Contents

Introduction

BookI

Invocationandpartsummary—councilofthegods—AthenevisitsTelemachosinIthakaandurgeshimtogoinsearchofhisfather—thesuitorsfeastinthehouseofTelemachos.

BookII

AssemblyonIthaka—Telemachospubliclyrequeststhesuitorstogohome—secretdepartureofTelemachosandAthene.

BookIII

AtheneandTelemachosarriveinPylos—entertainmentbyNestorandhisfamily—TelemachosandPeisistratosleaveforSparta.

BookIV

ArrivalatSparta—entertainmentbyMenelaosandHelen—thewanderingsofMenelaos—reportthatOdysseusisonKalypso'sisland—atIthakathesuitorslearnofTelemachos'departureandlayanambushforhim.

BookV

Councilofthegods—HermestellsKalypsotoletOdysseusgo—hesailsonaraftbutiswreckedbyPoseidon—heswimsashoreonScheria.

BookVI

OdysseusencountersNausikaa,theprincessofthePhaiakians,andisacceptedasaguest.

BookVII

ReceptionofOdysseusbyAlkinoösandArete.

BookVIII

OdysseusatthegamesofthePhaiakians—heisaskedtotellhisnameandhisstory.

BookIX

ThewanderingsofOdysseus—theraidontheKikonians—theLotus-Eaters—theadventurewithPolyphemostheCyclops.

BookX

ThewanderingsofOdysseus—Aiolosandthebagofwinds—OdysseusblownbacktoseaaftersightingIthaka—theadventurewiththeLaistrygones—Circe'sisland—thementransformedandrestored.

BookXI

ThewanderingsofOdysseus—voyagetothelandofthedead—interviews—Elpenor—Teiresias—Antikleia—theheroines—interludeinScheria—interviews—theheroes—returntoCirce.

BookXII

ThewanderingsofOdysseus—theSirens—SkyllaandCharybdis—thecattleofHelios—lossofthelastshipandallthecompanions—OdysseusrescuedbyKalypso—endofhisstorytothePhaiakians.

BookXIII

ReturnofOdysseustoIthaka—heislanded,alone—strangereturnofthePhaiakianship—AthenecomestoOdysseusandadviseshim.

BookXIV

OdysseusreceivedbyEumaios—hetellsEumaiosthe(false)storyofhislife.

BookXV

Telemachos,urgedbyAthene,leavesSparta—fromPylos,hesailsforhome—Odysseusstillwith

Eumaios—lifestoryofEumaios—TelemachoseludestheambushandreachesIthaka.

BookXVI

TelemachosvisitsEumaios—OdysseusrevealshimselftoTelemachos—PenelopeandthesuitorslearnthatTelemachoshasreturned—nightatthehouseofEumaios.

BookXVII

ReturnofTelemachostohishouse—Odysseus,disguisedasabeggar,goestothehousewithEumaios—Odysseusbegsfromthesuitors.

BookXVIII

FightbetweenOdysseusandIros—Penelopeappearsbrieflybeforethesuitors—afterdisorderlyincidentsthesuitorsgohome.

BookXIX

InterviewbynightbetweenOdysseusandPenelope—Odysseusalmostbetrayedbyhisscar—thestoryofthescar—planforthetestofthebow.

BookXX

Nextmorningalltheprincipalsgatherinthehouse.

BookXXI

Thetestofthebow—thesuitorsfail—Odysseussucceeds.

BookXXII

Thekillingofthesuitors—punishmentofthefaithlessmaidsandthrall.

BookXXIII

RecognitionofOdysseusbyPenelope—reunion—OdysseusgoestoLaertes'farm.

BookXXIV

TheheroesofTroylearnthestoryfromtheghostsofthesuitors—OdysseusrevealshimselftoLaertes—burialofthesuitorsbytheirrelatives,whoplanrevenge—finalcombatbetweenOdysseusandhispartyandtherelativesofthesuitors—peaceimposedbyAthene.

Glossary

AbouttheAuthor

Praise

Credits

Copyright

AboutthePublisher

INTRODUCTION

THEOUTLINEOFTHEODYSSEY

TheOdysseyaswehaveitisanepicofovertwelvethousandlines.Ithasbeendivided,liketheIliadandprobablyatthesametime,intotwenty-fourbooks.Booknumberandlinenumberarethestandardtermsofreference.

Thecontentscanbe,verybroadly,dividedasfollows:

TheTelemachyorAdventuresofTelemachos,i-ivTheHomecomingofOdysseus,v-viiiandxiii.1-187TheGreatWanderings,ix-xiiOdysseusonIthaka,xiii.187-xxiv.548.

WecanalsodistinguishaProem,Booki.1-10,andanEndoftheOdyssey,allofBookxxiv.Thisdivisionisforconvenience;itisarbitraryandnotwater-tight,butgivesustermstoworkwith.1

Ibeginbysummarizingthebarefactsofthestory.OdysseusspenttenyearsfightingatTroy,

andanothertenyearsgettinghome.Duringthistime,noneofhisfamilyknewwhathadhappenedtohim,andhelostallhisships,allhismen,andthespoilsfromTroy.Aftertenyears,orinthetenthyear,hewassetdowninhisowncountry,aloneandsecretly,thoughwithanewsetofpossessions,bythePhaiakiansofScheria,whowerethelastpeoplehevisitedonhiswanderings.

WhenhetookshipforTroy,Odysseusleftbehindhiswife,Penelope,andhisinfantson,Telemachos.Afewyearsbeforehisreturn,theyoungbachelorsofOdysseus’kingdom,Ithakaandthesurroundingislands,beganpayingcourttoPenelope(ii.89-90).Shewasaccomplishedandclever,stillbeautiful,anheiressandpresumablyawidow;butsheclungtothehopethatOdysseusmightcomeback,andheldthemoff,withouteversayingpositivelythatshewouldnevermarryagain.

ThesuitorsmadethemselvesathomeasuninvitedguestsinthepalaceofOdysseus.ShortlybeforethereturnofOdysseus,Telemachosvisitedthemainlandinsearchofnewsabouthisfather.HeheardfromMenelaosthatOdysseuswasalivebutdetainedwithoutmeansofreturnontheislandofKalypso(iv.555-560).TelemachosreturnedtoIthaka.Thesuitorssetanambush,meaningtomurderhim,butheeludedthemandreachedIthakajustafterhisfatherarrived.

ThevoyageofTelemachos,thearrivalofOdysseus,andtherecognitionandreunionoffatherandson,wereallsupervisedbyAthene.

Fatherandsonplottedthedestructionofthesuitors.Odysseusenteredhisownhouseunrecognized,mingledwiththesuitorsandtalkedwithPenelope.HeandTelemachoscontrivedto

catchthemunarmedandwiththehelpoftwoloyalservingmen(andofcourseAthene)theyslaughteredall108suitors.Penelopeknewnothingoftheplot;Odysseusrevealedhimselftoherafterthefightingwasover.TherelativesofthedeadsuitorsattackedtheheroesonthefarmofLaertes,fatherofOdysseus,andabattlebegan,butitwasendedbyZeusandAthene,whopatchedupahastyreconciliation.

THETELEMACHY

TheOdyssey,liketheIliad,beginsinthetenthyearofthestory'schiefaction,witheventsnearingtheirclimaxandfinalsolution.WebeginwithaveryrapidlocationofOdysseusinplace,time,andstageinhiscareer,butthen(viathecouncilsofthegodsconcerninghisimmediatefate)passtoTelemachos,withAthene'svisitwhichsendshimoffonhisjourney.ItisonlyafterTelemachoshasbegunhisvisitinSparta,andheardfromMenelaosthathisfatherisalive,andafterthesuitorshavesettheirtrap,thatwereturndirectlytoOdysseushimself.WethenfollowOdysseusfortherestoftheOdyssey.ThepoetnowtellsusofOdysseus'journeytoScheriaandhissojournthere;andhemakesOdysseushimselfrecounttothePhaiakianshispreviouswanderings(TheGreatWanderings).TheythenconveyhimtoIthaka,andwithhishomecomingthetaleofthewanderingsofOdysseusjoinsontothetaleofOdysseusonIthaka.

Thusintworespectsthenarrativeorderofthepoemdisagreeswiththechronologicalorderofthestory.TheearlyandchiefwanderingsofOdysseusaretoldbythrowbacknarrativetowardthemiddleofthepoem;andthewanderingsofTelemachoscomefirst.

Thejoinsortransitionsfromthemetothemearenoteworthy.AfterthepoethaslocatedOdysseusintimeandspace,thegodsconsiderthequestion.AtheneurgesthehomecomingofOdysseus.ZeusproclaimsthatAtheneshallhaveherway;Odysseusmaynowstartforhome.Atheneanswers(i.81-95)

SonofKronos,ourfather,Olordliestofthemighty,ifintruththisispleasingtotheblessedimmortals,thatOdysseusofthemanydesignsshallreturnhome,thenletusdispatchHermes,theguide,theslayerofArgos,totheislandofOgygia,sothatwithallspeedhemayannouncetothelovely-hairednymphourabsolutepurpose,thehomecomingofenduringOdysseus,thatheshallcomeback.ButIshallmakemywaytoIthaka,sothatImaystiruphissonalittle,andputsomeconfidenceinhimtosummonintoassemblytheflowing-hairedAchaians,andmakeastatementtoallthesuitors,whonowforeverslaughterhiscrowdingsheepandlumberinghorn-curvedcattle;andIwillconveyhimintoSpartaandtosandyPylostoaskafterhisdearfather'shomecoming,ifhecanhearsomething,andsothatamongpeoplehemaywinagoodreputation.

ThisexcellentlymotivatestheTelemachybutitdoesperforceleaveOdysseusstranded,andafterthemajorpartoftheTelemachy,attheopeningofBookv,thereturntoOdysseusshowsmorestrainthanthedeparturefromhimdid.AthenehasbeentoIthaka,andtoPyloswithTelemachos.SheleftthecourtofNestor,presumablyforOlympos(iii.371).Nowshehastostartalloveragain,almostasifthecaseofOdysseushadnevercomeup,tocomplainofhissorrows;butendswiththeperilsofTelemachos;andZeusseemstohavetoremindherthatsheherselfplannedeverythingthathasjustbeenhappening(v.23).Hermes,whohasbeenwaitingforthisforfourbooksandfivedays,canatlastgetoff(i.84;v.28)andthewanderingsofOdysseusmayberesumed.

TheobviousnessofthejoinsandthebulkofmaterialnotspecificallyrelatedtoOdysseusinBooksiii-iv,hisabsencefromBooksi-ii,havesuggestedthattheTelemachywasanindependentpoemwhichwas,atsomestage,incorporatedmoreorlesswholeintheOdyssey.2Thismaybetrue,andthereisnowaytoprovethatitisnottrue.Butitisalsopossiblethatthepoet(orpoets)3oftheOdyssey,intheforminwhichwehaveit,deliberatelydevelopedthisdiversion,nevermeaningtotakeupOdysseusuntilhehadfirstestablishedTelemachos;thathesomuchdesiredtodothisthathewaswillingtoacceptthenecessaryawkwardnessesofnarrativejoininginwhichitwouldinvolvehim.

Whyso?LetusconsidertheeffectsgainedforthetotalpoemfromhavingtheTelemachywithitspresentcontentsinitspresentplace.

OdysseusintheIliadwasagreatman,buthismagnitudeisincreasedbytheflatteringmentionsofhimbyNestor(iii.120-123),Menelaos(iv.333-346),andAtheneherself(i.255-256with265-266).Itisincreasedstillmorebytheevidentneedforhimfeltbyhisfamilyandfriends,conciselystatedbyAthene(i.253-254):“HowgreatyourneedisnowoftheabsentOdysseus,”andeverywhereapparent.

ThroughNestorandMenelaos,also,theOdysseyissecuredinitsplaceamongtheNostoi,4thehomecomingsoftheAchaians.ThegeneralcharacteroftheNostoiissuccinctlystatedbyNestor(iii.130-135)

ButafterwehadsackedthesheercitadelofPriam,andweregoingawayinourships,andthegodscatteredtheAchaians,thenZeusinhisminddevisedasorryhomecomingfortheArgives,sincenotallwereconsiderateandrighteous;thereforemanyofthemfoundabadwayhome,becauseoftheruinousangeroftheGray-eyedOne,whosefatherismighty.

Thesufferingsoftwogreatheroes,bylongwanderingawayfromhome(Menelaos)andbytreacheryanddisasteronarrival(Agamemnon),bothwellpointupthecaseofOdysseusintwoofitsdifferentaspects.ForanaudiencewellversedinthetaleofTroy,ortheIliad,interestisaddedinasecondviewingofsomeoldfavorites:Nestor,Helen,Menelaos,allverylikethemselvesintheIliad.WithoutplanningsomesuchexcursusastheTelemachy,thepoetcouldnothaveworkedtheminwithoutagreatdealmoreawkwardnessthanithas,infact,costhim.

