diff --git "a/odysee.txt" "b/odysee.txt" deleted file mode 100644--- "a/odysee.txt" +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17273 +0,0 @@ -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 - -In a council of the Gods, Minerva calls their attention to Ulysses, still -a wanderer. They resolve to grant him a safe return to Ithaca. Minerva -descends to encourage Telemachus, and in the form of Mentes directs him -in what manner to proceed. Throughout this book the extravagance and -profligacy of the suitors are occasionally suggested. - - - Muse make the man thy theme, for shrewdness famed - And genius versatile, who far and wide - A Wand'rer, after Ilium overthrown, - Discover'd various cities, and the mind - And manners learn'd of men, in lands remote. - He num'rous woes on Ocean toss'd, endured, - Anxious to save himself, and to conduct - His followers to their home; yet all his care - Preserved them not; they perish'd self-destroy'd - By their own fault; infatuate! who devoured 10 - The oxen of the all-o'erseeing Sun, - And, punish'd for that crime, return'd no more. - Daughter divine of Jove, these things record, - As it may please thee, even in our ears. - The rest, all those who had perdition 'scaped - By war or on the Deep, dwelt now at home; - Him only, of his country and his wife - Alike desirous, in her hollow grots - Calypso, Goddess beautiful, detained - Wooing him to her arms. But when, at length, 20 - (Many a long year elapsed) the year arrived - Of his return (by the decree of heav'n) - To Ithaca, not even then had he, - Although surrounded by his people, reach'd - The period of his suff'rings and his toils. - Yet all the Gods, with pity moved, beheld - His woes, save Neptune; He alone with wrath - Unceasing and implacable pursued - Godlike Ulysses to his native shores. - But Neptune, now, the Æthiopians fought, 30 - (The Æthiopians, utmost of mankind, - These Eastward situate, those toward the West) - Call'd to an hecatomb of bulls and lambs. - There sitting, pleas'd he banqueted; the Gods - In Jove's abode, meantime, assembled all, - 'Midst whom the Sire of heav'n and earth began. - For he recall'd to mind Ægisthus slain - By Agamemnon's celebrated son - Orestes, and retracing in his thought - That dread event, the Immortals thus address'd. 40 - Alas! how prone are human-kind to blame - The Pow'rs of Heav'n! From us, they say, proceed - The ills which they endure, yet more than Fate - Herself inflicts, by their own crimes incur. - So now Ægisthus, by no force constrained - Of Destiny, Atrides' wedded wife - Took to himself, and him at his return - Slew, not unwarn'd of his own dreadful end - By us: for we commanded Hermes down - The watchful Argicide, who bade him fear 50 - Alike, to slay the King, or woo the Queen. - For that Atrides' son Orestes, soon - As grown mature, and eager to assume - His sway imperial, should avenge the deed. - So Hermes spake, but his advice moved not - Ægisthus, on whose head the whole arrear - Of vengeance heap'd, at last, hath therefore fall'n. - Whom answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. - Oh Jove, Saturnian Sire, o'er all supreme! - And well he merited the death he found; 60 - So perish all, who shall, like him, offend. - But with a bosom anguish-rent I view - Ulysses, hapless Chief! who from his friends - Remote, affliction hath long time endured - In yonder wood-land isle, the central boss - Of Ocean. That retreat a Goddess holds, - Daughter of sapient Atlas, who the abyss - Knows to its bottom, and the pillars high - Himself upbears which sep'rate earth from heav'n. - His daughter, there, the sorrowing Chief detains, 70 - And ever with smooth speech insidious seeks - To wean his heart from Ithaca; meantime - Ulysses, happy might he but behold - The smoke ascending from his native land, - Death covets. Canst thou not, Olympian Jove! - At last relent? Hath not Ulysses oft - With victims slain amid Achaia's fleet - Thee gratified, while yet at Troy he fought? - How hath he then so deep incensed thee, Jove? - To whom, the cloud-assembler God replied. 