, O Goddess, me a God? + I tell thee truth, since such is thy demand. + Not willing, but by Jove constrain'd, I come. + For who would, voluntary, such a breadth + Enormous measure of the salt expanse, + Where city none is seen in which the Gods + Are served with chosen hecatombs and pray'r? 120 + But no divinity may the designs + Elude, or controvert, of Jove supreme. + He saith, that here thou hold'st the most distrest + Of all those warriors who nine years assail'd + The city of Priam, and, (that city sack'd) + Departed in the tenth; but, going thence, + Offended Pallas, who with adverse winds + Opposed their voyage, and with boist'rous waves. + Then perish'd all his gallant friends, but him + Billows and storms drove hither; Jove commands 130 + That thou dismiss him hence without delay, + For fate ordains him not to perish here + From all his friends remote, but he is doom'd + To see them yet again, and to arrive + At his own palace in his native land. + He said; divine Calypso at the sound + Shudder'd, and in wing'd accents thus replied. + Ye are unjust, ye Gods, and envious past + All others, grudging if a Goddess take + A mortal man openly to her arms! 140 + So, when the rosy-finger'd Morning chose + Orion, though ye live yourselves at ease, + Yet ye all envied her, until the chaste + Diana from her golden throne dispatch'd + A silent shaft, which slew him in Ortygia. + So, when the golden-tressed Ceres, urged + By passion, took Iäsion to her arms + In a thrice-labour'd fallow, not untaught + Was Jove that secret long, and, hearing it, + Indignant, slew him with his candent bolt. 150 + So also, O ye Gods, ye envy me + The mortal man, my comfort. Him I saved + Myself, while solitary on his keel + He rode, for with his sulph'rous arrow Jove + Had cleft his bark amid the sable Deep. + Then perish'd all his gallant friends, but him + Billows and storms drove hither, whom I lov'd + Sincere, and fondly destin'd to a life + Immortal, unobnoxious to decay. + But since no Deity may the designs 160 + Elude or controvert of Jove supreme, + Hence with him o'er the barren Deep, if such + The Sov'reign's will, and such his stern command. + But undismiss'd he goes by me, who ships + Myself well-oar'd and mariners have none + To send with him athwart the spacious flood; + Yet freely, readily, my best advice + I will afford him, that, escaping all + Danger, he may regain his native shore. + Then Hermes thus, the messenger of heav'n. 170 + Act as thou say'st, fearing the frown of Jove, + Lest, if provoked, he spare not even thee. + So saying, the dauntless Argicide withdrew, + And she (Jove's mandate heard) all-graceful went, + Seeking the brave Ulysses; on the shore + She found him seated; tears succeeding tears + Delug'd his eyes, while, hopeless of return, + Life's precious hours to eating cares he gave + Continual, with the nymph now charm'd no more. + Yet, cold as she was am'rous, still he pass'd 180 + His nights beside her in the hollow grot, + Constrain'd, and day by day the rocks among + Which lined the shore heart-broken sat, and oft + While wistfully he eyed the barren Deep, + Wept, groaned, desponded, sigh'd, and wept again. + Then, drawing near, thus spake the nymph divine. + Unhappy! weep not here, nor life consume + In anguish; go; thou hast my glad consent. + Arise to labour; hewing down the trunks + Of lofty trees, fashion them with the ax 190 + To a broad raft, which closely floor'd above, + Shall hence convey thee o'er the gloomy Deep. + Bread, water, and the red grape's cheering juice + Myself will put on board, which shall preserve + Thy life from famine; I will also give + New raiment for thy limbs, and will dispatch + Winds after thee to waft thee home unharm'd, + If such the pleasure of the Gods who dwell + In yonder boundless heav'n, superior far + To me, in knowledge and in skill to judge. 200 + She ceas'd; but horror at that sound the heart + Chill'd of Ulysses, and in accents wing'd + With wonder, thus the noble Chief replied. + Ah! other thoughts than of my safe return + Employ thee, Goddess, now, who bid'st me pass + The perilous gulph of Ocean on a raft, + That wild expanse terrible, which even ships + Pass not, though form'd to cleave their way with ease, + And joyful in propitious winds from Jove. + No--let me never, in despight of thee, 210 + Embark on board a raft, nor till thou swear, + O Goddess! the inviolable oath, + That future mischief thou intend'st me none. + He said; Calypso, beauteous Goddess, smiled, + And, while she spake, stroaking his cheek, replied. + Thou dost asperse me rudely, and excuse + Of ignorance hast none, far better taught; + What words were these? How could'st thou thus reply? + Now hear me Earth, and the wide Heav'n above! + Hear, too, ye waters of the Stygian stream 220 + Under the earth (by which the blessed Gods + Swear trembling, and revere the awful oath!) + That future mischief I intend thee none. + No, my designs concerning thee are such + As, in an exigence resembling thine, + Myself, most sure, should for myself conceive. + I have a mind more equal, not of steel + My heart is form'd, but much to pity inclined. + So saying, the lovely Goddess with swift pace + Led on, whose footsteps he as swift pursued. 230 + Within the vaulted cavern they arrived, + The Goddess and the man; on the same throne + Ulysses sat, whence Hermes had aris'n, + And viands of all kinds, such as sustain + The life of mortal man, Calypso placed + Before him, both for bev'rage and for food. + She opposite to the illustrious Chief + Reposed, by her attendant maidens served + With nectar and ambrosia. They their hands + Stretch'd forth together to the ready feast, 240 + And when nor hunger more nor thirst remain'd + Unsated, thus the beauteous nymph began. + Laertes' noble son, for wisdom famed + And artifice! oh canst thou thus resolve + To seek, incontinent, thy native shores? + I pardon thee. Farewell! but could'st thou guess + The woes which fate ordains thee to endure + Ere yet thou reach thy country, well-content + Here to inhabit, thou would'st keep my grot + And be immortal, howsoe'er thy wife 250 + Engage thy ev'ry wish day after day. + Yet can I not in stature or in form + Myself suspect inferior aught to her, + Since competition cannot be between + Mere mortal beauties, and a form divine. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Awful Divinity! be not incensed. + I know that my Penelope in form + And stature altogether yields to thee, + For she is mortal, and immortal thou, 260 + From age exempt; yet not the less I wish + My home, and languish daily to return. + But should some God amid the sable Deep + Dash me again into a wreck, my soul + Shall bear _that_ also; for, by practice taught, + I have learned patience, having much endured + By tempest and in battle both. Come then + This evil also! I am well prepared. + He ended, and the sun sinking, resign'd + The earth to darkness. Then in a recess 270 + Interior of the cavern, side by side + Reposed, they took their amorous delight. + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy forth, Ulysses then in haste + Put on his vest and mantle, and, the nymph + Her snowy vesture of transparent woof, + Graceful, redundant; to her waist she bound + Her golden zone, and veil'd her beauteous head, + Then, musing, plann'd the noble Chief's return. + She gave him, fitted to the grasp, an ax 280 + Of iron, pond'rous, double-edg'd, with haft + Of olive-wood, inserted firm, and wrought + With curious art. Then, placing in his hand + A polish'd adze, she led, herself, the way + To her isles' utmost verge, where tallest trees + But dry long since and sapless stood, which best + Might serve his purposes, as buoyant most, + The alder, poplar, and cloud-piercing fir. + To that tall grove she led and left him there, + Seeking her grot again. Then slept not He, 290 + But, swinging with both hands the ax, his task + Soon finish'd; trees full twenty to the ground + He cast, which, dext'rous, with his adze he smooth'd, + The knotted surface chipping by a line. + Meantime the lovely Goddess to his aid + Sharp augres brought, with which he bored the beams, + Then, side by side placing them, fitted each + To other, and with long cramps join'd them all. + Broad as an artist, skill'd in naval works, + The bottom of a ship of burthen spreads, 300 + Such breadth Ulysses to his raft assign'd. + He deck'd her over with long planks, upborne + On massy beams; He made the mast, to which + He added suitable the yard;--he framed + Rudder and helm to regulate her course, + With wicker-work he border'd all her length + For safety, and much ballast stow'd within. + Meantime, Calypso brought him for a sail + Fittest materials, which he also shaped, + And to his sail due furniture annex'd 310 + Of cordage strong, foot-ropes, and ropes aloft, + Then heav'd her down with levers to the Deep. + He finish'd all his work on the fourth day, + And on the fifth, Calypso, nymph divine, + Dismiss'd him from her isle, but laved him first, + And cloath'd him in sweet-scented garments new. + Two skins the Goddess also placed on board, + One charg'd with crimson wine, and ampler one + With water, nor a bag with food replete + Forgot, nutritious, grateful to the taste, 320 + Nor yet, her latest gift, a gentle gale + And manageable, which Ulysses spread, + Exulting, all his canvas to receive. + Beside the helm he sat, steering expert, + Nor sleep fell ever on his eyes that watch'd + Intent the Pleiads, tardy in decline + Bootes, and the Bear, call'd else the Wain, + Which, in his polar prison circling, looks + Direct toward Orion, and alone + Of these sinks never to the briny Deep. 330 + That star the lovely Goddess bade him hold + Continual on his left through all his course. + Ten days and sev'n, he, navigating, cleav'd + The brine, and on the eighteenth day, at length, + The shadowy mountains of Phæacia's land + Descried, where nearest to his course it lay + Like a broad buckler on the waves afloat. + But Neptune, now returning from the land + Of Ethiopia, mark'd him on his raft + Skimming the billows, from the mountain-tops 340 + Of distant Solyma.[21] With tenfold wrath + Inflamed that sight he view'd, his brows he shook, + And thus within himself, indignant, spake. + So then--new counsels in the skies, it seems, + Propitious to Ulysses, have prevail'd + Since Æthiopia hath been my abode. + He sees Phæacia nigh, where he must leap + The bound'ry of his woes; but ere that hour + Arrive, I will ensure him many a groan. + So saying, he grasp'd his trident, gather'd dense 350 + The clouds and troubled ocean; ev'ry storm + From ev'ry point he summon'd, earth and sea + Darkening, and the night fell black from heav'n. + The East, the South, the heavy-blowing West, + And the cold North-wind clear, assail'd at once + His raft, and heaved on high the billowy flood. + All hope, all courage, in that moment, lost, + The Hero thus within himself complain'd. + Wretch that I am, what destiny at last + Attends me! much I fear the Goddess' words 360 + All true, which threaten'd me with num'rous ills + On the wide sea, ere I should reach my home. + Behold them all fulfill'd! with what a storm + Jove hangs the heav'ns, and agitates the Deep! + The winds combined beat on me. Now I sink! + Thrice blest, and more than thrice, Achaia's sons + At Ilium slain for the Atridæ' sake! + Ah, would to heav'n that, dying, I had felt + That day the stroke of fate, when me the dead + Achilles guarding, with a thousand spears 370 + Troy's furious host assail'd! Funereal rites + I then had shared, and praise from ev'ry Greek, + Whom now the most inglorious death awaits. + While thus he spake, a billow on his head + Bursting impetuous, whirl'd the raft around, + And, dashing from his grasp the helm, himself + Plunged far remote. Then came a sudden gust + Of mingling winds, that in the middle snapp'd + His mast, and, hurried o'er the waves afar, + Both sail and sail-yard fell into the flood. 380 + Long time submerged he lay, nor could with ease + The violence of that dread shock surmount, + Or rise to air again, so burthensome + His drench'd apparel proved; but, at the last, + He rose, and, rising, sputter'd from his lips + The brine that trickled copious from his brows. + Nor, harass'd as he was, resign'd he yet + His raft, but buffetting the waves aside + With desp'rate efforts, seized it, and again + Fast seated on the middle deck, escaped. 390 + Then roll'd the raft at random in the flood, + Wallowing unwieldy, toss'd from wave to wave. + As when in autumn, Boreas o'er the plain + Conglomerated thorns before him drives, + They, tangled, to each other close adhere, + So her the winds drove wild about the Deep. + By turns the South consign'd her to be sport + For the rude North-wind, and, by turns, the East + Yielded her to the worrying West a prey. + But Cadmus' beauteous daughter (Ino once, 400 + Now named Leucothea) saw him; mortal erst + Was she, and trod the earth,[22] but nymph become + Of Ocean since, in honours shares divine. + She mark'd his anguish, and, while toss'd he roam'd, + Pitied Ulysses; from the flood, in form + A cormorant, she flew, and on the raft + Close-corded perching, thus the Chief address'd. + Alas! unhappy! how hast thou incensed + So terribly the Shaker of the shores, + That he pursues thee with such num'rous ills? 410 + Sink thee he cannot, wish it as he may. + Thus do (for I account thee not unwise) + Thy garments putting off, let drive thy raft + As the winds will, then, swimming, strive to reach + Phæacia, where thy doom is to escape. + Take this. This ribbon bind beneath thy breast, + Celestial texture. Thenceforth ev'ry fear + Of death dismiss, and, laying once thy hands + On the firm continent, unbind the zone, + Which thou shalt cast far distant from the shore 420 + Into the Deep, turning thy face away. + So saying, the Goddess gave into his hand + The wond'rous zone, and, cormorant in form, + Plunging herself into the waves again + Headlong, was hidden by the closing flood. + But still Ulysses sat perplex'd, and thus + The toil-enduring Hero reason'd sad. + Alas! I tremble lest some God design + T' ensnare me yet, bidding me quit the raft. + But let me well beware how I obey 430 + Too soon that precept, for I saw the land + Of my foretold deliv'rance far remote. + Thus, therefore, will I do, for such appears + My wiser course. So long as yet the planks + Mutual adhere, continuing on board + My raft, I will endure whatever woes, + But when the waves shall shatter it, I will swim, + My sole resource then left. While thus he mused, + Neptune a billow of enormous bulk + Hollow'd into an overwhelming arch 440 + On high up-heaving, smote him. As the wind + Tempestuous, falling on some stubble-heap, + The arid straws dissipates ev'ry way, + So flew the timbers. He, a single beam + Bestriding, oar'd it onward with his feet, + As he had urged an horse. His raiment, then, + Gift of Calypso, putting off, he bound + His girdle on, and prone into the sea + With wide-spread palms prepar'd for swimming, fell. + Shore-shaker Neptune noted him; he shook 450 + His awful brows, and in his heart he said, + Thus, suff'ring many mis'ries roam the flood, + Till thou shalt mingle with a race of men + Heav'n's special favourites; yet even there + Fear not that thou shalt feel thy sorrows light. + He said, and scourging his bright steeds, arrived + At Ægæ, where his glorious palace stands. + But other thoughts Minerva's mind employ'd + Jove's daughter; ev'ry wind binding beside, + She lull'd them, and enjoin'd them all to sleep, 460 + But roused swift Boreas, and the billows broke + Before Ulysses, that, deliver'd safe + From a dire death, the noble Chief might mix + With maritime Phæacia's sons renown'd. + Two nights he wander'd, and two days, the flood + Tempestuous, death expecting ev'ry hour; + But when Aurora, radiant-hair'd, had brought + The third day to a close, then ceas'd the wind, + And breathless came a calm; he, nigh at hand + The shore beheld, darting acute his sight 470 + Toward it, from a billow's tow'ring top. + Precious as to his children seems the life + Of some fond father through disease long time + And pain stretch'd languid on his couch, the prey + Of some vindictive Pow'r, but now, at last, + By gracious heav'n to ease and health restored, + So grateful to Ulysses' sight appear'd + Forests and hills. Impatient with his feet + To press the shore, he swam; but when within + Such distance as a shout may fly, he came, 480 + The thunder of the sea against the rocks + Then smote his ear; for hoarse the billows roar'd + On the firm land, belch'd horrible abroad, + And the salt spray dimm'd all things to his view. + For neither port for ships nor shelt'ring cove + Was there, but the rude coast a headland bluff + Presented, rocks and craggy masses huge. + Then, hope and strength exhausted both, deep-groan'd + The Chief, and in his noble heart complain'd. + Alas! though Jove hath given me to behold, 490 + Unhoped, the land again, and I have pass'd, + Furrowing my way, these num'rous waves, there seems + No egress from the hoary flood for me. + Sharp stones hem in the waters; wild the surge + Raves ev'ry where; and smooth the rocks arise; + Deep also is the shore, on which my feet + No standing gain, or chance of safe escape. + What if some billow catch me from the Deep + Emerging, and against the pointed rocks + Dash me conflicting with its force in vain? 500 + But should I, swimming, trace the coast in search + Of sloping beach, haven or shelter'd creek, + I fear lest, groaning, I be snatch'd again + By stormy gusts into the fishy Deep, + Or lest some monster of the flood receive + Command to seize me, of the many such + By the illustrious Amphitrite bred; + For that the mighty Shaker of the shores + Hates me implacable, too well I know. + While such discourse within himself he held, 510 + A huge wave heav'd him on the rugged coast, + Where flay'd his flesh had been, and all his bones + Broken together, but for the infused + Good counsel of Minerva azure-eyed. + With both hands suddenly he seized the rock, + And, groaning, clench'd it till the billow pass'd. + So baffled he that wave; but yet again + The refluent flood rush'd on him, and with force + Resistless dash'd him far into the sea. + As pebbles to the hollow polypus 520 + Extracted from his stony bed, adhere, + So he, the rough rocks clasping, stripp'd his hands + Raw, and the billows now whelm'd him again. + Then had the hapless Hero premature + Perish'd, but for sagacity inspired + By Pallas azure-eyed. Forth from the waves + Emerging, where the surf burst on the rocks, + He coasted (looking landward as he swam) + The shore, with hope of port or level beach. + But when, still swimming, to the mouth he came 530 + Of a smooth-sliding river, there he deem'd + Safest th' ascent, for it was undeform'd + By rocks, and shelter'd close from ev'ry wind. + He felt the current, and thus, ardent, pray'd. + O hear, whate'er thy name, Sov'reign, who rul'st + This river! at whose mouth, from all the threats + Of Neptune 'scap'd, with rapture I arrive. + Even the Immortal Gods the wand'rer's pray'r + Respect, and such am I, who reach, at length, + Thy stream, and clasp thy knees, after long toil. 540 + I am thy suppliant. Oh King! pity me. + He said; the river God at once repress'd + His current, and it ceas'd; smooth he prepared + The way before Ulysses, and the land + Vouchsafed him easy at his channel's mouth. + There, once again he bent for ease his limbs + Both arms and knees, in conflict with the floods + Exhausted; swoln his body was all o'er, + And from his mouth and nostrils stream'd the brine. + Breathless and speechless, and of life well nigh 550 + Bereft he lay, through dreadful toil immense. + But when, revived, his dissipated pow'rs + He recollected, loosing from beneath + His breast the zone divine, he cast it far + Into the brackish stream, and a huge wave + Returning bore it downward to the sea, + Where Ino caught it. Then, the river's brink + Abandoning, among the rushes prone + He lay, kiss'd oft the soil, and sighing, said, + Ah me! what suff'rings must I now sustain, 560 + What doom, at last, awaits me? If I watch + This woeful night, here, at the river's side, + What hope but that the frost and copious dews, + Weak as I am, my remnant small of life + Shall quite extinguish, and the chilly air + Breath'd from the river at the dawn of day? + But if, ascending this declivity + I gain the woods, and in some thicket sleep, + (If sleep indeed can find me overtoil'd + And cold-benumb'd) then I have cause to fear 570 + Lest I be torn by wild beasts, and devour'd. + Long time he mused, but, at the last, his course + Bent to the woods, which not remote he saw + From the sea-brink, conspicuous on a hill. + Arrived, between two neighbour shrubs he crept, + Both olives, this the fruitful, that the wild; + A covert, which nor rough winds blowing moist + Could penetrate, nor could the noon-day sun + Smite through it, or unceasing show'rs pervade, + So thick a roof the ample branches form'd 580 + Close interwoven; under these the Chief + Retiring, with industrious hands a bed + Collected broad of leaves, which there he found + Abundant strew'd, such store as had sufficed + Two travellers or three for cov'ring warm, + Though winter's roughest blasts had rag'd the while. + That bed with joy the suff'ring Chief renown'd + Contemplated, and occupying soon + The middle space, hillock'd it high with leaves. + As when some swain hath hidden deep his torch 590 + Beneath the embers, at the verge extreme + Of all his farm, where, having neighbours none, + He saves a seed or two of future flame + Alive, doom'd else to fetch it from afar, + So with dry leaves Ulysses overspread + His body, on whose eyes Minerva pour'd + The balm of sleep copious, that he might taste + Repose again, after long toil severe. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[21] The Solymi were the ancient inhabitants of Pisidia in Asia-Minor. + +[22] The Translator finding himself free to chuse between ἀυδηέσσα and +ἠδηέσσα, has preferred the latter. + + + + +BOOK VI + +ARGUMENT + +Minerva designing an interview between the daughter of Alcinoüs and +Ulysses, admonishes her in a dream to carry down her clothes to the +river, that she may wash them, and make them ready for her approaching +nuptials. That task performed, the Princess and her train amuse +themselves with play; by accident they awake Ulysses; he comes forth from +the wood, and applies himself with much address to Nausicaa, who +compassionating his distressed condition, and being much affected by the +dignity of his appearance, interests herself in his favour, and conducts +him to the city. + + + There then the noble suff'rer lay, by sleep + Oppress'd and labour; meantime, Pallas sought + The populous city of Phæacia's sons. + They, in old time, in Hypereia dwelt + The spacious, neighbours of a giant race + The haughty Cyclops, who, endued with pow'r + Superior, troubled them with frequent wrongs. + Godlike Nausithoüs then arose, who thence + To Scheria led them, from all nations versed + In arts of cultivated life, remote; 10 + With bulwarks strong their city he enclosed, + Built houses for them, temples to the Gods, + And gave to each a portion of the soil. + But he, already by decree of fate + Had journey'd to the shades, and in his stead + Alcinoüs, by the Gods instructed, reign'd. + To his abode Minerva azure-eyed + Repair'd, neglecting nought which might advance + Magnanimous Ulysses' safe return. + She sought the sumptuous chamber where, in form 20 + And feature perfect as the Gods, the young + Nausicaa, daughter of the King, reposed. + Fast by the pillars of the portal lay + Two damsels, one on either side, adorn'd + By all the Graces, and the doors were shut. + Soft as a breathing air, she stole toward + The royal virgin's couch, and at her head + Standing, address'd her. Daughter she appear'd + Of Dymas, famed for maritime exploits, + Her friend and her coeval; so disguised 30 + Cærulean-eyed Minerva thus began. + Nausicaa! wherefore hath thy mother borne + A child so negligent? Thy garments share, + Thy most magnificent, no thought of thine. + Yet thou must marry soon, and must provide + Robes for thyself, and for thy nuptial train. + Thy fame, on these concerns, and honour stand; + These managed well, thy parents shall rejoice. + The dawn appearing, let us to the place + Of washing, where thy work-mate I will be 40 + For speedier riddance of thy task, since soon + The days of thy virginity shall end; + For thou art woo'd already by the prime + Of all Phæacia, country of thy birth. + Come then--solicit at the dawn of day + Thy royal father, that he send thee forth + With mules and carriage for conveyance hence + Of thy best robes, thy mantles and thy zones. + Thus, more commodiously thou shalt perform + The journey, for the cisterns lie remote. 50 + So saying, Minerva, Goddess azure-eyed, + Rose to Olympus, the reputed seat + Eternal of the Gods, which never storms + Disturb, rains drench, or snow invades, but calm + The expanse and cloudless shines with purest day. + There the inhabitants divine rejoice + For ever, (and her admonition giv'n) + Cærulean-eyed Minerva thither flew. + Now came Aurora bright-enthroned, whose rays + Awaken'd fair Nausicaa; she her dream 60 + Remember'd wond'ring, and her parents sought + Anxious to tell them. Them she found within. + Beside the hearth her royal mother sat, + Spinning soft fleeces with sea-purple dyed + Among her menial maidens, but she met + Her father, whom the Nobles of the land + Had summon'd, issuing abroad to join + The illustrious Chiefs in council. At his side + She stood, and thus her filial suit preferr'd. + Sir![23] wilt thou lend me of the royal wains 70 + A sumpter-carriage? for I wish to bear + My costly cloaths but sullied and unfit + For use, at present, to the river side. + It is but seemly that thou should'st repair + Thyself to consultation with the Chiefs + Of all Phæacia, clad in pure attire; + And my own brothers five, who dwell at home, + Two wedded, and the rest of age to wed, + Are all desirous, when they dance, to wear + Raiment new bleach'd; all which is my concern. 80 + So spake Nausicaa; for she dared not name + Her own glad nuptials to her father's ear, + Who, conscious yet of all her drift, replied. + I grudge thee neither mules, my child, nor aught + That thou canst ask beside. Go, and my train + Shall furnish thee a sumpter-carriage forth + High-built, strong-wheel'd, and of capacious size. + So saying, he issued his command, whom quick + His grooms obey'd. They in the court prepared + The sumpter-carriage, and adjoin'd the mules. 90 + And now the virgin from her chamber, charged + With raiment, came, which on the car she placed, + And in the carriage-chest, meantime, the Queen, + Her mother, viands of all kinds disposed, + And fill'd a skin with wine. Nausicaa rose + Into her seat; but, ere she went, received + A golden cruse of oil from the Queen's hand + For unction of herself, and of her maids. + Then, seizing scourge and reins, she lash'd the mules. + They trampled loud the soil, straining to draw 100 + Herself with all her vesture; nor alone + She went, but follow'd by her virgin train. + At the delightful rivulet arrived + Where those perennial cisterns were prepared + With purest crystal of the fountain fed + Profuse, sufficient for the deepest stains, + Loosing the mules, they drove them forth to browze + On the sweet herb beside the dimpled flood. + The carriage, next, light'ning, they bore in hand + The garments down to the unsullied wave, 110 + And thrust them heap'd into the pools, their task + Dispatching brisk, and with an emulous haste. + When they had all purified, and no spot + Could now be seen, or blemish more, they spread + The raiment orderly along the beach + Where dashing tides had cleansed the pebbles most, + And laving, next, and smoothing o'er with oil + Their limbs, all seated on the river's bank, + They took repast, leaving the garments, stretch'd + In noon-day fervour of the sun, to dry. 120 + Their hunger satisfied, at once arose + The mistress and her train, and putting off + Their head-attire, play'd wanton with the ball, + The princess singing to her maids the while. + Such as shaft-arm'd Diana roams the hills, + Täygetus sky-capt, or Erymanth, + The wild boar chasing, or fleet-footed hind, + All joy; the rural nymphs, daughters of Jove, + Sport with her, and Latona's heart exults; + She high her graceful head above the rest 130 + And features lifts divine, though all be fair, + With ease distinguishable from them all; + So, all her train, she, virgin pure, surpass'd. + But when the hour of her departure thence + Approach'd (the mules now yoked again, and all + Her elegant apparel folded neat) + Minerva azure-eyed mused how to wake + Ulysses, that he might behold the fair + Virgin, his destin'd guide into the town. + The Princess, then, casting the ball toward 140 + A maiden of her train, erroneous threw + And plunged it deep into the dimpling stream. + All shrieked; Ulysses at the sound awoke, + And, sitting, meditated thus the cause. + Ah me! what mortal race inhabit here? + Rude are they, contumacious and unjust? + Or hospitable, and who fear the Gods? + So shrill the cry and feminine of nymphs + Fills all the air around, such as frequent + The hills, clear fountains, and herbaceous meads. 150 + Is this a neighbourhood of men endued + With voice articulate? But what avails + To ask; I will myself go forth and see. + So saying, divine Ulysses from beneath + His thicket crept, and from the leafy wood + A spreading branch pluck'd forcibly, design'd + A decent skreen effectual, held before. + So forth he went, as goes the lion forth, + The mountain-lion, conscious of his strength, + Whom winds have vex'd and rains; fire fills his eyes, 160 + And whether herds or flocks, or woodland deer + He find, he rends them, and, adust for blood, + Abstains not even from the guarded fold, + Such sure to seem in virgin eyes, the Chief, + All naked as he was, left his retreat, + Reluctant, by necessity constrain'd. + Him foul with sea foam horror-struck they view'd, + And o'er the jutting shores fled all dispersed. + Nausicaa alone fled not; for her + Pallas courageous made, and from her limbs, 170 + By pow'r divine, all tremour took away. + Firm she expected him; he doubtful stood, + Or to implore the lovely maid, her knees + Embracing, or aloof standing, to ask + In gentle terms discrete the gift of cloaths, + And guidance to the city where she dwelt. + Him so deliberating, most, at length, + This counsel pleas'd; in suppliant terms aloof + To sue to her, lest if he clasp'd her knees, + The virgin should that bolder course resent. 180 + Then gentle, thus, and well-advised he spake. + Oh Queen! thy earnest suppliant I approach. + Art thou some Goddess, or of mortal race? + For if some Goddess, and from heaven arrived, + Diana, then, daughter of mighty Jove + I deem thee most, for such as hers appear + Thy form, thy stature, and thy air divine. + But if, of mortal race, thou dwell below, + Thrice happy then, thy parents I account, + And happy thrice thy brethren. Ah! the joy 190 + Which always for thy sake, their bosoms fill, + When thee they view, all lovely as thou art, + Ent'ring majestic on the graceful dance. + But him beyond all others blest I deem, + The youth, who, wealthier than his rich compeers, + Shall win and lead thee to his honour'd home. + For never with these eyes a mortal form + Beheld I comparable aught to thine, + In man or woman. Wonder-wrapt I gaze. + Such erst, in Delos, I beheld a palm 200 + Beside the altar of Apollo, tall, + And growing still; (for thither too I sail'd, + And num'rous were my followers in a voyage + Ordain'd my ruin) and as then I view'd + That palm long time amazed, for never grew + So strait a shaft, so lovely from the ground, + So, Princess! thee with wonder I behold, + Charm'd into fixt astonishment, by awe + Alone forbidden to embrace thy knees, + For I am one on whom much woe hath fall'n. 210 + Yesterday I escaped (the twentieth day + Of my distress by sea) the dreary Deep; + For, all those days, the waves and rapid storms + Bore me along, impetuous from the isle + Ogygia; till at length the will of heav'n + Cast me, that I might also here sustain + Affliction on your shore; for rest, I think, + Is not for me. No. The Immortal Gods + Have much to accomplish ere that day arrive. + But, oh Queen, pity me! who after long 220 + Calamities endured, of all who live + Thee first approach, nor mortal know beside + Of the inhabitants of all the land. + Shew me your city; give me, although coarse, + Some cov'ring (if coarse cov'ring _thou_ canst give) + And may the Gods thy largest wishes grant, + House, husband, concord! for of all the gifts + Of heav'n, more precious none I deem, than peace + 'Twixt wedded pair, and union undissolved; + Envy torments their enemies, but joy 230 + Fills ev'ry virtuous breast, and most their own. + To whom Nausicaa the fair replied. + Since, stranger! neither base by birth thou seem'st, + Nor unintelligent, (but Jove, the King + Olympian, gives to good and bad alike + Prosperity according to his will, + And grief to thee, which thou must patient bear,) + Now, therefore, at our land and city arrived, + Nor garment thou shalt want, nor aught beside + Due to a suppliant guest like thee forlorn. 240 + I will both show thee where our city stands, + And who dwell here. Phæacia's sons possess + This land; but I am daughter of their King + The brave Alcinoüs, on whose sway depends + For strength and wealth the whole Phæacian race. + She said, and to her beauteous maidens gave + Instant commandment--My attendants, stay! + Why flee ye thus, and whither, from the sight + Of a mere mortal? Seems he in your eyes + Some enemy of ours? The heart beats not, 250 + Nor shall it beat hereafter, which shall come + An enemy to the Phæacian shores, + So dear to the immortal Gods are we. + Remote, amid the billowy Deep, we hold + Our dwelling, utmost of all human-kind, + And free from mixture with a foreign race. + This man, a miserable wand'rer comes, + Whom we are bound to cherish, for the poor + And stranger are from Jove, and trivial gifts + To such are welcome. Bring ye therefore food 260 + And wine, my maidens, for the guest's regale, + And lave him where the stream is shelter'd most. + She spake; they stood, and by each other's words + Encouraged, placed Ulysses where the bank + O'erhung the stream, as fair Nausicaa bade, + Daughter of King Alcinoüs the renown'd. + Apparel also at his side they spread, + Mantle and vest, and, next, the limpid oil + Presenting to him in the golden cruse, + Exhorted him to bathe in the clear stream. 270 + Ulysses then the maidens thus bespake. + Ye maidens, stand apart, that I may cleanse, + Myself, my shoulders from the briny surf, + And give them oil which they have wanted long. + But in your presence I bathe not, ashamed + To show myself uncloath'd to female eyes. + He said; they went, and to Nausicaa told + His answer; then the Hero in the stream + His shoulders laved, and loins incrusted rough + With the salt spray, and with his hands the scum 280 + Of the wild ocean from his locks express'd. + Thus wash'd all over, and refresh'd with oil, + He put the garments on, Nausicaa's gift. + Then Pallas, progeny of Jove, his form + Dilated more, and from his head diffused + His curling locks like hyacinthine flowers. + As when some artist, by Minerva made + And Vulcan wise to execute all tasks + Ingenious, binding with a golden verge + Bright silver, finishes a graceful work, 290 + Such grace the Goddess o'er his ample chest + Copious diffused, and o'er his manly brows. + Retiring, on the beach he sat, with grace + And dignity illumed, where, viewing him, + The virgin Princess, with amazement mark'd + His beauty, and her damsels thus bespake. + My white-arm'd maidens, listen to my voice! + Not hated, sure, by all above, this man + Among Phæacia's godlike sons arrives. + At first I deem'd him of plebeian sort 300 + Dishonourable, but he now assumes + A near resemblance to the Gods above. + Ah! would to heaven it were my lot to call + Husband, some native of our land like him + Accomplish'd, and content to inhabit here! + Give him, my maidens, food, and give him wine. + She ended; they obedient to her will, + Both wine and food, dispatchful, placed, and glad, + Before Ulysses; he rapacious ate, + Toil-suff'ring Chief, and drank, for he had lived 310 + From taste of aliment long time estranged. + On other thoughts meantime intent, her charge + Of folded vestments neat the Princess placed + Within the royal wain, then yoked the mules, + And to her seat herself ascending, call'd + Ulysses to depart, and thus she spake. + Up, stranger! seek the city. I will lead + Thy steps toward my royal Father's house, + Where all Phæacia's Nobles thou shalt see. + But thou (for I account thee not unwise) 320 + This course pursue. While through the fields we pass, + And labours of the rural hind, so long + With my attendants follow fast the mules + And sumpter-carriage. I will be thy guide. + But, once the summit gain'd, on which is built + Our city with proud bulwarks fenced around, + And laved on both sides by its pleasant port + Of narrow entrance, where our gallant barks + Line all the road, each station'd in her place, + And where, adjoining close the splendid fane 330 + Of Neptune, stands the forum with huge stones + From quarries thither drawn, constructed strong, + In which the rigging of their barks they keep, + Sail-cloth and cordage, and make smooth their oars; + (For bow and quiver the Phæacian race + Heed not, but masts and oars, and ships well-poised, + With which exulting they divide the flood) + Then, cautious, I would shun their bitter taunts + Disgustful, lest they mock me as I pass; + For of the meaner people some are coarse 340 + In the extreme, and it may chance that one, + The basest there seeing us shall exclaim-- + What handsome stranger of athletic form + Attends the Princess? Where had she the chance + To find him? We shall see them wedded soon. + Either she hath received some vagrant guest + From distant lands, (for no land neighbours ours) + Or by her pray'rs incessant won, some God + Hath left the heav'ns to be for ever hers. + 'Tis well if she have found, by her own search, 350 + An husband for herself, since she accounts + The Nobles of Phæacia, who her hand + Solicit num'rous, worthy to be scorn'd-- + Thus will they speak, injurious. I should blame + A virgin guilty of such conduct much, + Myself, who reckless of her parents' will, + Should so familiar with a man consort, + Ere celebration of her spousal rites. + But mark me, stranger! following my advice, + Thou shalt the sooner at my father's hands 360 + Obtain safe conduct and conveyance home. + Sacred to Pallas a delightful grove + Of poplars skirts the road, which we shall reach + Ere long; within that grove a fountain flows, + And meads encircle it; my father's farm + Is there, and his luxuriant garden plot; + A shout might reach it from the city-walls. + There wait, till in the town arrived, we gain + My father's palace, and when reason bids + Suppose us there, then ent'ring thou the town, 370 + Ask where Alcinoüs dwells, my valiant Sire. + Well known is his abode, so that with ease + A child might lead thee to it, for in nought + The other houses of our land the house + Resemble, in which dwells the Hero, King + Alcinoüs. Once within the court received + Pause not, but, with swift pace advancing, seek + My mother; she beside a column sits + In the hearth's blaze, twirling her fleecy threads + Tinged with sea-purple, bright, magnificent! 380 + With all her maidens orderly behind. + There also stands my father's throne, on which + Seated, he drinks and banquets like a God. + Pass that; then suppliant clasp my mother's knees, + So shalt thou quickly win a glad return + To thy own home, however far remote. + Her favour, once, and her kind aid secured, + Thenceforth thou may'st expect thy friends to see, + Thy dwelling, and thy native soil again. + So saying, she with her splendid scourge the mules 390 + Lash'd onward. They (the stream soon left behind) + With even footsteps graceful smote the ground; + But so she ruled them, managing with art + The scourge, as not to leave afar, although + Following on foot, Ulysses and her train. + The sun had now declined, when in that grove + Renown'd, to Pallas sacred, they arrived, + In which Ulysses sat, and fervent thus + Sued to the daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd. + Daughter invincible of Jove supreme! 400 + Oh, hear me! Hear me now, because when erst + The mighty Shaker of the shores incensed + Toss'd me from wave to wave, thou heard'st me not. + Grant me, among Phæacia's sons, to find + Benevolence and pity of my woes! + He spake, whose pray'r well-pleas'd the Goddess heard, + But, rev'rencing the brother of her sire,[24] + Appear'd not to Ulysses yet, whom he + Pursued with fury to his native shores. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[23] In the Original, she calls him, pappa! a more natural stile of +address and more endearing. But ancient as this appellative is, it is +also so familiar in modern use, that the Translator feared to hazard it. + +[24] Neptune. + + + + +BOOK VII + +ARGUMENT + +Nausicaa returns from the river, whom Ulysses follows. He halts, by her +direction, at a small distance from the palace, which at a convenient +time he enters. He is well received by Alcinoüs and his Queen; and having +related to them the manner of his being cast on the shore of Scheria, and +received from Alcinoüs the promise of safe conduct home, retires to rest. + + + Such pray'r Ulysses, toil-worn Chief renown'd, + To Pallas made, meantime the virgin, drawn + By her stout mules, Phæacia's city reach'd, + And, at her father's house arrived, the car + Stay'd in the vestibule; her brothers five, + All godlike youths, assembling quick around, + Released the mules, and bore the raiment in. + Meantime, to her own chamber she return'd, + Where, soon as she arrived, an antient dame + Eurymedusa, by peculiar charge 10 + Attendant on that service, kindled fire. + Sea-rovers her had from Epirus brought + Long since, and to Alcinoüs she had fall'n + By public gift, for that he ruled, supreme, + Phæacia, and as oft as he harangued + The multitude, was rev'renced as a God. + She waited on the fair Nausicaa, she + Her fuel kindled, and her food prepared. + And now Ulysses from his seat arose + To seek the city, around whom, his guard 20 + Benevolent, Minerva, cast a cloud, + Lest, haply, some Phæacian should presume + T' insult the Chief, and question whence he came. + But ere he enter'd yet the pleasant town, + Minerva azure-eyed met him, in form + A blooming maid, bearing her pitcher forth. + She stood before him, and the noble Chief + Ulysses, of the Goddess thus enquired. + Daughter! wilt thou direct me to the house + Of brave Alcinoüs, whom this land obeys? 30 + For I have here arrived, after long toil, + And from a country far remote, a guest + To all who in Phæacia dwell, unknown. + To whom the Goddess of the azure-eyes. + The mansion of thy search, stranger revered! + Myself will shew thee; for not distant dwells + Alcinoüs from my father's own abode: + But hush! be silent--I will lead the way; + Mark no man; question no man; for the sight + Of strangers is unusual here, and cold 40 + The welcome by this people shown to such. + They, trusting in swift ships, by the free grant + Of Neptune traverse his wide waters, borne + As if on wings, or with the speed of thought. + So spake the Goddess, and with nimble pace + Led on, whose footsteps he, as quick, pursued. + But still the seaman-throng through whom he pass'd + Perceiv'd him not; Minerva, Goddess dread, + That sight forbidding them, whose eyes she dimm'd + With darkness shed miraculous around 50 + Her fav'rite Chief. Ulysses, wond'ring, mark'd + Their port, their ships, their forum, the resort + Of Heroes, and their battlements sublime + Fenced with sharp stakes around, a glorious show! + But when the King's august abode he reach'd, + Minerva azure-eyed, then, thus began. + My father! thou behold'st the house to which + Thou bad'st me lead thee. Thou shalt find our Chiefs + And high-born Princes banqueting within. + But enter fearing nought, for boldest men 60 + Speed ever best, come whencesoe'er they may. + First thou shalt find the Queen, known by her name + Areta; lineal in descent from those + Who gave Alcinoüs birth, her royal spouse. + Neptune begat Nausithoüs, at the first, + On Peribæa, loveliest of her sex, + Latest-born daughter of Eurymedon, + Heroic King of the proud giant race, + Who, losing all his impious people, shared + The same dread fate himself. Her Neptune lov'd, 70 + To whom she bore a son, the mighty prince + Nausithoüs, in his day King of the land. + Nausithoüs himself two sons begat, + Rhexenor and Alcinoüs. Phoebus slew + Rhexenor at his home, a bridegroom yet, + Who, father of no son, one daughter left, + Areta, wedded to Alcinoüs now, + And whom the Sov'reign in such honour holds, + As woman none enjoys of all on earth + Existing, subjects of an husband's pow'r. 80 + Like veneration she from all receives + Unfeign'd, from her own children, from himself + Alcinoüs, and from all Phæacia's race, + Who, gazing on her as she were divine, + Shout when she moves in progress through the town. + For she no wisdom wants, but sits, herself, + Arbitress of such contests as arise + Between her fav'rites, and decides aright. + Her count'nance once and her kind aid secured, + Thou may'st thenceforth expect thy friends to see, 90 + Thy dwelling, and thy native soil again. + So Pallas spake, Goddess cærulean-eyed, + And o'er the untillable and barren Deep + Departing, Scheria left, land of delight, + Whence reaching Marathon, and Athens next, + She pass'd into Erectheus' fair abode. + Ulysses, then, toward the palace moved + Of King Alcinoüs, but immers'd in thought + Stood, first, and paused, ere with his foot he press'd + The brazen threshold; for a light he saw 100 + As of the sun or moon illuming clear + The palace of Phæacia's mighty King. + Walls plated bright with brass, on either side + Stretch'd from the portal to th' interior house, + With azure cornice crown'd; the doors were gold + Which shut the palace fast; silver the posts + Rear'd on a brazen threshold, and above, + The lintels, silver, architraved with gold. + Mastiffs, in gold and silver, lined the approach + On either side, by art celestial framed 110 + Of Vulcan, guardians of Alcinoüs' gate + For ever, unobnoxious to decay. + Sheer from the threshold to the inner house + Fixt thrones the walls, through all their length, adorn'd, + With mantles overspread of subtlest warp + Transparent, work of many a female hand. + On these the princes of Phæacia sat, + Holding perpetual feasts, while golden youths + On all the sumptuous altars stood, their hands + With burning torches charged, which, night by night, 120 + Shed radiance over all the festive throng. + Full fifty female menials serv'd the King + In household offices; the rapid mills + These turning, pulverize the mellow'd grain, + Those, seated orderly, the purple fleece + Wind off, or ply the loom, restless as leaves + Of lofty poplars fluttering in the breeze; + Bright as with oil the new-wrought texture shone.[25] + Far as Phæacian mariners all else + Surpass, the swift ship urging through the floods, 130 + So far in tissue-work the women pass + All others, by Minerva's self endow'd + With richest fancy and superior skill. + Without the court, and to the gates adjoin'd + A spacious garden lay, fenced all around + Secure, four acres measuring complete. + There grew luxuriant many a lofty tree, + Pomegranate, pear, the apple blushing bright, + The honied fig, and unctuous olive smooth. + Those fruits, nor winter's cold nor summer's heat 140 + Fear ever, fail not, wither not, but hang + Perennial, whose unceasing zephyr breathes + Gently on all, enlarging these, and those + Maturing genial; in an endless course + Pears after pears to full dimensions swell, + Figs follow figs, grapes clust'ring grow again + Where clusters grew, and (ev'ry apple stript) + The boughs soon tempt the gath'rer as before. + There too, well-rooted, and of fruit profuse, + His vineyard grows; part, wide-extended, basks, 150 + In the sun's beams; the arid level glows; + In part they gather, and in part they tread + The wine-press, while, before the eye, the grapes + Here put their blossom forth, there, gather fast + Their blackness. On the garden's verge extreme + Flow'rs of all hues smile all the year, arranged + With neatest art judicious, and amid + The lovely scene two fountains welling forth, + One visits, into ev'ry part diffus'd, + The garden-ground, the other soft beneath 160 + The threshold steals into the palace-court, + Whence ev'ry citizen his vase supplies. + Such were the ample blessings on the house + Of King Alcinoüs by the Gods bestow'd. + Ulysses wond'ring stood, and when, at length, + Silent he had the whole fair scene admired, + With rapid step enter'd the royal gate. + The Chiefs he found and Senators within + Libation pouring to the vigilant spy + Mercurius, whom with wine they worshipp'd last 170 + Of all the Gods, and at the hour of rest. + Ulysses, toil-worn Hero, through the house + Pass'd undelaying, by Minerva thick + With darkness circumfus'd, till he arrived + Where King Alcinoüs and Areta sat. + Around Areta's knees his arms he cast, + And, in that moment, broken clear away + The cloud all went, shed on him from above. + Dumb sat the guests, seeing the unknown Chief, + And wond'ring gazed. He thus his suit preferr'd. 180 + Areta, daughter of the Godlike Prince + Rhexenor! suppliant at thy knees I fall, + Thy royal spouse imploring, and thyself, + (After ten thousand toils) and these your guests, + To whom heav'n grant felicity, and to leave + Their treasures to their babes, with all the rights + And honours, by the people's suffrage, theirs! + But oh vouchsafe me, who have wanted long + And ardent wish'd my home, without delay + Safe conduct to my native shores again! 190 + Such suit he made, and in the ashes sat + At the hearth-side; they mute long time remain'd, + Till, at the last, the antient Hero spake + Echeneus, eldest of Phæacia's sons, + With eloquence beyond the rest endow'd, + Rich in traditionary lore, and wise + In all, who thus, benevolent, began. + Not honourable to thyself, O King! + Is such a sight, a stranger on the ground + At the hearth-side seated, and in the dust. 200 + Meantime, thy guests, expecting thy command, + Move not; thou therefore raising by his hand + The stranger, lead him to a throne, and bid + The heralds mingle wine, that we may pour + To thunder-bearing Jove, the suppliant's friend. + Then let the cat'ress for thy guest produce + Supply, a supper from the last regale. + Soon as those words Alcinoüs heard, the King, + Upraising by his hand the prudent Chief + Ulysses from the hearth, he made him sit, 210 + On a bright throne, displacing for his sake + Laodamas his son, the virtuous youth + Who sat beside him, and whom most he lov'd. + And now, a maiden charg'd with golden ew'r + And with an argent laver, pouring, first, + Pure water on his hands, supply'd him, next, + With a resplendent table, which the chaste + Directress of the stores furnish'd with bread + And dainties, remnants of the last regale. + Then ate the Hero toil-inured, and drank, 220 + And to his herald thus Alcinoüs spake. + Pontonoüs! mingling wine, bear it around + To ev'ry guest in turn, that we may pour + To thunder-bearer Jove, the stranger's friend, + And guardian of the suppliant's sacred rights. + He said; Pontonoüs, as he bade, the wine + Mingled delicious, and the cups dispensed + With distribution regular to all. + When each had made libation, and had drunk + Sufficient, then, Alcinoüs thus began. 230 + Phæacian Chiefs and Senators, I speak + The dictates of my mind, therefore attend! + Ye all have feasted--To your homes and sleep. + We will assemble at the dawn of day + More senior Chiefs, that we may entertain + The stranger here, and to the Gods perform + Due sacrifice; the convoy that he asks + Shall next engage our thoughts, that free from pain + And from vexation, by our friendly aid + He may revisit, joyful and with speed, 240 + His native shore, however far remote. + No inconvenience let him feel or harm, + Ere his arrival; but, arrived, thenceforth + He must endure whatever lot the Fates + Spun for him in the moment of his birth. + But should he prove some Deity from heav'n + Descended, then the Immortals have in view + Designs not yet apparent; for the Gods + Have ever from of old reveal'd themselves + At our solemnities, have on our seats 250 + Sat with us evident, and shared the feast; + And even if a single traveller + Of the Phæacians meet them, all reserve + They lay aside; for with the Gods we boast + As near affinity as do themselves + The Cyclops, or the Giant race profane.[26] + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Alcinoüs! think not so. Resemblance none + In figure or in lineaments I bear + To the immortal tenants of the skies, 260 + But to the sons of earth; if ye have known + A man afflicted with a weight of woe + Peculiar, let me be with him compared; + Woes even passing his could I relate, + And all inflicted on me by the Gods. + But let me eat, comfortless as I am, + Uninterrupted; for no call is loud + As that of hunger in the ears of man; + Importunate, unreas'nable, it constrains + His notice, more than all his woes beside. 270 + So, I much sorrow feel, yet not the less + Hear I the blatant appetite demand + Due sustenance, and with a voice that drowns + E'en all my suff'rings, till itself be fill'd. + But expedite ye at the dawn of day + My safe return into my native land, + After much mis'ry; and let life itself + Forsake me, may I but once more behold + All that is mine, in my own lofty abode. + He spake, whom all applauded, and advised, 280 + Unanimous, the guest's conveyance home, + Who had so fitly spoken. When, at length, + All had libation made, and were sufficed, + Departing to his house, each sought repose. + But still Ulysses in the hall remain'd, + Where, godlike King, Alcinoüs at his side + Sat, and Areta; the attendants clear'd + Meantime the board, and thus the Queen white-arm'd, + (Marking the vest and mantle, which he wore + And which her maidens and herself had made) 290 + In accents wing'd with eager haste began. + Stranger! the first enquiry shall be mine; + Who art, and whence? From whom receiv'dst thou these? + Saidst not--I came a wand'rer o'er the Deep? + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Oh Queen! the task were difficult to unfold + In all its length the story of my woes, + For I have num'rous from the Gods receiv'd; + But I will answer thee as best I may. + There is a certain isle, Ogygia, placed 300 + Far distant in the Deep; there dwells, by man + Alike unvisited, and by the Gods, + Calypso, beauteous nymph, but deeply skill'd + In artifice, and terrible in pow'r, + Daughter of Atlas. Me alone my fate + Her miserable inmate made, when Jove + Had riv'n asunder with his candent bolt + My bark in the mid-sea. There perish'd all + The valiant partners of my toils, and I + My vessel's keel embracing day and night 310 + With folded arms, nine days was borne along. + But on the tenth dark night, as pleas'd the Gods, + They drove me to Ogygia, where resides + Calypso, beauteous nymph, dreadful in pow'r; + She rescued, cherish'd, fed me, and her wish + Was to confer on me immortal life, + Exempt for ever from the sap of age. + But me her offer'd boon sway'd not. Sev'n years + I there abode continual, with my tears + Bedewing ceaseless my ambrosial robes, 320 + Calypso's gift divine; but when, at length, + (Sev'n years elaps'd) the circling eighth arrived, + She then, herself, my quick departure thence + Advised, by Jove's own mandate overaw'd, + Which even her had influenced to a change. + On a well-corded raft she sent me forth + With num'rous presents; bread she put and wine + On board, and cloath'd me in immortal robes; + She sent before me also a fair wind + Fresh-blowing, but not dang'rous. Sev'nteen days 330 + I sail'd the flood continual, and descried, + On the eighteenth, your shadowy mountains tall + When my exulting heart sprang at the sight, + All wretched as I was, and still ordain'd + To strive with difficulties many and hard + From adverse Neptune; he the stormy winds + Exciting opposite, my wat'ry way + Impeded, and the waves heav'd to a bulk + Immeasurable, such as robb'd me soon + Deep-groaning, of the raft, my only hope; 340 + For her the tempest scatter'd, and myself + This ocean measur'd swimming, till the winds + And mighty waters cast me on your shore. + Me there emerging, the huge waves had dash'd + Full on the land, where, incommodious most, + The shore presented only roughest rocks, + But, leaving it, I swam the Deep again, + Till now, at last, a river's gentle stream + Receiv'd me, by no rocks deform'd, and where + No violent winds the shelter'd bank annoy'd. 350 + I flung myself on shore, exhausted, weak, + Needing repose; ambrosial night came on, + When from the Jove-descended stream withdrawn, + I in a thicket lay'd me down on leaves + Which I had heap'd together, and the Gods + O'erwhelm'd my eye-lids with a flood of sleep. + There under wither'd leaves, forlorn, I slept + All the long night, the morning and the noon, + But balmy sleep, at the decline of day, + Broke from me; then, your daughter's train I heard 360 + Sporting, with whom she also sported, fair + And graceful as the Gods. To her I kneel'd. + She, following the dictates of a mind + Ingenuous, pass'd in her behaviour all + Which even ye could from an age like hers + Have hoped; for youth is ever indiscrete. + She gave me plenteous food, with richest wine + Refresh'd my spirit, taught me where to bathe, + And cloath'd me as thou seest; thus, though a prey + To many sorrows, I have told thee truth. 370 + To whom Alcinoüs answer thus return'd. + My daughter's conduct, I perceive, hath been + In this erroneous, that she led thee not + Hither, at once, with her attendant train, + For thy first suit was to herself alone. + Thus then Ulysses, wary Chief, replied. + Blame not, O Hero, for so slight a cause + Thy faultless child; she bade me follow them, + But I refused, by fear and awe restrain'd, + Lest thou should'st feel displeasure at that sight 380 + Thyself; for we are all, in ev'ry clime, + Suspicious, and to worst constructions prone. + So spake Ulysses, to whom thus the King. + I bear not, stranger! in my breast an heart + Causeless irascible; for at all times + A temp'rate equanimity is best. + And oh, I would to heav'n, that, being such + As now thou art, and of one mind with me, + Thou would'st accept my daughter, would'st become + My son-in-law, and dwell contented here! 390 + House would I give thee, and possessions too, + Were such thy choice; else, if thou chuse it not, + No man in all Phæacia shall by force + Detain thee. Jupiter himself forbid! + For proof, I will appoint thee convoy hence + To-morrow; and while thou by sleep subdued + Shalt on thy bed repose, they with their oars + Shall brush the placid flood, till thou arrive + At home, or at what place soe'er thou would'st, + Though far more distant than Eubœa lies, 400 + Remotest isle from us, by the report + Of ours, who saw it when they thither bore + Golden-hair'd Rhadamanthus o'er the Deep, + To visit earth-born Tityus. To that isle + They went; they reach'd it, and they brought him thence + Back to Phæacia, in one day, with ease. + Thou also shalt be taught what ships I boast + Unmatch'd in swiftness, and how far my crews + Excel, upturning with their oars the brine. + He ceas'd; Ulysses toil-inur'd his words 410 + Exulting heard, and, praying, thus replied. + Eternal Father! may the King perform + His whole kind promise! grant him in all lands + A never-dying name, and grant to me + To visit safe my native shores again! + Thus they conferr'd; and now Areta bade + Her fair attendants dress a fleecy couch + Under the portico, with purple rugs + Resplendent, and with arras spread beneath, + And over all with cloaks of shaggy pile. 420 + Forth went the maidens, bearing each a torch, + And, as she bade, prepared in haste a couch + Of depth commodious, then, returning, gave + Ulysses welcome summons to repose. + Stranger! thy couch is spread. Hence to thy rest. + So they--Thrice grateful to his soul the thought + Seem'd of repose. There slept Ulysses, then, + On his carv'd couch, beneath the portico, + But in the inner-house Alcinoüs found + His place of rest, and hers with royal state 430 + Prepared, the Queen his consort, at his side. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[25] + Καιροσέων δ' οθονεων ἀπολείβεται ὑγρον ἔλαιον. + +Pope has given no translation of this line in the text of his work, but +has translated it in a note. It is variously interpreted by commentators; +the sense which is here given of it is that recommended by Eustathius. + +[26] The Scholiast explains the passage thus--We resemble the Gods in +righteousness as much as the Cyclops and Giants resembled each other in +impiety. But in this sense of it there is something intricate and +contrary to Homer's manner. We have seen that they derived themselves +from Neptune, which sufficiently justifies the above interpretation. + + + + +BOOK VIII + +ARGUMENT + +The Phæacians consult on the subject of Ulysses. Preparation is made for +his departure. Antinoüs entertains them at his table. Games follow the +entertainment. Demodocus the bard sings, first the loves of Mars and +Venus, then the introduction of the wooden horse into Troy. Ulysses, much +affected by his song, is questioned by Alcinoüs, whence, and who he is, +and what is the cause of his sorrow. + + + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Blush'd in the East, then from his bed arose + The sacred might of the Phæacian King. + Then uprose also, city-waster Chief, + Ulysses, whom the King Alcinoüs + Led forth to council at the ships convened. + There, side by side, on polish'd stones they sat + Frequent; meantime, Minerva in the form + Of King Alcinoüs' herald ranged the town, + With purpose to accelerate the return 10 + Of brave Ulysses to his native home, + And thus to ev'ry Chief the Goddess spake. + Phæacian Chiefs and Senators, away! + Haste all to council on the stranger held, + Who hath of late beneath Alcinoüs' roof + Our King arrived, a wand'rer o'er the Deep, + But, in his form, majestic as a God. + So saying, she roused the people, and at once + The seats of all the senate-court were fill'd + With fast-assembling throngs, no few of whom 20 + Had mark'd Ulysses with admiring eyes. + Then, Pallas o'er his head and shoulders broad + Diffusing grace celestial, his whole form + Dilated, and to the statelier height advanced, + That worthier of all rev'rence he might seem + To the Phæacians, and might many a feat + Atchieve, with which they should assay his force. + When, therefore, the assembly now was full, + Alcinoüs, them addressing, thus began. + Phæacian Chiefs and Senators! I speak 30 + The dictates of my mind, therefore attend. + This guest, unknown to me, hath, wand'ring, found + My palace, either from the East arrived, + Or from some nation on our western side. + Safe conduct home he asks, and our consent + Here wishes ratified, whose quick return + Be it our part, as usual, to promote; + For at no time the stranger, from what coast + Soe'er, who hath resorted to our doors, + Hath long complain'd of his detention here. 40 + Haste--draw ye down into the sacred Deep + A vessel of prime speed, and, from among + The people, fifty and two youths select, + Approved the best; then, lashing fast the oars, + Leave her, that at my palace ye may make + Short feast, for which myself will all provide. + Thus I enjoin the crew; but as for those + Of sceptred rank, I bid them all alike + To my own board, that here we may regale + The stranger nobly, and let none refuse. 50 + Call, too, Demodocus, the bard divine, + To share my banquet, whom the Gods have blest + With pow'rs of song delectable, unmatch'd + By any, when his genius once is fired. + He ceas'd, and led the way, whom follow'd all + The sceptred senators, while to the house + An herald hasted of the bard divine. + Then, fifty mariners and two, from all + The rest selected, to the coast repair'd, + And, from her station on the sea-bank, launched 60 + The galley down into the sacred Deep. + They placed the canvas and the mast on board, + Arranged the oars, unfurl'd the shining sail, + And, leaving her in depth of water moor'd, + All sought the palace of Alcinoüs. + There, soon, the portico, the court, the hall + Were fill'd with multitudes of young and old, + For whose regale the mighty monarch slew + Two beeves, twelve sheep, and twice four fatted brawns. + They slay'd them first, then busily their task 70 + Administ'ring, prepared the joyous feast. + And now the herald came, leading with care + The tuneful bard; dear to the muse was he, + Who yet appointed him both good and ill; + Took from him sight, but gave him strains divine. + For him, Pontonoüs in the midst disposed + An argent-studded throne, thrusting it close + To a tall column, where he hung his lyre + Above his head, and taught him where it hung. + He set before him, next, a polish'd board 80 + And basket, and a goblet fill'd with wine + For his own use, and at his own command. + Then, all assail'd at once the ready feast, + And when nor hunger more nor thirst they felt, + Then came the muse, and roused the bard to sing + Exploits of men renown'd; it was a song, + In that day, to the highest heav'n extoll'd. + He sang of a dispute kindled between + The son of Peleus, and Laertes'[27] son, + Both seated at a feast held to the Gods. 90 + That contest Agamemnon, King of men, + Between the noblest of Achaia's host + Hearing, rejoiced; for when in Pytho erst + He pass'd the marble threshold to consult + The oracle of Apollo, such dispute + The voice divine had to his ear announced; + For then it was that, first, the storm of war + Came rolling on, ordain'd long time to afflict + Troy and the Greecians, by the will of Jove. + So sang the bard illustrious; then his robe 100 + Of purple dye with both hands o'er his head + Ulysses drew, behind its ample folds + Veiling his face, through fear to be observed + By the Phæacians weeping at the song; + And ever as the bard harmonious ceased, + He wiped his tears, and, drawing from his brows + The mantle, pour'd libation to the Gods. + But when the Chiefs (for they delighted heard + Those sounds) solicited again the bard, + And he renew'd the strain, then cov'ring close 110 + His count'nance, as before, Ulysses wept. + Thus, unperceiv'd by all, the Hero mourn'd, + Save by Alcinoüs; he alone his tears, + (Beside him seated) mark'd, and his deep sighs + O'erhearing, the Phæacians thus bespake. + Phæacia's Chiefs and Senators, attend! + We have regaled sufficient, and the harp + Heard to satiety, companion sweet + And seasonable of the festive hour. + Now go we forth for honourable proof 120 + Of our address in games of ev'ry kind, + That this our guest may to his friends report, + At home arriv'd, that none like us have learn'd + To leap, to box, to wrestle, and to run. + So saying, he led them forth, whose steps the guests + All follow'd, and the herald hanging high + The sprightly lyre, took by his hand the bard + Demodocus, whom he the self-same way + Conducted forth, by which the Chiefs had gone + Themselves, for that great spectacle prepared. 130 + They sought the forum; countless swarm'd the throng + Behind them as they went, and many a youth + Strong and courageous to the strife arose. + Upstood Acroneus and Ocyalus, + Elatreus, Nauteus, Prymneus, after whom + Anchialus with Anabeesineus + Arose, Eretmeus, Ponteus, Proreus bold, + Amphialus and Thöon. Then arose, + In aspect dread as homicidal Mars, + Euryalus, and for his graceful form 140 + (After Laodamas) distinguish'd most + Of all Phæacia's sons, Naubolides. + Three also from Alcinoüs sprung, arose, + Laodamas, his eldest; Halius, next, + His second-born; and godlike Clytoneus. + Of these, some started for the runner's prize. + They gave the race its limits.[28] All at once + Along the dusty champaign swift they flew. + But Clytoneus, illustrious youth, outstripp'd + All competition; far as mules surpass 150 + Slow oxen furrowing the fallow ground, + So far before all others he arrived + Victorious, where the throng'd spectators stood. + Some tried the wrestler's toil severe, in which + Euryalus superior proved to all. + In the long leap Amphialus prevail'd; + Elatreus most successful hurled the quoit, + And at the cestus,[29] last, the noble son + Of Scheria's King, Laodamas excell'd. + When thus with contemplation of the games 160 + All had been gratified, Alcinoüs' son + Laodamas, arising, then address'd. + Friends! ask we now the stranger, if he boast + Proficiency in aught. His figure seems + Not ill; in thighs, and legs, and arms he shews + Much strength, and in his brawny neck; nor youth + Hath left him yet, though batter'd he appears + With num'rous troubles, and misfortune-flaw'd. + Nor know I hardships in the world so sure + To break the strongest down, as those by sea. 170 + Then answer thus Euryalus return'd. + Thou hast well said, Laodamas; thyself + Approaching, speak to him, and call him forth. + Which when Alcinoüs' noble offspring heard, + Advancing from his seat, amid them all + He stood, and to Ulysses thus began. + Stand forth, oh guest, thou also; prove thy skill + (If any such thou hast) in games like ours, + Which, likeliest, thou hast learn'd; for greater praise + Hath no man, while he lives, than that he know 180 + His feet to exercise and hands aright. + Come then; make trial; scatter wide thy cares, + We will not hold thee long; the ship is launch'd + Already, and the crew stand all prepared. + To whom replied the wily Chief renown'd + Wherefore, as in derision, have ye call'd + Me forth, Laodamas, to these exploits? + No games have I, but many a grief, at heart, + And with far other struggles worn, here sit + Desirous only of conveyance home, 190 + For which both King and people I implore. + Then him Euryalus aloud reproach'd. + I well believ'd it, friend! in thee the guise + I see not of a man expert in feats + Athletic, of which various are perform'd + In ev'ry land; thou rather seem'st with ships + Familiar; one, accustom'd to controul + Some crew of trading mariners; well-learn'd + In stowage, pilotage, and wealth acquired + By rapine, but of no gymnastic pow'rs. 200 + To whom Ulysses, frowning dark, replied. + Thou hast ill spoken, sir, and like a man + Regardless whom he wrongs. Therefore the Gods + Give not endowments graceful in each kind, + Of body, mind, and utt'rance, all to one. + This man in figure less excels, yet Jove + Crowns him with eloquence; his hearers charm'd + Behold him, while with modest confidence + He bears the prize of fluent speech from all, + And in the streets is gazed on as a God! 210 + Another, in his form the Pow'rs above + Resembles, but no grace around his words + Twines itself elegant. So, thou in form + Hast excellence to boast; a God, employ'd + To make a master-piece in human shape, + Could but produce proportions such as thine; + Yet hast thou an untutor'd intellect. + Thou much hast moved me; thy unhandsome phrase + Hath roused my wrath; I am not, as thou say'st, + A novice in these sports, but took the lead 220 + In all, while youth and strength were on my side. + But I am now in bands of sorrow held, + And of misfortune, having much endured + In war, and buffeting the boist'rous waves. + Yet, though with mis'ry worn, I will essay + My strength among you; for thy words had teeth + Whose bite hath pinch'd and pain'd me to the proof. + He said; and mantled as he was, a quoit + Upstarting, seized, in bulk and weight all those + Transcending far, by the Phæacians used. 230 + Swiftly he swung, and from his vig'rous hand + Sent it. Loud sang the stone, and as it flew + The maritime Phæacians low inclined + Their heads beneath it; over all the marks, + And far beyond them, sped the flying rock. + Minerva, in a human form, the cast + Prodigious measur'd, and aloud exclaim'd. + Stranger! the blind himself might with his hands + Feel out the 'vantage here. Thy quoit disdains + Fellowship with a crowd, borne far beyond. 