AnotherpointgainedthroughtheTelemachyistheinstigationtomurder.ForOdysseusmustendbymurderingPenelope'ssuitors.So,itappears,thestorydemanded.

Further,thestorydemanded,orthepoetfirmlyintended,thatTelemachosshouldassisthisfatherinthisbusiness.Thesuitorsareabadlotandtheyhaveputthemselvesinthewrong,butwecannotassumethatHomer'saudiencewassoinuredtobloodshedthattheycouldtakethisaltogetherlightly(modernreadersmostlycannot).Inanycase,therearenumerouspassagesintheTelemachywhichlookasiftheymightbedesigned,whichdoinanycaseserve,toshoreuptheconsciencesoftheavengingheroesandoftheirsympathizersinthestoryorintheaudience.

AigisthosseducedAgamemnon'swifewhilehewasgoneatTroyandmurderedhimonhisreturn.Orestesmurderedhisfather'smurderer.ThecasemaynotseemquiteparalleltothesituationoftheOdyssey,butAgamemnon'sghostusedhisstoryasawarningagainstthewife's-suitordanger(xi.441-446;454-456);andwhenAthenetellsOdysseusaboutPenelopeandhersuitorsheimmediatelythinksofAgamemnon(xiii.383-385).Orestes'actseemstobetakenasaprecedentjustifyingmurderwhenitmeansputtingone'shouseinorder.ItismentionedwithapprovalbyZeus(i.35-43),andAthenespecificallyholdsupOrestesasanexampletoTelemachos(i.298-300).NestortellsTelemachosofOrestes'revenge,andimmediatelywarnsTelemachosnottostaytoolongawayfromhome—onceagain,asiftherewereaspecificconnection(iii.306-316).

ItisnotonlythroughherpraiseofOrestesthatAtheneshows,attheveryoutsetoftheOdyssey,thatshefavors,onemightevensayinsistson,theslaughterofthesuitors.ShedefinitelytellsTelemachostodoit(i.294-296).Andinorderthattheymaybethemoreguilty,shehasapparentlyputtheplotofambushingTelemachosintotheirminds,whileatthesametimemakingsurethatitmustfail(v.23-24).ThewholelateractionoftheOdysseyisapproved,authorized,encouragedbyAthene.

Sheiscarefullyestablishedinthisroleattheoutsetoftheepicaswehaveit.This,Ibelieve,isthechiefreasonwhywestartwiththeTelemachy.Hereshecanbecastasthefairygodmother,orguardianspirit.IfthepoethadbegunatthebeginningofthewanderingsofOdysseus,hecouldnothavecastherinthisrole,becausethetraditionwasthatatthistimeAthenewasangrywithalltheAchaians,includingevenOdysseus.So,forinstance,Phemiossangof(i.326-327)

theAchaians'bitterhomecomingfromTroy,whichPallasAthenehadinflicteduponthem.

Nestoragrees,addingthewrathofZeus(iii.130-135quotedabove).ThewrathofAthenedeservesspecialconsideration,andIshallreturntoitwhenIdiscussthe

wanderingsofOdysseus.HereitmaybesufficienttosaythatthepoethasestablishedthepositionofAthene,asguardianspiritofthefamily,bybeginningwiththeTelemachy.

Lastofall,andmostobviousofall,theTelemachygivesusTelemachos.OnceOdysseusisonthescene,ourattentionismainlyfixedonhim,buthisyounghelperquietlymaintainsthecharacterthathasbeenbuiltupforhim,withoutstrainorhurry,inthefirstfourbooks.

Ithink,then,thatitcanbesaid,asobjectivelyasispossibleinsuchcases,thattheOdysseygainsmuchfromitsTelemachy.Thecostisthedelayinbringingus,first-hand,toOdysseusand

hiswanderings.ButdidHomercountsuchdelayascost?IntheOdyssey,thepoetgivesusafewindicationsofhisviewsaboutstorytelling.Oneshould

notberepetitive,xii.450-453:

Whytelltherestofthisstoryagain,sinceyesterdayinyourhouseItoldittoyouandyourmajesticwife?Itishatefultometotellastoryoveragain,whenithasbeenwelltold.

AndwellhasOdysseus(Homer,thatis)toldhisstory.ThusAlkinoös,xi.366-368:

Youhaveagraceuponyourwords,andthereissoundsensewithinthem,andexpertly,asasingerwoulddo,youhavetoldthestory.

Itisstorytellingtheylike,andtheyarenotimpatient,xi.372-376:

Hereisanightthatisverylong,itisendless.Itisnottimeyettosleepinthepalace.Butgoontellingyourwonderfulstory.Imyselfcouldholdoutuntilthebrightdawn,ifonlyyoucouldbeartotellme,hereinthepalace,ofyoursufferings.

“Ifyoucouldonlyhearhim,”saysEumaiostoPenelope.“Ihadhimforthreenights,andheenchantedme”(xvii.512-521).

Delay,excursus,elaboration—whetherbycreativeexpansionorincorporationofby-material—ispartofthetechniqueoftheepic,asopposedtochronicle.IntheIliad,thewrathofAchilleusisnothastenedtoitsfulfillment;nor,intheOdyssey,thevengeanceofOdysseus.ConsiderthedaydreamofTelemachos,howhevisualizeshisfather'shomecoming,i.115-116:

imagininginhismindhisgreatfather,howhemightcomebackandallthroughoutthehousemightcausethesuitorstoscatter.

Allhehastodoisappear,armed,andthesuitorswillscatterinpanic.SotooAthene,i.255-256;265-266:

Iwishhecouldcomenowtostandintheouterdoorway

ofhishouse,wearingahelmetandcarryingshieldandtwospears….IwishthatsuchanOdysseuswouldcomenowamongthesuitors.Theyallwouldfinddeathwasquick,andmarriageapainfulmatter.5

Overtooquickly,atableau,notastory.Howdifferentistheactualreturnandslow-plottedslaying,directedbyAtheneherself.Delayingmatter,ifworthy,was,Ithink,welcome.

THEWANDERINGSOFODYSSEUS

Thewanderingsthemselvescanbeconsideredunderfourheadings,asfollows.

a. TheWanderingsaspartoftheNostoi,orgeneralhomecomingoftheAchaians.b. TheGreatWanderings,fromTroytoKalypso'sisle,recountedtothePhaiakians

byOdysseushimself,Booksix-xii.c. TheHomecoming,fromKalypso'sisletoIthaka,includingthestaywiththe

Phaiakians.Thisistoldbythepoetasnarrator,notbyOdysseus,andoccupiesBooksv-viii,andxiii.1-187,beinginterruptedbyOdysseus'accountoftheGreatWanderings.

d. ThelyingstoriestoldbyOdysseuswhenheisdisguisedasatramppretendingtobeafallennoble;togetherwithsomeinformationwhichOdysseusastrampclaimstohaveheardaboutthetrueOdysseus.

a.TheWanderingsofOdysseusareplacedamongthegeneralhomecomings,orNostoi(thesubjectofalaterepic)attheveryoutset,i.11-14:

Thenalltheothers,asmanyasfledsheerdestruction,wereathomenow,havingescapedtheseaandthefighting.Thisonealone,longingforhiswifeandhishomecoming,wasdetainedbythequeenlynymphKalypso,brightamonggoddesses.

Elsewhereinthefirstfourbookswehavescatteredallusionstothehomecomings.TheyaregenerallycharacterizedbyNestor'sspeech,iii.130-135:

ButafterwehadsackedthesheercitadelofPriam,andweregoingawayinourships,andthegodscatteredtheAchaians,thenZeusinhisminddevisedasorryhomecomingfortheArgives,sincenotallwereconsideratenorrighteous;thereforemanyofthemfoundabadwayhome,becauseoftheruinousangeroftheGray-eyedOne,whosefatherismighty.

WearetoldofthemurderofAgamemnon,thewreckanddrowningofAiasOïleus,thestormbatteringandwanderingsofMenelaos.Yetthereissometimesanoddnoteofinconsistency.NestorreportsthatheandDiomedescamehomewithoutmishap,andthathehasheardthatNeoptolemos,Philoktetes,andIdomeneusdidthesame.6ProteustellsMenelaosthatonlytwochiefsperishedinthehomecoming(iv.496-497).Thisdoesnotsquareverywellwiththe“sorryhomecoming”spokenofbyNestorandmentionedelsewhere,nordoesNestor'saccountofthedepartureofOdysseusagreewellwithOdysseus'ownaccount.7ItispossiblethattherewasanearlyvariantversionoftheNostoi.

b.andc.TheGreatWanderings,startingfromTroy,takeOdysseustotheKikonians,theLotus-Eaters,theCyclopes,Aiolos,theLaistrygones,Circe'sisle,theLandoftheDead,theSirens,SkyllaandCharybdis,Thrinakia,andKalypso'sisle.FromtheKikoniansheisdrivensouth,offthemap,andhislastcertainlyidentifiablelandmarkisKythera(ix.81).Afterthat,exceptforabriefsightofIthaka(x.28-55),hewandersamongmarvels,andthoughhisseasandlandfallshaveoftenbeenidentified,allishypotheticalandnothingissecure.

Throughtheseadventures,partlyperhapsbecauseOdysseusistellingtheminhisownperson,themajorgodsappearverylittle.Athenedoesnotappearatall.ResponsibilityforthetroubledwanderingsispinnedonPoseidonthroughtheprayerofPolyphemos,hisson,afterhisblinding(ix.528-536).

Here,aswehavenoted,theorderintheepicnarrativedoesnotfollowthechronologicalorder.Theinvocationandtheopeningscene,beforeleadingtotheTelemachy,establishesPoseidonasthepersecutorofOdysseus,i.68-79(Zeusspeaking):

ItistheearthencirclerPoseidonwho,everrelentless,nursesagrudgebecauseoftheCyclops,whoseeyeheblinded;forPolyphemoslikeagod,whosepowerisgreatestoveralltheCyclopes.Thoösa,anymph,washismother,andsheisdaughterofPhorkys,lordofthebarrensaltwater,whointhehollowsofthecaveshadlainwithPoseidon.ForhissakePoseidon,shakeroftheearth,althoughhedoesnotkillOdysseus,yetdriveshimbackfromthelandofhisfathers.Butcome,letallofuswhoarehereworkouthishomecoming,andseetoitthathereturns.Poseidonshallputawayhisanger;forallaloneandagainstthewilloftheotherimmortalgodsunitedhecanaccomplishnothing.

PoseidonisOdysseus'persecutor,justasAtheneisfirmlyestablishedashisprotector(i.48-62).TheTelemachyfollows,andthentheHomecoming,whichaswehaveseenstartswithAthene

takingupthecaseofOdysseus.ShehelpshimagainstPoseidon,whowreckshisraftandwhoproposestotakeafinalrevengeonthePhaiakiansforconveyinghimhome.Itlookslikecontrivance;atleast,theresultistomitigateanytraditionthatthesufferingsofOdysseusandtheotherAchaianswereduetothewrathofAthene.

Thehallmarkofthewanderings,fromTroytohome,isimaginativecombination.Exceptfortheverybeginning,knownplacesdonotfigure;nortraditionalcharacters,except

intheLandoftheDead.ThegodsofOlympos,Ihavesaid,arenotprominent.Rather,weseemuchofminordivinities,ill-attestedoutsideoftheOdysseyitself,suchasCirceandKalypso.WefindmonsterslikeSkyllaandCharybdis,andthedelightfulbutalmostequallymonstrousSirens.Wehavemortalswhoarealmostsuperhumaninonedimensionoranother.TheLotus-Eatersoffermagicfruit(ix.92-97).ThePhaiakianshavetheirmagicships(viii.555-563),theymayevenhaveautomatons(vii.91-94;100-102),8theirorchardsbearfruitforeverinseasonandout(vii.114-126),andthegods,wholivenearthem,visitthemopenlywithoutdisguise(vii.201-206).TheLaistrygoneshavesupernaturalstrengthandferocity(x.116-124),andthenormalseasonsdonotseemtoapplyintheircountry.

ConsideralsoAiolos.Helivesablissfullifeinabrazentowerwithhissixsonsmarriedtohissixdaughters(x.1-2)and,inflatcontradictiontoepictraditionelsewhere,he,amortal,hasbeenputbyZeusinchargeofallthewinds,whomhekeepstiedupinabag.