80 - What word hath pass'd thy lips, Daughter belov'd? - Can I forget Ulysses? Him forget - So noble, who in wisdom all mankind - Excels, and who hath sacrific'd so oft - To us whose dwelling is the boundless heav'n? - Earth-circling Neptune--He it is whose wrath - Pursues him ceaseless for the Cyclops' sake - Polypheme, strongest of the giant race, - Whom of his eye Ulysses hath deprived. - For Him, Thoösa bore, Nymph of the sea 90 - From Phorcys sprung, by Ocean's mighty pow'r - Impregnated in caverns of the Deep. - E'er since that day, the Shaker of the shores, - Although he slay him not, yet devious drives - Ulysses from his native isle afar. - Yet come--in full assembly his return - Contrive we now, both means and prosp'rous end; - So Neptune shall his wrath remit, whose pow'r - In contest with the force of all the Gods - Exerted single, can but strive in vain. 100 - To whom Minerva, Goddess azure-eyed. - Oh Jupiter! above all Kings enthroned! - If the Immortals ever-blest ordain - That wise Ulysses to his home return, - Dispatch we then Hermes the Argicide, - Our messenger, hence to Ogygia's isle, - Who shall inform Calypso, nymph divine, - Of this our fixt resolve, that to his home - Ulysses, toil-enduring Chief, repair. - Myself will hence to Ithaca, meantime, 110 - His son to animate, and with new force - Inspire, that (the Achaians all convened - In council,) he may, instant, bid depart - The suitors from his home, who, day by day, - His num'rous flocks and fatted herds consume. - And I will send him thence to Sparta forth, - And into sandy Pylus, there to hear - (If hear he may) some tidings of his Sire, - And to procure himself a glorious name. - This said, her golden sandals to her feet 120 - She bound, ambrosial, which o'er all the earth - And o'er the moist flood waft her fleet as air, - Then, seizing her strong spear pointed with brass, - In length and bulk, and weight a matchless beam, - With which the Jove-born Goddess levels ranks - Of Heroes, against whom her anger burns, - From the Olympian summit down she flew, - And on the threshold of Ulysses' hall - In Ithaca, and within his vestibule - Apparent stood; there, grasping her bright spear, 130 - Mentes[1] she seem'd, the hospitable Chief - Of Taphos' isle--she found the haughty throng - The suitors; they before the palace gate - With iv'ry cubes sported, on num'rous hides - Reclined of oxen which themselves had slain. - The heralds and the busy menials there - Minister'd to them; these their mantling cups - With water slaked; with bibulous sponges those - Made clean the tables, set the banquet on, - And portioned out to each his plenteous share. 140 - Long ere the rest Telemachus himself - Mark'd her, for sad amid them all he sat, - Pourtraying in deep thought contemplative - His noble Sire, and questioning if yet - Perchance the Hero might return to chase - From all his palace that imperious herd, - To his own honour lord of his own home. - Amid them musing thus, sudden he saw - The Goddess, and sprang forth, for he abhorr'd - To see a guest's admittance long delay'd; 150 - Approaching eager, her right hand he seized, - The brazen spear took from her, and in words - With welcome wing'd Minerva thus address'd. - Stranger, all hail! to share our cordial love - Thou com'st; the banquet finish'd, thou shalt next - Inform me wherefore thou hast here arrived. - So saying, toward the spacious hall he moved, - Follow'd by Pallas, and, arriving soon - Beneath the lofty roof, placed her bright spear - Within a pillar's cavity, long time 160 - The armoury where many a spear had stood, - Bright weapons of his own illustrious Sire. - Then, leading her toward a footstool'd throne - Magnificent, which first he overspread - With linen, there he seated her, apart - From that rude throng, and for himself disposed - A throne of various colours at her side, - Lest, stunn'd with clamour of the lawless band, - The new-arrived should loth perchance to eat, - And that more free he might the stranger's ear 170 - With questions of his absent Sire address, - And now a maiden charg'd with golden ew'r, - And with an argent laver, pouring first - Pure water on their hands, supplied them, next, - With a resplendent table, which the chaste - Directress of the stores furnish'd with bread - And dainties, remnants of the last regale. - Then, in