240 + Fear not a losing game; Phæacian none + Will reach thy measure, much less overcast. + She ceased; Ulysses, hardy Chief, rejoiced + That in the circus he had found a judge + So favorable, and with brisker tone, + As less in wrath, the multitude address'd. + Young men, reach this, and I will quickly heave + Another such, or yet a heavier quoit. + Then, come the man whose courage prompts him forth + To box, to wrestle with me, or to run; 250 + For ye have chafed me much, and I decline + No strife with any here, but challenge all + Phæacia, save Laodamas alone. + He is mine host. Who combats with his friend? + To call to proof of hardiment the man + Who entertains him in a foreign land, + Would but evince the challenger a fool, + Who, so, would cripple his own interest there. + As for the rest, I none refuse, scorn none, + But wish for trial of you, and to match 260 + In opposition fair my force with yours. + There is no game athletic in the use + Of all mankind, too difficult for me; + I handle well the polish'd bow, and first + Amid a thousand foes strike whom I mark, + Although a throng of warriors at my side + Imbattled, speed their shafts at the same time. + Of all Achaia's sons who erst at Troy + Drew bow, the sole who bore the prize from me + Was Philoctetes; I resign it else 270 + To none now nourish'd with the fruits of earth. + Yet mean I no comparison of myself + With men of antient times, with Hercules, + Or with Oechalian Eurytus, who, both, + The Gods themselves in archery defied. + Soon, therefore, died huge Eurytus, ere yet + Old age he reach'd; him, angry to be call'd + To proof of archership, Apollo slew. + But if ye name the spear, mine flies a length + By no man's arrow reach'd; I fear no foil 280 + From the Phæacians, save in speed alone; + For I have suffer'd hardships, dash'd and drench'd + By many a wave, nor had I food on board + At all times, therefore I am much unstrung. + He spake; and silent the Phæacians sat, + Of whom alone Alcinoüs thus replied. + Since, stranger, not ungraceful is thy speech, + Who hast but vindicated in our ears + Thy question'd prowess, angry that this youth + Reproach'd thee in the presence of us all, 290 + That no man qualified to give his voice + In public, might affront thy courage more; + Now mark me, therefore, that in time to come, + While feasting with thy children and thy spouse, + Thou may'st inform the Heroes of thy land + Even of our proficiency in arts + By Jove enjoin'd us in our father's days. + We boast not much the boxer's skill, nor yet + The wrestler's; but light-footed in the race + Are we, and navigators well-inform'd. 300 + Our pleasures are the feast, the harp, the dance, + Garments for change; the tepid bath; the bed. + Come, ye Phæacians, beyond others skill'd + To tread the circus with harmonious steps, + Come, play before us; that our guest, arrived + In his own country, may inform his friends + How far in seamanship we all excel, + In running, in the dance, and in the song. + Haste! bring ye to Demodocus his lyre + Clear-toned, left somewhere in our hall at home. 310 + So spake the godlike King, at whose command + The herald to the palace quick return'd + To seek the charming lyre. Meantime arose + Nine arbiters, appointed to intend + The whole arrangement of the public games, + To smooth the circus floor, and give the ring + Its compass, widening the attentive throng. + Ere long the herald came, bearing the harp, + With which Demodocus supplied, advanced + Into the middle area, around whom 320 + Stood blooming youths, all skilful in the dance. + With footsteps justly timed all smote at once + The sacred floor; Ulysses wonder-fixt, + The ceaseless play of twinkling[30] feet admired. + Then, tuning his sweet chords, Demodocus + A jocund strain began, his theme, the loves + Of Mars and Cytherea chaplet-crown'd; + How first, clandestine, they embraced beneath + The roof of Vulcan, her, by many a gift + Seduced, Mars won, and with adult'rous lust 330 + The bed dishonour'd of the King of fire. + The sun, a witness of their amorous sport, + Bore swift the tale to Vulcan; he, apprized + Of that foul deed, at once his smithy sought, + In secret darkness of his inmost soul + Contriving vengeance; to the stock he heav'd + His anvil huge, on which he forged a snare + Of bands indissoluble, by no art + To be untied, durance for ever firm. + The net prepared, he bore it, fiery-wroth, 340 + To his own chamber and his nuptial couch, + Where, stretching them from post to post, he wrapp'd + With those fine meshes all his bed around, + And hung them num'rous from the roof, diffused + Like spiders' filaments, which not the Gods + Themselves could see, so subtle were the toils. + When thus he had encircled all his bed + On ev'ry side, he feign'd a journey thence + To Lemnos, of all cities that adorn + The earth, the city that he favours most. 350 + Nor kept the God of the resplendent reins + Mars, drowsy watch, but seeing that the famed + Artificer of heav'n had left his home, + Flew to the house of Vulcan, hot to enjoy + The Goddess with the wreath-encircled brows. + She, newly from her potent Sire return'd + The son of Saturn, sat. Mars, ent'ring, seiz'd + Her hand, hung on it, and thus urg'd his suit. + To bed, my fair, and let us love! for lo! + Thine husband is from home, to Lemnos gone, 360 + And to the Sintians, men of barb'rous speech. + He spake, nor she was loth, but bedward too + Like him inclined; so then, to bed they went, + And as they lay'd them down, down stream'd the net + Around them, labour exquisite of hands + By ingenuity divine inform'd. + Small room they found, so prison'd; not a limb + Could either lift, or move, but felt at once + Entanglement from which was no escape. + And now the glorious artist, ere he yet 370 + Had reach'd the Lemnian isle, limping, return'd + From his feign'd journey, for his spy the sun + Had told him all. With aching heart he sought + His home, and, standing in the vestibule, + Frantic with indignation roar'd to heav'n, + And roar'd again, summoning all the Gods.-- + Oh Jove! and all ye Pow'rs for ever blest! + Here; hither look, that ye may view a sight + Ludicrous, yet too monstrous to be borne, + How Venus always with dishonour loads 380 + Her cripple spouse, doating on fiery Mars! + And wherefore? for that he is fair in form + And sound of foot, I ricket-boned and weak. + Whose fault is this? Their fault, and theirs alone + Who gave me being; ill-employ'd were they + Begetting me, one, better far unborn. + See where they couch together on my bed + Lascivious! ah, sight hateful to my eyes! + Yet cooler wishes will they feel, I ween, + To press my bed hereafter; here to sleep 390 + Will little please them, fondly as they love. + But these my toils and tangles will suffice + To hold them here, till Jove shall yield me back + Complete, the sum of all my nuptial gifts + Paid to him for the shameless strumpet's sake + His daughter, as incontinent as fair. + He said, and in the brazen-floor'd abode + Of Jove the Gods assembled. Neptune came + Earth-circling Pow'r; came Hermes friend of man, + And, regent of the far-commanding bow, 400 + Apollo also came; but chaste reserve + Bashful kept all the Goddesses at home. + The Gods, by whose beneficence all live, + Stood in the portal; infinite arose + The laugh of heav'n, all looking down intent + On that shrewd project of the smith divine, + And, turning to each other, thus they said. + Bad works speed ill. The slow o'ertakes the swift. + So Vulcan, tardy as he is, by craft + Hath outstript Mars, although the fleetest far 410 + Of all who dwell in heav'n, and the light-heel'd + Must pay the adult'rer's forfeit to the lame. + So spake the Pow'rs immortal; then the King + Of radiant shafts thus question'd Mercury. + Jove's son, heaven's herald, Hermes, bounteous God! + Would'st _thou_ such stricture close of bands endure + For golden Venus lying at thy side? + Whom answer'd thus the messenger of heav'n + Archer divine! yea, and with all my heart; + And be the bands which wind us round about 420 + Thrice these innumerable, and let all + The Gods and Goddesses in heav'n look on, + So I may clasp Vulcan's fair spouse the while. + He spake; then laugh'd the Immortal Pow'rs again. + But not so Neptune; he with earnest suit + The glorious artist urged to the release + Of Mars, and thus in accents wing'd he said. + Loose him; accept my promise; he shall pay + Full recompense in presence of us all. + Then thus the limping smith far-famed replied. 430 + Earth-circler Neptune, spare me that request. + Lame suitor, lame security.[31] What bands + Could I devise for thee among the Gods, + Should Mars, emancipated once, escape, + Leaving both debt and durance, far behind? + Him answer'd then the Shaker of the shores. + I tell thee, Vulcan, that if Mars by flight + Shun payment, I will pay, myself, the fine. + To whom the glorious artist of the skies. + Thou must not, canst not, shalt not be refused. 440 + So saying, the might of Vulcan loos'd the snare, + And they, detain'd by those coercive bands + No longer, from the couch upstarting, flew, + Mars into Thrace, and to her Paphian home + The Queen of smiles, where deep in myrtle groves + Her incense-breathing altar stands embow'r'd. + Her there, the Graces laved, and oils diffused + O'er all her form, ambrosial, such as add + Fresh beauty to the Gods for ever young, + And cloath'd her in the loveliest robes of heav'n. 450 + Such was the theme of the illustrious bard. + Ulysses with delight that song, and all + The maritime Phæacian concourse heard. + Alcinoüs, then, (for in the dance they pass'd + All others) call'd his sons to dance alone, + Halius and Laodamas; they gave + The purple ball into their hands, the work + Exact of Polybus; one, re-supine, + Upcast it high toward the dusky clouds, + The other, springing into air, with ease 460 + Received it, ere he sank to earth again. + When thus they oft had sported with the ball + Thrown upward, next, with nimble interchange + They pass'd it to each other many a time, + Footing the plain, while ev'ry youth of all + The circus clapp'd his hands, and from beneath + The din of stamping feet fill'd all the air. + Then, turning to Alcinoüs, thus the wise + Ulysses spake: Alcinoüs! mighty King! + Illustrious above all Phæacia's sons! 470 + Incomparable are ye in the dance, + Ev'n as thou said'st. Amazement-fixt I stand! + So he, whom hearing, the imperial might + Exulted of Alcinoüs, and aloud + To his oar-skill'd Phæacians thus he spake. + Phæacian Chiefs and Senators, attend! + Wisdom beyond the common stint I mark + In this our guest; good cause in my account, + For which we should present him with a pledge + Of hospitality and love. The Chiefs 480 + Are twelve, who, highest in command, controul + The people, and the thirteenth Chief am I. + Bring each a golden talent, with a vest + Well-bleach'd, and tunic; gratified with these, + The stranger to our banquet shall repair + Exulting; bring them all without delay; + And let Euryalus by word and gift + Appease him, for his speech was unadvised. + He ceas'd, whom all applauded, and at once + Each sent his herald forth to bring the gifts, 490 + When thus Euryalus his Sire address'd. + Alcinoüs! o'er Phæacia's sons supreme! + I will appease our guest, as thou command'st. + This sword shall be his own, the blade all steel. + The hilt of silver, and the unsullied sheath + Of iv'ry recent from the carver's hand, + A gift like this he shall not need despise. + So saying, his silver-studded sword he gave + Into his grasp, and, courteous, thus began. + Hail, honour'd stranger! and if word of mine 500 + Have harm'd thee, rashly spoken, let the winds + Bear all remembrance of it swift away! + May the Gods give thee to behold again + Thy wife, and to attain thy native shore, + Whence absent long, thou hast so much endured! + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Hail also thou, and may the Gods, my friend, + Grant thee felicity, and may never want + Of this thy sword touch thee in time to come, + By whose kind phrase appeas'd my wrath subsides! 510 + He ended, and athwart his shoulders threw + The weapon bright emboss'd. Now sank the sun, + And those rich gifts arrived, which to the house + Of King Alcinoüs the heralds bore. + Alcinoüs' sons receiv'd them, and beside + Their royal mother placed the precious charge. + The King then led the way, at whose abode + Arrived, again they press'd their lofty thrones, + And to Areta thus the monarch spake. + Haste, bring a coffer; bring thy best, and store 520 + A mantle and a sumptuous vest within; + Warm for him, next, a brazen bath, by which + Refresh'd, and viewing in fair order placed + The noble gifts by the Phæacian Lords + Conferr'd on him, he may the more enjoy + Our banquet, and the bard's harmonious song. + I give him also this my golden cup + Splendid, elaborate; that, while he lives + What time he pours libation forth to Jove + And all the Gods, he may remember me. 530 + He ended, at whose words Areta bade + Her maidens with dispatch place o'er the fire + A tripod ample-womb'd; obedient they + Advanced a laver to the glowing hearth, + Water infused, and kindled wood beneath + The flames encircling bright the bellied vase, + Warm'd soon the flood within. Meantime, the Queen + Producing from her chamber-stores a chest + All-elegant, within it placed the gold, + And raiment, gifts of the Phæacian Chiefs, 540 + With her own gifts, the mantle and the vest, + And in wing'd accents to Ulysses said. + Now take, thyself, the coffer's lid in charge; + Girdle it quickly with a cord, lest loss + Befall thee on thy way, while thou perchance + Shalt sleep secure on board the sable bark. + Which when Ulysses heard, Hero renown'd, + Adjusting close the lid, he cast a cord + Around it which with many a mazy knot + He tied, by Circe taught him long before. 550 + And now, the mistress of the household charge + Summon'd him to his bath; glad he beheld + The steaming vase, uncustom'd to its use + E'er since his voyage from the isle of fair + Calypso, although, while a guest with her, + Ever familiar with it, as a God. + Laved by attendant damsels, and with oil + Refresh'd, he put his sumptuous tunic on + And mantle, and proceeding from the bath + To the symposium, join'd the num'rous guests; 560 + But, as he pass'd, the Princess all divine + Beside the pillars of the portal, lost + In admiration of his graceful form, + Stood, and in accents wing'd him thus address'd. + Hail, stranger! at thy native home arrived + Remember me, thy first deliv'rer here. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Nausicaa! daughter of the noble King + Alcinoüs! So may Jove, high-thund'ring mate + Of Juno, grant me to behold again 570 + My native land, and my delightful home, + As, even there, I will present my vows + To thee, adoring thee as I adore + The Gods themselves, virgin, by whom I live! + He said, and on his throne beside the King + Alcinoüs sat. And now they portion'd out + The feast to all, and charg'd the cups with wine, + And introducing by his hand the bard + Phæacia's glory, at the column's side + The herald placed Demodocus again. 580 + Then, carving forth a portion from the loins + Of a huge brawn, of which uneaten still + Large part and delicate remain'd, thus spake + Ulysses--Herald! bear it to the bard + For his regale, whom I will soon embrace + In spite of sorrow; for respect is due + And veneration to the sacred bard + From all mankind, for that the muse inspires + Herself his song, and loves the tuneful tribe. + He ended, and the herald bore his charge 590 + To the old hero who with joy received + That meed of honour at the bearer's hand. + Then, all, at once, assail'd the ready feast, + And hunger now, and thirst both satisfied, + Thus to Demodocus Ulysses spake. + Demodocus! I give thee praise above + All mortals, for that either thee the muse + Jove's daughter teaches, or the King, himself, + Apollo; since thou so record'st the fate, + With such clear method, of Achaia's host, 600 + Their deeds heroic, and their num'rous toils, + As thou hadst present been thyself, or learnt + From others present there, the glorious tale. + Come, then, proceed; that rare invention sing, + The horse of wood, which by Minerva's aid + Epeus framed, and which Ulysses erst + Convey'd into the citadel of Troy + With warriors fill'd, who lay'd all Ilium waste. + These things rehearse regular, and myself + Will, instant, publish in the ears of all 610 + Thy fame, reporting thee a bard to whom + Apollo free imparts celestial song. + He ended; then Apollo with full force + Rush'd on Demodocus, and he began + What time the Greeks, first firing their own camp + Steer'd all their galleys from the shore of Troy. + Already, in the horse conceal'd, his band + Around Ulysses sat; for Ilium's sons + Themselves had drawn it to the citadel. + And there the mischief stood. Then, strife arose 620 + Among the Trojans compassing the horse, + And threefold was the doubt; whether to cleave + The hollow trunk asunder, or updrawn + Aloft, to cast it headlong from the rocks, + Or to permit the enormous image, kept + Entire, to stand an off'ring to the Gods, + Which was their destined course; for Fate had fix'd + Their ruin sure, when once they had received + Within their walls that engine huge, in which + Sat all the bravest Greecians with the fate 630 + Of Ilium charged, and slaughter of her sons. + He sang, how, from the horse effused, the Greeks + Left their capacious ambush, and the town + Made desolate. To others, in his song, + He gave the praise of wasting all beside, + But told how, fierce as Mars, Ulysses join'd + With godlike Menelaus, to the house + Flew of Deiphobus; him there engaged + In direst fight he sang, and through the aid + Of glorious Pallas, conqu'ror over all. 640 + So sang the bard illustrious, at whose song + Ulysses melted, and tear after tear + Fell on his cheeks. As when a woman weeps, + Her husband, who hath fallen in defence + Of his own city and his babes before + The gates; she, sinking, folds him in her arms + And, gazing on him as he pants and dies, + Shrieks at the sight; meantime, the enemy + Smiting her shoulders with the spear to toil + Command her and to bondage far away, 650 + And her cheek fades with horror at the sound; + Ulysses, so, from his moist lids let fall, + The frequent tear. Unnoticed by the rest + Those drops, but not by King Alcinoüs, fell + Who, seated at his side, his heavy sighs + Remark'd, and the Phæacians thus bespake. + Phæacian Chiefs and Senators attend! + Now let Demodocus enjoin his harp + Silence, for not alike grateful to all + His music sounds; during our feast, and since 660 + The bard divine began, continual flow + The stranger's sorrows, by remembrance caused + Of some great woe which wraps his soul around. + Then, let the bard suspend his song, that all + (As most befits th' occasion) may rejoice, + Both guest and hosts together; since we make + This voyage, and these gifts confer, in proof + Of hospitality and unfeign'd love, + Judging, with all wise men, the stranger-guest + And suppliant worthy of a brother's place. 670 + And thou conceal not, artfully reserv'd, + What I shall ask, far better plain declared + Than smother'd close; who art thou? speak thy name, + The name by which thy father, mother, friends + And fellow-citizens, with all who dwell + Around thy native city, in times past + Have known thee; for of all things human none + Lives altogether nameless, whether good + Or whether bad, but ev'ry man receives + Ev'n in the moment of his birth, a name. 680 + Thy country, people, city, tell; the mark + At which my ships, intelligent, shall aim, + That they may bear thee thither; for our ships + No pilot need or helm, as ships are wont, + But know, themselves, our purpose; know beside + All cities, and all fruitful regions well + Of all the earth, and with dark clouds involv'd + Plough rapid the rough Deep, fearless of harm, + (Whate'er betide) and of disast'rous wreck. + Yet thus, long since, my father I have heard 690 + Nausithoüs speaking; Neptune, he would say, + Is angry with us, for that safe we bear + Strangers of ev'ry nation to their home; + And he foretold a time when he would smite + In vengeance some Phæacian gallant bark + Returning after convoy of her charge, + And fix her in the sable flood, transform'd + Into a mountain, right before the town. + So spake my hoary Sire, which let the God + At his own pleasure do, or leave undone. 700 + But tell me truth, and plainly. Where have been + Thy wand'rings? in what regions of the earth + Hast thou arrived? what nations hast thou seen, + What cities? say, how many hast thou found + Harsh, savage and unjust? how many, kind + To strangers, and disposed to fear the Gods? + Say also, from what secret grief of heart + Thy sorrows flow, oft as thou hear'st the fate + Of the Achaians, or of Ilium sung? + That fate the Gods prepared; they spin the thread 710 + Of man's destruction, that in after days + The bard may make the sad event his theme. + Perish'd thy father or thy brother there? + Or hast thou at the siege of Ilium lost + Father-in-law, or son-in-law? for such + Are next and dearest to us after those + Who share our own descent; or was the dead + Thy bosom-friend, whose heart was as thy own? + For worthy as a brother of our love + The constant friend and the discrete I deem. 720 + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[27] Agamemnon having inquired at Delphos, at what time the Trojan war +would end, was answered that the conclusion of it should happen at a time +when a dispute should arise between two of his principal commanders. That +dispute occurred at the time here alluded to, Achilles recommending force +as most likely to reduce the city, and Ulysses stratagem. + +[28] Τοισι δ' απο νυσοης τετατο δρομος--This expression is by the +commentators generally understood to be significant of the effort which +they made at starting, but it is not improbable that it relates merely to +the measurement of the course, otherwise, καρπαλιμως επετοντο will be +tautologous. + +[29] In boxing. + +[30] The Translator is indebted to Mr Grey for an epithet more expressive +of the original (Μαρμαρυγας) than any other, perhaps, in all our +language. See the Ode on the Progress of Poetry. + + "To brisk notes in cadence beating, + Glance their _many-twinkling_ feet" + +[31] The original line has received such a variety of interpretations, +that a Translator seems free to choose. It has, however, a proverbial +turn, which I have endeavoured to preserve, and have adopted the sense of +the words which appears best to accord with what immediately follows. +Vulcan pleads his own inability to enforce the demand, as a circumstance +that made Neptune's promise unacceptable. + + + + +BOOK IX + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses discovers himself to the Phæacians, and begins the history of his +adventures. He destroys Ismarus, city of the Ciconians; arrives among the +Lotophagi; and afterwards at the land of the Cyclops. He is imprisoned by +Polypheme in his cave, who devours six of his companions; intoxicates the +monster with wine, blinds him while he sleeps, and escapes from him. + + + Then answer, thus, Ulysses wise return'd. + Alcinoüs! King! illustrious above all + Phæacia's sons, pleasant it is to hear + A bard like this, sweet as the Gods in song. + The world, in my account, no sight affords + More gratifying than a people blest + With cheerfulness and peace, a palace throng'd + With guests in order ranged, list'ning to sounds + Melodious, and the steaming tables spread + With plenteous viands, while the cups, with wine 10 + From brimming beakers fill'd, pass brisk around. + No lovelier sight know I. But thou, it seems, + Thy thoughts hast turn'd to ask me whence my groans + And tears, that I may sorrow still the more. + What first, what next, what last shall I rehearse, + On whom the Gods have show'r'd such various woes? + Learn first my name, that even in this land + Remote I may be known, and that escaped + From all adversity, I may requite + Hereafter, this your hospitable care 20 + At my own home, however distant hence. + I am Ulysses, fear'd in all the earth + For subtlest wisdom, and renown'd to heaven, + The offspring of Laertes; my abode + Is sun-burnt Ithaca; there waving stands + The mountain Neritus his num'rous boughs, + And it is neighbour'd close by clust'ring isles + All populous; thence Samos is beheld, + Dulichium, and Zacynthus forest-clad. + Flat on the Deep she lies, farthest removed 30 + Toward the West, while, situate apart, + Her sister islands face the rising day; + Rugged she is, but fruitful nurse of sons + Magnanimous; nor shall these eyes behold, + Elsewhere, an object dear and sweet as she. + Calypso, beauteous Goddess, in her grot + Detain'd me, wishing me her own espoused; + Ææan Circe also, skill'd profound + In potent arts, within her palace long + Detain'd me, wishing me her own espoused; 40 + But never could they warp my constant mind. + So much our parents and our native soil + Attract us most, even although our lot + Be fair and plenteous in a foreign land. + But come--my painful voyage, such as Jove + Gave me from Ilium, I will now relate. + From Troy the winds bore me to Ismarus, + City of the Ciconians; them I slew, + And laid their city waste; whence bringing forth + Much spoil with all their wives, I portion'd it 50 + With equal hand, and each received a share. + Next, I exhorted to immediate flight + My people; but in vain; they madly scorn'd + My sober counsel, and much wine they drank, + And sheep and beeves slew num'rous on the shore. + Meantime, Ciconians to Ciconians call'd, + Their neighbours summoning, a mightier host + And braver, natives of the continent, + Expert, on horses mounted, to maintain + Fierce fight, or if occasion bade, on foot. 60 + Num'rous they came as leaves, or vernal flow'rs + At day-spring. Then, by the decree of Jove, + Misfortune found us. At the ships we stood + Piercing each other with the brazen spear, + And till the morning brighten'd into noon, + Few as we were, we yet withstood them all; + But, when the sun verged westward, then the Greeks + Fell back, and the Ciconian host prevail'd. + Six warlike Greecians from each galley's crew + Perish'd in that dread field; the rest escaped. 70 + Thus, after loss of many, we pursued + Our course, yet, difficult as was our flight, + Went not till first we had invoked by name + Our friends, whom the Ciconians had destroy'd. + But cloud-assembler Jove assail'd us soon + With a tempestuous North-wind; earth alike + And sea with storms he overhung, and night + Fell fast from heav'n. Their heads deep-plunging oft + Our gallies flew, and rent, and rent again + Our tatter'd sail-cloth crackled in the wind. 80 + We, fearing instant death, within the barks + Our canvas lodg'd, and, toiling strenuous, reach'd + At length the continent. Two nights we lay + Continual there, and two long days, consumed + With toil and grief; but when the beauteous morn + Bright-hair'd, had brought the third day to a close, + (Our masts erected, and white sails unfurl'd) + Again we sat on board; meantime, the winds + Well managed by the steersman, urged us on. + And now, all danger pass'd, I had attain'd 90 + My native shore, but, doubling in my course + Malea, waves and currents and North-winds + Constrain'd me devious to Cythera's isle. + Nine days by cruel storms thence was I borne + Athwart the fishy Deep, but on the tenth + Reach'd the Lotophagi, a race sustain'd + On sweetest fruit alone. There quitting ship, + We landed and drew water, and the crews + Beside the vessels took their ev'ning cheer. + When, hasty, we had thus our strength renew'd, 100 + I order'd forth my people to inquire + (Two I selected from the rest, with whom + I join'd an herald, third) what race of men + Might there inhabit. They, departing, mix'd + With the Lotophagi; nor hostile aught + Or savage the Lotophagi devised + Against our friends, but offer'd to their taste + The lotus; of which fruit what man soe'er + Once tasted, no desire felt he to come + With tidings back, or seek his country more, 110 + But rather wish'd to feed on lotus still + With the Lotophagi, and to renounce + All thoughts of home. Them, therefore, I constrain'd + Weeping on board, and dragging each beneath + The benches, bound him there. Then, all in haste, + I urged my people to ascend again + Their hollow barks, lest others also, fed + With fruit of lotus, should forget their home. + They quick embark'd, and on the benches ranged + In order, thresh'd with oars the foamy flood. 120 + Thence, o'er the Deep proceeding sad, we reach'd + The land at length, where, giant-sized[32] and free + From all constraint of law, the Cyclops dwell. + They, trusting to the Gods, plant not, or plough, + But earth unsow'd, untill'd, brings forth for them + All fruits, wheat, barley, and the vinous grape + Large cluster'd, nourish'd by the show'rs of Jove. + No councils they convene, no laws contrive, + But in deep caverns dwell, found on the heads + Of lofty mountains, judging each supreme 130 + His wife and children, heedless of the rest. + In front of the Cyclopean haven lies + A level island, not adjoining close + Their land, nor yet remote, woody and rude. + There, wild goats breed numberless, by no foot + Of man molested; never huntsman there, + Inured to winter's cold and hunger, roams + The dreary woods, or mountain-tops sublime; + No fleecy flocks dwell there, nor plough is known, + But the unseeded and unfurrow'd soil, 140 + Year after year a wilderness by man + Untrodden, food for blatant goats supplies. + For no ships crimson-prow'd the Cyclops own, + Nor naval artizan is there, whose toil + Might furnish them with oary barks, by which + Subsists all distant commerce, and which bear + Man o'er the Deep to cities far remote + Who might improve the peopled isle, that seems + Not steril in itself, but apt to yield, + In their due season, fruits of ev'ry kind. 150 + For stretch'd beside the hoary ocean lie + Green meadows moist, where vines would never fail; + Light is the land, and they might yearly reap + The tallest crops, so unctuous is the glebe. + Safe is its haven also, where no need + Of cable is or anchor, or to lash + The hawser fast ashore, but pushing in + His bark, the mariner might there abide + Till rising gales should tempt him forth again. + At bottom of the bay runs a clear stream 160 + Issuing from a cove hemm'd all around + With poplars; down into that bay we steer'd + Amid the darkness of the night, some God + Conducting us; for all unseen it lay, + Such gloom involved the fleet, nor shone the moon + From heav'n to light us, veil'd by pitchy clouds. + Hence, none the isle descried, nor any saw + The lofty surge roll'd on the strand, or ere + Our vessels struck the ground; but when they struck, + Then, low'ring all our sails, we disembark'd, 170 + And on the sea-beach slept till dawn appear'd. + Soon as Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy forth, we with admiring eyes + The isle survey'd, roaming it wide around. + Meantime, the nymphs, Jove's daughters, roused the goats + Bred on the mountains, to supply with food + The partners of my toils; then, bringing forth + Bows and long-pointed javelins from the ships, + Divided all into three sep'rate bands + We struck them, and the Gods gave us much prey. 180 + Twelve ships attended me, and ev'ry ship + Nine goats received by lot; myself alone + Selected ten. All day, till set of sun, + We eating sat goat's flesh, and drinking wine + Delicious, without stint; for dearth was none + Of ruddy wine on board, but much remain'd, + With which my people had their jars supplied + What time we sack'd Ciconian Ismarus. + Thence looking forth toward the neighbour-land + Where dwell the Cyclops, rising smoke we saw, 190 + And voices heard, their own, and of their flocks. + Now sank the sun, and (night o'ershadowing all) + We slept along the shore; but when again + The rosy-finger'd daughter of the dawn + Look'd forth, my crews convened, I thus began. + Companions of my course! here rest ye all, + Save my own crew, with whom I will explore + This people, whether wild, they be, unjust, + And to contention giv'n, or well-disposed + To strangers, and a race who fear the Gods. 200 + So speaking, I embark'd, and bade embark + My followers, throwing, quick, the hawsers loose. + They, ent'ring at my word, the benches fill'd + Well-ranged, and thresh'd with oars the foamy flood. + Attaining soon that neighbour-land, we found + At its extremity, fast by the sea, + A cavern, lofty, and dark-brow'd above + With laurels; in that cavern slumb'ring lay + Much cattle, sheep and goats, and a broad court + Enclosed it, fenced with stones from quarries hewn, 210 + With spiry firs, and oaks of ample bough. + Here dwelt a giant vast, who far remote + His flocks fed solitary, converse none + Desiring, sullen, savage, and unjust. + Monster, in truth, he was, hideous in form, + Resembling less a man by Ceres' gift + Sustain'd, than some aspiring mountain-crag + Tufted with wood, and standing all alone. + Enjoining, then, my people to abide + Fast by the ship which they should closely guard, 220 + I went, but not without a goat-skin fill'd + With sable wine which I had erst received + From Maron, offspring of Evanthes, priest + Of Phœbus guardian god of Ismarus, + Because, through rev'rence of him, we had saved + Himself, his wife and children; for he dwelt + Amid the grove umbrageous of his God. + He gave me, therefore, noble gifts; from him + Sev'n talents I received of beaten gold, + A beaker, argent all, and after these 230 + No fewer than twelve jars with wine replete, + Rich, unadult'rate, drink for Gods; nor knew + One servant, male or female, of that wine + In all his house; none knew it, save himself, + His wife, and the intendant of his stores. + Oft as they drank that luscious juice, he slaked + A single cup with twenty from the stream, + And, even then, the beaker breath'd abroad + A scent celestial, which whoever smelt, + Thenceforth no pleasure found it to abstain. 240 + Charged with an ample goat-skin of this wine + I went, and with a wallet well supplied, + But felt a sudden presage in my soul + That, haply, with terrific force endued, + Some savage would appear, strange to the laws + And privileges of the human race. + Few steps convey'd us to his den, but him + We found not; he his flocks pastur'd abroad. + His cavern ent'ring, we with wonder gazed + Around on all; his strainers hung with cheese 250 + Distended wide; with lambs and kids his penns + Close-throng'd we saw, and folded separate + The various charge; the eldest all apart, + Apart the middle-aged, and the new-yean'd + Also apart. His pails and bowls with whey + Swam all, neat vessels into which he milk'd. + Me then my friends first importuned to take + A portion of his cheeses, then to drive + Forth from the sheep-cotes to the rapid bark + His kids and lambs, and plow the brine again. 260 + But me they moved not, happier had they moved! + I wish'd to see him, and to gain, perchance, + Some pledge of hospitality at his hands, + Whose form was such, as should not much bespeak + When he appear'd, our confidence or love. + Then, kindling fire, we offer'd to the Gods, + And of his cheeses eating, patient sat + Till home he trudged from pasture. Charged he came + With dry wood bundled, an enormous load + Fuel by which to sup. Loud crash'd the thorns 270 + Which down he cast before the cavern's mouth, + To whose interior nooks we trembling flew. + At once he drove into his spacious cave + His batten'd flock, all those which gave him milk, + But all the males, both rams and goats, he left + Abroad, excluded from the cavern-yard. + Upheaving, next, a rocky barrier huge + To his cave's mouth, he thrust it home. That weight + Not all the oxen from its place had moved + Of twenty and two wains; with such a rock 280 + Immense his den he closed. Then down he sat, + And as he milk'd his ewes and bleating goats + All in their turns, her yeanling gave to each; + Coagulating, then, with brisk dispatch, + The half of his new milk, he thrust the curd + Into his wicker sieves, but stored the rest + In pans and bowls--his customary drink. + His labours thus perform'd, he kindled, last, + His fuel, and discerning _us_, enquired, + Who are ye, strangers? from what distant shore 290 + Roam ye the waters? traffic ye? or bound + To no one port, wander, as pirates use, + At large the Deep, exposing life themselves, + And enemies of all mankind beside? + He ceased; we, dash'd with terrour, heard the growl + Of his big voice, and view'd his form uncouth, + To whom, though sore appall'd, I thus replied. + Of Greece are we, and, bound from Ilium home, + Have wander'd wide the expanse of ocean, sport + For ev'ry wind, and driven from our course, 300 + Have here arrived; so stood the will of Jove. + We boast ourselves of Agamemnon's train, + The son of Atreus, at this hour the Chief + Beyond all others under heav'n renown'd, + So great a city he hath sack'd and slain + Such num'rous foes; but since we reach, at last, + Thy knees, we beg such hospitable fare, + Or other gift, as guests are wont to obtain. + Illustrious lord! respect the Gods, and us + Thy suitors; suppliants are the care of Jove 310 + The hospitable; he their wrongs resents + And where the stranger sojourns, there is he. + I ceas'd, when answer thus he, fierce, return'd. + Friend! either thou art fool, or hast arrived + Indeed from far, who bidd'st me fear the Gods + Lest they be wroth. The Cyclops little heeds + Jove Ægis-arm'd, or all the Pow'rs of heav'n. + Our race is mightier far; nor shall myself, + Through fear of Jove's hostility, abstain + From thee or thine, unless my choice be such. 320 + But tell me now. Where touch'd thy gallant bark + Our country, on thy first arrival here? + Remote or nigh? for I would learn the truth. + So spake he, tempting me; but, artful, thus + I answer'd, penetrating his intent. + My vessel, Neptune, Shaker of the shores, + At yonder utmost promontory dash'd + In pieces, hurling her against the rocks + With winds that blew right thither from the sea, + And I, with these alone, escaped alive. 330 + So I, to whom, relentless, answer none + He deign'd, but, with his arms extended, sprang + Toward my people, of whom seizing two + At once, like whelps against his cavern-floor + He dash'd them, and their brains spread on the ground. + These, piece-meal hewn, for supper he prepared, + And, like a mountain-lion, neither flesh + Nor entrails left, nor yet their marrowy bones. + We, viewing that tremendous sight, upraised + Our hands to Jove, all hope and courage lost. 340 + When thus the Cyclops had with human flesh + Fill'd his capacious belly, and had quaff'd + Much undiluted milk, among his flocks + Out-stretch'd immense, he press'd his cavern-floor. + Me, then, my courage prompted to approach + The monster with my sword drawn from the sheath, + And to transfix him where the vitals wrap + The liver; but maturer thoughts forbad. + For so, we also had incurred a death + Tremendous, wanting pow'r to thrust aside 350 + The rocky mass that closed his cavern-mouth + By force of hand alone. Thus many a sigh + Heaving, we watch'd the dawn. But when, at length, + Aurora, day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd + Look'd forth, then, kindling fire, his flocks he milk'd + In order, and her yeanling kid or lamb + Thrust under each. When thus he had perform'd + His wonted task, two seizing, as before, + He slew them for his next obscene regale. + His dinner ended, from the cave he drove 360 + His fatted flocks abroad, moving with ease + That pond'rous barrier, and replacing it + As he had only closed a quiver's lid. + Then, hissing them along, he drove his flocks + Toward the mountain, and me left, the while, + Deep ruminating how I best might take + Vengeance, and by the aid of Pallas win + Deathless renown. This counsel pleas'd me most. + Beside the sheep-cote lay a massy club + Hewn by the Cyclops from an olive stock, 370 + Green, but which dried, should serve him for a staff. + To us consid'ring it, that staff appear'd + Tall as the mast of a huge trading bark, + Impell'd by twenty rowers o'er the Deep. + Such seem'd its length to us, and such its bulk. + Part amputating, (an whole fathom's length) + I gave my men that portion, with command + To shave it smooth. They smooth'd it, and myself, + Shaping its blunt extremity to a point, + Season'd it in the fire; then cov'ring close 380 + The weapon, hid it under litter'd straw, + For much lay scatter'd on the cavern-floor. + And now I bade my people cast the lot + Who of us all should take the pointed brand, + And grind it in his eye when next he slept. + The lots were cast, and four were chosen, those + Whom most I wish'd, and I was chosen fifth. + At even-tide he came, his fleecy flocks + Pasturing homeward, and compell'd them all + Into his cavern, leaving none abroad, 390 + Either through some surmise, or so inclined + By influence, haply, of the Gods themselves. + The huge rock pull'd into its place again + At the cave's mouth, he, sitting, milk'd his sheep + And goats in order, and her kid or lamb + Thrust under each; thus, all his work dispatch'd, + Two more he seiz'd, and to his supper fell. + I then, approaching to him, thus address'd + The Cyclops, holding in my hands a cup + Of ivy-wood, well-charg'd with ruddy wine. 400 + Lo, Cyclops! this is wine. Take this and drink + After thy meal of man's flesh. Taste and learn + What precious liquor our lost vessel bore. + I brought it hither, purposing to make + Libation to thee, if to pity inclined + Thou would'st dismiss us home. But, ah, thy rage + Is insupportable! thou cruel one! + Who, thinkest thou, of all mankind, henceforth + Will visit _thee_, guilty of such excess? + I ceas'd. He took and drank, and hugely pleas'd[33] 410 + With that delicious bev'rage, thus enquir'd. + Give me again, and spare not. Tell me, too, + Thy name, incontinent, that I may make + Requital, gratifying also thee + With somewhat to thy taste. We Cyclops own + A bounteous soil, which yields _us_ also wine + From clusters large, nourish'd by show'rs from Jove; + But this--this is from above--a stream + Of nectar and ambrosia, all divine! + He ended, and received a second draught, 420 + Like measure. Thrice I bore it to his hand, + And, foolish, thrice he drank. But when the fumes + Began to play around the Cyclops' brain, + With show of amity I thus replied. + Cyclops! thou hast my noble name enquired, + Which I will tell thee. Give me, in return, + The promised boon, some hospitable pledge. + My name is Outis,[34] Outis I am call'd + At home, abroad; wherever I am known. + So I; to whom he, savage, thus replied. 430 + Outis, when I have eaten all his friends, + Shall be my last regale. Be that thy boon. + He spake, and, downward sway'd, fell resupine, + With his huge neck aslant. All-conqu'ring sleep + Soon seized him. From his gullet gush'd the wine + With human morsels mingled, many a blast + Sonorous issuing from his glutted maw. + Then, thrusting far the spike of olive-wood + Into the embers glowing on the hearth, + I heated it, and cheer'd my friends, the while, 440 + Lest any should, through fear, shrink from his part. + But when that stake of olive-wood, though green, + Should soon have flamed, for it was glowing hot, + I bore it to his side. Then all my aids + Around me gather'd, and the Gods infused + Heroic fortitude into our hearts. + They, seizing the hot stake rasp'd to a point, + Bored his eye with it, and myself, advanced + To a superior stand, twirled it about. + As when a shipwright with his wimble bores 450 + Tough oaken timber, placed on either side + Below, his fellow-artists strain the thong + Alternate, and the restless iron spins, + So, grasping hard the stake pointed with fire, + We twirl'd it in his eye; the bubbling blood + Boil'd round about the brand; his pupil sent + A scalding vapour forth that sing'd his brow, + And all his eye-roots crackled in the flame. + As when the smith an hatchet or large axe + Temp'ring with skill, plunges the hissing blade 460 + Deep in cold water, (whence the strength of steel) + So hiss'd his eye around the olive-wood. + The howling monster with his outcry fill'd + The hollow rock, and I, with all my aids, + Fled terrified. He, plucking forth the spike + From his burnt socket, mad with anguish, cast + The implement all bloody far away. + Then, bellowing, he sounded forth the name + Of ev'ry Cyclops dwelling in the caves + Around him, on the wind-swept mountain-tops; 470 + They, at his cry flocking from ev'ry part, + Circled his den, and of his ail enquired. + What grievous hurt hath caused thee, Polypheme! + Thus yelling to alarm the peaceful ear + Of night, and break our slumbers? Fear'st thou lest + Some mortal man drive off thy flocks? or fear'st + Thyself to die by cunning or by force? + Them answer'd, then, Polypheme from his cave. + Oh, friends! I die! and Outis gives the blow. + To whom with accents wing'd his friends without. 480 + If no man[35] harm thee, but thou art alone, + And sickness feel'st, it is the stroke of Jove, + And thou must bear it; yet invoke for aid + Thy father Neptune, Sovereign of the floods. + So saying, they went, and in my heart I laugh'd + That by the fiction only of a name, + Slight stratagem! I had deceived them all. + Then groan'd the Cyclops wrung with pain and grief, + And, fumbling, with stretch'd hands, removed the rock + From his cave's mouth, which done, he sat him down 490 + Spreading his arms athwart the pass, to stop + Our egress with his flocks abroad; so dull, + It seems, he held me, and so ill-advised. + I, pondering what means might fittest prove + To save from instant death, (if save I might) + My people and myself, to ev'ry shift + Inclined, and various counsels framed, as one + Who strove for life, conscious of woe at hand. + To me, thus meditating, this appear'd + The likeliest course. The rams well-thriven were, 500 + Thick-fleeced, full-sized, with wool of sable hue. + These, silently, with osier twigs on which + The Cyclops, hideous monster, slept, I bound, + Three in one leash; the intermediate rams + Bore each a man, whom the exterior two + Preserved, concealing him on either side. + Thus each was borne by three, and I, at last, + The curl'd back seizing of a ram, (for one + I had reserv'd far stateliest of them all) + Slipp'd underneath his belly, and both hands 510 + Enfolding fast in his exub'rant fleece, + Clung ceaseless to him as I lay supine. + We, thus disposed, waited with many a sigh + The sacred dawn; but when, at length, aris'n, + Aurora, day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd + Again appear'd, the males of all his flocks + Rush'd forth to pasture, and, meantime, unmilk'd, + The wethers bleated, by the load distress'd + Of udders overcharged. Their master, rack'd + With pain intolerable, handled yet 520 + The backs of all, inquisitive, as they stood, + But, gross of intellect, suspicion none + Conceiv'd of men beneath their bodies bound. + And now (none left beside) the ram approach'd + With his own wool burthen'd, and with myself, + Whom many a fear molested. Polypheme + The giant stroak'd him as he sat, and said, + My darling ram! why latest of the flock + Com'st thou, whom never, heretofore, my sheep + Could leave behind, but stalking at their head, 530 + Thou first was wont to crop the tender grass, + First to arrive at the clear stream, and first + With ready will to seek my sheep-cote here + At evening; but, thy practice chang'd, thou com'st, + Now last of all. Feel'st thou regret, my ram! + Of thy poor master's eye, by a vile wretch + Bored out, who overcame me first with wine, + And by a crew of vagabonds accurs'd, + Followers of Outis, whose escape from death + Shall not be made to-day? Ah! that thy heart 540 + Were as my own, and that distinct as I + Thou could'st articulate, so should'st thou tell, + Where hidden, he eludes my furious wrath. + Then, dash'd against the floor his spatter'd brain + Should fly, and I should lighter feel my harm + From Outis, wretch base-named and nothing-worth. + So saying, he left him to pursue the flock. + When, thus drawn forth, we had, at length, escaped + Few paces from the cavern and the court, + First, quitting my own ram, I loos'd my friends, 550 + Then, turning seaward many a thriven ewe + Sharp-hoof'd, we drove them swiftly to the ship. + Thrice welcome to our faithful friends we came + From death escaped, but much they mourn'd the dead. + I suffer'd not their tears, but silent shook + My brows, by signs commanding them to lift + The sheep on board, and instant plow the main. + They, quick embarking, on the benches sat + Well ranged, and thresh'd with oars the foamy flood; + But distant now such length as a loud voice 560 + May reach, I hail'd with taunts the Cyclops' ear. + Cyclops! when thou devouredst in thy cave + With brutal force my followers, thou devour'dst + The followers of no timid Chief, or base, + Vengeance was sure to recompense that deed + Atrocious. Monster! who wast not afraid + To eat the guest shelter'd beneath thy roof! + Therefore the Gods have well requited thee. + I ended; he, exasp'rate, raged the more, + And rending from its hold a mountain-top, 570 + Hurl'd it toward us; at our vessel's stern + Down came the mass, nigh sweeping in its fall + The rudder's head. The ocean at the plunge + Of that huge rock, high on its refluent flood + Heav'd, irresistible, the ship to land. + I seizing, quick, our longest pole on board, + Back thrust her from the coast and by a nod + In silence given, bade my companions ply + Strenuous their oars, that so we might escape. + Procumbent,[36] each obey'd, and when, the flood 580 + Cleaving, we twice that distance had obtain'd,[37] + Again I hail'd the Cyclops; but my friends + Earnest dissuaded me on ev'ry side. + Ah, rash Ulysses! why with taunts provoke + The savage more, who hath this moment hurl'd + A weapon, such as heav'd the ship again + To land, where death seem'd certain to us all? + For had he heard a cry, or but the voice + Of one man speaking, he had all our heads + With some sharp rock, and all our timbers crush'd 590 + Together, such vast force is in his arm. + So they, but my courageous heart remain'd + Unmoved, and thus again, incensed, I spake. + Cyclops! should any mortal man inquire + To whom thy shameful loss of sight thou ow'st, + Say, to Ulysses, city-waster Chief, + Laertes' son, native of Ithaca. + I ceas'd, and with a groan thus he replied. + Ah me! an antient oracle I feel + Accomplish'd. Here abode a prophet erst, 600 + A man of noblest form, and in his art + Unrivall'd, Telemus Eurymedes. + He, prophesying to the Cyclops-race, + Grew old among us, and presaged my loss + Of sight, in future, by Ulysses' hand. + I therefore watch'd for the arrival here, + Always, of some great Chief, for stature, bulk + And beauty prais'd, and cloath'd with wond'rous might. + But now--a dwarf, a thing impalpable, + A shadow, overcame me first by wine, 610 + Then quench'd my sight. Come hither, O my guest! + Return, Ulysses! hospitable cheer + Awaits thee, and my pray'rs I will prefer + To glorious Neptune for thy prosp'rous course; + For I am Neptune's offspring, and the God + Is proud to be my Sire; he, if he please, + And he alone can heal me; none beside + Of Pow'rs immortal, or of men below. + He spake, to whom I answer thus return'd. + I would that of thy life and soul amerced, 620 + I could as sure dismiss thee down to Hell, + As none shall heal thine eye--not even He. + So I; then pray'd the Cyclops to his Sire + With hands uprais'd towards the starry heav'n. + Hear, Earth-encircler Neptune, azure-hair'd! + If I indeed am thine, and if thou boast + Thyself my father, grant that never more + Ulysses, leveller of hostile tow'rs, + Laertes' son, of Ithaca the fair, + Behold his native home! but if his fate 630 + Decree him yet to see his friends, his house, + His native country, let him deep distress'd + Return and late, all his companions lost, + Indebted for a ship to foreign aid, + And let affliction meet him at his door. + He spake, and Ocean's sov'reign heard his pray'r. + Then lifting from the shore a stone of size + Far more enormous, o'er his head he whirl'd + The rock, and his immeasurable force + Exerting all, dismiss'd it. Close behind 640 + The ship, nor distant from the rudder's head, + Down came the mass. The ocean at the plunge + Of such a weight, high on its refluent flood + Tumultuous, heaved the bark well nigh to land. + But when we reach'd the isle where we had left + Our num'rous barks, and where my people sat + Watching with ceaseless sorrow our return, + We thrust our vessel to the sandy shore, + Then disembark'd, and of the Cyclops' sheep + Gave equal share to all. To me alone 650 + My fellow-voyagers the ram consign'd + In distribution, my peculiar meed. + Him, therefore, to cloud-girt Saturnian Jove + I offer'd on the shore, burning his thighs + In sacrifice; but Jove my hallow'd rites + Reck'd not, destruction purposing to all + My barks, and all my followers o'er the Deep. + Thus, feasting largely, on the shore we sat + Till even-tide, and quaffing gen'rous wine; + But when day fail'd, and night o'ershadow'd all, 660 + Then, on the shore we slept; and when again + Aurora rosy daughter of the Dawn, + Look'd forth, my people, anxious, I enjoin'd + To climb their barks, and cast the hawsers loose. + They all obedient, took their seats on board + Well-ranged, and thresh'd with oars the foamy flood. + Thus, 'scaping narrowly, we roam'd the Deep + With aching hearts and with diminish'd crews. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[32] So the Scholium interprets in this place, the word ὑπερθιαλος. + +[33] Λινως + +[34] Clarke, who has preserved this name in his marginal version, +contends strenuously, and with great reason, that Outis ought not to be +translated, and in a passage which he quotes from the _Acta eruditorum_, +we see much fault found with Giphanius and other interpreters of Homer +for having translated it. It is certain that in Homer the word is +declined not as ουτις-τινος which signifies no man, but as ουτις-τιδος +making ουτιν in the accusative, consequently as a proper name. It is +sufficient that the ambiguity was such as to deceive the friends of the +Cyclops. Outis is said by some (perhaps absurdly) to have been a name +given to Ulysses on account of his having larger ears than common. + +[35] Outis, as a _name_ could only denote him who bore it; but as a +_noun_, it signifies _no man_, which accounts sufficiently for the +ludicrous mistake of his brethren. + +[36] + προπεσοντες + ------Olli certamine summo + Procumbunt. + + VIRGIL + +[37] The seeming incongruity of this line with line 560, is reconciled by +supposing that Ulysses exerted his voice, naturally loud, in an +extraordinary manner on this second occasion. See Clarke. + + + + +BOOK X + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses, in pursuit of his narrative, relates his arrival at the island +of Æolus, his departure thence, and the unhappy occasion of his return +thither. The monarch of the winds dismisses him at last with much +asperity. He next tells of his arrival among the Læstrygonians, by whom +his whole fleet, together with their crews, are destroyed, his own ship +and crew excepted. Thence he is driven to the island of Circe. By her the +half of his people are transformed into swine. Assisted by Mercury, he +resists her enchantments himself, and prevails with the Goddess to +recover them to their former shape. In consequence of Circe's +instructions, after having spent a complete year in her palace, he +prepares for a voyage to the infernal regions. + + + We came to the Æolian isle; there dwells + Æolus, son of Hippotas, belov'd + By the Immortals, in an isle afloat. + A brazen wall impregnable on all sides + Girds it, and smooth its rocky coast ascends. + His children, in his own fair palace born, + Are twelve; six daughters, and six blooming sons. + He gave his daughters to his sons to wife; + They with their father hold perpetual feast + And with their royal mother, still supplied 10 + With dainties numberless; the sounding dome + Is fill'd with sav'ry odours all the day, + And with their consorts chaste at night they sleep + On stateliest couches with rich arras spread. + Their city and their splendid courts we reach'd. + A month complete he, friendly, at his board + Regaled me, and enquiry made minute + Of Ilium's fall, of the Achaian fleet, + And of our voyage thence. I told him all. + But now, desirous to embark again, 20 + I ask'd dismission home, which he approved, + And well provided for my prosp'rous course. + He gave me, furnish'd by a bullock slay'd + In his ninth year, a bag; ev'ry rude blast + Which from its bottom turns the Deep, that bag + Imprison'd held; for him Saturnian Jove + Hath officed arbiter of all the winds, + To rouse their force or calm them, at his will. + He gave me them on board my bark, so bound + With silver twine that not a breath escaped, 30 + Then order'd gentle Zephyrus to fill + Our sails propitious. Order vain, alas! + So fatal proved the folly of my friends. + Nine days continual, night and day we sail'd, + And on the tenth my native land appear'd. + Not far remote my Ithacans I saw + Fires kindling on the coast; but me with toil + Worn, and with watching, gentle sleep subdued; + For constant I had ruled the helm, nor giv'n + That charge to any, fearful of delay. 40 + Then, in close conference combined, my crew + Each other thus bespake--He carries home + Silver and gold from Æolus received, + Offspring of Hippotas, illustrious Chief-- + And thus a mariner the rest harangued. + Ye Gods! what city or what land soe'er + Ulysses visits, how is he belov'd + By all, and honour'd! many precious spoils + He homeward bears from Troy; but we return, + (We who the self-same voyage have perform'd) 50 + With empty hands. Now also he hath gain'd + This pledge of friendship from the King of winds. + But come--be quick--search we the bag, and learn + What stores of gold and silver it contains. + So he, whose mischievous advice prevailed. + They loos'd the bag; forth issued all the winds, + And, caught by tempests o'er the billowy waste, + Weeping they flew, far, far from Ithaca. + I then, awaking, in my noble mind + Stood doubtful, whether from my vessel's side 60 + Immersed to perish in the flood, or calm + To endure my sorrows, and content to live. + I calm endured them; but around my head + Winding my mantle, lay'd me down below, + While adverse blasts bore all my fleet again + To the Æolian isle; then groan'd my people. + We disembark'd and drew fresh water there, + And my companions, at their galley's sides + All seated, took repast; short meal we made, + When, with an herald and a chosen friend, 70 + I sought once more the hall of Æolus. + Him banqueting with all his sons we found, + And with his spouse; we ent'ring, on the floor + Of his wide portal sat, whom they amazed + Beheld, and of our coming thus enquired. + Return'd? Ulysses! by what adverse Pow'r + Repuls'd hast thou arrived? we sent thee hence + Well-fitted forth to reach thy native isle, + Thy palace, or what place soe'er thou would'st. + So they--to whom, heart-broken, I replied. 80 + My worthless crew have wrong'd me, nor alone + My worthless crew, but sleep ill-timed, as much. + Yet heal, O friends, my hurt; the pow'r is yours! + So I their favour woo'd. Mute sat the sons, + But thus their father answer'd. Hence--be gone-- + Leave this our isle, thou most obnoxious wretch + Of all mankind. I should, myself, transgress, + Receiving here, and giving conduct hence + To one detested by the Gods as thou. + Away--for hated by the Gods thou com'st. 90 + So saying, he sent me from his palace forth, + Groaning profound; thence, therefore, o'er the Deep + We still proceeded sorrowful, our force + Exhausting ceaseless at the toilsome oar, + And, through our own imprudence, hopeless now + Of other furth'rance to our native isle. + Six days we navigated, day and night, + The briny flood, and on the seventh reach'd + The city erst by Lamus built sublime, + Proud Læstrygonia, with the distant gates. 100 + The herdsman, there, driving his cattle home,[38] + Summons the shepherd with his flocks abroad. + The sleepless there might double wages earn, + Attending, now, the herds, now, tending sheep, + For the night-pastures, and the pastures grazed + By day, close border, both, the city-walls. + To that illustrious port we came, by rocks + Uninterrupted flank'd on either side + Of tow'ring height, while prominent the shores + And bold, converging at the haven's mouth 110 + Leave narrow pass. We push'd our galleys in, + Then moor'd them side by side; for never surge + There lifts its head, or great or small, but clear + We found, and motionless, the shelter'd flood. + Myself alone, staying my bark without, + Secured her well with hawsers to a rock + At the land's point, then climb'd the rugged steep, + And spying stood the country. Labours none + Of men or oxen in the land appear'd, + Nor aught beside saw we, but from the earth 120 + Smoke rising; therefore of my friends I sent + Before me two, adding an herald third, + To learn what race of men that country fed. + Departing, they an even track pursued + Made by the waggons bringing timber down + From the high mountains to the town below. + Before the town a virgin bearing forth + Her ew'r they met, daughter of him who ruled + The Læstrygonian race, Antiphatas. + Descending from the gate, she sought the fount 130 + Artacia; for their custom was to draw + From that pure fountain for the city's use. + Approaching they accosted her, and ask'd + What King reign'd there, and over whom he reign'd. + She gave them soon to know where stood sublime + The palace of her Sire; no sooner they + The palace enter'd, than within they found, + In size resembling an huge mountain-top, + A woman, whom they shudder'd to behold. + She forth from council summon'd quick her spouse 140 + Antiphatas, who teeming came with thoughts + Of carnage, and, arriving, seized at once + A Greecian, whom, next moment, he devoured. + With headlong terrour the surviving two + Fled to the ships. Then sent Antiphatas + His voice through all the town, and on all sides, + Hearing that cry, the Læstrygonians flock'd + Numberless, and in size resembling more + The giants than mankind. They from the rocks + Cast down into our fleet enormous stones, 150 + A strong man's burthen each; dire din arose + Of shatter'd galleys and of dying men, + Whom spear'd like fishes to their home they bore, + A loathsome prey. While them within the port + They slaughter'd, I, (the faulchion at my side + Drawn forth) cut loose the hawser of my ship, + And all my crew enjoin'd with bosoms laid + Prone on their oars, to fly the threaten'd woe. + They, dreading instant death tugg'd resupine + Together, and the galley from beneath 160 + Those beetling[39] rocks into the open sea + Shot gladly; but the rest all perish'd there. + Proceeding thence, we sigh'd, and roamed the waves, + Glad that we lived, but sorrowing for the slain. + We came to the Ææan isle; there dwelt + The awful Circe, Goddess amber-hair'd, + Deep-skill'd in magic song, sister by birth + Of the all-wise Æætes; them the Sun, + Bright luminary of the world, begat + On Perse, daughter of Oceanus. 170 + Our vessel there, noiseless, we push'd to land + Within a spacious haven, thither led + By some celestial Pow'r. We disembark'd, + And on the coast two days and nights entire + Extended lay, worn with long toil, and each + The victim of his heart-devouring woes. + Then, with my spear and with my faulchion arm'd, + I left the ship to climb with hasty steps + An airy height, thence, hoping to espie + Some works of man, or hear, perchance, a voice. 180 + Exalted on a rough rock's craggy point + I stood, and on the distant plain, beheld + Smoke which from Circe's palace through the gloom + Of trees and thickets rose. That smoke discern'd, + I ponder'd next if thither I should haste, + Seeking intelligence. Long time I mused, + But chose at last, as my discreter course, + To seek the sea-beach and my bark again, + And, when my crew had eaten, to dispatch + Before me, others, who should first enquire. 190 + But, ere I yet had reach'd my gallant bark, + Some God with pity viewing me alone + In that untrodden solitude, sent forth + An antler'd stag, full-sized, into my path. + His woodland pastures left, he sought the stream, + For he was thirsty, and already parch'd + By the sun's heat. Him issuing from his haunt, + Sheer through the back beneath his middle spine, + I wounded, and the lance sprang forth beyond. + Moaning he fell, and in the dust expired. 200 + Then, treading on his breathless trunk, I pluck'd + My weapon forth, which leaving there reclined, + I tore away the osiers with my hands + And fallows green, and to a fathom's length + Twisting the gather'd twigs into a band, + Bound fast the feet of my enormous prey, + And, flinging him athwart my neck, repair'd + Toward my sable bark, propp'd on my lance, + Which now to carry shoulder'd as before + Surpass'd my pow'r, so bulky was the load. 210 + Arriving at the ship, there I let fall + My burthen, and with pleasant speech and kind, + Man after man addressing, cheer'd my crew. + My friends! we suffer much, but shall not seek + The shades, ere yet our destined hour arrive. + Behold a feast! and we have wine on board-- + Pine not with needless famine! rise and eat. + I spake; they readily obey'd, and each + Issuing at my word abroad, beside + The galley stood, admiring, as he lay, 220 + The stag, for of no common bulk was he. + At length, their eyes gratified to the full + With that glad spectacle, they laved their hands, + And preparation made of noble cheer. + That day complete, till set of sun, we spent + Feasting deliciously without restraint, + And quaffing generous wine; but when the sun + Went down, and darkness overshadow'd all, + Extended, then, on Ocean's bank we lay; + And when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, 230 + Look'd rosy forth, convening all my crew + To council, I arose, and thus began. + My fellow-voyagers, however worn + With num'rous hardships, hear! for neither West + Know ye, nor East, where rises, or where sets + The all-enlight'ning sun. But let us think, + If thought perchance may profit us, of which + Small hope I see; for when I lately climb'd + Yon craggy rock, plainly I could discern + The land encompass'd by the boundless Deep. 240 + The isle is flat, and in the midst I saw + Dun smoke ascending from an oaken bow'r. + So I, whom hearing, they all courage lost, + And at remembrance of Antiphatas + The Læstrygonian, and the Cyclops' deeds, + Ferocious feeder on the flesh of man, + Mourn'd loud and wept, but tears could nought avail. + Then numb'ring man by man, I parted them + In equal portions, and assign'd a Chief + To either band, myself to these, to those 250 + Godlike Eurylochus. This done, we cast + The lots into the helmet, and at once + Forth sprang the lot of bold Eurylochus. + He went, and with him of my people march'd + Twenty and two, all weeping; nor ourselves + Wept less, at separation from our friends. + Low in a vale, but on an open spot, + They found the splendid house of Circe, built + With hewn and polish'd stones; compass'd she dwelt + By lions on all sides and mountain-wolves 260 + Tamed by herself with drugs of noxious pow'rs. + Nor were they mischievous, but as my friends + Approach'd, arising on their hinder feet, + Paw'd them in blandishment, and wagg'd the tail. + As, when from feast he rises, dogs around + Their master fawn, accustom'd to receive + The sop conciliatory from his hand, + Around my people, so, those talon'd wolves + And lions fawn'd. They, terrified, that troop + Of savage monsters horrible beheld. 270 + And now, before the Goddess' gates arrived, + They heard the voice of Circe singing sweet + Within, while, busied at the loom, she wove + An ample web immortal, such a work + Transparent, graceful, and of bright design + As hands of Goddesses alone produce. + Thus then Polites, Prince of men, the friend + Highest in my esteem, the rest bespake. + Ye hear the voice, comrades, of one who weaves + An ample web within, and at her task 280 + So sweetly chaunts that all the marble floor + Re-echoes; human be she or divine + I doubt, but let us call, that we may learn. + He ceas'd; they call'd; soon issuing at the sound, + The Goddess open'd wide her splendid gates, + And bade them in; they, heedless, all complied, + All save Eurylochus, who fear'd a snare. + She, introducing them, conducted each + To a bright throne, then gave them Pramnian wine, + With grated cheese, pure meal, and honey new, 290 + But medicated with her pois'nous drugs + Their food, that in oblivion they might lose + The wish of home. She gave them, and they drank,-- + When, smiting each with her enchanting wand, + She shut them in her sties. In head, in voice, + In body, and in bristles they became + All swine, yet intellected as before, + And at her hand were dieted alone + With acorns, chestnuts, and the cornel-fruit, + Food grateful ever to the grovelling swine. 300 + Back flew Eurylochus toward the ship, + To tell the woeful tale; struggling to speak, + Yet speechless, there he stood, his heart transfixt + With anguish, and his eyes deluged with tears. + Me boding terrours occupied. At length, + When, gazing on him, all had oft enquired, + He thus rehearsed to us the dreadful change. + Renown'd Ulysses! as thou bad'st, we went + Through yonder oaks; there, bosom'd in a vale, + But built conspicuous on a swelling knoll 310 + With polish'd rock, we found a stately dome. + Within, some Goddess or some woman wove + An ample web, carolling sweet the while. + They call'd aloud; she, issuing at the voice, + Unfolded, soon, her splendid portals wide, + And bade them in. Heedless they enter'd, all, + But I remain'd, suspicious of a snare. + Ere long the whole band vanish'd, none I saw + Thenceforth, though, seated there, long time I watch'd. + He ended; I my studded faulchion huge 320 + Athwart my shoulder cast, and seized my bow, + Then bade him lead me thither by the way + Himself had gone; but with both hands my knees + He clasp'd, and in wing'd accents sad exclaim'd. + My King! ah lead me not unwilling back, + But leave me here; for confident I judge + That neither thou wilt bring another thence, + Nor come thyself again. Haste--fly we swift + With these, for we, at least, may yet escape. + So he, to whom this answer I return'd. 330 + Eurylochus! abiding here, eat thou + And drink thy fill beside the sable bark; + I go; necessity forbids my stay. + So saying, I left the galley and the shore. + But ere that awful vale ent'ring, I reach'd + The palace of the sorceress, a God + Met me, the bearer of the golden wand, + Hermes. He seem'd a stripling in his prime, + His cheeks cloath'd only with their earliest down, + For youth is then most graceful; fast he lock'd 340 + His hand in mine, and thus, familiar, spake. + Unhappy! whither, wand'ring o'er the hills, + Stranger to all this region, and alone, + Go'st thou? Thy people--they within the walls + Are shut of Circe, where as swine close-pent + She keeps them. Comest thou to set them free? + I tell thee, never wilt thou thence return + Thyself, but wilt be prison'd with the rest. + Yet hearken--I will disappoint her wiles, + And will preserve thee. Take this precious drug; 350 + Possessing this, enter the Goddess' house + Boldly, for it shall save thy life from harm. + Lo! I reveal to thee the cruel arts + Of Circe; learn them. She will mix for thee + A potion, and will also drug thy food + With noxious herbs; but she shall not prevail + By all her pow'r to change thee; for the force + Superior of this noble plant, my gift, + Shall baffle her. Hear still what I advise. + When she shall smite thee with her slender rod, 360 + With faulchion drawn and with death-threat'ning looks + Rush on her; she will bid thee to her bed + Affrighted; then beware. Decline not thou + Her love, that she may both release thy friends, + And may with kindness entertain thyself. + But force her swear the dreaded oath of heav'n + That she will other mischief none devise + Against thee, lest she strip thee of thy might, + And, quenching all thy virtue, make thee vile. + So spake the Argicide, and from the earth 370 + That plant extracting, placed it in my hand, + Then taught me all its pow'rs. Black was the root, + Milk-white the blossom; Moly is its name + In heav'n; not easily by mortal man + Dug forth, but all is easy to the Gods. + Then, Hermes through the island-woods repair'd + To heav'n, and I to Circe's dread abode, + In gloomy musings busied as I went. + Within the vestibule arrived, where dwelt + The beauteous Goddess, staying there my steps, 380 + I call'd aloud; she heard me, and at once + Issuing, threw her splendid portals wide, + And bade me in. I follow'd, heart-distress'd. + Leading me by the hand to a bright throne + With argent studs embellish'd, and beneath + Footstool'd magnificent, she made me sit. + Then mingling for me in a golden cup + My bev'rage, she infused a drug, intent + On mischief; but when I had drunk the draught + Unchanged, she smote me with her wand, and said. 390 + Hence--seek the sty. There wallow with thy friends. + She spake; I drawing from beside my thigh + My faulchion keen, with death-denouncing looks + Rush'd on her; she with a shrill scream of fear + Ran under my rais'd arm, seized fast my knees, + And in wing'd accents plaintive thus began. + Who? whence? thy city and thy birth declare. + Amazed I see thee with that potion drench'd, + Yet uninchanted; never man before + Once pass'd it through his lips, and liv'd the same; 400 + But in thy breast a mind inhabits, proof + Against all charms. Come then--I know thee well. + Thou art Ulysses artifice-renown'd, + Of whose arrival here in his return + From Ilium, Hermes of the golden wand + Was ever wont to tell me. Sheath again + Thy sword, and let us, on my bed reclined, + Mutual embrace, that we may trust thenceforth + Each other, without jealousy or fear. + The Goddess spake, to whom I thus replied. 