before they are fledged;[1] so they indeed shed a lamentable tear under their eyelids. And now, to them weeping, the light of the sun would have set, had not Telemachus quickly addressed his father:
"In what ship, my dear father, did sailors bring thee hither to Ithaca? whom do they boast to be? for I do not at all think that thou camest here on foot."
But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "Therefore I will tell thee the truth, my child: the ship-renowned Phæacians brought me, who also escort other men, whoever comes to them. And bringing me asleep in a swift ship over the sea, they placed me in Ithaca; and they gave to me splendid gifts, brass, and gold in abundance, and woven garments. And they lie in caves by the will of the gods. But I am now come hither, by the suggestion of Minerva, that we may consult about the slaughter of our enemies. But come, enumerate the suitors to me, detail them, that I may know both how many, and what men they are: then meditating in my blameless mind, I will consider, if indeed we shall be able to resist them alone without others, or must also seek for others."
But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "O father, indeed I have always heard of thy great glory, that thou wast a warrior as to thine hands and prudent in counsel. But thou hast spoken something very great, astonishment possesses me: it would not be possible, that two men should contend with many and strong men. There are truly not ten suitors, nor twice ten only, but many more: and you will now soon know the number. From Dulichium indeed there are two and fifty chosen youths, and six servants follow them: and from Samos there are four and twenty men; and from Zacynthus there are twenty youths of the Grecians; and from Ithaca itself twelve, all most excellent: and with them there is the herald Medon, and the divine bard, and two servants, skilled in cooking. If we should meet with all these within, [I dread] lest coming thou wouldst bitterly and grievously[2] be revenged on their violence. But do thou, if thou
