The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 16

by Homer

 

BOOK XVI.

 

ARGUMENT.

Telemachus, having been kindly received by Eumæus, converses with his father, without recognising him, and sends Eumæus to the city, to bear the news of his return to Penelope. Minerva in the mean time restores Ulysses to his former appearance, and he makes himself known to his son. The suitors, who had lain in ambush for Telemachus, return to Ithaca, and meditate fresh plots, for which Antinous is rebuked by Penelope. Eumæus returns at night to Telemachus and Ulysses.

They in the mean time, Ulysses and the divine swineherd, were preparing their meal in the lodge together with the dawn, having lit a fire, and they sent out the herdsmen with the field-pasturing swine. But the barking dogs fawned about Telemachus, nor did they bark at him as he approached: but divine Ulysses perceived the dogs fawning, and the sound of feet came about him: and he quickly addressed to Eumæus winged words:

"O Eumæus, certainly some companion of thine will come hither, or some one else, who is known: since the dogs do not bark, but fawn around him: and I hear somewhat the noise of feet."

Scarcely had he finished speaking, when his dear son stood in the portico: and the swineherd rushed up astonished; and the vessels, with which he was busied, mixing the dark wine, fell from his hands. And he came to meet the king; and he kissed his^[1] head, and both his beautiful eyes, and both his hands: and the warm tear fell from him. And as a father being kindly disposed embraces his son, when he comes from a foreign land in the tenth year, his only one, born to him in his old age,^[2] for whom he has toiled through many griefs; so then the divine swineherd clinging to godlike Telemachus, kissed him all over, as having escaped from death: and then lamenting he spoke winged words:

"Thou art come, O Telemachus, my sweet light; I said that I should not behold thee again, when thou wentest in a ship to Pylos: but come now, my dear child, enter, that I may be delighted in my mind, beholding thee within, who art lately come from elsewhere: for thou dost not frequently come to the country, or the herdsmen, but thou dwellest among the people; for so it pleased thy mind, to be a witness of the destructive^[3] crowd of suitors."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Thus shall it be, my friend; but I come hither on account of thee, that I may behold thee with mine eyes, and may hear thy account whether my mother still remains in the palace, or whether some other man has now wedded her; and the bed of Ulysses through lack of furniture lies some where possessing foul cobwebs."^[4]

But him the swineherd, chief of men, addressed in turn: "She by all means remains in thy palace, with a patient mind: and by her weeping all her wretched nights and days waste away."^[5]

Thus having spoken, he received his brazen spear; and he went within, and passed over the stone threshold. And to him approaching his father Ulysses gave way from his seat: but Telemachus on the other side forbade him, and said: "Sit down, O stranger; and we shall find a seat elsewhere in our stall; and the man is near who will place it [for me]."

Thus he spoke; but he going immediately sat down: and the swineherd spread green twigs under for him, and a fleece above; there then the dear son of Ulysses sat down. And near them the swineherd placed dishes of roasted flesh, which they eating had left on the day before: and he hastily heaped up bread in baskets, and mixed sweet wine in an ivy cup: and himself sat opposite divine Ulysses. And they stretched forth their hands to the food lying ready before them. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then Telemachus addressed the divine swineherd:

"My friend, whence has this stranger come? how did sailors bring him to Ithaca? whom did they boast to be? for I do not at all think that he came hither on foot."