So,too,theCyclopesoftheOdysseyarequitedifferentfromtheCyclopesinHesiodandelsewhere.Elsewheretheyaregods;intheOdysseytheyaremortals.Elsewheretherearethreeofthem,andtheirnamesareBrontes,Steropes,andArges;intheOdysseytheyareapparentlynumerous,andoneofthemisnamedPolyphemos;thisPolyphemosisthesonofPoseidon,butelsewheretheCyclopesarethesonsofOuranosandGaia.Elsewheretheyaresmithsandbuilders,butintheOdysseytheyareherdsmen,oratleastPolyphemosis.Theirchiefandperhapssolesimilarityisthesingleeye,andthenameofCyclops.9

NowCyclops(Kyklops)meansnot“one-eyed”but“round-eyed.”ThusHesiod,notcontentwiththename,describesthemasbeingnotmerelyround-eyedbutone-eyed,Theogony142-145:

Theseinalltherestoftheirshapeweremadelikegods,buttheyhadonlyoneeyesetinthemiddleoftheirforeheads.Kyklopes,Wheel-eyed,wasthenamegiventhem,byreasonofthesinglewheel-shapedeyethatwassetintheirforeheads.

Homer,ontheotherhand,whiledescribingtheirnatureandwayoflife,nevertellsusthattheyareone-eyed,butseemsrathertoassumethatPolyphemosisone-eyed,orratherthatweknowheis.ThiscomesupwhenOdysseusproposestoblindhim,ix.331-333:

NextItoldtherestofthementocastlots,tofindoutwhichofthemmustendurewithmetotakeupthegreatbeamandspinitinCyclops'eyewhensweetsleephadcomeoverhim.

Theblindingscenewhichfollowsassumesthroughoutthatthereisonlyoneeyetodealwith.ThissuggeststomethatHomer“borrowed”thenameandthenotionofCyclopsforhisstory

andthatthenameCyclopsbynow“meant,”thatisimplied,aone-eyedgiant.Thestoryitselfmay

havebeenapreviousfolktale,sinceithasmanyanalogies;10oritmayhavebeenfreeinvention.Bethatasitmay,thestoryoftheblindingofPolyphemostheCyclopsaswehaveitbringsPoseidonintothestory.Hisprayertohisfather(ix.526-536)causesthetroubledwanderingsofOdysseus,asweweretoldatthestart(i.68-75)andelsewhere.ButOdysseusatthetimeoftheblindingwasalreadylostfromhome;hiswanderingswerebegunbeforetheywerecaused.

Theparadoxseemsmostplausiblyexplainedasacompromise.HomerknewandadmittedthewrathofAthene(andZeusandothergods)11whichcausedsufferingtotheAchaians,includingOdysseus.ButhealtersitasfarashecantoasituationwhereAthenemerelyacquiescesinthesufferingsofOdysseusoutofrespectforPoseidon,whosewrathisthusemphasized.

OnIthaka,OdysseusgentlycomplainstoAthenethat,whileheenjoyedherpatronageatTroyandamongthePhaiakians,hedidmisshercompanyinbetween,thatis,ontheGreatWanderings(xiii.314-323).Sheultimatelyanswersthis,xiii.339-343:

AndIneverdidhaveanydoubt,butinmyheartalwaysknewhowyouwouldcomehome,havinglostallofyourcompanions.But,yousee,Ididnotwanttofightwithmyfather'sbrother,Poseidon,whowasholdingagrudgeagainstyouinhisheart,andbecauseyoublindedhisdearson,hatedyou.

PerhapsthiswillstandasAthene'sofficialversion.d.InadditiontotheauthenticwanderingsofOdysseusrecountedbytheherohimselforby

thepoet,therearefivefalsestoriestoldbytheheroabouthimself.TheseareaddressedrespectivelytoAthene(xiii.256-286),Eumaios(xiv.191-359),thesuitors(xvii.419-444),Penelope(xix.165-202),andLaertes(xxiv.302-308).Allthestoriesserveasanswerstothestandardquestion,spokenorunspoken,raisedbythepresenceofastranger(especiallyonanisland):“Whoareyouandwheredoyoucomefrom?”Allthestoriesinvolveknownandidentifiableplaces.Theyaremeanttobeplausible,andthesupernaturalandthemarvelouselementsofthewanderingsfindnoplacehere.

Thelongestandfullestaccountisthesecond,giventoEumaios.HereOdysseusrepresentshimselfasaCretan,aveteranoftheTrojanWar,whosubsequentlyledadisastrousraidonEgypt,wassparedandbefriendedbytheEgyptianKing,survivedthewreckofaPhoenicianship,andcametoIthakabywayofThesprotia.Thefirst,third,andfourthaccountsvaryorrepeatthesethemes.AllthefirstfournecessarilyrepresentOdysseusasaformernoblemandownonhisluck.BythetimehetalkstoLaertes,however,hehasrecoveredhispropertyandstatus,andthestoryofthefallennobleisnolongernecessary.HeisfromAlybas,whereverthatmaybe,andhasarrivedfromSikania,presumablySicily.

ThestoryoftheraidonEgypthasattractedspecialattention.ItreadslikeanaccountofoneofthegreatraidsbythePeoplesoftheSea,attestedintheannalsofEgypt,buttoldherefromtheinvaders'pointofview.12ThiswouldtietheHomericpoemstohistory,andsuggestthatthetraditionoftroubledhomecomingsfortheAchaiansmighthaveoriginatedinactualturbulenceandwanderingsaftertheTrojanWar.

ThepresenceofthesestoriesinthefinalversionoftheOdysseycouldperhapsbeaccountedforbythepoet'sdesiretoexploitanddevelopthetalentsofhishero,givingcontenttothegeneralcomment,xix.203:

Heknewhowtosaymanyfalsethingsthatwereliketruesayings.

Butitisalsopossiblethatthelyingstories,takentogether,mightrepresentafragmentaryoutlineofanoriginalOdyssey,inwhichthewanderingswereconfinedtoknownplacesintheMediterranean:Crete,Cyprus,Egypt,Phoenicia,Thesprotia;andwhichthepresentOdysseyhasreplaced.Onecouldthusmakeuparoughandimperfectseriesofanalogies,suchas,forinstance:

RaidonEgyptGreatWanderingsEgyptiancounterattackLaistrygonesKingofEgyptCirceorKalypsoPhoenicianwreckWreckofOdysseus'lastshiporoftheraftThesprotiaScheria,thelandofthePhaiakians:

Nothinglikethiscan,ofcourse,bepressed,butthelyingstoriesinthemselvesemphasizetheelementofimaginationintheOdysseyaswehaveit.BycontrasttotheGreatWanderings,thelyingstorieslinkrathertotheNostoi.

THEWORLDOFTHEWANDERINGS

TheworldoftheWanderingshasoccasionedevenmorecontroversy.Briefly,therearetwoextremeviews.Ontheone,theplacesintheWanderings,suchasthelandoftheLotus-Eaters,Circe'sIsle,Scheria,andsoforth,representrealplacesintheMediterranean,orevenoutofit;oratleastsomeofthemdo.Ontheotherview,theyareimaginary.Boththeseviewsseemindeedtobeextreme,butitisdifficulttofindamiddleground.

Manyidentificationshavebeenmade,andthewholesubjectistoolargeandcomplicatedtotreatindetail.13Itmaybeusefultolookatafewfavoriteidentifications.TheLotus-EatersareregularlylocatedonthecoastofLibya(Africa),becauseofthesailinglog,thoughHomer,whoknowsofLibya,doesnotusethenamehere.ThereisastrongtraditionthatplacesPolyphemosandtheCyclopesinSicily.SkyllaandCharybdishaveoften,despitemanyobjections,beenlocatedintheStraitsofMessina.Korkyra(nowoftencalledCorfu)claimedtobeScheria,thelandofthePhaiakians.

Someofthesetraditionsareearly.Thucydides,writingattheendofthefifthcenturyB.C.,

referstolegendsaboutCyclopes,andalsoLaistrygones,inSicily,andtotheKorkyraians'prideintheancientseafameofthePhaiakians.14Also,thetraditionshavesurvived,orhavebeenresuscitated,andtothisdaynearAcirealetheSicilianswillshowyoutherocksPolyphemosthrewattheshipofOdysseus,15whileatCorfuyourguidewillpointoutthelittleislandwhichisthePhaiakianshipturnedtostone,andthebaywhereOdysseusencounteredNausikaa.16

Yetthereareseriousdifficulties.NothinginthetextoftheOdysseyindicatesthattheCyclopeslivedinSicilyor,infact,onanislandatall.PhaiakianScheriadoesseemtobeanisland,faroutintheseawithnolandnear.Corfuisanisland,butliessocloseoffthemainlandthatfromtheopensea,whenceOdysseusapproachedit,andevenfromsomeplacesonthelandwardside,itisimpossibletotellwherethemainlandendsandtheislandbegins,oreventhatCorfuisanislandatall.YetasOdysseusfirstseesit(v.281)

itlookedlikeashieldlyingonthemistyfaceofthewater.

Externalevidenceraisesstillgreaterdifficulties.TheOdysseysubstantiallyaswehaveitcouldnothavebeencompletedmuchbeforetheendoftheeighthcenturyB.C.ThetraditionalfoundationdatesformanyGreekcitiesintheWestareearlierthanthat.SicilianNaxosissaidtohavebeensettledin735B.C.,SyracuseandKorkyrain734,andhalfadozenothersbefore700;Kyme(Cumae),nearNaples,claimsevengreaterage.Thesedatesaregenerallyacceptedbymodernscholars,andthepotteryinsomeplacesevengoesbacktoMycenaeantimes.17Thus,bythetimeoftheOdyssey'scompletion,thewesternMediterraneanasfarasSicilywasnotonlywellexplored,butprettywellsettledwithGreekcolonies,coloniesalmostorquiteasHellenicastheirmothercitiesinoldGreece.HowcouldsuchaplacebelongsimultaneouslytotheknownworldandthewonderworldoftheWanderings?HowcouldKorkyrabebothitselfandScheria?Only,onemightsay,byembeddingfeaturesconceivedveryearlyintheprocessofaccumulation,andignoringlaterphases.

Thisdoesnotseemtobethenormalprocess.Homer'sIthakaisIthaka,notawonderland.SicilyasSikaniaismentionedasifitwerearealplace(xxiv.307);thelandoftheSikels(presumablySicilians)isasourceormarketforslaves,notCyclopesorothermonsters(xx.383;xxiv.211;365;389).MenelaosspeaksofLibyaamongotherfarbutrealplaces,iv.83-85:

IwanderedtoCyprusandPhoenicia,totheEgyptians,IreachedtheAithiopians,Eremboi,Sidonians,andLibya.

Theplaceispreternaturallyprosperous,butitkeepscompanywithCyprus,Phoenicia,Egypt,andEthiopia,notwiththeLotus-Eaters,andarelativelyworkadayPhoenicianshipwascarryingOdysseustheretobesoldasaslave(xiv.295-297).

ThosewhowouldfindtruepointsofreferenceforAiolos,thePhaiakians,Laistrygones,and

therestfrequentlyofferthesupportoftopographicaldetailfromtheHomerictext.Sometimesthisistoogeneralforidentification,butoftenitisplausible.ThelittleislandoffthelandoftheCyclopesisdescribedinthoughtfuldetail,asifseenbytheeyeofaprospectivesettler(ix.116-169);butwhereisit?ThelandoftheLaistrygonesisvividlypresented;wecanstillaskthesamequestion.Intheseandothercases,thedescriptionsmaywellbebasedonauthenticreportsfrommariners.

Buttheyalsomaybeputinthewrongplace.Thatis,tosayitanotherway,forthisisimportant,itispossibletocombinetopographicalaccuracywithgeographicalincoherence.

ThisseemsactuallytohavehappenedinthecaseofIthaka.Topographicaldetailsarescatteredthroughthepoem.ThescholarcanreviewtheseandhonestlysaythatHomerseemstoknowhisIthaka,andwhatitislike.18Onlyhedoesnotseemtoknowwhereitis.ListentoOdysseushimself,whooughttoknow,ix.21-26:

IamathomeinsunnyIthaka.Thereisamountaintherethatstandstall,leaf-tremblingNeritos,andthereareislandssettledaroundit,lyingoneveryclosetoanother.ThereisDoulichionandSame,woodedZakynthos,butmyislandlieslowandaway,lastofallonthewatertowardthedark,withtherestbelowfacingeastandsunshine.

ThissimplywillnotdoforIthaka(Thiaki),thoughthathasthelandmarks,foritliestuckedcloseinagainsttheeasternsideofthefarlargerKephallenia(Same?).Homer'sdescriptionwouldinfactbettersuitCorfu(Korkyra),whichalltheworldhasalreadyidentifiedwithPhaiakianScheria.

