Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/266

 

BOOK XVII.

 

ARGUMENT.

On the following day Telemachus goes to the city, and gives an account of his voyage to Penelope: Theoclymenus, whom he introduces, foretells the speedy return of Ulysses, whom Eumæus conducts to the city, and takes to the palace, where he is recognised by his old dog Argus, who dies at his feet. Ulysses then goes amongst the suitors, by whom he is treated with insolence: Penelope hearing of him, as a stranger, from Eumæus, sends for him; but he declines to go to her until the evening, when the suitors have left the palace. Eumæus then returns to the country.

But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, then Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, bound beautiful sandals under his feet: and he took a strong spear which fitted his hands, setting out towards the city, and he addressed his swineherd:

"Father, I am going to the city, that my mother may see me (for I do not think that she will cease from hateful mourning and tearful grief before she beholds me myself): but thus I charge thee, bring the unhappy stranger to the city, that he may there beg a meal; but whoever chooses will give him a meal-cake and a small measure^[1] [of drink]; but it is not possible for me to support all men, having griefs in my mind. But if the stranger is very wroth, it will be sadder for him; for the truth is dear to me to speak."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "O my friend, I myself indeed do not wish to be detained; it is better for a beggar to beg a meal in a city, than in the country; for whoever chooses will give to me. For I am no longer of such an age to remain at the stalls, so as to obey a master who commands me in every thing. But go; this man, whom thou desirest, will lead me to the city immediately, at least when I am warmed with the fire, and there is heat from the sun; (for these garments which I have are very sad ones;) lest the morning frost should overcome me; and ye say the city is far off."

Thus he spoke: but Telemachus went through the abode, swiftly stepping forward with his feet: and he brooded evils for the suitors. But when he reached the well-built dwelling,

1. See Liddell's Lexicon.