But him thou didst thus address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "Therefore I will tell thee all things truly, child. He boasts his race [to be] from wide Crete, and he says that wandering he has been tossed about to many cities of mortals; for so for him the deity destined these things. He has now at length come to my stall, having escaped from a ship of the Thesprotians: but I will give him in charge to thee: do as thou desirest; he professes himself to be thy suppliant."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "O Eumæus, truly thou hast spoken this word very grievous to my mind: for how shall I receive the stranger in my house? I myself am young, and I do not yet trust in my hands to ward off a man, when any one is first wroth with me; and my mother's mind is meditating in doubt in her breast, whether she should remain here with me, and should take care of the house, reverencing the bed of her husband, and the voice of the people, or should now accompany him of the Grecians, whatever most excellent man woos her in the palace, and offers her most [gifts]. But as to the stranger, since he has come to thy house, I will put on him a cloak and tunic, beautiful garments; and I will give to him a double-edged sword, and sandals for his feet, and I will send him wherever his heart and mind commands him. But if thou desirest it, take care of him, detaining him in thy stalls: and I will send hither garments, and all his food to eat, that he may not waste away thee and thy companions. But I will not suffer him to go there amongst the suitors; for they possess too infatuate insolence, lest they scoff at him, and there will be grievous sorrow for me. But it is difficult for one man to do any thing amongst many, although [he be] mighty; since they are much superior."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "O my friend, since indeed it is lawful for me to answer, ye much gall my heart, in truth, when I hear what shameful things you say the suitors devise in the palace, against the will of thee who art such a one. Tell me, whether thou art willingly subdued, or do the people, following the voice of a deity, hate thee publicly: or dost thou find any fault with [the conduct of] brothers,^[6] in whom, fighting, a man is wont to trust, even if a mighty contest should arise. For would that I were so young in this mind, or the son of blameless Ulysses, or even himself [should come wandering, for there is still some chance of hope], immediately then another man might cut off my head, if I became not an evil to all of them, having come to the palace of Ulysses, the son of Laertes. But if on the contrary they should with numbers overcome me who am alone, I should wish to die slain in mine own palace, rather than always behold these unseemly deeds, strangers harshly insulted,^[7] and [men] dragging women servants in an unseemly way through the beautiful house: and wine drawn off, and [the suitors] eating bread uselessly, to no purpose, without an end, for a work that will never be accomplished."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "Therefore, O stranger, I will tell thee very truly; neither are all the people wroth with me, hating me, nor do I find fault with brothers, in whom fighting a man is wont to trust, even if a mighty conquest should arise. For thus has the son of Saturn made our race single; Arcesius begot an only son, Laertes, his father again begot Ulysses alone; but Ulysses having begotten me alone, left me in the palace, nor did he have any joy from me: therefore there are numberless enemies in our house. For as many chieftains as rule over the islands, Dulichium, and Samos, and woody Zacynthus, and as many as rule over rugged Ithaca, so many woo my mother, and waste our household. But she does not refuse the hateful marriage, nor can she bring it to a conclusion: but they waste away my property, consuming it; and they will soon destroy me also myself. But however these things lie at the knees of the gods. O father, do thou go quickly, tell to prudent Penelope, that I am safe, and have come from Pylos. But I will remain here: and do thou return hither, having told it to her alone; let not any one of the other Grecians hear it: for many devise evils against me."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "I know it; I perceive it; thou speakest to one who understands. But come, tell me this, and relate it truly, shall I go a messenger on this same journey to unhappy Laertes, who hitherto greatly grieving for Ulysses, used to oversee the works, and drank and eat with the servants in the house, when the mind in his breast commanded him: but now, since thou hast gone in a ship to Pylos, they say that he no longer eats and drinks any thing, nor looks over the works, but he sits lamenting in groaning and sorrow, and his flesh wastes away around his bones."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "It is rather sad; but however we will leave him although sorrowing. For if all things were by any means to be chosen by mortals themselves, first indeed I should choose the return of my father. But do thou, when thou hast told thy news, come back, nor do thou wander in the country after him: but tell my mother to hasten the handmaiden, her housekeeper, as quickly as possible, secretly: for she could inform the old man."