IamthusforcedbacktothebeliefthattheplacesoftheWanderingsarecombinations.Theyaremadebytheimagination.Theyareinpartsheerfancy;andsailors'storiescaninvolvemonstersandenchantedplaces,aswellasauthenticreport.Buttheyprobablycontainbitsandpiecesofsolidunassimilatedfact.ThelandsoftheWanderingsseemtostandonthesamefootingastheirinhabitants.Thesetooareofthisworldandstature,ratherthanthatofOlymposandtheOlympians.Yettheyarenotquiteofthisworldeither.Theyarepeopleendowedlikenopeopleweshallevermeet,andliveinplaceswherenoone,sinceOdysseus,willevergo.19AndthustheLandoftheDead,whereOdyssesusandhismen(sosoontodie)aretheonlylivingvisitors,takesitsnaturalplaceamongtheWanderings.Foritisdescribednotasanunderworldbutasafarshore,withlandmarksborrowed(perhaps)fromsomeorseveraltrueplacesintherealworld.

IftheOdysseyisaworkoftheimagination,then,wemustask,aretheWanderingssymbolicorallegorical?DotheyrepresentthestorynotofamanbutofMan?Manyhavethoughtso.20Ithinknot.ButtheWanderingsdolendthemselvestoamorality,foritiseasytoreadtheadventuresasaseriesoftrials.TheGreekauthorslikedtodramatizethetest(peira)bywhichapersonestablishedhisquality.Odysseuspassesoratleastsurvivesthetrialsbyterrorandforce:theKikonians,theCyclops,theLaistrygones,theconfrontationwiththeghosts,Skylla,Charybdis,Zeus'storm,Poseidon'sstorm.Andthereistrialbytemptation.HismenfaildisastrouslyagainstcuriosityandhungerwiththeBagofWindsandtheCattleoftheSun,butOdysseusendures,and

heenduresalsoagainstthetemptationstostaywithcomfortandbeautyandgiveupthehardvoyagehome:thecharmsoftheLotus-Eaters,Circe,theSirens,Kalypso,Nausikaa.

ButsymbolismandallegoryseemforeigntothebiologyofearlyGreekepic;itishardformetothinkthatthemoralpropositioncamefirst,withthestoryshapedtopresentit.EveninthecaseofCirceturningthementoswine,itisprobablymistakentoreadanythingmoremeaningfulthanafairy-taletransformation.ThereisplentyofmoralityintheOdyssey,butitiswhereitoughttobe,inextricablyimplicitinthestoryitself.Thisisabrilliantseriesofadventureslinkedandfusedbycharacter.Thetests(includingthetestsonIthaka)arepassedbytheexerciseofvirtues,viz.(inascendingorder)physicalcourageandstrength;ingenuitywherethesemightfail;restraint,patience,tact,andself-control;andthewillforhome.

ThesearethevirtuesnotofMan,butofaparticularvaliant,resourceful,much-enduringhero,establishedassuchintheIliad,anddevelopedinadevelopmentoftheNostoi,thesequeltotheIliad.

ODYSSEUSONITHAKA

Inthemiddleofaline,xiii.187,weleavethePhaiakiansforever,withoutevenlearningwhatfinallyhappenedtothem,andhenceforthweareconcernedalmostexclusivelywithOdysseusonIthaka.HewillnotattackthesuitorsuntilBookxxii,andhewillnotrevealhimselftoPenelopeuntilBookxxiii.ThusthelengthallottedtoOdysseusonIthakaisextraordinary.Nearlyninebooks,morethantwicethetextgiventotheGreatWanderings,aredevotedtothetimefromOdysseus'arrivaltohisdroppingofdisguiseandattackonthesuitors,andfornearlyninebooksverylittlehappens.

Wecanonlyguessatthepurposeofthisdrawing-out.Wemayobservesomeoftheeffects.Therevelationsandrecognitions,byTelemachos,EumaiosandPhiloitios,Penelope,Laertes,arestrungoutbitbybit.WeareteasedbytheabortiverecognitionsbyArgosandEurykleia,andbythetimeswhenthecarefulheronearlygiveshimselfandthegameaway(xviii.90-94;xx.28-30).ThereistheconstantthreatthatPenelopewill,attheverylastmoment,giveintothesuitors(xix.524-534;576-581;xxi.68-79).Therearisesthatspecialironywheretheaudienceorreader,inonthewholesecret,canwatchthevictimsbeinggulledbythehero,hismercilessguardingdivinity,andhisequallymercilessson.

Thestoryofnear-recognitionisbeautifullyplayedoutintheinterviewbetweentheheroandhiswife,wheresheconfidesinthestrangertowhomsheissodrawnthatshecanhardlylethimgo(xix.509).Hereandelsewhere,theleisurelycomposition,inwhichtalkisoverwhelminglypredominant,givesopportunitytoelaboratethecharacters.Theepithetsofthethreeleadingpersons—resourcefulOdysseus,thoughtfulTelemachos,andcircumspectPenelope—gaindepthandintensitythroughtheseslowbooks.Penelope,inparticular,isdonewithgreatsubtlety.Desperatelypressed,withnopowerbutherwits,charm,andheart,sheplaysawaitinggameandnevercommitsherself.

Theleadingsuitors,Antinoös,Eurymachos,andAmphinomos,alsogainsomedimension.Bothasagroupandasindividuals,inafewcases,thesuitorscouldhavebeenmuchsimplerthantheyare.Forthepoetseemsmostlytohaveseenthemoralissueasjustrightagainstwrong.21The

sinofthefaithlessmaidsandoftheonefaithlessthrallisdisloyalty.Thesinofthesuitorsisperhapsthis,too,buttheyalsoabusehospitality.ToHomer,perhapsbecausehewasawanderingpoet,thisvirtueisthematic,andagainandagainwearegivenobjectlessonsontherightdealingsbetweenhostandguest,throughtheconductofTelemachos,Nestorandhisfamily,MenelaosandareformedHelen,thePhaiakians,Odysseus,Kalypso,Penelope.Horridcounter-examplesarefurnishedbyPolyphemosandtheLaistrygones.Thesuitorsareawareoftheprinciple(xvii.481-487)butinactiontheyarealivingtravestyofallpropercustom.Thustheylosealldivinefavor.NotevenanOlympiangodissoprejudicedastotaketheirpart.

Yettheyarenoindiscriminategroupofvillains,noraretheyallvillains.TheyaresaidtobeplottingthemurderofTelemachosbut,oncehehasslippedpastthem,theyseemirresoluteaboutit(xvi.371-406).Theyappeartobemoreanintolerablenuisancethananactualmenace.Theyhavesomemoralnotionsandsomesenseofdecency(xvi.400-406;xvii.365-368;481-487).Whileindirectlyoffendingthegodsbytheirtreatmentofpeople,theyrespectthegodsandregularlyobservetheformsofreligion.This,andtheiroccasionalkindnesses,dothemnogood(xvii.363-364).Odysseustriestowarnthebestofthem,butAthenehasnomercy(xviii.124-157).

Theirdoomseemsexcessivetome.IdonotknowhowitseemedtoHomer.ButPenelopecriedoverherpetgeese(xix.535-558),andHomermayhaveconceivedsomelikingforhisowncreatures,andputoff,aslongashecould,theirnecessaryslaughter.

THEENDOFTHEODYSSEY

AfterthekillingofthesuitorsandthereunionofPenelopeandOdysseus,theendoftheOdysseyreadslikeahurriedcomposition.Thepurposeofthesecondvisittothedeadisnotaltogetherclear.Itdoes,however,insomesensedisposeofthesuitors,whosebodieswereforsometimelyingaboutthepalace(theyarefinallyburied,xxiv.417);anditdoeslinktheIthakanepisodewiththebackgroundoftheTrojanWar,inamannernotuncongenialtothepoetoftheeleventhbook,ifthisishe.

Ontheotherhand,thepreviousnarrativedemandsareunionwithLaertes,anditcertainlydemandssomekindofpatch-upofthechaoticsituationinIthaka,where“allthebestyoungmen”(i.245)arelyingdead.Areconciliationisscrambledtogetherbyahastyandinadequatedeusexmachina,whichendstheepic.Thehandhaslostitsfirmness,22butwhocansayforsurethatthehandisnotHomer's?

THEODYSSEYANDTHEILIAD

Thisbringsustothequestionofunity,whichcannotbesolvedbutmustbefaced.FortheOdyssey,aspreviouslyfortheIliad,Ihavebeenwritingasifontheassumptionofasinglemasterhandor,inKirk'sphrase,monumentalpoet.23Onlyastudydevotedtodisintegrationwouldproceedotherwise.Suchunitycannotbeproved,thoughtheburdenofproofisontheanalystsratherthanontheunitarians.Suchunityalso,ifitexists,isqualifiedbytheconditionsoforalpoetry,namely,theaccumulationofsagamaterial(lessfortheOdysseythanfortheIliad),andof

formulaiclanguage.IftherewassuchamonumentalpoetfortheOdyssey,andamonumentalpoetfortheIliad,

weretheythesameman?IcanonlysayasIhavesaidbefore:thatthiscannotbeproved;butthat,ifsomeonenotHomercomposedtheOdyssey,nobodyhadanametogivehim;andthattheburdenofproofrestsonthosewhowouldestablishseparateauthorship.

Still,itiswelltonotesomeofthesimilaritiesanddifferencesinthetwopoems.TheOdyssey,liketheIliad,ignoreshistoricaldevelopmentsbetweenthetimeoftheoriginatingeventsandthetimeofcomposition.IntheOdyssey,asintheIliad,thisprincipleisviolatedbyoccasionalslips,theso-calledanachronisms.TheOdysseyaddsafewofitsown:Sicilians,Phoeniciansinthewesternseas,DoriansinCrete,consultationoforacles.Littlecanbeprovedbythis.Theimportantanachronismsaredeeperandhardertoassess.Howfar,forinstance,doesthepictureofIthakareflectlifeinaMycenaeanpalace,andhowmuchdoesitreflectlifeinabaronialhouseofthepoet'sownday,centurieslater?

TheOdysseyseemslaterthantheIliadprincipallybecauseitassumestheexistenceoftheIliad,oratleastofafullytoldtaleofTroy.Thatdoesnotmeanitmustbesomuchlaterthatwerequireaseparateauthor.ItisacoherentsequeltotheIliadanddoesnotcontradictit.

Considerthecharacterswhoarecarriedoverfromoneepictotheother.Judgmentofcharacterizationisadmittedlyasubjectivebusiness.Forwhatmyopinionisworth,IwouldsaythatOdysseus,Nestor,Agamemnon,Menelaos,Helen,andAchilleusarethesame“people”inbothpoems.24ThosequalitieswhichmarktheOdysseusoftheOdyssey—strengthandcourage,ingenuity,patienceandself-control—allcharacterizethesameherointheIliad.HisfriendshipwiththeAtreidaeandNestor,suggestedintheIliad,isstillmorenotableintheOdyssey.AndintheIliadhisdeterminationtowinthewarmatcheshisdeterminationtowinthehome-comingintheOdyssey.Toachievebothends,heisruthless.Nestorinhisgarrulity,Agamemnoninhisself-pity,Menelaosinhiscourtesyandstrongmoralsense,Achilleusinhisdevotiontotheidealofthewarrior,allrepeatstrikingcharacteristicsofthepersonsintheIliad.AndHelenisasself-centeredasever;inneitherepiccanshemakeaspeechwithouttalkingaboutherself.

Allthis,ifitisallowed,doesnotofcourseproveasinglepoetforthetwopoems.ItcouldmeannomorethanthatwhoevercomposedtheOdysseyknewhisIliadwell.Butherewecomeuponastrikingfact.WhentheOdysseyrecountsepisodesfromthetaleofTroy,theseepisodesareneverapartoftheIliad,butseemtofalloutside,eitherbeforeorafter,theactionoftheIliad.Thus,apartfromtheReturnsorNostoi,wehearofthefollowing:

TheTrojanHorseandthefinalbattleforTroy,iv.271-289;viii.499-520;xi.523-537.

Odysseus'spyingexpeditioninTroy,iv.240-264(ratherthanhisspyingexpeditionwithDiomedes,IliadX.254-578).

HiswrestlingmatchwithPhilomeleïdesofLesbos,iv.341-344(ratherthanwithAias,IliadXXIII.707-737).

HisfightindefenseofthebodyofAchilleus,v.308-310(ratherthanhisfightaloneagainsttheTrojanswhentheotherAchaianshadfled,IliadXI.401-488).

ThequarrelofOdysseusandAchilleus,viii.75-82(ratherthanthatofAgamemnonandAchilleus,IliadI.1-305).

ThedeathandburialofAchilleus,xxiv.35-94(ratherthanthedeathandburialofPatroklos).

ThequarrelofOdysseusandAiasoverthearmorofAchilleus,xi.541-564.

ThedeathofAntilochos,iv.187-188;199-202.