410 + O Circe! canst thou bid me meek become + And gentle, who beneath thy roof detain'st + My fellow-voyagers transform'd to swine? + And, fearing my escape, invit'st thou me + Into thy bed, with fraudulent pretext + Of love, that there, enfeebling by thy arts + My noble spirit, thou may'st make me vile? + No--trust me--never will I share thy bed + Till first, O Goddess, thou consent to swear + The dread all-binding oath, that other harm 420 + Against myself thou wilt imagine none. + I spake. She swearing as I bade, renounced + All evil purpose, and (her solemn oath + Concluded) I ascended, next, her bed + Magnificent. Meantime, four graceful nymphs + Attended on the service of the house, + Her menials, from the fountains sprung and groves, + And from the sacred streams that seek the sea. + Of these, one cast fine linen on the thrones, + Which, next, with purple arras rich she spread; 430 + Another placed before the gorgeous seats + Bright tables, and set on baskets of gold. + The third, an argent beaker fill'd with wine + Delicious, which in golden cups she served; + The fourth brought water, which she warm'd within + An ample vase, and when the simm'ring flood + Sang in the tripod, led me to a bath, + And laved me with the pleasant stream profuse + Pour'd o'er my neck and body, till my limbs + Refresh'd, all sense of lassitude resign'd. 440 + When she had bathed me, and with limpid oil + Anointed me, and cloathed me in a vest + And mantle, next, she led me to a throne + Of royal state, with silver studs emboss'd, + And footstool'd soft beneath; then came a nymph + With golden ewer charged and silver bowl, + Who pour'd pure water on my hands, and placed + The polish'd board before me, which with food + Various, selected from her present stores, + The cat'ress spread, then, courteous, bade me eat. 450 + But me it pleas'd not; with far other thoughts + My spirit teem'd, on vengeance more intent. + Soon, then, as Circe mark'd me on my seat + Fast-rooted, sullen, nor with outstretch'd hands + Deigning to touch the banquet, she approach'd, + And in wing'd accents suasive thus began. + Why sits Ulysses like the Dumb, dark thoughts + His only food? loaths he the touch of meat, + And taste of wine? Thou fear'st, as I perceive, + Some other snare, but idle is that fear, 460 + For I have sworn the inviolable oath. + She ceas'd, to whom this answer I return'd. + How can I eat? what virtuous man and just, + O Circe! could endure the taste of wine + Or food, till he should see his prison'd friends + Once more at liberty? If then thy wish + That I should eat and drink be true, produce + My captive people; let us meet again. + So I; then Circe, bearing in her hand + Her potent rod, went forth, and op'ning wide 470 + The door, drove out my people from the sty, + In bulk resembling brawns of the ninth year. + They stood before me; she through all the herd + Proceeding, with an unctuous antidote + Anointed each, and at the wholesome touch + All shed the swinish bristles by the drug + Dread Circe's former magic gift, produced. + Restored at once to manhood, they appear'd + More vig'rous far, and sightlier than before. + They knew me, and with grasp affectionate 480 + Hung on my hand. Tears follow'd, but of joy, + And with loud cries the vaulted palace rang. + Even the awful Goddess felt, herself, + Compassion, and, approaching me, began. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Hence to the shore, and to thy gallant bark; + First, hale her safe aground, then, hiding all + Your arms and treasures in the caverns, come + Thyself again, and hither lead thy friends. + So spake the Goddess, and my gen'rous mind 490 + Persuaded; thence repairing to the beach, + I sought my ship; arrived, I found my crew + Lamenting miserably, and their cheeks + With tears bedewing ceaseless at her side. + As when the calves within some village rear'd + Behold, at eve, the herd returning home + From fruitful meads where they have grazed their fill, + No longer in the stalls contain'd, they rush + With many a frisk abroad, and, blaring oft, + With one consent, all dance their dams around, 500 + So they, at sight of me, dissolved in tears + Of rapt'rous joy, and each his spirit felt + With like affections warm'd as he had reach'd + Just then his country, and his city seen, + Fair Ithaca, where he was born and rear'd. + Then in wing'd accents tender thus they spake. + Noble Ulysses! thy appearance fills + Our soul with transports, such as we should feel + Arrived in safety on our native shore. + Speak--say how perish'd our unhappy friends? 510 + So they; to whom this answer mild I gave. + Hale we our vessel first ashore, and hide + In caverns all our treasures and our arms, + Then, hasting hence, follow me, and ere long + Ye shall behold your friends, beneath the roof + Of Circe banqueting and drinking wine + Abundant, for no dearth attends them there. + So I; whom all with readiness obey'd, + All save Eurylochus; he sought alone + To stay the rest, and, eager, interposed. 520 + Ah whither tend we, miserable men? + Why covet ye this evil, to go down + To Circe's palace? she will change us all + To lions, wolves or swine, that we may guard + Her palace, by necessity constrain'd. + So some were pris'ners of the Cyclops erst, + When, led by rash Ulysses, our lost friends + Intruded needlessly into his cave, + And perish'd by the folly of their Chief. + He spake, whom hearing, occupied I stood 530 + In self-debate, whether, my faulchion keen + Forth-drawing from beside my sturdy thigh, + To tumble his lopp'd head into the dust, + Although he were my kinsman in the bonds + Of close affinity; but all my friends + As with one voice, thus gently interposed. + Noble Ulysses! we will leave him here + Our vessel's guard, if such be thy command, + But us lead thou to Circe's dread abode. + So saying, they left the galley, and set forth 540 + Climbing the coast; nor would Eurylochus + Beside the hollow bark remain, but join'd + His comrades by my dreadful menace awed. + Meantime the Goddess, busily employ'd, + Bathed and refresh'd my friends with limpid oil, + And clothed them. We, arriving, found them all + Banqueting in the palace; there they met; + These ask'd, and those rehearsed the wond'rous tale, + And, the recital made, all wept aloud + Till the wide dome resounded. Then approach'd 550 + The graceful Goddess, and address'd me thus. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Provoke ye not each other, now, to tears. + I am not ignorant, myself, how dread + Have been your woes both on the fishy Deep, + And on the land by force of hostile pow'rs. + But come--Eat now, and drink ye wine, that so + Your freshen'd spirit may revive, and ye + Courageous grow again, as when ye left + The rugged shores of Ithaca, your home. 560 + For now, through recollection, day by day, + Of all your pains and toils, ye are become + Spiritless, strengthless, and the taste forget + Of pleasure, such have been your num'rous woes. + She spake, whose invitation kind prevail'd, + And won us to her will. There, then, we dwelt + The year complete, fed with delicious fare + Day after day, and quaffing gen'rous wine. + But when (the year fulfill'd) the circling hours + Their course resumed, and the successive months 570 + With all their tedious days were spent, my friends, + Summoning me abroad, thus greeted me. + Sir! recollect thy country, if indeed + The fates ordain thee to revisit safe + That country, and thy own glorious abode. + So they; whose admonition I receiv'd + Well-pleas'd. Then, all the day, regaled we sat + At Circe's board with sav'ry viands rare, + And quaffing richest wine; but when, the sun + Declining, darkness overshadow'd all, 580 + Then, each within the dusky palace took + Custom'd repose, and to the Goddess' bed + Magnificent ascending, there I urged + My earnest suit, which gracious she receiv'd, + And in wing'd accents earnest thus I spake. + O Circe! let us prove thy promise true; + Dismiss us hence. My own desires, at length, + Tend homeward vehement, and the desires + No less of all my friends, who with complaints + Unheard by thee, wear my sad heart away. 590 + So I; to whom the Goddess in return. + Laertes' noble son, Ulysses famed + For deepest wisdom! dwell not longer here, + Thou and thy followers, in my abode + Reluctant; but your next must be a course + Far diff'rent; hence departing, ye must seek + The dreary house of Ades and of dread + Persephone there to consult the Seer + Theban Tiresias, prophet blind, but blest + With faculties which death itself hath spared. 600 + To him alone, of all the dead, Hell's Queen + Gives still to prophesy, while others flit + Mere forms, the shadows of what once they were. + She spake, and by her words dash'd from my soul + All courage; weeping on the bed I sat, + Reckless of life and of the light of day. + But when, with tears and rolling to and fro + Satiate, I felt relief, thus I replied. + O Circe! with what guide shall I perform + This voyage, unperform'd by living man? 610 + I spake, to whom the Goddess quick replied. + Brave Laertiades! let not the fear + To want a guide distress thee. Once on board, + Your mast erected, and your canvas white + Unfurl'd, sit thou; the breathing North shall waft + Thy vessel on. But when ye shall have cross'd + The broad expanse of Ocean, and shall reach + The oozy shore, where grow the poplar groves + And fruitless willows wan of Proserpine, + Push thither through the gulphy Deep thy bark, 620 + And, landing, haste to Pluto's murky abode. + There, into Acheron runs not alone + Dread Pyriphlegethon, but Cocytus loud, + From Styx derived; there also stands a rock, + At whose broad base the roaring rivers meet. + There, thrusting, as I bid, thy bark ashore, + O Hero! scoop the soil, op'ning a trench + Ell-broad on ev'ry side; then pour around + Libation consecrate to all the dead, + First, milk with honey mixt, then luscious wine, 630 + Then water, sprinkling, last, meal over all. + Next, supplicate the unsubstantial forms + Fervently of the dead, vowing to slay, + (Return'd to Ithaca) in thy own house, + An heifer barren yet, fairest and best + Of all thy herds, and to enrich the pile + With delicacies such as please the shades; + But, in peculiar, to Tiresias vow + A sable ram, noblest of all thy flocks. + When thus thou hast propitiated with pray'r 640 + All the illustrious nations of the dead, + Next, thou shalt sacrifice to them a ram + And sable ewe, turning the face of each + Right toward Erebus, and look thyself, + Meantime, askance toward the river's course. + Souls num'rous, soon, of the departed dead + Will thither flock; then, strenuous urge thy friends, + Flaying the victims which thy ruthless steel + Hath slain, to burn them, and to sooth by pray'r + Illustrious Pluto and dread Proserpine. 650 + While thus is done, thou seated at the foss, + Faulchion in hand, chace thence the airy forms + Afar, nor suffer them to approach the blood, + Till with Tiresias thou have first conferr'd. + Then, glorious Chief! the Prophet shall himself + Appear, who will instruct thee, and thy course + Delineate, measuring from place to place + Thy whole return athwart the fishy flood. + While thus she spake, the golden dawn arose, + When, putting on me my attire, the nymph 660 + Next, cloath'd herself, and girding to her waist + With an embroider'd zone her snowy robe + Graceful, redundant, veil'd her beauteous head. + Then, ranging the wide palace, I aroused + My followers, standing at the side of each-- + Up! sleep no longer! let us quick depart, + For thus the Goddess hath, herself, advised. + So I, whose early summons my brave friends + With readiness obey'd. Yet even thence + I brought not all my crew. There was a youth, 670 + Youngest of all my train, Elpenor; one + Not much in estimation for desert + In arms, nor prompt in understanding more, + Who overcharged with wine, and covetous + Of cooler air, high on the palace-roof + Of Circe slept, apart from all the rest. + Awaken'd by the clamour of his friends + Newly arisen, he also sprang to rise, + And in his haste, forgetful where to find + The deep-descending stairs, plunged through the roof. 680 + With neck-bone broken from the vertebræ + Outstretch'd he lay; his spirit sought the shades. + Then, thus to my assembling friends I spake. + Ye think, I doubt not, of an homeward course, + But Circe points me to the drear abode + Of Proserpine and Pluto, to consult + The spirit of Tiresias, Theban seer. + I ended, and the hearts of all alike + Felt consternation; on the earth they sat + Disconsolate, and plucking each his hair, 690 + Yet profit none of all their sorrow found. + But while we sought my galley on the beach + With tepid tears bedewing, as we went, + Our cheeks, meantime the Goddess to the shore + Descending, bound within the bark a ram + And sable ewe, passing us unperceived. + For who hath eyes that can discern a God + Going or coming, if he shun the view? + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[38] It is supposed by Eustathius that the pastures being infested by gad +flies and other noxious insects in the day-time, they drove their sheep +a-field in the morning, which by their wool were defended from them, and +their cattle in the evening, when the insects had withdrawn. It is one of +the few passages in Homer that must lie at the mercy of conjecture. + +[39] The word has the authority of Shakspeare, and signifies overhanging. + + + + +BOOK XI + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses relates to Alcinoüs his voyage to the infernal regions, his +conference there with the prophet Tiresias concerning his return to +Ithaca, and gives him an account of the heroes, heroines, and others whom +he saw there. + + + Arriving on the shore, and launching, first, + Our bark into the sacred Deep, we set + Our mast and sails, and stow'd secure on board + The ram and ewe, then, weeping, and with hearts + Sad and disconsolate, embark'd ourselves. + And now, melodious Circe, nymph divine, + Sent after us a canvas-stretching breeze, + Pleasant companion of our course, and we + (The decks and benches clear'd) untoiling sat, + While managed gales sped swift the bark along. 10 + All day, with sails distended, e'er the Deep + She flew, and when the sun, at length, declined, + And twilight dim had shadow'd all the ways, + Approach'd the bourn of Ocean's vast profound. + The city, there, of the Cimmerians stands + With clouds and darkness veil'd, on whom the sun + Deigns not to look with his beam-darting eye, + Or when he climbs the starry arch, or when + Earthward he slopes again his west'ring wheels,[40] + But sad night canopies the woeful race. 20 + We haled the bark aground, and, landing there + The ram and sable ewe, journey'd beside + The Deep, till we arrived where Circe bade. + Here, Perimedes' son Eurylochus + Held fast the destined sacrifice, while I + Scoop'd with my sword the soil, op'ning a trench + Ell-broad on ev'ry side, then pour'd around + Libation consecrate to all the dead, + First, milk with honey mixt, then luscious wine, + Then water, sprinkling, last, meal over all. 30 + This done, adoring the unreal forms + And shadows of the dead, I vow'd to slay, + (Return'd to Ithaca) in my own abode, + An heifer barren yet, fairest and best + Of all my herds, and to enrich the pile + With delicacies, such as please the shades. + But, in peculiar, to the Theban seer + I vow'd a sable ram, largest and best + Of all my flocks. When thus I had implored + With vows and pray'r, the nations of the dead, 40 + Piercing the victims next, I turn'd them both + To bleed into the trench; then swarming came + From Erebus the shades of the deceased, + Brides, youths unwedded, seniors long with woe + Oppress'd, and tender girls yet new to grief. + Came also many a warrior by the spear + In battle pierced, with armour gore-distain'd, + And all the multitude around the foss + Stalk'd shrieking dreadful; me pale horror seized. + I next, importunate, my people urged, 50 + Flaying the victims which myself had slain, + To burn them, and to supplicate in pray'r + Illustrious Pluto and dread Proserpine. + Then down I sat, and with drawn faulchion chased + The ghosts, nor suffer'd them to approach the blood, + Till with Tiresias I should first confer. + The spirit, first, of my companion came, + Elpenor; for no burial honours yet + Had he received, but we had left his corse + In Circe's palace, tombless, undeplored, 60 + Ourselves by pressure urged of other cares. + Touch'd with compassion seeing him, I wept, + And in wing'd accents brief him thus bespake. + Elpenor! how cam'st thou into the realms + Of darkness? Hast thou, though on foot, so far + Outstripp'd my speed, who in my bark arrived? + So I, to whom with tears he thus replied. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Fool'd by some dæmon and the intemp'rate bowl, + I perish'd in the house of Circe; there 70 + The deep-descending steps heedless I miss'd, + And fell precipitated from the roof. + With neck-bone broken from the vertebræ + Outstretch'd I lay; my spirit sought the shades. + But now, by those whom thou hast left at home, + By thy Penelope, and by thy fire, + The gentle nourisher of thy infant growth, + And by thy only son Telemachus + I make my suit to thee. For, sure, I know + That from the house of Pluto safe return'd, 80 + Thou shalt ere long thy gallant vessel moor + At the Ææan isle. Ah! there arrived + Remember me. Leave me not undeplored + Nor uninhumed, lest, for my sake, the Gods + In vengeance visit thee; but with my arms + (What arms soe'er I left) burn me, and raise + A kind memorial of me on the coast, + Heap'd high with earth; that an unhappy man + May yet enjoy an unforgotten name. + Thus do at my request, and on my hill 90 + Funereal, plant the oar with which I row'd, + While yet I lived a mariner of thine. + He spake, to whom thus answer I return'd. + Poor youth! I will perform thy whole desire. + Thus we, there sitting, doleful converse held, + With outstretch'd faulchion, I, guarding the blood, + And my companion's shadowy semblance sad + Meantime discoursing me on various themes. + The soul of my departed mother, next, + Of Anticleia came, daughter of brave 100 + Autolycus; whom, when I sought the shores + Of Ilium, I had living left at home. + Seeing her, with compassion touch'd, I wept, + Yet even her, (although it pain'd my soul) + Forbad, relentless, to approach the blood, + Till with Tiresias I should first confer. + Then came the spirit of the Theban seer + Himself, his golden sceptre in his hand, + Who knew me, and, enquiring, thus began. + Why, hapless Chief! leaving the cheerful day, 110 + Arriv'st thou to behold the dead, and this + Unpleasant land? but, from the trench awhile + Receding, turn thy faulchion keen away, + That I may drink the blood, and tell thee truth. + He spake; I thence receding, deep infix'd + My sword bright-studded in the sheath again. + The noble prophet then, approaching, drank + The blood, and, satisfied, address'd me thus. + Thou seek'st a pleasant voyage home again, + Renown'd Ulysses! but a God will make 120 + That voyage difficult; for, as I judge, + Thou wilt not pass by Neptune unperceiv'd, + Whose anger follows thee, for that thou hast + Deprived his son Cyclops of his eye. + At length, however, after num'rous woes + Endur'd, thou may'st attain thy native isle, + If thy own appetite thou wilt controul + And theirs who follow thee, what time thy bark + Well-built, shall at Thrinacia's shore arrive,[41] + Escaped from perils of the gloomy Deep. 130 + There shall ye find grazing the flocks and herds + Of the all-seeing and all-hearing Sun, + Which, if attentive to thy safe return, + Thou leave unharm'd, though after num'rous woes, + Ye may at length arrive in Ithaca. + But if thou violate them, I denounce + Destruction on thy ship and all thy band, + And though thyself escape, late shalt thou reach + Thy home and hard-bested,[42] in a strange bark, + All thy companions lost; trouble beside 140 + Awaits thee there, for thou shalt find within + Proud suitors of thy noble wife, who waste + Thy substance, and with promis'd spousal gifts + Ceaseless solicit her to wed; yet well + Shalt thou avenge all their injurious deeds. + That once perform'd, and ev'ry suitor slain + Either by stratagem, or face to face, + In thy own palace, bearing, as thou go'st, + A shapely oar, journey, till thou hast found + A people who the sea know not, nor eat 150 + Food salted; they trim galley crimson prow'd + Have ne'er beheld, nor yet smooth-shaven oar, + With which the vessel wing'd scuds o'er the waves. + Well thou shalt know them; this shall be the sign-- + When thou shalt meet a trav'ler, who shall name + The oar on thy broad shoulder borne, a van,[43] + There, deep infixing it within the soil, + Worship the King of Ocean with a bull, + A ram, and a lascivious boar, then seek + Thy home again, and sacrifice at home 160 + An hecatomb to the Immortal Gods, + Adoring each duly, and in his course. + So shalt thou die in peace a gentle death, + Remote from Ocean; it shall find thee late, + In soft serenity of age, the Chief + Of a blest people.--I have told thee truth. + He spake, to whom I answer thus return'd. + Tiresias! thou, I doubt not, hast reveal'd + The ordinance of heav'n. But tell me, Seer! + And truly. I behold my mother's shade; 170 + Silent she sits beside the blood, nor word + Nor even look vouchsafes to her own son. + How shall she learn, prophet, that I am her's? + So I, to whom Tiresias quick replied. + The course is easy. Learn it, taught by me. + What shade soe'er, by leave of thee obtain'd, + Shall taste the blood, that shade will tell thee truth; + The rest, prohibited, will all retire. + When thus the spirit of the royal Seer + Had his prophetic mind reveal'd, again 180 + He enter'd Pluto's gates; but I unmoved + Still waited till my mother's shade approach'd; + She drank the blood, then knew me, and in words + Wing'd with affection, plaintive, thus began. + My son! how hast thou enter'd, still alive, + This darksome region? Difficult it is + For living man to view the realms of death. + Broad rivers roll, and awful floods between, + But chief, the Ocean, which to pass on foot, + Or without ship, impossible is found. 190 + Hast thou, long wand'ring in thy voyage home + From Ilium, with thy ship and crew arrived, + Ithaca and thy consort yet unseen? + She spake, to whom this answer I return'd. + My mother! me necessity constrain'd + To Pluto's dwelling, anxious to consult + Theban Tiresias; for I have not yet + Approach'd Achaia, nor have touch'd the shore + Of Ithaca, but suff'ring ceaseless woe + Have roam'd, since first in Agamemnon's train 200 + I went to combat with the sons of Troy. + But speak, my mother, and the truth alone; + What stroke of fate slew _thee_? Fell'st thou a prey + To some slow malady? or by the shafts + Of gentle Dian suddenly subdued? + Speak to me also of my ancient Sire, + And of Telemachus, whom I left at home; + Possess I still unalienate and safe + My property, or hath some happier Chief + Admittance free into my fortunes gain'd, 210 + No hope subsisting more of my return? + The mind and purpose of my wedded wife + Declare thou also. Dwells she with our son + Faithful to my domestic interests, + Or is she wedded to some Chief of Greece? + I ceas'd, when thus the venerable shade. + Not so; she faithful still and patient dwells + Thy roof beneath; but all her days and nights + Devoting sad to anguish and to tears. + Thy fortunes still are thine; Telemachus 220 + Cultivates, undisturb'd, thy land, and sits + At many a noble banquet, such as well + Beseems the splendour of his princely state, + For all invite him; at his farm retired + Thy father dwells, nor to the city comes, + For aught; nor bed, nor furniture of bed, + Furr'd cloaks or splendid arras he enjoys, + But, with his servile hinds all winter sleeps + In ashes and in dust at the hearth-side, + Coarsely attired; again, when summer comes, 230 + Or genial autumn, on the fallen leaves + In any nook, not curious where, he finds + There, stretch'd forlorn, nourishing grief, he weeps + Thy lot, enfeebled now by num'rous years. + So perish'd I; such fate I also found; + Me, neither the right-aiming arch'ress struck, + Diana, with her gentle shafts, nor me + Distemper slew, my limbs by slow degrees + But sure, bereaving of their little life, 240 + But long regret, tender solicitude, + And recollection of thy kindness past, + These, my Ulysses! fatal proved to me. + She said; I, ardent wish'd to clasp the shade + Of my departed mother; thrice I sprang + Toward her, by desire impetuous urged, + And thrice she flitted from between my arms, + Light as a passing shadow or a dream. + Then, pierced by keener grief, in accents wing'd + With filial earnestness I thus replied. 250 + My mother, why elud'st thou my attempt + To clasp thee, that ev'n here, in Pluto's realm, + We might to full satiety indulge + Our grief, enfolded in each other's arms? + Hath Proserpine, alas! only dispatch'd + A shadow to me, to augment my woe? + Then, instant, thus the venerable form. + Ah, son! thou most afflicted of mankind! + On thee, Jove's daughter, Proserpine, obtrudes + No airy semblance vain; but such the state 260 + And nature is of mortals once deceased. + For they nor muscle have, nor flesh, nor bone; + All those (the spirit from the body once + Divorced) the violence of fire consumes, + And, like a dream, the soul flies swift away. + But haste thou back to light, and, taught thyself + These sacred truths, hereafter teach thy spouse. + Thus mutual we conferr'd. Then, thither came, + Encouraged forth by royal Proserpine, + Shades female num'rous, all who consorts, erst, 270 + Or daughters were of mighty Chiefs renown'd. + About the sable blood frequent they swarm'd. + But I, consid'ring sat, how I might each + Interrogate, and thus resolv'd. My sword + Forth drawing from beside my sturdy thigh, + Firm I prohibited the ghosts to drink + The blood together; they successive came; + Each told her own distress; I question'd all. + There, first, the high-born Tyro I beheld; + She claim'd Salmoneus as her sire, and wife 280 + Was once of Cretheus, son of Æolus. + Enamour'd of Enipeus, stream divine, + Loveliest of all that water earth, beside + His limpid current she was wont to stray, + When Ocean's God, (Enipeus' form assumed) + Within the eddy-whirling river's mouth + Embraced her; there, while the o'er-arching flood, + Uplifted mountainous, conceal'd the God + And his fair human bride, her virgin zone + He loos'd, and o'er her eyes sweet sleep diffused. 290 + His am'rous purpose satisfied, he grasp'd + Her hand, affectionate, and thus he said. + Rejoice in this my love, and when the year + Shall tend to consummation of its course, + Thou shalt produce illustrious twins, for love + Immortal never is unfruitful love. + Rear them with all a mother's care; meantime, + Hence to thy home. Be silent. Name it not. + For I am Neptune, Shaker of the shores. + So saying, he plunged into the billowy Deep. 300 + She pregnant grown, Pelias and Neleus bore, + Both, valiant ministers of mighty Jove. + In wide-spread Iäolchus Pelias dwelt, + Of num'rous flocks possess'd; but his abode + Amid the sands of Pylus Neleus chose. + To Cretheus wedded next, the lovely nymph + Yet other sons, Æson and Pheres bore, + And Amythaon of equestrian fame. + I, next, the daughter of Asopus saw, + Antiope; she gloried to have known 310 + Th' embrace of Jove himself, to whom she brought + A double progeny, Amphion named + And Zethus; they the seven-gated Thebes + Founded and girded with strong tow'rs, because, + Though puissant Heroes both, in spacious Thebes + Unfenced by tow'rs, they could not dwell secure. + Alcmena, next, wife of Amphitryon + I saw; she in the arms of sov'reign Jove + The lion-hearted Hercules conceiv'd, + And, after, bore to Creon brave in fight 320 + His daughter Megara, by the noble son + Unconquer'd of Amphitryon espoused. + The beauteous Epicaste[44] saw I then, + Mother of Oedipus, who guilt incurr'd + Prodigious, wedded, unintentional, + To her own son; his father first he slew, + Then wedded her, which soon the Gods divulged. + He, under vengeance of offended heav'n, + In pleasant Thebes dwelt miserable, King + Of the Cadmean race; she to the gates 330 + Of Ades brazen-barr'd despairing went, + Self-strangled by a cord fasten'd aloft + To her own palace-roof, and woes bequeath'd + (Such as the Fury sisters execute + Innumerable) to her guilty son. + There also saw I Chloris, loveliest fair, + Whom Neleus woo'd and won with spousal gifts + Inestimable, by her beauty charm'd + She youngest daughter was of Iasus' son, + Amphion, in old time a sov'reign prince 340 + In Minuëian Orchomenus, + And King of Pylus. Three illustrious sons + She bore to Neleus, Nestor, Chromius, + And Periclymenus the wide-renown'd, + And, last, produced a wonder of the earth, + Pero, by ev'ry neighbour prince around + In marriage sought; but Neleus her on none + Deign'd to bestow, save only on the Chief + Who should from Phylace drive off the beeves + (Broad-fronted, and with jealous care secured) 350 + Of valiant Iphicles. One undertook + That task alone, a prophet high in fame, + Melampus; but the Fates fast bound him there + In rig'rous bonds by rustic hands imposed. + At length (the year, with all its months and days + Concluded, and the new-born year begun) + Illustrious Iphicles releas'd the seer, + Grateful for all the oracles resolved,[45] + Till then obscure. So stood the will of Jove. + Next, Leda, wife of Tyndarus I saw, 360 + Who bore to Tyndarus a noble pair, + Castor the bold, and Pollux cestus-famed. + They pris'ners in the fertile womb of earth, + Though living, dwell, and even there from Jove + High priv'lege gain; alternate they revive + And die, and dignity partake divine. + The comfort of Aloëus, next, I view'd, + Iphimedeia; she th' embrace profess'd + Of Neptune to have shared, to whom she bore + Two sons; short-lived they were, but godlike both, 370 + Otus and Ephialtes far-renown'd. + Orion sole except, all-bounteous Earth + Ne'er nourish'd forms for beauty or for size + To be admired as theirs; in his ninth year + Each measur'd, broad, nine cubits, and the height + Was found nine ells of each. Against the Gods + Themselves they threaten'd war, and to excite + The din of battle in the realms above. + To the Olympian summit they essay'd + To heave up Ossa, and to Ossa's crown 380 + Branch-waving Pelion; so to climb the heav'ns. + Nor had they failed, maturer grown in might, + To accomplish that emprize, but them the son[46] + Of radiant-hair'd Latona and of Jove + Slew both, ere yet the down of blooming youth + Thick-sprung, their cheeks or chins had tufted o'er. + Phædra I also there, and Procris saw, + And Ariadne for her beauty praised, + Whose sire was all-wise Minos. Theseus her + From Crete toward the fruitful region bore 390 + Of sacred Athens, but enjoy'd not there, + For, first, she perish'd by Diana's shafts + In Dia, Bacchus witnessing her crime.[47] + Mæra and Clymene I saw beside, + And odious Eriphyle, who received + The price in gold of her own husband's life. + But all the wives of Heroes whom I saw, + And all their daughters can I not relate; + Night, first, would fail; and even now the hour + Calls me to rest either on board my bark, 400 + Or here; meantime, I in yourselves confide, + And in the Gods to shape my conduct home. + He ceased; the whole assembly silent sat, + Charm'd into ecstacy by his discourse + Throughout the twilight hall, till, at the last, + Areta iv'ry arm'd them thus bespake. + Phæacians! how appears he in your eyes + This stranger, graceful as he is in port, + In stature noble, and in mind discrete? + My guest he is, but ye all share with me 410 + That honour; him dismiss not, therefore, hence + With haste, nor from such indigence withhold + Supplies gratuitous; for ye are rich, + And by kind heav'n with rare possessions blest. + The Hero, next, Echeneus spake, a Chief + Now ancient, eldest of Phæacia's sons. + Your prudent Queen, my friends, speaks not beside + Her proper scope, but as beseems her well. + Her voice obey; yet the effect of all + Must on Alcinoüs himself depend. 420 + To whom Alcinoüs, thus, the King, replied. + I ratify the word. So shall be done, + As surely as myself shall live supreme + O'er all Phæacia's maritime domain. + Then let the guest, though anxious to depart, + Wait till the morrow, that I may complete + The whole donation. His safe conduct home + Shall be the gen'ral care, but mine in Chief, + To whom dominion o'er the rest belongs. + Him answer'd, then, Ulysses ever-wise. 430 + Alcinoüs! Prince! exalted high o'er all + Phæacia's sons! should ye solicit, kind, + My stay throughout the year, preparing still + My conduct home, and with illustrious gifts + Enriching me the while, ev'n that request + Should please me well; the wealthier I return'd, + The happier my condition; welcome more + And more respectable I should appear + In ev'ry eye to Ithaca restored. + To whom Alcinoüs answer thus return'd. 440 + Ulysses! viewing thee, no fears we feel + Lest thou, at length, some false pretender prove, + Or subtle hypocrite, of whom no few + Disseminated o'er its face the earth + Sustains, adepts in fiction, and who frame + Fables, where fables could be least surmised. + Thy phrase well turn'd, and thy ingenuous mind + Proclaim _thee_ diff'rent far, who hast in strains + Musical as a poet's voice, the woes + Rehears'd of all thy Greecians, and thy own. 450 + But say, and tell me true. Beheld'st thou there + None of thy followers to the walls of Troy + Slain in that warfare? Lo! the night is long-- + A night of utmost length; nor yet the hour + Invites to sleep. Tell me thy wond'rous deeds, + For I could watch till sacred dawn, could'st thou + So long endure to tell me of thy toils. + Then thus Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Alcinoüs! high exalted over all + Phæacia's sons! the time suffices yet 460 + For converse both and sleep, and if thou wish + To hear still more, I shall not spare to unfold + More pitiable woes than these, sustain'd + By my companions, in the end destroy'd; + Who, saved from perils of disast'rous war + At Ilium, perish'd yet in their return, + Victims of a pernicious woman's crime.[48] + Now, when chaste Proserpine had wide dispers'd + Those female shades, the spirit sore distress'd + Of Agamemnon, Atreus' son, appear'd; 470 + Encircled by a throng, he came; by all + Who with himself beneath Ægisthus' roof + Their fate fulfill'd, perishing by the sword. + He drank the blood, and knew me; shrill he wail'd + And querulous; tears trickling bathed his cheeks, + And with spread palms, through ardour of desire + He sought to enfold me fast, but vigour none, + Or force, as erst, his agile limbs inform'd. + I, pity-moved, wept at the sight, and him, + In accents wing'd by friendship, thus address'd. 480 + Ah glorious son of Atreus, King of men! + What hand inflicted the all-numbing stroke + Of death on thee? Say, didst thou perish sunk + By howling tempests irresistible + Which Neptune raised, or on dry land by force + Of hostile multitudes, while cutting off + Beeves from the herd, or driving flocks away, + Or fighting for Achaia's daughters, shut + Within some city's bulwarks close besieged? + I ceased, when Agamemnon thus replied. 490 + Ulysses, noble Chief, Laertes' son + For wisdom famed! I neither perish'd sunk + By howling tempests irresistible + Which Neptune raised, nor on dry land received + From hostile multitudes the fatal blow, + But me Ægisthus slew; my woeful death + Confed'rate with my own pernicious wife + He plotted, with a show of love sincere + Bidding me to his board, where as the ox + Is slaughter'd at his crib, he slaughter'd _me_. 500 + Such was my dreadful death; carnage ensued + Continual of my friends slain all around, + Num'rous as boars bright-tusk'd at nuptial feast, + Or feast convivial of some wealthy Chief. + Thou hast already witness'd many a field + With warriors overspread, slain one by one, + But that dire scene had most thy pity moved, + For we, with brimming beakers at our side, + And underneath full tables bleeding lay. + Blood floated all the pavement. Then the cries 510 + Of Priam's daughter sounded in my ears + Most pitiable of all. Cassandra's cries, + Whom Clytemnestra close beside me slew. + Expiring as I lay, I yet essay'd + To grasp my faulchion, but the trayt'ress quick + Withdrew herself, nor would vouchsafe to close + My languid eyes, or prop my drooping chin + Ev'n in the moment when I sought the shades. + So that the thing breathes not, ruthless and fell + As woman once resolv'd on such a deed 520 + Detestable, as my base wife contrived, + The murther of the husband of her youth. + I thought to have return'd welcome to all, + To my own children and domestic train; + But she, past measure profligate, hath poured + Shame on herself, on women yet unborn, + And even on the virtuous of her sex. + He ceas'd, to whom, thus, answer I return'd. + Gods! how severely hath the thund'rer plagued + The house of Atreus even from the first, 530 + By female counsels! we for Helen's sake + Have num'rous died, and Clytemnestra framed, + While thou wast far remote, this snare for thee! + So I, to whom Atrides thus replied. + Thou, therefore, be not pliant overmuch + To woman; trust her not with all thy mind, + But half disclose to her, and half conceal. + Yet, from thy consort's hand no bloody death, + My friend, hast thou to fear; for passing wise + Icarius' daughter is, far other thoughts, 540 + Intelligent, and other plans, to frame. + Her, going to the wars we left a bride + New-wedded, and thy boy hung at her breast, + Who, man himself, consorts ere now with men + A prosp'rous youth; his father, safe restored + To his own Ithaca, shall see him soon, + And _he_ shall clasp his father in his arms + As nature bids; but me, my cruel one + Indulged not with the dear delight to gaze + On my Orestes, for she slew me first. 550 + But listen; treasure what I now impart.[49] + Steer secret to thy native isle; avoid + Notice; for woman merits trust no more. + Now tell me truth. Hear ye in whose abode + My son resides? dwells he in Pylus, say, + Or in Orchomenos, or else beneath + My brother's roof in Sparta's wide domain? + For my Orestes is not yet a shade. + So he, to whom I answer thus return'd. + Atrides, ask not me. Whether he live, 560 + Or have already died, I nothing know; + Mere words are vanity, and better spared. + Thus we discoursing mutual stood, and tears + Shedding disconsolate. The shade, meantime, + Came of Achilles, Peleus' mighty son; + Patroclus also, and Antilochus + Appear'd, with Ajax, for proportion just + And stature tall, (Pelides sole except) + Distinguish'd above all Achaia's sons. + The soul of swift Æacides at once 570 + Knew me, and in wing'd accents thus began. + Brave Laertiades, for wiles renown'd! + What mightier enterprise than all the past + Hath made thee here a guest? rash as thou art! + How hast thou dared to penetrate the gloom + Of Ades, dwelling of the shadowy dead, + Semblances only of what once they were? + He spake, to whom I, answ'ring, thus replied. + O Peleus' son! Achilles! bravest far + Of all Achaia's race! I here arrived 580 + Seeking Tiresias, from his lips to learn, + Perchance, how I might safe regain the coast + Of craggy Ithaca; for tempest-toss'd + Perpetual, I have neither yet approach'd + Achaia's shore, or landed on my own. + But as for thee, Achilles! never man + Hath known felicity like thine, or shall, + Whom living we all honour'd as a God, + And who maintain'st, here resident, supreme + Controul among the dead; indulge not then, 590 + Achilles, causeless grief that thou hast died. + I ceased, and answer thus instant received. + Renown'd Ulysses! think not death a theme + Of consolation; I had rather live + The servile hind for hire, and eat the bread + Of some man scantily himself sustain'd, + Than sov'reign empire hold o'er all the shades. + But come--speak to me of my noble boy; + Proceeds he, as he promis'd, brave in arms, + Or shuns he war? Say also, hast thou heard 600 + Of royal Peleus? shares he still respect + Among his num'rous Myrmidons, or scorn + In Hellas and in Phthia, for that age + Predominates in his enfeebled limbs? + For help is none in me; the glorious sun + No longer sees me such, as when in aid + Of the Achaians I o'erspread the field + Of spacious Troy with all their bravest slain. + Oh might I, vigorous as then, repair[50] + For one short moment to my father's house, 610 + They all should tremble; I would shew an arm, + Such as should daunt the fiercest who presumes + To injure _him_, or to despise his age. + Achilles spake, to whom I thus replied. + Of noble Peleus have I nothing heard; + But I will tell thee, as thou bidd'st, the truth + Unfeign'd of Neoptolemus thy son; + For him, myself, on board my hollow bark + From Scyros to Achaia's host convey'd. + Oft as in council under Ilium's walls 620 + We met, he ever foremost was in speech, + Nor spake erroneous; Nestor and myself + Except, no Greecian could with him compare. + Oft, too, as we with battle hemm'd around + Troy's bulwarks, from among the mingled crowd + Thy son sprang foremost into martial act, + Inferior in heroic worth to none. + Beneath him num'rous fell the sons of Troy + In dreadful fight, nor have I pow'r to name + Distinctly all, who by his glorious arm 630 + Exerted in the cause of Greece, expired. + Yet will I name Eurypylus, the son + Of Telephus, an Hero whom his sword + Of life bereaved, and all around him strew'd + The plain with his Cetean warriors, won + To Ilium's side by bribes to women giv'n.[51] + Save noble Memnon only, I beheld + No Chief at Ilium beautiful as he. + Again, when we within the horse of wood + Framed by Epeüs sat, an ambush chos'n 640 + Of all the bravest Greeks, and I in trust + Was placed to open or to keep fast-closed + The hollow fraud; then, ev'ry Chieftain there + And Senator of Greece wiped from his cheeks + The tears, and tremors felt in ev'ry limb; + But never saw I changed to terror's hue + _His_ ruddy cheek, no tears wiped _he_ away, + But oft he press'd me to go forth, his suit + With pray'rs enforcing, griping hard his hilt + And his brass-burthen'd spear, and dire revenge 650 + Denouncing, ardent, on the race of Troy. + At length, when we had sack'd the lofty town + Of Priam, laden with abundant spoils + He safe embark'd, neither by spear or shaft + Aught hurt, or in close fight by faulchion's edge, + As oft in war befalls, where wounds are dealt + Promiscuous at the will of fiery Mars. + So I; then striding large, the spirit thence + Withdrew of swift Æacides, along + The hoary mead pacing,[52] with joy elate 660 + That I had blazon'd bright his son's renown. + The other souls of men by death dismiss'd + Stood mournful by, sad uttering each his woes; + The soul alone I saw standing remote + Of Telamonian Ajax, still incensed + That in our public contest for the arms + Worn by Achilles, and by Thetis thrown + Into dispute, my claim had strongest proved, + Troy and Minerva judges of the cause. + Disastrous victory! which I could wish 670 + Not to have won, since for that armour's sake + The earth hath cover'd Ajax, in his form + And martial deeds superior far to all + The Greecians, Peleus' matchless son except. + I, seeking to appease him, thus began. + O Ajax, son of glorious Telamon! + Canst thou remember, even after death, + Thy wrath against me, kindled for the sake + Of those pernicious arms? arms which the Gods + Ordain'd of such dire consequence to Greece, 680 + Which caused thy death, our bulwark! Thee we mourn + With grief perpetual, nor the death lament + Of Peleus' son, Achilles, more than thine. + Yet none is blameable; Jove evermore + With bitt'rest hate pursued Achaia's host, + And he ordain'd thy death. Hero! approach, + That thou may'st hear the words with which I seek + To sooth thee; let thy long displeasure cease! + Quell all resentment in thy gen'rous breast! + I spake; nought answer'd he, but sullen join'd 690 + His fellow-ghosts; yet, angry as he was, + I had prevail'd even on him to speak, + Or had, at least, accosted him again, + But that my bosom teem'd with strong desire + Urgent, to see yet others of the dead. + There saw I Minos, offspring famed of Jove; + His golden sceptre in his hand, he sat + Judge of the dead; they, pleading each in turn, + His cause, some stood, some sat, filling the house + Whose spacious folding-gates are never closed. 700 + Orion next, huge ghost, engaged my view, + Droves urging o'er the grassy mead, of beasts + Which he had slain, himself, on the wild hills, + With strong club arm'd of ever-during brass. + There also Tityus on the ground I saw + Extended, offspring of the glorious earth; + Nine acres he o'erspread, and, at his side + Station'd, two vultures on his liver prey'd, + Scooping his entrails; nor sufficed his hands + To fray them thence; for he had sought to force 710 + Latona, illustrious concubine of Jove, + What time the Goddess journey'd o'er the rocks + Of Pytho into pleasant Panopeus. + Next, suff'ring grievous torments, I beheld + Tantalus; in a pool he stood, his chin + Wash'd by the wave; thirst-parch'd he seem'd, but found + Nought to assuage his thirst; for when he bow'd + His hoary head, ardent to quaff, the flood + Vanish'd absorb'd, and, at his feet, adust + The soil appear'd, dried, instant, by the Gods. 720 + Tall trees, fruit-laden, with inflected heads + Stoop'd to him, pomegranates, apples bright, + The luscious fig, and unctuous olive smooth; + Which when with sudden grasp he would have seized, + Winds hurl'd them high into the dusky clouds. + There, too, the hard-task'd Sisyphus I saw, + Thrusting before him, strenuous, a vast rock.[53] + With hands and feet struggling, he shoved the stone + Up to a hill-top; but the steep well-nigh + Vanquish'd, by some great force repulsed,[54] the mass 730 + Rush'd again, obstinate, down to the plain. + Again, stretch'd prone, severe he toiled, the sweat + Bathed all his weary limbs, and his head reek'd. + The might of Hercules I, next, survey'd; + His semblance; for himself their banquet shares + With the Immortal Gods, and in his arms + Enfolds neat-footed Hebe, daughter fair + Of Jove, and of his golden-sandal'd spouse. + Around him, clamorous as birds, the dead + Swarm'd turbulent; he, gloomy-brow'd as night, 740 + With uncased bow and arrow on the string + Peer'd terrible from side to side, as one + Ever in act to shoot; a dreadful belt + He bore athwart his bosom, thong'd with gold. + There, broider'd shone many a stupendous form, + Bears, wild boars, lions with fire-flashing eyes, + Fierce combats, battles, bloodshed, homicide. + The artist, author of that belt, none such + Before, produced, or after. Me his eye + No sooner mark'd, than knowing me, in words 750 + By sorrow quick suggested, he began. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Ah, hapless Hero! thou art, doubtless, charged, + Thou also, with some arduous labour, such + As in the realms of day I once endured. + Son was I of Saturnian Jove, yet woes + Immense sustain'd, subjected to a King + Inferior far to me, whose harsh commands + Enjoin'd me many a terrible exploit. + He even bade me on a time lead hence 760 + The dog, that task believing above all + Impracticable; yet from Ades him + I dragg'd reluctant into light, by aid + Of Hermes, and of Pallas azure-eyed. + So saying, he penetrated deep again + The abode of Pluto; but I still unmoved + There stood expecting, curious, other shades + To see of Heroes in old time deceased. + And now, more ancient worthies still, and whom + I wish'd, I had beheld, Pirithoüs 770 + And Theseus, glorious progeny of Gods, + But nations, first, numberless of the dead + Came shrieking hideous; me pale horror seized, + Lest awful Proserpine should thither send + The Gorgon-head from Ades, sight abhorr'd! + I, therefore, hasting to the vessel, bade + My crew embark, and cast the hawsers loose. + They, quick embarking, on the benches sat. + Down the Oceanus[55] the current bore + My galley, winning, at the first, her way 780 + With oars, then, wafted by propitious gales. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[40] Milton. + +[41] The shore of Scilly commonly called Trinacria, but _Euphonicè_ by +Homer, Thrinacia. + +[42] The expression is used by Milton, and signifies--Beset with many +difficulties. + +[43] Mistaking the oar for a corn-van. A sure indication of his ignorance +of maritime concerns. + +[44] By the Tragedians called--Jocasta. + +[45] Iphicles had been informed by the Oracles that he should have no +children till instructed by a prophet how to obtain them; a service which +Melampus had the good fortune to render him. + +[46] Apollo. + +[47] Bacchus accused her to Diana of having lain with Theseus in his +temple, and the Goddess punished her with death. + +[48] Probably meaning Helen. + +[49] This is surely one of the most natural strokes to be found in any +Poet. Convinced, for a moment, by the virtues of Penelope, he mentioned +her with respect; but recollecting himself suddenly, involves even her in +his general ill opinion of the sex, begotten in him by the crimes of +Clytemnestra. + +[50] Another most beautiful stroke of nature. Ere yet Ulysses has had +opportunity to answer, the very thought that Peleus may possibly be +insulted, fires him, and he takes the whole for granted. Thus is the +impetuous character of Achilles sustained to the last moment! + +[51] Γυναίων εινεκα δώρων--Priam is said to have influenced by gifts the +wife and mother of Eurypylus, to persuade him to the assistance of Troy, +he being himself unwilling to engage. The passage through defect of +history has long been dark, and commentators have adapted different +senses to it, all conjectural. The Ceteans are said to have been a people +of Mysia, of which Eurypylus was King. + +[52] Κατ' ασφοδελον λειμωνα--Asphodel was planted on the graves and +around the tombs of the deceased, and hence the supposition that the +Stygian plain was clothed with asphodel. F. + +[53] Βασαζοντα must have this sense interpreted by what follows. To +attempt to make the English numbers expressive as the Greek is a labour +like that of Sisyphus. The Translator has done what he could. + +[54] It is now, perhaps, impossible to ascertain with precision what +Homer meant by the word κραταιίς, which he uses only here, and in the +next book, where it is the name of Scylla's dam.--Αναιδης--is also of +very doubtful explication. + +[55] The two first lines of the following book seem to ascertain the true +meaning of the conclusion of this, and to prove sufficiently that by +Ὠκεανὸς here Homer could not possibly intend any other than a river. In +those lines he tells us in the plainest terms that _the ship left the +stream of the river Oceanus, and arrived in the open sea_. Diodorus +Siculus informs us that Ὠκεανὸς had been a name anciently given to the +Nile. See Clarke. + + + + +BOOK XII + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses, pursuing his narrative, relates his return from the shades to +Circe's island, the precautions given him by that Goddess, his escape +from the Sirens, and from Scylla and Charybdis; his arrival in Sicily, +where his companions, having slain and eaten the oxen of the Sun, are +afterward shipwrecked and lost; and concludes the whole with an account +of his arrival, alone, on the mast of his vessel, at the island of +Calypso. + + + And now, borne seaward from the river-stream + Of the Oceanus, we plow'd again + The spacious Deep, and reach'd th' Ææan isle, + Where, daughter of the dawn, Aurora takes + Her choral sports, and whence the sun ascends. + We, there arriving, thrust our bark aground + On the smooth beach, then landed, and on shore + Reposed, expectant of the sacred dawn. + But soon as day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd + Look'd forth again, sending my friends before, 10 + I bade them bring Elpenor's body down + From the abode of Circe to the beach. + Then, on the utmost headland of the coast + We timber fell'd, and, sorrowing o'er the dead, + His fun'ral rites water'd with tears profuse. + The dead consumed, and with the dead his arms, + We heap'd his tomb, and the sepulchral post + Erecting, fix'd his shapely oar aloft. + Thus, punctual, we perform'd; nor our return + From Ades knew not Circe, but attired 20 + In haste, ere long arrived, with whom appear'd + Her female train with plenteous viands charged, + And bright wine rosy-red. Amidst us all + Standing, the beauteous Goddess thus began. + Ah miserable! who have sought the shades + Alive! while others of the human race + Die only once, appointed twice to die! + Come--take ye food; drink wine; and on the shore + All day regale, for ye shall hence again + At day-spring o'er the Deep; but I will mark 30 + Myself your future course, nor uninform'd + Leave you in aught, lest, through some dire mistake, + By sea or land new mis'ries ye incur. + The Goddess spake, whose invitation kind + We glad accepted; thus we feasting sat + Till set of sun, and quaffing richest wine; + But when the sun went down and darkness fell, + My crew beside the hawsers slept, while me + The Goddess by the hand leading apart, + First bade me sit, then, seated opposite, 40 + Enquired, minute, of all that I had seen, + And I, from first to last, recounted all. + Then, thus the awful Goddess in return. + Thus far thy toils are finish'd. Now attend! + Mark well my words, of which the Gods will sure + Themselves remind thee in the needful hour. + First shalt thou reach the Sirens; they the hearts + Enchant of all who on their coast arrive. + The wretch, who unforewarn'd approaching, hears + The Sirens' voice, his wife and little-ones 50 + Ne'er fly to gratulate his glad return, + But him the Sirens sitting in the meads + Charm with mellifluous song, while all around + The bones accumulated lie of men + Now putrid, and the skins mould'ring away. + But, pass them thou, and, lest thy people hear + Those warblings, ere thou yet approach, fill all + Their ears with wax moulded between thy palms; + But as for thee--thou hear them if thou wilt. + Yet let thy people bind thee to the mast 60 + Erect, encompassing thy feet and arms + With cordage well-secured to the mast-foot, + So shalt thou, raptur'd, hear the Sirens' song. + But if thou supplicate to be released, + Or give such order, then, with added cords + Let thy companions bind thee still the more. + When thus thy people shall have safely pass'd + The Sirens by, think not from me to learn + What course thou next shalt steer; two will occur; + Delib'rate chuse; I shall describe them both. 70 + Here vaulted rocks impend, dash'd by the waves + Immense of Amphitrite azure-eyed; + The blessed Gods those rocks, Erratic, call. + Birds cannot pass them safe; no, not the doves + Which his ambrosia bear to Father Jove, + But even of those doves the slipp'ry rock + Proves fatal still to one, for which the God + Supplies another, lest the number fail. + No ship, what ship soever there arrives, + Escapes them, but both mariners and planks 80 + Whelm'd under billows of the Deep, or, caught + By fiery tempests, sudden disappear. + Those rocks the billow-cleaving bark alone + The Argo, further'd by the vows of all, + Pass'd safely, sailing from Ææta's isle; + Nor she had pass'd, but surely dash'd had been + On those huge rocks, but that, propitious still + To Jason, Juno sped her safe along. + These rocks are two; one lifts his summit sharp + High as the spacious heav'ns, wrapt in dun clouds 90 + Perpetual, which nor autumn sees dispers'd + Nor summer, for the sun shines never there; + No mortal man might climb it or descend, + Though twice ten hands and twice ten feet he own'd, + For it is levigated as by art. + Down scoop'd to Erebus, a cavern drear + Yawns in the centre of its western side; + Pass it, renown'd Ulysses! but aloof + So far, that a keen arrow smartly sent + Forth from thy bark should fail to reach the cave. 100 + There Scylla dwells, and thence her howl is heard + Tremendous; shrill her voice is as the note + Of hound new-whelp'd, but hideous her aspect, + Such as no mortal man, nor ev'n a God + Encount'ring her, should with delight survey. + Her feet are twelve, all fore-feet; six her necks + Of hideous length, each clubb'd into a head + Terrific, and each head with fangs is arm'd + In triple row, thick planted, stored with death. + Plunged to her middle in the hollow den 110 + She lurks, protruding from the black abyss + Her heads, with which the rav'ning monster dives + In quest of dolphins, dog-fish, or of prey + More bulky, such as in the roaring gulphs + Of Amphitrite without end abounds. + It is no seaman's boast that e'er he slipp'd + Her cavern by, unharm'd. In ev'ry mouth + She bears upcaught a mariner away. + The other rock, Ulysses, thou shalt find + Humbler, a bow-shot only from the first; 120 + On this a wild fig grows broad-leav'd, and here + Charybdis dire ingulphs the sable flood. + Each day she thrice disgorges, and each day + Thrice swallows it. Ah! well forewarn'd, beware + What time she swallows, that thou come not nigh, + For not himself, Neptune, could snatch thee thence. + Close passing Scylla's rock, shoot swift thy bark + Beyond it, since the loss of six alone + Is better far than shipwreck made of all. + So Circe spake, to whom I thus replied. 130 + Tell me, O Goddess, next, and tell me true! + If, chance, from fell Charybdis I escape, + May I not also save from Scylla's force + My people; should the monster threaten them? + I said, and quick the Goddess in return. + Unhappy! can exploits and toils of war + Still please thee? yield'st not to the Gods themselves? + She is no mortal, but a deathless pest, + Impracticable, savage, battle-proof. + Defence is vain; flight is thy sole resource. 140 + For should'st thou linger putting on thy arms + Beside the rock, beware, lest darting forth + Her num'rous heads, she seize with ev'ry mouth + A Greecian, and with others, even thee. + Pass therefore swift, and passing, loud invoke + Cratais, mother of this plague of man, + Who will forbid her to assail thee more. + Thou, next, shalt reach Thrinacia; there, the beeves + And fatted flocks graze num'rous of the Sun; + Sev'n herds; as many flocks of snowy fleece; 150 + Fifty in each; they breed not, neither die, + Nor are they kept by less than Goddesses, + Lampetia fair, and Phäethusa, both + By nymph Neæra to Hyperion borne. + Them, soon as she had train'd them to an age + Proportion'd to that charge, their mother sent + Into Thrinacia, there to dwell and keep + Inviolate their father's flocks and herds. + If, anxious for a safe return, thou spare + Those herds and flocks, though after much endured, 160 + Ye may at last your Ithaca regain; + But should'st thou violate them, I foretell + Destruction of thy ship and of thy crew, + And though thyself escape, thou shalt return + Late, in ill plight, and all thy friends destroy'd. + She ended, and the golden morning dawn'd. + Then, all-divine, her graceful steps she turn'd + Back through the isle, and, at the beach arrived, + I summon'd all my followers to ascend + The bark again, and cast the hawsers loose. 170 + They, at my voice, embarking, fill'd in ranks + The seats, and rowing, thresh'd the hoary flood. + And now, melodious Circe, nymph divine, + Sent after us a canvas-stretching breeze, + Pleasant companion of our course, and we + (The decks and benches clear'd) untoiling sat, + While managed gales sped swift the bark along. + Then, with dejected heart, thus I began. + Oh friends! (for it is needful that not one + Or two alone the admonition hear 180 + Of Circe, beauteous prophetess divine) + To all I speak, that whether we escape + Or perish, all may be, at least, forewarn'd. + She bids us, first, avoid the dang'rous song + Of the sweet Sirens and their flow'ry meads. + Me only she permits those strains to hear; + But ye shall bind me with coercion strong + Of cordage well-secured to the mast-foot, + And by no struggles to be loos'd of mine. + But should I supplicate to be released 190 + Or give such order, then, with added cords + Be it your part to bind me still the more. + Thus with distinct precaution I prepared + My people; rapid in her course, meantime, + My gallant bark approach'd the Sirens' isle, + For brisk and favourable blew the wind. + Then fell the wind suddenly, and serene + A breathless calm ensued, while all around + The billows slumber'd, lull'd by pow'r divine. + Up-sprang my people, and the folded sails 200 + Bestowing in the hold, sat to their oars, + Which with their polish'd blades whiten'd the Deep. + I, then, with edge of steel sev'ring minute + A waxen cake, chafed it and moulded it + Between my palms; ere long the ductile mass + Grew warm, obedient to that ceaseless force, + And to Hyperion's all-pervading beams. + With that soft liniment I fill'd the ears + Of my companions, man by man, and they + My feet and arms with strong coercion bound 210 + Of cordage to the mast-foot well secured. + Then down they sat, and, rowing, thresh'd the brine. + But when with rapid course we had arrived + Within such distance as a voice may reach, + Not unperceived by them the gliding bark + Approach'd, and, thus, harmonious they began. + Ulysses, Chief by ev'ry tongue extoll'd, + Achaia's boast, oh hither steer thy bark! + Here stay thy course, and listen to our lay! + These shores none passes in his sable ship 220 + Till, first, the warblings of our voice he hear, + Then, happier hence and wiser he departs. + All that the Greeks endured, and all the ills + Inflicted by the Gods on Troy, we know, + Know all that passes on the boundless earth. + So they with voices sweet their music poured + Melodious on my ear, winning with ease + My heart's desire to listen, and by signs + I bade my people, instant, set me free. + But they incumbent row'd, and from their seats 230 + Eurylochus and Perimedes sprang + With added cords to bind me still the more. + This danger past, and when the Sirens' voice, + Now left remote, had lost its pow'r to charm, + Then, my companions freeing from the wax + Their ears, deliver'd me from my restraint. + The island left afar, soon I discern'd + Huge waves, and smoke, and horrid thund'rings heard. + All sat aghast; forth flew at once the oars + From ev'ry hand, and with a clash the waves 240 + Smote all together; check'd, the galley stood, + By billow-sweeping oars no longer urged, + And I, throughout the bark, man after man + Encouraged all, addressing thus my crew. + We meet not, now, my friends, our first distress. + This evil is not greater than we found + When the huge Cyclops in his hollow den + Imprison'd us, yet even thence we 'scaped, + My intrepidity and fertile thought + Opening the way; and we shall recollect 250 + These dangers also, in due time, with joy. + Come, then--pursue my counsel. Ye your seats + Still occupying, smite the furrow'd flood + With well-timed strokes, that by the will of Jove + We may escape, perchance, this death, secure. + To thee the pilot thus I speak, (my words + Mark thou, for at thy touch the rudder moves) + This smoke, and these tumultuous waves avoid; + Steer wide of both; yet with an eye intent + On yonder rock, lest unaware thou hold 260 + Too near a course, and plunge us into harm. + So I; with whose advice all, quick, complied. + But Scylla I as yet named not, (that woe + Without a cure) lest, terrified, my crew + Should all renounce their oars, and crowd below. + Just then, forgetful of the strict command + Of Circe not to arm, I cloath'd me all + In radiant armour, grasp'd two quiv'ring spears, + And to the deck ascended at the prow, + Expecting earliest notice there, what time 270 + The rock-bred Scylla should annoy my friends. + But I discern'd her not, nor could, although + To weariness of sight the dusky rock + I vigilant explored. Thus, many a groan + Heaving, we navigated sad the streight, + For here stood Scylla, while Charybdis there + With hoarse throat deep absorb'd the briny flood. + Oft as she vomited the deluge forth, + Like water cauldron'd o'er a furious fire + The whirling Deep all murmur'd, and the spray 280 + On both those rocky summits fell in show'rs. + But when she suck'd the salt wave down again, + Then, all the pool appear'd wheeling about + Within, the rock rebellow'd, and the sea + Drawn off into that gulph disclosed to view + The oozy bottom. Us pale horror seized. + Thus, dreading death, with fast-set eyes we watch'd + Charybdis; meantime, Scylla from the bark + Caught six away, the bravest of my friends. + With eyes, that moment, on my ship and crew 290 + Retorted, I beheld the legs and arms + Of those whom she uplifted in the air; + On me they call'd, my name, the last, last time + Pronouncing then, in agony of heart. + As when from some bold point among the rocks + The angler, with his taper rod in hand, + Casts forth his bait to snare the smaller fry, + He swings away remote his guarded line,[56] + Then jerks his gasping prey forth from the Deep, + So Scylla them raised gasping to the rock, 300 + And at her cavern's mouth devour'd them loud- + Shrieking, and stretching forth to me their arms + In sign of hopeless mis'ry. Ne'er beheld + These eyes in all the seas that I have roam'd, + A sight so piteous, nor in all my toils. + From Scylla and Charybdis dire escaped, + We reach'd the noble island of the Sun + Ere long, where bright Hyperion's beauteous herds + Broad-fronted grazed, and his well-batten'd flocks. + I, in the bark and on the sea, the voice 310 + Of oxen bellowing in hovels heard, + And of loud-bleating sheep; then dropp'd the word + Into my memory of the sightless Seer, + Theban Tiresias, and the caution strict + Of Circe, my Ææan monitress, + Who with such force had caution'd me to avoid + The island of the Sun, joy of mankind. + Thus then to my companions, sad, I spake. + Hear ye, my friends! although long time distress'd, + The words prophetic of the Theban seer 320 + And of Ææan Circe, whose advice + Was oft repeated to me to avoid + This island of the Sun, joy of mankind. + There, said the Goddess, dread your heaviest woes, + Pass the isle, therefore, scudding swift away. + I ceased; they me with consternation heard, + And harshly thus Eurylochus replied. + Ulysses, ruthless Chief! no toils impair + Thy strength, of senseless iron thou art form'd, + Who thy companions weary and o'erwatch'd 330 + Forbidd'st to disembark on this fair isle, + Where now, at last, we might with ease regale. + Thou, rash, command'st us, leaving it afar, + To roam all night the Ocean's dreary waste; + But winds to ships injurious spring by night, + And how shall we escape a dreadful death + If, chance, a sudden gust from South arise + Or stormy West, that dash in pieces oft + The vessel, even in the Gods' despight? + Prepare we rather now, as night enjoins, 340 + Our evening fare beside the sable bark, + In which at peep of day we may again + Launch forth secure into the boundless flood. + He ceas'd, whom all applauded. Then I knew + That sorrow by the will of adverse heav'n + Approach'd, and in wing'd accents thus replied. + I suffer force, Eurylochus! and yield + O'er-ruled by numbers. Come, then, swear ye all + A solemn oath, that should we find an herd + Or num'rous flock, none here shall either sheep 350 + Or bullock slay, by appetite profane + Seduced, but shall the viands eat content + Which from immortal Circe we received. + I spake; they readily a solemn oath + Sware all, and when their oath was fully sworn, + Within a creek where a fresh fountain rose + They moor'd the bark, and, issuing, began + Brisk preparation of their evening cheer. + But when nor hunger now nor thirst remain'd + Unsated, recollecting, then, their friends 360 + By Scylla seized and at her cave devour'd, + They mourn'd, nor ceased to mourn them, till they slept. + The night's third portion come, when now the stars + Had travers'd the mid-sky, cloud-gath'rer Jove + Call'd forth a vehement wind with tempest charged, + Menacing earth and sea with pitchy clouds + Tremendous, and the night fell dark from heav'n. + But when Aurora, daughter of the day, + Look'd rosy forth, we haled, drawn inland more, + Our bark into a grot, where nymphs were wont 370 + Graceful to tread the dance, or to repose. + Convening there my friends, I thus began. + My friends! food fails us not, but bread is yet + And wine on board. Abstain we from the herds, + Lest harm ensue; for ye behold the flocks + And herds of a most potent God, the Sun! + Whose eye and watchful ear none may elude. + So saying, I sway'd the gen'rous minds of all. + A month complete the South wind ceaseless blew, + Nor other wind blew next, save East and South, 380 + Yet they, while neither food nor rosy wine + Fail'd them, the herds harm'd not, through fear to die. + But, our provisions failing, they employed + Whole days in search of food, snaring with hooks + Birds, fishes, of what kind soe'er they might. + By famine urged. I solitary roam'd + Meantime the isle, seeking by pray'r to move + Some God to shew us a deliv'rance thence. + When, roving thus the isle, I had at length + Left all my crew remote, laving my hands 390 + Where shelter warm I found from the rude blast, + I supplicated ev'ry Pow'r above; + But they my pray'rs answer'd with slumbers soft + Shed o'er my eyes, and with pernicious art + Eurylochus, the while, my friends harangued. + My friends! afflicted as ye are, yet hear + A fellow-suff'rer. Death, however caused, + Abhorrence moves in miserable man, + But death by famine is a fate of all + Most to be fear'd. Come--let us hither drive 400 + And sacrifice to the Immortal Pow'rs + The best of all the oxen of the Sun, + Resolving thus--that soon as we shall reach + Our native Ithaca, we will erect + To bright Hyperion an illustrious fane, + Which with magnificent and num'rous gifts + We will enrich. But should he chuse to sink + Our vessel, for his stately beeves incensed, + And should, with him, all heav'n conspire our death, + I rather had with open mouth, at once, 410 + Meeting the billows, perish, than by slow + And pining waste here in this desert isle. + So spake Eurylochus, whom all approved. + Then, driving all the fattest of the herd + Few paces only, (for the sacred beeves + Grazed rarely distant from the bark) they stood + Compassing them around, and, grasping each + Green foliage newly pluck'd from saplings tall, + (For barley none in all our bark remain'd) + Worshipp'd the Gods in pray'r. Pray'r made, they slew + And flay'd them, and the thighs with double fat 421 + Investing, spread them o'er with slices crude. + No wine had they with which to consecrate + The blazing rites, but with libation poor + Of water hallow'd the interior parts. + Now, when the thighs were burnt, and each had shared + His portion of the maw, and when the rest + All-slash'd and scored hung roasting at the fire, + Sleep, in that moment, suddenly my eyes + Forsaking, to the shore I bent my way. 430 + But ere the station of our bark I reach'd, + The sav'ry steam greeted me. At the scent + I wept aloud, and to the Gods exclaim'd. + Oh Jupiter, and all ye Pow'rs above! + With cruel sleep and fatal ye have lull'd + My cares to rest, such horrible offence + Meantime my rash companions have devised. + Then, flew long-stoled Lampetia to the Sun + At once with tidings of his slaughter'd beeves, + And he, incensed, the Immortals thus address'd. 440 + Jove, and ye everlasting Pow'rs divine! + Avenge me instant on the crew profane + Of Laertiades; Ulysses' friends + Have dared to slay my beeves, which I with joy + Beheld, both when I climb'd the starry heav'ns, + And when to earth I sloped my "westring wheels," + But if they yield me not amercement due + And honourable for my loss, to Hell + I will descend and give the ghosts my beams. + Then, thus the cloud-assembler God replied. 