He spoke, and urged on the swineherd: but he took sandals in his hands; and having bound them under his feet he went to the city; nor did the swineherd Eumæus, going from the stall, escape the notice of Minerva: but she came near him, and in her person she was likened unto a woman fair and large, ands killed in renowned works of weaving. And she stood at the entrance of the lodge, appearing to Ulysses; nor did Telemachus behold or perceive her; (for the gods do not by any means appear manifest to all;) but Ulysses and the dogs saw her; and they did not bark, but with a yelping they fled to the other side through the stall. But she nodded with her eye-brows, and divine Ulysses perceived her; and he came out of the house, outside the great wall of the hall, and he stood before her; and him Minerva [thus] addressed:

"O Jove-born son of Laertes, much-contriving Ulysses, now tell it to thy son, nor conceal it, that having planned death and Fate for the suitors, thou mayest go to the all-illustrious city: nor will I myself be a long time away from thee, for I am longing to fight."

She spoke, and Minerva struck him with a golden rod: first she placed a well-washed robe and tunic about his breast; and she increased his person and youth. And he again became dark-coloured, and his cheeks were lengthened out; and dark hairs sprang up about his chin. She indeed having done thus, went away again; but Ulysses went to the lodge; and his dear son was astonished at him. And fearing he turned his eyes elsewhere, lest it should be a god; and addressing him, he spoke winged words:

"To me, O stranger, thou appearest just now a different man from what thou wast before, thou hast other garments, and thy complexion is no longer the same. Thou art certainly some god, [of those] who possess the wide heaven. But be propitious, that to thee we may offer grateful sacrifices, and wrought golden presents: and spare us."

But him much-enduring Ulysses immediately answered: "I am no god: why likenest thou me to the immortals? but I am thy father, for whose sake, thou mourning, dost suffer many griefs, having endured the violence of men."

Thus having spoken, he kissed his son, and from his cheeks he dropped a tear on the ground; but before he had restrained himself without ceasing. But Telemachus, (for he by no means believed that it was his father,) immediately answering in words addressed him:

"Thou art not my father Ulysses; but a deity cheats me, that still more lamenting I may mourn: for a mortal man could not have contrived these things by his own mind, except when a god himself coming upon him should easily, if he wished, make him young or old: for thou lately wast certainly old, and wast clothed in unseemly guise, but now thou art like unto the gods, who possess the wide heaven."

But him much-contriving Ulysses addressed in answer: "O Telemachus, it is not right that thou shouldst beyond measure marvel and be astonished at thy dear father being within. For no other Ulysses will any more come here. But I, who am such, having suffered ills, and wandered much, have come in the twentieth year to my paternal land. But this is the work of the huntress Minerva, who made me such a one, as she wishes;—for she has the power—at one time like unto a beggar, at another again like unto a young man, and to one that has beautiful garments around his body. But it is easy for the gods, who possess the wide heaven, both to exalt and to debase a mortal man."

Thus having spoken, he sat down; but Telemachus, throwing himself round his excellent father, wept, shedding a tear. And upon both of them a desire of mourning arose, and they wept shrilly, more violently^[8] than eagles, or crooked-taloned vultures, from whom countrymen have taken their young, before they are fledged;^[9] 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^[10] be revenged on their violence. But do thou, if thou canst think of any assistant, mention him; whoever would aid us with a ready mind."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "Therefore I will tell thee; and do thou attend, and listen to me, and consider, if Minerva, with father Jove, will suffice for us, or shall I think of some other assistant?"