TheexploitsorexcellencesofheroeswhoreachedTroyaftertheactionoftheIliadwasover,suchasNeoptolemos,Eurypylos,andMemnon,xi.505-537,andPhiloktetes,viii.219.

Therecruitingoftheheroes,xxiv.114-119.

TheexclusionofIliadicepisodesfromtheOdysseycanscarcelybeaccidental.Weareleft,asIseeit,tochoosebetweentwoconclusions.EitherthepoetoftheOdysseywasignorantoftheIliad;25orhedeliberatelyavoidedtrespassingontheearlierpoem.Icannotbelieveinthefirstalternative,andamforcedtochoosethesecond.

Whataretheotherimportantdifferencesbetweenthetwopoems?EveryHomericscholarhashisownlist,andImustbebrief.Tome,themaindifferencesaredetailsofthewholegeneralstyleofnarrative.TheOdysseyconcentratesonrelativelysmallgroups.Withoutnationsembattled,theOlympiansoftheIliadarelessneeded,andthefirst-personnarrativeoftheGreatWanderingsvirtuallyexcludesthem.Therearealsoafewimportantandwell-knowndifferencesintheconceptofthedivinities.Hermes,moreofamagicianthanIris,takesoverherfunctionsasmessenger.Aphrodite,notCharis,isthewifeofHephaistos.Olymposturnsintoanever-neverland(vi.41-47),strangelyliketheElysianFieldwhichisMenelaos’destination(iv.561-569),andwellinaccordwiththeOdyssey'swander-worldofmonstersandfairylandpeople.InventionintheOdysseyextendstonamemaking;alistofyoungPhaiakiansshowsadozenandahalfnames,allmeaningsomethingtodowithseamanshipandshipbuilding(viii.111-115).ThelittlethumbnailsketchesofslaughteredwarriorsintheIliadhaveamoretraditionalsound;suchsketchesarerareintheOdyssey,wherewedonotdealinlargemasses.ThepoetoftheIliadshowsmuchlyricimaginationinhissimiles.TheOdysseyisfarpoorerhere,andmuchofthesamematerialisuseddifferently.StormsintheIliadareusedimaginativelyinsimiles;thereisnoweatherintheIliad.26StormsintheOdysseyaresomethingOdysseusmustcontendwith.ThehumbleworkingmanenterstheIliadonlythroughsimile,butintheOdysseyheisthereintheflesh.

Whenwecometolanguage,rhythm,metricalphrasing,theovermasteringimpressionisoneofunity.Ifthereweretwo(ormore)poets,theyweretrainedinthesametraditionofformula.

AgamemnonishailedintheIliad(II.434,etc.)as

SonofAtreus,mostlordlyandkingofmen,Agamemnon,

andsoheisintheOdysseywhentheoccasionarises(xi.397).Hisansweringaddress(xi.405),

SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,

iscommontobothepics.Soisthesummonstoassembly(IliadII.50-52;Odysseyii.6-8),theintroductionofaspeaker(IliadI.73,etc.;Odysseyii.160,etc.),thecourseofshipsthroughthewater(IliadI.481-483;Odysseyii.427-429).Inbothepics,childrenareinnocent,womenaredeep-girdled,ironisgray,shipsarehollow,wordsarewingedandgothroughthebarrieroftheteeth,theseaiswine-blue,barren,andsalt,bronzeissharpandpitiless.Thelistisalmostendless.EventheIthakansarestrong-greavedAchaians(Odysseyii.72;xx.146),thoughtheyarenotarmed.

TheOdysseyhasmanyphrases,journeyformulaeforinstance,whicharenotfoundintheIliad.27Naturally,theIliadhasmanycombatformulaewhicharemissingfromtheOdyssey.ButwhencombatfinallyensuesbetweenOdysseusandthesuitors,thepoetrepeatsbriefformulaeandevensizablesequences(compareIliadXV.479-481andOdysseyxxii.122-124).Adaptationmaybenecessary.Amphinomosgoesdown,Odysseyxxii.94:

Hefell,thunderously,andtooktheearthfullonhisforehead.

WecannotquitehavethestandardIliadline:

Hefell,thunderously,andhisarmorclattereduponhim.

Amphinomoshasnoarmor.Occasionally,afewlinesfromacombatintheIliadcanfitacontextintheOdysseywhichisnotmilitary.ThelanguagefortheCyclops’throwingastoneisthesameasthatusedforAias(IliadVII.268-269;Odysseyix.537-538).ThedeathofOdysseus’steersman(xii.412-414)isneatlyadaptedfromthedeathofEpiklesonthewall(IliadXII.384-386).

Cantheformulainachangedsettingevermeanparody?SarpedonadvancesonthewalloftheAchaianslikealionagainstaguardedsheepfold(IliadXII.299-301),andthatisappropriate;butthesamelanguageisadaptedtoOdysseus’embarrassedadvanceonagroupoffrightenedgirls(Odysseyvi.130;133-134).WhenTelemachossneezes,thesneeze“clashedhorribly”(Odysseyxvii.542);thephrasewasusedofthehelmetofHektorinbattle(IliadXV.648)andotherwarlikenoises.Eumaiosiscalledorchamosandron,“leaderofmen”(xiv.121).Thiscouldmean“foreman(ofswineherds),”whichiswhatheis,butitsuggests“commanderofarmies,”whichiswhatit

meansintheIliad.Ithasbeensuggestedthatthearrangementthat“nobleswineherd”madeforhissowsreflectedthosemadebyPriamforhisdaughters(Odysseyxiv.13-15;IliadVI.244-246).Thereareothersuchcombinationswhich,withenoughgoodwill,canbeseenasparodies.Itishardtobesure,butsuchamusementswithformulawouldbeinaccordwiththegenerallylightertoneoftheOdyssey.28

Yettheseverymanipulationsofmetricalphrasesattestadeep,intimatesimilarityofearandversebuildingwhichcanonlybesuggestedhere.Wecanillustratebyashortphrasetakenalmostatrandom:perichroï,whichmeans“nexttheskin”or“aroundthebody,”andhavingthemetricalscheme .Itisusedinadozenotherwisequitedifferentlinesinthetwopoems.Butitalwayscomesinexactlythesameplaceintheline,toformtheline-end .Thisshowsnotmerelythereuseofmaterials,butaconstanthabitofmetricalthought.

Thereismuchthatisobscureaboutthefunctionsofamonumentalpoet.Withinthelimitsofmyignorance,IcanthinkofoneHomer,composing,orcompleting,firsttheIliad,thentheOdyssey.OrIcanthinkofanoldmaster,calledHomer,mainlyresponsiblefortheIliad;andayoungmaster,favoredapprenticeandpoeticheir;perhapsanepheworson-in-law;alsogoingbythename,orassumingthename,ofHomer;andmainlyresponsiblefortheOdyssey.Ifindthesecondcombinationmorepersuasive,butthatisallIcansayforit.

NOTEONTHETRANSLATION

Inmytranslation,IhavefollowedtheprinciplesstatedandfollowedinmytranslationoftheIliad.Inparticular,Ihavetriedtofollow,asfarasthestructureofEnglishwillallow,theformulaicpracticeoftheoriginal.OfcoursemymemoryhasfailedmeattimesandIhaveallowedmyselfsomeliberties.

NOTEONTHETEXT

IhaveusedtheOxfordtextofT.W.Allen,2ndedition,andfolloweditexceptinaveryfewplaces.Ativ.515-521IhavefollowedBothe'ssuggestionandtransposedthelines;thenumbersshowtheoriginalorder.Inx.117,Ireadthesingularnea,“the(i.e.,my)ship”insteadofpluralneas,“ships,”whichisinthemanuscripts.ThecontextshowsthatOdysseus,whosentthemen,wasseparatedfromhismainfleet.Inxiii.158,Ifollowanancientconjectureandreadmedeinsteadofthemanuscripts’megade.Inxvii.531,Ireadthepluralautoninsteadofthesingularautou,whichisinthemanuscripts.

BOOKI

Tellme,Muse,ofthemanofmanyways,whowasdrivenfarjourneys,afterhehadsackedTroy'ssacredcitadel.Manyweretheywhosecitieshesaw,whosemindshelearnedof,manythepainshesufferedinhisspiritonthewidesea,

5strugglingforhisownlifeandthehomecomingofhiscompanions.Evensohecouldnotsavehiscompanions,hardthoughhestroveto;theyweredestroyedbytheirownwildrecklessness,fools,whodevouredtheoxenofHelios,theSunGod,andhetookawaythedayoftheirhomecoming.Fromsomepoint

10here,goddess,daughterofZeus,speak,andbeginourstory.Thenalltheothers,asmanyasfledsheerdestruction,wereathomenow,having

escapedtheseaandthefighting.Thisonealone,longingforhiswifeandhishomecoming,wasdetainedbythequeenlynymphKalypso,brightamonggoddesses,

15inherhollowedcaverns,desiringthatheshouldbeherhusband.ButwheninthecirclingoftheyearsthatveryyearcameinwhichthegodshadspunforhimhistimeofhomecomingtoIthaka,noteventhenwashefreeofhistrialsnoramonghisownpeople.Butallthegodspitiedhim

20exceptPoseidon;heremainedrelentlesslyangrywithgodlikeOdysseus,untilhisreturntohisowncountry.

ButPoseidonwasgonenowtovisitthefarAithiopians,Aithiopians,mostdistantofmen,wholivedivided,someatthesettingofHyperion,someathisrising,

Thecouncilofthegods

25toreceiveahecatombofbullsandrams.Therehesatatthefeastandtookhispleasure.MeanwhiletheotherOlympiangodsweregatheredtogetherinthehallsofZeus.Firstamongthemtospeakwasthefatherofgodsandmortals,forhewasthinkinginhisheartofstatelyAigisthos,

30whomOrestes,Agamemnon'sfar-famedson,hadmurdered.Rememberinghimhespokenowbeforetheimmortals:

‘Ohforshame,howthemortalsputtheblameuponusgods,fortheysayevilscomefromus,butitisthey,rather,whobytheirownrecklessnesswinsorrowbeyondwhatisgiven,

35asnowlately,beyondwhatwasgiven,AigisthosmarriedthewifeofAtreus'son,andmurderedhimonhishomecoming,thoughheknewitwassheerdestruction,forweourselveshadtoldhim,sendingHermes,themightywatcher,Argeïphontes,nottokilltheman,norcourthisladyformarriage;

40forvengeancewouldcomeonhimfromOrestes,sonofAtreides,wheneverhecameofageandlongedforhisowncountry.SoHermestoldhim,butforallhiskindintentionhecouldnotpersuadethemindofAigisthos.Andnowhehaspaidforeverything.'

Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:45‘SonofKronos,ourfather,Olordliestofthemighty,Aigisthosindeedhasbeenstruckdown

inadeathwellmerited.Letanyothermanwhodoesthusperishashedid.ButtheheartinmeistornforthesakeofwiseOdysseus,unhappyman,whostill,farfromhisfriends,issuffering

50griefs,onthesea-washedisland,thenavelofallthewaters,awoodedisland,andthereagoddesshasmadeherdwellingplace;sheisdaughterofmalignantAtlas,whohasdiscoveredallthedepthsofthesea,andhimselfsustainsthetoweringcolumnswhichbracketearthandskyandholdthemtogether.

55Thisishisdaughter;shedetainsthegrieving,unhappyman,andeverwithsoftandflatteringwordssheworkstocharmhimtoforgetIthaka;andyetOdysseus,strainingtogetsightoftheverysmokeuprisingfromhisowncountry,longstodie.Butyou,Olympian,

60theheartinyouisheedlessofhim.DidnotOdysseusdoyougracebytheshipsoftheArgives,makingsacrificeinwideTroy?Why,Zeus,areyounowsoharshwithhim?’

TheninturnZeuswhogathersthecloudsmadeanswer:

andthewrathofPoseidon

‘Mychild,whatsortofwordescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?65HowcouldIforgetOdysseusthegodlike,hewhoisbeyondallothermeninmind,andwho

beyondothershasgivensacrificetothegods,whoholdwideheaven?ItistheEarthEncirclerPoseidonwho,everrelentless,

nursesagrudgebecauseoftheCyclops,whoseeyeheblinded;70forPolyphemoslikeagod,whosepowerisgreatestoveralltheCyclopes.Thoösa,anymph,

washismother,andshewasdaughterofPhorkys,lordofthebarrensaltwater.SheinthehollowsofthecaveshadlainwithPoseidon.ForhissakePoseidon,shakeroftheearth,althoughhedoesnot

75killOdysseus,yetdriveshimbackfromthelandofhisfathers.Butcome,letallofuswhoarehereworkouthishomecomingandseetoitthathereturns.Poseidonshallputawayhisanger;forallaloneandagainstthewilloftheotherimmortalgodsunitedhecanaccomplishnothing.’

80Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:‘SonofKronos,ourfather,Olordliestofthemighty,ifintruththisispleasingtotheblessedimmortalsthatOdysseusofthemanydesignsshallreturnhome,thenletusdispatchHermes,theguide,theslayerofArgos,

85totheislandofOgygia,sothatwithallspeedhemayannouncetothelovely-hairednymphourabsolutepurpose,thehomecomingofenduringOdysseus,thatheshallcomeback.ButIshallmakemywaytoIthaka,sothatImaystiruphissonalittle,andputsomeconfidenceinhim

90tosummonintoassemblytheflowing-hairedAchaiansandmakeastatementtoallthesuitors,whonowforeverslaughterhiscrowdingsheepandlumberinghorn-curvedcattle;andIwillconveyhimintoSpartaandtosandyPylostoaskafterhisdearfather'shomecoming,ifhecanhearsomething,

95andsothatamongpeoplehemaywinagoodreputation.’Speakingsoshebounduponherfeetthefairsandals,goldenandimmortal,that

carriedheroverthewaterasoverthedryboundlessearthabreastofthewind'sblast.Thenshecaughtupapowerfulspear,edgedwithsharpbronze,

100heavy,huge,thick,wherewithshebeatsdownthebattalionsoffightingmen,againstwhomsheofthemightyfatherisangered,anddescendedinaflashofspeedfromthepeaksofOlympos,

AthenedisguisedasMentes

andlightedinthelandofIthaka,atthedoorsofOdysseusatthethresholdofthecourt,andinherhandwasthebronzespear.

105Shewasdisguisedasafriend,leaderoftheTaphians,Mentes.Thereshefoundthehaughtysuitors.Theyatthemomentinfrontofthedoorswereamusingtheirspiritswithdraughtsgames,

sittingaboutonskinsofcattlewhomtheyhadslaughteredthemselves,andaboutthem,oftheirheraldsandhard-workinghenchmen,

110someatthemixingbowlswerecombiningwineandwater,whileothersagainwithporousspongeswerewipingthetablesandsettingthemout,andotherscuttingmeatinquantities.

NowfarthefirsttoseeAthenewasgodlikeTelemachos,ashesatamongthesuitors,hisheartdeepgrievingwithinhim,

115imagininginhismindhisgreatfather,howhemightcomebackandallthroughoutthehousemightcausethesuitorstoscatter,andholdhisrightfulplaceandbelordofhisownpossessions.Withsuchthoughts,sittingamongthesuitors,hesawAtheneandwentstraighttotheforecourt,theheartwithinhimscandalized

120thataguestshouldstillbestandingatthedoors.Hestoodbesideherandtookherbytherighthand,andrelievedherofthebronzespear,andspoketoherandaddressedherinwingedwords:‘Welcome,stranger.Youshallbeentertainedasaguestamongus.Afterward,whenyouhavetasteddinner,youshalltelluswhatyourneedis.’

125Sospeakingheledtheway,andPallasAthenefollowedhim.Now,whenthetwoofthemwereinsidetheloftydwelling,hetookthespearhecarriedandsetitagainstatallcolumninarackforspears,ofpolishedwood,whereindeedtherewereotherspearsofpatient-heartedOdysseusstandinginnumbers,

130andheledherandseatedherinachair,withaclothtositon,thechairsplendidandelaborate.Forherfeettherewasafootstool.Forhimself,hedrewapaintedbenchnexther,apartfromtheothers,thesuitors,forfeartheguest,madeuneasybytheuproar,mightlosehisappetitethereamongoverbearingpeople,

135andsohemightalsoaskhimabouthisabsentfather.Amaidservantbroughtwaterforthemandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasinforthemtowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforethem.Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittothem,

140addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions,whileacarverliftedplattersofallkindsofmeatandsetthem

visitsTelemachos

infrontofthem,andplacedbesidethemthegoldengoblets,andaherald,goingbackandforth,pouredthewineforthem.

Thenthehaughtysuitorscamein,andallofthemstraightway145tooktheirplacesinorderonchairsandalongthebenches,

andtheirheraldspouredwaterovertheirhandsforthemtowashwith,

andtheservingmaidsbroughtthembreadheapedupinthebaskets,andtheyoungmenfilledthemixingbowlswithwinefortheirdrinking.Theyputtheirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.

150Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,thesuitorsfoundtheirattentionturnedtoothermatters,thesongandthedance;forthesethingscomeattheendofthefeasting.AheraldputthebeautifullywroughtlyreinthehandsofPhemios,whosangforthesuitors,becausetheymadehim.

155Heplayedhislyreandstruckupafinesong.MeanwhileTelemachostalkedtoAtheneofthegrayeyes,leaninghisheadclosetohers,sothatnoneoftheothersmighthearhim:‘Dearstranger,wouldyoubescandalizedatwhatIsaytoyou?Thisisalltheythinkof,thelyreandthesinging.Easy

160forthem,sincewithoutpenaltytheyeatupthesubstanceofamanwhosewhiteboneslieoutintherainandfestersomewhereonthemainland,orrollinthewashofthebreakers.IftheywereevertoseehimcomingbacktoIthakaalltheprayerofthemallwouldbetobelighterontheirfeet

165insteadoftoberichermenforgoldandclothing.Asitis,hehasdiedbyanevilfate,andthereisnocomfortleftforus,noteventhoughsomeoneamongmortalstellsushewillcomeback.Hisdayofhomecominghasperished.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.

170Whatmanareyou,andwhence?Whereisyourcity?Yourparents?Whatkindofshipdidyoucomehereon?AndhowdidthesailorsbringyoutoIthaka?Whatmendotheyclaimthattheyare?ForIdonotthinkyoucouldhavetraveledonfoottothiscountry.Andtellmethistoo,tellmetruly,sothatImayknowit.

175Areyouhereforthefirsttime,orareyouafriendofmyfather'sfromabroad?Sincemanyothermentoousedtocomeandvisitourhouse,inthedayswhenheusedtogoaboutamongpeople.’

Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:‘See,Iwillaccuratelyanswerallthatyouaskme.

180IannouncemyselfasMentes,sonofAnchialos

Athenedisapprovesofthesuitors

thewise,andmylordshipisovertheoar-lovingTaphians.NowIhavecomeinasyousee,withmyshipandcompanionssailingoverthewine-bluewatertomenofalienlanguage,toTemese,afterbronze,andmycargoisgleamingiron.

185Andmyshipstandsnearby,atthecountry,awayfromthecity,

attheharbor,Rheithron,underneathwoodedNeion.YourfatherandIclaimtobeguest-friendsbyheredityfromfarback,asyouwouldknowifyouwenttotheagedheroLaertes,who,theysay,nolongercomestothecity

190now,butawaybyhimselfonhisownlandleadsahardlifewithanoldwomantolookafterhim,whoserveshimhisvictualsanddrink,atthetimeswhenthewearinesshasbefallenhisbodyfrommakinghistoilsomewayonthehighgroundofhisvineyard.NowIhavecome.Theytoldmehewashereinthiscountry,

195yourfather,Imean.Butno.Thegodsareimpedinghispassage.FornodeathonthelandhasbefallenthegreatOdysseus,butsomewhere,aliveonthewidesea,heisheldcaptive,onasea-washedisland,andsavagemenhavehimintheirkeeping,roughmen,whosomehowkeephimback,thoughheisunwilling.

200Now,Iwillmakeyouaprophecy,inthewaytheimmortalsputitintomymind,andasIthinkitwillcomeout,thoughIamnoprophet,nordoIknowthewaysofbirdsclearly.Hewillnotlongbeabsentfromthebelovedlandofhisfathers,evenifthebondsthatholdhimareiron,buthewillbethinking

205ofawaytocomeback,sinceheisamanofmanyresources.Butcomenowtellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.Areyou,bigasyouare,theverychildofOdysseus?Indeed,youarestrangelylikeaboutthehead,thefineeyes,asIremember;weusedtomeetsooftentogether

210beforehewentawaytoTroy,whereothersbesidehimandthegreatestoftheArgiveswentintheirhollowvessels.SincethattimeIhavenotseenOdysseusnorhasheseenme.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:‘See,Iwillaccuratelyanswerallthatyouaskme.

215MymothersaysindeedIamhis.Iformypartdonotknow.Nobodyreallyknowshisownfather.ButhowIwishIcouldhavebeenrathersontosomefortunateman,whomoldageovertookamonghispossessions.Butofmortalmen,thatmanhasprovedthemostill-fated

andTelemachosexplains

220whosesontheysayIam:sinceyouquestionmeonthismatter.’Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:

‘Thegodshavenotmadeyoursabirththatwillgonamelesshereafter,sincePenelopeboresuchasonasyouare.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.

225Whatfeastisthis,whatgathering?Howdoesitconcernyou?Afestival,orawedding?Surely,nocommunaldinner.Howinsolentlytheyseemtoswaggeraboutintheirfeastingallthroughthehouse.Aseriousmanwhocameinamongthemcouldwellbescandalized,seeingmuchdisgracefulbehaviour.’

230ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:‘Myguest,sinceindeedyouareaskingmeallthesequestions,therewasatimethishousewasonethatmightbeprosperousandabovereproach,whenacertainmanwashereinhiscountry.Butnowthegods,withevilintention,havewilleditotherwise,

235andtheyhavecausedhimtodisappear,inawaynoothermanhasdone.IshouldnothavesorrowedsooverhisdyingifhehadgonedownamonghiscompanionsinthelandoftheTrojans,orinthearmsofhisfriends,afterhehadwoundupthefighting.SoalltheAchaianswouldhaveheapedagravemoundoverhim,

240andhewouldhavewongreatfameforhimselfandhissonhereafter.Butnowingloriouslythestormwindshavecaughtandcarriedhimaway,outofsight,outofknowledge,andheleftpainandlamentationtome.NorisitforhimalonethatIgrieveinmypainnow.Nolonger.Forthegodshaveinflictedothercaresonme.

245Forallthegreatestmenwhohavethepowerintheislands,inDoulichionandSameandinwoodedZakynthos,andallwhoinrockyIthakaareholdersoflordships,alltheseareaftermymotherformarriage,andwearmyhouseout.Andshedoesnotrefusethehatefulmarriage,norissheable

250tomakeanendofthematter;andtheseeatingupmysubstancewasteitaway;andsoontheywillbreakmemyselftopieces.’

PallasAtheneansweredhimingreatindignation:‘Oh,forshame.HowgreatyourneedisnowoftheabsentOdysseus,whowouldlayhishandsontheseshamelesssuitors.

255Iwishhecouldcomenowtostandintheouterdoorwayofhishouse,wearingahelmetandcarryingshieldandtwospears,thewayhewasthefirsttimethateverIsawhiminourownhouse,drinkinghiswineandtakinghispleasure,

Telemachosistosearchfornewsofhisfather

cominginfromEphyreandfromIlossonofMermeros.260Odysseus,yousee,hadgonetherealsoinhisswiftship

insearchofapoisontokillmen,sohemighthaveittosmearonhisbronze-headedarrows,butIloswouldnotgivehimany,sincehefearedthegodswhoendureforever.

Butmyfatherdidgiveittohim,soterriblydidhelovehim.265IwishthatsuchanOdysseuswouldcomenowamongthesuitors.

Theyallwouldfinddeathwasquick,andmarriageapainfulmatter.Yetallthesearethingsthatarelyinguponthegods'knees:whetherhewillcomehometohisvengeance,hereinhishousehold,orwhetherhewillnot.RatherIwillurgeyoutoconsider

270somemeansbywhichyoucanforcethesuitorsoutofyourhousehold.Comenow,paycloseattentiontomeanddoasItellyou.Tomorrow,summontheAchaianwarriorsintoassemblyandpublishyourwordtoall,letthegodsbeyourwitnesses.Tellthesuitorstoscatterandgobacktotheirownholdings,

275andasforyourmother,ifthespiriturgeshertobemarried,lethergobacktothepalaceofherpowerfulfather,andtheyshallappointthemarriageandarrangefortheweddingpresentsingreatamount,asoughttogowithabeloveddaughter.Butforyourself,Iwillcounselyoushrewdly,andhopeyouwilllisten.