450 + Sun! shine thou still on the Immortal Pow'rs, + And on the teeming earth, frail man's abode. + My candent bolts can in a moment reach + And split their flying bark in the mid-sea. + These things Calypso told me, taught, herself, + By herald Hermes, as she oft affirm'd. + But when, descending to the shore, I reach'd + At length my bark, with aspect stern and tone + I reprimanded them, yet no redress + Could frame, or remedy--the beeves were dead. 460 + Soon follow'd signs portentous sent from heav'n. + The skins all crept, and on the spits the flesh + Both roast and raw bellow'd, as with the voice + Of living beeves. Thus my devoted friends + Driving the fattest oxen of the Sun, + Feasted six days entire; but when the sev'nth + By mandate of Saturnian Jove appeared, + The storm then ceased to rage, and we, again + Embarking, launch'd our galley, rear'd the mast, + And gave our unfurl'd canvas to the wind. 470 + The island left afar, and other land + Appearing none, but sky alone and sea, + Right o'er the hollow bark Saturnian Jove + Hung a cærulean cloud, dark'ning the Deep. + Not long my vessel ran, for, blowing wild, + Now came shrill Zephyrus; a stormy gust + Snapp'd sheer the shrouds on both sides; backward fell + The mast, and with loose tackle strew'd the hold; + Striking the pilot in the stern, it crush'd + His scull together; he a diver's plunge 480 + Made downward, and his noble spirit fled. + Meantime, Jove thund'ring, hurl'd into the ship + His bolts; she, smitten by the fires of Jove, + Quaked all her length; with sulphur fill'd she reek'd, + And o'er her sides headlong my people plunged + Like sea-mews, interdicted by that stroke + Of wrath divine to hope their country more. + But I, the vessel still paced to and fro, + Till, fever'd by the boist'rous waves, her sides + Forsook the keel now left to float alone. 490 + Snapp'd where it join'd the keel the mast had fall'n, + But fell encircled with a leathern brace, + Which it retain'd; binding with this the mast + And keel together, on them both I sat, + Borne helpless onward by the dreadful gale. + And now the West subsided, and the South + Arose instead, with mis'ry charged for me, + That I might measure back my course again + To dire Charybdis. All night long I drove, + And when the sun arose, at Scylla's rock 500 + Once more, and at Charybdis' gulph arrived. + It was the time when she absorb'd profound + The briny flood, but by a wave upborne + I seized the branches fast of the wild-fig.[57] + To which, bat-like, I clung; yet where to fix + My foot secure found not, or where to ascend, + For distant lay the roots, and distant shot + The largest arms erect into the air, + O'ershadowing all Charybdis; therefore hard + I clench'd the boughs, till she disgorg'd again 510 + Both keel and mast. Not undesired by me + They came, though late; for at what hour the judge, + After decision made of num'rous strifes[58] + Between young candidates for honour, leaves + The forum for refreshment' sake at home, + Then was it that the mast and keel emerged. + Deliver'd to a voluntary fall, + Fast by those beams I dash'd into the flood, + And seated on them both, with oary palms + Impell'd them; nor the Sire of Gods and men 520 + Permitted Scylla to discern me more, + Else had I perish'd by her fangs at last. + Nine days I floated thence, and, on the tenth + Dark night, the Gods convey'd me to the isle + Ogygia, habitation of divine + Calypso, by whose hospitable aid + And assiduity, my strength revived. + But wherefore this? ye have already learn'd + That hist'ry, thou and thy illustrious spouse; + I told it yesterday, and hate a tale 530 + Once amply told, then, needless, traced again. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[56] They passed the line through a pipe of horn, to secure it against +the fishes' bite. + +[57] See line 120. + +[58] He had therefore held by the fig-tree from sunrise till afternoon. + + + + +BOOK XIII + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses, having finished his narrative, and received additional presents +from the Phæacians, embarks; he is conveyed in his sleep to Ithaca, and +in his sleep is landed on that island. The ship that carried him is in +her return transformed by Neptune to a rock. + +Minerva meets him on the shore, enables him to recollect his country, +which, till enlightened by her, he believed to be a country strange to +him, and they concert together the means of destroying the suitors. The +Goddess then repairs to Sparta to call thence Telemachus, and Ulysses, by +her aid disguised like a beggar, proceeds towards the cottage of Eumæus. + + + He ceas'd; the whole assembly silent sat, + Charm'd into ecstacy with his discourse + Throughout the twilight hall. Then, thus the King. + Ulysses, since beneath my brazen dome + Sublime thou hast arrived, like woes, I trust, + Thou shalt not in thy voyage hence sustain + By tempests tost, though much to woe inured. + To you, who daily in my presence quaff + Your princely meed of gen'rous wine and hear + The sacred bard, my pleasure, thus I speak. 10 + The robes, wrought gold, and all the other gifts + To this our guest, by the Phæacian Chiefs + Brought hither in the sumptuous coffer lie. + But come--present ye to the stranger, each, + An ample tripod also, with a vase + Of smaller size, for which we will be paid + By public impost; for the charge of all + Excessive were by one alone defray'd. + So spake Alcinoüs, and his counsel pleased; + Then, all retiring, sought repose at home. 20 + But when Aurora, daughter of the dawn, + Look'd rosy forth, each hasted to the bark + With his illustrious present, which the might + Of King Alcinoüs, who himself her sides + Ascended, safe beneath the seats bestowed, + Lest it should harm or hinder, while he toil'd + In rowing, some Phæacian of the crew. + The palace of Alcinoüs seeking next, + Together, they prepared a new regale. + For them, in sacrifice, the sacred might[59] 30 + Of King Alcinoüs slew an ox to Jove + Saturnian, cloud-girt governor of all. + The thighs with fire prepared, all glad partook + The noble feast; meantime, the bard divine + Sang, sweet Demodocus, the people's joy. + But oft Ulysses to the radiant sun + Turn'd wistful eyes, anxious for his decline, + Nor longer, now, patient of dull delay. + As when some hungry swain whose sable beeves + Have through the fallow dragg'd his pond'rous plow 40 + All day, the setting sun views with delight + For supper' sake, which with tir'd feet he seeks, + So welcome to Ulysses' eyes appear'd + The sun-set of that eve; directing, then, + His speech to maritime Phæacia's sons, + But to Alcinoüs chiefly, thus he said. + Alcinoüs, o'er Phæacia's realm supreme! + Libation made, dismiss ye me in peace, + And farewell all! for what I wish'd, I have, + Conductors hence, and honourable gifts 50 + With which heav'n prosper me! and may the Gods + Vouchsafe to me, at my return, to find + All safe, my spotless consort and my friends! + May ye, whom here I leave, gladden your wives + And see your children blest, and may the pow'rs + Immortal with all good enrich you all, + And from calamity preserve the land! + He ended, they unanimous, his speech + Applauded loud, and bade dismiss the guest + Who had so wisely spoken and so well. 60 + Then thus Alcinoüs to his herald spake. + Pontonoüs! charging high the beaker, bear + To ev'ry guest beneath our roof the wine, + That, pray'r preferr'd to the eternal Sire, + We may dismiss our inmate to his home. + Then, bore Pontonoüs to ev'ry guest + The brimming cup; they, where they sat, perform'd + Libation due; but the illustrious Chief + Ulysses, from his seat arising, placed + A massy goblet in Areta's hand, 70 + To whom in accents wing'd, grateful, he said. + Farewell, O Queen, a long farewell, till age + Arrive, and death, the appointed lot of all! + I go; but be this people, and the King + Alcinoüs, and thy progeny, thy joy + Yet many a year beneath this glorious roof! + So saying, the Hero through the palace-gate + Issued, whom, by Alcinoüs' command, + The royal herald to his vessel led. + Three maidens also of Areta's train 80 + His steps attended; one, the robe well-bleach'd + And tunic bore; the corded coffer, one; + And food the third, with wine of crimson hue. + Arriving where the galley rode, each gave + Her charge to some brave mariner on board, + And all was safely stow'd. Meantime were spread + Linen and arras on the deck astern, + For his secure repose. And now the Chief + Himself embarking, silent lay'd him down. + Then, ev'ry rower to his bench repair'd; 90 + They drew the loosen'd cable from its hold + In the drill'd rock, and, resupine, at once + With lusty strokes upturn'd the flashing waves. + _His_ eye-lids, soon, sleep, falling as a dew, + Closed fast, death's simular, in sight the same. + She, as four harness'd stallions o'er the plain + Shooting together at the scourge's stroke, + Toss high their manes, and rapid scour along, + So mounted she the waves, while dark the flood + Roll'd after her of the resounding Deep. 100 + Steady she ran and safe, passing in speed + The falcon, swiftest of the fowls of heav'n; + With such rapidity she cut the waves, + An hero bearing like the Gods above + In wisdom, one familiar long with woe + In fight sustain'd, and on the perilous flood, + Though sleeping now serenely, and resign'd + To sweet oblivion of all sorrow past. + The brightest star of heav'n, precursor chief + Of day-spring, now arose, when at the isle 110 + (Her voyage soon perform'd) the bark arrived. + There is a port sacred in Ithaca + To Phorcys, hoary ancient of the Deep, + Form'd by converging shores, prominent both + And both abrupt, which from the spacious bay + Exclude all boist'rous winds; within it, ships + (The port once gain'd) uncabled ride secure. + An olive, at the haven's head, expands + Her branches wide, near to a pleasant cave + Umbrageous, to the nymphs devoted named 120 + The Naiads. In that cave beakers of stone + And jars are seen; bees lodge their honey there; + And there, on slender spindles of the rock + The nymphs of rivers weave their wond'rous robes. + Perennial springs water it, and it shows + A twofold entrance; ingress one affords + To mortal man, which Northward looks direct, + But holier is the Southern far; by that + No mortal enters, but the Gods alone. + Familiar with that port before, they push'd 130 + The vessel in; she, rapid, plow'd the sands + With half her keel, such rowers urged her on. + Descending from the well-bench'd bark ashore, + They lifted forth Ulysses first, with all + His splendid couch complete, then, lay'd him down + Still wrapt in balmy slumber on the sands. + His treasures, next, by the Phæacian Chiefs + At his departure given him as the meed + Due to his wisdom, at the olive's foot + They heap'd, without the road, lest, while he slept 140 + Some passing traveller should rifle them. + Then homeward thence they sped. Nor Ocean's God + His threats forgot denounced against divine + Ulysses, but with Jove thus first advised. + Eternal Sire! I shall no longer share + Respect and reverence among the Gods, + Since, now, Phæacia's mortal race have ceas'd + To honour me, though from myself derived. + It was my purpose, that by many an ill + Harass'd, Ulysses should have reach'd his home, 150 + Although to intercept him, whose return + Thyself had promis'd, ne'er was my intent. + But him fast-sleeping swiftly o'er the waves + They have conducted, and have set him down + In Ithaca, with countless gifts enrich'd, + With brass, and tissued raiment, and with gold; + Much treasure! more than he had home convey'd + Even had he arrived with all his share + Allotted to him of the spoils of Troy. + To whom the cloud-assembler God replied. 160 + What hast thou spoken, Shaker of the shores, + Wide-ruling Neptune? Fear not; thee the Gods + Will ne'er despise; dangerous were the deed + To cast dishonour on a God by birth + More ancient, and more potent far than they. + But if, profanely rash, a mortal man + Should dare to slight thee, to avenge the wrong + Some future day is ever in thy pow'r. + Accomplish all thy pleasure, thou art free. + Him answer'd, then, the Shaker of the shores. 170 + Jove cloud-enthroned! that pleasure I would soon + Perform, as thou hast said, but that I watch + Thy mind continual, fearful to offend. + My purpose is, now to destroy amid + The dreary Deep yon fair Phæacian bark, + Return'd from safe conveyance of her freight; + So shall they waft such wand'rers home no more, + And she shall hide their city, to a rock + Transform'd of mountainous o'ershadowing size. + Him, then, Jove answer'd, gath'rer of the clouds. 180 + Perform it, O my brother, and the deed + Thus done, shall best be done--What time the people + Shall from the city her approach descry, + Fix her to stone transform'd, but still in shape + A gallant bark, near to the coast, that all + May wonder, seeing her transform'd to stone + Of size to hide their city from the view. + These words once heard, the Shaker of the shores + Instant to Scheria, maritime abode + Of the Phæacians, went. Arrived, he watch'd. 190 + And now the flying bark full near approach'd, + When Neptune, meeting her, with out-spread palm + Depress'd her at a stroke, and she became + Deep-rooted stone. Then Neptune went his way. + Phæacia's ship-ennobled sons meantime + Conferring stood, and thus, in accents wing'd, + Th' amazed spectator to his fellow spake. + Ah! who hath sudden check'd the vessel's course + Homeward? this moment she was all in view. + Thus they, unconscious of the cause, to whom 200 + Alcinoüs, instructing them, replied. + Ye Gods! a prophecy now strikes my mind + With force, my father's. He was wont to say-- + Neptune resents it, that we safe conduct + Natives of ev'ry region to their home. + He also spake, prophetic, of a day + When a Phæacian gallant bark, return'd + After conveyance of a stranger hence, + Should perish in the dreary Deep, and changed + To a huge mountain, cover all the town. 210 + So spake my father, all whose words we see + This day fulfill'd. Thus, therefore, act we all + Unanimous; henceforth no longer bear + The stranger home, when such shall here arrive; + And we will sacrifice, without delay, + Twelve chosen bulls to Neptune, if, perchance, + He will commiserate us, and forbear + To hide our town behind a mountain's height. + He spake, they, terrified, the bulls prepared. + Thus all Phæacia's Senators and Chiefs 220 + His altar compassing, in pray'r adored + The Ocean's God. Meantime, Ulysses woke, + Unconscious where; stretch'd on his native soil + He lay, and knew it not, long-time exiled. + For Pallas, progeny of Jove, a cloud + Drew dense around him, that, ere yet agnized + By others, he might wisdom learn from her, + Neither to citizens, nor yet to friends + Reveal'd, nor even to his own espoused, + Till, first, he should avenge complete his wrongs 230 + Domestic from those suitors proud sustained. + All objects, therefore, in the Hero's eyes + Seem'd alien, foot-paths long, commodious ports, + Heav'n-climbing rocks, and trees of amplest growth. + Arising, fixt he stood, his native soil + Contemplating, till with expanded palms + Both thighs he smote, and, plaintive, thus began. + Ah me! what mortal race inhabits here? + Rude are they, contumacious and unjust, + Or hospitable, and who fear the Gods? 240 + Where now shall I secrete these num'rous stores? + Where wander I, myself? I would that still + Phæacians own'd them, and I had arrived + In the dominions of some other King + Magnanimous, who would have entertain'd + And sent me to my native home secure! + Now, neither know I where to place my wealth, + Nor can I leave it here, lest it become + Another's prey. Alas! Phæacia's Chiefs + Not altogether wise I deem or just, 250 + Who have misplaced me in another land, + Promis'd to bear me to the pleasant shores + Of Ithaca, but have not so perform'd. + Jove, guardian of the suppliant's rights, who all + Transgressors marks, and punishes all wrong, + Avenge me on the treach'rous race!--but hold-- + I will revise my stores, so shall I know + If they have left me here of aught despoiled. + So saying, he number'd carefully the gold, + The vases, tripods bright, and tissued robes, 260 + But nothing miss'd of all. Then he bewail'd + His native isle, with pensive steps and slow + Pacing the border of the billowy flood, + Forlorn; but while he wept, Pallas approach'd, + In form a shepherd stripling, girlish fair + In feature, such as are the sons of Kings; + A sumptuous mantle o'er his shoulders hung + Twice-folded, sandals his nice feet upbore, + And a smooth javelin glitter'd in his hand. + Ulysses, joyful at the sight, his steps 270 + Turn'd brisk toward her, whom he thus address'd. + Sweet youth! since thee, of all mankind, I first + Encounter in this land unknown, all hail! + Come not with purposes of harm to me! + These save, and save me also. I prefer + To thee, as to some God, my pray'r, and clasp + Thy knees a suppliant. Say, and tell me true, + What land? what people? who inhabit here? + Is this some isle delightful, or a shore + Of fruitful main-land sloping to the sea? 280 + Then Pallas, thus, Goddess cærulean-eyed. + Stranger! thou sure art simple, or hast dwelt + Far distant hence, if of this land thou ask. + It is not, trust me, of so little note, + But known to many, both to those who dwell + Toward the sun-rise, and to others placed + Behind it, distant in the dusky West. + Rugged it is, not yielding level course + To the swift steed, and yet no barren spot, + However small, but rich in wheat and wine; 290 + Nor wants it rain or fertilising dew, + But pasture green to goats and beeves affords, + Trees of all kinds, and fountains never dry. + Ithaca therefore, stranger, is a name + Known ev'n at Troy, a city, by report, + At no small distance from Achaia's shore. + The Goddess ceased; then, toil-enduring Chief + Ulysses, happy in his native land, + (So taught by Pallas, progeny of Jove) + In accents wing'd her answ'ring, utter'd prompt 300 + Not truth, but figments to truth opposite, + For guile, in him, stood never at a pause. + O'er yonder flood, even in spacious Crete[60] + I heard of Ithaca, where now, it seems, + I have, myself, with these my stores arrived; + Not richer stores than, flying thence, I left + To my own children; for from Crete I fled + For slaughter of Orsilochus the swift, + Son of Idomeneus, whom none in speed + Could equal throughout all that spacious isle. 310 + His purpose was to plunder me of all + My Trojan spoils, which to obtain, much woe + I had in battle and by storms endured, + For that I would not gratify his Sire, + Fighting beside him in the fields of Troy, + But led a diff'rent band. Him from the field + Returning homeward, with my brazen spear + I smote, in ambush waiting his return + At the road-side, with a confed'rate friend. + Unwonted darkness over all the heav'ns 320 + That night prevailed, nor any eye of man + Observed us, but, unseen, I slew the youth. + No sooner, then, with my sharp spear of life + I had bereft him, than I sought a ship + Mann'd by renown'd Phæacians, whom with gifts + Part of my spoils, and by requests, I won. + I bade them land me on the Pylian shore, + Or in fair Elis by th' Epeans ruled, + But they, reluctant, were by violent winds + Driv'n devious thence, for fraud they purposed none. 330 + Thus through constraint we here arrived by night, + And with much difficulty push'd the ship + Into safe harbour, nor was mention made + Of food by any, though all needed food, + But, disembark'd in haste, on shore we lay. + I, weary, slept profound, and they my goods + Forth heaving from the bark, beside me placed + The treasures on the sea-beach where I slept, + Then, reimbarking, to the populous coast + Steer'd of Sidonia, and me left forlorn. 340 + He ceased; then smiled Minerva azure-eyed + And stroaked his cheek, in form a woman now, + Beauteous, majestic, in all elegant arts + Accomplish'd, and with accents wing'd replied. + Who passes thee in artifice well-framed + And in imposture various, need shall find + Of all his policy, although a God. + Canst thou not cease, inventive as thou art + And subtle, from the wiles which thou hast lov'd + Since thou wast infant, and from tricks of speech 350 + Delusive, even in thy native land? + But come, dismiss we these ingenious shifts + From our discourse, in which we both excel; + For thou of all men in expedients most + Abound'st and eloquence, and I, throughout + All heav'n have praise for wisdom and for art. + And know'st thou not thine Athenæan aid, + Pallas, Jove's daughter, who in all thy toils + Assist thee and defend? I gave thee pow'r + T' engage the hearts of all Phæacia's sons, 360 + And here arrive ev'n now, counsels to frame + Discrete with thee, and to conceal the stores + Giv'n to thee by the rich Phæacian Chiefs + On my suggestion, at thy going thence. + I will inform thee also what distress + And hardship under thy own palace-roof + Thou must endure; which, since constraint enjoins, + Bear patiently, and neither man apprize + Nor woman that thou hast arrived forlorn + And vagabond, but silent undergo 370 + What wrongs soever from the hands of men. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + O Goddess! thou art able to elude, + Wherever met, the keenest eye of man, + For thou all shapes assum'st; yet this I know + Certainly, that I ever found thee kind, + Long as Achaia's Heroes fought at Troy; + But when (the lofty tow'rs of Priam laid + In dust) we re-embark'd, and by the will + Of heav'n Achaia's fleet was scatter'd wide, 380 + Thenceforth, O daughter wise of Jove, I thee + Saw not, nor thy appearance in my ship + Once mark'd, to rid me of my num'rous woes, + But always bearing in my breast a heart + With anguish riv'n, I roam'd, till by the Gods + Relieved at length, and till with gracious words + Thyself didst in Phæacia's opulent land + Confirm my courage, and becam'st my guide. + But I adjure thee in thy father's name-- + O tell me truly, (for I cannot hope 390 + That I have reach'd fair Ithaca; I tread + Some other soil, and thou affirm'st it mine + To mock me merely, and deceive) oh say-- + Am I in Ithaca? in truth, at home? + Thus then Minerva the cærulean-eyed. + Such caution in thy breast always prevails + Distrustful; but I know thee eloquent, + With wisdom and with ready thought endued, + And cannot leave thee, therefore, thus distress'd + For what man, save Ulysses, new-return'd 400 + After long wand'rings, would not pant to see + At once his home, his children, and his wife? + But thou preferr'st neither to know nor ask + Concerning them, till some experience first + Thou make of her whose wasted youth is spent + In barren solitude, and who in tears + Ceaseless her nights and woeful days consumes. + I ne'er was ignorant, but well foreknew + That not till after loss of all thy friends + Thou should'st return; but loth I was to oppose 410 + Neptune, my father's brother, sore incensed + For his son's sake deprived of sight by thee. + But, I will give thee proof--come now--survey + These marks of Ithaca, and be convinced. + This is the port of Phorcys, sea-born sage; + That, the huge olive at the haven's head; + Fast by it, thou behold'st the pleasant cove + Umbrageous, to the nymphs devoted named + The Naiads; this the broad-arch'd cavern is + Where thou wast wont to offer to the nymphs 420 + Many a whole hecatomb; and yonder stands + The mountain Neritus with forests cloath'd. + So saying, the Goddess scatter'd from before + His eyes all darkness, and he knew the land. + Then felt Ulysses, Hero toil-inured, + Transport unutterable, seeing plain + Once more his native isle. He kiss'd the glebe, + And with uplifted hands the nymphs ador'd. + Nymphs, Naiads, Jove's own daughters! I despair'd + To see you more, whom yet with happy vows 430 + I now can hail again. Gifts, as of old, + We will hereafter at your shrines present, + If Jove-born Pallas, huntress of the spoils, + Grant life to me, and manhood to my son. + Then Pallas, blue-eyed progeny of Jove. + Take courage; trouble not thy mind with thoughts + Now needless. Haste--delay not--far within + This hallow'd cave's recess place we at once + Thy precious stores, that they may thine remain, + Then muse together on thy wisest course. 440 + So saying, the Goddess enter'd deep the cave + Caliginous, and its secret nooks explored + From side to side; meantime, Ulysses brought + All his stores into it, the gold, the brass, + And robes magnificent, his gifts received + From the Phæacians; safe he lodg'd them all, + And Pallas, daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd, + Closed fast, herself, the cavern with a stone. + Then, on the consecrated olive's root + Both seated, they in consultation plann'd 450 + The deaths of those injurious suitors proud, + And Pallas, blue-eyed Goddess, thus began. + Laertes' noble son, Ulysses! think + By what means likeliest thou shalt assail + Those shameless suitors, who have now controuled + Three years thy family, thy matchless wife + With language amorous and with spousal gifts + Urging importunate; but she, with tears + Watching thy wish'd return, hope gives to all + By messages of promise sent to each, 460 + Framing far other purposes the while. + Then answer thus Ulysses wise return'd. + Ah, Agamemnon's miserable fate + Had surely met me in my own abode, + But for thy gracious warning, pow'r divine! + Come then--Devise the means; teach me, thyself, + The way to vengeance, and my soul inspire + With daring fortitude, as when we loos'd + Her radiant frontlet from the brows of Troy. + Would'st thou with equal zeal, O Pallas! aid 470 + Thy servant here, I would encounter thrice + An hundred enemies, let me but perceive + Thy dread divinity my prompt ally. + Him answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. + And such I will be; not unmark'd by me, + (Let once our time of enterprize arrive) + Shalt thou assail them. Many, as I judge, + Of those proud suitors who devour thy wealth + Shall leave their brains, then, on thy palace floor. + But come. Behold! I will disguise thee so 480 + That none shall know thee! I will parch the skin + On thy fair body; I will cause thee shed + Thy wavy locks; I will enfold thee round + In such a kirtle as the eyes of all + Shall loath to look on; and I will deform + With blurring rheums thy eyes, so vivid erst; + So shall the suitors deem thee, and thy wife, + And thy own son whom thou didst leave at home, + Some sordid wretch obscure. But seek thou first + Thy swine-herd's mansion; he, alike, intends 490 + Thy good, and loves, affectionate, thy son + And thy Penelope; thou shalt find the swain + Tending his herd; they feed beneath the rock + Corax, at side of Arethusa's fount, + On acorns dieted, nutritious food + To them, and drinking of the limpid stream. + There waiting, question him of thy concerns, + While I from Sparta praised for women fair + Call home thy son Telemachus, a guest + With Menelaus now, whom to consult 500 + In spacious Lacedæmon he is gone, + Anxious to learn if yet his father lives. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + And why, alas! all-knowing as thou art, + Him left'st thou ignorant? was it that he, + He also, wand'ring wide the barren Deep, + Might suffer woe, while these devour his wealth? + Him answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. + Grieve thou not much for him. I sent him forth + Myself, that there arrived, he might acquire 510 + Honour and fame. No suff'rings finds he there, + But in Atrides' palace safe resides, + Enjoying all abundance. Him, in truth, + The suitors watch close ambush'd on the Deep, + Intent to slay him ere he reach his home, + But shall not as I judge, till of themselves + The earth hide some who make thee, now, a prey. + So saying, the Goddess touch'd him with a wand. + At once o'er all his agile limbs she parch'd + The polish'd skin; she wither'd to the root 520 + His wavy locks; and cloath'd him with the hide + Deform'd of wrinkled age; she charged with rheums + His eyes before so vivid, and a cloak + And kirtle gave him, tatter'd, both, and foul, + And smutch'd with smoak; then, casting over all + An huge old deer-skin bald, with a long staff + She furnish'd him, and with a wallet patch'd + On all sides, dangling by a twisted thong. + Thus all their plan adjusted, diff'rent ways + They took, and she, seeking Ulysses' son, 530 + To Lacedæmon's spacious realm repair'd. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[59] Ἱερον μενος Αλκινοοιο. + +[60] Homer dates all the fictions of Ulysses from Crete, as if he meant +to pass a similar censure on the Cretans to that quoted by St. +Paul--κρητες αει ψευσαι. + + + + +BOOK XIV + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses arriving at the house of Eumæus, is hospitably entertained, and +spends the night there. + + + Leaving the haven-side, he turn'd his steps + Into a rugged path, which over hills + Mantled with trees led him to the abode + By Pallas mention'd of his noble friend[61] + The swine-herd, who of all Ulysses' train + Watch'd with most diligence his rural stores. + Him sitting in the vestibule he found + Of his own airy lodge commodious, built + Amidst a level lawn. That structure neat + Eumæus, in the absence of his Lord, 10 + Had raised, himself, with stones from quarries hewn, + Unaided by Laertes or the Queen. + With tangled thorns he fenced it safe around, + And with contiguous stakes riv'n from the trunks + Of solid oak black-grain'd hemm'd it without. + Twelve penns he made within, all side by side, + Lairs for his swine, and fast-immured in each + Lay fifty pregnant females on the floor. + The males all slept without, less num'rous far, + Thinn'd by the princely wooers at their feasts 20 + Continual, for to them he ever sent + The fattest of his saginated charge. + Three hundred, still, and sixty brawns remained. + Four mastiffs in adjoining kennels lay, + Resembling wild-beasts nourish'd at the board + Of the illustrious steward of the styes. + Himself sat fitting sandals to his feet, + Carved from a stain'd ox-hide. Four hinds he kept, + Now busied here and there; three in the penns + Were occupied; meantime, the fourth had sought 30 + The city, whither, for the suitors' use, + With no good will, but by constraint, he drove + A boar, that, sacrificing to the Gods, + Th' imperious guests might on his flesh regale. + Soon as those clamorous watch-dogs the approach + Saw of Ulysses, baying loud, they ran + Toward him; he, as ever, well-advised, + Squatted, and let his staff fall from his hand. + Yet foul indignity he had endured + Ev'n there, at his own farm, but that the swain, 40 + Following his dogs in haste, sprang through the porch + To his assistance, letting fall the hide. + With chiding voice and vollied stones he soon + Drove them apart, and thus his Lord bespake. + Old man! one moment more, and these my dogs + Had, past doubt, worried thee, who should'st have proved, + So slain, a source of obloquy to me. + But other pangs the Gods, and other woes + To me have giv'n, who here lamenting sit + My godlike master, and his fatted swine 50 + Nourish for others' use, while he, perchance, + A wand'rer in some foreign city, seeks + Fit sustenance, and none obtains, if still + Indeed he live, and view the light of day. + But, old friend! follow me into the house, + That thou, at least, with plenteous food refresh'd, + And cheer'd with wine sufficient, may'st disclose + Both who thou art, and all that thou hast borne. + So saying, the gen'rous swine-herd introduced + Ulysses, and thick bundles spread of twigs 60 + Beneath him, cover'd with the shaggy skin + Of a wild goat, of which he made his couch + Easy and large; the Hero, so received, + Rejoiced, and thus his gratitude express'd. + Jove grant thee and the Gods above, my host, + For such beneficence thy chief desire! + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + My guest! I should offend, treating with scorn + The stranger, though a poorer should arrive + Than ev'n thyself; for all the poor that are, 70 + And all the strangers are the care of Jove. + Little, and with good will, is all that lies + Within my scope; no man can much expect + From servants living in continual fear + Under young masters; for the Gods, no doubt, + Have intercepted my own Lord's return, + From whom great kindness I had, else, received, + With such a recompense as servants gain + From gen'rous masters, house and competence, + And lovely wife from many a wooer won, 80 + Whose industry should have requited well + His goodness, with such blessing from the Gods + As now attends me in my present charge. + Much had I, therefore, prosper'd, had my Lord + Grown old at home; but he hath died--I would + That the whole house of Helen, one and all, + Might perish too, for she hath many slain + Who, like my master, went glory to win + For Agamemnon in the fields of Troy. + So saying, he girdled, quick, his tunic close, 90 + And, issuing, sought the styes; thence bringing two + Of the imprison'd herd, he slaughter'd both, + Singed them, and slash'd and spitted them, and placed + The whole well-roasted banquet, spits and all, + Reeking before Ulysses; last, with flour + He sprinkled them, and filling with rich wine + His ivy goblet, to his master sat + Opposite, whom inviting thus he said. + Now, eat, my guest! such as a servant may + I set before thee, neither large of growth 100 + Nor fat; the fatted--those the suitors eat, + Fearless of heav'n, and pitiless of man. + Yet deeds unjust as theirs the blessed Gods + Love not; they honour equity and right. + Even an hostile band when they invade + A foreign shore, which by consent of Jove + They plunder, and with laden ships depart, + Even they with terrours quake of wrath divine. + But these are wiser; these must sure have learn'd + From some true oracle my master's death, 110 + Who neither deign with decency to woo, + Nor yet to seek their homes, but boldly waste + His substance, shameless, now, and sparing nought. + Jove ne'er hath giv'n us yet the night or day + When with a single victim, or with two + They would content them, and his empty jars + Witness how fast the squand'rers use his wine. + Time was, when he was rich indeed; such wealth + No Hero own'd on yonder continent, + Nor yet in Ithaca; no twenty Chiefs 120 + Could match with all their treasures his alone; + I tell thee their amount. Twelve herds of his + The mainland graze;[62] as many flocks of sheep; + As many droves of swine; and hirelings there + And servants of his own seed for his use, + As many num'rous flocks of goats; his goats, + (Not fewer than eleven num'rous flocks) + Here also graze the margin of his fields + Under the eye of servants well-approved, + And ev'ry servant, ev'ry day, brings home 130 + The goat, of all his flock largest and best. + But as for me, I have these swine in charge, + Of which, selected with exactest care + From all the herd, I send the prime to them. + He ceas'd, meantime Ulysses ate and drank + Voracious, meditating, mute, the death + Of those proud suitors. His repast, at length, + Concluded, and his appetite sufficed, + Eumæus gave him, charged with wine, the cup + From which he drank himself; he, glad, received 140 + The boon, and in wing'd accents thus began. + My friend, and who was he, wealthy and brave + As thou describ'st the Chief, who purchased thee? + Thou say'st he perish'd for the glory-sake + Of Agamemnon. Name him; I, perchance, + May have beheld the Hero. None can say + But Jove and the inhabitants of heav'n + That I ne'er saw him, and may not impart + News of him; I have roam'd through many a clime. + To whom the noble swine-herd thus replied. 150 + Alas, old man! no trav'ler's tale of him + Will gain his consort's credence, or his son's; + For wand'rers, wanting entertainment, forge + Falsehoods for bread, and wilfully deceive. + No wand'rer lands in Ithaca, but he seeks + With feign'd intelligence my mistress' ear; + She welcomes all, and while she questions each + Minutely, from her lids lets fall the tear + Affectionate, as well beseems a wife + Whose mate hath perish'd in a distant land. 160 + Thou could'st thyself, no doubt, my hoary friend! + (Would any furnish thee with decent vest + And mantle) fabricate a tale with ease; + Yet sure it is that dogs and fowls, long since, + His skin have stript, or fishes of the Deep + Have eaten him, and on some distant shore + Whelm'd in deep sands his mould'ring bones are laid. + So hath he perish'd; whence, to all his friends, + But chiefly to myself, sorrow of heart; + For such another Lord, gentle as he, 170 + Wherever sought, I have no hope to find, + Though I should wander even to the house + Of my own father. Neither yearns my heart + So feelingly (though that desiring too) + To see once more my parents and my home, + As to behold Ulysses yet again. + Ah stranger; absent as he is, his name + Fills me with rev'rence, for he lov'd me much, + Cared for me much, and, though we meet no more, + Holds still an elder brother's part in me. 180 + Him answer'd, then, the Hero toil-inured. + My friend! since his return, in thy account, + Is an event impossible, and thy mind + Always incredulous that hope rejects, + I shall not slightly speak, but with an oath-- + Ulysses comes again; and I demand + No more, than that the boon such news deserves, + Be giv'n me soon as he shall reach his home. + Then give me vest and mantle fit to wear, + Which, ere that hour, much as I need them both, 190 + I neither ask, nor will accept from thee. + For him whom poverty can force aside + From truth--I hate him as the gates of hell. + Be Jove, of all in heav'n, my witness first, + Then, this thy hospitable board, and, last, + The household Gods of the illustrious Chief + Himself, Ulysses, to whose gates I go, + That all my words shall surely be fulfill'd. + In this same year Ulysses shall arrive, + Ere, this month closed, another month succeed, 200 + He shall return, and punish all who dare + Insult his consort and his noble son. + To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + Old friend! that boon thou wilt ne'er earn from me; + Ulysses comes no more. But thou thy wine + Drink quietly, and let us find, at length, + Some other theme; recall not this again + To my remembrance, for my soul is grieved + Oft as reminded of my honour'd Lord. + Let the oath rest, and let Ulysses come 210 + Ev'n as myself, and as Penelope, + And as his ancient father, and his son + Godlike Telemachus, all wish he may. + Ay--there I feel again--nor cease to mourn + His son Telemachus; who, when the Gods + Had giv'n him growth like a young plant, and I + Well hoped that nought inferior he should prove + In person or in mind to his own sire, + Hath lost, through influence human or divine, + I know not how, his sober intellect, 220 + And after tidings of his sire is gone + To far-famed Pylus; his return, meantime, + In ambush hidden the proud suitors wait, + That the whole house may perish of renown'd + Arcesias, named in Ithaca no more. + But whether he have fallen or 'scaped, let him + Rest also, whom Saturnian Jove protect! + But come, my ancient guest! now let me learn + Thy own afflictions; answer me in truth. + Who, and whence art thou? in what city born? 230 + Where dwell thy parents; in what kind of ship + Cam'st thou? the mariners, why brought they thee + To Ithaca? and of what land are they? + For, that on foot thou found'st us not, is sure. + Him answer'd, then, Ulysses, ever-wise. + I will with truth resolve thee; and if here + Within thy cottage sitting, we had wine + And food for many a day, and business none + But to regale at ease while others toiled, + I could exhaust the year complete, my woes 240 + Rehearsing, nor, at last, rehearse entire + My sorrows by the will of heav'n sustained. + I boast me sprung from ancestry renown'd + In spacious Crete; son of a wealthy sire, + Who other sons train'd num'rous in his house, + Born of his wedded wife; but he begat + Me on his purchased concubine, whom yet + Dear as his other sons in wedlock born + Castor Hylacides esteem'd and lov'd, + For him I boast my father. Him in Crete, 250 + While yet he liv'd, all reverenc'd as a God, + So rich, so prosp'rous, and so blest was he + With sons of highest praise. But death, the doom + Of all, him bore to Pluto's drear abode, + And his illustrious sons among themselves + Portion'd his goods by lot; to me, indeed, + They gave a dwelling, and but little more, + Yet, for my virtuous qualities, I won + A wealthy bride, for I was neither vain + Nor base, forlorn as thou perceiv'st me now. 260 + But thou canst guess, I judge, viewing the straw + What once was in the ear. Ah! I have borne + Much tribulation; heap'd and heavy woes. + Courage and phalanx-breaking might had I + From Mars and Pallas; at what time I drew, + (Planning some dread exploit) an ambush forth + Of our most valiant Chiefs, no boding fears + Of death seized _me_, but foremost far of all + I sprang to fight, and pierced the flying foe. + Such was I once in arms. But household toils 270 + Sustain'd for children's sake, and carking cares + T' enrich a family, were not for me. + My pleasures were the gallant bark, the din + Of battle, the smooth spear and glitt'ring shaft, + Objects of dread to others, but which me + The Gods disposed to love and to enjoy. + Thus diff'rent minds are diff'rently amused; + For ere Achaia's fleet had sailed to Troy, + Nine times was I commander of an host + Embark'd against a foreign foe, and found 280 + In all those enterprizes great success. + From the whole booty, first, what pleased me most + Chusing, and sharing also much by lot + I rapidly grew rich, and had thenceforth + Among the Cretans rev'rence and respect. + But when loud-thund'ring Jove that voyage dire + Ordain'd, which loos'd the knees of many a Greek, + Then, to Idomeneus and me they gave + The charge of all their fleet, which how to avoid + We found not, so importunate the cry 290 + Of the whole host impell'd us to the task. + There fought we nine long years, and in the tenth + (Priam's proud city pillag'd) steer'd again + Our galleys homeward, which the Gods dispersed. + Then was it that deep-planning Jove devised + For me much evil. One short month, no more, + I gave to joys domestic, in my wife + Happy, and in my babes, and in my wealth, + When the desire seiz'd me with sev'ral ships + Well-rigg'd, and furnish'd all with gallant crews, 300 + To sail for Ægypt; nine I fitted forth, + To which stout mariners assembled fast. + Six days the chosen partners of my voyage + Feasted, to whom I num'rous victims gave + For sacrifice, and for their own regale. + Embarking on the sev'nth from spacious Crete, + Before a clear breeze prosp'rous from the North + We glided easily along, as down + A river's stream; nor one of all my ships + Damage incurr'd, but healthy and at ease 310 + We sat, while gales well-managed urged us on. + The fifth day thence, smooth-flowing Nile we reach'd, + And safe I moor'd in the Ægyptian stream. + Then, charging all my mariners to keep + Strict watch for preservation of the ships, + I order'd spies into the hill-tops; but they + Under the impulse of a spirit rash + And hot for quarrel, the well-cultur'd fields + Pillaged of the Ægyptians, captive led + Their wives and little ones, and slew the men. 320 + Soon was the city alarm'd, and at the cry + Down came the citizens, by dawn of day, + With horse and foot, and with the gleam of arms + Filling the plain. Then Jove with panic dread + Struck all my people; none found courage more + To stand, for mischiefs swarm'd on ev'ry side. + There, num'rous by the glittering spear we fell + Slaughter'd, while others they conducted thence + Alive to servitude. But Jove himself + My bosom with this thought inspired, (I would 330 + That, dying, I had first fulfill'd my fate + In Ægypt, for new woes were yet to come!) + Loosing my brazen casque, and slipping off + My buckler, there I left them on the field, + Then cast my spear away, and seeking, next, + The chariot of the sov'reign, clasp'd his knees, + And kiss'd them. He, by my submission moved, + Deliver'd me, and to his chariot-seat + Raising, convey'd me weeping to his home. + With many an ashen spear his warriors sought 340 + To slay me, (for they now grew fiery wroth) + But he, through fear of hospitable Jove, + Chief punisher of wrong, saved me alive. + Sev'n years I there abode, and much amass'd + Among the Ægyptians, gifted by them all; + But, in the eighth revolving year, arrived + A shrewd Phœnician, in all fraud adept, + Hungry, and who had num'rous harm'd before, + By whom I also was cajoled, and lured + T' attend him to Phœnicia, where his house 350 + And his possessions lay; there I abode + A year complete his inmate; but (the days + And months accomplish'd of the rolling year, + And the new seasons ent'ring on their course) + To Lybia then, on board his bark, by wiles + He won me with him, partner of the freight + Profess'd, but destin'd secretly to sale, + That he might profit largely by my price. + Not unsuspicious, yet constrain'd to go, + With this man I embark'd. A cloudless gale 360 + Propitious blowing from the North, our ship + Ran right before it through the middle sea, + In the offing over Crete; but adverse Jove + Destruction plann'd for them and death the while. + For, Crete now left afar, and other land + Appearing none, but sky alone and sea, + Right o'er the hollow bark Saturnian Jove + A cloud cærulean hung, dark'ning the Deep. + Then, thund'ring oft, he hurl'd into the bark + His bolts; she smitten by the fires of Jove, 370 + Quaked all her length; with sulphur fill'd she reek'd, + And, o'er her sides precipitated, plunged + Like gulls the crew, forbidden by that stroke + Of wrath divine to hope their country more. + But Jove himself, when I had cast away + All hope of life, conducted to my arms + The strong tall mast, that I might yet escape. + Around that beam I clung, driving before + The stormy blast. Nine days complete I drove, + And, on the tenth dark night, the rolling flood 380 + Immense convey'd me to Thesprotia's shore. + There me the Hero Phidon, gen'rous King + Of the Thesprotians, freely entertained; + For his own son discov'ring me with toil + Exhausted and with cold, raised me, and thence + Led me humanely to his father's house, + Who cherish'd me, and gave me fresh attire. + There heard I of Ulysses, whom himself + Had entertain'd, he said, on his return + To his own land; he shew'd me also gold, 390 + Brass, and bright steel elab'rate, whatsoe'er + Ulysses had amass'd, a store to feed + A less illustrious family than his + To the tenth generation, so immense + His treasures in the royal palace lay. + Himself, he said, was to Dodona gone, + There, from the tow'ring oaks of Jove to ask + Counsel divine, if openly to land + (After long absence) in his opulent realm + Of Ithaca, be best, or in disguise. 400 + To me the monarch swore, in his own hall + Pouring libation, that the ship was launch'd, + And the crew ready for his conduct home. + But me he first dismiss'd, for, as it chanced, + A ship lay there of the Thesprotians, bound + To green Dulichium's isle. He bade the crew + Bear me to King Acastus with all speed; + But them far other thoughts pleased more, and thoughts + Of harm to me, that I might yet be plunged + In deeper gulphs of woe than I had known. 410 + For, when the billow-cleaving bark had left + The land remote, framing, combined, a plot + Against my liberty, they stripp'd my vest + And mantle, and this tatter'd raiment foul + Gave me instead, which thy own eyes behold. + At even-tide reaching the cultur'd coast + Of Ithaca, they left me bound on board + With tackle of the bark, and quitting ship + Themselves, made hasty supper on the shore. + But me, meantime, the Gods easily loos'd 420 + By their own pow'r, when, with wrapper vile + Around my brows, sliding into the sea + At the ship's stern, I lay'd me on the flood. + With both hands oaring thence my course, I swam + Till past all ken of theirs; then landing where + Thick covert of luxuriant trees I mark'd, + Close couchant down I lay; they mutt'ring loud, + Paced to and fro, but deeming farther search + Unprofitable, soon embark'd again. + Thus baffling all their search with ease, the Gods 430 + Conceal'd and led me thence to the abode + Of a wise man, dooming me still to live. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply, + Alas! my most compassionable guest! + Thou hast much moved me by this tale minute + Of thy sad wand'rings and thy num'rous woes. + But, speaking of Ulysses, thou hast pass'd + All credence; I at least can give thee none. + Why, noble as thou art, should'st thou invent + Palpable falsehoods? as for the return 440 + Of my regretted Lord, myself I know + That had he not been hated by the Gods + Unanimous, he had in battle died + At Troy, or (that long doubtful war, at last, + Concluded,) in his people's arms at home. + Then universal Greece had raised his tomb, + And he had even for his son atchiev'd + Immortal glory; but alas! by beaks + Of harpies torn, unseemly sight, he lies. + Here is my home the while; I never seek 450 + The city, unless summon'd by discrete + Penelope to listen to the news + Brought by some stranger, whencesoe'er arrived. + Then, all, alike inquisitive, attend, + Both who regret the absence of our King, + And who rejoice gratuitous to gorge + His property; but as for me, no joy + Find I in list'ning after such reports, + Since an Ætolian cozen'd me, who found + (After long wand'ring over various lands 460 + A fugitive for blood) my lone retreat. + Him warm I welcom'd, and with open arms + Receiv'd, who bold affirm'd that he had seen + My master with Idomeneus at Crete + His ships refitting shatter'd by a storm, + And that in summer with his godlike band + He would return, bringing great riches home, + Or else in autumn. And thou ancient guest + Forlorn! since thee the Gods have hither led, + Seek not to gratify me with untruths 470 + And to deceive me, since for no such cause + I shall respect or love thee, but alone + By pity influenced, and the fear of Jove. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Thou hast, in truth, a most incredulous mind, + Whom even with an oath I have not moved, + Or aught persuaded. Come then--let us make + In terms express a cov'nant, and the Gods + Who hold Olympus, witness to us both! + If thy own Lord at this thy house arrive, 480 + Thou shalt dismiss me decently attired + In vest and mantle, that I may repair + Hence to Dulichium, whither I would go. + But, if thy Lord come not, then, gath'ring all + Thy servants, headlong hurl me from a rock, + That other mendicants may fear to lie. + To whom the generous swine-herd in return. + Yes, stranger! doubtless I should high renown + Obtain for virtue among men, both now + And in all future times, if, having first 490 + Invited thee, and at my board regaled, + I, next, should slay thee; then my pray'rs would mount, + Past question, swiftly to Saturnian Jove. + But the hour calls to supper, and, ere long, + The partners of my toils will come prepared + To spread the board with no unsav'ry cheer. + Thus they conferr'd. And now the swains arrived, + Driving their charge, which fast they soon enclosed + Within their customary penns, and loud + The hubbub was of swine prison'd within. 500 + Then call'd the master to his rustic train. + Bring ye the best, that we may set him forth + Before my friend from foreign climes arrived, + With whom ourselves will also feast, who find + The bright-tusk'd multitude a painful charge, + While others, at no cost of theirs, consume + Day after day, the profit of our toils. + So saying, his wood for fuel he prepared, + And dragging thither a well-fatted brawn + Of the fifth year his servants held him fast 510 + At the hearth-side. Nor failed the master swain + T' adore the Gods, (for wise and good was he) + But consecration of the victim, first, + Himself performing, cast into the fire + The forehead bristles of the tusky boar, + Then pray'd to all above, that, safe, at length, + Ulysses might regain his native home. + Then lifting an huge shive that lay beside + The fire, he smote the boar, and dead he fell, + Next, piercing him, and scorching close his hair, 520 + They carv'd him quickly, and Eumæus spread + Thin slices crude taken from ev'ry limb + O'er all his fat, then other slices cast, + Sprinkling them first with meal, into the fire. + The rest they slash'd and scored, and roasted well, + And placed it, heap'd together, on the board. + Then rose the good Eumæus to his task + Of distribution, for he understood + The hospitable entertainer's part. + Sev'n-fold partition of the banquet made, 530 + He gave, with previous pray'r, to Maia's son[63] + And to the nymphs one portion of the whole, + Then served his present guests, honouring first + Ulysses with the boar's perpetual chine; + By that distinction just his master's heart + He gratified, and thus the Hero spake. + Eumæus! be thou as belov'd of Jove + As thou art dear to me, whom, though attired + So coarsely, thou hast served with such respect! + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. 540 + Eat, noble stranger! and refreshment take + Such as thou may'st; God[64] gives, and God denies + At his own will, for He is Lord of all. + He said, and to the everlasting Gods + The firstlings sacrificed of all, then made + Libation, and the cup placed in the hands + Of city-spoiler Laertiades + Sitting beside his own allotted share. + Meantime, Mesaulius bread dispensed to all, + Whom, in the absence of his Lord, himself 550 + Eumæus had from Taphian traders bought + With his own proper goods, at no expence + Either to old Laertes or the Queen. + And now, all stretch'd their hands toward the feast + Reeking before them, and when hunger none + Felt more or thirst, Mesaulius clear'd the board. + Then, fed to full satiety, in haste + Each sought his couch. Black came a moonless night, + And Jove all night descended fast in show'rs, + With howlings of the ever wat'ry West. 560 + Ulysses, at that sound, for trial sake + Of his good host, if putting off his cloak + He would accommodate him, or require + That service for him at some other hand, + Addressing thus the family, began. + Hear now, Eumæus, and ye other swains + His fellow-lab'rers! I shall somewhat boast, + By wine befool'd, which forces ev'n the wise + To carol loud, to titter and to dance, + And words to utter, oft, better suppress'd. 570 + But since I have begun, I shall proceed, + Prating my fill. Ah might those days return + With all the youth and strength that I enjoy'd, + When in close ambush, once, at Troy we lay! + Ulysses, Menelaus, and myself + Their chosen coadjutor, led the band. + Approaching to the city's lofty wall + Through the thick bushes and the reeds that gird + The bulwarks, down we lay flat in the marsh, + Under our arms, then Boreas blowing loud, 580 + A rueful night came on, frosty and charged + With snow that blanch'd us thick as morning rime, + And ev'ry shield with ice was crystall'd o'er. + The rest with cloaks and vests well cover'd, slept + Beneath their bucklers; I alone my cloak, + Improvident, had left behind, no thought + Conceiving of a season so severe; + Shield and belt, therefore, and nought else had I. + The night, at last, nigh spent, and all the stars + Declining in their course, with elbow thrust 590 + Against Ulysses' side I roused the Chief, + And thus address'd him ever prompt to hear. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + I freeze to death. Help me, or I am lost. + No cloak have I; some evil dæmon, sure, + Beguil'd me of all prudence, that I came + Thus sparely clad; I shall, I must expire. + So I; he, ready as he was in arms + And counsel both, the remedy at once + Devised, and thus, low-whisp'ring, answer'd me. 600 + Hush! lest perchance some other hear--He said, + And leaning on his elbow, spake aloud. + My friends! all hear--a monitory dream + Hath reach'd me, for we lie far from the ships. + Haste, therefore, one of you, with my request + To Agamemnon, Atreus' son, our Chief, + That he would reinforce us from the camp. + He spake, and at the word, Andræmon's son + Thoas arose, who, casting off his cloak, + Ran thence toward the ships, and folded warm 610 + Within it, there lay I till dawn appear'd. + Oh for the vigour of such youth again! + Then, some good peasant here, either for love + Or for respect, would cloak a man like me, + Whom, now, thus sordid in attire ye scorn. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + My ancient guest! I cannot but approve + Thy narrative, nor hast thou utter'd aught + Unseemly, or that needs excuse. No want + Of raiment, therefore, or of aught beside 620 + Needful to solace penury like thine, + Shall harm thee here; yet, at the peep of dawn + Gird thy own tatters to thy loins again; + For _we_ have no great store of cloaks to boast, + Or change of vests, but singly one for each. + But when Ulysses' son shall once arrive, + He will himself with vest and mantle both + Cloath thee, and send thee whither most thou would'st. + So saying, he rose, and nearer made his couch + To the hearth-side, spreading it thick with skins 630 + Of sheep and goats; then lay the Hero down, + O'er whom a shaggy mantle large he threw, + Which oft-times served him with a change, when rough + The winter's blast and terrible arose. + So was Ulysses bedded, and the youths + Slept all beside him; but the master-swain + Chose not his place of rest so far remote + From his rude charge, but to the outer court + With his nocturnal furniture, repair'd, + Gladd'ning Ulysses' heart that one so true 640 + In his own absence kept his rural stores. + Athwart his sturdy shoulders, first, he flung + His faulchion keen, then wrapp'd him in a cloak + Thick-woven, winter-proof; he lifted, next, + The skin of a well-thriven goat, in bulk + Surpassing others, and his javelin took + Sharp-pointed, with which dogs he drove and men. + Thus arm'd, he sought his wonted couch beneath + A hollow rock where the herd slept, secure + From the sharp current of the Northern blast. 650 + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[61] Δῖος ὑφορβος.--The swineherd's was therefore in those days, and in +that country, an occupation honourable as well as useful. Barnes deems +the epithet δῖος significant of his noble birth. Vide Clarke in loco. + +[62] It may be proper to suggest that Ulysses was lord of part of the +continent opposite to Ithaca--viz.--of the peninsula Nericus or Leuca, +which afterward became an island, and is now called Santa Maura. F. + +[63] Mercury. + +[64] Θεος--without a relative, and consequently signifying GOD in the +abstract, is not unfrequently found in Homer, though fearing to give +offence to serious minds unacquainted with the original, I have not +always given it that force in the translation. But here, the sentiment is +such as fixes the sense intended by the author with a precision that +leaves no option. It is observable too, that δυναται γαρ απαντα--is an +ascription of power such as the poet never makes to his Jupiter. + + + + +BOOK XV + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus, admonished by Minerva, takes leave of Menelaus, but ere he +sails, is accosted by Theoclymenos, a prophet of Argos, whom at his +earnest request he takes on board. In the meantime Eumæus relates to +Ulysses the means by which he came to Ithaca. Telemachus arriving there, +gives orders for the return of his bark to the city, and repairs himself +to Eumæus. + + + Meantime to Lacedæmon's spacious vale + Minerva went, that she might summon thence + Ulysses' glorious son to his own home. + Arrived, she found Telemachus reposed + And Nestor's son beneath the vestibule + Of Menelaus, mighty Chief; she saw + Pisistratus in bands of gentle sleep + Fast-bound, but not Telemachus; his mind + No rest enjoy'd, by filial cares disturb'd + Amid the silent night, when, drawing near 10 + To his couch side, the Goddess thus began. + Thou canst no longer prudently remain + A wand'rer here, Telemachus! thy home + Abandon'd, and those haughty suitors left + Within thy walls; fear lest, partition made + Of thy possessions, they devour the whole, + And in the end thy voyage bootless prove. + Delay not; from brave Menelaus ask + Dismission hence, that thou may'st find at home + Thy spotless mother, whom her brethren urge 20 + And her own father even now to wed + Eurymachus, in gifts and in amount + Of proffer'd dow'r superior to them all. + Some treasure, else, shall haply from thy house + Be taken, such as thou wilt grudge to spare. + For well thou know'st how woman is disposed; + Her whole anxiety is to encrease + His substance whom she weds; no care hath she + Of her first children, or remembers more + The buried husband of her virgin choice. 30 + Returning then, to her of all thy train + Whom thou shalt most approve, the charge commit + Of thy concerns domestic, till the Gods + Themselves shall guide thee to a noble wife. + Hear also this, and mark it. In the frith + Samos the rude, and Ithaca between, + The chief of all her suitors thy return + In vigilant ambush wait, with strong desire + To slay thee, ere thou reach thy native shore, + But shall not, as I judge, till the earth hide 40 + Many a lewd reveller at thy expence. + Yet, steer thy galley from those isles afar, + And voyage make by night; some guardian God + Shall save thee, and shall send thee prosp'rous gales. + Then, soon as thou attain'st the nearest shore + Of Ithaca, dispatching to the town + Thy bark with all thy people, seek at once + The swine-herd; for Eumæus is thy friend. + There sleep, and send him forth into the town + With tidings to Penelope, that safe 50 + Thou art restored from Pylus home again. + She said, and sought th' Olympian heights sublime. + Then, with his heel shaking him, he awoke + The son of Nestor, whom he thus address'd. + Rise, Nestor's son, Pisistratus! lead forth + The steeds, and yoke them. We must now depart. + To whom the son of Nestor thus replied. + Telemachus! what haste soe'er we feel, + We can by no means prudently attempt + To drive by night, and soon it will be dawn. 60 + Stay, therefore, till the Hero, Atreus' son, + Spear-practis'd Menelaus shall his gifts + Place in the chariot, and with kind farewell + Dismiss thee; for the guest in mem'ry holds + Through life, the host who treats him as a friend. + Scarce had he spoken, when the golden dawn + Appearing, Menelaus, from the side + Of beauteous Helen ris'n, their bed approach'd, + Whose coming when Telemachus perceived, + Cloathing himself hastily in his vest 70 + Magnificent, and o'er his shoulders broad + Casting his graceful mantle, at the door + He met the Hero, whom he thus address'd. + Atrides, Menelaus, Chief renown'd! + Dismiss me hence to Ithaca again, + My native isle, for I desire to go. + Him answer'd Menelaus famed in arms. + Telemachus! I will not long delay + Thy wish'd return. I disapprove alike + The host whose assiduity extreme 80 + Distresses, and whose negligence offends; + The middle course is best; alike we err, + Him thrusting forth whose wish is to remain, + And hind'ring the impatient to depart. + This only is true kindness--To regale + The present guest, and speed him when he would. + Yet stay, till thou shalt see my splendid gifts + Placed in thy chariot, and till I command + My women from our present stores to spread + The table with a plentiful repast. 90 + For both the honour of the guest demands, + And his convenience also, that he eat + Sufficient, ent'ring on a length of road. + But if through Hellas thou wilt take thy way + And traverse Argos, I will, then, myself + Attend thee; thou shalt journey with my steeds + Beneath thy yoke, and I will be thy guide + To many a city, whence we shall not go + Ungratified, but shall in each receive + Some gift at least, tripod, or charger bright, 100 + Or golden chalice, or a pair of mules. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Atrides, Menelaus, Chief renown'd! + I would at once depart, (for guardian none + Of my possessions have I left behind) + Lest, while I seek my father, I be lost + Myself, or lose what I should grudge to spare. + Which when the valiant Menelaus heard, + He bade his spouse and maidens spread the board + At once with remnants of the last regale. 110 + Then Eteoneus came, Boetheus' son + Newly aris'n, for nigh at hand he dwelt, + Whom Menelaus bade kindle the fire + By which to dress their food, and he obey'd. + He next, himself his fragrant chamber sought, + Not sole, but by his spouse and by his son + Attended, Megapenthes. There arrived + Where all his treasures lay, Atrides, first, + Took forth, himself, a goblet, then consign'd + To his son's hand an argent beaker bright. 120 + Meantime, beside her coffers Helen stood + Where lay her variegated robes, fair works + Of her own hand. Producing one, in size + And in magnificence the chief, a star + For splendour, and the lowest placed of all, + Loveliest of her sex, she bore it thence. + Then, all proceeding through the house, they sought + Telemachus again, whom reaching, thus + The Hero of the golden locks began. + May Jove the Thunderer, dread Juno's mate, 130 + Grant thee, Telemachus! such voyage home + As thy own heart desires! accept from all + My stores selected as the richest far + And noblest gift for finish'd beauty--This. + I give thee wrought elaborate a cup, + Itself all silver, bound with lip of gold. + It is the work of Vulcan, which to me + The Hero Phædimus imparted, King + Of the Sidonians, when, on my return, + Beneath his roof I lodg'd. I make it thine. 140 + So saying, the Hero, Atreus' son, the cup + Placed in his hands, and Megapenthes set + Before him, next, the argent beaker bright; + But lovely Helen drawing nigh, the robe + Presented to him, whom she thus address'd. + I also give thee, oh my son, a gift, + Which seeing, thou shalt think on her whose hands + Wrought it; a present on thy nuptial day + For thy fair spouse; meantime, repose it safe + In thy own mother's keeping. Now, farewell! 150 + Prosp'rous and happy be thy voyage home! + She ceas'd, and gave it to him, who the gift + Accepted glad, and in the chariot-chest + Pisistratus the Hero all disposed, + Admiring them the while. They, following, next, + The Hero Menelaus to his hall + Each on his couch or on his throne reposed. + A maiden, then, with golden ewer charged + And silver bowl, pour'd water on their hands, + And spread the polish'd table, which with food 160 + Various, selected from her present stores, + The mistress of the household charge supplied. + Boetheus' son stood carver, and to each + His portion gave, while Megapenthes, son + Of glorious Menelaus, serv'd the cup. + Then, all with outstretch'd hands the feast assail'd, + And when nor hunger more nor thirst of wine + They felt, Telemachus and Nestor's son + Yoked the swift steeds, and, taking each his seat + In the resplendent chariot, drove at once 170 + Right through the sounding portico abroad. + But Menelaus, Hero amber-hair'd, + A golden cup bearing with richest wine + Replete in his right hand, follow'd them forth, + That not without libation first perform'd + They might depart; he stood before the steeds, + And drinking first, thus, courteous, them bespake. + Health to you both, young friends! and from my lips + Like greeting bear to Nestor, royal Chief, + For he was ever as a father kind 180 + To me, while the Achaians warr'd at Troy. + To whom Telemachus discrete replied. + And doubtless, so we will; at our return + We will report to him, illustrious Prince! + Thy ev'ry word. And oh, I would to heav'n + That reaching Ithaca, I might at home + Ulysses hail as sure, as I shall hence + Depart, with all benevolence by thee + Treated, and rich in many a noble gift. + While thus he spake, on his right hand appear'd 190 + An eagle; in his talons pounced he bore + A white-plumed goose domestic, newly ta'en + From the house-court. Ran females all and males + Clamorous after him; but he the steeds + Approaching on the right, sprang into air. + That sight rejoicing and with hearts reviv'd + They view'd, and thus Pisistratus his speech + Amid them all to Menelaus turn'd. + Now, Menelaus, think, illustrious Chief! + If us, this omen, or thyself regard. 200 + While warlike Menelaus musing stood + What answer fit to frame, Helen meantime, + His spouse long-stoled preventing him, began. + Hear me; for I will answer as the Gods + Teach me, and as I think shall come to pass. + As he, descending from his place of birth + The mountains, caught our pamper'd goose away, + So shall Ulysses, after many woes + And wand'rings to his home restored, avenge + His wrongs, or even now is at his home 210 + For all those suitors sowing seeds of woe. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Oh grant it Jove, Juno's high-thund'ring mate! + So will I, there arrived, with vow and pray'r + Thee worship, as thou wert, thyself, divine. + He said, and lash'd the coursers; fiery they + And fleet, sprang through the city to the plain. + All day the yoke on either side they shook, + Journeying swift; and now the setting sun + To gloomy evening had resign'd the roads, 220 + When they to Pheræ came, and in the house + Of good Diocles slept, their lib'ral host, + Whose sire Orsilochus from Alpheus sprang. + But when Aurora, daughter of the Dawn, + Look'd rosy from the East, yoking their steeds, + They in the sumptuous chariot sat again. + Forth through the vestibule they drove, and through + The sounding portico, when Nestor's son + Plied brisk the scourge, and willing flew the steeds. + Thus whirl'd along, soon they approach'd the gates 230 + Of Pylus, when Telemachus, his speech + Turning to his companion, thus began. + How, son of Nestor! shall I win from thee + Not promise only, but performance kind + Of my request? we are not bound alone + To friendship by the friendship of our sires, + But by equality of years, and this + Our journey shall unite us still the more. + Bear me not, I intreat thee, noble friend! + Beyond the ship, but drop me at her side, 240 + Lest ancient Nestor, though against my will, + Detain me in his palace through desire + To feast me, for I dread the least delay. + He spake; then mused Pisistratus how best + He might effect the wishes of his friend, + And thus at length resolved; turning his steeds + With sudden deviation to the shore + He sought the bark, and placing in the stern + Both gold and raiment, the illustrious gifts + Of Menelaus, thus, in accents wing'd 250 + With ardour, urged Telemachus away. + Dispatch, embark, summon thy crew on board, + Ere my arrival notice give of thine + To the old King; for vehement I know + His temper, neither will he let thee hence, + But, hasting hither, will himself enforce + Thy longer stay, that thou may'st not depart + Ungifted; nought will fire his anger more. + So saying, he to the Pylian city urged + His steeds bright-maned, and at the palace-gate 260 + Arrived of Nestor speedily; meantime + Telemachus exhorted thus his crew. + My gallant friends! set all your tackle, climb + The sable bark, for I would now return. + He spake; they heard him gladly, and at once + All fill'd the benches. While his voyage he + Thus expedited, and beside the stern + To Pallas sacrifice perform'd and pray'd, + A stranger, born remote, who had escaped + From Argos, fugitive for blood, a seer 270 + And of Melampus' progeny, approach'd. + Melampus, in old time, in Pylus dwelt, + Mother of flocks, alike for wealth renown'd + And the magnificence of his abode. + He, flying from the far-famed Pylian King, + The mighty Neleus[65], migrated at length + Into another land, whose wealth, the while, + Neleus by force possess'd a year complete. + Meantime, Melampus in the house endured + Of Phylacus imprisonment and woe, 280 + And burn'd with wrath for Neleus' daughter sake + By fell Erynnis kindled in his heart. + But, 'scaping death, he drove the lowing beeves + From Phylace to Pylus, well avenged + His num'rous injuries at Neleus' hands + Sustain'd, and gave into his brother's arms + King Neleus' daughter fair, the promis'd bride. + To Argos steed-renown'd he journey'd next, + There destin'd to inhabit and to rule + Multitudes of Achaians. In that land 290 + He married, built a palace, and became + Father of two brave sons, Antiphates + And Mantius; to Antiphates was born + The brave Oïcleus; from Oïcleus sprang + Amphiaraüs, demagogue renown'd, + Whom with all tenderness, and as a friend + Alike the Thund'rer and Apollo prized; + Yet reach'd he not the bounds of hoary age. + But by his mercenary consort's arts[66] + Persuaded, met his destiny at Thebes. 