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "These twain whom thou mentionest are excellent assistants, although sitting on high in the clouds; they also rule over other men, and the immortal gods."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "They twain indeed will not be a long time absent from the severe contest, when the strength of Mars is determined in my palace between the suitors and us. But do thou go home, with the dawning morn, and associate with the perfidious suitors: but the swineherd shall afterwards take me to the city, like unto a sordid beggar and aged man. And if they shall dishonour me in the house, let thy dear heart endure it in thy breast, when I am ill treated, although they should drag me through the house by my feet, or should strike at me with weapons: but do thou looking on restrain thyself; but, however, desire them to cease from their foolishness, speaking to them with mild words; but they will not obey thee; for their fatal day now stands near them. [And^[11] I tell thee something else, but do thou lay it up in thy mind; when much-counselling Minerva shall put it in my mind, I will nod to thee with my head; do thou then, when thou perceivest it, take as many warlike arms as lie in the palace, and place them in the recess of the lofty chamber; but deceive the suitors with mild words, when desiring them they inquire of you, [saying,] 'I have placed them out of the smoke; since they are no longer like unto those, which Ulysses left, departing for Troy, but they are soiled, as far as the vapour of the fire has reached them. But this also of still greater consequence the son of Saturn has put in my mind, lest by chance intoxicated, having raised a quarrel amongst you, ye should wound one another, and disgrace the feast, and the wooing; for the steel of itself draws on a man.'^[12] But for us alone leave two swords and two spears, and two shields of bulls' hides to take in our hands: that rushing upon them we may seize them; but then Pallas Minerva and provident Jove will soften them.'^[13]] But I tell thee something else, and do thou lay it up in thy mind; if thou art truly mine and from my blood, let no one hear of Ulysses as being within, let not Laertes know this, nor the swineherd, nor any one of the servants, nor Penelope herself: but thou and I alone may learn the disposition of the women; and we may besides try the menservants, both who honours us and fears us in his mind, and who disregards us, and dishonours thee who art such."

But him his glorious son in answer addressed: "O father, truly I think thou wilt know my mind even hereafter; for laxity of mind does not by any means possess me; but I do not think this will be a profit to either of us; and I exhort thee to consider. For thus thou wilt sit for a long time trying each, going over the works; but they quiet in the palace are consuming thy possessions with violence, nor is there any sparing. But, however, I exhort thee to find out the women, both who dishonour thee, and who are innocent; but I should not wish that we should try the men at their abodes, but to manage these things afterwards, if at least thou art surely acquainted with some sign from Ægis-bearing Jove."

Thus they spoke to one another. But in the mean while the well-built ship, which brought Telemachus and all his companions from Pylos, was drawn up to Ithaca: but when they now came within the very deep haven, they drew the black ship upon the shore, and the noble-minded servants took away their arms; and they immediately carried the beautiful presents to Clytius' [house]. And they sent a herald forward to the house of Ulysses, to tell the news to prudent Penelope, that Telemachus was in the country, but had commanded the ship to sail to the city: that the noble queen, fearing in her mind, might not shed a tender tear. And the herald and the divine swineherd met together, on account of the same message, to tell it to the lady. But when they reached the house of the divine king, the herald said in the middle of the handmaidens: "Now indeed, O queen, thy dear son is arrived."

But the swineherd, standing near Penelope, told all the things, whatever her dear son had commanded him to relate. And after he had told all his commission, he then went to go to the swine, and he left the enclosures and the palace. But the suitors were vexed and astounded in their mind: and they come out of the palace, outside the great wall of the hall, and there they sat before the doors: but Eurymachus, son of Polybus, began to harangue them:

"O friends, a daring deed has in truth been performed with mighty boldness by Telemachus, this voyage [forsooth]; but we said it would not be accomplished. But come, we will draw out a black ship, whichever is the best; and will collect together fishermen for rowers, who with all haste may bid them return home quickly."

Scarcely had all been said, when Amphinomus, turning from his place,^[14] beheld the ship within the very deep haven, and [the crew] furling the sails, and holding the oars in their hands. And laughing pleasantly, he addressed his companions:

"We need not any more urge on any message; for they are within; either some one of the gods has told this to them, or they have themselves seen the ship passing, but could not reach it."