280Fitoutashipwithtwentyoars,thebestyoucancomeby,andgoouttoaskaboutyourfatherwhoissolongabsent,onthechancesomemortalmancantellyou,whohaslistenedtoRumorsentbyZeus.Shemorethanothersspreadsnewsamongpeople.FirstgotoPylos,andtherequestionthegreatNestor,

285andfromtheregoovertoSpartatoseefair-hairedMenelaos,sincehecamehomelastofallthebronze-armoredAchaians.Thusifyouhearyourfatherisaliveandonhiswayhome,then,hardpressedthoughyouare,youshouldstillholdoutforanotheryear.Butifyouhearhehasdiedandlivesnolonger,

290thenmakeyourwayhometothebelovedlandofyourfathers,andpileupatombinhishonor,andtheremakesacrificesingreatamount,asisfitting.Andgiveyourmothertoahusband.Then,afteryouhavemadeanendofthesematters,anddonethem,nextyoumustconsiderwellinyourheartandspirit

295somemeansbywhichyoucankillthesuitorswhoareinyourhousehold,bytreacheryoropenattack.Youshouldnotgoonclingingtoyourchildhood.Youarenolongerofanagetodothat.

EnterPenelope

OrhaveyounotheardwhatglorywaswonbygreatOrestesamongallmankind,whenhekilledthemurdererofhisfather,

300thetreacherousAigisthos,whohadslainhisfamousfather?Soyoutoo,dearfriend,sinceIcanseeyouarebigandsplendid,beboldalso,sothatingenerationstocometheywillpraiseyou.

Butnowitistimeformetogobackdowntomyfastshipandmycompanions,whomustbeveryrestlesswaiting

305forme.Letallthisbeonyourmind,anddoasItellyou.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Myguest,yourwordstomeareverykindandconsiderate,whatanyfatherwouldsaytohisson.Ishallnotforgetthem.Butcomenow,staywithme,eagerthoughyouareforyourjourney,

310sothatyoumayfirstbatheandtakeyoureaseand,wellrestedandhappyinyourheart,thengobacktoyourshipwithapresent,somethingprized,altogetherfine,whichwillbeyourkeepsakefromme,whatlovingguestsandhostsbestowoneachother.’

Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:315‘Donotdetainmelonger,eagerasIamformyjourney;

andthatgift,whateveritisyourdearheartbidsyougiveme,saveittogivewhenIcomenexttime,soIcantakeithome;andchooseagoodone,andafairexchangewillbefallyou.’

Sospokethegoddessgray-eyedAthene,andthereshedeparted320likeabirdsoaringhighintheair,butsheleftinhisspirit

determinationandcourage,andherememberedhisfatherevenmorethanhehadbefore,andheguessedthemeaning,andhisheartwasfullofwonder,forhethoughtitwasadivinity.Atoncehewentover,agodlikeman,tositwiththesuitors.

325Thefamoussingerwassingingtothem,andtheyinsilencesatlistening.HesangoftheAchaians'bitterhomecomingfromTroy,whichPallasAthenehadinflicteduponthem.

ThedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,heardandheededthemagicalsongfromherupperchamber,

330anddescendedthehighstaircasethatwasbuiltinherpalace,notallalone,sincetwohandmaidenswenttoattendher.Whenshe,shiningamongwomen,camenearthesuitors,shestoodbythepillarthatsupportedtheroofwithitsjoinery,holdinghershiningveilinfrontofherface,toshieldit,

335andadevotedattendantwasstationedoneithersideofher.Allintearsshespokethentothedivinesinger:

Penelopedismissed

‘Phemios,sinceyouknowmanyotheractionsofmortalsandgods,whichcancharmmen'sheartsandwhichthesingerscelebrate,sitbesidethemandsingoneofthese,andlettheminsilence

340goondrinkingtheirwine,butleaveoffsingingthissadsong,whichalwaysafflictsthedearheartdeepinsideme,

sincetheunforgettablesorrowcomestome,beyondothers,sodearaheaddoIlongforwheneverIamremindedofmyhusband,whosefamegoeswidethroughHellasandmidmostArgos.’

345ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:‘Why,mymother,doyoubegrudgethisexcellentsingerhispleasinghimselfasthethoughtdriveshim?Itisnotthesingerswhoaretoblame,itmustbeZeusistoblame,whogivesouttomenwhoeatbread,toeachandall,thewayhewillsit.

350ThereisnothingwronginhissingingthesadreturnoftheDanaans.People,surely,alwaysgivemoreapplausetothatsongwhichisthelatesttocirculateamongthelisteners.Soletyourheartandletyourspiritbehardenedtolisten.Odysseusisnottheonlyonewholosthishomecoming

355dayatTroy.Thereweremanyotherswhoperished,besideshim.Gothereforebackinthehouse,andtakeupyourownwork,theloomandthedistaff,andseetoitthatyourhandmaidensplytheirworkalso;butthemenmustseetodiscussion,allmen,butImostofall.Formineisthepowerinthishousehold.’

360Penelopewentbackinsidethehouse,inamazement,forshelaidtheseriouswordsofhersondeepawayinherspirit,andshewentbacktotheupperstorywithherattendantwomen,andweptforOdysseus,herbelovedhusband,untilgray-eyedAthenecastsweetslumberoverhereyelids.

365Butthesuitorsallthroughtheshadowyhallswereraisingatumult,andallprayedfortheprivilegeoflyingbesideher,untilthethoughtfulTelemachosbeganspeakingamongthem:‘Yousuitorsofmymother,overbearinginyourrapacity,nowletusdineandtakeourpleasure,andlettherebeno

370shouting,sinceitisasplendidthingtolistentoasingerwhoissuchasingerasthismanis,withavoicesuchasgodshave.Thentomorrowletusallgototheplaceofassembly,andholdasession,whereIwillgiveyoumyforthrightstatement,thatyougooutofmyplaceanddoyourfeastingelsewhere,

Telemachosandthesuitors

375eatingupyourownpossessions,takingturns,householdbyhousehold.Butifyoudecideitismoreprofitableandbettertogoon,eatinguponeman'slivelihood,withoutpayment,thenspoilmyhouse.IwillcryouttothegodseverlastinginthehopethatZeusmightsomehowgrantareversaloffortunes.

380Thenyoumayperishinthishouse,withnopaymentgiven.’

Sohespoke,andallofthembittheirlips,inamazementatTelemachosandthedaringwayhehadspokentothem.

ItwasAntinoösthesonofEupeitheswhoanswered:‘Telemachos,surelyitmustbetheverygodswhopromptyou

385totaketheimperiouslineandspeaksodaringlytous.IhopethesonofKronosnevermakesyouourkinginseagirtIthaka.Thoughtobesurethatisyourrightbyinheritance.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Antinoös,incaseyouwonderatwhatIamsaying,

390Iwouldbewillingtotakethatright,ifZeusshouldgiveit.Doyouthinkthatistheworstthingthatcouldhappentoanyone?Itisnotbadtobeaking.Speedilytheking'shousegrowsprosperous,andhehimselfhasrankbeyondothers.ButinfacttherearemanyotherAchaianprinces,

395youngandold,inseagirtIthaka,anyofwhommightholdthisposition,nowthatthegreatOdysseushasperished.ButIwillbetheabsolutelordovermyownhouseholdandmyservants,whomthegreatOdysseuswonbyforceforme.’

TheninturnEurymachos,sonofPolybos,answered:400‘Telemachos,thesematters,andwhichoftheAchaianswillbeking

inseagirtIthaka,arequestionsthatlieonthegods'knees.ButIhopeyoukeepyourpossessionsandstaylordinyourownhousehold.Maythemannevercomewhoagainstyourwillandbyforceshalldriveyouawayfromyourholdings,whileIthakaisaplacestilllivedin.

405But,bestofmen,Iwishtoaskyouaboutthisstranger,wherehecamefrom,whatcountryheannouncesasbeinghisown,wherelieshisparentstock,andthefieldsofhisfathers.Hashebroughtsomemessagefromyourfatherwhoisonhiswayhere?Ordidhearrivepursuingsomematterofhisownbusiness?

410Howsuddenlyhestartedawayandvanished,anddidnotwaittobemadeknown.Hewasnomeanman,bythelookofhim.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

Allretire

‘Eurymachos,thereisnomorehopeofmyfather'shomecoming.Ibelievenomessagesanymore,evenshouldtherebeone,

415norpayattentiontoanyprophecy,thosetimesmymothercallssomedivinerintothehouseandaskshimquestions.Thisstrangerisafriendofmyfather's.HecomesfromTaphosandannounceshimselfasMentes,thesonofAnchialosthewise.Andheislordoftheloversoftheoar,theTaphians.’

420SospokeTelemachos,butinhisheartheknewtheimmortalgoddess.Theothers,turningtothedanceandthedelightfulsong,tooktheirpleasureandawaitedthecomingofevening,andtheblackeveningcameonastheyweretakingtheirpleasure.Thentheywenthometogotobed,eachtohisownhouse,

425butTelemachoswentwhere,offthesplendidcourtyard,aloftybedchamberhadbeenbuiltforhim,inashelteredcorner.Therehewenttogotobed,hisheartfullofproblems,anddevotedEurykleiawentwithhim,andcarriedtheflaringtorches.ShewasthedaughterofOpsthesonofPeisenor,

430andLaerteshadboughtherlongagowithhisownpossessionswhenshewasstillinherfirstyouth,andgavetwentyoxenforher,andhefavoredherinhishouseasmuchashisowndevotedwife,butneversleptwithher,forfearofhiswife'sanger.Shenowcarriedtheflaringtorchesforhim.Shelovedhim

435morethantheothermaidservants,andhadnursedhimwhenhewaslittle.Heopenedthedoorsoftheclose-compactedbedchamber,andsatdownonthebedandtookoffhissofttunicandputitintothehandsofthesagaciousoldwoman,andsheinturnfoldedthetunic,andtookcareofitforhim,

440andhungituponapegbesidethecordedbedstead.Thenshewentoutoftheroom,andpulledthedoortobehindherwithasilverhook,andwithastrapdrewhomethedoorbolt.There,allnightlong,wrappedinasoftsheepskin,heponderedinhisheartthejourneythatPallasAthenehadcounseled.

BOOKII

NowwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thedearsonofOdysseusstirredfromwherehewassleeping,andputonhisclothes,andslungasharpswordoverhisshoulder.Underneathhisshiningfeetheboundthefairsandals

5andwentonhiswayfromthechamber,likeagodinpresence.Hegavethewordnowtohisclear-voicedheraldstosummonbyproclamationtoassemblytheflowing-hairedAchaians,andtheheraldsmadetheircry,andthemenwereassembledswiftly.Nowwhentheywereallassembledinoneplacetogether,

10hewentonhiswaytoassembly,inhishandsholdingabronzespear,notallalone,butapairoflight-footeddogswentwithhim.Athenedriftedanenchantmentofgraceuponhim.andallthepeoplehadtheireyesonhimashecameforward.Hesatinhisfather'sseat,andtheeldersmadewaybeforehim.

15ThefirstnowtospeaktothemwastheheroAigyptios,whowasbentoverwithage,andhadseenthingsbeyondnumber.Hisowndearson,Antiphosthespearman,hadgoneoffwithgodlikeOdysseustoIlion,landofgoodhorses,inthehollowships,andnowthewildCyclopshadkilledhim

20deepinhiscave,andthiswasthelastmanhehadeaten.Hehadthreeothersons.Oneofthem,Eurynomos,wentwiththesuitors;theothertwokepttheestatesoftheirfathers.

IssuesinIthaka

Evenso,hecouldnotforgetthelostone.Hegrievedandmournedforhim,anditwasintearsforhim,now,thathestoodforthandaddressedthem:

25‘Hearmenow,menofIthaka,andthewordIgiveyou.NeverhastherebeenanassemblyofusoranysessionsincegreatOdysseuswentawayinthehollowvessels.Nowwhohasgatheredus,inthisway?Whatneedhasbefallenwhichoftheyoungermen,oroneofuswhoareolder?

30Hashebeenhearingsomemessageaboutthereturnofthearmywhich,havinghearditfirst,hecouldnowexplaintous?Orhashesomeotherpublicmattertosetforthandargue?Ithinkheisagoodmananduseful.SomayZeusgranthimgoodaccomplishmentforwhateveritishisminddesires.’

35Hespoke,andthedearsonofOdysseuswasgladfortheomen,nordidheremainseatedlong,hisheartwasforspeaking,andhestoodinthemiddleoftheassembly.TheheraldPeisenor,amanofdeepdiscretion,putintohishandsthescepter.First,inanswertotheoldman,hespokeandaddressedhim:

40‘Oldsir,themanisnotfar,buthere;youyourselfshallknowhim.ItisIwhoassembledthepeople.Tomethisgriefcomesclosest.NotthatIheardsomemessageaboutthereturnofthearmy,which,havinghearditfirst,Icouldnowexplaintoyou;norhaveIsomeotherpublicmattertosetforthandargue,

45butmyownneed,theevilthathasbefallenmyhousehold.Therearetwoevils.Ihavelostanoblefather,onewhowaskingonceoveryouhere,andwaskindtoyoulikeafather;andnowhereisagreaterevil,onewhichpresentlywillbreakupthewholehouseanddestroyallmylivelihood.