300 + He 'gat Alcmæon and Amphilocus. + Mantius was also father of two sons, + Clytus and Polyphides. Clytus pass'd + From earth to heav'n, and dwells among the Gods, + Stol'n by Aurora for his beauty's sake. + But (brave Amphiaraüs once deceased) + Phœbus exalted Polyphides far + Above all others in the prophet's part. + He, anger'd by his father, roam'd away + To Hyperesia, where he dwelt renown'd 310 + Throughout all lands the oracle of all. + His son, named Theoclymenus, was he + Who now approach'd; he found Telemachus + Libation off'ring in his bark, and pray'r, + And in wing'd accents ardent him address'd. + Ah, friend! since sacrificing in this place + I find thee, by these sacred rites and those + Whom thou ador'st, and by thy own dear life, + And by the lives of these thy mariners + I beg true answer; hide not what I ask. 320 + Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom? + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + I will inform thee, stranger! and will solve + Thy questions with much truth. I am by birth + Ithacan, and Ulysses was my sire. + But he hath perish'd by a woeful death, + And I, believing it, with these have plow'd + The ocean hither, int'rested to learn + A father's fate long absent from his home. + Then answer'd godlike Theoclymenus. 330 + I also am a wand'rer, having slain + A man of my own tribe; brethren and friends + Num'rous had he in Argos steed-renown'd, + And pow'rful are the Achaians dwelling there. + From them, through terrour of impending death, + I fly, a banish'd man henceforth for ever. + Ah save a suppliant fugitive! lest death + O'ertake me, for I doubt not their pursuit. + Whom thus Telemachus answer'd discrete. + I shall not, be assured, since thou desir'st 340 + To join me, chace thee from my bark away. + Follow me, therefore, and with us partake, + In Ithaca, what best the land affords. + So saying, he at the stranger's hand received + His spear, which on the deck he lay'd, then climb'd + Himself the bark, and, seated in the stern, + At his own side placed Theoclymenus. + They cast the hawsers loose; then with loud voice + Telemachus exhorted all to hand + The tackle, whom the sailors prompt obey'd. 350 + The tall mast heaving, in its socket deep + They lodg'd it, and its cordage braced secure, + Then, straining at the halyards, hoised the sail. + Fair wind, and blowing fresh through æther pure + Minerva sent them, that the bark might run + Her nimblest course through all the briny way. + Now sank the sun, and dusky ev'ning dimm'd + The waves, when, driven by propitious Jove, + His bark stood right for Pheræ; thence she stretch'd + To sacred Elis where the Epeans rule, 360 + And through the sharp Echinades he next + Steer'd her, uncertain whether fate ordain'd + His life or death, surprizal or escape. + Meantime Ulysses and the swine-herd ate + Their cottage-mess, and the assistant swains + Theirs also; and when hunger now and thirst + Had ceased in all, Ulysses thus began, + Proving the swine-herd, whether friendly still, + And anxious for his good, he would intreat + His stay, or thence hasten him to the town. 370 + Eumæus, and all ye his servants, hear! + It is my purpose, lest I wear thee out, + Thee and thy friends, to seek at early dawn + The city, there to beg--But give me first + Needful instructions, and a trusty guide + Who may conduct me thither; there my task + Must be to roam the streets; some hand humane + Perchance shall give me a small pittance there, + A little bread, and a few drops to drink. + Ulysses' palace I shall also seek, 380 + And to discrete Penelope report + My tidings; neither shall I fail to mix + With those imperious suitors, who, themselves + Full-fed, may spare perhaps some boon to me. + Me shall they find, in whatsoe'er they wish + Their ready servitor, for (understand + And mark me well) the herald of the skies, + Hermes, from whom all actions of mankind + Their grace receive and polish, is my friend, + So that in menial offices I fear 390 + No rival, whether I be called to heap + The hearth with fuel, or dry wood to cleave, + To roast, to carve, or to distribute wine, + As oft the poor are wont who serve the great. + To whom, Eumæus! at those words displeased, + Thou didst reply. Gods! how could such a thought + Possess thee, stranger? surely thy resolve + Is altogether fixt to perish there, + If thou indeed hast purposed with that throng + To mix, whose riot and outrageous acts 400 + Of violence echo through the vault of heav'n. + None, such as thou, serve _them_; their servitors + Are youths well-cloak'd, well-vested; sleek their heads, + And smug their countenances; such alone + Are their attendants, and the polish'd boards + Groan overcharg'd with bread, with flesh, with wine. + Rest here content; for neither me nor these + Thou weariest aught, and when Ulysses' son + Shall come, he will with vest and mantle fair + Cloath thee, and send thee whither most thou would'st. 410 + To whom Ulysses, toil-inured. + I wish thee, O Eumæus! dear to Jove + As thou art dear to me, for this reprieve + Vouchsafed me kind, from wand'ring and from woe! + No worse condition is of mortal man + Than his who wanders; for the poor man, driv'n + By woe and by misfortune homeless forth, + A thousand mis'ries, day by day, endures. + Since thou detain'st me, then, and bidd'st me wait + His coming, tell me if the father still 420 + Of famed Ulysses live, whom, going hence, + He left so nearly on the verge of life? + And lives his mother? or have both deceased + Already, and descended to the shades? + To whom the master swine-herd thus replied. + I will inform thee, and with strictest truth, + Of all that thou hast ask'd. Laertes lives, + But supplication off'ring to the Gods + Ceaseless, to free him from a weary life, + So deeply his long-absent son he mourns, 430 + And the dear consort of his early youth, + Whose death is his chief sorrow, and hath brought + Old age on him, or ere its date arrived. + She died of sorrow for her glorious son, + And died deplorably;[67] may never friend + Of mine, or benefactor die as she! + While yet she liv'd, dejected as she was, + I found it yet some solace to converse + With her, who rear'd me in my childish days, + Together with her lovely youngest-born 440 + The Princess Ctimena; for side by side + We grew, and I, scarce honour'd less than she. + But soon as our delightful prime we both + Attain'd, to Samos her they sent, a bride, + And were requited with rich dow'r; but me + Cloath'd handsomely with tunic and with vest, + And with fair sandals furnish'd, to the field + She order'd forth, yet loved me still the more. + I miss her kindness now; but gracious heav'n + Prospers the work on which I here attend; 450 + Hence have I food, and hence I drink, and hence + Refresh, sometimes, a worthy guest like thee. + But kindness none experience I, or can, + From fair Penelope (my mistress now) + In word or action, so is the house curs'd + With that lewd throng. Glad would the servants be + Might they approach their mistress, and receive + Advice from her; glad too to eat and drink, + And somewhat bear each to his rural home, + For perquisites are ev'ry servant's joy. 460 + Then answer thus, Ulysses wise return'd. + Alas! good swain, Eumæus, how remote + From friends and country wast thou forced to roam + Ev'n in thy infancy! But tell me true. + The city where thy parents dwelt, did foes + Pillage it? or did else some hostile band + Surprizing thee alone, on herd or flock + Attendant, bear thee with them o'er the Deep, + And sell thee at this Hero's house, who pay'd + Doubtless for _thee_ no sordid price or small? 470 + To whom the master swine-herd in reply. + Stranger! since thou art curious to be told + My story, silent listen, and thy wine + At leisure quaff. The nights are longest now, + And such as time for sleep afford, and time + For pleasant conf'rence; neither were it good + That thou should'st to thy couch before thy hour, + Since even sleep is hurtful, in excess. + Whoever here is weary, and desires + Early repose, let him depart to rest, 480 + And, at the peep of day, when he hath fed + Sufficiently, drive forth my master's herd; + But we with wine and a well-furnish'd board + Supplied, will solace mutually derive + From recollection of our sufferings past; + For who hath much endured, and wander'd far, + Finds the recital ev'n of sorrow sweet. + Now hear thy question satisfied; attend! + There is an island (thou hast heard, perchance, + Of such an isle) named Syria;[68] it is placed 490 + Above Ortigia, and a dial owns[69] + True to the tropic changes of the year. + No great extent she boasts, yet is she rich + In cattle and in flocks, in wheat and wine. + No famine knows that people, or disease + Noisome, of all that elsewhere seize the race + Of miserable man; but when old age + Steals on the citizens, Apollo, arm'd + With silver bow and bright Diana come, + Whose gentle shafts dismiss them soon to rest. 500 + Two cities share between them all the isle, + And both were subject to my father's sway + Ctesius Ormenides, a godlike Chief. + It chanced that from Phœnicia, famed for skill + In arts marine, a vessel thither came + By sharpers mann'd, and laden deep with toys. + Now, in my father's family abode + A fair Phœnician, tall, full-sized, and skill'd + In works of elegance, whom they beguiled. + While she wash'd linen on the beach, beside 510 + The ship, a certain mariner of those + Seduced her; for all women, ev'n the wise + And sober, feeble prove by love assail'd. + Who was she, he enquired, and whence? nor she + Scrupled to tell at once her father's home. + I am of Sidon,[70] famous for her works + In brass and steel; daughter of Arybas, + Who rolls in affluence; Taphian pirates thence + Stole me returning from the field, from whom + This Chief procured me at no little cost. 520 + Then answer thus her paramour return'd. + Wilt thou not hence to Sidon in our ship, + That thou may'st once more visit the abode + Of thy own wealthy parents, and themselves? + For still they live, and still are wealthy deem'd. + To whom the woman. Even that might be, + Would ye, ye seamen, by a solemn oath + Assure me of a safe conveyance home. + Then sware the mariners as she required, + And, when their oath was ended, thus again 530 + The woman of Phœnicia them bespake. + Now, silence! no man, henceforth, of you all + Accost me, though he meet me on the road, + Or at yon fountain; lest some tattler run + With tidings home to my old master's ear, + Who, with suspicion touch'd, may _me_ confine + In cruel bonds, and death contrive for _you_. + But be ye close; purchase your stores in haste; + And when your vessel shall be freighted full, + Quick send me notice, for I mean to bring 540 + What gold soever opportune I find, + And will my passage cheerfully defray + With still another moveable. I nurse + The good man's son, an urchin shrewd, of age + To scamper at my side; him will I bring, + Whom at some foreign market ye shall prove + Saleable at what price soe'er ye will. + So saying, she to my father's house return'd. + They, there abiding the whole year, their ship + With purchased goods freighted of ev'ry kind, 550 + And when, her lading now complete, she lay + For sea prepared, their messenger arrived + To summon down the woman to the shore. + A mariner of theirs, subtle and shrewd, + Then, ent'ring at my father's gate, produced + A splendid collar, gold with amber strung. + My mother (then at home) with all her maids + Handling and gazing on it with delight, + Proposed to purchase it, and he the nod + Significant, gave unobserv'd, the while, 560 + To the Phœnician woman, and return'd. + She, thus informed, leading me by the hand + Went forth, and finding in the vestibule + The cups and tables which my father's guests + Had used, (but they were to the forum gone + For converse with their friends assembled there) + Convey'd three cups into her bosom-folds, + And bore them off, whom I a thoughtless child + Accompanied, at the decline of day, + When dusky evening had embrown'd the shore. 570 + We, stepping nimbly on, soon reach'd the port + Renown'd, where that Phœnician vessel lay. + They shipp'd us both, and all embarking cleav'd + Their liquid road, by favourable gales, + Jove's gift, impell'd. Six days we day and night + Continual sailed, but when Saturnian Jove + Now bade the sev'nth bright morn illume the skies, + Then, shaft-arm'd Dian struck the woman dead. + At once she pitch'd headlong into the bilge + Like a sea-coot, whence heaving her again, 580 + The seamen gave her to be fishes' food, + And I survived to mourn her. But the winds + And rolling billows them bore to the coast + Of Ithaca, where with his proper goods + Laertes bought me. By such means it chanced + That e'er I saw the isle in which I dwell. + To whom Ulysses, glorious Chief, replied. + Eumæus! thou hast moved me much, thy woes + Enumerating thus at large. But Jove + Hath neighbour'd all thy evil with this good, 590 + That after num'rous sorrows thou hast reach'd + The house of a kind master, at whose hands + Thy sustenance is sure, and here thou lead'st + A tranquil life; but I have late arrived, + City after city of the world explored. + Thus mutual they conferr'd, nor leisure found + Save for short sleep, by morning soon surprized. + Meantime the comrades of Telemachus + Approaching land, cast loose the sail, and lower'd + Alert the mast, then oar'd the vessel in. 600 + The anchors heav'd aground,[71] and hawsers tied + Secure, themselves, forth-issuing on the shore, + Breakfast prepared, and charged their cups with wine. + When neither hunger now, nor thirst remained + Unsatisfied, Telemachus began. + Push ye the sable bark without delay + Home to the city. I will to the field + Among my shepherds, and, (my rural works + Survey'd,) at eve will to the town return. + To-morrow will I set before you wine 610 + And plenteous viands, wages of your toil. + To whom the godlike Theoclymenus. + Whither must I, my son? who, of the Chiefs + Of rugged Ithaca, shall harbour me? + Shall I to thine and to thy mother's house? + Then thus Telemachus, discrete, replied. + I would invite thee to proceed at once + To our abode, since nought should fail thee there + Of kind reception, but it were a course + Now not adviseable; for I must myself, 620 + Be absent, neither would my mother's eyes + Behold thee, so unfrequent she appears + Before the suitors, shunning whom, she sits + Weaving continual at the palace-top. + But I will name to thee another Chief + Whom thou may'st seek, Eurymachus, the son + Renown'd of prudent Polybus, whom all + The people here reverence as a God. + Far noblest of them all is he, and seeks + More ardent than his rivals far, to wed 630 + My mother, and to fill my father's throne. + But, He who dwells above, Jove only knows + If some disastrous day be not ordain'd + For them, or ere those nuptials shall arrive. + While thus he spake, at his right hand appear'd, + Messenger of Apollo, on full wing, + A falcon; in his pounces clench'd he bore + A dove, which rending, down he pour'd her plumes + Between the galley and Telemachus. + Then, calling him apart, the prophet lock'd 640 + His hand in his, and thus explain'd the sign. + Not undirected by the Gods his flight + On our right hand, Telemachus! this hawk + Hath wing'd propitious; soon as I perceived + I knew him ominous--In all the isle + No family of a more royal note + Than yours is found, and yours shall still prevail. + Whom thus Telemachus answer'd discrete. + Grant heav'n, my guest! that this good word of thine + Fail not, and soon thou shalt such bounty share 650 + And friendship at my hands, that, at first sight, + Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest. + Then, to Piræus thus, his friend approved. + Piræus, son of Clytius! (for of all + My followers to the shore of Pylus, none + More prompt than thou hath my desires perform'd) + Now also to thy own abode conduct + This stranger, whom with hospitable care + Cherish and honour till myself arrive. + To whom Piræus answer'd, spear-renown'd. 660 + Telemachus! however long thy stay, + Punctual I will attend him, and no want + Of hospitality shall he find with me. + So saying, he climb'd the ship, then bade the crew + Embarking also, cast the hawsers loose, + And each, obedient, to his bench repair'd. + Meantime Telemachus his sandals bound, + And lifted from the deck his glitt'ring spear. + Then, as Telemachus had bidden them, + Son of divine Ulysses, casting loose 670 + The hawsers, forth they push'd into the Deep + And sought the city, while with nimble pace + Proceeding thence, Telemachus attain'd + The cottage soon where good Eumæus slept, + The swine-herd, faithful to his num'rous charge. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[65] Iphyclus the son of Phylacus had seized and detained cattle +belonging to Neleus; Neleus ordered his nephew Melampus to recover them, +and as security for his obedience seized on a considerable part of his +possessions. Melampus attempted the service, failed, and was cast into +prison; but at length escaping, accomplished his errand, vanquished +Neleus in battle, and carried off his daughter Pero, whom Neleus had +promised to the brother of Melampus, but had afterward refused her. + +[66] His wife Eryphyle, bribed by Polynices, persuaded him, though aware +that death awaited him at that city, to go to Thebes, where he fell +accordingly. + +[67] She is said to have hanged herself. + +[68] Not improbably the isthmus of Syracuse, an island, perhaps, or +peninsula at that period, or at least imagined to be such by Homer. The +birth of Diana gave fame to Ortygia. F. + +[69] Ὅθι τροπαὶ ἠελίοιο--The Translator has rendered the passage +according to that interpretation of it to which several of the best +expositors incline. Nothing can be so absurd as to suppose that Homer, so +correct in his geography, could mean to place a Mediterranean island +under the Tropic. + +[70] A principal city of Phœnicia. + +[71] The anchors were lodged on the shore, not plunged as ours. + + + + +BOOK XVI + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus dispatches Eumæus to the city to inform Penelope of his safe +return from Pylus; during his absence, Ulysses makes himself known to his +son. The suitors, having watched for Telemachus in vain, arrive again at +Ithaca. + + + It was the hour of dawn, when in the cot + Kindling fresh fire, Ulysses and his friend + Noble Eumæus dress'd their morning fare, + And sent the herdsmen with the swine abroad. + Seeing Telemachus, the watchful dogs + Bark'd not, but fawn'd around him. At that sight, + And at the sound of feet which now approach'd, + Ulysses in wing'd accents thus remark'd. + Eumæus! certain, either friend of thine + Is nigh at hand, or one whom well thou know'st; 10 + Thy dogs bark not, but fawn on his approach + Obsequious, and the sound of feet I hear. + Scarce had he ceased, when his own son himself + Stood in the vestibule. Upsprang at once + Eumæus wonder-struck, and from his hand + Let fall the cups with which he was employ'd + Mingling rich wine; to his young Lord he ran, + His forehead kiss'd, kiss'd his bright-beaming eyes + And both his hands, weeping profuse the while, + As when a father folds in his embrace 20 + Arrived from foreign lands in the tenth year + His darling son, the offspring of his age, + His only one, for whom he long hath mourn'd, + So kiss'd the noble peasant o'er and o'er + Godlike Telemachus, as from death escaped, + And in wing'd accents plaintive thus began. + Light of my eyes, thou com'st; it is thyself, + Sweetest Telemachus! I had no hope + To see thee more, once told that o'er the Deep + Thou hadst departed for the Pylian coast. 30 + Enter, my precious son; that I may sooth + My soul with sight of thee from far arrived, + For seldom thou thy feeders and thy farm + Visitest, in the city custom'd much + To make abode, that thou may'st witness there + The manners of those hungry suitors proud. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + It will be so. There is great need, my friend! + But here, for thy sake, have I now arrived, + That I may look on thee, and from thy lips 40 + Learn if my mother still reside at home, + Or have become spouse of some other Chief, + Leaving untenanted Ulysses' bed + To be by noisome spiders webb'd around. + To whom the master swine-herd in return. + Not so, she, patient still as ever, dwells + Beneath thy roof, but all her cheerless days + Despairing wastes, and all her nights in tears. + So saying, Eumæus at his hand received + His brazen lance, and o'er the step of stone 50 + Enter'd Telemachus, to whom his sire + Relinquish'd, soon as he appear'd, his seat, + But him Telemachus forbidding, said-- + Guest, keep thy seat; our cottage will afford + Some other, which Eumæus will provide. + He ceased, and he, returning at the word, + Reposed again; then good Eumæus spread + Green twigs beneath, which, cover'd with a fleece, + Supplied Ulysses' offspring with a seat. + He, next, disposed his dishes on the board 60 + With relicts charged of yesterday; with bread, + Alert, he heap'd the baskets; with rich wine + His ivy cup replenish'd; and a seat + Took opposite to his illustrious Lord + Ulysses. They toward the plenteous feast + Stretch'd forth their hands, (and hunger now and thirst + Both satisfied) Telemachus, his speech + Addressing to their gen'rous host, began. + Whence is this guest, my father? How convey'd + Came he to Ithaca? What country boast 70 + The mariners with whom he here arrived? + For, that on foot he found us not, is sure. + To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + I will with truth answer thee, O my son! + He boasts him sprung from ancestry renown'd + In spacious Crete, and hath the cities seen + Of various lands, by fate ordain'd to roam. + Ev'n now, from a Thesprotian ship escaped, + He reach'd my cottage--but he is thy own; + I yield him to thee; treat him as thou wilt; 80 + He is thy suppliant, and depends on thee. + Then thus, Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Thy words, Eumæus, pain my very soul. + For what security can I afford + To any in my house? myself am young, + Nor yet of strength sufficient to repel + An offer'd insult, and my mother's mind + In doubtful balance hangs, if, still with me + An inmate, she shall manage my concerns, + Attentive only to her absent Lord 90 + And her own good report, or shall espouse + The noblest of her wooers, and the best + Entitled by the splendour of his gifts. + But I will give him, since I find him lodg'd + A guest beneath thy roof, tunic and cloak, + Sword double-edged, and sandals for his feet, + With convoy to the country of his choice. + Still, if it please thee, keep him here thy guest, + And I will send him raiment, with supplies + Of all sorts, lest he burthen thee and thine. 100 + But where the suitors come, there shall not he + With my consent, nor stand exposed to pride + And petulance like theirs, lest by some sneer + They wound him, and through him, wound also me; + For little is it that the boldest can + Against so many; numbers will prevail. + Him answer'd then Ulysses toil-inured. + Oh amiable and good! since even I + Am free to answer thee, I will avow + My heart within me torn by what I hear 110 + Of those injurious suitors, who the house + Infest of one noble as thou appear'st. + But say--submittest thou to their controul + Willingly, or because the people, sway'd + By some response oracular, incline + Against thee? Thou hast brothers, it may chance, + Slow to assist thee--for a brother's aid + Is of importance in whatever cause. + For oh that I had youth as I have will, + Or that renown'd Ulysses were my sire, 120 + Or that himself might wander home again. + Whereof hope yet remains! then might I lose + My head, that moment, by an alien's hand, + If I would fail, ent'ring Ulysses' gate, + To be the bane and mischief of them all. + But if alone to multitudes opposed + I should perchance be foiled; nobler it were + With my own people, under my own roof + To perish, than to witness evermore + Their unexampled deeds, guests shoved aside, 130 + Maidens dragg'd forcibly from room to room, + Casks emptied of their rich contents, and them + Indulging glutt'nous appetite day by day + Enormous, without measure, without end. + To whom, Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Stranger! thy questions shall from me receive + True answer. Enmity or hatred none + Subsists the people and myself between, + Nor have I brothers to accuse, whose aid + Is of importance in whatever cause, 140 + For Jove hath from of old with single heirs + Our house supplied; Arcesias none begat + Except Laertes, and Laertes none + Except Ulysses, and Ulysses me + Left here his only one, and unenjoy'd. + Thence comes it that our palace swarms with foes; + For all the rulers of the neighbour isles, + Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd + Zacynthus, others also rulers here + In craggy Ithaca, my mother seek 150 + In marriage, and my household stores consume. + But neither she those nuptial rites abhorr'd + Refuses absolute, nor yet consents + To end them; they my patrimony waste + Meantime, and will destroy me also soon, + As I expect, but heav'n disposes all. + Eumæus! haste, my father! bear with speed + News to Penelope that I am safe, + And have arrived from Pylus; I will wait + Till thou return; and well beware that none + Hear thee beside, for I have many foes. + To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st + To one intelligent. But say beside, + Shall I not also, as I go, inform + Distress'd Laertes? who while yet he mourn'd + Ulysses only, could o'ersee the works, + And dieted among his menials oft + As hunger prompted him, but now, they say, + Since thy departure to the Pylian shore, 170 + He neither eats as he was wont, nor drinks, + Nor oversees his hinds, but sighing sits + And weeping, wasted even to the bone. + Him then Telemachus answer'd discrete. + Hard though it be, yet to his tears and sighs + Him leave we now. We cannot what we would. + For, were the ordering of all events + Referr'd to our own choice, our first desire + Should be to see my father's glad return. + But once thy tidings told, wander not thou 180 + In quest of Him, but hither speed again. + Rather request my mother that she send + Her household's governess without delay + Privately to him; she shall best inform + The ancient King that I have safe arrived. + He said, and urged him forth, who binding on + His sandals, to the city bent his way. + Nor went Eumæus from his home unmark'd + By Pallas, who in semblance of a fair + Damsel, accomplish'd in domestic arts, 190 + Approaching to the cottage' entrance, stood + Opposite, by Ulysses plain discern'd, + But to his son invisible; for the Gods + Appear not manifest alike to all. + The mastiffs saw her also, and with tone + Querulous hid themselves, yet bark'd they not. + She beckon'd him abroad. Ulysses saw + The sign, and, issuing through the outer court, + Approach'd her, whom the Goddess thus bespake. + Laertes' progeny, for wiles renown'd! 200 + Disclose thyself to thy own son, that, death + Concerting and destruction to your foes, + Ye may the royal city seek, nor long + Shall ye my presence there desire in vain, + For I am ardent to begin the fight. + Minerva spake, and with her rod of gold + Touch'd him; his mantle, first, and vest she made + Pure as new-blanch'd; dilating, next, his form, + She gave dimensions ampler to his limbs; + Swarthy again his manly hue became, 210 + Round his full face, and black his bushy chin. + The change perform'd, Minerva disappear'd, + And the illustrious Hero turn'd again + Into the cottage; wonder at that sight + Seiz'd on Telemachus; askance he look'd, + Awe-struck, not unsuspicious of a God, + And in wing'd accents eager thus began. + Thou art no longer, whom I lately saw, + Nor are thy cloaths, nor is thy port the same. + Thou art a God, I know, and dwell'st in heav'n. 220 + Oh, smile on us, that we may yield thee rites + Acceptable, and present thee golden gifts + Elaborate; ah spare us, Pow'r divine! + To whom Ulysses, Hero toil-inured. + I am no God. Why deem'st thou me divine? + I am thy father, for whose sake thou lead'st + A life of woe, by violence oppress'd. + So saying, he kiss'd his son, while from his cheeks + Tears trickled, tears till then, perforce restrained. + Telemachus, (for he believed him not 230 + His father yet) thus, wond'ring, spake again. + My father, said'st thou? no. Thou art not He, + But some Divinity beguiles my soul + With mock'ries to afflict me still the more; + For never mortal man could so have wrought + By his own pow'r; some interposing God + Alone could render thee both young and old, + For old thou wast of late, and foully clad, + But wear'st the semblance, now, of those in heav'n! + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. 240 + Telemachus! it is not well, my son! + That thou should'st greet thy father with a face + Of wild astonishment, and stand aghast. + Ulysses, save myself, none comes, be sure. + Such as thou seest, after ten thousand woes + Which I have borne, I visit once again + My native country in the twentieth year. + This wonder Athenæan Pallas wrought, + She cloath'd me even with what form she would, + For so she can. Now poor I seem and old, 250 + Now young again, and clad in fresh attire. + The Gods who dwell in yonder heav'n, with ease + Dignify or debase a mortal man. + So saying, he sat. Then threw Telemachus + His arms around his father's neck, and wept. + Desire intense of lamentation seized + On both; soft murmurs utt'ring, each indulged + His grief, more frequent wailing than the bird, + (Eagle, or hook-nail'd vulture) from whose nest + Some swain hath stol'n her yet unfeather'd young. 260 + So from their eyelids they big drops distill'd + Of tend'rest grief, nor had the setting sun + Cessation of their weeping seen, had not + Telemachus his father thus address'd. + What ship convey'd thee to thy native shore, + My father! and what country boast the crew? + For, that on foot thou not arriv'dst, is sure. + Then thus divine Ulysses toil-inured. + My son! I will explicit all relate. + Conducted by Phæacia's maritime sons 270 + I came, a race accustom'd to convey + Strangers who visit them across the Deep. + Me, o'er the billows in a rapid bark + Borne sleeping, on the shores of Ithaca + They lay'd; rich gifts they gave me also, brass, + Gold in full bags, and beautiful attire, + Which, warn'd from heav'n, I have in caves conceal'd. + By Pallas prompted, hither I repair'd + That we might plan the slaughter of our foes, + Whose numbers tell me now, that I may know 280 + How pow'rful, certainly, and who they are, + And consultation with my dauntless heart + May hold, if we be able to contend + Ourselves with all, or must have aid beside. + Then, answer thus his son, discrete, return'd. + My father! thy renown hath ever rung + In thy son's ears, and by report thy force + In arms, and wisdom I have oft been told. + But terribly thou speak'st; amazement-fixt + I hear; can two a multitude oppose, 290 + And valiant warriors all? for neither ten + Are they, nor twenty, but more num'rous far. + Learn, now, their numbers. Fifty youths and two + Came from Dulichium; they are chosen men, + And six attendants follow in their train; + From Samos twenty youths and four arrive, + Zacynthus also of Achaia's sons + Sends twenty more, and our own island adds, + Herself, her twelve chief rulers; Medon, too, + Is there the herald, and the bard divine, 300 + With other two, intendants of the board. + Should we within the palace, we alone, + Assail them all, I fear lest thy revenge + Unpleasant to thyself and deadly prove, + Frustrating thy return. But recollect-- + Think, if thou canst, on whose confed'rate arm + Strenuous on our behalf we may rely. + To him replied his patient father bold. + I will inform thee. Mark. Weigh well my words. + Will Pallas and the everlasting Sire 310 + Alone suffice? or need we other aids? + Then answer thus Telemachus return'd. + Good friends indeed are they whom thou hast named, + Though throned above the clouds; for their controul + Is universal both in earth and heav'n. + To whom Ulysses, toil-worn Chief renown'd. + Not long will they from battle stand aloof, + When once, within my palace, in the strength + Of Mars, to sharp decision we shall urge + The suitors. But thyself at early dawn 320 + Our mansion seek, that thou may'st mingle there + With that imperious throng; me in due time + Eumæus to the city shall conduct, + In form a miserable beggar old. + But should they with dishonourable scorn + Insult me, thou unmov'd my wrongs endure, + And should they even drag me by the feet + Abroad, or smite me with the spear, thy wrath + Refraining, gently counsel them to cease + From such extravagance; but well I know 330 + That cease they will not, for their hour is come. + And mark me well; treasure what now I say + Deep in thy soul. When Pallas shall, herself, + Suggest the measure, then, shaking my brows, + I will admonish thee; thou, at the sign, + Remove what arms soever in the hall + Remain, and in the upper palace safe + Dispose them; should the suitors, missing them, + Perchance interrogate thee, then reply + Gently--I have removed them from the smoke; 340 + For they appear no more the arms which erst + Ulysses, going hence to Ilium, left, + But smirch'd and sullied by the breath of fire. + This weightier reason (thou shalt also say) + Jove taught me; lest, intoxicate with wine, + Ye should assault each other in your brawls, + Shaming both feast and courtship; for the view + Itself of arms incites to their abuse. + Yet leave two faulchions for ourselves alone, + Two spears, two bucklers, which with sudden force 350 + Impetuous we will seize, and Jove all-wise + Their valour shall, and Pallas, steal away. + This word store also in remembrance deep-- + If mine in truth thou art, and of my blood, + Then, of Ulysses to his home returned + Let none hear news from thee, no, not my sire + Laertes, nor Eumæus, nor of all + The menials any, or ev'n Penelope, + That thou and I, alone, may search the drift + Of our domestic women, and may prove 360 + Our serving-men, who honours and reveres + And who contemns us both, but chiefly thee + So gracious and so worthy to be loved. + Him then thus answer'd his illustrious son. + Trust me, my father! thou shalt soon be taught + That I am not of drowsy mind obtuse. + But this I think not likely to avail + Or thee or me; ponder it yet again; + For tedious were the task, farm after farm + To visit of those servants, proving each, 370 + And the proud suitors merciless devour + Meantime thy substance, nor abstain from aught. + Learn, if thou wilt, (and I that course myself + Advise) who slights thee of the female train, + And who is guiltless; but I would not try + From house to house the men, far better proved + Hereafter, if in truth by signs from heav'n + Inform'd, thou hast been taught the will of Jove. + Thus they conferr'd. The gallant bark, meantime, + Reach'd Ithaca, which from the Pylian shore 380 + Had brought Telemachus with all his band. + Within the many-fathom'd port arrived + His lusty followers haled her far aground, + Then carried thence their arms, but to the house + Of Clytius the illustrious gifts convey'd. + Next to the royal mansion they dispatch'd + An herald charg'd with tidings to the Queen, + That her Telemachus had reach'd the cot + Of good Eumæus, and the bark had sent + Home to the city; lest the matchless dame 390 + Should still deplore the absence of her son. + They, then, the herald and the swine-herd, each + Bearing like message to his mistress, met, + And at the palace of the godlike Chief + Arriving, compass'd by the female throng + Inquisitive, the herald thus began. + Thy son, O Queen! is safe; ev'n now return'd. + Then, drawing nigh to her, Eumæus told + His message also from her son received, + And, his commission punctually discharged, 400 + Leaving the palace, sought his home again. + Grief seized and anguish, at those tidings, all + The suitors; issuing forth, on the outside + Of the high wall they sat, before the gate, + When Polybus' son, Eurymachus, began. + My friends! his arduous task, this voyage, deem'd + By us impossible, in our despight + Telemachus hath atchieved. Haste! launch we forth + A sable bark, our best, which let us man + With mariners expert, who, rowing forth 410 + Swiftly, shall summon our companions home. + Scarce had he said, when turning where he sat, + Amphinomus beheld a bark arrived + Just then in port; he saw them furling sail, + And seated with their oars in hand; he laugh'd + Through pleasure at that sight, and thus he spake. + Our message may be spared. Lo! they arrive. + Either some God inform'd them, or they saw, + Themselves, the vessel of Telemachus + Too swiftly passing to be reach'd by theirs. 420 + He spake; they, rising, hasted to the shore. + Alert they drew the sable bark aground, + And by his servant each his arms dispatch'd + To his own home. Then, all, to council those + Assembling, neither elder of the land + Nor youth allow'd to join them, and the rest + Eupithes' son, Antinoüs, thus bespake. + Ah! how the Gods have rescued him! all day + Perch'd on the airy mountain-top, our spies + Successive watch'd; and, when the sun declined, 430 + We never slept on shore, but all night long + Till sacred dawn arose, plow'd the abyss, + Hoping Telemachus, that we might seize + And slay him, whom some Deity hath led, + In our despight, safe to his home again. + But frame we yet again means to destroy + Telemachus; ah--let not Him escape! + For end of this our task, while he survives, + None shall be found, such prudence he displays + And wisdom, neither are the people now 440 + Unanimous our friends as heretofore. + Come, then--prevent him, ere he call the Greeks + To council; for he will not long delay, + But will be angry, doubtless, and will tell + Amid them all, how we in vain devised + His death, a deed which they will scarce applaud, + But will, perhaps, punish and drive us forth + From our own country to a distant land.-- + Prevent him, therefore, quickly; in the field + Slay him, or on the road; so shall his wealth 450 + And his possessions on ourselves devolve + Which we will share equally, but his house + Shall be the Queen's, and his whom she shall wed. + Yet, if not so inclined, ye rather chuse + That he should live and occupy entire + His patrimony, then, no longer, here + Assembled, let us revel at his cost, + But let us all with spousal gifts produced + From our respective treasures, woo the Queen, + Leaving her in full freedom to espouse 460 + Who proffers most, and whom the fates ordain. + He ceased; the assembly silent sat and mute. + Then rose Amphinomus amid them all, + Offspring renown'd of Nisus, son, himself, + Of King Aretias. He had thither led + The suitor train who from the pleasant isle + Corn-clad of green Dulichium had arrived, + And by his speech pleased far beyond them all + Penelope, for he was just and wise, + And thus, well-counselling the rest, began. 470 + Not I, my friends! far be the thought from me + To slay Telemachus! it were a deed + Momentous, terrible, to slay a prince. + First, therefore, let us counsel ask of heav'n, + And if Jove's oracle that course approve, + I will encourage you, and will myself + Be active in his death; but if the Gods + Forbid it, then, by my advice, forbear. + So spake Amphinomus, whom all approved. + Arising then, into Ulysses' house 480 + They went, where each his splendid seat resumed. + A novel purpose occupied, meantime, + Penelope; she purposed to appear + Before her suitors, whose design to slay + Telemachus she had from Medon learn'd, + The herald, for his ear had caught the sound. + Toward the hall with her attendant train + She moved, and when, most graceful of her sex, + Where sat the suitors she arrived, between + The columns standing of the stately dome, 490 + And covering with her white veil's lucid folds + Her features, to Antinoüs thus she spake. + Antinoüs, proud, contentious, evermore + To mischief prone! the people deem thee wise + Past thy compeers, and in all grace of speech + Pre-eminent, but such wast never thou. + Inhuman! why is it thy dark design + To slay Telemachus? and why with scorn + Rejectest thou the suppliant's pray'r,[72] which Jove + Himself hath witness'd? Plots please not the Gods. 500 + Know'st not that thy own father refuge found + Here, when he fled before the people's wrath + Whom he had irritated by a wrong + Which, with a band of Taphian robbers joined, + He offer'd to the Thesprots, our allies? + They would have torn his heart, and would have laid + All his delights and his possessions waste, + But my Ulysses slaked the furious heat + Of their revenge, whom thou requitest now + Wasting his goods, soliciting his wife, 510 + Slaying his son, and filling me with woe. + But cease, I charge thee, and bid cease the rest. + To whom the son of Polybus replied, + Eurymachus.--Icarius' daughter wise! + Take courage, fair Penelope, and chace + These fears unreasonable from thy mind! + The man lives not, nor shall, who while I live, + And faculty of sight retain, shall harm + Telemachus, thy son. For thus I say, + And thus will I perform; his blood shall stream 520 + A sable current from my lance's point + That moment; for the city-waster Chief + Ulysses, oft, me placing on his knees, + Hath fill'd my infant grasp with sav'ry food, + And giv'n me ruddy wine. I, therefore, hold + Telemachus of all men most my friend, + Nor hath he death to fear from hand of ours. + Yet, if the Gods shall doom him, die he must. + So he encouraged her, who yet, himself, + Plotted his death. She, re-ascending, sought 530 + Her stately chamber, and, arriving there, + Deplored with tears her long-regretted Lord + Till Athenæan Pallas azure-eyed + Dews of soft slumber o'er her lids diffused. + And now, at even-tide, Eumæus reach'd + Ulysses and his son. A yearling swine + Just slain they skilfully for food prepared, + When Pallas, drawing nigh, smote with her wand + Ulysses, at the stroke rend'ring him old, + And his apparel sordid as before, 540 + Lest, knowing him, the swain at once should seek + Penelope, and let the secret forth. + Then foremost him Telemachus address'd. + Noble Eumæus! thou art come; what news + Bring'st from the city? Have the warrior band + Of suitors, hopeless of their ambush, reach'd + The port again, or wait they still for me? + To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + No time for such enquiry, nor to range, + Curious, the streets had I, but anxious wish'd 550 + To make my message known, and to return. + But, as it chanced, a nimble herald sent + From thy companions, met me on the way, + Who reach'd thy mother first. Yet this I know, + For this I saw. Passing above the town + Where they have piled a way-side hill of stones + To Mercury, I beheld a gallant bark + Ent'ring the port; a bark she was of ours, + The crew were num'rous, and I mark'd her deep- + Laden with shields and spears of double edge. 560 + Theirs I conjectured her, and could no more. + He spake, and by Eumæus unperceived, + Telemachus his father eyed and smiled. + Their task accomplish'd, and the table spread, + They ate, nor any his due portion miss'd, + And hunger, now, and thirst both sated, all + To rest repair'd, and took the gift of sleep. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[72] Alluding probably to entreaties made to him at some former time by +herself and Telemachus, that he would not harm them. Clarke. + + + + +BOOK XVII + +ARGUMENT + +Telemachus returns to the city, and relates to his mother the principal +passages of his voyage; Ulysses, conducted by Eumæus, arrives there also, +and enters among the suitors, having been known only by his old dog +Argus, who dies at his feet. The curiosity of Penelope being excited by +the account which Eumæus gives her of Ulysses, she orders him immediately +into her presence, but Ulysses postpones the interview till evening, when +the suitors having left the palace, there shall be no danger of +interruption. Eumæus returns to his cottage. + + + Now look'd Aurora from the East abroad, + When the illustrious offspring of divine + Ulysses bound his sandals to his feet; + He seiz'd his sturdy spear match'd to his gripe, + And to the city meditating quick + Departure now, the swine-herd thus bespake. + Father! I seek the city, to convince + My mother of my safe return, whose tears, + I judge, and lamentation shall not cease + Till her own eyes behold me. But I lay 10 + On thee this charge. Into the city lead, + Thyself, this hapless guest, that he may beg + Provision there, a morsel and a drop + From such as may, perchance, vouchsafe the boon. + I cannot, vext and harass'd as I am, + Feed all, and should the stranger take offence, + The worse for him. Plain truth is my delight. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Nor is it my desire to be detained. + Better the mendicant in cities seeks 20 + His dole, vouchsafe it whosoever may, + Than in the villages. I am not young, + Nor longer of an age that well accords + With rural tasks, nor could I all perform + That it might please a master to command. + Go then, and when I shall have warm'd my limbs + Before the hearth, and when the risen sun + Shall somewhat chase the cold, thy servant's task + Shall be to guide me thither, as thou bidd'st, + For this is a vile garb; the frosty air 30 + Of morning would benumb me thus attired, + And, as ye say, the city is remote. + He ended, and Telemachus in haste + Set forth, his thoughts all teeming as he went + With dire revenge. Soon in the palace-courts + Arriving, he reclined his spear against + A column, and proceeded to the hall. + Him Euryclea, first, his nurse, perceived, + While on the variegated seats she spread + Their fleecy cov'ring; swift with tearful eyes 40 + She flew to him, and the whole female train + Of brave Ulysses swarm'd around his son, + Clasping him, and his forehead and his neck + Kissing affectionate; then came, herself, + As golden Venus or Diana fair, + Forth from her chamber to her son's embrace, + The chaste Penelope; with tears she threw + Her arms around him, his bright-beaming eyes + And forehead kiss'd, and with a murmur'd plaint + Maternal, in wing'd accents thus began. 50 + Thou hast return'd, light of my eyes! my son! + My lov'd Telemachus! I had no hope + To see thee more when once thou hadst embark'd + For Pylus, privily, and with no consent + From me obtain'd, news seeking of thy sire. + But haste; unfold. Declare what thou hast seen. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Ah mother! let my sorrows rest, nor me + From death so lately 'scaped afflict anew, + But, bathed and habited in fresh attire, 60 + With all the maidens of thy train ascend + To thy superior chamber, there to vow + A perfect hecatomb to all the Gods, + When Jove shall have avenged our num'rous wrongs. + I seek the forum, there to introduce + A guest, my follower from the Pylian shore, + Whom sending forward with my noble band, + I bade Piræus to his own abode + Lead him, and with all kindness entertain + The stranger, till I should myself arrive. 70 + He spake, nor flew his words useless away. + She, bathed and habited in fresh attire, + Vow'd a full hecatomb to all the Gods, + Would Jove but recompense her num'rous wrongs. + Then, spear in hand, went forth her son, two dogs + Fleet-footed following him. O'er all his form + Pallas diffused a dignity divine, + And ev'ry eye gazed on him as he pass'd. + The suitors throng'd him round, joy on their lips + And welcome, but deep mischief in their hearts. 80 + He, shunning all that crowd, chose to himself + A seat, where Mentor sat, and Antiphus, + And Halytherses, long his father's friends + Sincere, who of his voyage much enquired. + Then drew Piræus nigh, leading his guest + Toward the forum; nor Telemachus + Stood long aloof, but greeted his approach, + And was accosted by Piræus thus. + Sir! send thy menial women to bring home + The precious charge committed to my care, 90 + Thy gifts at Menelaus' hands received. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Piræus! wait; for I not yet foresee + The upshot. Should these haughty ones effect + My death, clandestine, under my own roof, + And parcel my inheritance by lot, + I rather wish those treasures thine, than theirs. + But should I with success plan for them all + A bloody death, then, wing'd with joy, thyself + Bring home those presents to thy joyful friend. 100 + So saying, he led the anxious stranger thence + Into the royal mansion, where arrived, + Each cast his mantle on a couch or throne, + And plung'd his feet into a polish'd bath. + There wash'd and lubricated with smooth oils, + From the attendant maidens each received + Tunic and shaggy mantle. Thus attired, + Forth from the baths they stepp'd, and sat again. + A maiden, next, with golden ewer charged, + And silver bowl, pour'd water on their hands, 110 + And spread the polish'd table, which with food + Of all kinds, remnants of the last regale, + The mistress of the household charge supplied. + Meantime, beside a column of the dome + His mother, on a couch reclining, twirl'd + Her slender threads. They to the furnish'd board + Stretch'd forth their hands, and, hunger now and thirst + Both satisfied, Penelope began. + Telemachus! I will ascend again, + And will repose me on my woeful bed; 120 + For such it hath been, and with tears of mine + Ceaseless bedew'd, e'er since Ulysses went + With Atreus' sons to Troy. For not a word + Thou would'st vouchsafe me till our haughty guests + Had occupied the house again, of all + That thou hast heard (if aught indeed thou hast) + Of thy long-absent father's wish'd return. + Her answer'd then Telemachus discrete. + Mother, at thy request I will with truth + Relate the whole. At Pylus shore arrived 130 + We Nestor found, Chief of the Pylian race. + Receiving me in his august abode, + He entertain'd me with such welcome kind + As a glad father shews to his own son + Long-lost and newly found; so Nestor me, + And his illustrious offspring, entertain'd, + But yet assured me that he nought had heard + From mortal lips of my magnanimous sire, + Whether alive or dead; with his own steeds + He sent me, and with splendid chariot thence 140 + To spear-famed Menelaus, Atreus' son. + There saw I Helen, by the Gods' decree + Auth'ress of trouble both to Greece and Troy. + The Hero Menelaus then enquired + What cause had urged me to the pleasant vale + Of Lacedæmon; plainly I rehearsed + The occasion, and the Hero thus replied. + Ye Gods! they are ambitious of the bed + Of a brave man, however base themselves. + But, as it chances when the hart hath laid 150 + Her fawns new-yean'd and sucklings yet, to rest + In some resistless lion's den, she roams, + Meantime, the hills, and in the grassy vales + Feeds heedless, but the lion to his lair + Returning soon, both her and hers destroys, + So shall thy father, brave Ulysses, them. + Jove! Pallas! and Apollo! oh that such + As erst in well-built Lesbos, where he strove + With Philomelides, whom wrestling, flat + He threw, when all Achaia's sons rejoiced, 160 + Ulysses, now, might mingle with his foes! + Short life and bitter nuptials should be theirs, + But thy enquiries neither indirect + Will I evade, nor give thee false reply, + But all that from the Ancient of the Deep[73] + I have received will utter, hiding nought. + The God declared that he had seen thy sire + In a lone island, sorrowing, and detain'd + An inmate in the grotto of the nymph + Calypso, wanting also means by which 170 + To reach the country of his birth again, + For neither gallant barks nor friends had he + To speed his passage o'er the boundless waves. + So Menelaus spake, the spear-renown'd. + My errand thus accomplish'd, I return'd-- + And by the Gods with gales propitious blest, + Was wafted swiftly to my native shore. + He spake, and tumult in his mother's heart + So speaking, raised. Consolatory, next, + The godlike Theoclymenus began. 180 + Consort revered of Laertiades! + Little the Spartan knew, but list to me, + For I will plainly prophesy and sure. + Be Jove of all in heav'n my witness first, + Then this thy hospitable board, and, last, + The household Gods of the illustrious Chief + Ulysses, at whose hearth I have arrived,[74] + That, even now, within his native isle + Ulysses somewhere sits, or creeps obscure, + Witness of these enormities, and seeds 190 + Sowing of dire destruction for his foes; + So sure an augury, while on the deck + Reclining of the gallant bark, I saw, + And with loud voice proclaim'd it to thy son. + Him answer'd then Penelope discrete. + Grant heav'n, my guest, that this good word of thine + Fail not! then shalt thou soon such bounty share + And friendship at my hands, that at first sight + Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest. + Thus they conferr'd. Meantime the suitors hurl'd 200 + The quoit and lance on the smooth area spread + Before Ulysses' gate, the custom'd scene + Of their contentions, sports, and clamours rude. + But when the hour of supper now approach'd, + And from the pastures on all sides the sheep + Came with their wonted drivers, Medon then + (For he of all the heralds pleas'd them most, + And waited at the board) them thus address'd. + Enough of play, young princes! ent'ring now + The house, prepare we sedulous our feast, 210 + Since in well-timed refreshment harm is none. + He spake, whose admonition pleas'd. At once + All, rising, sought the palace; there arrived, + Each cast his mantle off, which on his throne + Or couch he spread, then, brisk, to slaughter fell + Of many a victim; sheep and goats and brawns + They slew, all fatted, and a pastur'd ox, + Hast'ning the banquet; nor with less dispatch + Ulysses and Eumæus now prepared + To seek the town, when thus the swain began. 220 + My guest! since thy fixt purpose is to seek + This day the city as my master bade, + Though I, in truth, much rather wish thee here + A keeper of our herds, yet, through respect + And rev'rence of his orders, whose reproof + I dread, for masters seldom gently chide, + I would be gone. Arise, let us depart, + For day already is far-spent, and soon + The air of even-tide will chill thee more. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. 230 + It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st + To one intelligent. Let us depart, + And lead, thyself, the way; but give me, first, + (If thou have one already hewn) a staff + To lean on, for ye have described the road + Rugged, and ofttimes dang'rous to the foot. + So saying, his tatter'd wallet o'er his back + He cast, suspended by a leathern twist, + Eumæus gratified him with a staff, + And forth they went, leaving the cottage kept 240 + By dogs and swains. He city-ward his King + Led on, in form a squalid beggar old, + Halting, and in unseemly garb attired. + But when, slow-travelling the craggy way, + They now approach'd the town, and had attain'd + The marble fountain deep, which with its streams + Pellucid all the citizens supplied, + (Ithacus had that fountain framed of old + With Neritus and Polyctor, over which + A grove of water-nourish'd alders hung 250 + Circular on all sides, while cold the rill + Ran from the rock, on whose tall summit stood + The altar of the nymphs, by all who pass'd + With sacrifice frequented, still, and pray'r) + Melantheus, son of Dolius, at that fount + Met them; the chosen goats of ev'ry flock, + With two assistants, from the field he drove, + The suitors' supper. He, seeing them both, + In surly accent boorish, such as fired + Ulysses with resentment, thus began. 260 + Ay--this is well--The villain leads the vile-- + Thus evermore the Gods join like to like. + Thou clumsy swine-herd, whither would'st conduct + This morsel-hunting mendicant obscene, + Defiler base of banquets? many a post + Shall he rub smooth that props him while he begs + Lean alms, sole object of his low pursuit, + Who ne'er to sword or tripod yet aspired. + Would'st thou afford him to me for a guard + Or sweeper of my stalls, or to supply 270 + My kids with leaves, he should on bulkier thewes + Supported stand, though nourish'd but with whey. + But no such useful arts hath he acquired, + Nor likes he work, but rather much to extort + From others food for his unsated maw. + But mark my prophecy, for it is true, + At famed Ulysses' house should he arrive, + His sides shall shatter many a footstool hurl'd + Against them by the offended princes there. + He spake, and drawing nigh, with his rais'd foot, 280 + Insolent as he was and brutish, smote + Ulysses' haunch, yet shook not from his path + The firm-set Chief, who, doubtful, mused awhile + Whether to rush on him, and with his staff + To slay him, or uplifting him on high, + Downward to dash him headlong; but his wrath + Restraining, calm he suffer'd the affront. + Him then Eumæus with indignant look + Rebuking, rais'd his hands, and fervent pray'd. + Nymphs of the fountains, progeny of Jove! 290 + If e'er Ulysses on your altar burn'd + The thighs of fatted lambs or kidlings, grant + This my request. O let the Hero soon, + Conducted by some Deity, return! + So shall he quell that arrogance which safe + Thou now indulgest, roaming day by day + The city, while bad shepherds mar the flocks. + To whom the goat-herd answer thus return'd + Melantheus. Marvellous! how rare a speech + The subtle cur hath framed! whom I will send 300 + Far hence at a convenient time on board + My bark, and sell him at no little gain. + I would, that he who bears the silver bow + As sure might pierce Telemachus this day + In his own house, or that the suitors might, + As that same wand'rer shall return no more! + He said, and them left pacing slow along, + But soon, himself, at his Lord's house arrived; + There ent'ring bold, he with the suitors sat + Opposite to Eurymachus, for him 310 + He valued most. The sewers his portion placed + Of meat before him, and the maiden, chief + Directress of the household gave him bread. + And now, Ulysses, with the swain his friend + Approach'd, when, hearing the harmonious lyre, + Both stood, for Phemius had begun his song. + He grasp'd the swine-herd's hand, and thus he said. + This house, Eumæus! of Ulysses seems + Passing magnificent, and to be known + With ease for his among a thousand more. 320 + One pile supports another, and a wall + Crested with battlements surrounds the court; + Firm, too, the folding doors all force of man + Defy; but num'rous guests, as I perceive, + Now feast within; witness the sav'ry steam + Fast-fuming upward, and the sounding harp, + Divine associate of the festive board. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + Thou hast well-guess'd; no wonder, thou art quick + On ev'ry theme; but let us well forecast 330 + This business. Wilt thou, ent'ring first, thyself, + The splendid mansion, with the suitors mix, + Me leaving here? or shall I lead the way + While thou remain'st behind? yet linger not, + Lest, seeing thee without, some servant strike + Or drive thee hence. Consider which were best. + Him answer'd, then, the patient Hero bold. + It is enough. I understand. Thou speak'st + To one intelligent. Lead thou the way + Me leaving here, for neither stripes nor blows 340 + To me are strange. Much exercised with pain + In fight and on the Deep, I have long since + Learn'd patience. Follow, next, what follow may! + But, to suppress the appetite, I deem + Impossible; the stomach is a source + Of ills to man, an avaricious gulph + Destructive, which to satiate, ships are rigg'd, + Seas travers'd, and fierce battles waged remote. + Thus they discoursing stood; Argus the while, + Ulysses' dog, uplifted where he lay 350 + His head and ears erect. Ulysses him + Had bred long since, himself, but rarely used, + Departing, first, to Ilium. Him the youths + In other days led frequent to the chace + Of wild goat, hart and hare; but now he lodg'd + A poor old cast-off, of his Lord forlorn, + Where mules and oxen had before the gate + Much ordure left, with which Ulysses' hinds + Should, in due time, manure his spacious fields. + There lay, with dog-devouring vermin foul 360 + All over, Argus; soon as he perceived + Long-lost Ulysses nigh, down fell his ears + Clapp'd close, and with his tail glad sign he gave + Of gratulation, impotent to rise + And to approach his master as of old. + Ulysses, noting him, wiped off a tear + Unmark'd, and of Eumæus quick enquired. + I can but wonder seeing such a dog + Thus lodg'd, Eumæus! beautiful in form + He is, past doubt, but whether he hath been 370 + As fleet as fair I know not; rather such + Perchance as masters sometimes keep to grace + Their tables, nourish'd more for shew than use. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + He is the dog of one dead far remote. + But had he now such feat-performing strength + As when Ulysses left him, going hence + To Ilium, in one moment thou shouldst mark, + Astonish'd, his agility and force. + He never in the sylvan deep recess 380 + The wild beast saw that 'scaped him, and he track'd + Their steps infallible; but he hath now + No comfort, for (the master dead afar) + The heedless servants care not for his dog. + Domestics, missing once their Lord's controul, + Grow wilful, and refuse their proper tasks; + For whom Jove dooms to servitude, he takes + At once the half of that man's worth away. + He said, and, ent'ring at the portal, join'd + The suitors. Then his destiny released 390 + Old Argus, soon as he had lived to see + Ulysses in the twentieth year restored. + Godlike Telemachus, long ere the rest, + Marking the swine-herd's entrance, with a nod + Summon'd him to approach. Eumæus cast + His eye around, and seeing vacant there + The seat which the dispenser of the feast + Was wont to occupy while he supplied + The num'rous guests, planted it right before + Telemachus, and at his table sat, 400 + On which the herald placed for him his share + Of meat, and from the baskets gave him bread. + Soon after _him_, Ulysses enter'd slow + The palace, like a squalid beggar old, + Staff-propp'd, and in loose tatters foul attired. + Within the portal on the ashen sill + He sat, and, seeming languid, lean'd against + A cypress pillar by the builder's art + Polish'd long since, and planted at the door. + Then took Telemachus a loaf entire 410 + Forth from the elegant basket, and of flesh + A portion large as his two hands contained, + And, beck'ning close the swine-herd, charged him thus. + These to the stranger; whom advise to ask + Some dole from ev'ry suitor; bashful fear + Ill suits the mendicant by want oppress'd. + He spake; Eumæus went, and where he sat + Arriving, in wing'd accents thus began. + Telemachus, oh stranger, sends thee these, + And counsels thee to importune for more 420 + The suitors, one by one; for bashful fear + Ill suits the mendicant by want oppress'd. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Jove, King of all, grant ev'ry good on earth + To kind Telemachus, and the complete + Accomplishment of all that he desires! + He said, and with both hands outspread, the mess + Receiving as he sat, on his worn bag + Disposed it at his feet. Long as the bard + Chaunted, he ate, and when he ceas'd to eat, 430 + Then also ceas'd the bard divine to sing. + And now ensued loud clamour in the hall + And tumult, when Minerva, drawing nigh + To Laertiades, impell'd the Chief + Crusts to collect, or any pittance small + At ev'ry suitor's hand, for trial's sake + Of just and unjust; yet deliv'rance none + From evil she design'd for any there. + From left to right[75] his progress he began + Petitioning, with outstretch'd hands, the throng, 440 + As one familiar with the beggar's art. + They, pitying, gave to him, but view'd him still + With wonder, and enquiries mutual made + Who, and whence was he? Then the goat-herd rose + Melanthius, and th' assembly thus address'd. + Hear me, ye suitors of th' illustrious Queen! + This guest, of whom ye ask, I have beheld + Elsewhere; the swine-herd brought him; but himself + I know not, neither who nor whence he is. + So he; then thus Antinoüs stern rebuked 450 + The swine-herd. Ah, notorious as thou art, + Why hast thou shewn this vagabond the way + Into the city? are we not enough + Infested with these troublers of our feasts? + Deem'st it a trifle that such numbers eat + At thy Lord's cost, and hast thou, therefore, led + This fellow hither, found we know not where? + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + Antinoüs! though of high degree, thou speak'st + Not wisely. What man to another's house 460 + Repairs to invite him to a feast, unless + He be of those who by profession serve + The public, prophet, healer of disease, + Ingenious artist, or some bard divine + Whose music may exhilarate the guests? + These, and such only, are in ev'ry land + Call'd to the banquet; none invites the poor, + Who much consume, and no requital yield. + But thou of all the suitors roughly treat'st + Ulysses' servants most, and chiefly me; 470 + Yet thee I heed not, while the virtuous Queen + Dwells in this palace, and her godlike son. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + Peace! answer not verbose a man like him. + Antinoüs hath a tongue accustom'd much + To tauntings, and promotes them in the rest. + Then, turning to Antinoüs, quick he said-- + Antinoüs! as a father for his son + Takes thought, so thou for me, who bidd'st me chase + The stranger harshly hence; but God forbid![76] 480 + Impart to him. I grudge not, but myself + Exhort thee to it; neither, in this cause, + Fear thou the Queen, or in the least regard + Whatever menial throughout all the house + Of famed Ulysses. Ah! within thy breast + Dwells no such thought; thou lov'st not to impart + To others, but to gratify thyself. + To whom Antinoüs answer thus return'd. + High-soaring and intemp'rate in thy speech + How hast thou said, Telemachus? Would all 490 + As much bestow on him, he should not seek + Admittance here again three months to come. + So saying, he seized the stool which, banqueting, + He press'd with his nice feet, and from beneath + The table forth advanced it into view. + The rest all gave to him, with bread and flesh + Filling his wallet, and Ulysses, now, + Returning to his threshold, there to taste + The bounty of the Greeks, paused in his way + Beside Antinoüs, whom he thus address'd. 500 + Kind sir! vouchsafe to me! for thou appear'st + Not least, but greatest of the Achaians here, + And hast a kingly look. It might become + Thee therefore above others to bestow, + So should I praise thee wheresoe'er I roam. + I also lived the happy owner once + Of such a stately mansion, and have giv'n + To num'rous wand'rers (whencesoe'er they came) + All that they needed; I was also served + By many, and enjoy'd all that denotes 510 + The envied owner opulent and blest. + But Jove (for so it pleas'd him) hath reduced + My all to nothing, prompting me, in league + With rovers of the Deep, to sail afar + To Ægypt, for my sure destruction there. + Within th' Ægyptian stream my barks well-oar'd + I station'd, and, enjoining strict my friends + To watch them close-attendant at their side, + Commanded spies into the hill-tops; but they, + Under the impulse of a spirit rash 520 + And hot for quarrel, the well-cultur'd fields + Pillaged of the Ægyptians, captive led + Their wives and little-ones, and slew the men. + Ere long, the loud alarm their city reach'd. + Down came the citizens, by dawn of day, + With horse and foot and with the gleam of arms + Filling the plain. Then Jove with panic dread + Struck all my people; none found courage more + To stand, for mischiefs swarm'd on ev'ry side. + There, num'rous by the glitt'ring spear we fell 530 + Slaughter'd, while others they conducted thence + Alive to servitude; but me they gave + To Dmetor, King in Cyprus, Jasus' son; + He entertained me liberally, and thence + This land I reach'd, but poor and woe-begone. + Then answer thus Antinoüs harsh return'd. + What dæmon introduced this nuisance here, + This troubler of our feast? stand yonder, keep + Due distance from my table, or expect + To see an Ægypt and a Cyprus worse 540 + Than those, bold mendicant and void of shame! + Thou hauntest each, and, inconsid'rate, each + Gives to thee, because gifts at other's cost + Are cheap, and, plentifully serv'd themselves, + They squander, heedless, viands not their own. + To whom Ulysses while he slow retired. + Gods! how illib'ral with that specious form! + Thou wouldst not grant the poor a grain of salt + From thy own board, who at another's fed + So nobly, canst thou not spare a crust to me. 550 + He spake; then raged Antinoüs still the more, + And in wing'd accents, louring, thus replied. + Take such dismission now as thou deserv'st, + Opprobrious! hast thou dared to scoff at me? + So saying, he seized his stool, and on the joint + Of his right shoulder smote him; firm as rock + He stood, by no such force to be displaced, + But silent shook his brows, and dreadful deeds + Of vengeance ruminating, sought again + His seat the threshold, where his bag full-charged 560 + He grounded, and the suitors thus address'd. + Hear now, ye suitors of the matchless Queen, + My bosom's dictates. Trivial is the harm, + Scarce felt, if, fighting for his own, his sheep + Perchance, or beeves, a man receive a blow. + But me Antinoüs struck for that I ask'd + Food from him merely to appease the pangs + Of hunger, source of num'rous ills to man. + If then the poor man have a God t' avenge + His wrongs, I pray to him that death may seize 570 + Antinoüs, ere his nuptial hour arrive! + To whom Antinoüs answer thus return'd, + Son of Eupithes. Either seated there + Or going hence, eat, stranger, and be still; + Lest for thy insolence, by hand or foot + We drag thee forth, and thou be flay'd alive. + He ceased, whom all indignant heard, and thus + Ev'n his own proud companions censured him. + Antinoüs! thou didst not well to smite + The wretched vagabond. O thou art doom'd 580 + For ever, if there be a God in heav'n;[77] + For, in similitude of strangers oft, + The Gods, who can with ease all shapes assume, + Repair to populous cities, where they mark + The outrageous and the righteous deeds of men. + So they, for whose reproof he little cared. + But in his heart Telemachus that blow + Resented, anguish-torn, yet not a tear + He shed, but silent shook his brows, and mused + Terrible things. Penelope, meantime, 590 + Told of the wand'rer so abused beneath + Her roof, among her maidens thus exclaim'd. + So may Apollo, glorious archer, smite + Thee also. Then Eurynome replied, + Oh might our pray'rs prevail, none of them all + Should see bright-charioted Aurora more. + Her answer'd then Penelope discrete. + Nurse! they are odious all, for that alike + All teem with mischief; but Antinoüs' looks + Remind me ever of the gloom of death. 600 + A stranger hath arrived who, begging, roams + The house, (for so his penury enjoins) + The rest have giv'n him, and have fill'd his bag + With viands, but Antinoüs hath bruised + His shoulder with a foot-stool hurl'd at him. + While thus the Queen conversing with her train + In her own chamber sat, Ulysses made + Plenteous repast. Then, calling to her side + Eumæus, thus she signified her will. + Eumæus, noble friend! bid now approach 610 + Yon stranger. I would speak with him, and ask + If he has seen Ulysses, or have heard + Tidings, perchance, of the afflicted Chief, + For much a wand'rer by his garb he seems. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + Were those Achaians silent, thou shouldst hear, + O Queen! a tale that would console thy heart. + Three nights I housed him, and within my cot + Three days detain'd him, (for his ship he left + A fugitive, and came direct to me) 620 + But half untold his hist'ry still remains. + As when his eye one fixes on a bard + From heav'n instructed in such themes as charm + The ear of mortals, ever as he sings + The people press, insatiable, to hear, + So, in my cottage, seated at my side, + That stranger with his tale enchanted me. + Laertes, he affirms, hath been his guest + Erewhile in Crete, where Minos' race resides, + And thence he hath arrived, after great loss, 630 + A suppliant to the very earth abased; + He adds, that in Thesprotia's neighbour realm + He of Ulysses heard, both that he lives, + And that he comes laden with riches home. + To whom Penelope, discrete, replied. + Haste; call him. I would hear, myself, his tale. + Meantime, let these, or in the palace gate + Sport jocular, or here; their hearts are light, + For their possessions are secure; _their_ wine + None drinks, or eats _their_ viands, save their own, 640 + While my abode, day after day, themselves + Haunting, my beeves and sheep and fatted goats + Slay for the banquet, and my casks exhaust + Extravagant, whence endless waste ensues; + For no such friend as was Ulysses once + Have I to expel the mischief. But might he + Revisit once his native shores again, + Then, aided by his son, he should avenge, + Incontinent, the wrongs which now I mourn. + Then sneezed Telemachus with sudden force, 650 + That all the palace rang; his mother laugh'd, + And in wing'd accents thus the swain bespake. + Haste--bid him hither--hear'st thou not the sneeze + Propitious of my son? oh might it prove + A presage of inevitable death + To all these revellers! may none escape! + Now mark me well. Should the event his tale + Confirm, at my own hands he shall receive + Mantle and tunic both for his reward. + She spake; he went, and where Ulysses sat 660 + Arriving, in wing'd accents thus began. + Penelope, my venerable friend! + Calls thee, the mother of Telemachus. + Oppress'd by num'rous troubles, she desires + To ask thee tidings of her absent Lord. + And should the event verify thy report, + Thy meed shall be (a boon which much thou need'st) + Tunic and mantle; but she gives no more; + Thy sustenance thou must, as now, obtain,[78] + Begging it at their hands who chuse to give. 670 + Then thus Ulysses, Hero toil-inured. + Eumæus! readily I can relate + Truth, and truth only, to the prudent Queen + Icarius' daughter; for of him I know + Much, and have suff'red sorrows like his own. + But dread I feel of this imperious throng + Perverse, whose riot and outrageous acts + Of violence echo through the vault of heav'n. + And, even now, when for no fault of mine + Yon suitor struck me as I pass'd, and fill'd 680 + My flesh with pain, neither Telemachus + Nor any interposed to stay his arm. + Now, therefore, let Penelope, although + Impatient, till the sun descend postpone + Her questions; then she may enquire secure + When comes her husband, and may nearer place + My seat to the hearth-side, for thinly clad + Thou know'st I am, whose aid I first implored. + He ceas'd; at whose reply Eumæus sought + Again the Queen, but ere he yet had pass'd 690 + The threshold, thus she greeted his return. + Com'st thou alone, Eumæus? why delays + The invited wand'rer? dreads he other harm? + Or sees he aught that with a bashful awe + Fills him? the bashful poor are poor indeed. + To whom, Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. + He hath well spoken; none who would decline + The rudeness of this contumelious throng + Could answer otherwise; thee he entreats + To wait till sun-set, and that course, O Queen, 700 + Thou shalt thyself far more commodious find, + To hold thy conf'rence with the guest, alone. + Then answer thus Penelope return'd. + The stranger, I perceive, is not unwise, + Whoe'er he be, for on the earth are none + Proud, insolent, and profligate as these. + So spake the Queen. Then (all his message told) + The good Eumæus to the suitors went + Again, and with his head inclined toward + Telemachus, lest others should his words 710 + Witness, in accents wing'd him thus address'd. + Friend and kind master! I return to keep + My herds, and to attend my rural charge, + Whence we are both sustain'd. Keep thou, meantime, + All here with vigilance, but chiefly watch + For thy own good, and save _thyself_ from harm; + For num'rous here brood mischief, whom the Gods + Exterminate, ere yet their plots prevail! + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + So be it, father! and (thy evening-mess 720 + Eaten) depart; to-morrow come again, + Bringing fair victims hither; I will keep, + I and the Gods, meantime, all here secure. + He ended; then resumed once more the swain + His polish'd seat, and, both with wine and food + Now satiate, to his charge return'd, the court + Leaving and all the palace throng'd with guests; + They (for it now was evening) all alike + Turn'd jovial to the song and to the dance. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[73] Proteus. + +[74] The hearth was the altar on which the lares or household-gods were +worshipped. + +[75] That he might begin auspiciously. Wine was served in the same +direction. F. + +[76] Here again Θεὸς occurs in the abstract. + +[77] + Ει δη που τις επουρανιος θεος εσι + +Eustathius, and Clarke after him, understand an aposiopesis here, as if +the speaker meant to say--what if there should be? or--suppose there +should be? But the sentence seems to fall in better with what follows +interpreted as above, and it is a sense of the passage not unwarranted by +the opinion of other commentators. See Schaufelbergerus. + +[78] This seems added by Eumæus to cut off from Ulysses the hope that +might otherwise tempt him to use fiction. + + + + +BOOK XVIII + +ARGUMENT + +The beggar Irus arrives at the palace; a combat takes place between him +and Ulysses, in which Irus is by one blow vanquished. Penelope appears to +the suitors, and having reminded them of the presents which she had a +right to expect from them, receives a gift from each. Eurymachus, +provoked by a speech of Ulysses, flings a foot-stool at him, which knocks +down the cup-bearer; a general tumult is the consequence, which +continues, till by the advice of Telemachus, seconded by Amphinomus, the +suitors retire to their respective homes. + + + Now came a public mendicant, a man + Accustom'd, seeking alms, to roam the streets + Of Ithaca; one never sated yet + With food or drink; yet muscle had he none, + Or strength of limb, though giant-built in show. + Arnæus was the name which at his birth + His mother gave him, but the youthful band + Of suitors, whom as messenger he served, + All named him Irus. He, arriving, sought + To drive Ulysses forth from his own home, 10 + And in rough accents rude him thus rebuked. + Forth from the porch, old man! lest by the foot + I drag thee quickly forth. Seest not how all + Wink on me, and by signs give me command + To drag thee hence? nor is it aught but shame + That checks me. Yet arise, lest soon with fists + Thou force me to adjust our diff'rence. + To whom Ulysses, low'ring dark, replied. + Peace, fellow! neither word nor deed of mine + Wrongs thee, nor feel I envy at the boon, 20 + However plentiful, which thou receiv'st. + The sill may hold us both; thou dost not well + To envy others; thou appear'st like me + A vagrant; plenty is the gift of heav'n. + But urge me not to trial of our fists, + Lest thou provoke me, and I stain with blood + Thy bosom and thy lips, old as I am. + So, my attendance should to-morrow prove + More tranquil here; for thou should'st leave, I judge, + Ulysses' mansion, never to return. 30 + Then answer'd Irus, kindling with disdain. + Gods! with what volubility of speech + The table-hunter prates, like an old hag + Collied with chimney-smutch! but ah beware! + For I intend thee mischief, and to dash + With both hands ev'ry grinder from thy gums, + As men untooth a pig pilf'ring the corn. + Come--gird thee, that all here may view the strife-- + But how wilt thou oppose one young as I? + Thus on the threshold of the lofty gate 40 + They, wrangling, chafed each other, whose dispute + The high-born youth Antinoüs mark'd; he laugh'd + Delighted, and the suitors thus address'd. + Oh friends! no pastime ever yet occurr'd + Pleasant as this which, now, the Gods themselves + Afford us. Irus and the stranger brawl + As they would box. Haste--let us urge them on. + He said; at once loud-laughing all arose; + The ill-clad disputants they round about + Encompass'd, and Antinoüs thus began. 50 + Attend ye noble suitors to my voice. + Two paunches lie of goats here on the fire, + Which fill'd with fat and blood we set apart + For supper; he who conquers, and in force + Superior proves, shall freely take the paunch + Which he prefers, and shall with us thenceforth + Feast always; neither will we here admit + Poor man beside to beg at our repasts. + He spake, whom all approved; next, artful Chief + Ulysses thus, dissembling, them address'd. 60 + Princes! unequal is the strife between + A young man and an old with mis'ry worn; + But hunger, always counsellor of ill, + Me moves to fight, that many a bruise received, + I may be foil'd at last. Now swear ye all + A solemn oath, that none, for Irus' sake + Shall, interposing, smite me with his fist + Clandestine, forcing me to yield the prize. + He ceas'd, and, as he bade, all present swore + A solemn oath; then thus, amid them all 70 + Standing, Telemachus majestic spake. + Guest! if thy courage and thy manly mind + Prompt thee to banish this man hence, no force + Fear thou beside, for who smites thee, shall find + Yet other foes to cope with; I am here + In the host's office, and the royal Chiefs + Eurymachus and Antinoüs, alike + Discrete, accord unanimous with me. + He ceas'd, whom all approved. Then, with his rags + Ulysses braced for decency his loins 80 + Around, but gave to view his brawny thighs + Proportion'd fair, and stripp'd his shoulders broad, + His chest and arms robust; while, at his side, + Dilating more the Hero's limbs and more + Minerva stood; the assembly with fixt eyes + Astonish'd gazed on him, and, looking full + On his next friend, a suitor thus remark'd. + Irus shall be in Irus found no more. + He hath pull'd evil on himself. What thewes + And what a haunch the senior's tatters hid! 90 + So he--meantime in Irus' heart arose + Horrible tumult; yet, his loins by force + Girding, the servants dragg'd him to the fight + Pale, and his flesh all quiv'ring as he came; + Whose terrors thus Antinoüs sharp rebuked. + Now, wherefore liv'st, and why wast ever born + Thou mountain-mass of earth! if such dismay + Shake thee at thought of combat with a man + Ancient as he, and worn with many woes? + But mark, I threaten not in vain; should he 100 + O'ercome thee, and in force superior prove, + To Echetus thou go'st; my sable bark + Shall waft thee to Epirus, where he reigns + Enemy of mankind; of nose and ears + He shall despoil thee with his ruthless steel, + And tearing by the roots the parts away[79] + That mark thy sex, shall cast them to the dogs. + He said; _His_ limbs new terrors at that sound + Shook under him; into the middle space + They led him, and each raised his hands on high. 110 + Then doubtful stood Ulysses toil-inured, + Whether to strike him lifeless to the earth + At once, or fell him with a managed blow. + To smite with managed force at length he chose + As wisest, lest, betray'd by his own strength, + He should be known. With elevated fists + Both stood; him Irus on the shoulder struck, + But he his adversary on the neck + Pash'd close beneath his ear; he split the bones, + And blood in sable streams ran from his mouth. 120 + With many an hideous yell he dropp'd, his teeth + Chatter'd, and with his heels he drumm'd the ground. + The wooers, at that sight, lifting their hands + In glad surprize, laugh'd all their breath away. + Then, through the vestibule, and right across + The court, Ulysses dragg'd him by the foot + Into the portico, where propping him + Against the wall, and giving him his staff, + In accents wing'd he bade him thus farewell. + There seated now, dogs drive and swine away, 130 + Nor claim (thyself so base) supreme controul + O'er other guests and mendicants, lest harm + Reach thee, hereafter, heavier still than this. + So saying, his tatter'd wallet o'er his back + He threw suspended by its leathern twist, + And tow'rd the threshold turning, sat again, + They laughing ceaseless still, the palace-door + Re-enter'd, and him, courteous, thus bespake. + Jove, and all Jove's assessors in the skies + Vouchsafe thee, stranger, whatsoe'er it be, 140 + Thy heart's desire! who hast our ears reliev'd + From that insatiate beggar's irksome tone. + Soon to Epirus he shall go dispatch'd + To Echetus the King, pest of mankind. + So they, to whose propitious words the Chief + Listen'd delighted. Then Antinoüs placed + The paunch before him, and Amphinomus + Two loaves, selected from the rest; he fill'd + A goblet also, drank to him, and said, + My father, hail! O stranger, be thy lot 150 + Hereafter blest, though adverse now and hard! + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + To me, Amphinomus, endued thou seem'st + With much discretion, who art also son + Of such a sire, whose fair report I know, + Dulichian Nysus, opulent and good. + Fame speaks thee his, and thou appear'st a man + Judicious; hear me, therefore; mark me well. + Earth nourishes, of all that breathe or creep, + No creature weak as man; for while the Gods 160 + Grant him prosperity and health, no fear + Hath he, or thought, that he shall ever mourn; + But when the Gods with evils unforeseen + Smite him, he bears them with a grudging mind; + For such as the complexion of his lot + By the appointment of the Sire of all, + Such is the colour of the mind of man. + I, too, have been familiar in my day + With wealth and ease, but I was then self-will'd, + And many wrong'd, embolden'd by the thought 170 + Of my own father's and my brethren's pow'r. + Let no man, therefore, be unjust, but each + Use modestly what gift soe'er of heav'n. + So do not these. These ever bent I see + On deeds injurious, the possessions large + Consuming, and dishonouring the wife + Of one, who will not, as I judge, remain + Long absent from his home, but is, perchance, + Ev'n at the door. Thee, therefore, may the Gods + Steal hence in time! ah, meet not his return 180 + To his own country! for they will not part, + (He and the suitors) without blood, I think, + If once he enter at these gates again! + He ended, and, libation pouring, quaff'd + The generous juice, then in the prince's hand + Replaced the cup; he, pensive, and his head + Inclining low, pass'd from him; for his heart + Forboded ill; yet 'scaped not even he, + But in the snare of Pallas caught, his life + To the heroic arm and spear resign'd 190 + Of brave Telemachus. Reaching, at length, + The seat whence he had ris'n, he sat again. + Minerva then, Goddess, cærulean-eyed, + Prompted Icarius' daughter to appear + Before the suitors; so to expose the more + Their drift iniquitous, and that herself + More bright than ever in her husband's eyes + Might shine, and in her son's. Much mirth she feign'd,[80] + And, bursting into laughter, thus began. + I wish, Eurynome! (who never felt 200 + That wish till now) though I detest them all, + To appear before the suitors, in whose ears + I will admonish, for his good, my son, + Not to associate with that lawless crew + Too much, who speak him fair, but foul intend. + Then answer thus Eurynome return'd. + My daughter! wisely hast thou said and well. + Go! bathe thee and anoint thy face, then give + To thy dear son such counsel as thou wilt + Without reserve; but shew not there thy cheeks 210 + Sullied with tears, for profit none accrues + From grief like thine, that never knows a change. + And he is now bearded, and hath attained + That age which thou wast wont with warmest pray'r + To implore the Gods that he might live to see. + Her answer'd then Penelope discrete. + Persuade not me, though studious of my good, + To bathe, Eurynome! or to anoint + My face with oil; for all my charms the Gods + Inhabitants of Olympus then destroy'd, 220 + When he, embarking, left me. Go, command + Hippodamia and Autonöe + That they attend me to the hall, and wait + Beside me there; for decency forbids + That I should enter to the men, alone. + She ceas'd, and through the house the ancient dame + Hasted to summon whom she had enjoin'd. + But Pallas, Goddess of the azure eyes, + Diffused, meantime, the kindly dew of sleep + Around Icarius' daughter; on her couch 230 + Reclining, soon as she reclin'd, she dozed, + And yielded to soft slumber all her frame. + Then, that the suitors might admire her more, + The glorious Goddess cloath'd her, as she lay, + With beauty of the skies; her lovely face + She with ambrosia purified, with such + As Cytherea chaplet-crown'd employs + Herself, when in the eye-ensnaring dance + She joins the Graces; to a statelier height + Beneath her touch, and ampler size she grew, 240 + And fairer than the elephantine bone + Fresh from the carver's hand. These gifts conferr'd + Divine, the awful Deity retired. + And now, loud-prattling as they came, arrived + Her handmaids; sleep forsook her at the sound, + She wiped away a tear, and thus she said. + Me gentle sleep, sad mourner as I am, + Hath here involved. O would that by a death + As gentle chaste Diana would herself + This moment set me free, that I might waste 250 + My life no longer in heart-felt regret + Of a lamented husband's various worth + And virtue, for in Greece no Peer had he! + She said, and through her chambers' stately door + Issuing, descended; neither went she sole, + But with those two fair menials of her train. + Arriving, most majestic of her sex, + In presence of the num'rous guests, beneath + The portal of the stately dome she stood + Between her maidens, with her lucid veil 260 + Mantling her lovely cheeks. Then, ev'ry knee + Trembled, and ev'ry heart with am'rous heat + Dissolv'd, her charms all coveting alike, + While to Telemachus her son she spake. + Telemachus! thou art no longer wise + As once thou wast, and even when a child. + For thriven as thou art, and at full size + Arrived of man, so fair proportion'd, too, + That ev'n a stranger, looking on thy growth + And beauty, would pronounce thee nobly born, 270 + Yet is thy intellect still immature. + For what is this? why suffer'st thou a guest + To be abused in thy own palace? how? + Know'st not that if the stranger seated here + Endure vexation, the disgrace is thine? + Her answer'd, then, Telemachus discrete. + I blame thee not, my mother, that thou feel'st + Thine anger moved; yet want I not a mind + Able to mark and to discern between + Evil and good, child as I lately was, 280 + Although I find not promptitude of thought + Sufficient always, overaw'd and check'd + By such a multitude, all bent alike + On mischief, of whom none takes part with me. + But Irus and the stranger have not fought, + Urged by the suitors, and the stranger prov'd + Victorious; yes--heav'n knows how much I wish + That, (in the palace some, some in the court) + The suitors all sat vanquish'd, with their heads + Depending low, and with enfeebled limbs, 290 + Even as that same Irus, while I speak, + With chin on bosom propp'd at the hall-gate + Sits drunkard-like, incapable to stand + Erect, or to regain his proper home. + So they; and now addressing to the Queen + His speech, Eurymachus thus interposed. + O daughter of Icarius! could all eyes + Throughout Iäsian Argos[81] view thy charms, + Discrete Penelope! more suitors still + Assembling in thy courts would banquet here 300 + From morn to eve; for thou surpassest far + In beauty, stature, worth, all womankind. + To whom replied Penelope discrete. + The Gods, Eurymachus! reduced to nought + My virtue, beauty, stature, when the Greeks, + Whom my Ulysses follow'd, sail'd to Troy. + Could he, returning, my domestic charge + Himself intend, far better would my fame + Be so secured, and wider far diffused. + But I am wretched now, such storms the Gods 310 + Of woe have sent me. When he left his home, + Clasping my wrist with his right hand, he said. + My love! for I imagine not that all + The warrior Greeks shall safe from Troy return, + Since fame reports the Trojans brave in fight, + Skill'd in the spear, mighty to draw the bow, + And nimble vaulters to the backs of steeds + High-mettled, which to speediest issue bring + The dreadful struggle of all-wasting war-- + I know not, therefore, whether heav'n intend 320 + My safe return, or I must perish there. + But manage thou at home. Cherish, as now, + While I am absent, or more dearly still + My parents, and what time our son thou seest + Mature, then wed; wed even whom thou wilt, + And hence to a new home.--Such were his words, + All which shall full accomplishment ere long + Receive. The day is near, when hapless I, + Lost to all comfort by the will of Jove, + Must meet the nuptials that my soul abhors. 330 + But this thought now afflicts me, and my mind + Continual haunts. Such was not heretofore + The suitors' custom'd practice; all who chose + To engage in competition for a wife + Well-qualitied and well-endow'd, produced + From their own herds and fatted flocks a feast + For the bride's friends, and splendid presents made, + But never ate as ye, at others' cost. + She ceased; then brave Ulysses toil-inured + Rejoiced that, soothing them, she sought to draw 340 + From each some gift, although on other views, + And more important far, himself intent. + Then thus Antinoüs, Eupithes' son. + Icarius' daughter wise! only accept + Such gifts as we shall bring, for gifts demand + That grace, nor can be decently refused; + But to our rural labours, or elsewhere + Depart not we, till first thy choice be made + Of the Achaian, chief in thy esteem. + Antinoüs spake, whose answer all approved. 350 + Then each dispatch'd his herald who should bring + His master's gift. Antinoüs' herald, first + A mantle of surpassing beauty brought, + Wide, various, with no fewer clasps adorn'd + Than twelve, all golden, and to ev'ry clasp + Was fitted opposite its eye exact. + Next, to Eurymachus his herald bore + A necklace of wrought gold, with amber rich + Bestudded, ev'ry bead bright as a sun. + Two servants for Eurydamas produced 360 + Ear-pendants fashion'd with laborious art, + Broad, triple-gemm'd, of brilliant light profuse. + The herald of Polyctor's son, the prince + Pisander, brought a collar to his Lord, + A sumptuous ornament. Each Greecian gave, + And each a gift dissimilar from all. + Then, loveliest of her sex, turning away, + She sought her chamber, whom her maidens fair + Attended, charged with those illustrious gifts. + Then turn'd, they all to dance and pleasant song 370 + Joyous, expecting the approach of ev'n. + Ere long the dusky evening came, and them + Found sporting still. Then, placing in the hall + Three hearths that should illumine wide the house, + They compass'd them around with fuel-wood + Long-season'd and new-split, mingling the sticks + With torches. The attendant women watch'd + And fed those fires by turns, to whom, himself, + Their unknown Sov'reign thus his speech address'd. + Ye maidens of the long-regretted Chief 380 + Ulysses! to the inner-courts retire, + And to your virtuous Queen, that following there + Your sev'ral tasks, spinning and combing wool, + Ye may amuse her; I, meantime, for these + Will furnish light, and should they chuse to stay + Till golden morn appear, they shall not tire + My patience aught, for I can much endure. + He said; they, titt'ring, on each other gazed. + But one, Melantho with the blooming cheeks, + Rebuked him rudely. Dolius was her sire, 390 + But by Penelope she had been reared + With care maternal, and in infant years + Supplied with many a toy; yet even she + Felt not her mistress' sorrows in her heart, + But, of Eurymachus enamour'd, oft + His lewd embraces met; she, with sharp speech + Reproachful, to Ulysses thus replied. + Why--what a brainsick vagabond art thou! + Who neither wilt to the smith's forge retire + For sleep, nor to the public portico, 400 + But here remaining, with audacious prate + Disturb'st this num'rous company, restrain'd + By no respect or fear; either thou art + With wine intoxicated, or, perchance, + Art always fool, and therefore babblest now. + Say, art thou drunk with joy that thou hast foiled + The beggar Irus? Tremble, lest a man + Stronger than Irus suddenly arise, + Who on thy temples pelting thee with blows + Far heavier than his, shall drive thee hence 410 + With many a bruise, and foul with thy own blood. + To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied. + Snarler! Telemachus shall be inform'd + This moment of thy eloquent harangue, + That he may hew thee for it, limb from limb. + So saying, he scared the women; back they flew + Into the house, but each with falt'ring knees + Through dread, for they believ'd his threats sincere. + He, then illumin'd by the triple blaze, + Watch'd close the lights, busy from hearth to hearth, 420 + But in his soul, meantime, far other thoughts + Revolved, tremendous, not conceived in vain. + Nor Pallas (that they might exasp'rate more + Laertes' son) permitted to abstain + From heart-corroding bitterness of speech + Those suitors proud, of whom Eurymachus, + Offspring of Polybus, while thus he jeer'd + Ulysses, set the others in a roar. + Hear me, ye suitors of the illustrious Queen! + I shall promulge my thought. This man, methinks, 430 + Not unconducted by the Gods, hath reach'd + Ulysses' mansion, for to me the light + Of yonder torches altogether seems + His own, an emanation from his head, + Which not the smallest growth of hair obscures. + He ended; and the city-waster Chief + Himself accosted next. Art thou disposed + To serve me, friend! would I afford thee hire, + A labourer at my farm? thou shalt not want + Sufficient wages; thou may'st there collect 440 + Stones for my fences, and may'st plant my oaks, + For which I would supply thee all the year + With food, and cloaths, and sandals for thy feet. + But thou hast learn'd less creditable arts, + Nor hast a will to work, preferring much + By beggary from others to extort + Wherewith to feed thy never-sated maw. + Then answer, thus, Ulysses wise return'd. + Forbear, Eurymachus; for were we match'd + In work against each other, thou and I, 450 + Mowing in spring-time, when the days are long, + I with my well-bent sickle in my hand, + Thou arm'd with one as keen, for trial sake + Of our ability to toil unfed + Till night, grass still sufficing for the proof.-- + Or if, again, it were our task to drive + Yoked oxen of the noblest breed, sleek-hair'd, + Big-limb'd, both batten'd to the full with grass, + Their age and aptitude for work the same + Not soon to be fatigued, and were the field 460 + In size four acres, with a glebe through which + The share might smoothly slide, then should'st thou see + How strait my furrow should be cut and true.-- + Or should Saturnian Jove this day excite + Here, battle, or elsewhere, and were I arm'd + With two bright spears and with a shield, and bore + A brazen casque well-fitted to my brows, + Me, then, thou should'st perceive mingling in fight + Amid the foremost Chiefs, nor with the crime + Of idle beggary should'st upbraid me more. 470 + But thou art much a railer, one whose heart + Pity moves not, and seem'st a mighty man + And valiant to thyself, only because + Thou herd'st with few, and those of little worth. + But should Ulysses come, at his own isle + Again arrived, wide as these portals are, + To thee, at once, too narrow they should seem + To shoot thee forth with speed enough abroad. + He ceased--then tenfold indignation fired + Eurymachus; he furrow'd deep his brow 480 + With frowns, and in wing'd accents thus replied. + Wretch, I shall roughly handle thee anon, + Who thus with fluent prate presumptuous dar'st + Disturb this num'rous company, restrain'd + By no respect or fear. Either thou art + With wine intoxicated, or, perchance, + Art always fool, and therefore babblest now; + Or thou art frantic haply with delight + That thou hast foil'd yon vagabond obscure. + So saying, he seized a stool; but to the knees 490 + Ulysses flew of the Dulichian Prince + Amphinomus, and sat, fearing incensed + Eurymachus; he on his better hand + Smote full the cup-bearer; on the hall-floor + Loud rang the fallen beaker, and himself + Lay on his back clamouring in the dust. + Strait through the dusky hall tumult ensued + Among the suitors, of whom thus, a youth, + With eyes directed to the next, exclaim'd. + Would that this rambling stranger had elsewhere 500 + Perish'd, or ever he had here arrived, + Then no such uproar had he caused as this! + This doth the beggar; he it is for whom + We wrangle thus, and may despair of peace + Or pleasure more; now look for strife alone. + Then in the midst Telemachus upstood + Majestic, and the suitors thus bespake. + Sirs! ye are mad, and can no longer eat + Or drink in peace; some dæmon troubles you. + But since ye all have feasted, to your homes 510 + Go now, and, at your pleasure, to your beds; + Soonest were best, but I thrust no man hence. + He ceased; they gnawing stood their lips, aghast + With wonder that Telemachus in his speech + Such boldness used. Then rose Amphinomus, + Brave son of Nisus offspring of the King + Aretus, and the assembly thus address'd. + My friends! let none with contradiction thwart + And rude reply words rational and just; + Assault no more the stranger, nor of all 520 + The servants of renown'd Ulysses here + Harm any. Come. Let the cup-bearer fill + To all, that due libation made, to rest + We may repair at home, leaving the Prince + To accommodate beneath his father's roof + The stranger, for he is the Prince's guest. + He ended, whose advice none disapproved. + The Hero Mulius then, Dulichian-born, + And herald of Amphinomus, the cup + Filling, dispensed it, as he stood, to all; 530 + They, pouring forth to the Immortals, quaff'd + The luscious bev'rage, and when each had made + Libation, and such measure as he would + Of wine had drunk, then all to rest retired. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[79] Tradition says that Echetus, for a love-affair, condemned his +daughter to lose her eyes, and to grind iron barley-grains, while her +lover was doomed to suffer what Antinoüs threatens to Irus. F. + +[80] This seems the sort of laughter intended by the word Αχρειον. + +[81] From Iäsus, once King of Peloponnesus. + + + + +BOOK XIX + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses and Telemachus remove the arms from the hall to an upper-chamber. +The Hero then confers with Penelope, to whom he gives a fictitious +narrative of his adventures. Euryclea, while bathing Ulysses, discovers +him by a scar on his knee, but he prevents her communication of that +discovery to Penelope. + + + They went, but left the noble Chief behind + In his own house, contriving by the aid + Of Pallas, the destruction of them all, + And thus, in accents wing'd, again he said. + My son! we must remove and safe dispose + All these my well-forged implements of war; + And should the suitors, missing them, enquire + Where are they? thou shalt answer smoothly thus-- + I have convey'd them from the reach of smoke, + For they appear no more the same which erst 10 + Ulysses, going hence to Ilium, left, + So smirch'd and sullied by the breath of fire. + This weightier reason (thou shalt also say) + Some God suggested to me,--lest, inflamed + With wine, ye wound each other in your brawls, + Shaming both feast and courtship; for the view + Itself of arms incites to their abuse. + He ceased, and, in obedience to his will, + Calling the ancient Euryclea forth, + His nurse, Telemachus enjoin'd her thus. 20 + Go--shut the women in; make fast the doors + Of their apartment, while I safe dispose + Elsewhere, my father's implements of war, + Which, during his long absence, here have stood + Till smoke hath sullied them. For I have been + An infant hitherto, but, wiser grown, + Would now remove them from the breath of fire. + Then thus the gentle matron in return. + Yes truly--and I wish that now, at length, + Thou would'st assert the privilege of thy years, 30 + My son, thyself assuming charge of all, + Both house and stores; but who shall bear the light? + Since they, it seems, who would, are all forbidden. + To whom Telemachus discrete replied. + This guest; for no man, from my table fed, + Come whence he may; shall be an idler here. + He ended, nor his words flew wing'd away, + But Euryclea bolted every door. + Then, starting to the task, Ulysses caught, + And his illustrious son, the weapons thence, 40 + Helmet, and bossy shield, and pointed spear, + While Pallas from a golden lamp illumed + The dusky way before them. At that sight + Alarm'd, the Prince his father thus address'd. + Whence--whence is this, my father? I behold + A prodigy! the walls of the whole house, + The arches, fir-tree beams, and pillars tall + Shine in my view, as with the blaze of fire! + Some Pow'r celestial, doubtless, is within. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. 50 + Soft! ask no questions. Give no vent to thought, + Such is the custom of the Pow'rs divine. + Hence, thou, to bed. I stay, that I may yet + Both in thy mother and her maidens move + More curiosity; yes--she with tears + Shall question me of all that I have seen. + He ended, and the Prince, at his command, + Guided by flaming torches, sought the couch + Where he was wont to sleep, and there he slept + On that night also, waiting the approach 60 + Of sacred dawn. Thus was Ulysses left + Alone, and planning sat in solitude, + By Pallas' aid, the slaughter of his foes. + At length, Diana-like, or like herself, + All golden Venus, (her apartment left) + Enter'd Penelope. Beside the hearth + Her women planted her accustom'd seat + With silver wreathed and ivory. That throne + Icmalius made, artist renown'd, and join'd + A footstool to its splendid frame beneath, 70 + Which ever with an ample fleece they spread. + There sat discrete Penelope; then came + Her beautiful attendants from within, + Who cleared the litter'd bread, the board, and cups + From which the insolent companions drank. + They also raked the embers from the hearths + Now dim, and with fresh billets piled them high, + Both for illumination and for warmth. + Then yet again Melantho with rude speech + Opprobrious, thus, assail'd Ulysses' ear. 80 + Guest--wilt thou trouble us throughout the night + Ranging the house? and linger'st thou a spy + Watching the women? Hence--get thee abroad + Glad of such fare as thou hast found, or soon + With torches beaten we will thrust thee forth. + To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied. + Petulant woman! wherefore thus incensed + Inveigh'st thou against me? is it because + I am not sleek? because my garb is mean? + Because I beg? thanks to necessity-- 90 + I would not else. But such as I appear, + Such all who beg and all who wander are. + I also lived the happy owner once + Of such a stately mansion, and have giv'n + To num'rous wand'rers, whencesoe'er they came, + All that they needed; I was also served + By many, and enjoy'd all that denotes + The envied owner opulent and blest. + But Jove (for so it pleas'd him) hath reduced + My all to nothing. Therefore well beware 100 + Thou also, mistress, lest a day arrive + When all these charms by which thou shin'st among + Thy sister-menials, fade; fear, too, lest her + Thou should'st perchance irritate, whom thou serv'st, + And lest Ulysses come, of whose return + Hope yet survives; but even though the Chief + Have perish'd, as ye think, and comes no more, + Consider yet his son, how bright the gifts + Shine of Apollo in the illustrious Prince + Telemachus; no woman, unobserved 110 + By him, can now commit a trespass here; + His days of heedless infancy are past. + He ended, whom Penelope discrete + O'erhearing, her attendant sharp rebuked. + Shameless, audacious woman! known to me + Is thy great wickedness, which with thy life + Thou shalt atone; for thou wast well aware, + (Hearing it from myself) that I design'd + To ask this stranger of my absent Lord, + For whose dear sake I never cease to mourn. 120 + Then to her household's governess she said. + Bring now a seat, and spread it with a fleece, + Eurynome! that, undisturb'd, the guest + May hear and answer all that I shall ask. + She ended. Then the matron brought in haste + A polish'd seat, and spread it with a fleece, + On which the toil-accustom'd Hero sat, + And thus the chaste Penelope began. + Stranger! my first enquiry shall be this-- + Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom? 130 + Then answer thus Ulysses, wise, return'd. + O Queen! uncensurable by the lips + Of mortal man! thy glory climbs the skies + Unrivall'd, like the praise of some great King + Who o'er a num'rous people and renown'd + Presiding like a Deity, maintains + Justice and truth. The earth, under his sway, + Her produce yields abundantly; the trees + Fruit-laden bend; the lusty flocks bring forth; + The Ocean teems with finny swarms beneath 140 + His just controul, and all the land is blest. + Me therefore, question of what else thou wilt + In thy own palace, but forbear to ask + From whom I sprang, and of my native land, + Lest thou, reminding me of those sad themes, + Augment my woes; for I have much endured; + Nor were it seemly, in another's house, + To pass the hours in sorrow and in tears, + Wearisome when indulg'd with no regard + To time or place; thy train (perchance thyself) 150 + Would blame me, and I should reproach incur + As one tear-deluged through excess of wine. + Him answer'd then Penelope discrete. + The immortal Gods, O stranger, then destroy'd + My form, my grace, my beauty, when the Greeks + Whom my Ulysses follow'd, sail'd to Troy. + Could he, returning, my domestic charge + Himself intend, far better would my fame + Be so secured, and wider far diffused. + But I am wretched now, such storms of woe 160 + The Gods have sent me; for as many Chiefs + As hold dominion in the neighbour isles + Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd + Zacynthus; others, also, rulers here + In pleasant Ithaca, me, loth to wed, + Woo ceaseless, and my household stores consume. + I therefore, neither guest nor suppliant heed, + Nor public herald more, but with regret + Of my Ulysses wear my soul away. + They, meantime, press my nuptials, which by art 170 + I still procrastinate. Some God the thought + Suggested to me, to commence a robe + Of amplest measure and of subtlest woof, + Laborious task; which done, I thus address'd them. + Princes, my suitors! since the noble Chief + Ulysses is no more, enforce not now + My nuptials; wait till I shall finish first + A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads be marr'd) + Which for the ancient Hero I prepare + Laertes, looking for the mournful hour 180 + When fate shall snatch him to eternal rest. + Else, I the censure dread of all my sex, + Should he, so wealthy, want at last a shroud. + Such was my speech; they, unsuspicious all, + With my request complied. Thenceforth, all day + I wove the ample web, and, by the aid + Of torches, ravell'd it again at night. + Three years by artifice I thus their suit + Eluded safe; but when the fourth arrived, + And the same season after many moons 190 + And fleeting days return'd, passing my train + Who had neglected to release the dogs, + They came, surprized and reprimanded me. + Thus, through necessity, not choice, at last + I have perform'd it, in my own despight. + But no escape from marriage now remains, + Nor other subterfuge for me; meantime + My parents urge my nuptials, and my son + (Of age to note it) with disgust observes + His wealth consumed; for he is now become 200 + Adult, and abler than myself to rule + The house, a Prince distinguish'd by the Gods, + Yet, stranger, after all, speak thy descent; + Say whence thou art; for not of fabulous birth + Art thou, nor from the oak, nor from the rock. + Her answer'd then Ulysses, ever-wise. + O spouse revered of Laertiades! + Resolv'st thou still to learn from whom I sprang? + Learn then; but know that thou shalt much augment + My present grief, natural to a man 210 + Who hath, like me, long exiled from his home + Through various cities of the sons of men + Wander'd remote, and num'rous woes endured. + Yet, though it pain me, I will tell thee all. + There is a land amid the sable flood + Call'd Crete; fair, fruitful, circled by the sea. + Num'rous are her inhabitants, a race + Not to be summ'd, and ninety towns she boasts. + Diverse their language is; Achaians some, + And some indigenous are; Cydonians there, 220 + Crest-shaking Dorians, and Pelasgians dwell. + One city in extent the rest exceeds, + Cnossus; the city in which Minos reign'd, + Who, ever at a nine years' close, conferr'd + With Jove himself; from him my father sprang + The brave Deucalion; for Deucalion's sons + Were two, myself and King Idomeneus. + To Ilium he, on board his gallant barks, + Follow'd the Atridæ. I, the youngest-born, + By my illustrious name, Æthon, am known, 230 + But he ranks foremost both in worth and years. + There I beheld Ulysses, and within + My walls receiv'd him; for a violent wind + Had driv'n him from Malea (while he sought + The shores of Troy) to Crete. The storm his barks + Bore into the Amnisus, for the cave + Of Ilythia known, a dang'rous port, + And which with difficulty he attain'd. + He, landing, instant to the city went, + Seeking Idomeneus; his friend of old, 240 + As he affirm'd, and one whom much he lov'd. + But _he_ was far remote, ten days advanced, + Perhaps eleven, on his course to Troy. + Him, therefore, I conducted to my home, + Where hospitably, and with kindest care + I entertain'd him, (for I wanted nought) + And for himself procured and for his band,-- + By public contribution, corn, and wine, + And beeves for food, that all might be sufficed. + Twelve days his noble Greecians there abode, 250 + Port-lock'd by Boreas blowing with a force + Resistless even on the land, some God + So roused his fury; but the thirteenth day + The wind all fell, and they embark'd again. + With many a fiction specious, as he sat, + He thus her ear amused; she at the sound + Melting, with fluent tears her cheeks bedew'd; + And as the snow by Zephyrus diffused, + Melts on the mountain tops, when Eurus breathes, + And fills the channels of the running streams, 260 + So melted she, and down her lovely cheeks + Pour'd fast the tears, him mourning as remote + Who sat beside her. Soft compassion touch'd + Ulysses of his consort's silent woe; + His eyes as they had been of steel or horn, + Moved not, yet artful, he suppress'd his tears, + And she, at length with overflowing grief + Satiate, replied, and thus enquired again. + Now, stranger, I shall prove thee, as I judge, + If thou, indeed, hast entertain'd in Crete 270 + My spouse and his brave followers, as thou say'st. + Describe his raiment and himself; his own + Appearance, and the appearance of his friends. + Then her Ulysses answer'd, ever-wise. + Hard is the task, O Queen! (so long a time + Hath since elaps'd) to tell thee. Twenty years + Have pass'd since he forsook my native isle, + Yet, from my best remembrance, I will give + A likeness of him, such as now I may. + A double cloak, thick-piled, Mœonian dyed, 280 + The noble Chief had on; two fast'nings held + The golden clasp, and it display'd in front + A well-wrought pattern with much art design'd. + An hound between his fore-feet holding fast + A dappled fawn, gaped eager on his prey. + All wonder'd, seeing, how in lifeless gold + Express'd, the dog with open mouth her throat + Attempted still, and how the fawn with hoofs + Thrust trembling forward, struggled to escape. + That glorious mantle much I noticed, soft 290 + To touch, as the dried garlick's glossy film; + Such was the smoothness of it, and it shone + Sun-bright; full many a maiden, trust me, view'd + The splendid texture with admiring eyes. + But mark me now; deep treasure in thy mind + This word. I know not if Ulysses wore + That cloak at home, or whether of his train + Some warrior gave it to him on his way, + Or else some host of his; for many loved + Ulysses, and with him might few compare. 300 + I gave to him, myself, a brazen sword, + A purple cloak magnificent, and vest + Of royal length, and when he sought his bark, + With princely pomp dismiss'd him from the shore. + An herald also waited on the Chief, + Somewhat his Senior; him I next describe. + His back was bunch'd, his visage swarthy, curl'd + His poll, and he was named Eurybates; + A man whom most of all his followers far + Ulysses honour'd, for their minds were one. 310 + He ceased; she recognising all the proofs + Distinctly by Ulysses named, was moved + Still more to weep, till with o'erflowing grief + Satiate, at length she answer'd him again. + Henceforth, O stranger, thou who hadst before + My pity, shalt my rev'rence share and love, + I folded for him (with these hands) the cloak + Which thou describ'st, produced it when he went, + And gave it to him; I that splendid clasp + Attach'd to it myself, more to adorn 320 + My honour'd Lord, whom to his native land + Return'd secure I shall receive no more. + In such an evil hour Ulysses went + To that bad city never to be named. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Consort revered of Laertiades! + No longer let anxiety impair + Thy beauteous form, nor any grief consume + Thy spirits more for thy Ulysses' sake. + And yet I blame thee not; a wife deprived 330 + Of her first mate to whom she had produced + Fair fruit of mutual love, would mourn his loss, + Although he were inferior far to thine, + Whom fame affirms the semblance of the Gods. + But cease to mourn. Hear me. I will relate + A faithful tale, nor will from thee withhold + Such tidings of Ulysses living still, + And of his safe return, as I have heard + Lately, in yon neighb'ring opulent land + Of the Thesprotians. He returns enrich'd 340 + With many precious stores from those obtain'd + Whom he hath visited; but he hath lost, + Departing from Thrinacia's isle, his bark + And all his lov'd companions in the Deep, + For Jove was adverse to him, and the Sun, + Whose beeves his followers slew. They perish'd all + Amid the billowy flood; but Him, the keel + Bestriding of his bark, the waves at length + Cast forth on the Phæacian's land, a race + Allied to heav'n, who rev'renced like a God 350 + Thy husband, honour'd him with num'rous gifts, + And willing were to have convey'd him home. + Ulysses, therefore, had attained long since + His native shore, but that he deem'd it best + To travel far, that he might still amass + More wealth; so much Ulysses all mankind + Excels in policy, and hath no peer. + This information from Thesprotia's King + I gain'd, from Phidon; to myself he swore, + Libation off'ring under his own roof, 360 + That both the bark was launch'd, and the stout crew + Prepared, that should conduct him to his home. + But me he first dismiss'd; for, as it chanced, + A ship lay there of the Thesprotians, bound + To corn-enrich'd Dulichium. All the wealth + He shew'd me by the Chief amass'd, a store + To feed the house of yet another Prince + To the tenth generation; so immense + His treasures were within that palace lodg'd. + Himself he said was to Dodona gone, 370 + Counsel to ask from the oracular oaks + Sublime of Jove, how safest he might seek, + After long exile thence, his native land, + If openly were best, or in disguise. + Thus, therefore, he is safe, and at his home + Well-nigh arrived, nor shall his country long + Want him. I swear it with a solemn oath. + First Jove be witness, King and Lord of all! + Next these domestic Gods of the renown'd + Ulysses, in whose royal house I sit, 380 + That thou shalt see my saying all fulfill'd. + Ulysses shall this self-same year return, + This self-same month, ere yet the next begin. + Him answer'd then Penelope discrete. + Grant heav'n, my guest, that this good word of thine + Fail not! then, soon shalt thou such bounty share + And friendship at my hands, that, at first sight, + Whoe'er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest. + But ah! my soul forebodes how it will prove; + Neither Ulysses will return, nor thou 390 + Receive safe conduct hence; for we have here + None, such as once Ulysses was, to rule + His household with authority, and to send + With honourable convoy to his home + The worthy guest, or to regale him here. + Give him the bath, my maidens; spread his couch + With linen soft, with fleecy gaberdines[82] + And rugs of splendid hue, that he may lie + Waiting, well-warm'd, the golden morn's return. + Attend him also at the peep of day 400 + With bath and unction, that, his seat resumed + Here in the palace, he may be prepared + For breakfast with Telemachus; and woe + To him who shall presume to incommode + Or cause him pain; that man shall be cashier'd + Hence instant, burn his anger as it may. + For how, my honour'd inmate! shalt thou learn + That I in wisdom œconomic aught + Pass other women, if unbathed, unoiled, + Ill-clad, thou sojourn here? man's life is short, 410 + Whoso is cruel, and to cruel arts + Addict, on him all men, while yet he lives, + Call plagues and curses down, and after death + Scorn and proverbial mock'ries hunt his name. + But men, humane themselves, and giv'n by choice + To offices humane, from land to land + Are rumour'd honourably by their guests, + And ev'ry tongue is busy in their praise. + Her answer'd then, Ulysses, ever-wise. + Consort revered of Laertiades! 420 + Warm gaberdines and rugs of splendid hue + To me have odious been, since first the sight + Of Crete's snow-mantled mountain-tops I lost, + Sweeping the billows with extended oars. + No; I will pass, as I am wont to pass + The sleepless night; for on a sordid couch + Outstretch'd, full many a night have I reposed + Till golden-charioted Aurora dawn'd. + Nor me the foot-bath pleases more; my foot + Shall none of all thy ministring maidens touch, 430 + Unless there be some ancient matron grave + Among them, who hath pangs of heart endured + Num'rous, and keen as I have felt myself; + Her I refuse not. She may touch my feet. + Him answer'd then prudent Penelope. + Dear guest! for of all trav'llers here arrived + From distant regions, I have none received + Discrete as thou, or whom I more have lov'd, + So just thy matter is, and with such grace + Express'd. I have an ancient maiden grave, 440 + The nurse who at my hapless husband's birth + Receiv'd him in her arms, and with kind care + Maternal rear'd him; she shall wash thy feet, + Although decrepid. Euryclea, rise! + Wash one coeval with thy Lord; for such + The feet and hands, it may be, are become + Of my Ulysses now; since man beset + With sorrow once, soon wrinkled grows and old. + She said, then Euryclea with both hands + Cov'ring her face, in tepid tears profuse 450 + Dissolved, and thus in mournful strains began. + Alas! my son, trouble for thy dear sake + Distracts me. Jove surely of all mankind + Thee hated most, though ever in thy heart + Devoutly giv'n; for never mortal man + So many thighs of fatted victims burn'd, + And chosen hecatombs produced as thou + To Jove the Thund'rer, him entreating still + That he would grant thee a serene old age, + And to instruct, thyself, thy glorious son. 460 + Yet thus the God requites thee, cutting off + All hope of thy return--oh ancient sir! + Him too, perchance, where'er he sits a guest + Beneath some foreign roof, the women taunt, + As all these shameless ones have taunted thee, + Fearing whose mock'ry thou forbidd'st their hands + This office, which Icarius' daughter wise + To me enjoins, and which I, glad perform. + Yes, I will wash thy feet; both for her sake + And for thy own,--for sight of thee hath raised 470 + A tempest in my mind. Hear now the cause! + Full many a guest forlorn we entertain, + But never any have I seen, whose size, + The fashion of whose foot and pitch of voice, + Such likeness of Ulysses show'd, as thine. + To whom Ulysses, ever-shrewd, replied. + Such close similitude, O ancient dame! + As thou observ'st between thy Lord and me, + All, who have seen us both, have ever found. + He said; then taking the resplendent vase 480 + Allotted always to that use, she first + Infused cold water largely, then, the warm. + Ulysses (for beside the hearth he sat) + Turn'd quick his face into the shade, alarm'd + Lest, handling him, she should at once remark + His scar, and all his stratagem unveil. + She then, approaching, minister'd the bath + To her own King, and at first touch discern'd + That token, by a bright-tusk'd boar of old + Impress'd, what time he to Parnassus went 490 + To visit there Autolycus and his sons, + His mother's noble sire, who all mankind + In furtive arts and fraudful oaths excell'd.[83] + For such endowments he by gift receiv'd + From Hermes' self, to whom the thighs of kids + He offer'd and of lambs, and, in return, + The watchful Hermes never left his side. + Autolycus arriving in the isle + Of pleasant Ithaca, the new-born son + Of his own daughter found, whom on his knees 500 + At close of supper Euryclea placed, + And thus the royal visitant address'd. + Thyself, Autolycus! devise a name + For thy own daughter's son, by num'rous pray'rs + Of thine and fervent, from the Gods obtained. + Then answer thus Autolycus return'd. + My daughter and my daughter's spouse! the name + Which I shall give your boy, that let him bear. + Since after provocation and offence + To numbers giv'n of either sex, I come, 510 + Call him Ulysses;[84] and when, grown mature, + He shall Parnassus visit, the abode + Magnificent in which his mother dwelt, + And where my treasures lie, from my own stores + I will enrich and send him joyful home. + Ulysses, therefore, that he might obtain + Those princely gifts, went thither. Him arrived, + With right-hand gratulation and with words + Of welcome kind, Autolycus received, + Nor less his offspring; but the mother most 520 + Of his own mother clung around his neck, + Amphithea; she with many a fervent kiss + His forehead press'd, and his bright-beaming eyes. + Then bade Autolycus his noble sons + Set forth a banquet. They, at his command, + Led in a fatted ox of the fifth year, + Which slaying first, they spread him carved abroad, + Then scored his flesh, transfixed it with the spits, + And roasting all with culinary skill + Exact, gave each his portion. Thus they sat 530 + Feasting all day, and till the sun declined, + But when the sun declined, and darkness fell, + Each sought his couch, and took the gift of sleep. + Then, soon as day-spring's daughter rosy-palm'd + Aurora look'd abroad, forth went the hounds, + And, with the hounds Ulysses, and the youths, + Sons of Autolycus, to chase the boar. + Arrived at the Parnassian mount, they climb'd + His bushy sides, and to his airy heights + Ere long attain'd. It was the pleasant hour 540 + When from the gently-swelling flood profound + The sun, emerging, first smote on the fields. + The hunters reach'd the valley; foremost ran, + Questing, the hounds; behind them, swift, the sons + Came of Autolycus, with whom advanced + The illustrious Prince Ulysses, pressing close + The hounds, and brandishing his massy spear. + There, hid in thickest shades, lay an huge boar. + That covert neither rough winds blowing moist + Could penetrate, nor could the noon-day sun 550 + Smite through it, or fast-falling show'rs pervade, + So thick it was, and underneath the ground + With litter of dry foliage strew'd profuse. + Hunters and dogs approaching him, his ear + The sound of feet perceived; upridging high + His bristly back and glaring fire, he sprang + Forth from the shrubs, and in defiance stood + Near and right opposite. Ulysses, first, + Rush'd on him, elevating his long spear + Ardent to wound him; but, preventing quick 560 + His foe, the boar gash'd him above the knee. + Much flesh, assailing him oblique, he tore + With his rude tusk, but to the Hero's bone + Pierced not; Ulysses _his_ right shoulder reach'd; + And with a deadly thrust impell'd the point + Of his bright spear through him and far beyond. + Loud yell'd the boar, sank in the dust, and died. + Around Ulysses, then, the busy sons + Throng'd of Autolycus; expert they braced + The wound of the illustrious hunter bold, 570 + With incantation staunched the sable blood, + And sought in haste their father's house again, + Whence, heal'd and gratified with splendid gifts + They sent him soon rejoicing to his home, + Themselves rejoicing also. Glad their son + His parents saw again, and of the scar + Enquired, where giv'n, and how? He told them all, + How to Parnassus with his friends he went, + Sons of Autolycus to hunt, and how + A boar had gash'd him with his iv'ry tusk. 580 + That scar, while chafing him with open palms, + The matron knew; she left his foot to fall; + Down dropp'd his leg into the vase; the brass + Rang, and o'ertilted by the sudden shock, + Poured forth the water, flooding wide the floor. + _Her_ spirit joy at once and sorrow seized; + Tears fill'd her eyes; her intercepted voice + Died in her throat; but to Ulysses' beard + Her hand advancing, thus, at length, she spake. + Thou art himself, Ulysses. Oh my son! 590 + Dear to me, and my master as thou art, + I knew thee not, till I had touch'd the scar. + She said, and to Penelope her eyes + Directed, all impatient to declare + Her own Ulysses even then at home. + But she, nor eye nor ear for aught that pass'd + Had then, her fixt attention so entire + Minerva had engaged. Then, darting forth + His arms, the Hero with his right-hand close + Compress'd her throat, and nearer to himself 600 + Drawing her with his left, thus caution'd her. + Why would'st thou ruin me? Thou gav'st me milk + Thyself from thy own breast. See me return'd + After long suff'rings, in the twentieth year, + To my own land. But since (some God the thought + Suggesting to thee) thou hast learn'd the truth, + Silence! lest others learn it from thy lips. + For this I say, nor shall the threat be vain; + If God vouchsafe to me to overcome + The haughty suitors, when I shall inflict 610 + Death on the other women of my house, + Although my nurse, thyself shalt also die. + Him answer'd Euryclea then, discrete. + My son! oh how could so severe a word + Escape thy lips? my fortitude of mind + Thou know'st, and even now shalt prove me firm + As iron, secret as the stubborn rock. + But hear and mark me well. Should'st thou prevail, + Assisted by a Pow'r divine, to slay + The haughty suitors, I will then, myself, 620 + Give thee to know of all the female train + Who have dishonour'd thee, and who respect. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + My nurse, it were superfluous; spare thy tongue + That needless task. I can distinguish well + Myself, between them, and shall know them all; + But hold thy peace. Hush! leave it with the Gods. + So he; then went the ancient matron forth, + That she might serve him with a second bath, + For the whole first was spilt. Thus, laved at length, 630 + And smooth'd with oil, Ulysses nearer pull'd + His seat toward the glowing hearth to enjoy + More warmth, and drew his tatters o'er the scar. + Then, prudent, thus Penelope began. + One question, stranger, I shall yet propound, + Though brief, for soon the hour of soft repose + Grateful to all, and even to the sad + Whom gentle sleep forsakes not, will arrive. + But heav'n to me immeasurable woe + Assigns,--whose sole delight is to consume 640 + My days in sighs, while here retired I sit, + Watching my maidens' labours and my own; + But (night return'd, and all to bed retired) + I press mine also, yet with deep regret + And anguish lacerated, even there. + As when at spring's first entrance, her sweet song + The azure-crested nightingale renews, + Daughter of Pandarus; within the grove's + Thick foliage perch'd, she pours her echoing voice + Now deep, now clear, still varying the strain 650 + With which she mourns her Itylus, her son + By royal Zethus, whom she, erring, slew,[85] + So also I, by soul-distressing doubts + Toss'd ever, muse if I shall here remain + A faithful guardian of my son's affairs, + My husband's bed respecting, and not less + My own fair fame, or whether I shall him + Of all my suitors follow to his home + Who noblest seems, and offers richest dow'r. + My son while he was infant yet, and own'd 660 + An infant's mind, could never give consent + That I should wed and leave him; but at length, + Since he hath reached the stature of a man, + He wishes my departure hence, the waste + Viewing indignant by the suitors made. + But I have dream'd. Hear, and expound my dream. + My geese are twenty, which within my walls + I feed with sodden wheat; they serve to amuse + Sometimes my sorrow. From the mountains came + An eagle, huge, hook-beak'd, brake all their necks, 670 + And slew them; scatter'd on the palace-floor + They lay, and he soar'd swift into the skies. + Dream only as it was, I wept aloud, + Till all my maidens, gather'd by my voice, + Arriving, found me weeping still, and still + Complaining, that the eagle had at once + Slain all my geese. But, to the palace-roof + Stooping again, he sat, and with a voice + Of human sound, forbad my tears, and said-- + Courage! O daughter of the far-renown'd 680 + Icarius! no vain dream thou hast beheld, + But, in thy sleep, a truth. The slaughter'd geese + Denote thy suitors. I who have appear'd + An eagle in thy sight, am yet indeed + Thy husband, who have now, at last, return'd, + Death, horrid death designing for them all. + He said; then waking at the voice, I cast + An anxious look around, and saw my geese + Beside their tray, all feeding as before. + Her then Ulysses answer'd, ever-wise. 690 + O Queen! it is not possible to miss + Thy dream's plain import, since Ulysses' self + Hath told thee the event; thy suitors all + Must perish; not one suitor shall escape. + To whom Penelope discrete replied. + Dreams are inexplicable, O my guest! + And oft-times mere delusions that receive + No just accomplishment. There are two gates + Through which the fleeting phantoms pass; of horn + Is one, and one of ivory.[86] Such dreams 700 + As through the thin-leaf'd iv'ry portal come + Sooth, but perform not, utt'ring empty sounds; + But such as through the polish'd horn escape, + If, haply seen by any mortal eye, + Prove faithful witnesses, and are fulfill'd. + But through those gates my wond'rous dream, I think, + Came not; thrice welcome were it else to me + And to my son. Now mark my words; attend. + This is the hated morn that from the house + Removes me of Ulysses. I shall fix, 710 + This day, the rings for trial to them all + Of archership; Ulysses' custom was + To plant twelve spikes, all regular arranged[87] + Like galley-props, and crested with a ring, + Then standing far remote, true in his aim + He with his whizzing shaft would thrid them all. + This is the contest in which now I mean + To prove the suitors; him, who with most ease + Shall bend the bow, and shoot through all the rings, + I follow, this dear mansion of my youth 720 + Leaving, so fair, so fill'd with ev'ry good, + Though still to love it even in my dreams. + Her answer'd then Ulysses, ever-wise. + Consort revered of Laertiades! + Postpone not this contention, but appoint + Forthwith the trial; for Ulysses here + Will sure arrive, ere they, (his polish'd bow + Long tamp'ring) shall prevail to stretch the nerve, + And speed the arrow through the iron rings. + To whom Penelope replied discrete. 730 + Would'st thou with thy sweet converse, O my guest! + Here sooth me still, sleep ne'er should influence + These eyes the while; but always to resist + Sleep's pow'r is not for man, to whom the Gods + Each circumstance of his condition here + Fix universally. Myself will seek + My own apartment at the palace-top, + And there will lay me down on my sad couch, + For such it hath been, and with tears of mine + Ceaseless bedew'd, e'er since Ulysses went 740 + To that bad city, never to be named. + There will I sleep; but sleep thou here below, + Either, thyself, preparing on the ground + Thy couch, or on a couch by these prepared. + So saying, she to her splendid chamber thence + Retired, not sole, but by her female train + Attended; there arrived, she wept her spouse, + Her lov'd Ulysses, till Minerva dropp'd + The balm of slumber on her weary lids. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[82] A gaberdine is a shaggy cloak of coarse but warm materials. Such +always make part of Homer's bed-furniture. + +[83] Homer's morals seem to allow to a good man dissimulation, and even +an ambiguous oath, should they be necessary to save him from a villain. +Thus in Book XX. Telemachus swears by Zeus, that he does not hinder his +mother from marrying whom she pleases of the wooers, though at the same +time he is plotting their destruction with his father. F. + +[84] In the Greek ὈΔΥΣΣΕΥΣ from the verb ὀδυσσω--Irascor, _I am angry_. + +[85] She intended to slay the son of her husband's brother Amphion, +incited to it by the envy of his wife, who had six children, while +herself had only two, but through mistake she slew her own son Itylus, +and for her punishment was transformed by Jupiter into a nightingale. + +[86] The difference of the two substances may perhaps serve to account +for the preference given in this case to the gate of horn; horn being +transparent, and as such emblematical of truth, while ivory, from its +whiteness, promises light, but is, in fact, opaque. F. + +[87] The translation here is somewhat pleonastic for the sake of +perspicuity; the original is clear in itself, but not to us who have no +such practice. Twelve stakes were fixt in the earth, each having a ring +at the top; the order in which they stood was so exact, that an arrow +sent with an even hand through the first ring, would pass them all. + + + + +BOOK XX + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses, doubting whether he shall destroy or not the women servants who +commit lewdness with the suitors, resolves at length to spare them for +the present. He asks an omen from Jupiter, and that he would grant him +also to hear some propitious words from the lips of one in the family. +His petitions are both answered. Preparation is made for the feast. +Whilst the suitors sit at table, Pallas smites them with a horrid frenzy. +Theoclymenus, observing the strange effects of it, prophesies their +destruction, and they deride his prophecy. + + + But in the vestibule the Hero lay + On a bull's-hide undress'd, o'er which he spread + The fleece of many a sheep slain by the Greeks, + And, cover'd by the household's governess + With a wide cloak, composed himself to rest. + Yet slept he not, but meditating lay + Woe to his enemies. Meantime, the train + Of women, wonted to the suitors' arms, + Issuing all mirth and laughter, in his soul + A tempest raised of doubts, whether at once 10 + To slay, or to permit them yet to give + Their lusty paramours one last embrace. + As growls the mastiff standing on the start + For battle, if a stranger's foot approach + Her cubs new-whelp'd--so growl'd Ulysses' heart, + While wonder fill'd him at their impious deeds. + But, smiting on his breast, thus he reproved + The mutinous inhabitant within. + Heart! bear it. Worse than this thou didst endure + When, uncontroulable by force of man, 20 + The Cyclops thy illustrious friends devour'd. + Thy patience then fail'd not, till prudence found + Deliv'rance for thee on the brink of fate. + So disciplined the Hero his own heart, + Which, tractable, endured the rigorous curb, + And patient; yet he turn'd from side to side. + As when some hungry swain turns oft a maw + Unctuous and sav'ry on the burning coals, + Quick expediting his desired repast, + So he from side to side roll'd, pond'ring deep 30 + How likeliest with success he might assail + Those shameless suitors; one to many opposed. + Then, sudden from the skies descending, came + Minerva in a female form; her stand + Above his head she took, and thus she spake. + Why sleep'st thou not, unhappiest of mankind? + Thou art at home; here dwells thy wife, and here + Thy son; a son, whom all might wish their own. + Then her Ulysses answer'd, ever-wise. + O Goddess! true is all that thou hast said, 40 + But, not without anxiety, I muse + How, single as I am, I shall assail + Those shameless suitors who frequent my courts + Daily; and always their whole multitude. + This weightier theme I meditate beside; + Should I, with Jove's concurrence and with thine + Prevail to slay them, how shall I escape, + Myself, at last?[88] oh Goddess, weigh it well. + Him answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. + Oh faithless man! a man will in his friend 50 + Confide, though mortal, and in valour less + And wisdom than himself; but I who keep + Thee in all difficulties, am divine. + I tell thee plainly. Were we hemm'd around + By fifty troops of shouting warriors bent + To slay thee, thou should'st yet securely drive + The flocks away and cattle of them all. + But yield to sleep's soft influence; for to lie + All night thus watchful, is, itself, distress. + Fear not. Deliv'rance waits, not far remote. 60 + So saying, she o'er Ulysses' eyes diffused + Soft slumbers, and when sleep that sooths the mind + And nerves the limbs afresh had seized him once, + To the Olympian summit swift return'd. + But his chaste spouse awoke; she weeping sat + On her soft couch, and, noblest of her sex, + Satiate at length with tears, her pray'r address'd + First to Diana of the Pow'rs above. + Diana, awful progeny of Jove! + I would that with a shaft this moment sped 70 + Into my bosom, thou would'st here conclude + My mournful life! or, oh that, as it flies, + Snatching me through the pathless air, a storm + Would whelm me deep in Ocean's restless tide! + So, when the Gods their parents had destroy'd, + Storms suddenly the beauteous daughters snatch'd[89] + Of Pandarus away; them left forlorn + Venus with curds, with honey and with wine + Fed duly; Juno gave them to surpass + All women in the charms of face and mind, 80 + With graceful stature eminent the chaste + Diana bless'd them, and in works of art + Illustrious, Pallas taught them to excel. + But when the foam-sprung Goddess to the skies + A suitress went on their behalf, to obtain + Blest nuptials for them from the Thund'rer Jove, + (For Jove the happiness, himself, appoints, + And the unhappiness of all below) + Meantime, the Harpies ravishing away + Those virgins, gave them to the Furies Three, 90 + That they might serve them. O that me the Gods + Inhabiting Olympus so would hide + From human eyes for ever, or bright-hair'd + Diana pierce me with a shaft, that while + Ulysses yet engages all my thoughts, + My days concluded, I might 'scape the pain + Of gratifying some inferior Chief! + This is supportable, when (all the day + To sorrow giv'n) the mourner sleeps at night; + For sleep, when it hath once the eyelids veil'd, 100 + All reminiscence blots of all alike, + Both good and ill; but me the Gods afflict + Not seldom ev'n in dreams, and at my side, + This night again, one lay resembling him; + Such as my own Ulysses when he join'd + Achaia's warriors; my exulting heart + No airy dream believed it, but a truth. + While thus she spake, in orient gold enthroned + Came forth the morn; Ulysses, as she wept, + Heard plain her lamentation; him that sound 110 + Alarm'd; he thought her present, and himself + Known to her. Gath'ring hastily the cloak + His cov'ring, and the fleeces, them he placed + Together on a throne within the hall, + But bore the bull's-hide forth into the air. + Then, lifting high his hands to Jove, he pray'd. + Eternal Sire! if over moist and dry + Ye have with good-will sped me to my home + After much suff'ring, grant me from the lips + Of some domestic now awake, to hear 120 + Words of propitious omen, and thyself + Vouchsafe me still some other sign abroad. + Such pray'r he made, and Jove omniscient heard. + Sudden he thunder'd from the radiant heights + Olympian; glad, Ulysses heard the sound. + A woman, next, a labourer at the mill + Hard by, where all the palace-mills were wrought, + Gave him the omen of propitious sound. + Twelve maidens, day by day, toil'd at the mills, + Meal grinding, some, of barley, some, of wheat, 130 + Marrow of man.[90] The rest (their portion ground) + All slept; she only from her task as yet + Ceas'd not, for she was feeblest of them all; + She rested on her mill, and thus pronounced + The happy omen by her Lord desired. + Jove, Father, Governor of heav'n and earth! + Loud thou hast thunder'd from the starry skies + By no cloud veil'd; a sign propitious, giv'n + To whom I know not; but oh grant the pray'r + Of a poor bond-woman! appoint their feast 140 + This day, the last that in Ulysses' house + The suitors shall enjoy, for whom I drudge, + With aching heart and trembling knees their meal + Grinding continual. Feast they here no more! + She ended, and the list'ning Chief received + With equal joy both signs; for well he hoped + That he should punish soon those guilty men. + And now the other maidens in the hall + Assembling, kindled on the hearth again + Th' unwearied blaze; then, godlike from his couch 150 + Arose Telemachus, and, fresh-attired, + Athwart his shoulders his bright faulchion slung, + Bound his fair sandals to his feet, and took + His sturdy spear pointed with glitt'ring brass; + Advancing to the portal, there he stood, + And Euryclea thus, his nurse, bespake. + Nurse! have ye with respectful notice serv'd + Our guest? or hath he found a sordid couch + E'en where he might? for, prudent though she be, + My mother, inattentive oft, the worse 160 + Treats kindly, and the better sends away. + Whom Euryclea answer'd, thus, discrete. + Blame not, my son! who merits not thy blame. + The guest sat drinking till he would no more, + And ate, till, question'd, he replied--Enough. + But when the hour of sleep call'd him to rest, + She gave commandment to her female train + To spread his couch. Yet he, like one forlorn, + And, through despair, indiff'rent to himself, + Both bed and rugs refused, and in the porch 170 + On skins of sheep and on an undress'd hide + Reposed, where we threw cov'ring over him. + She ceas'd, and, grasping his bright-headed spear, + Forth went the Prince attended, as he went, + By his fleet hounds; to the assembled Greeks + In council with majestic gait he moved, + And Euryclea, daughter wise of Ops, + Pisenor's son, call'd to the serving-maids. + Haste ye! be diligent! sweep the palace-floor + And sprinkle it; then give the sumptuous seats 180 + Their purple coverings. Let others cleanse + With sponges all the tables, wash and rince + The beakers well, and goblets rich-emboss'd; + Run others to the fountain, and bring thence + Water with speed. The suitors will not long + Be absent, but will early come to-day, + For this day is a public festival.