Thus he spoke; but they rising up, went to the shore of the sea. And they immediately drew the black ship on the shore, and the noble-minded servants took away their arms. But they went together to the assembly, nor did they suffer any one of the others, either young or old, to sit with them: but Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed them:

"Alas! how have the gods freed this man from evil. During the days, spies in continual succession sat on the windy promontories; and with the setting sun we never slept on shore during the night, but sailing with our swift ship in the sea, we waited for the divine Morn, lying in ambush for Telemachus, that having taken, we might destroy him: but in the mean while the deity has brought him home. But let us here devise mournful destruction for Telemachus; nor let him escape us; for I do not think that, while he is alive, at least, these things will be accomplished.^[15] For he is himself knowing in counsel and in thought; nor do the people any longer at all bring agreeable things to us. But come, before he collects the Greeks together to a meeting; (for I do not think that he will leave off, but he will be wrath with us, and rising up, he will tell amongst all, that we planned violent death for him, and did not reach him. But they, hearing [our] evil deeds, will not approve;) for fear they should do evil, and drive us out of our own land, and we should come to another people. But let us anticipate him, destroying [him] in the country at a distance from the city, or on the way: and let us ourselves have his property and possessions, dividing them amongst us by shares, and afterwards we may give the house to his mother to possess, and to whomsoever weds her. But if this advice displeases you, and you wish both that he should live, and possess all his ancestral property, then let not us, here assembled, consume his mind-delighting property to excess; but let each out of the palace woo her, seeking her with dowries: and she then may marry whoever gives her most [gifts], and comes destined [for her husband]."

Thus he spoke, but they all became mute in silence. And Amphinomus harangued and addressed them, the illustrious son of Nisus, son of king Aretias, who led the suitors from wheat-abounding, grassy Dulichium; and he especially pleased Penelope by his words; for he possessed an excellent mind. Who being well-disposed, harangued and addressed them:

"O friends, I indeed should not wish to slay Telemachus: it is a terrible thing to slay one of royal race: but first let us ask the counsel of the gods; and if the oracles of mighty Jove advise it, I myself will slay him, and will encourage all the rest; but if the gods turn us away from it, I exhort you to cease."

Thus spoke Amphinomus; and his discourse pleased them: immediately then rising up, they went to the house of Ulysses, and when they came they sat down upon polished thrones. But prudent Penelope thought of something new, to appear to the suitors who possess extravagant insolence; for she heard in the palace of the [threatened] destruction of her son; for the herald Medon, who heard their counsels, told her. And she went to the palace, with her women attendants: but when the divine one of women had come to the suitors, she then stood near the pillar of the firmly-made roof, holding up a slender veil before her cheeks; and she chided Antinous, and spoke and addressed him by name:

"O Antinous, thou who possessest insolence, thou contriver of evil, they say indeed that thou art the most excellent amongst those of thine age in the people of Ithaca in counsel and in words: but thou indeed art not such a one. Frantic one, why dost thou devise death and fate for Telemachus, nor revere suppliants, for whom Jove is a witness? it is not holy to devise evils against one another. Dost thou not know, when thy father came hither a fugitive, dreading the people? for they were very wroth, because following Taphian pirates he injured the Thesprotians; and they were our friends; they wished to destroy him, and to tear in pieces his dear heart, and to consume his large strength-yielding livelihood: but Ulysses hindered and kept them off, although anxious. His house thou now consumest in dishonour, and wooest his wife, and slayest his son, and dost greatly afflict me. But I charge thee to cease, and to exhort the others [to do so]."

But her Eurymachus, son of Polybus, answered in turn: "O daughter of Icarus, prudent Penelope, be confident, let not these things be a care to thee in thy mind. There is not that man, nor will there be, nor can there be born, who shall lay his hands on thy son Telemachus, at least whilst I am alive, and behold [the light] upon the earth. For thus I tell thee, and it shall indeed be performed, his black blood shall quickly flow around my spear; since city-destroying Ulysses often having seated me on his knees, put roasted flesh in my hands, and gave me ruby wine. Therefore to me Telemachus is far dearest of all men; nor do I advise him at all to fear death from the suitors; but from the gods it is not possible to avoid it."