his turn, the sewer[2] with sav'ry meats, - Dish after dish, served them, of various kinds, - And golden cups beside the chargers placed, 180 - Which the attendant herald fill'd with wine. - Ere long, in rush'd the suitors, and the thrones - And couches occupied, on all whose hands - The heralds pour'd pure water; then the maids - Attended them with bread in baskets heap'd, - And eager they assail'd the ready feast. - At length, when neither thirst nor hunger more - They felt unsatisfied, to new delights - Their thoughts they turn'd, to song and sprightly dance, - Enlivening sequel of the banquet's joys. 190 - An herald, then, to Phemius' hand consign'd - His beauteous lyre; he through constraint regaled - The suitors with his song, and while the chords - He struck in prelude to his pleasant strains, - Telemachus his head inclining nigh - To Pallas' ear, lest others should his words - Witness, the blue-eyed Goddess thus bespake. - My inmate and my friend! far from my lips - Be ev'ry word that might displease thine ear! - The song--the harp,--what can they less than charm 200 - These wantons? who the bread unpurchased eat - Of one whose bones on yonder continent - Lie mould'ring, drench'd by all the show'rs of heaven, - Or roll at random in the billowy deep. - Ah! could they see him once to his own isle - Restored, both gold and raiment they would wish - Far less, and nimbleness of foot instead. - But He, alas! hath by a wretched fate, - Past question perish'd, and what news soe'er - We hear of his return, kindles no hope 210 - In us, convinced that he returns no more. - But answer undissembling; tell me true; - Who art thou? whence? where stands thy city? where - Thy father's mansion? In what kind of ship - Cam'st thou? Why steer'd the mariners their course - To Ithaca, and of what land are they? - For that on foot thou found'st us not, is sure. - This also tell me, hast thou now arrived - New to our isle, or wast thou heretofore - My father's guest? Since many to our house 220 - Resorted in those happier days, for he - Drew pow'rful to himself the hearts of all. - Then Pallas thus, Goddess cærulean-eyed. - I will with all simplicity of truth - Thy questions satisfy. Behold in me - Mentes, the offspring of a Chief renown'd - In war, Anchialus; and I rule, myself, - An island race, the Taphians oar-expert. - With ship and mariners I now arrive, - Seeking a people of another tongue 230 - Athwart the gloomy flood, in quest of brass - For which I barter steel, ploughing the waves - To Temesa. My ship beneath the woods - Of Neïus, at yonder field that skirts - Your city, in the haven Rhethrus rides. - We are hereditary guests; our Sires - Were friends long since; as, when thou seest him next, - The Hero old Laertes will avouch, - Of whom, I learn, that he frequents no more - The city now, but in sequester'd scenes 240 - Dwells sorrowful, and by an antient dame - With food and drink supplied oft as he feels - Refreshment needful to him, while he creeps - Between the rows of his luxuriant vines. - But I have come drawn hither by report, - Which spake thy Sire arrived, though still it seems - The adverse Gods his homeward course retard. - For not yet breathless lies the noble Chief, - But in some island of the boundless flood - Resides a prisoner, by barbarous force 250 - Of some rude race detained reluctant there. - And I will now foreshow thee what the Gods - Teach me, and what, though neither augur skill'd - Nor prophet, I yet trust shall come to pass. - He shall not, henceforth, live an exile long - From his own shores, no, not although in bands - Of iron held, but will ere long contrive - His own return; for in expedients, framed - With wond'rous ingenuity, he abounds. - But tell me true; art thou, in stature such, 260 - Son of himself Ulysses? for thy face - And eyes bright-sparkling, strongly indicate - Ulysses in thee. Frequent have we both - Conversed together thus, thy Sire and I, - Ere yet he went to Troy, the mark to which - 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 - 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 ἐλεύσ��ται. - -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. 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