[91] + So she; whom all, obedient, heard; forth went + Together, twenty to the crystal fount, + While in their sev'ral provinces the rest 190 + Bestirr'd them brisk at home. Then enter'd all + The suitors, and began cleaving the wood. + Meantime, the women from the fountain came, + Whom soon the swine-herd follow'd, driving three + His fattest brawns; them in the spacious court + He feeding left, and to Ulysses' side + Approaching, courteously bespake the Chief. + Guest! look the Greecians on thee with respect + At length, or still disdainful as before? + Then, answer thus Ulysses wise return'd. 200 + Yes--and I would that vengeance from the Gods + Might pay their insolence, who in a house + Not theirs, dominion exercise, and plan + Unseemly projects, shameless as they are! + Thus they conferr'd; and now Melanthius came + The goat-herd, driving, with the aid of two + His fellow-swains, the fattest of his goats + To feast the suitors. In the sounding porch + The goats he tied, then, drawing near, in terms + Reproachful thus assail'd Ulysses' ear. 210 + How, stranger? persever'st thou, begging, still + To vex the suitors? wilt thou not depart? + Scarce shall we settle this dispute, I judge, + Till we have tasted each the other's fist; + Thou art unreasonable thus to beg + Here always--have the Greeks no feasts beside? + He spake, to whom Ulysses answer none + Return'd, but shook his brows, and, silent, framed + Terrible purposes. Then, third, approach'd + Chief o'er the herds, Philœtius; fatted goats 220 + He for the suitors brought, with which he drove + An heifer; (ferry-men had pass'd them o'er, + Carriers of all who on their coast arrive) + He tied them in the sounding porch, then stood + Beside the swine-herd, to whom thus he said. + Who is this guest, Eumæus, here arrived + So lately? from what nation hath he come? + What parentage and country boasts the man? + I pity him, whose figure seems to speak + Royalty in him. Heav'n will surely plunge 230 + The race of common wand'rers deep in woe, + If thus it destine even Kings to mourn. + He ceas'd; and, with his right hand, drawing nigh, + Welcom'd Ulysses, whom he thus bespake. + Hail venerable guest! and be thy lot + Prosp'rous at least hereafter, who art held + At present in the bonds of num'rous ills. + Thou, Jupiter, of all the Gods, art most + Severe, and spar'st not to inflict distress + Even on creatures from thyself derived.[92] 240 + I had no sooner mark'd thee, than my eyes + Swam, and the sweat gush'd from me at the thought + Of dear Ulysses; for if yet he live + And see the sun, such tatters, I suppose, + He wears, a wand'rer among human-kind. + But if already with the dead he dwell + In Pluto's drear abode, oh then, alas + For kind Ulysses! who consign'd to me, + While yet a boy, his Cephalenian herds, + And they have now encreas'd to such a store 250 + Innumerable of broad-fronted beeves, + As only care like mine could have produced. + These, by command of others, I transport + For their regale, who neither heed his son, + Nor tremble at the anger of the Gods, + But long have wish'd ardently to divide + And share the substance of our absent Lord. + Me, therefore, this thought occupies, and haunts + My mind not seldom; while the heir survives + It were no small offence to drive his herds 260 + Afar, and migrate to a foreign land; + Yet here to dwell, suff'ring oppressive wrongs + While I attend another's beeves, appears + Still less supportable; and I had fled, + And I had served some other mighty Chief + Long since, (for patience fails me to endure + My present lot) but that I cherish still + Some hope of my ill-fated Lord's return, + To rid his palace of those lawless guests. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. 270 + Herdsman! since neither void of sense thou seem'st, + Nor yet dishonest, but myself am sure + That thou art owner of a mind discrete, + Hear therefore, for I swear! bold I attest + Jove and this hospitable board, and these + The Lares[93] of the noble Chief, whose hearth + Protects me now, that, ere thy going hence, + Ulysses surely shall have reach'd his home, + And thou shalt see him, if thou wilt, thyself, + Slaying the suitors who now lord it here. 280 + Him answer'd then the keeper of his beeves. + Oh stranger! would but the Saturnian King + Perform that word, thou should'st be taught (thyself + Eye-witness of it) what an arm is mine. + Eumæus also ev'ry power of heav'n + Entreated, that Ulysses might possess + His home again. Thus mutual they conferr'd. + Meantime, in conf'rence close the suitors plann'd + Death for Telemachus; but while they sat + Consulting, on their left the bird of Jove 290 + An eagle soar'd, grasping a tim'rous dove. + Then, thus, Amphinomus the rest bespake. + Oh friends! our consultation how to slay + Telemachus, will never smoothly run + To its effect; but let us to the feast. + So spake Amphinomus, whose counsel pleased. + Then, all into the royal house repaired, + And on the thrones and couches throwing off + Their mantles, slew the fatted goats, the brawns, + The sheep full-sized, and heifer of the herd. 300 + The roasted entrails first they shared, then fill'd + The beakers, and the swine-herd placed the cups, + Philœtius, chief intendant of the beeves, + Served all with baskets elegant of bread, + While all their cups Melanthius charged with wine, + And they assail'd at once the ready feast. + Meantime Telemachus, with forecast shrewd, + Fast by the marble threshold, but within + The spacious hall his father placed, to whom + A sordid seat he gave and scanty board. 310 + A portion of the entrails, next, he set + Before him, fill'd a golden goblet high, + And thus, in presence of them all, began. + There seated now, drink as the suitors drink. + I will, myself, their biting taunts forbid, + And violence. This edifice is mine, + Not public property; my father first + Possess'd it, and my right from him descends. + Suitors! controul your tongues, nor with your hands + Offend, lest contest fierce and war ensue. 320 + He ceas'd: they gnawing, sat, their lips, aghast + With wonder that Telemachus in his speech + Such boldness used. Then spake Eupithes' son, + Antinoüs, and the assembly thus address'd. + Let pass, ye Greeks! the language of the Prince, + Harsh as it is, and big with threats to us. + Had Jove permitted, his orations here, + Although thus eloquent, ere now had ceased. + So spake Antinoüs, whom Ulysses' son + Heard unconcern'd. And now the heralds came 330 + In solemn pomp, conducting through the streets + A sacred hecatomb, when in the grove + Umbrageous of Apollo, King shaft-arm'd, + The assembled Greecians met. The sav'ry roast + Finish'd, and from the spits withdrawn, each shared + His portion of the noble feast, and such + As they enjoy'd themselves the attendants placed + Before Ulysses, for the Hero's son + Himself, Telemachus, had so enjoined. + But Pallas (that they might exasp'rate more 340 + Ulysses) suffer'd not the suitor Chiefs + To banquet, guiltless of heart-piercing scoffs + Malign. There was a certain suitor named + Ctesippus, born in Samos; base of mind + Was he and profligate, but, in the wealth + Confiding of his father, woo'd the wife + Of long-exiled Ulysses. From his seat + The haughty suitors thus that man address'd. + Ye noble suitors, I would speak; attend! + The guest is served; he hath already shared 350 + Equal with us; nor less the laws demand + Of hospitality; for neither just + It were nor decent, that a guest, received + Here by Telemachus, should be denied + His portion of the feast. Come then--myself + Will give to him, that he may also give + To her who laved him in the bath, or else + To whatsoever menial here he will. + So saying, he from a basket near at hand + Heav'd an ox-foot, and with a vig'rous arm 360 + Hurl'd it. Ulysses gently bow'd his head, + Shunning the blow, but gratified his just + Resentment with a broad sardonic smile[94] + Of dread significance. He smote the wall. + Then thus Telemachus rebuked the deed. + Ctesippus, thou art fortunate; the bone + Struck not the stranger, for he shunn'd the blow; + Else, I had surely thrust my glitt'ring lance + Right through thee; then, no hymenæal rites + Of thine should have employ'd thy father here, 370 + But thy funereal. No man therefore treat + Me with indignity within these walls, + For though of late a child, I can discern + Now, and distinguish between good and ill. + Suffice it that we patiently endure + To be spectators daily of our sheep + Slaughter'd, our bread consumed, our stores of wine + Wasted; for what can one to all opposed? + Come then--persist no longer in offence + And hostile hate of me; or if ye wish 380 + To slay me, pause not. It were better far + To die, and I had rather much be slain, + Than thus to witness your atrocious deeds + Day after day; to see our guests abused, + With blows insulted, and the women dragg'd + With a licentious violence obscene + From side to side of all this fair abode. + He said, and all sat silent, till at length + Thus Agelaüs spake, Diastor's son. + My friends! let none with contradiction thwart 390 + And rude reply, words rational and just; + Assault no more the stranger, nor of all + The servants of renown'd Ulysses here + Harm any. My advice, both to the Queen + And to Telemachus, shall gentle be, + May it but please them. While the hope survived + Within your bosoms of the safe return + Of wise Ulysses to his native isle, + So long good reason was that she should use + Delay, and hold our wooing in suspence; 400 + For had Ulysses come, that course had proved + Wisest and best; but that he comes no more + Appears, now, manifest. Thou, therefore, Prince! + Seeking thy mother, counsel her to wed + The noblest, and who offers richest dow'r, + That thou, for thy peculiar, may'st enjoy + Thy own inheritance in peace and ease, + And she, departing, find another home. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + I swear by Jove, and by my father's woes, 410 + Who either hath deceased far from his home, + Or lives a wand'rer, that I interpose + No hindrance to her nuptials. Let her wed + Who offers most, and even whom she will. + But to dismiss her rudely were a deed + Unfilial--That I dare not--God forbid! + So spake Telemachus. Then Pallas struck + The suitors with delirium; wide they stretch'd + Their jaws with unspontaneous laughter loud; + Their meat dripp'd blood; tears fill'd their eyes, and dire + Presages of approaching woe, their hearts. 421 + Then thus the prophet Theoclymenus.[95] + Ah miserable men! what curse is this + That takes you now? night wraps itself around + Your faces, bodies, limbs; the palace shakes + With peals of groans--and oh, what floods ye weep! + I see the walls and arches dappled thick + With gore; the vestibule is throng'd, the court + On all sides throng'd with apparitions grim + Of slaughter'd men sinking into the gloom 430 + Of Erebus; the sun is blotted out + From heav'n, and midnight whelms you premature. + He said, they, hearing, laugh'd; and thus the son + Of Polybus, Eurymachus replied. + This wand'rer from a distant shore hath left + His wits behind. Hoa there! conduct him hence + Into the forum; since he dreams it night + Already, teach him there that it is day. + Then answer'd godlike Theoclymenus. + I have no need, Eurymachus, of guides 440 + To lead me hence, for I have eyes and ears, + The use of both my feet, and of a mind + In no respect irrational or wild. + These shall conduct me forth, for well I know + That evil threatens you, such, too, as none + Shall 'scape of all the suitors, whose delight + Is to insult the unoffending guest + Received beneath this hospitable roof. + He said, and, issuing from the palace, sought + Piræus' house, who gladly welcom'd him. 450 + Then all the suitors on each other cast + A look significant, and, to provoke + Telemachus the more, fleer'd at his guests. + Of whom a youth thus, insolent began. + No living wight, Telemachus, had e'er + Guests such as thine. Witness, we know not who, + This hungry vagabond, whose means of life + Are none, and who hath neither skill nor force + To earn them, a mere burthen on the ground. + Witness the other also, who upstarts 460 + A prophet suddenly. Take my advice; + I counsel wisely; send them both on board + Some gallant bark to Sicily for sale; + Thus shall they somewhat profit thee at last. + So spake the suitors, whom Telemachus + Heard unconcern'd, and, silent, look'd and look'd + Toward his father, watching still the time + When he should punish that licentious throng. + Meantime, Icarius' daughter, who had placed + Her splendid seat opposite, heard distinct 470 + Their taunting speeches. They, with noisy mirth, + Feasted deliciously, for they had slain + Many a fat victim; but a sadder feast + Than, soon, the Goddess and the warrior Chief + Should furnish for them, none shall ever share. + Of which their crimes had furnish'd first the cause. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[88] That is, how shall I escape the vengeance of their kindred? + +[89] Aĕdon, Cleothera, Merope. + +[90] μυελον ανδρων. + +[91] The new moon. + +[92] He is often called--πατηρ ανδρων τε θεων τε. + +[93] Household Gods who presided over the hearth. + +[94] A smile of displeasure. + +[95] Who had sought refuge in the ship of Telemachus when he left Sparta, +and came with him to Ithaca. + + + + +BOOK XXI + +ARGUMENT + +Penelope proposes to the suitors a contest with the bow, herself the +prize. They prove unable to bend the bow; when Ulysses having with some +difficulty possessed himself of it, manages it with the utmost ease, and +dispatches his arrow through twelve rings erected for the trial. + + + Minerva, now, Goddess cærulean-eyed, + Prompted Icarius' daughter, the discrete + Penelope, with bow and rings to prove + Her suitors in Ulysses' courts, a game + Terrible in conclusion to them all. + First, taking in her hand the brazen key + Well-forged, and fitted with an iv'ry grasp, + Attended by the women of her train + She sought her inmost chamber, the recess + In which she kept the treasures of her Lord, 10 + His brass, his gold, and steel elaborate. + Here lay his stubborn bow, and quiver fill'd + With num'rous shafts, a fatal store. That bow + He had received and quiver from the hand + Of godlike Iphitus Eurytides, + Whom, in Messenia,[96] in the house he met + Of brave Orsilochus. Ulysses came + Demanding payment of arrearage due + From all that land; for a Messenian fleet + Had borne from Ithaca three hundred sheep, 20 + With all their shepherds; for which cause, ere yet + Adult, he voyaged to that distant shore, + Deputed by his sire, and by the Chiefs + Of Ithaca, to make the just demand. + But Iphitus had thither come to seek + Twelve mares and twelve mule colts which he had lost, + A search that cost him soon a bloody death. + For, coming to the house of Hercules + The valiant task-performing son of Jove, + He perish'd there, slain by his cruel host 30 + Who, heedless of heav'n's wrath, and of the rights + Of his own board, first fed, then slaughter'd him; + For in _his_ house the mares and colts were hidden. + He, therefore, occupied in that concern, + Meeting Ulysses there, gave him the bow + Which, erst, huge Eurytus had borne, and which + Himself had from his dying sire received. + Ulysses, in return, on him bestowed + A spear and sword, pledges of future love + And hospitality; but never more 40 + They met each other at the friendly board, + For, ere that hour arrived, the son of Jove + Slew his own guest, the godlike Iphitus. + Thus came the bow into Ulysses' hands, + Which, never in his gallant barks he bore + To battle with him, (though he used it oft + In times of peace) but left it safely stored + At home, a dear memorial of his friend. + Soon as, divinest of her sex, arrived + At that same chamber, with her foot she press'd 50 + The oaken threshold bright, on which the hand + Of no mean architect had stretch'd the line, + Who had erected also on each side + The posts on which the splendid portals hung, + She loos'd the ring and brace, then introduced + The key, and aiming at them from without,[97] + Struck back the bolts. The portals, at that stroke, + Sent forth a tone deep as the pastur'd bull's, + And flew wide open. She, ascending, next, + The elevated floor on which the chests 60 + That held her own fragrant apparel stood, + With lifted hand aloft took down the bow + In its embroider'd bow-case safe enclosed. + Then, sitting there, she lay'd it on her knees, + Weeping aloud, and drew it from the case. + Thus weeping over it long time she sat, + Till satiate, at the last, with grief and tears, + Descending by the palace steps she sought + Again the haughty suitors, with the bow + Elastic, and the quiver in her hand 70 + Replete with pointed shafts, a deadly store. + Her maidens, as she went, bore after her + A coffer fill'd with prizes by her Lord, + Much brass and steel; and when at length she came, + Loveliest of women, where the suitors sat, + Between the pillars of the stately dome + Pausing, before her beauteous face she held + Her lucid veil, and by two matrons chaste + Supported, the assembly thus address'd. + Ye noble suitors hear, who rudely haunt 80 + This palace of a Chief long absent hence, + Whose substance ye have now long time consumed, + Nor palliative have yet contrived, or could, + Save your ambition to make me a bride-- + Attend this game to which I call you forth. + Now suitors! prove yourselves with this huge bow + Of wide-renown'd Ulysses; he who draws + Easiest the bow, and who his arrow sends + Through twice six rings, he takes me to his home, + And I must leave this mansion of my youth 90 + Plenteous, magnificent, which, doubtless, oft + I shall remember even in my dreams. + So saying, she bade Eumæus lay the bow + Before them, and the twice six rings of steel. + He wept, received them, and obey'd; nor wept + The herdsman less, seeing the bow which erst + His Lord had occupied; when at their tears + Indignant, thus, Antinoüs began. + Ye rural drones, whose purblind eyes see not + Beyond the present hour, egregious fools! 100 + Why weeping trouble ye the Queen, too much + Before afflicted for her husband lost? + Either partake the banquet silently, + Or else go weep abroad, leaving the bow, + That stubborn test, to us; for none, I judge, + None here shall bend this polish'd bow with ease, + Since in this whole assembly I discern + None like Ulysses, whom myself have seen + And recollect, though I was then a boy. + He said, but in his heart, meantime, the hope 110 + Cherish'd, that he should bend, himself, the bow, + And pass the rings; yet was he destin'd first + Of all that company to taste the steel + Of brave Ulysses' shaft, whom in that house + He had so oft dishonour'd, and had urged + So oft all others to the like offence. + Amidst them, then, the sacred might arose + Of young Telemachus, who thus began. + Saturnian Jove questionless hath deprived + Me of all reason. My own mother, fam'd 120 + For wisdom as she is, makes known to all + Her purpose to abandon this abode + And follow a new mate, while, heedless, I + Trifle and laugh as I were still a child. + But come, ye suitors! since the prize is such, + A woman like to whom none can be found + This day in all Achaia; on the shores + Of sacred Pylus; in the cities proud + Of Argos or Mycenæ; or even here + In Ithaca; or yet within the walls 130 + Of black Epirus; and since this yourselves + Know also, wherefore should I speak her praise? + Come then, delay not, waste not time in vain + Excuses, turn not from the proof, but bend + The bow, that thus the issue may be known. + I also will, myself, that task essay; + And should I bend the bow, and pass the rings, + Then shall not my illustrious mother leave + Her son forlorn, forsaking this abode + To follow a new spouse, while I remain 140 + Disconsolate, although of age to bear, + Successful as my sire, the prize away. + So saying, he started from his seat, cast off + His purple cloak, and lay'd his sword aside, + Then fix'd, himself, the rings, furrowing the earth + By line, and op'ning one long trench for all, + And stamping close the glebe. Amazement seized + All present, seeing with how prompt a skill + He executed, though untaught, his task. + Then, hasting to the portal, there he stood. 150 + Thrice, struggling, he essay'd to bend the bow, + And thrice desisted, hoping still to draw + The bow-string home, and shoot through all the rings.[98] + And now the fourth time striving with full force + He had prevail'd to string it, but his sire + Forbad his eager efforts by a sign. + Then thus the royal youth to all around-- + Gods! either I shall prove of little force + Hereafter, and for manly feats unapt, + Or I am yet too young, and have not strength 160 + To quell the aggressor's contumely. But come-- + (For ye have strength surpassing mine) try ye + The bow, and bring this contest to an end. + He ceas'd, and set the bow down on the floor, + Reclining it against the shaven pannels smooth + That lined the wall; the arrow next he placed, + Leaning against the bow's bright-polish'd horn, + And to the seat, whence he had ris'n, return'd. + Then thus Eupithes' son, Antinoüs spake. + My friends! come forth successive from the right,[99] 170 + Where he who ministers the cup begins. + So spake Antinoüs, and his counsel pleased. + Then, first, Leiodes, Œnop's son, arose. + He was their soothsayer, and ever sat + Beside the beaker, inmost of them all. + To him alone, of all, licentious deeds + Were odious, and, with indignation fired, + He witness'd the excesses of the rest. + He then took foremost up the shaft and bow, + And, station'd at the portal, strove to bend 180 + But bent it not, fatiguing, first, his hands + Delicate and uncustom'd to the toil. + He ceased, and the assembly thus bespake. + My friends, I speed not; let another try; + For many Princes shall this bow of life + Bereave, since death more eligible seems, + Far more, than loss of her, for whom we meet + Continual here, expecting still the prize. + Some suitor, haply, at this moment, hopes + That he shall wed whom long he hath desired, 190 + Ulysses' wife, Penelope; let him + Essay the bow, and, trial made, address + His spousal offers to some other fair + Among the long-stoled Princesses of Greece, + This Princess leaving his, whose proffer'd gifts + Shall please her most, and whom the Fates ordain. + He said, and set the bow down on the floor, + Reclining it against the shaven pannels smooth + That lined the wall; the arrow, next, he placed, + Leaning against the bow's bright-polish'd horn, 200 + And to the seat whence he had ris'n return'd. + Then him Antinoüs, angry, thus reproved. + What word, Leiodes, grating to our ears + Hath scap'd thy lips? I hear it with disdain. + Shall this bow fatal prove to many a Prince, + Because thou hast, thyself, too feeble proved + To bend it? no. Thou wast not born to bend + The unpliant bow, or to direct the shaft, + But here are nobler who shall soon prevail. + He said, and to Melanthius gave command, 210 + The goat-herd. Hence, Melanthius, kindle fire; + Beside it place, with fleeces spread, a form + Of length commodious; from within procure + A large round cake of suet next, with which + When we have chafed and suppled the tough bow + Before the fire, we will again essay + To bend it, and decide the doubtful strife. + He ended, and Melanthius, kindling fire + Beside it placed, with fleeces spread, a form + Of length commodious; next, he brought a cake 220 + Ample and round of suet from within, + With which they chafed the bow, then tried again + To bend, but bent it not; superior strength + To theirs that task required. Yet two, the rest + In force surpassing, made no trial yet, + Antinoüs, and Eurymachus the brave. + Then went the herdsman and the swine-herd forth + Together; after whom, the glorious Chief + Himself the house left also, and when all + Without the court had met, with gentle speech 230 + Ulysses, then, the faithful pair address'd. + Herdsman! and thou, Eumæus! shall I keep + A certain secret close, or shall I speak + Outright? my spirit prompts me, and I will. + What welcome should Ulysses at your hands + Receive, arriving suddenly at home, + Some God his guide; would ye the suitors aid, + Or would ye aid Ulysses? answer true. + Then thus the chief intendant of his herds. + Would Jove but grant me my desire, to see 240 + Once more the Hero, and would some kind Pow'r, + Restore him, I would shew thee soon an arm + Strenuous to serve him, and a dauntless heart. + Eumæus, also, fervently implored + The Gods in pray'r, that they would render back + Ulysses to his home. He, then, convinced + Of their unfeigning honesty, began. + Behold him! I am he myself, arrived + After long suff'rings in the twentieth year! + I know how welcome to yourselves alone 250 + Of all my train I come, for I have heard + None others praying for my safe return. + I therefore tell you truth; should heav'n subdue + The suitors under me, ye shall receive + Each at my hands a bride, with lands and house + Near to my own, and ye shall be thenceforth + Dear friends and brothers of the Prince my son. + Lo! also this indisputable proof + That ye may know and trust me. View it here. + It is the scar which in Parnassus erst 260 + (Where with the sons I hunted of renown'd + Autolycus) I from a boar received. + So saying, he stripp'd his tatters, and unveil'd + The whole broad scar; then, soon as they had seen + And surely recognized the mark, each cast + His arms around Ulysses, wept, embraced + And press'd him to his bosom, kissing oft + His brows and shoulders, who as oft their hands + And foreheads kiss'd, nor had the setting sun + Beheld them satisfied, but that himself 270 + Ulysses thus admonished them, and said. + Cease now from tears, lest any, coming forth, + Mark and report them to our foes within. + Now, to the hall again, but one by one, + Not all at once, I foremost, then yourselves, + And this shall be the sign. Full well I know + That, all unanimous, they will oppose + Deliv'ry of the bow and shafts to me; + But thou, (proceeding with it to my seat) + Eumæus, noble friend! shalt give the bow 280 + Into my grasp; then bid the women close + The massy doors, and should they hear a groan + Or other noise made by the Princes shut + Within the hall, let none set step abroad, + But all work silent. Be the palace-door + Thy charge, my good Philœtius! key it fast + Without a moment's pause, and fix the brace.[100] + He ended, and, returning to the hall, + Resumed his seat; nor stay'd his servants long + Without, but follow'd their illustrious Lord. 290 + Eurymachus was busily employ'd + Turning the bow, and chafing it before + The sprightly blaze, but, after all, could find + No pow'r to bend it. Disappointment wrung + A groan from his proud heart, and thus he said. + Alas! not only for myself I grieve, + But grieve for all. Nor, though I mourn the loss + Of such a bride, mourn I that loss alone, + (For lovely Greecians may be found no few + In Ithaca, and in the neighbour isles) 300 + But should we so inferior prove at last + To brave Ulysses, that no force of ours + Can bend his bow, we are for ever shamed. + To whom Antinoüs, thus, Eupithes' son. + Not so; (as even thou art well-assured + Thyself, Eurymachus!) but Phœbus claims + This day his own. Who then, on such a day, + Would strive to bend it? Let it rather rest. + And should we leave the rings where now they stand, + I trust that none ent'ring Ulysses' house 310 + Will dare displace them. Cup-bearer, attend! + Serve all with wine, that, first, libation made, + We may religiously lay down the bow. + Command ye too Melanthius, that he drive + Hither the fairest goats of all his flocks + At dawn of day, that burning first, the thighs + To the ethereal archer, we may make + New trial, and decide, at length, the strife. + So spake Antinoüs, and his counsel pleased. + The heralds, then, pour'd water on their hands, 320 + While youths crown'd high the goblets which they bore + From right to left, distributing to all. + When each had made libation, and had drunk + Till well sufficed, then, artful to effect + His shrewd designs, Ulysses thus began. + Hear, O ye suitors of the illustrious Queen, + My bosom's dictates. But I shall entreat + Chiefly Eurymachus and the godlike youth + Antinoüs, whose advice is wisely giv'n. + Tamper no longer with the bow, but leave 330 + The matter with the Gods, who shall decide + The strife to-morrow, fav'ring whom they will. + Meantime, grant _me_ the polish'd bow, that I + May trial make among you of my force, + If I retain it still in like degree + As erst, or whether wand'ring and defect + Of nourishment have worn it all away. + He said, whom they with indignation heard + Extreme, alarm'd lest he should bend the bow, + And sternly thus Antinoüs replied. 340 + Desperate vagabond! ah wretch deprived + Of reason utterly! art not content? + Esteem'st it not distinction proud enough + To feast with us the nobles of the land? + None robs thee of thy share, thou witnessest + Our whole discourse, which, save thyself alone, + No needy vagrant is allow'd to hear. + Thou art befool'd by wine, as many have been, + Wide-throated drinkers, unrestrain'd by rule. + Wine in the mansion of the mighty Chief 350 + Pirithoüs, made the valiant Centaur mad + Eurytion, at the Lapithæan feast.[101] + He drank to drunkenness, and being drunk, + Committed great enormities beneath + Pirithoüs' roof, and such as fill'd with rage + The Hero-guests; who therefore by his feet + Dragg'd him right through the vestibule, amerced + Of nose and ears, and he departed thence + Provoked to frenzy by that foul disgrace, + Whence war between the human kind arose 360 + And the bold Centaurs--but he first incurred + By his ebriety that mulct severe. + Great evil, also, if thou bend the bow, + To thee I prophesy; for thou shalt find + Advocate or protector none in all + This people, but we will dispatch thee hence + Incontinent on board a sable bark + To Echetus, the scourge of human kind, + From whom is no escape. Drink then in peace, + And contest shun with younger men than thou. 370 + Him answer'd, then, Penelope discrete. + Antinoüs! neither seemly were the deed + Nor just, to maim or harm whatever guest + Whom here arrived Telemachus receives. + Canst thou expect, that should he even prove + Stronger than ye, and bend the massy bow, + He will conduct me hence to his own home, + And make me his own bride? No such design + His heart conceives, or hope; nor let a dread + So vain the mind of any overcloud 380 + Who banquets here, since it dishonours me. + So she; to whom Eurymachus reply'd, + Offspring of Polybus. O matchless Queen! + Icarius' prudent daughter! none suspects + That thou wilt wed with him; a mate so mean + Should ill become thee; but we fear the tongues + Of either sex, lest some Achaian say + Hereafter, (one inferior far to us) + Ah! how unworthy are they to compare + With him whose wife they seek! to bend his bow 390 + Pass'd all their pow'r, yet this poor vagabond, + Arriving from what country none can tell, + Bent it with ease, and shot through all the rings. + So will they speak, and so shall we be shamed. + Then answer, thus, Penelope return'd. + No fair report, Eurymachus, attends + Their names or can, who, riotous as ye, + The house dishonour, and consume the wealth + Of such a Chief. Why shame ye thus _yourselves_? + The guest is of athletic frame, well form'd, 400 + And large of limb; he boasts him also sprung + From noble ancestry. Come then--consent-- + Give him the bow, that we may see the proof; + For thus I say, and thus will I perform; + Sure as he bends it, and Apollo gives + To him that glory, tunic fair and cloak + Shall be his meed from me, a javelin keen + To guard him against men and dogs, a sword + Of double edge, and sandals for his feet, + And I will send him whither most he would. 410 + Her answer'd then prudent Telemachus. + Mother--the bow is mine; and, save myself, + No Greek hath right to give it, or refuse. + None who in rock-bound Ithaca possess + Dominion, none in the steed-pastured isles + Of Elis, if I chose to make the bow + His own for ever, should that choice controul. + But thou into the house repairing, ply + Spindle and loom, thy province, and enjoin + Diligence to thy maidens; for the bow 420 + Is man's concern alone, and shall be mine + Especially, since I am master here. + She heard astonish'd, and the prudent speech + Reposing of her son deep in her heart, + Withdrew; then mounting with her female train + To her superior chamber, there she wept + Her lost Ulysses, till Minerva bathed + With balmy dews of sleep her weary lids. + And now the noble swine-herd bore the bow + Toward Ulysses, but with one voice all 430 + The suitors, clamorous, reproved the deed, + Of whom a youth, thus, insolent exclaim'd. + Thou clumsy swine-herd, whither bear'st the bow, + Delirious wretch? the hounds that thou hast train'd + Shall eat thee at thy solitary home + Ere long, let but Apollo prove, at last, + Propitious to us, and the Pow'rs of heav'n. + So they, whom hearing he replaced the bow + Where erst it stood, terrified at the sound + Of such loud menaces; on the other side 440 + Telemachus as loud assail'd his ear. + Friend! forward with the bow; or soon repent + That thou obey'dst the many. I will else + With huge stones drive thee, younger as I am, + Back to the field. My strength surpasses thine. + I would to heav'n that I in force excell'd + As far, and prowess, every suitor here! + So would I soon give rude dismission hence + To some, who live but to imagine harm. + He ceased, whose words the suitors laughing heard. 450 + And, for their sake, in part their wrath resign'd + Against Telemachus; then through the hall + Eumæus bore, and to Ulysses' hand + Consign'd the bow; next, summoning abroad + The ancient nurse, he gave her thus in charge. + It is the pleasure of Telemachus, + Sage Euryclea! that thou key secure + The doors; and should you hear, perchance, a groan + Or other noise made by the Princes shut + Within the hall, let none look, curious, forth, 460 + But each in quietness pursue her work. + So he; nor flew his words useless away, + But she, incontinent, shut fast the doors. + Then, noiseless, sprang Philœtius forth, who closed + The portals also of the palace-court. + A ship-rope of Ægyptian reed, it chanced, + Lay in the vestibule; with that he braced + The doors securely, and re-entring fill'd + Again his seat, but watchful, eyed his Lord. + He, now, assaying with his hand the bow, 470 + Made curious trial of it ev'ry way, + And turn'd it on all sides, lest haply worms + Had in its master's absence drill'd the horn. + Then thus a suitor to his next remark'd. + He hath an eye, methinks, exactly skill'd + In bows, and steals them; or perhaps, at home, + Hath such himself, or feels a strong desire + To make them; so inquisitive the rogue + Adept in mischief, shifts it to and fro! + To whom another, insolent, replied. 480 + I wish him like prosperity in all + His efforts, as attends his effort made + On this same bow, which he shall never bend. + So they; but when the wary Hero wise + Had made his hand familiar with the bow + Poising it and examining--at once-- + As when in harp and song adept, a bard + Unlab'ring strains the chord to a new lyre, + The twisted entrails of a sheep below + With fingers nice inserting, and above, 490 + With such facility Ulysses bent + His own huge bow, and with his right hand play'd + The nerve, which in its quick vibration sang + Clear as the swallow's voice. Keen anguish seized + The suitors, wan grew ev'ry cheek, and Jove + Gave him his rolling thunder for a sign. + That omen, granted to him by the son + Of wily Saturn, with delight he heard. + He took a shaft that at the table-side + Lay ready drawn; but in his quiver's womb 500 + The rest yet slept, by those Achaians proud + To be, ere long, experienced. True he lodg'd + The arrow on the centre of the bow, + And, occupying still his seat, drew home + Nerve and notch'd arrow-head; with stedfast sight + He aimed and sent it; right through all the rings + From first to last the steel-charged weapon flew + Issuing beyond, and to his son he spake. + Thou need'st not blush, young Prince, to have received + A guest like me; neither my arrow swerved, 510 + Nor labour'd I long time to draw the bow; + My strength is unimpair'd, not such as these + In scorn affirm it. But the waning day + Calls us to supper, after which succeeds[102] + Jocund variety, the song, the harp, + With all that heightens and adorns the feast. + He said, and with his brows gave him the sign. + At once the son of the illustrious Chief + Slung his keen faulchion, grasp'd his spear, and stood + Arm'd bright for battle at his father's side. 520 + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[96] A province of Laconia. + +[97] The reader will of course observe, that the whole of this process +implies a sort of mechanism very different from that with which we are +acquainted.--The translation, I believe, is exact. + +[98] This first attempt of Telemachus and the suitors was not an attempt +to shoot, but to lodge the bow-string on the opposite horn, the bow +having been released at one end, and slackened while it was laid by. + +[99] Antinoüs prescribes to them this manner of rising to the trial for +the good omen's sake, the left-hand being held unpropitious. + +[100] The δεσμὸς seems to have been a strap designed to close the only +aperture by which the bolt could be displaced, and the door opened. + +[101] When Pirithoüs, one of the Lapithæ, married Hippodamia, daughter of +Adrastus, he invited the Centaurs to the wedding. The Centaurs, +intoxicated with wine, attempted to ravish the wives of the Lapithæ, who +in resentment of that insult, slew them. + +[102] This is an instance of the Σαρδανιον μαλα τοιον mentioned in Book +XX.; such as, perhaps, could not be easily paralleled. I question if +there be a passage, either in ancient or modern tragedy, so truly +terrible as this seeming levity of Ulysses, in the moment when he was +going to begin the slaughter. + + + + +BOOK XXII + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses, with some little assistance from Telemachus, Eumæus and +Philœtius, slays all the suitors, and twelve of the female servants +who had allowed themselves an illicit intercourse with them, are hanged. +Melanthius also is punished with miserable mutilation. + + + Then, girding up his rags, Ulysses sprang + With bow and full-charged quiver to the door; + Loose on the broad stone at his feet he pour'd + His arrows, and the suitors, thus, bespake. + This prize, though difficult, hath been atchieved. + Now for another mark which never man + Struck yet, but I will strike it if I may, + And if Apollo make that glory mine. + He said, and at Antinoüs aimed direct + A bitter shaft; he, purposing to drink, 10 + Both hands advanced toward the golden cup + Twin-ear'd, nor aught suspected death so nigh. + For who, at the full banquet, could suspect + That any single guest, however brave, + Should plan his death, and execute the blow? + Yet him Ulysses with an arrow pierced + Full in the throat, and through his neck behind + Started the glitt'ring point. Aslant he droop'd; + Down fell the goblet, through his nostrils flew + The spouted blood, and spurning with his foot 20 + The board, he spread his viands in the dust. + Confusion, when they saw Antinoüs fall'n, + Seized all the suitors; from the thrones they sprang, + Flew ev'ry way, and on all sides explored + The palace-walls, but neither sturdy lance + As erst, nor buckler could they there discern, + Then, furious, to Ulysses thus they spake. + Thy arrow, stranger, was ill-aimed; a man + Is no just mark. Thou never shalt dispute + Prize more. Inevitable death is thine. 30 + For thou hast slain a Prince noblest of all + In Ithaca, and shalt be vultures' food. + Various their judgments were, but none believed + That he had slain him wittingly, nor saw + Th' infatuate men fate hov'ring o'er them all. + Then thus Ulysses, louring dark, replied. + O dogs! not fearing aught my safe return + From Ilium, ye have shorn my substance close, + Lain with my women forcibly, and sought, + While yet I lived, to make my consort yours, 40 + Heedless of the inhabitants of heav'n + Alike, and of the just revenge of man. + But death is on the wing; death for you all. + He said; their cheeks all faded at the sound, + And each with sharpen'd eyes search'd ev'ry nook + For an escape from his impending doom, + Till thus, alone, Eurymachus replied. + If thou indeed art he, the mighty Chief + Of Ithaca return'd, thou hast rehears'd + With truth the crimes committed by the Greeks 50 + Frequent, both in thy house and in thy field. + But he, already, who was cause of all, + Lies slain, Antinoüs; he thy palace fill'd + With outrage, not solicitous so much + To win the fair Penelope, but thoughts + Far diff'rent framing, which Saturnian Jove + Hath baffled all; to rule, himself, supreme + In noble Ithaca, when he had kill'd + By an insidious stratagem thy son. + But he is slain. Now therefore, spare thy own, 60 + Thy people; public reparation due + Shall sure be thine, and to appease thy wrath + For all the waste that, eating, drinking here + We have committed, we will yield thee, each, + Full twenty beeves, gold paying thee beside + And brass, till joy shall fill thee at the sight, + However just thine anger was before. + To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied, + Eurymachus, would ye contribute each + His whole inheritance, and other sums 70 + Still add beside, ye should not, even so, + These hands of mine bribe to abstain from blood, + Till ev'ry suitor suffer for his wrong. + Ye have your choice. Fight with me, or escape + (Whoever may) the terrours of his fate, + But ye all perish, if my thought be true. + He ended, they with trembling knees and hearts + All heard, whom thus Eurymachus address'd. + To your defence, my friends! for respite none + Will he to his victorious hands afford, 80 + But, arm'd with bow and quiver, will dispatch + Shafts from the door till he have slain us all. + Therefore to arms--draw each his sword--oppose + The tables to his shafts, and all at once + Rush on him; that, dislodging him at least + From portal and from threshold, we may give + The city on all sides a loud alarm, + So shall this archer soon have shot his last. + Thus saying, he drew his brazen faulchion keen + Of double edge, and with a dreadful cry 90 + Sprang on him; but Ulysses with a shaft + In that same moment through his bosom driv'n + Transfix'd his liver, and down dropp'd his sword. + He, staggering around his table, fell + Convolv'd in agonies, and overturn'd + Both food and wine; his forehead smote the floor; + Woe fill'd his heart, and spurning with his heels + His vacant seat, he shook it till he died. + Then, with his faulchion drawn, Amphinomus + Advanced to drive Ulysses from the door, 100 + And fierce was his assault; but, from behind, + Telemachus between his shoulders fix'd + A brazen lance, and urged it through his breast. + Full on his front, with hideous sound, he fell. + Leaving the weapon planted in his spine + Back flew Telemachus, lest, had he stood + Drawing it forth, some enemy, perchance, + Should either pierce him with a sudden thrust + Oblique, or hew him with a downright edge. + Swift, therefore, to his father's side he ran, 110 + Whom reaching, in wing'd accents thus he said. + My father! I will now bring thee a shield, + An helmet, and two spears; I will enclose + Myself in armour also, and will give + Both to the herdsmen and Eumæus arms + Expedient now, and needful for us all. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + Run; fetch them, while I yet have arrows left, + Lest, single, I be justled from the door. + He said, and, at his word, forth went the Prince, 120 + Seeking the chamber where he had secured + The armour. Thence he took four shields, eight spears, + With four hair-crested helmets, charged with which + He hasted to his father's side again, + And, arming first himself, furnish'd with arms + His two attendants. Then, all clad alike + In splendid brass, beside the dauntless Chief + Ulysses, his auxiliars firm they stood. + He, while a single arrow unemploy'd + Lay at his foot, right-aiming, ever pierced 130 + Some suitor through, and heaps on heaps they fell. + But when his arrows fail'd the royal Chief, + His bow reclining at the portal's side + Against the palace-wall, he slung, himself, + A four-fold buckler on his arm, he fix'd + A casque whose crest wav'd awful o'er his brows + On his illustrious head, and fill'd his gripe + With two stout spears, well-headed both, with brass. + There was a certain postern in the wall[103] + At the gate-side, the customary pass 140 + Into a narrow street, but barr'd secure. + Ulysses bade his faithful swine-herd watch + That egress, station'd near it, for it own'd + One sole approach; then Agelaüs loud + Exhorting all the suitors, thus exclaim'd. + Oh friends, will none, ascending to the door + Of yonder postern, summon to our aid + The populace, and spread a wide alarm? + So shall this archer soon have shot his last. + To whom the keeper of the goats replied 150 + Melanthius. Agelaüs! Prince renown'd! + That may not be. The postern and the gate[104] + Neighbour too near each other, and to force + The narrow egress were a vain attempt; + One valiant man might thence repulse us all. + But come--myself will furnish you with arms + Fetch'd from above; for there, as I suppose, + (And not elsewhere) Ulysses and his son + Have hidden them, and there they shall be found. + So spake Melanthius, and, ascending, sought 160 + Ulysses' chambers through the winding stairs + And gall'ries of the house. Twelve bucklers thence + He took, as many spears, and helmets bright + As many, shagg'd with hair, then swift return'd + And gave them to his friends. Trembled the heart + Of brave Ulysses, and his knees, at sight + Of his opposers putting armour on, + And shaking each his spear; arduous indeed + Now seem'd his task, and in wing'd accents brief + Thus to his son Telemachus he spake. 170 + Either some woman of our train contrives + Hard battle for us, furnishing with arms + The suitors, or Melanthius arms them all. + Him answer'd then Telemachus discrete. + Father, this fault was mine, and be it charged + On none beside; I left the chamber-door + Unbarr'd, which, more attentive than myself, + Their spy perceived. But haste, Eumæus, shut + The chamber-door, observing well, the while, + If any women of our train have done 180 + This deed, or whether, as I more suspect, + Melanthius, Dolius' son, have giv'n them arms. + Thus mutual they conferr'd; meantime, again + Melanthius to the chamber flew in quest + Of other arms. Eumæus, as he went, + Mark'd him, and to Ulysses' thus he spake. + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Behold, the traytor, whom ourselves supposed, + Seeks yet again the chamber! Tell me plain, + Shall I, should I superior prove in force, 190 + Slay him, or shall I drag him thence to thee, + That he may suffer at thy hands the doom + Due to his treasons perpetrated oft + Against thee, here, even in thy own house? + Then answer thus Ulysses shrewd return'd. + I, with Telemachus, will here immew + The lordly suitors close, rage as they may. + Ye two, the while, bind fast Melanthius' hands + And feet behind his back, then cast him bound + Into the chamber, and (the door secured) 200 + Pass underneath his arms a double chain, + And by a pillar's top weigh him aloft + Till he approach the rafters, there to endure, + Living long time, the mis'ries he hath earned. + He spake; they prompt obey'd; together both + They sought the chamber, whom the wretch within + Heard not, exploring ev'ry nook for arms. + They watching stood the door, from which, at length, + Forth came Melanthius, bearing in one hand + A casque, and in the other a broad shield 210 + Time-worn and chapp'd with drought, which in his youth + Warlike Laertes had been wont to bear. + Long time neglected it had lain, till age + Had loosed the sutures of its bands. At once + Both, springing on him, seized and drew him in + Forcibly by his locks, then cast him down + Prone on the pavement, trembling at his fate. + With painful stricture of the cord his hands + They bound and feet together at his back, + As their illustrious master had enjoined, 220 + Then weigh'd him with a double chain aloft + By a tall pillar to the palace-roof, + And thus, deriding him, Eumæus spake. + Now, good Melanthius, on that fleecy bed + Reclined, as well befits thee, thou wilt watch + All night, nor when the golden dawn forsakes + The ocean stream, will she escape thine eye, + But thou wilt duly to the palace drive + The fattest goats, a banquet for thy friends. + So saying, he left him in his dreadful sling. 230 + Then, arming both, and barring fast the door, + They sought brave Laertiades again. + And now, courageous at the portal stood + Those four, by numbers in the interior house + Opposed of adversaries fierce in arms, + When Pallas, in the form and with the voice + Approach'd of Mentor, whom Laertes' son + Beheld, and joyful at the sight, exclaim'd. + Help, Mentor! help--now recollect a friend + And benefactor, born when thou wast born. 240 + So he, not unsuspicious that he saw + Pallas, the heroine of heav'n. Meantime + The suitors fill'd with menaces the dome, + And Agelaüs, first, Damastor's son, + In accents harsh rebuked the Goddess thus. + Beware, oh Mentor! that he lure thee not + To oppose the suitors and to aid himself, + For thus will we. Ulysses and his son + Both slain, in vengeance of thy purpos'd deeds + Against us, we will slay _thee_ next, and thou 250 + With thy own head shalt satisfy the wrong. + Your force thus quell'd in battle, all thy wealth + Whether in house or field, mingled with his, + We will confiscate, neither will we leave + Or son of thine, or daughter in thy house + Alive, nor shall thy virtuous consort more + Within the walls of Ithaca be seen. + He ended, and his words with wrath inflamed + Minerva's heart the more; incensed, she turn'd + Towards Ulysses, whom she thus reproved. 260 + Thou neither own'st the courage nor the force, + Ulysses, now, which nine whole years thou showd'st + At Ilium, waging battle obstinate + For high-born Helen, and in horrid fight + Destroying multitudes, till thy advice + At last lay'd Priam's bulwark'd city low. + Why, in possession of thy proper home + And substance, mourn'st thou want of pow'r t'oppose + The suitors? Stand beside me, mark my deeds, + And thou shalt own Mentor Alcimides 270 + A valiant friend, and mindful of thy love. + She spake; nor made she victory as yet + Entire his own, proving the valour, first, + Both of the sire and of his glorious son, + But, springing in a swallow's form aloft, + Perch'd on a rafter of the splendid roof. + Then, Agelaüs animated loud + The suitors, whom Eurynomus also roused, + Amphimedon, and Demoptolemus, + And Polyctorides, Pisander named, 280 + And Polybus the brave; for noblest far + Of all the suitor-chiefs who now survived + And fought for life were these. The bow had quell'd + And shafts, in quick succession sent, the rest. + Then Agelaüs, thus, harangued them all. + We soon shall tame, O friends, this warrior's might, + Whom Mentor, after all his airy vaunts + Hath left, and at the portal now remain + Themselves alone. Dismiss not therefore, all, + Your spears together, but with six alone 290 + Assail them first; Jove willing, we shall pierce + Ulysses, and subduing him, shall slay + With ease the rest; their force is safely scorn'd. + He ceas'd; and, as he bade, six hurl'd the spear + Together; but Minerva gave them all + A devious flight; one struck a column, one + The planks of the broad portal, and a third[105] + Flung right his ashen beam pond'rous with brass + Against the wall. Then (ev'ry suitor's spear + Eluded) thus Ulysses gave the word-- 300 + Now friends! I counsel you that ye dismiss + Your spears at _them_, who, not content with past + Enormities, thirst also for our blood. + He said, and with unerring aim, all threw + Their glitt'ring spears. Ulysses on the ground + Stretch'd Demoptolemus; Euryades + Fell by Telemachus; the swine-herd slew + Elătus; and the keeper of the beeves + Pisander; in one moment all alike + Lay grinding with their teeth the dusty floor. 310 + Back flew the suitors to the farthest wall, + On whom those valiant four advancing, each + Recover'd, quick, his weapon from the dead. + Then hurl'd the desp'rate suitors yet again + Their glitt'ring spears, but Pallas gave to each + A frustrate course; one struck a column, one + The planks of the broad portal, and a third + Flung full his ashen beam against the walăl. + Yet pierced Amphimedon the Prince's wrist, + But slightly, a skin-wound, and o'er his shield 320 + Ctesippus reach'd the shoulder of the good + Eumæus, but his glancing weapon swift + O'erflew the mark, and fell. And now the four, + Ulysses, dauntless Hero, and his friends + All hurl'd their spears together in return, + Himself Ulysses, city-waster Chief, + Wounded Eurydamas; Ulysses' son + Amphimedon; the swine-herd Polybus; + And in his breast the keeper of the beeves + Ctesippus, glorying over whom, he cried. 330 + Oh son of Polytherses! whose delight + Hath been to taunt and jeer, never again + Boast foolishly, but to the Gods commit + Thy tongue, since they are mightier far than thou. + Take this--a compensation for thy pledge + Of hospitality, the huge ox-hoof, + Which while he roam'd the palace, begging alms, + Ulysses at thy bounteous hand received. + So gloried he; then, grasping still his spear, + Ulysses pierced Damastor's son, and, next, 340 + Telemachus, enforcing his long beam + Sheer through his bowels and his back, transpierced + Leiocritus, he prostrate smote the floor. + Then, Pallas from the lofty roof held forth + Her host-confounding Ægis o'er their heads, + With'ring their souls with fear. They through the hall + Fled, scatter'd as an herd, which rapid-wing'd + The gad-fly dissipates, infester fell + Of beeves, when vernal suns shine hot and long. + But, as when bow-beak'd vultures crooked-claw'd[106] 350 + Stoop from the mountains on the smaller fowl; + Terrified at the toils that spread the plain + The flocks take wing, they, darting from above, + Strike, seize, and slay, resistance or escape + Is none, the fowler's heart leaps with delight, + So they, pursuing through the spacious hall + The suitors, smote them on all sides, their heads + Sounded beneath the sword, with hideous groans + The palace rang, and the floor foamed with blood. + Then flew Leiodes to Ulysses' knees, 360 + Which clasping, in wing'd accents thus he cried. + I clasp thy knees, Ulysses! oh respect + My suit, and spare me! Never have I word + Injurious spoken, or injurious deed + Attempted 'gainst the women of thy house, + But others, so transgressing, oft forbad. + Yet they abstain'd not, and a dreadful fate + Due to their wickedness have, therefore, found. + But I, their soothsayer alone, must fall, + Though unoffending; such is the return 370 + By mortals made for benefits received! + To whom Ulysses, louring dark, replied. + Is that thy boast? Hast thou indeed for these + The seer's high office fill'd? Then, doubtless, oft + Thy pray'r hath been that distant far might prove + The day delectable of my return, + And that my consort might thy own become + To bear thee children; wherefore thee I doom + To a dire death which thou shalt not avoid. + So saying, he caught the faulchion from the floor 380 + Which Agelaüs had let fall, and smote + Leiodes, while he kneel'd, athwart his neck + So suddenly, that ere his tongue had ceased + To plead for life, his head was in the dust. + But Phemius, son of Terpius, bard divine, + Who, through compulsion, with his song regaled + The suitors, a like dreadful death escaped. + Fast by the postern, harp in hand, he stood, + Doubtful if, issuing, he should take his seat + Beside the altar of Hercæan Jove,[107] 390 + Where oft Ulysses offer'd, and his sire, + Fat thighs of beeves, or whether he should haste, + An earnest suppliant, to embrace his knees. + That course, at length, most pleased him; then, between + The beaker and an argent-studded throne + He grounded his sweet lyre, and seizing fast + The Hero's knees, him, suppliant, thus address'd. + I clasp thy knees, Ulysses! oh respect + My suit, and spare me. Thou shalt not escape + Regret thyself hereafter, if thou slay 400 + Me, charmer of the woes of Gods and men. + Self-taught am I, and treasure in my mind + Themes of all argument from heav'n inspired, + And I can sing to thee as to a God. + Ah, then, behead me not. Put ev'n the wish + Far from thee! for thy own beloved son + Can witness, that not drawn by choice, or driv'n + By stress of want, resorting to thine house + I have regaled these revellers so oft, + But under force of mightier far than I. 410 + So he; whose words soon as the sacred might + Heard of Telemachus, approaching quick + His father, thus, humane, he interposed. + Hold, harm not with the vengeful faulchion's edge + This blameless man; and we will also spare + Medon the herald, who hath ever been + A watchful guardian of my boyish years, + Unless Philœtius have already slain him, + Or else Eumæus, or thyself, perchance, + Unconscious, in the tumult of our foes. 420 + He spake, whom Medon hearing (for he lay + Beneath a throne, and in a new-stript hide + Enfolded, trembling with the dread of death) + Sprang from his hiding-place, and casting off + The skin, flew to Telemachus, embraced + His knees, and in wing'd accents thus exclaim'd. + Prince! I am here--oh, pity me! repress + Thine own, and pacify thy father's wrath, + That he destroy not me, through fierce revenge + Of their iniquities who have consumed 430 + His wealth, and, in their folly scorn'd his son. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied, + Smiling complacent. Fear not; my own son + Hath pleaded for thee. Therefore (taught thyself + That truth) teach others the superior worth + Of benefits with injuries compared. + But go ye forth, thou and the sacred bard, + That ye may sit distant in yonder court + From all this carnage, while I give command, + Myself, concerning it, to those within. 440 + He ceas'd; they going forth, took each his seat + Beside Jove's altar, but with careful looks + Suspicious, dreading without cease the sword. + Meantime Ulysses search'd his hall, in quest + Of living foes, if any still survived + Unpunish'd; but he found them all alike + Welt'ring in dust and blood; num'rous they lay + Like fishes when they strew the sinuous shore + Of Ocean, from the grey gulph drawn aground + In nets of many a mesh; they on the sands 450 + Lie spread, athirst for the salt wave, till hot + The gazing sun dries all their life away; + So lay the suitors heap'd, and thus at length + The prudent Chief gave order to his son. + Telemachus! bid Euryclea come + Quickly, the nurse, to whom I would impart + The purpose which now occupies me most. + He said; obedient to his sire, the Prince + Smote on the door, and summon'd loud the nurse. + Arise thou ancient governess of all 460 + Our female menials, and come forth; attend + My father; he hath somewhat for thine ear. + So he; nor flew his words useless away, + For, throwing wide the portal, forth she came, + And, by Telemachus conducted, found + Ere long Ulysses amid all the slain, + With blood defiled and dust; dread he appear'd + As from the pastur'd ox newly-devoured + The lion stalking back; his ample chest + With gory drops and his broad cheeks are hung, 470 + Tremendous spectacle! such seem'd the Chief, + Blood-stain'd all over. She, the carnage spread + On all sides seeing, and the pools of blood, + Felt impulse forcible to publish loud + That wond'rous triumph; but her Lord repress'd + The shout of rapture ere it burst abroad, + And in wing'd accents thus his will enforced. + Silent exult, O ancient matron dear! + Shout not, be still. Unholy is the voice + Of loud thanksgiving over slaughter'd men. 480 + Their own atrocious deeds and the Gods' will + Have slain all these; for whether noble guest + Arrived or base, they scoff'd at all alike, + And for their wickedness have, therefore, died. + But say; of my domestic women, who + Have scorn'd me, and whom find'st thou innocent? + To whom good Euryclea thus replied. + My son! I will declare the truth; thou keep'st + Female domestics fifty in thy house, + Whom we have made intelligent to comb 490 + The fleece, and to perform whatever task. + Of these, twice six have overpass'd the bounds + Of modesty, respecting neither me, + Nor yet the Queen; and thy own son, adult + So lately, no permission had from her + To regulate the women of her train. + But I am gone, I fly with what hath pass'd + To the Queen's ear, who nought suspects, so sound + She sleeps, by some divinity composed. + Then answer, thus, Ulysses wise returned. 500 + Hush, and disturb her not. Go. Summon first + Those wantons, who have long deserved to die. + He ceas'd; then issued forth the ancient dame + To summon those bad women, and, meantime, + Calling his son, Philœtius, and Eumæus, + Ulysses in wing'd accents thus began. + Bestir ye, and remove the dead; command + Those women also to your help; then cleanse + With bibulous sponges and with water all + The seats and tables; when ye shall have thus 510 + Set all in order, lead those women forth, + And in the centre of the spacious court, + Between the scull'ry and the outer-wall + Smite them with your broad faulchions till they lose + In death the mem'ry of their secret loves + Indulged with wretches lawless as themselves. + He ended, and the damsels came at once + All forth, lamenting, and with tepid tears + Show'ring the ground; with mutual labour, first, + Bearing the bodies forth into the court, 520 + They lodged them in the portico; meantime + Ulysses, stern, enjoin'd them haste, and, urged + By sad necessity, they bore all out. + With sponges and with water, next, they cleansed + The thrones and tables, while Telemachus + Beesom'd the floor, Eumæus in that work + Aiding him and the keeper of the beeves, + And those twelve damsels bearing forth the soil. + Thus, order giv'n to all within, they, next, + Led forth the women, whom they shut between 530 + The scull'ry and the outer-wall in close + Durance, from which no pris'ner could escape, + And thus Telemachus discrete began. + An honourable death is not for these + By my advice, who have so often heap'd + Reproach on mine and on my mother's head, + And held lewd commerce with the suitor-train. + He said, and noosing a strong galley-rope + To an huge column, led the cord around + The spacious dome, suspended so aloft 540 + That none with quiv'ring feet might reach the floor. + As when a flight of doves ent'ring the copse, + Or broad-wing'd thrushes, strike against the net + Within, ill rest, entangled, there they find, + So they, suspended by the neck, expired + All in one line together. Death abhorr'd! + With restless feet awhile they beat the air, + Then ceas'd. And now through vestibule and hall + They led Melanthius forth. With ruthless steel + They pared away his ears and nose, pluck'd forth 550 + His parts of shame, destin'd to feed the dogs, + And, still indignant, lopp'd his hands and feet. + Then, laving each his feet and hands, they sought + Again Ulysses; all their work was done, + And thus the Chief to Euryclea spake. + Bring blast-averting sulphur, nurse, bring fire! + That I may fumigate my walls; then bid + Penelope with her attendants down, + And summon all the women of her train. + But Euryclea, thus, his nurse, replied. 560 + My son! thou hast well said; yet will I first + Serve thee with vest and mantle. Stand not here + In thy own palace cloath'd with tatters foul + And beggarly--she will abhor the sight. + Then answer thus Ulysses wise return'd. + Not so. Bring fire for fumigation first. + He said; nor Euryclea his lov'd nurse + Longer delay'd, but sulphur brought and fire, + When he with purifying steams, himself, + Visited ev'ry part, the banquet-room, 570 + The vestibule, the court. Ranging meantime + His house magnificent, the matron call'd + The women to attend their Lord in haste, + And they attended, bearing each a torch. + Then gather'd they around him all, sincere + Welcoming his return; with close embrace + Enfolding him, each kiss'd his brows, and each + His shoulders, and his hands lock'd fast in hers. + He, irresistible the impulse felt + To sigh and weep, well recognizing all. 580 + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[103] If the ancients found it difficult to ascertain clearly the +situation of this ορτοθυρη, well may we. The Translator has given it the +position which to him appeared most probable.--There seem to have been +two of these posterns, one leading to a part from which the town might be +alarmed, the other to the chamber to which Telemachus went for armour. +There was one, perhaps, on each side of the portal, and they appear to +have been at some height above the floor. + +[104] At which Ulysses stood. + +[105] The deviation of three only is described, which must be understood, +therefore, as instances of the ill success of all. + +[106] In this simile we seem to have a curious account of the ancient +manner of fowling. The nets (for νεφεα is used in that sense by +Aristophanes) were spread on a plain; on an adjoining rising ground were +stationed they who had charge of the vultures (such Homer calls them) +which were trained to the sport. The alarm being given to the birds +below, the vultures were loosed, when if any of them escaped their +talons, the nets were ready to enclose them. _See_ Eustathius Dacier. +Clarke. + +[107] So called because he was worshipped within the Ἐρκος or wall that +surrounded the court. + + + + +BOOK XXIII + +ARGUMENT + +Ulysses with some difficulty, convinces Penelope of his identity, who at +length, overcome by force of evidence, receives him to her arms with +transport. He entertains her with a recital of his adventures, and in his +narration the principal events of the poem are recapitulated. In the +morning, Ulysses, Telemachus, the herdsman and the swine-herd depart into +the country. + + + And now, with exultation loud the nurse + Again ascended, eager to apprize + The Queen of her Ulysses' safe return; + Joy braced her knees, with nimbleness of youth + She stepp'd, and at her ear, her thus bespake. + Arise, Penelope! dear daughter, see + With thy own eyes thy daily wish fulfill'd. + Ulysses is arrived; hath reach'd at last + His native home, and all those suitors proud + Hath slaughter'd, who his family distress'd, 10 + His substance wasted, and controul'd his son. + To whom Penelope discrete replied. + Dear nurse! the Gods have surely ta'en away + Thy judgment; they transform the wise to fools, + And fools conduct to wisdom, and have marr'd + Thy intellect, who wast discrete before. + Why wilt thou mock me, wretched as I am, + With tales extravagant? and why disturb + Those slumbers sweet that seal'd so fast mine eyes? + For such sweet slumbers have I never known 20 + Since my Ulysses on his voyage sail'd + To that bad city never to be named. + Down instant to thy place again--begone-- + For had another of my maidens dared + Disturb my sleep with tidings wild as these, + I had dismiss'd her down into the house + More roughly; but thine age excuses _thee_. + To whom the venerable matron thus. + I mock thee not, my child; no--he is come-- + Himself, Ulysses, even as I say, 30 + That stranger, object of the scorn of all. + Telemachus well knew his sire arrived, + But prudently conceal'd the tidings, so + To insure the more the suitors' punishment. + So Euryclea she transported heard, + And springing from the bed, wrapp'd in her arms + The ancient woman shedding tears of joy, + And in wing'd accents ardent thus replied. + Ah then, dear nurse inform me! tell me true! + Hath he indeed arriv'd as thou declar'st? 40 + How dared he to assail alone that band + Of shameless ones, for ever swarming here? + Then Euryclea, thus, matron belov'd. + I nothing saw or knew; but only heard + Groans of the wounded; in th' interior house + We trembling sat, and ev'ry door was fast. + Thus all remain'd till by his father sent, + Thy own son call'd me forth. Going, I found + Ulysses compass'd by the slaughter'd dead. + They cover'd wide the pavement, heaps on heaps. 50 + It would have cheer'd thy heart to have beheld + Thy husband lion-like with crimson stains + Of slaughter and of dust all dappled o'er; + Heap'd in the portal, at this moment, lie + Their bodies, and he fumigates, meantime, + The house with sulphur and with flames of fire, + And hath, himself, sent me to bid thee down. + Follow me, then, that ye may give your hearts + To gladness, both, for ye have much endured; + But the event, so long your soul's desire, 60 + Is come; himself hath to his household Gods + Alive return'd, thee and his son he finds + Unharm'd and at your home, nor hath he left + Unpunish'd one of all his enemies. + Her answer'd, then, Penelope discrete. + Ah dearest nurse! indulge not to excess + This dang'rous triumph. Thou art well apprized + How welcome his appearance here would prove + To all, but chief, to me, and to his son, + Fruit of our love. But these things are not so; 70 + Some God, resentful of their evil deeds, + And of their biting contumely severe, + Hath slain those proud; for whether noble guest + Arrived or base, alike they scoff'd at all, + And for their wickedness have therefore died. + But my Ulysses distant far, I know, + From Greece hath perish'd, and returns no more. + To whom thus Euryclea, nurse belov'd. + What word my daughter had escaped thy lips, + Who thus affirm'st thy husband, now within 80 + And at his own hearth-side, for ever lost? + Canst thou be thus incredulous? Hear again-- + I give thee yet proof past dispute, his scar + Imprinted by a wild-boar's iv'ry tusk. + Laving him I remark'd it, and desired, + Myself, to tell thee, but he, ever-wise, + Compressing with both hands my lips, forbad. + Come, follow me. My life shall be the pledge. + If I deceive thee, kill me as thou wilt. + To whom Penelope, discrete, replied. 90 + Ah, dearest nurse, sagacious as thou art, + Thou little know'st to scan the counsels wise + Of the eternal Gods. But let us seek + My son, however, that I may behold + The suitors dead, and him by whom they died. + So saying, she left her chamber, musing much + In her descent, whether to interrogate + Her Lord apart, or whether to imprint, + At once, his hands with kisses and his brows. + O'erpassing light the portal-step of stone 100 + She enter'd. He sat opposite, illumed + By the hearth's sprightly blaze, and close before + A pillar of the dome, waiting with eyes + Downcast, till viewing him, his noble spouse + Should speak to him; but she sat silent long, + Her faculties in mute amazement held. + By turns she riveted her eyes on his, + And, seeing him so foul attired, by turns + She recognized him not; then spake her son + Telemachus, and her silence thus reprov'd. 110 + My mother! ah my hapless and my most + Obdurate mother! wherefore thus aloof + Shunn'st thou my father, neither at his side + Sitting affectionate, nor utt'ring word? + Another wife lives not who could endure + Such distance from her husband new-return'd + To his own country in the twentieth year, + After much hardship; but thy heart is still + As ever, less impressible than stone, + To whom Penelope, discrete, replied. 