Thus he spoke, cheering [her], but he himself prepared destruction for him. She ascending to the splendid^[16] upper rooms, wept then for her beloved husband Ulysses; until blue-eyed Minerva shed sweet sleep over her eye-brows. And in the evening the divine swineherd came to Ulysses and his son: and they were preparing supper skilfully,^[17] having slain a pigling porker of one year old: but Minerva, standing near Ulysses, son of Laertes, having smote him with a rod, again made him an old man: and she put sad garments about his body; that the swineherd might not know him, beholding him opposite, and come telling the news to prudent Penelope, nor keep it in his mind. And to him Telemachus first addressed discourse:

"Thou art come, divine Eumæus; what is now the report through the city? are the haughty suitors now from their ambush? or do they still wait for me as I return home?"

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "It was not a care to me to inquire and ask these things, as I was going through the city; but my mind urged me, having given my message, to return hither again as quickly as possible. But a swift messenger, a herald from thy companions, met with me, who first told the thing to thy mother. But this I know, for I beheld it with mine eyes; I was just now going beyond the city, where is the Hermæan hill,^[18] when I beheld a swift ship coming down to our port; and there were many men in it; and it was heavy with shields and double-edged spears; and I thought that it was they; yet I know not [for certain]."

Thus he spoke, but the sacred might of Telemachus smiled, looking upon his father with his eyes; but he avoided the swineherd. But when they had ceased from toil, and had got ready a feast, they feasted; nor was their mind at all in want of an equal banquet. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then they were mindful of the couch, and enjoyed the gift of sleep.

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1. Observe the force of ὑπὸ.
2. And thence, "tenderly beloved." Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 512.
3. On ἀΐδηλος see Buttm. Lexil. p. 51, sqq.
4. Cf. Propert. iii. 6, 33, "Patris et in vacuo texetur aranea lecto." In interpreting ἐνευναίων, I follow the second explanation of the Scholiast, τῶν περιβολαίων. So Pollux, x. 27, τὰ μὲν στρώματα καὶ ἐπιβλήματα—καὶ τὸ παρ' Ὁμήρῳ ἱμάτιον ἐνευναίον, and Hesych. v. χήτει ἐνευναίων.
5. Cf. Ovid, Ep. i. 7, "Non ego deserto jacuissem frigida lecto; Nec quererer tardos ire relicta dies: Nec mihi, quærenti spatiosam fallere noctem, Lassaret viduas pendula tela manus."
6. See Eustathius.
7. Hesych. στυφελιζομένους, σκληρῶς ὑβριζομένους.
8. See Buttm. Lexil. p. 32, 7. and p. 35, 5.
9. Cf. Æsch. Ag. 47. τρόπον αἰγυπιῶν, Οἵτ' ἐκπατίοις ἄλγεσι παίδων ὕπατοι λεχέων στροφοδινοῦνται, Πτερύγων ἐρετμοῖσιν ἐρεσσόμενοι, Δεμνιοτήρη πόνον ὀρταλίχων ὀλέσαντες.
10. i. e. to thy cost.
11. There is much doubt respecting this passage as far as vs. 298. See Clarke.
12. Clarke aptly compares Tacitus, Hist. i. 80, "et visa inter temulentos arma cupidinem sui movere." Cf. Duport, Gnom. Hom. p. 235.
13. i. e. make them cowards.
14. i. e. changing his position. See Ernesti.
15. The marriage of Penelope.
16. Σιγαλόεντα—οὐ τὰ σιγῶντα, ἀλλὰ τὰ ἐμποιοῦντα σιγὴν τῷ βλέποντι διὰ τὸ θαυμαστὰ εἶναι, says Eustathius. So also Hesych. λαμπρὰ ποικίλα. If this is true, we may compare the popular English phrase, "stunning," as applied to things in general.
17. See note on xiii. 52. Here I follow the second interpretation of Hesychius, ἐμπείρως.
18. A heap of stones in the road was so called. See the Scholiast.