120 + I am all wonder, O my son; my soul + Is stunn'd within me; pow'r to speak to him + Or to interrogate him have I none, + Or ev'n to look on him; but if indeed + He be Ulysses, and have reach'd his home, + I shall believe it soon, by proof convinced + Of signs known only to himself and me. + She said; then smiled the Hero toil-inured, + And in wing'd accents thus spake to his son. + Leave thou, Telemachus, thy mother here 130 + To sift and prove me; she will know me soon + More certainly; she sees me ill-attired + And squalid now; therefore she shews me scorn, + And no belief hath yet that I am he. + But we have need, thou and myself, of deep + Deliberation. If a man have slain + One only citizen, who leaves behind + Few interested to avenge his death, + Yet, flying, he forsakes both friends and home; + But we have slain the noblest Princes far 140 + Of Ithaca, on whom our city most + Depended; therefore, I advise thee, think! + Him, prudent, then answer'd Telemachus. + Be that thy care, my father! for report + Proclaims _thee_ shrewdest of mankind, with whom + In ingenuity may none compare. + Lead thou; to follow thee shall be our part + With prompt alacrity; nor shall, I judge, + Courage be wanting to our utmost force. + Thus then replied Ulysses, ever-wise. 150 + To me the safest counsel and the best + Seems this. First wash yourselves, and put ye on + Your tunics; bid ye, next, the maidens take + Their best attire, and let the bard divine + Harping melodious play a sportive dance, + That, whether passenger or neighbour near, + All may imagine nuptials held within. + So shall not loud report that we have slain + All those, alarm the city, till we gain + Our woods and fields, where, once arriv'd, such plans 160 + We will devise, as Jove shall deign to inspire. + He spake, and all, obedient, in the bath + First laved themselves, then put their tunics on; + The damsels also dress'd, and the sweet bard, + Harping melodious, kindled strong desire + In all, of jocund song and graceful dance. + The palace under all its vaulted roof + Remurmur'd to the feet of sportive youths + And cinctured maidens, while no few abroad, + Hearing such revelry within, remark'd-- 170 + The Queen with many wooers, weds at last. + Ah fickle and unworthy fair! too frail + Always to keep inviolate the house + Of her first Lord, and wait for his return. + So spake the people; but they little knew + What had befall'n. Eurynome, meantime, + With bath and unction serv'd the illustrious Chief + Ulysses, and he saw himself attired + Royally once again in his own house. + Then, Pallas over all his features shed 180 + Superior beauty, dignified his form + With added amplitude, and pour'd his curls + Like hyacinthine flow'rs down from his brows. + As when some artist by Minerva made + And Vulcan, wise to execute all tasks + Ingenious, borders silver with a wreath + Of gold, accomplishing a graceful work, + Such grace the Goddess o'er his ample chest + Copious diffused, and o'er his manly brows. + He, godlike, stepping from the bath, resumed 190 + His former seat magnificent, and sat + Opposite to the Queen, to whom he said. + Penelope! the Gods to thee have giv'n + Of all thy sex, the most obdurate heart. + Another wife lives not who could endure + Such distance from her husband new-return'd + To his own country in the twentieth year, + After such hardship. But prepare me, nurse, + A bed, for solitary I must sleep, + Since she is iron, and feels not for me. 200 + Him answer'd then prudent Penelope. + I neither magnify thee, sir! nor yet + Depreciate thee, nor is my wonder such + As hurries me at once into thy arms, + Though my remembrance perfectly retains, + Such as he was, Ulysses, when he sail'd + On board his bark from Ithaca--Go, nurse, + Prepare his bed, but not within the walls + Of his own chamber built with his own hands. + Spread it without, and spread it well with warm 210 + Mantles, with fleeces, and with richest rugs. + So spake she, proving him,[108] and not untouch'd + With anger at that word, thus he replied. + Penelope, that order grates my ear. + Who hath displaced my bed? The task were hard + E'en to an artist; other than a God + None might with ease remove it; as for man, + It might defy the stoutest in his prime + Of youth, to heave it to a different spot. + For in that bed elaborate, a sign, 220 + A special sign consists; I was myself + The artificer; I fashion'd it alone. + Within the court a leafy olive grew + Lofty, luxuriant, pillar-like in girth. + Around this tree I built, with massy stones + Cemented close, my chamber, roof'd it o'er, + And hung the glutinated portals on. + I lopp'd the ample foliage and the boughs, + And sev'ring near the root its solid bole, + Smooth'd all the rugged stump with skilful hand, 230 + And wrought it to a pedestal well squared + And modell'd by the line. I wimbled, next, + The frame throughout, and from the olive-stump + Beginning, fashion'd the whole bed above + Till all was finish'd, plated o'er with gold, + With silver, and with ivory, and beneath + Close interlaced with purple cordage strong. + Such sign I give thee. But if still it stand + Unmoved, or if some other, sev'ring sheer + The olive from its bottom, have displaced 240 + My bed--that matter is best known to thee. + He ceas'd; she, conscious of the sign so plain + Giv'n by Ulysses, heard with flutt'ring heart + And fault'ring knees that proof. Weeping she ran + Direct toward him, threw her arms around + The Hero, kiss'd his forehead, and replied. + Ah my Ulysses! pardon me--frown not-- + Thou, who at other times hast ever shewn + Superior wisdom! all our griefs have flow'd + From the Gods' will; they envied us the bliss 250 + Of undivided union sweet enjoy'd + Through life, from early youth to latest age. + No. Be not angry now; pardon the fault + That I embraced thee not as soon as seen, + For horror hath not ceased to overwhelm + My soul, lest some false alien should, perchance, + Beguile me, for our house draws num'rous such. + Jove's daughter, Argive Helen, ne'er had given + Free entertainment to a stranger's love, + Had she foreknown that the heroic sons 260 + Of Greece would bring her to her home again. + But heav'n incited her to that offence, + Who never, else, had even in her thought + Harbour'd the foul enormity, from which + Originated even our distress. + But now, since evident thou hast described + Our bed, which never mortal yet beheld, + Ourselves except and Actoris my own + Attendant, giv'n me when I left my home + By good Icarius, and who kept the door, 270 + Though hard to be convinced, at last I yield. + So saying, she awaken'd in his soul + Pity and grief; and folding in his arms + His blameless consort beautiful, he wept. + Welcome as land appears to those who swim, + Whose gallant bark Neptune with rolling waves + And stormy winds hath sunk in the wide sea, + A mariner or two, perchance, escape + The foamy flood, and, swimming, reach the land, + Weary indeed, and with incrusted brine 280 + All rough, but oh, how glad to climb the coast! + So welcome in her eyes Ulysses seem'd, + Around whose neck winding her snowy arms, + She clung as she would loose him never more. + Thus had they wept till rosy-finger'd morn + Had found them weeping, but Minerva check'd + Night's almost finish'd course, and held, meantime, + The golden dawn close pris'ner in the Deep, + Forbidding her to lead her coursers forth, + Lampus and Phaëton that furnish light 290 + To all the earth, and join them to the yoke. + Then thus, Ulysses to Penelope. + My love; we have not yet attain'd the close + Of all our sufferings, but unmeasured toil + Arduous remains, which I must still atchieve. + For so the spirit of the Theban seer + Inform'd me, on that day, when to enquire + Of mine and of my people's safe return + I journey'd down to Pluto's drear abode. + But let us hence to bed, there to enjoy 300 + Tranquil repose. My love, make no delay. + Him answer'd then prudent Penelope. + Thou shalt to bed at whatsoever time + Thy soul desires, since the immortal Gods + Give thee to me and to thy home again. + But, thou hast spoken from the seer of Thebes + Of arduous toils yet unperform'd; declare + What toils? Thou wilt disclose them, as I judge, + Hereafter, and why not disclose them now? + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. 310 + Ah conversant with woe! why would'st thou learn + That tale? but I will tell it thee at large. + Thou wilt not hear with joy, nor shall myself + With joy rehearse it; for he bade me seek + City after city, bearing, as I go, + A shapely oar, till I shall find, at length, + A people who the sea know not, nor eat + Food salted; they trim galley crimson-prow'd + Have ne'er beheld, nor yet smooth-shaven oar + With which the vessel wing'd scuds o'er the waves. 320 + He gave me also this authentic sign, + Which I will tell thee. In what place soe'er + I chance to meet a trav'ler who shall name + The oar on my broad shoulder borne, a van;[109] + He bade me, planting it on the same spot, + Worship the King of Ocean with a bull, + A ram, and a lascivious boar, then seek + My home again, and sacrifice at home + An hecatomb to the immortal Gods + Inhabitants of the expanse above. 330 + So shall I die, at length, the gentlest death + Remote from Ocean; it shall find me late, + In soft serenity of age, the Chief + Of a blest people.--Thus he prophesied. + Him answer'd then Penelope discrete. + If heav'n appoint thee in old age a lot + More tranquil, hope thence springs of thy escape + Some future day from all thy threaten'd woes. + Such was their mutual conf'rence sweet; meantime + Eurynome and Euryclea dress'd 340 + Their bed by light of the clear torch, and when + Dispatchful they had spread it broad and deep, + The ancient nurse to her own bed retired. + Then came Eurynome, to whom in trust + The chambers appertain'd, and with a torch + Conducted them to rest; she introduced + The happy pair, and went; transported they + To rites connubial intermitted long, + And now recover'd, gave themselves again.[110] + Meantime, the Prince, the herdsman, and the good 350 + Eumæus, giving rest each to his feet, + Ceased from the dance; they made the women cease + Also, and to their sev'ral chambers all + Within the twilight edifice repair'd. + At length, with conjugal endearment both + Satiate, Ulysses tasted and his spouse + The sweets of mutual converse. She rehearsed, + Noblest of women, all her num'rous woes + Beneath that roof sustain'd, while she beheld + The profligacy of the suitor-throng, 360 + Who in their wooing had consumed his herds + And fatted flocks, and drawn his vessels dry; + While brave Ulysses, in his turn, to her + Related his successes and escapes, + And his afflictions also; he told her all; + She listen'd charm'd, nor slumber on his eyes + Fell once, or ere he had rehearsed the whole. + Beginning, he discoursed, how, at the first + He conquer'd in Ciconia, and thence reach'd + The fruitful shores of the Lotophagi; 370 + The Cyclops' deeds he told her next, and how + He well avenged on him his slaughter'd friends + Whom, pitiless, the monster had devour'd. + How to the isle of Æolus he came, + Who welcom'd him and safe dismiss'd him thence, + Although not destin'd to regain so soon + His native land; for o'er the fishy deep + Loud tempests snatch'd him sighing back again. + How, also at Telepylus he arrived, + Town of the Læstrygonians, who destroyed 380 + His ships with all their mariners, his own + Except, who in his sable bark escaped. + Of guileful Circe too he spake, deep-skill'd + In various artifice, and how he reach'd + With sails and oars the squalid realms of death, + Desirous to consult the prophet there + Theban Tiresias, and how there he view'd + All his companions, and the mother bland + Who bare him, nourisher of his infant years. + How, next he heard the Sirens in one strain 390 + All chiming sweet, and how he reach'd the rocks + Erratic, Scylla and Charybdis dire, + Which none secure from injury may pass. + Then, how the partners of his voyage slew + The Sun's own beeves, and how the Thund'rer Jove + Hurl'd down his smoky bolts into his bark, + Depriving him at once of all his crew, + Whose dreadful fate he yet, himself, escaped. + How to Ogygia's isle he came, where dwelt + The nymph Calypso, who, enamour'd, wish'd 400 + To espouse him, and within her spacious grot + Detain'd, and fed, and promis'd him a life + Exempt for ever from the sap of age, + But him moved not. How, also, he arrived + After much toil, on the Phæacian coast, + Where ev'ry heart revered him as a God, + And whence, enriching him with brass and gold, + And costly raiment first, they sent him home. + At this last word, oblivious slumber sweet + Fell on him, dissipating all his cares. 410 + Meantime, Minerva, Goddess azure-eyed, + On other thoughts intent, soon as she deem'd + Ulysses with connubial joys sufficed, + And with sweet sleep, at once from Ocean rous'd + The golden-axled chariot of the morn + To illumine earth. Then from his fleecy couch + The Hero sprang, and thus his spouse enjoined. + Oh consort dear! already we have striv'n + Against our lot, till wearied with the toil, + My painful absence, thou with ceaseless tears 420 + Deploring, and myself in deep distress + Withheld reluctant from my native shores + By Jove and by the other pow'rs of heav'n. + But since we have in this delightful bed + Met once again, watch thou and keep secure + All my domestic treasures, and ere long + I will replace my num'rous sheep destroy'd + By those imperious suitors, and the Greeks + Shall add yet others till my folds be fill'd. + But to the woodlands go I now--to see 430 + My noble father, who for my sake mourns + Continual; as for thee, my love, although + I know thee wise, I give thee thus in charge. + The sun no sooner shall ascend, than fame + Shall wide divulge the deed that I have done, + Slaying the suitors under my own roof. + Thou, therefore, with thy maidens, sit retired + In thy own chamber at the palace-top, + Nor question ask, nor, curious, look abroad. + He said, and cov'ring with his radiant arms 440 + His shoulders, called Telemachus; he roused + Eumæus and the herdsman too, and bade + All take their martial weapons in their hand. + Not disobedient they, as he enjoin'd, + Put armour on, and issued from the gates + Ulysses at their head. The earth was now + Enlighten'd, but Minerva them in haste + Led forth into the fields, unseen by all. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[108] The proof consisted in this--that the bed being attached to the +stump of an olive tree still rooted, was immovable, and Ulysses having +made it himself, no person present, he must needs be apprized of the +impossibility of her orders, if he were indeed Ulysses; accordingly, this +demonstration of his identity satisfies all her scruples. + +[109] See the note on the same passage, Book XI. + +[110] Aristophanes the grammarian and Aristarchus chose that the Odyssey +should end here; but the story is not properly concluded till the tumult +occasioned by the slaughter of so many Princes being composed, Ulysses +finds himself once more in peaceful possession of his country. + + + + +BOOK XXIV + +ARGUMENT + +Mercury conducts the souls of the suitors down to Ades. Ulysses discovers +himself to Laertes, and quells, by the aid of Minerva, an insurrection of +the people resenting the death of the suitors. + + + And now Cyllenian Hermes summon'd forth + The spirits of the suitors; waving wide + The golden wand of pow'r to seal all eyes + In slumber, and to ope them wide again, + He drove them gibb'ring down into the shades,[111] + As when the bats within some hallow'd cave + Flit squeaking all around, for if but one + Fall from the rock, the rest all follow him, + In such connexion mutual they adhere, + So, after bounteous Mercury, the ghosts, 10 + Troop'd downward gibb'ring all the dreary way.[111] + The Ocean's flood and the Leucadian rock, + The Sun's gate also and the land of Dreams + They pass'd, whence, next, into the meads they came + Of Asphodel, by shadowy forms possess'd, + Simulars of the dead. They found the souls + Of brave Pelides there, and of his friend + Patroclus, of Antilochus renown'd, + And of the mightier Ajax, for his form + And bulk (Achilles sole except) of all 20 + The sons of the Achaians most admired. + These waited on Achilles. Then, appear'd + The mournful ghost of Agamemnon, son + Of Atreus, compass'd by the ghosts of all + Who shared his fate beneath Ægisthus' roof, + And him the ghost of Peleus' son bespake. + Atrides! of all Heroes we esteem'd + Thee dearest to the Gods, for that thy sway + Extended over such a glorious host + At Ilium, scene of sorrow to the Greeks. 30 + But Fate, whose ruthless force none may escape + Of all who breathe, pursued thee from the first. + Thou should'st have perish'd full of honour, full + Of royalty, at Troy; so all the Greeks + Had rais'd thy tomb, and thou hadst then bequeath'd + Great glory to thy son; but Fate ordain'd + A death, oh how deplorable! for thee. + To whom Atrides' spirit thus replied. + Blest son of Peleus, semblance of the Gods, + At Ilium, far from Argos, fall'n! for whom 40 + Contending, many a Trojan, many a Chief + Of Greece died also, while in eddies whelm'd + Of dust thy vastness spread the plain,[112] nor thee + The chariot aught or steed could int'rest more! + All day we waged the battle, nor at last + Desisted, but for tempests sent from Jove. + At length we bore into the Greecian fleet + Thy body from the field; there, first, we cleansed + With tepid baths and oil'd thy shapely corse, + Then placed thee on thy bier, while many a Greek 50 + Around thee wept, and shore his locks for thee. + Thy mother, also, hearing of thy death + With her immortal nymphs from the abyss + Arose and came; terrible was the sound + On the salt flood; a panic seized the Greeks, + And ev'ry warrior had return'd on board + That moment, had not Nestor, ancient Chief, + Illumed by long experience, interposed, + His counsels, ever wisest, wisest proved + Then also, and he thus address'd the host. 60 + Sons of Achaia; fly not; stay, ye Greeks! + Thetis arrives with her immortal nymphs + From the abyss, to visit her dead son. + So he; and, by his admonition stay'd, + The Greeks fled not. Then, all around thee stood + The daughters of the Ancient of the Deep, + Mourning disconsolate; with heav'nly robes + They clothed thy corse, and all the Muses nine + Deplored thee in full choir with sweetest tones + Responsive, nor one Greecian hadst thou seen 70 + Dry-eyed, such grief the Muses moved in all. + Full sev'nteen days we, day and night, deplored + Thy death, both Gods in heav'n and men below, + But, on the eighteenth day, we gave thy corse + Its burning, and fat sheep around thee slew + Num'rous, with many a pastur'd ox moon-horn'd. + We burn'd thee clothed in vesture of the Gods, + With honey and with oil feeding the flames + Abundant, while Achaia's Heroes arm'd, + Both horse and foot, encompassing thy pile, 80 + Clash'd on their shields, and deaf'ning was the din. + But when the fires of Vulcan had at length + Consumed thee, at the dawn we stored thy bones + In unguent and in undiluted wine; + For Thetis gave to us a golden vase + Twin-ear'd, which she profess'd to have received + From Bacchus, work divine of Vulcan's hand. + Within that vase, Achilles, treasured lie + Thine and the bones of thy departed friend + Patroclus, but a sep'rate urn we gave 90 + To those of brave Antilochus, who most + Of all thy friends at Ilium shared thy love + And thy respect, thy friend Patroclus slain. + Around both urns we piled a noble tomb, + (We warriors of the sacred Argive host) + On a tall promontory shooting far + Into the spacious Hellespont, that all + Who live, and who shall yet be born, may view + Thy record, even from the distant waves. + Then, by permission from the Gods obtain'd, 100 + To the Achaian Chiefs in circus met + Thetis appointed games. I have beheld + The burial rites of many an Hero bold, + When, on the death of some great Chief, the youths + Girding their loins anticipate the prize, + But sight of those with wonder fill'd me most, + So glorious past all others were the games + By silver-footed Thetis giv'n for thee, + For thou wast ever favour'd of the Gods. + Thus, hast thou not, Achilles! although dead, 110 + Foregone thy glory, but thy fair report + Is universal among all mankind; + But, as for me, what recompense had I, + My warfare closed? for whom, at my return, + Jove framed such dire destruction by the hands + Of fell Ægisthus and my murth'ress wife. + Thus, mutual, they conferr'd; meantime approach'd, + Swift messenger of heav'n, the Argicide, + Conducting thither all the shades of those + Slain by Ulysses. At that sight amazed 120 + Both moved toward them. Agamemnon's shade + Knew well Amphimedon, for he had been + Erewhile his father's guest in Ithaca, + And thus the spirit of Atreus' son began. + Amphimedon! by what disastrous chance, + Coœvals as ye seem, and of an air + Distinguish'd all, descend ye to the Deeps? + For not the chosen youths of a whole town + Should form a nobler band. Perish'd ye sunk + Amid vast billows and rude tempests raised 130 + By Neptune's pow'r? or on dry land through force + Of hostile multitudes, while cutting off + Beeves from the herd, or driving flocks away? + Or fighting for your city and your wives? + Resolve me? I was once a guest of yours. + Remember'st not what time at your abode + With godlike Menelaus I arrived, + That we might win Ulysses with his fleet + To follow us to Troy? scarce we prevail'd + At last to gain the city-waster Chief, 140 + And, after all, consumed a whole month more + The wide sea traversing from side to side. + To whom the spirit of Amphimedon. + Illustrious Agamemnon, King of men! + All this I bear in mind, and will rehearse + The manner of our most disastrous end. + Believing brave Ulysses lost, we woo'd + Meantime his wife; she our detested suit + Would neither ratify nor yet refuse, + But, planning for us a tremendous death, 150 + This novel stratagem, at last, devised. + Beginning, in her own recess, a web + Of slend'rest thread, and of a length and breadth + Unusual, thus the suitors she address'd. + Princes, my suitors! since the noble Chief + Ulysses is no more, enforce not yet + My nuptials; wait till I shall finish first + A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads decay) + Which for the ancient Hero I prepare, + Laertes, looking for the mournful hour 160 + When fate shall snatch him to eternal rest; + Else, I the censure dread of all my sex, + Should he so wealthy, want at last a shroud. + So spake the Queen; we, unsuspicious all, + With her request complied. Thenceforth, all day + She wove the ample web, and by the aid + Of torches ravell'd it again at night. + Three years she thus by artifice our suit + Eluded safe, but when the fourth arrived, + And the same season, after many moons 170 + And fleeting days, return'd, a damsel then + Of her attendants, conscious of the fraud, + Reveal'd it, and we found her pulling loose + The splendid web. Thus, through constraint, at length, + She finish'd it, and in her own despight. + But when the Queen produced, at length, her work + Finish'd, new-blanch'd, bright as the sun or moon, + Then came Ulysses, by some adverse God + Conducted, to a cottage on the verge + Of his own fields, in which his swine-herd dwells; 180 + There also the illustrious Hero's son + Arrived soon after, in his sable bark + From sandy Pylus borne; they, plotting both + A dreadful death for all the suitors, sought + Our glorious city, but Ulysses last, + And first Telemachus. The father came + Conducted by his swine-herd, and attired + In tatters foul; a mendicant he seem'd, + Time-worn, and halted on a staff. So clad, + And ent'ring on the sudden, he escaped 190 + All knowledge even of our eldest there, + And we reviled and smote him; he although + Beneath his own roof smitten and reproach'd, + With patience suffer'd it awhile, but roused + By inspiration of Jove Ægis-arm'd + At length, in concert with his son convey'd + To his own chamber his resplendent arms, + There lodg'd them safe, and barr'd the massy doors + Then, in his subtlety he bade the Queen + A contest institute with bow and rings 200 + Between the hapless suitors, whence ensued + Slaughter to all. No suitor there had pow'r + To overcome the stubborn bow that mock'd + All our attempts; and when the weapon huge + At length was offer'd to Ulysses' hands, + With clamour'd menaces we bade the swain + Withhold it from him, plead he as he might; + Telemachus alone with loud command, + Bade give it him, and the illustrious Chief + Receiving in his hand the bow, with ease 210 + Bent it, and sped a shaft through all the rings. + Then, springing to the portal steps, he pour'd + The arrows forth, peer'd terrible around, + Pierced King Antinoüs, and, aiming sure + His deadly darts, pierced others after him, + Till in one common carnage heap'd we lay. + Some God, as plain appear'd, vouchsafed them aid, + Such ardour urged them, and with such dispatch + They slew us on all sides; hideous were heard + The groans of dying men fell'd to the earth 220 + With head-strokes rude, and the floor swam with blood. + Such, royal Agamemnon! was the fate + By which we perish'd, all whose bodies lie + Unburied still, and in Ulysses' house, + For tidings none have yet our friends alarm'd + And kindred, who might cleanse from sable gore + Our clotted wounds, and mourn us on the bier, + Which are the rightful privilege of the dead. + Him answer'd, then, the shade of Atreus' son. + Oh happy offspring of Laertes! shrewd 230 + Ulysses! matchless valour thou hast shewn + Recov'ring thus thy wife; nor less appears + The virtue of Icarius' daughter wise, + The chaste Penelope, so faithful found + To her Ulysses, husband of her youth. + His glory, by superior merit earn'd, + Shall never die, and the immortal Gods + Shall make Penelope a theme of song + Delightful in the ears of all mankind. + Not such was Clytemnestra, daughter vile 240 + Of Tyndarus; she shed her husband's blood, + And shall be chronicled in song a wife + Of hateful memory, by whose offence + Even the virtuous of her sex are shamed. + Thus they, beneath the vaulted roof obscure + Of Pluto's house, conferring mutual stood. + Meantime, descending from the city-gates, + Ulysses, by his son and by his swains + Follow'd, arrived at the delightful farm + Which old Laertes had with strenuous toil 250 + Himself long since acquired. There stood his house + Encompass'd by a bow'r in which the hinds + Who served and pleased him, ate, and sat, and slept. + An ancient woman, a Sicilian, dwelt + There also, who in that sequester'd spot + Attended diligent her aged Lord. + Then thus Ulysses to his followers spake. + Haste now, and, ent'ring, slay ye of the swine + The best for our regale; myself, the while, + Will prove my father, if his eye hath still 260 + Discernment of me, or if absence long + Have worn the knowledge of me from his mind. + He said, and gave into his servants' care + His arms; they swift proceeded to the house, + And to the fruitful grove himself as swift + To prove his father. Down he went at once + Into the spacious garden-plot, but found + Nor Dolius there, nor any of his sons + Or servants; they were occupied elsewhere, + And, with the ancient hind himself, employ'd 270 + Collecting thorns with which to fence the grove. + In that umbrageous spot he found alone + Laertes, with his hoe clearing a plant; + Sordid his tunic was, with many a patch + Mended unseemly; leathern were his greaves, + Thong-tied and also patch'd, a frail defence + Against sharp thorns, while gloves secured his hands + From briar-points, and on his head he bore + A goat-skin casque, nourishing hopeless woe. + No sooner then the Hero toil-inured 280 + Saw him age-worn and wretched, than he paused + Beneath a lofty pear-tree's shade to weep. + There standing much he mused, whether, at once, + Kissing and clasping in his arms his sire, + To tell him all, by what means he had reach'd + His native country, or to prove him first. + At length, he chose as his best course, with words + Of seeming strangeness to accost his ear, + And, with that purpose, moved direct toward him. + He, stooping low, loosen'd the earth around 290 + A garden-plant, when his illustrious son + Now, standing close beside him, thus began. + Old sir! thou art no novice in these toils + Of culture, but thy garden thrives; I mark + In all thy ground no plant, fig, olive, vine, + Pear-tree or flow'r-bed suff'ring through neglect. + But let it not offend thee if I say + That thou neglect'st thyself, at the same time + Oppress'd with age, sun-parch'd and ill-attired. + Not for thy inactivity, methinks, 300 + Thy master slights thee thus, nor speaks thy form + Or thy surpassing stature servile aught + In thee, but thou resemblest more a King. + Yes--thou resemblest one who, bathed and fed, + Should softly sleep; such is the claim of age. + But tell me true--for whom labourest thou, + And whose this garden? answer me beside, + For I would learn; have I indeed arrived + In Ithaca, as one whom here I met + Ev'n now assured me, but who seem'd a man 310 + Not overwise, refusing both to hear + My questions, and to answer when I ask'd + Concerning one in other days my guest + And friend, if he have still his being here, + Or have deceas'd and journey'd to the shades. + For I will tell thee; therefore mark. Long since + A stranger reach'd my house in my own land, + Whom I with hospitality receiv'd, + Nor ever sojourn'd foreigner with me + Whom I lov'd more. He was by birth, he said, 320 + Ithacan, and Laertes claim'd his sire, + Son of Arcesias. Introducing him + Beneath my roof, I entertain'd him well, + And proved by gifts his welcome at my board. + I gave him seven talents of wrought gold, + A goblet, argent all, with flow'rs emboss'd, + Twelve single cloaks, twelve carpets, mantles twelve + Of brightest lustre, with as many vests, + And added four fair damsels, whom he chose + Himself, well born and well accomplish'd all. 330 + Then thus his ancient sire weeping replied. + Stranger! thou hast in truth attain'd the isle + Of thy enquiry, but it is possess'd + By a rude race, and lawless. Vain, alas! + Were all thy num'rous gifts; yet hadst thou found + Him living here in Ithaca, with gifts + Reciprocated he had sent thee hence, + Requiting honourably in his turn + Thy hospitality. But give me quick + Answer and true. How many have been the years 340 + Since thy reception of that hapless guest + My son? for mine, my own dear son was he. + But him, far distant both from friends and home, + Either the fishes of the unknown Deep + Have eaten, or wild beasts and fowls of prey, + Nor I, or she who bare him, was ordain'd + To bathe his shrouded body with our tears, + Nor his chaste wife, well-dow'r'd Penelope + To close her husband's eyes, and to deplore + His doom, which is the privilege of the dead. 350 + But tell me also thou, for I would learn, + Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom? + The bark in which thou and thy godlike friends + Arrived, where is she anchor'd on our coast? + Or cam'st thou only passenger on board + Another's bark, who landed thee and went? + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + I will with all simplicity relate + What thou hast ask'd. Of Alybas am I, + Where in much state I dwell, son of the rich 360 + Apheidas royal Polypemon's son, + And I am named Eperitus; by storms + Driven from Sicily I have arrived, + And yonder, on the margin of the field + That skirts your city, I have moor'd my bark. + Five years have pass'd since thy Ulysses left, + Unhappy Chief! my country; yet the birds + At his departure hovered on the right, + And in that sign rejoicing, I dismiss'd + Him thence rejoicing also, for we hoped 370 + To mix in social intercourse again, + And to exchange once more pledges of love. + He spake; then sorrow as a sable cloud + Involved Laertes; gath'ring with both hands + The dust, he pour'd it on his rev'rend head + With many a piteous groan. Ulysses' heart + Commotion felt, and his stretch'd nostrils throbb'd + With agony close-pent, while fixt he eyed + His father; with a sudden force he sprang + Toward him, clasp'd, and kiss'd him, and exclaim'd. 380 + My father! I am he. Thou seest thy son + Absent these twenty years at last return'd. + But bid thy sorrow cease; suspend henceforth + All lamentation; for I tell thee true, + (And the occasion bids me briefly tell thee) + I have slain all the suitors at my home, + And all their taunts and injuries avenged. + Then answer thus Laertes quick return'd. + If thou hast come again, and art indeed + My son Ulysses, give me then the proof 390 + Indubitable, that I may believe. + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + View, first, the scar which with his iv'ry tusk + A wild boar gave me, when at thy command + And at my mother's, to Autolycus + Her father, on Parnassus, I repair'd + Seeking the gifts which, while a guest of yours, + He promis'd should be mine. Accept beside + This proof. I will enum'rate all the trees + Which, walking with thee in this cultured spot 400 + (Boy then) I begg'd, and thou confirm'dst my own. + We paced between them, and thou mad'st me learn + The name of each. Thou gav'st me thirteen pears,[113] + Ten apples,[113] thirty figs,[113] and fifty ranks + Didst promise me of vines, their alleys all + Corn-cropp'd between. There, oft as sent from Jove + The influences of the year descend, + Grapes of all hues and flavours clust'ring hang. + He said; Laertes, conscious of the proofs + Indubitable by Ulysses giv'n, 410 + With fault'ring knees and fault'ring heart both arms + Around him threw. The Hero toil-inured + Drew to his bosom close his fainting sire, + Who, breath recov'ring, and his scatter'd pow'rs + Of intellect, at length thus spake aloud. + Ye Gods! oh then your residence is still + On the Olympian heights, if punishment + At last hath seized on those flagitious men. + But terrour shakes me, lest, incensed, ere long + All Ithaca flock hither, and dispatch 420 + Swift messengers with these dread tidings charged + To ev'ry Cephallenian state around. + Him answer'd then Ulysses ever-wise. + Courage! fear nought, but let us to the house + Beside the garden, whither I have sent + Telemachus, the herdsman, and the good + Eumæus to prepare us quick repast. + So they conferr'd, and to Laertes' house + Pass'd on together; there arrived, they found + Those three preparing now their plenteous feast, 430 + And mingling sable wine; then, by the hands + Of his Sicilian matron, the old King + Was bathed, anointed, and attired afresh, + And Pallas, drawing nigh, dilated more + His limbs, and gave his whole majestic form + Encrease of amplitude. He left the bath. + His son, amazed as he had seen a God + Alighted newly from the skies, exclaim'd. + My father! doubtless some immortal Pow'r + Hath clothed thy form with dignity divine. 440 + Then thus replied his venerable sire. + Jove! Pallas! Phœbus! oh that I possess'd + Such vigour now, as when in arms I took + Nericus, continental city fair, + With my brave Cephallenians! oh that such + And arm'd as then, I yesterday had stood + Beside thee in thy palace, combating + Those suitors proud, then had I strew'd the floor + With num'rous slain, to thy exceeding joy. + Such was their conference; and now, the task 450 + Of preparation ended, and the feast + Set forth, on couches and on thrones they sat, + And, ranged in order due, took each his share. + Then, ancient Dolius, and with him, his sons + Arrived toil-worn, by the Sicilian dame + Summon'd, their cat'ress, and their father's kind + Attendant ever in his eve of life. + They, seeing and recalling soon to mind + Ulysses, in the middle mansion stood + Wond'ring, when thus Ulysses with a voice 460 + Of some reproof, but gentle, them bespake. + Old servant, sit and eat, banishing fear + And mute amazement; for, although provoked + By appetite, we have long time abstain'd, + Expecting ev'ry moment thy return. + He said; then Dolius with expanded arms + Sprang right toward Ulysses, seized his hand, + Kiss'd it, and in wing'd accents thus replied. + Oh master ever dear! since thee the Gods + Themselves in answer to our warm desires, 470 + Have, unexpectedly, at length restored, + Hail, and be happy, and heav'n make thee such! + But say, and truly; knows the prudent Queen + Already thy return, or shall we send + Ourselves an herald with the joyful news? + To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied. + My ancient friend, thou may'st release thy mind + From that solicitude; she knows it well. + So he; then Dolius to his glossy seat + Return'd, and all his sons gath'ring around 480 + Ulysses, welcom'd him and grasp'd his hand, + Then sat beside their father; thus beneath + Laertes' roof they, joyful, took repast. + But Fame with rapid haste the city roam'd + In ev'ry part, promulging in all ears + The suitors' horrid fate. No sooner heard + The multitude that tale, than one and all + Groaning they met and murmuring before + Ulysses' gates. Bringing the bodies forth, + They buried each his friend, but gave the dead 490 + Of other cities to be ferried home + By fishermen on board their rapid barks. + All hasted then to council; sorrow wrung + Their hearts, and, the assembly now convened, + Arising first Eupithes spake, for grief + Sat heavy on his soul, grief for the loss + Of his Antinoüs by Ulysses slain + Foremost of all, whom mourning, thus he said. + My friends! no trivial fruits the Greecians reap + Of this man's doings. _Those_ he took with him 500 + On board his barks, a num'rous train and bold, + Then lost his barks, lost all his num'rous train, + And _these_, our noblest, slew at his return. + Come therefore--ere he yet escape by flight + To Pylus or to noble Elis, realm + Of the Epeans, follow him; else shame + Attends us and indelible reproach. + If we avenge not on these men the blood + Of our own sons and brothers, farewell then + All that makes life desirable; my wish 510 + Henceforth shall be to mingle with the shades. + Oh then pursue and seize them ere they fly. + Thus he with tears, and pity moved in all. + Then, Medon and the sacred bard whom sleep + Had lately left, arriving from the house + Of Laertiades, approach'd; amid + The throng they stood; all wonder'd seeing them, + And Medon, prudent senior, thus began. + Hear me, my countrymen! Ulysses plann'd + With no disapprobation of the Gods 520 + The deed that ye deplore. I saw, myself, + A Pow'r immortal at the Hero's side, + In semblance just of Mentor; now the God, + In front apparent, led him on, and now, + From side to side of all the palace, urged + To flight the suitors; heaps on heaps they fell. + He said; then terrour wan seiz'd ev'ry cheek, + And Halitherses, Hero old, the son + Of Mastor, who alone among them all + Knew past, and future, prudent, thus began. 530 + Now, O ye men of Ithaca! my words + Attentive hear! by your own fault, my friends, + This deed hath been perform'd; for when myself + And noble Mentor counsell'd you to check + The sin and folly of your sons, ye would not. + Great was their wickedness, and flagrant wrong + They wrought, the wealth devouring and the wife + Dishonouring of an illustrious Chief + Whom they deem'd destined never to return. + But hear my counsel. Go not, lest ye draw 540 + Disaster down and woe on your own heads. + He ended; then with boist'rous roar (although + Part kept their seats) upsprang the multitude, + For Halitherses pleased them not, they chose + Eupithes' counsel rather; all at once + To arms they flew, and clad in dazzling brass + Before the city form'd their dense array. + Leader infatuate at their head appear'd + Eupithes, hoping to avenge his son + Antinoüs, but was himself ordain'd 550 + To meet his doom, and to return no more. + Then thus Minerva to Saturnian Jove. + Oh father! son of Saturn! Jove supreme! + Declare the purpose hidden in thy breast. + Wilt thou that this hostility proceed, + Or wilt thou grant them amity again? + To whom the cloud-assembler God replied. + Why asks my daughter? didst thou not design + Thyself, that brave Ulysses coming home + Should slay those profligates? act as thou wilt, 560 + But thus I counsel, since the noble Chief + Hath slain the suitors, now let peace ensue + Oath-bound, and reign Ulysses evermore! + The slaughter of their brethren and their sons + To strike from their remembrance, shall be ours. + Let mutual amity, as at the first, + Unite them, and let wealth and peace abound. + So saying, he animated to her task + Minerva prompt before, and from the heights + Olympian down to Ithaca she flew. 570 + Meantime Ulysses (for their hunger now + And thirst were sated) thus address'd his hinds. + Look ye abroad, lest haply they approach. + He said, and at his word, forth went a son + Of Dolius; at the gate he stood, and thence + Beholding all that multitude at hand, + In accents wing'd thus to Ulysses spake. + They come--they are already arrived--arm all! + Then, all arising, put their armour on, + Ulysses with his three, and the six sons 580 + Of Dolius; Dolius also with the rest, + Arm'd and Laertes, although silver-hair'd, + Warriors perforce. When all were clad alike + In radiant armour, throwing wide the gates + They sallied, and Ulysses led the way. + Then Jove's own daughter Pallas, in the form + And with the voice of Mentor, came in view, + Whom seeing Laertiades rejoiced, + And thus Telemachus, his son, bespake. + Now, oh my son! thou shalt observe, untold 590 + By me, where fight the bravest. Oh shame not + Thine ancestry, who have in all the earth + Proof given of valour in all ages past. + To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied. + My father! if thou wish that spectacle, + Thou shalt behold thy son, as thou hast said, + In nought dishonouring his noble race. + Then was Laertes joyful, and exclaim'd, + What sun hath ris'n to-day?[114] oh blessed Gods! + My son and grandson emulous dispute 600 + The prize of glory, and my soul exults. + He ended, and Minerva drawing nigh + To the old King, thus counsell'd him. Oh friend + Whom most I love, son of Arcesias! pray'r + Preferring to the virgin azure-eyed, + And to her father Jove, delay not, shake + Thy lance in air, and give it instant flight. + So saying, the Goddess nerved his arm anew. + He sought in pray'r the daughter dread of Jove, + And, brandishing it, hurl'd his lance; it struck 610 + Eupithes, pierced his helmet brazen-cheek'd + That stay'd it not, but forth it sprang beyond, + And with loud clangor of his arms he fell. + Then flew Ulysses and his noble son + With faulchion and with spear of double edge + To the assault, and of them all had left + None living, none had to his home return'd, + But that Jove's virgin daughter with a voice + Of loud authority thus quell'd them all. + Peace, O ye men of Ithaca! while yet 620 + The field remains undeluged with your blood. + So she, and fear at once paled ev'ry cheek. + All trembled at the voice divine; their arms + Escaping from the grasp fell to the earth, + And, covetous of longer life, each fled + Back to the city. Then Ulysses sent + His voice abroad, and with an eagle's force + Sprang on the people; but Saturnian Jove, + Cast down, incontinent, his smouldring bolt + At Pallas' feet, and thus the Goddess spake. 630 + Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! + Forbear; abstain from slaughter; lest thyself + Incur the anger of high thund'ring Jove. + So Pallas, whom Ulysses, glad, obey'd. + Then faithful covenants of peace between + Both sides ensued, ratified in the sight + Of Pallas progeny of Jove, who seem'd, + In voice and form, the Mentor known to all. + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[111] + Τρίζουσαι--τετριγῦιαι--the ghosts + Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets. + + SHAKSPEARE. + +[112] + + --Behemoth, biggest born of earth, + Upheav'd his vastness. + + MILTON. + +[113] The fruit is here used for the tree that bore it, as it is in the +Greek; the Latins used the same mode of expression, neither is it +uncommon in our own language. + +[114] Τίς νύ μοι ἡμέρη ἥδε;--So Cicero, who seems to translate it--Proh +dii immortales! Quis hic illuxit dies! See Clarke in loco. + + +END OF THE ODYSSEY + + + + +NOTES + + +NOTE I. + +Bk. x. l. 101-106 (Hom. x. l. 81-86).--It is held now that this passage +should be explained by the supposition that the Homeric bards had heard +tales of northern latitudes, where, in summer-time, the darkness was so +short that evening was followed almost at once by morning. Thus the +herdsman coming home in the twilight at one day's close might meet and +hail the shepherd who was starting betimes for the next day's work. + +Line 86 in the Greek ought probably to be translated, "For the paths of +night and day are close together," _i.e._, the entrance of day follows +hard on the entrance of night. + + +NOTE II. + +Bk. xi. l. 162, 163 (Hom. xi. l. 134, 135).-- + + θάνατος δέ τοι ἐξ ἁλὸς αὐτῷ + ἀβληχρὸς μάλα τοῖος ἐλεύσεται. + +Others translate, "And from the sea shall thy own death come," suggesting +that Ulysses after all was lost at sea. This is the rendering followed by +Tennyson in his poem "Ulysses" (and see Dante, _Inferno_, Canto xxvi.). +It is a more natural translation of the Greek, and gives a far more +wonderful vista for the close of the Wanderer's life. + + +NOTE III. + +Bk. xix. l. 712 (Hom. xix. l. 573).--The word πελέκεας, for which Cowper +gives as a paraphrase "spikes, crested with a ring," elsewhere means +_axes_, and ought so to be translated here. For since Cowper's day an +axe-head of the Mycenæan period has been discovered _with the blade +pierced_ so as to form a hole through which an arrow could pass. (See +Tsountas and Manatt, _The Mycenæan Age_.) Axes of this type were not +known to Cowper, and hence the hypothesis in his text. He realised +correctly the essential conditions of the feat proposed: the axes must +have been set up, one behind the other, in the way he suggested for his +ringed stakes. + + +NOTE IV. + +Bk. xxii. l. 139-162 (Hom. xxii. l. 126-143).--How Melanthius got out of +the hall remains a puzzle. Cowper assumes a second postern, but there is +no evidence for this, and l. 139 ff. (l. 126 ff. in the Greek) suggest +rather strongly that there was only _one_. Unfortunately, the crucial +word ῥῶγες which occurs in the line describing Melanthius' exit is not +found elsewhere. "He went up," the poet says, "through the ῥῶγες of the +hall." Merry suggests that "he scrambled up to the loopholes that were +pierced in the wall." Others suppose that there was a ladder at the inner +end of the hall leading to the upper story, and on through passages to +the armoury. + +In l. 141 (l. 128 in the Greek) the word translated "street" by Cowper is +usually rendered "corridor." + + F. M. S. + + +MADE AT THE TEMPLE PRESS LETCHWORTH GREAT BRITAIN + + + + +EVERYMAN'S LIBRARY + +A LIST OF THE 812 VOLUMES ARRANGED UNDER AUTHORS + + _Anonymous works are given under titles._ + _Anthologies, etc., are arranged at the end of the list._ + + + Abbott's Rollo at Work, etc., 275 + + Addison's Spectator, 164-167 + + Æschylus' Lyrical Dramas, 62 + + Æsop's and Other Fables, 657 + + Aimard's The Indian Scout, 428 + + Ainsworth's Tower of London, 400 + " Old St. Paul's, 522 + " Windsor Castle, 709 + " The Admirable Crichton, 804 + + A'Kempis' Imitation of Christ, 484 + + Alcott's Little Women, and Good Wives, 248 + " Little Men, 512 + + Alpine Club. Peaks, Passes and Glaciers, 778 + + Andersen's Fairy Tales, 4 + + Anglo-Saxon Poetry, 794 + + Anson's Voyages, 510 + + Aristophanes' The Acharnians, etc., 344 + " The Frogs, etc., 516 + + Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, 547 + " Politics, 605 + + Armour's Fall of the Nibelung, 312 + + Arnold's (Matthew) Essays, 115 + " Poems, 334 + " Study of Celtic Literature, etc., 458 + + Aucassin and Nicolette, 497 + + Augustine's (Saint) Confessions, 200 + + Aurelius' (Marcus) Golden Book, 9 + + Austen's (Jane) Sense and Sensibility, 21 + " Pride and Prejudice, 22 + " Mansfield Park, 23 + " Emma, 24 + " Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion, 25 + + + Bacon's Essays, 10 + " Advancement of Learning, 719 + + Bagehot's Literary Studies, 520, 521 + + Baker's (Sir S. W.) Cast up by the Sea, 539 + + Ballantyne's Coral Island, 245 + " Martin Rattler, 246 + " Ungava, 276 + + Balzac's Wild Ass's Skin, 26 + " Eugénie Grandet, 169 + " Old Goriot, 170 + " Atheist's Mass, etc., 229 + " Christ in Flanders, etc., 284 + " The Chouans, 285 + " Quest of the Absolute, 286 + " Cat and Racket, etc., 349 + " Catherine de Medici, 419 + " Cousin Pons, 463 + " The Country Doctor, 520 + " Rise and Fall of César Birotteau, 596 + " Lost Illusions, 656 + " The Country Parson, 686 + " Ursule Mirouët, 733 + + Barbusse's Under Fire, 798 + + Barca's (Mme. C. de la) Life in Mexico, 664 + + Bates' Naturalist on the Amazons, 446 + + Beaumont and Fletcher's Select Plays, 506 + + Beaumont's (Mary) Joan Seaton, 597 + + Bede's Ecclesiastical History, etc., 479 + + Belt's The Naturalist in Nicaragua, 561 + + Berkeley's (Bishop) Principles of Human Knowledge, New Theory of Vision, + etc., 483 + + Berlioz (Hector), Life of, 602 + + Binns' Life of Abraham Lincoln, 783 + + Björnson's Plays, 625, 696 + + Blackmore's Lorna Doone, 304 + " Springhaven, 350 + + Blackwell's Pioneer Work for Women, 667 + + Blake's Poems and Prophecies, 792 + + Boehme's The Signature of All Things, etc., 569 + + Bonaventura's The Little Flowers, The Life of St. Francis, etc., 485 + + Borrow's Wild Wales, 49 + " Lavengro, 119 + " Romany Rye, 120 + " Bible in Spain, 151 + " Gypsies in Spain, 697 + + Boswell's Life of Johnson, 1, 2 + " Tour in the Hebrides, etc., 387 + + Boult's Asgard and Norse Heroes, 689 + + Boyle's The Sceptical Chymist, 559 + + Bright's (John) Speeches, 252 + + Brontë's (A.) The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, 685 + + Brontë's (C.) Jane Eyre, 287 + " Shirley, 288 + " Villette, 351 + " The Professor, 417 + + Brontë's (E.) Wuthering Heights, 243 + + Brooke's (Stopford A.) Theology in the English Poets, 493 + + Brown's (Dr. John) Rab and His Friends, etc., 116 + + Browne's (Frances) Grannie's Wonderful Chair, 112 + + Browne's (Sir Thos.) Religio Medici, etc., 92 + + Browning's Poems, 1833-1844, 41 + " " 1844-1864, 42 + " The Ring and the Book, 502 + + Buchanan's Life and Adventures of Audubon, 601 + + Bulfinch's The Age of Fable, 472 + " Legends of Charlemagne, 556 + + Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, 204 + + Burke's American Speeches and Letters, 340 + " Reflections on the French Revolution, etc., 460 + + Burnet's History of His Own Times, 85 + + Burney's Evelina, 352 + + Burns' Poems and Songs, 94 + + Burrell's Volume of Heroic Verse, 574 + + Burton's East Africa, 500 + + Butler's Analogy of Religion, 90 + + Buxton's Memoirs, 773 + + Byron's Complete Poetical and Dramatic Works, 486-488 + + + Cæsar's Gallic War, etc., 702 + + Canton's Child's Book of Saints, 61 + + Canton's Invisible Playmate, etc., 566 + + Carlyle's French Revolution, 31, 32 + " Letters, etc., of Cromwell, 266-268 + " Sartor Resartus, 278 + " Past and Present, 608 + " Essays, 703, 704 + + Castiglione's The Courtier, 807 + + Cellini's Autobiography, 51 + + Cervantes' Don Quixote, 385, 386 + + Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, 307 + + Chrétien de Troyes' Eric and Enid, 698 + + Cibber's Apology for his Life, 668 + + Cicero's Select Letters and Orations, 345 + + Clarke's Tales from Chaucer, 537 + " Shakespeare's Heroines, 109-111 + + Cobbett's Rural Rides, 638, 639 + + Coleridge's Biographia, 11 + " Golden Book, 43 + " Lectures on Shakespeare, 162 + + Collins' Woman in White, 464 + + Collodi's Pinocchio, 538 + + Converse's Long Will, 328 + + Cook's Voyages, 99 + + Cooper's The Deerslayer, 77 + " The Pathfinder, 78 + " Last of the Mohicans, 79 + " The Pioneer, 171 + " The Prairie, 172 + + Cousin's Biographical Dictionary of English Literature, 449 + + Cowper's Letters, 774 + + Cox's Tales of Ancient Greece, 721 + + Craik's Manual of English Literature, 346 + + Craik (Mrs.). _See_ Mulock. + + Creasy's Fifteen Decisive Battles, 300 + + Crèvecœur's Letters from an American Farmer, 640 + + Curtis's Prue and I, and Lotus, 418 + + Curtis and Robinson's Fairy Tales from the Arabian Nights, 249 + + + Dana's Two Years Before the Mast, 588 + + Dante's Divine Comedy, 308 + + Darwin's Origin of Species, 811 + + Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle, 104 + + Dasent's The Story of Burnt Njal, 558 + + Daudet's Tartarin of Tarascon, 423 + + Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, 59 + " Captain Singleton, 74 + " Memoirs of a Cavalier, 283 + " Journal of Plague, 289 + + De Joinville's Memoirs of the Crusades, 333 + + Demosthenes' Select Orations, 546 + + Dennis' Cities and Cemeteries of Etruria, 183, 184 + + De Quincey's Lake Poets, 163 + " Opium-Eater, 223 + " English Mail Coach, etc., 609 + + De Retz (Cardinal), Memoirs of, 735, 736 + + Descartes' Discourse on Method, 570 + + Dickens' Barnaby Rudge, 76 + " Tale of Two Cities, 102 + " Old Curiosity Shop, 173 + " Oliver Twist, 233 + " Great Expectations, 234 + " Pickwick Papers, 235 + " Bleak House, 236 + " Sketches by Boz, 237 + " Nicholas Nickleby, 238 + " Christmas Books, 239 + " Dombey & Son, 240 + " Martin Chuzzlewit, 241 + " David Copperfield, 242 + " American Notes, 290 + " Child's History of England, 291 + " Hard Times, 292 + " Little Dorrit, 293 + " Our Mutual Friend, 294 + " Christmas Stories, 414 + " Uncommercial Traveller, 536 + " Edwin Drood, 725 + " Reprinted Pieces, 744 + + Disraeli's Coningsby, 535 + + Dixon's Fairy Tales from Arabian Nights, 249 + + Dodge's Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates, 620 + + Dostoieffsky's Crime and Punishment, 501 + " The House of the Dead, or Prison Life in Siberia, 533 + " Letters from the Underworld, etc., 654 + " The Idiot, 682 + " Poor Folk, and the Gambler, 711 + " The Brothers Karamazov, 802, 803 + + Dowden's Life of R. Browning, 701 + + Dryden's Dramatic Essays, 568 + + Dufferin's Letters from High Latitudes, 499 + + Dumas' The Three Musketeers, 81 + " The Black Tulip, 174 + " Twenty Years After, 175 + " Marguerite de Valois, 326 + " The Count of Monte Cristo, 393, 394 + " The Forty-Five, 420 + " Chicot the Jester, 421 + " Vicomte de Bragelonne, 593-595 + + Dumas' Le Chevalier de Maison Rouge, 614 + + Duruy's History of France, 737, 738 + + + Edgar's Cressy and Poictiers, 17 + " Runnymede and Lincoln Fair, 320 + " Heroes of England, 471 + + Edgeworth's Castle Rackrent, etc., 410 + + Edwardes and Spence's Dictionary of Non-Classical Mythology, 632 + + Eliot's Adam Bede, 27 + " Silas Marner, 121 + " Romola, 231 + " Mill on the Floss, 325 + " Felix Holt, 353 + " Scenes of Clerical Life, 468 + + Elizabethan Drama (Minor), 491, 492 + + Elyot's Gouernour, 227 + + Emerson's Essays, 12 + " Representative Men, 279 + " Nature, Conduct of Life, etc., 322 + " Society and Solitude, etc., 567 + " Poems, 715 + + Epictetus' Moral Discourses, etc., 404 + + Erckmann-Chatrian's The Conscript and Waterloo, 354 + " Story of a Peasant, 706, 707 + + Euripides' Plays, 63, 271 + + Evans' Holy Graal, 445 + + Evelyn's Diary, 220, 221 + + Everyman, and Other Interludes, 381 + + Ewing's (Mrs.) Mrs. Overtheway's Remembrances, and other Stories, 730 + " Jackanapes, Daddy Darwin's Dovecot, and The Story of a + Short Life, 731 + + + Faraday's Experimental Researches in Electricity, 576 + + Fielding's Tom Jones, 355, 356 + " Joseph Andrews, 467 + + Finlay's Byzantine Empire, 33 + " Greece under the Romans, 185 + + Flaubert's Madame Bovary, 808 + + Fletcher's (Beaumont and) Select Plays, 506 + + Ford's Gatherings from Spain, 152 + + Forster's Life of Dickens, 781, 782 + + Fox's Journal, 754 + + Fox's Selected Speeches, 759 + + Francis' (Saint), The Little Flowers, etc., 485 + + Franklin's Journey to Polar Sea, 447 + + Freeman's Old English History for Children, 540 + + Froissart's Chronicles, 57 + + Froude's Short Studies, 13, 705 + " Henry VIII., 372-374 + " Edward VI., 375 + " Mary Tudor, 477 + " History of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, 583-587 + " Life of Benjamin Disraeli, Lord Beaconsfield, 666 + + + Gait's Annals of the Parish, 427 + + Galton's Inquiries into Human Faculty, 263 + + Gaskell's Cranford, 83 + " Charlotte Bronte, 318 + " Sylvia's Lovers, 524 + " Mary Barton, 598 + " Cousin Phillis, etc., 615 + " North and South, 680 + + Gatty's Parables from Nature, 158 + + Geoffrey of Monmouth's Histories of the Kings of Britain, 577 + + George's Progress and Poverty, 560 + + Gibbon's Roman Empire, 434-436, 474-476 + " Autobiography, 511 + + Gilfillan's Literary Portraits, 348 + + Giraldus Cambrensis, 272 + + Gleig's Life of Wellington, 341 + " The Subaltern, 708 + + Goethe's Faust (Parts I. and II.), 335 + " Wilhelm Meister, 599, 600 + + Gogol's Dead Souls, 726 + " Taras Bulba, 740 + + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield, 295 + " Poems and Plays, 415 + + Gorki's Through Russia, 741 + + Gotthelf's Ulric the Farm Servant, 228 + + Gray's Poems and Letters, 628 + + Green's Short History of the English People, 727, 728. The cloth + edition is in 2 vols. or 1 vol. All other editions are in 1 vol. + + Grettir Saga, 699 + + Grimms' Fairy Tales, 56 + + Grote's History of Greece, 186-197 + + Guest's (Lady) Mabinogion, 97 + + + Hahnemann's The Organon of the Rational Art of Healing, 663 + + Hakluyt's Voyages, 264, 265, 313, 314, 338, 339, 388, 389 + + Hallam's Constitutional History, 621-623 + + Hamilton's The Federalist, 519 + + Harte's Luck of Roaring Camp, 681 + + Harvey's Circulation of Blood, 262 + + Hawthorne's Wonder Book, 5 + " The Scarlet Letter, 122 + " House of Seven Gables, 176 + " The Marble Faun, 424 + " Twice Told Tales, 531 + " Blithedale Romance, 592 + + Hazlitt's Shakespeare's Characters, 65 + " Table Talk, 321 + " Lectures, 411 + " Spirit of the Age and Lectures on English Poets, 459 + + Hebbel's Plays, 694 + + Heimskringla, 717 + + Helps' (Sir Arthur) Life of Columbus, 332 + + Herbert's Temple, 309 + + Herodotus (Rawlinson's), 405, 406 + + Herrick's Hesperides, 310 + + Hobbes' Leviathan, 691 + + Holinshed's Chronicle, 800 + + Holmes' Life of Mozart, 564 + + Holmes' (O. W.) Autocrat, 66 + " Professor, 67 + " Poet, 68 + + Homer's Iliad, 453 + " Odyssey, 454 + + Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, 201, 202 + + Horace's Complete Poetical Works, 515 + + Houghton's Life and Letters of Keats, 801 + + Hughes' Tom Brown's Schooldays, 58 + + Hugo's (Victor) Les Misérables, 363, 364 + " Notre Dame, 422 + " Toilers of the Sea, 509 + + Hume's Treatise of Human Nature, etc., 548, 549 + + Hutchinson's (Col.) Memoirs, 317 + + Hutchinson's (W. M. L.) Muses' Pageant, 581, 606, 671 + + Huxley's Man's Place in Nature, 47 + " Select Lectures and Lay Sermons, 498 + + + Ibsen's The Doll's House, etc., 494 + " Ghosts, etc., 552 + " Pretenders, Pillars of Society, etc., 659 + " Brand, 716 + " Lady Inger, etc., 729 + " Peer Gynt, 747 + + Ingelow's Mopsa the Fairy, 619 + + Ingram's Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 624 + + Irving's Sketch Book, 117 + " Conquest of Granada, 478 + " Life of Mahomet, 513 + + + James' (G. P. R.) Richelieu, 357 + + James (Wm.), Selections from, 739 + + Johnson's (Dr.) Lives of the Poets, 770-771 + + Johnson's (R. B.) Book of English Ballads, 572 + + Jonson's (Ben) Plays, 489, 490 + + Josephus' Wars of the Jews, 712 + + + Kalidasa's Shakuntala, 629 + + Keats' Poems, 101 + + Keble's Christian Year, 690 + + King's Life of Mazzini, 562 + + Kinglake's Eothen, 337 + + Kingsley's (Chas.) Westward Ho!, 20 + " Heroes, 113 + " Hypatia, 230 + " Water Babies and Glaucus, 277 + " Hereward the Wake, 296 + " Alton Locke, 462 + " Yeast, 611 + " Madam How and Lady Why, 777 + " Poems, 793 + + Kingsley's (Henry) Ravenshoe, 28 + " Geoffrey Hamlyn, 416 + + Kingston's Peter the Whaler, 6 + " Three Midshipmen, 7 + + Kirby's Kalevala, 259-60 + + Koran, 380 + + + Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare, 8 + " Essays of Elia, 14 + " Letters, 342, 343 + + Lane's Modern Egyptians, 315 + + Langland's Piers Plowman, 571 + + Latimer's Sermons, 40 + + Law's Serious Call, 91 + + Layamon's (Wace and) Arthurian Chronicles, 578 + + Lear (and others), A Book of Nonsense, 806 + + Le Sage's Gil Blas, 437, 438 + + Leslie's Memoirs of John Constable, 563 + + Lever's Harry Lorrequer, 177 + + Lewes' Life of Goethe, 269 + + Lincoln's Speeches, etc., 206 + + Livy's History of Rome, 603, 669, 670, 749, 755, 756 + + Locke's Civil Government, 751 + + Lockhart's Life of Napoleon, 3 + " Life of Scott, 55 + " Burns, 156 + + Longfellow's Poems, 382 + + Lönnrott's Kalevala, 259, 260 + + Lover's Handy Andy, 178 + + Lowell's Among My Books, 607 + + Lucretius: Of the Nature of Things, 750 + + Lützow's History of Bohemia, 432 + + Lyell's Antiquity of Man, 700 + + Lytton's Harold, 15 + " Last of the Barons, 18 + " Last Days of Pompeii, 80 + " Pilgrims of the Rhine, 390 + " Rienzi, 532 + + + Macaulay's England, 34-36 + " Essays, 225, 226 + " Speeches on Politics, etc., 399 + " Miscellaneous Essays, 439 + + MacDonald's Sir Gibbie, 678 + " Phantastes, 732 + + Machiavelli's Prince, 280 + " Florence, 376 + + Maine's Ancient Law, 734 + + Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, 45, 46 + + Malthus on the Principles of Population, 692, 693 + + Mandeville's Travels, 812 + + Manning's Sir Thomas More, 19 + " Mary Powell, and Deborah's Diary, 324 + + Marcus Aurelius' Golden Book, 9 + + Marlowe's Plays and Poems, 383 + + Marryat's Mr. Midshipman Easy, 82 + " Little Savage, 159 + " Masterman Ready, 160 + " Peter Simple, 232 + " Children of New Forest, 247 + " Percival Keene, 358 + " Settlers in Canada, 370 + " King's Own, 580 + + Marryat's Jacob Faithful, 618 + + Martineau's Feats on the Fjords, 429 + + Martinengo-Cesaresco's Folk-Lore and Other Essays, 673 + + Mason's French Mediaeval Romances, 557 + + Maurice's Kingdom of Christ, 146, 147 + + Mazzini's Duties of Man, etc., 224 + + Melville's Moby Dick, 179 + " Typee, 180 + " Omoo, 297 + + Merivale's History of Rome, 433 + + Mignet's French Revolution, 713 + + Mill's Utilitarianism, Liberty, Representative Government, 482 + + Miller's Old Red Sandstone, 103 + + Milman's History of the Jews, 377, 378 + + Milton's Areopagitica and other Prose Works, 795 + + Milton's Poems, 384 + + Mommsen's History of Rome, 542-545 + + Montagu's (Lady) Letters, 69 + + Montaigne, Florio's, 440-442 + + More's Utopia, and Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation, 461 + + Morier's Hajji Baba, 679 + + Morris' (Wm.) Early Romances, 261 + " Life and Death of Jason, 575 + + Motley's Dutch Republic, 86-88 + + Mulock's John Halifax, 123 + + + Neale's Fall of Constantinople, 655 + + Newcastle's (Margaret, Duchess of) Life of the First Duke of Newcastle, + etc., 722 + + Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua, 636 + " On the Scope and Nature of University Education, and a Paper + on Christianity and Scientific Investigation, 723 + + + Oliphant's Salem Chapel, 244 + + Osborne (Dorothy), Letters of, 674 + + Owen's A New View of Society, etc., 799 + + + Paine's Rights of Man, 718 + + Palgrave's Golden Treasury, 96 + + Paltock's Peter Wilkins, 676 + + Park (Mungo), Travels of, 205 + + Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac, 302, 303 + + Parry's Letters of Dorothy Osborne, 674 + + Paston Letters, 752, 753 + + Paton's Two Morte D'Arthur Romances, 634 + + Peacock's Headlong Hall, 327 + + Penn's The Peace of Europe, Some Fruits of Solitude, etc., 724 + + Pepys' Diary, 53, 54 + + Percy's Reliques, 148, 149 + + Pitt's Orations, 145 + + Plato's Republic, 64 + " Dialogues, 456, 457 + + Plutarch's Lives, 407-409 + " Moralia, 565 + + Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination, 336 + + Poe's Poems and Essays, 791 + + Polo's (Marco) Travels, 306 + + Pope's Complete Poetical Works, 760 + + Prescott's Conquest of Peru, 301 + " Conquest of Mexico, 397, 398 + + Procter's Legends and Lyrics, 150 + + + Ramayana and Mahabharata, 403 + + Rawlinson's Herodotus, 405, 406 + + Reade's The Cloister and the Hearth, 29 + " Peg Woffington, 299 + + Reid's (Mayne) Boy Hunters of the Mississippi, 582 + " The Boy Slaves, 797 + + Renan's Life of Jesus, 805 + + Restoration Plays, 604 + + Reynolds' Discourses, 118 + + Rhys' Fairy Gold, 157 + " New Golden Treasury, 695 + " Anthology of British Historical Speeches and Orations, 714 + " Political Liberty, 745 + " Golden Treasury of Longer Poems, 746 + " Prelude to Poetry, 789 + " Mother Goose, 473 + + Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, 590 + + Richardson's Pamela, 683, 684 + + Roberts' (Morley) Western Avernus, 762 + + Robertson's Religion and Life, 37 + " Christian Doctrine, 38 + " Bible Subjects, 39 + + Robinson's (Wade) Sermons, 637 + + Roget's Thesaurus, 630, 631 + + Rossetti's (D. G.) Poems, 627 + + Rousseau's Emile, 518 + " Social Contract and Other Essays, 660 + + Ruskin's Seven Lamps of Architecture, 207 + " Modern Painters, 208-212 + " Stones of Venice, 213-215 + " Unto this Last, etc., 216 + " Elements of Drawing, etc., 217 + " Pre-Raphaelitism, etc., 218 + " Sesame and Lilies, 219 + " Ethics of the Dust, 282 + " Crown of Wild Olive, and Cestus of Aglaia, 323 + " Time and Tide, with other Essays, 450 + " The Two Boyhoods, 688 + + Russell's Life of Gladstone, 661 + + Russian Short Stories, 758 + + + Sand's (George) The Devil's Pool, and François the Waif, 534 + + Scheffel's Ekkehard: A Tale of the 10th Century, 529 + + Scott's (M.) Tom Cringle's Log, 710 + + Scott's (Sir W.) Ivanhoe, 16 + " Fortunes of Nigel, 71 + " Woodstock, 72 + " Waverley, 75 + " The Abbot, 124 + " Anne of Geierstein, 125 + " The Antiquary, 126 + " Highland Widow, and Betrothed, 127 + " Black Dwarf, Legend of Montrose, 128 + " Bride of Lammermoor, 129 + " Castle Dangerous, Surgeon's Daughter, 130 + " Robert of Paris, 131 + " Fair Maid of Perth, 132 + " Guy Mannering, 133 + " Heart of Midlothian, 134 + " Kenilworth, 135 + " The Monastery, 136 + " Old Mortality, 137 + " Peveril of the Peak, 138 + " The Pirate, 139 + " Quentin Durward, 140, + " Redgauntlet, 141 + " Rob Roy, 142 + " St. Ronan's Well, 143 + " The Talisman, 144 + " Lives of the Novelists, 331 + " Poems and Plays, 550, 551 + + Seebohm's Oxford Reformers, 665 + + Seeley's Ecce Homo, 305 + + Sewell's (Anna) Black Beauty, 748 + + Shakespeare's Comedies, 153 + " Histories, etc., 154 + " Tragedies, 155 + + Shelley's Poetical Works, 257, 258 + + Shelley's (Mrs.) Frankenstein, 616 + + Sheppard's Charles Auchester, 505 + + Sheridan's Plays, 95 + + Sismondi's Italian Republics, 250 + + Smeaton's Life of Shakespeare, 514 + + Smith's Wealth of Nations, 412, 413 + + Smith's (George) Life of Wm. Carey, 395 + + Smith's (Sir Wm.) Smaller Classical Dictionary, 495 + + Smollett's Roderick Random, 790 + + Sophocles, Young's, 114 + + Southey's Life of Nelson, 52 + + Speke's Source of the Nile, 50 + + Spence's Dictionary of Non-Classical Mythology, 632 + + Spencer's (Herbert) Essays on Education, 504 + + Spenser's Faerie Queene, 443, 444 + + Spinoza's Ethics, etc., 481 + + Spyri's Heidi, 431 + + Stanley's Memorials of Canterbury, 89 + " Eastern Church, 251 + + Steele's The Spectator, 164-167 + + Sterne's Tristram Shandy, 617 + + Sterne's Sentimental Journey and Journal to Eliza, 796 + + Stevenson's Treasure Island and Kidnapped, 763 + " Master of Ballantrae and The Black Arrow, 764 + " Virginibus Puerisque and Familiar Studies of Men and + Books, 765 + " An Inland Voyage, Travels with a Donkey, and Silverado + Squatters, 766 + " Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Merry Men, etc., 767 + " Poems, 768 + " In the South Seas and Island Nights' Entertainments, 769 + + St. Francis, The Little Flowers of, etc., 485 + + Stopford Brooke's Theology in the English Poets, 493 + + Stow's Survey of London, 589 + + Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, 371 + + Strickland's Queen Elizabeth, 100 + + Swedenborg's Heaven and Hell, 379 + " Divine Love and Wisdom, 635 + " Divine Providence, 658 + + Swift's Gulliver's Travels, 60 + " Journal to Stella, 757 + " Tale of a Tub, etc., 347 + + Swiss Family Robinson, 430 + + + Tacitus' Annals, 273 + " Agricola and Germania,274 + + Taylor's Words and Places, 517 + + Tennyson's Poems, 44, 626 + + Thackeray's Esmond, 73 + " Vanity Fair, 298 + " Christmas Books, 359 + " Pendennis, 425, 426 + " Newcomes, 465, 466 + " The Virginians, 507, 508 + " English Humorists, and The Four Georges, 610 + " Roundabout Papers, 687 + + Thierry's Norman Conquest, 198, 199 + + Thoreau's Walden, 281 + + Thucydides' Peloponnesian War, 455 + + Tolstoy's Master and Man, and Other Parables and Tales, 469 + " War and Peace, 525-527 + " Childhood, Boyhood and Youth, 591 + " Anna Karenina, 612, 613 + + Trench's On the Study of Words and English Past and Present, 788 + + Trollope's Barchester Towers, 30 + " Framley Parsonage, 181 + " Golden Lion of Granpere, 701 + " The Warden, 182 + " Dr. Thorne, 360 + " Small House at Allington, 361 + " Last Chronicles of Barset, 391, 392 + + Trotter's The Bayard of India, 396 + " Hodson, of Hodson's Horse, 401 + " Warren Hastings, 452 + + Turgeniev's Virgin Soil, 528 + " Liza, 677 + " Fathers and Sons, 742 + + Tyndall's Glaciers of the Alps, 98 + + Tytler's Principles of Translation, 168 + + + Vasari's Lives of the Painters, 784-7 + + Verne's (Jules) Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, 319 + " Dropped from the Clouds, 367 + " Abandoned, 368 + " The Secret of the Island, 369 + " Five Weeks in a Balloon and Around the World in Eighty + Days, 779 + + Virgil's Æneid, 161 + " Eclogues and Georgics, 222 + + Voltaire's Life of Charles XII., 270 + " Age of Louis XIV., 780 + + + Wace and Layamon's Arthurian Chronicles, 578 + + Walpole's Letters, 775 + + Walton's Compleat Angler, 70 + + Waterton's Wanderings in South America, 772 + + Wesley's Journal, 105-108 + + White's Selborne, 48 + + Whitman's Leaves of Grass (I.) and Democratic Vistas, etc., 573 + + Whyte-Melville's Gladiators, 523 + + Wood's (Mrs. Henry) The Channings, 84 + + Woolman's Journal, etc., 402 + + Wordsworth's Shorter Poems, 203 + " Longer Poems, 311 + + Wright's An Encyclopædia of Gardening, 555 + + + Xenophon's Cyropædia, 672 + + + Yellow Book, 503 + + Yonge's The Dove in the Eagle's Nest, 329 + " The Book of Golden Deeds, 330 + " The Heir of Redclyffe, 362 + " The Little Duke, 470 + " The Lances of Lynwood, 579 + + Young's (Arthur) Travels in France and Italy, 720 + + Young's (Sir George) Sophocles, 114 + + + A Century of Essays. An Anthology, 653 + + A Dictionary of Dates, 554 + + A Dictionary of Quotations and Proverbs, 809-810 + + An Anthology of English Prose: From Bede to Stevenson, 675 + + Ancient Hebrew Literature, 4 vols., 253-256 + + Annals of Fairyland, 365, 366, 541 + + Atlas of Classical Geography, 451 + + English Short Stories. An Anthology, 743 + + Everyman's English Dictionary, 776 + + Literary and Historical Atlases: Europe, 496; America, 553; Asia, 633; + Africa and Australasia, 662 + + The New Testament, 93 + + 1st and 2nd Prayer Books of King Edward VI., 448 + + * * * * * + + NOTE--The following numbers are at present out of print: + 110, 111, 146, 228, 244, 275, 390, 418, 597 + + LONDON: J. M. DENT & SONS LTD. + NEW YORK: E. P. DUTTON & CO. + + + + +{Transcriber's note: + +The spelling and hyphenation in the original are inconsistent, and have +not been changed. A few obvious typographical errors have been corrected, +as listed below. + +Book III, line 447. "My frend's own son" no change made. + +Book IV, line 454. "thou must be ideot born" no change made. + +Book VII, line 294. "Saidst not" no change made. + +Book IX, Argument. "binds him while he sleeps" changed to "blinds him +while he sleeps". + +Book IX, line 428, footnote. "It is certian" changed to "It is certain". + +Book XV, line 276. Footnote marker missing from original. + +Book XVII, line 378. "in one moment thou shouldst" no change made. + +Book XVII, line 508. "(whencesoe'er they came" closing bracket added. + +Book XVII, line 616. "thou shouldst hear" no change made. + +Book XIX, line 317. "(with these hands" closing bracket added. + +Book XXI, line 468. "and re-entring fill'd" no change made. + +Book XXIII, line 209. "with his own bands" changed to "with his own +hands". + +Book XXIV, line 629. "his smouldring bolt" no change made. + +Note II. "ἀβληχρός" changed to "ἀβληχρὸς". + +} + + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER *** + + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part +of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project +Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ +concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, +and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following +the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use +of the Project Gutenberg trademark. 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