50Formymother,againstherwill,isbesetbysuitors,ownsonstothemenwhoaregreatesthereabouts.TheseshrinkfrommakingthejourneytothehouseofherfatherIkarios,sothathemighttakebridegiftsforhisdaughterandbestowherontheonehewished,whocameashisfavorite;

55rather,alltheirdays,theycomeandloiterinourhouseandsacrificeouroxenandoursheepandourfatgoatsandmakeaholidayfeastofitanddrinkthebrightwinerecklessly.Mostofoursubstanceiswasted.WehavenomanheresuchasOdysseuswas,todrivethiscursefromthehousehold.

AbsenceofOdysseusandpersecutionbythesuitors

60Weourselvesarenotthementodoit;wemustbeweaklingsinsuchacase,notmenwellseasonedinbattle.Iwoulddefendmyselfifthepowerwereinme.Nolongerarethethingsendurablethathavebeendone,andbeyondalldecencymyhousehasbeendestroyed.Evenyoumustbescandalized

65andashamedbeforetheneighboringmenaboutus,thepeoplewholivearoundourland;fearalsothegods'anger,lestthey,astonishedbyevilactions,turnagainstyou.Isupplicateyou,byZeustheOlympianandbyThemis

whobreaksuptheassembliesofmenandcallstheminsession:70letbe,myfriends,andleavemealonewithmybittersorrow

towasteaway;unlessmynoblefatherOdysseusatsometimeinangerdideviltothestrong-greavedAchaians,forwhichangrywithmeinrevengeyoudomeevilinsettingtheseonme.Butformeitwouldbefarbetter

75foryoutoeatawaymytreasuresandeatmycattle.Ifyouweretoeatthem,theremightbearecompensesomeday,forwecouldgothroughallthesettlement,withclaimsmadepublicaskingforourgoodsagain,untilitwasallregiven.ButnowyouareheapingmewithtroublesIcannotdealwith.’

80Sohespokeinanger,anddashedtothegroundthescepterinastormburstoftears;andpityheldallthepeople.Nowalltherestwerestrickentosilence,nonewassohardyastoanswer,angrywordagainstword,thespeechofTelemachos.ItwasAntinoösalonespoketohiminanswer:

85‘High-spokenintemperateTelemachos,whataccusationsyouhavemadetoourshame,tryingtoturnopinionagainstus!AndyetyouhavenocausetoblametheAchaiansuitors,butitisyourowndearmother,andsheisgreatlyresourceful.Andnowitisthethirdyear,andwillbethefourthyearpresently,

90sinceshehasbeendenyingthedesiresoftheAchaians.Forsheholdsouthopetoall,andmakespromisestoeachman,sendingusmessages,buthermindhasotherintentions.Andhereisanotherstratagemofherheart'sdevising.Shesetupagreatloominherpalace,andsettoweaving

95awebofthreadslongandfine.Thenshesaidtous:“Youngmen,mysuitorsnowthatthegreatOdysseushasperished,wait,thoughyouareeagertomarryme,untilIfinishthisweb,sothatmyweavingwillnotbeuselessandwasted.

ThecharmsandguileofPenelope

ThisisashroudfortheheroLaertes,forwhenthedestructive100doomofdeathwhichlaysmenlowshalltakehim,lestany

Achaianwomaninthisneighborhoodholditagainstmethatamanofmanyconquestslieswithnosheettowindhim.”Soshespoke,andtheproudheartinuswaspersuaded.Thereafterinthedaytimeshewouldweaveathergreatloom,

105butinthenightshewouldhavetorchessetby,andundoit.Soforthreeyearsshewassecretinherdesign,convincingtheAchaians,butwhenthefourthyearcamewiththeseasonsreturning,

oneofherwomen,whoknewthewholeofthestory,toldus,andwefoundherintheactofundoinghergloriousweaving.

110So,againstherwillandbyforce,shehadtofinishit.Nowthesuitorsansweryouthus,sothatyouyourselfmayknowitinyourmind,andalltheAchaiansmayknowit:sendyourmotherback,andinstructhertobemarriedtoanymanherfatherdesiresandwhopleasesheralso.

115ButifshecontinuestotormentthesonsoftheAchaians,sincesheissodoweredwiththewisdombestowedbyAthene,tobeexpertinbeautifulwork,tohavegoodcharacterandcleverness,suchaswearenottoldof,evenoftheancientqueens,thefair-tressedAchaianwomenoftimesbeforeus,

120TyroandAlkmeneandMykene,wearerofgarlands;fornoneoftheseknewthoughtssowiseasthosePenelopeknew;yetinthissinglemattershedidnotthinkrightly;solong,Isay,willyourlivelihoodandpossessionsbeeatenaway,aslongasshekeepsthispurpose,onewhichthevery

125gods,Ithink,putintoherheart.Sheiswinningagreatnameforherself,butforyousheiscausingmuchlossofsubstance.Wewillnotgobacktoourownestates,norwillwegoelsewhereuntilshemarrieswhicheverAchaianmanshefancies.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:130‘Antinoös,Icannotthrustthemotherwhoboreme,

whoraisedme,outofthehouseagainstherwill.Myfather,aliveordead,iselsewhereintheworld.ItwillbehardtopaybackIkarios,ifwillinglyIdismissmymother.Iwillsuffersomeevilfromherfather,andthespiritwillgiveme

135moreyet,formymotherwillcalldownherfuriesuponmeasshegoesoutofthehouse,andIshallhavethepeople'sresentment.Iwillnotbetheonetosaythatwordtoher.

Favorableportents

Butasforyou,ifyourfeelingisscandalizedbymyanswer,goawayfrommypalaceanddoyourfeastingelsewhere,

140eatingupyourownpossessions,takingturns,householdbyhousehold.Butifyoudecideitismoreprofitableandbettertogoon,eatinguponeman'slivelihood,withoutpayment,thenspoilmyhouse.IwillcryouttothegodseverlastinginthehopethatZeusmightsomehowgrantareversaloffortunes.

145Thenyoumayperishinthishousewithnopaymentgiven.’SospokeTelemachos,andforhissakeZeusofthewidebrows

sentforthtwoeagles,soaringhighfromthepeakofthemountain.Theseforawhilesailedonthestreamofthewindtogether,wingandwing,closetogether,wingsspreadwide.Butwhen

150theywereoverthemiddleofthevociferousassembly,theyturnedoneachothersuddenlyinathickshudderofwings,andswoopedovertheheadsofall,witheyesglaringanddeadly,andtoreeachotherbyneckandcheekwiththeirtalons,thenspedawaytotherightacrossthehousesandcity.

155Thenallwereastoundedatthebirds,whentheireyessawthem,andtheyponderedintheirheartsoverwhatmightcomeofit,andHalitherses,Mastor'sson,anagedwarrior,spoketothem.Hewasfarbeyondthemenofhisgenerationinunderstandingthemeaningofbirdsandreadingtheirportents.

160Now,inkindintentiontowardall,hespokeandaddressedthem:‘Hearmenow,menofIthaka,whatIhavetotellyou;butwhatIsaywillbemostlyawarningtothesuitors,foragreatdisasteriswheelingdownonthem.SurelyOdysseuswillnotbelongawayfromhisfamily,butnow,already,

165issomewherecloseby,workingoutthedeathanddestructionofallthesemen,anditwillbeanevilformanyothersofuswhoinhabitsunnyIthaka.So,wellbeforehand,letusthinkhowwecanmakethemstop,orbetterletthemstopthemselves.Itwillsoonbebetterforthemiftheydoso.

170Iwhoforetellthisamnotuntried,IknowwhatIamsaying.Concerninghim,IsaythateverythingwasaccomplishedinthewayIsaiditwouldbeatthetimetheArgivestookshipforIlion,andwiththemwentresourcefulOdysseus.Isaidthataftermuchsuffering,withallhiscompanions

175lost,inthetwentiethyear,notrecognizedbyany,hewouldcomehome.Andnowallthisisbeingaccomplished.’

Thesuitorsrefusetoleave

TheninturnEurymachos,sonofPolybos,answered:‘Oldsir,bettergohomeandprophesytoyourchildren,forfeartheymaysuffersomeeviltocome.Inthesethings

180Icangiveamuchbetterinterpretationthanyoucan.Manyarethebirdswhounderthesun'srayswanderthesky;notallofthemmeananything;Odysseusisdead,faraway,andhowIwishthatyouhaddiedwithhimalso.Thenyouwouldnotbeannouncingallthesepredictions,

185norwouldyousostirupTelemachos,whoisnowangry,

lookingforthegiftforyourownhousehold,whichhemightgiveyou.ButIwilltellyoustraightout,anditwillbeathingaccomplished:ifyou,whoknowmuchandhaveknownitlong,stirupayoungerman,andbytalkinghimroundwithwordsencouragehisanger,

190thenfirstofall,itwillbetheworseforhim;hewillnotonaccountofallthesesayingsbeabletoaccomplishanything;andonyou,oldsir,weshalllayapenalty,anditwillgrieveyourmindasyoupayit,andthatforyouwillbeagreatsorrow.Imyself,beforeyouall,willadviseTelemachos.

195Lethimurgehismothertogobacktoherfather's,andtheyshallappointthemarriageandarrangefortheweddingpresentsingreatamount,asoughttogowithabeloveddaughter.ForIthinkthesonsoftheAchaianswillnotgiveovertheirharshcourtship,forinanycasewefearnoone,

200andsurelynotTelemachos,forallheissoeloquent.Nordowecareforanyprophecy,whichyou,oldsir,maytellus,whichwillnothappen,andwillmakeyouevenmorehated;andhispossessionswillwretchedlybeeatenaway,therewillnotbecompensation,ever,whileshemakestheAchaiansputoff

205marriagewithher,whilewe,awaitingthis,allourdaysquarrelforthesakeofherexcellence,norevergoafterothers,whomanyoneofusmightproperlymarry.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Eurymachos,andallyouotherswhoarehaughtysuitors,

210Inolongerentreatyouinthesematters,norspeakaboutthem,sincebynowthegodsknowaboutthis,asdoalltheAchaians.Butcomenow,grantmeaswiftship,andtwentycompanionswhocanconveymeonacoursefromoneplacetoanother.ForIamgoingtoSpartaandgoingtosandyPylos

215toaskaboutthehomecomingofmyfather,whoislongabsent,

Telemachosrequestsaship

onthechanceofsomemortalmantellingme,orofhearingaRumorsentbyZeus.Shemorethanothersspreadsnewsamongpeople.ThenifIhearmyfatherisaliveandonhiswayhome,then,hardpressedthoughIbe,Iwillstillholdoutforanother

220year.ButifIhearhehasdiedandlivesnolonger,thenIwillmakemywayhometothebelovedlandofmyfathers,andpileupatombinhishonor,andtheremakesacrificesingreatamount,asisfitting.Andgivemymothertoahusband.’

Sohespoke,andsatdownagain,andamongthemroseup

225Mentor,whooncehadbeenthecompanionofstatelyOdysseus,andOdysseus,goingontheships,hadturnedoverthehouseholdtotheoldman,tokeepitwell,andsoallshouldobeyhim.Heinkindintentionnowspokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Hearmenow,menofIthaka,whatIhavetotellyou.

230Nolongernowletonewhoisascepteredkingbeeagertobegentleandkind,beonewhosethoughtisschooledinjustice,butlethimalwaysratherbeharsh,andactseverely,seeingthewaynooneofthepeoplehewaslordoverremembersgodlikeOdysseus,andhewaskind,likeafather.

235NowitisnotsomuchtheproudsuitorsIresentfordoingtheirviolentactsbytheirminds'evildevising;fortheylaytheirheadsonthelinewhenviolentlytheyeatupthehouseofOdysseus,who,theysaytothemselves,willnotcomeback;butnowIholditagainstyouotherpeople,howyouall

240sitthereinsilence,andneverwithanassaultofwordstrytocheckthesuitors,thoughtheyaresofew,andyousomany.’

ThenLeokritos,sonofEuenor,spokeforthagainsthim:‘Mentor,recklessinwords,wildinyourwits,whatathingyouhavesaid,urgingthemtostopus.Itwouldbedifficult

245evenwithmorementhanthesetofightusoverourfeasting.ForevenifOdysseusofIthakahimselfweretocomeback,andfindthehaughtysuitorsfeastinginhishouse,andbeurgentinhismindtodrivethemoutofhispalace,hiswifewouldhavenojoyofhiscoming,thoughshelongsforit

250greatly,butratherhewouldmeetanunworthydestinyifhefoughtagainsttoomany.Youhavespokentonopurpose.Comethen,allpeopledispersenow,eachtohisownholdings,andMentorandHalitherseswillpushforwardthisman'sjourney,sincethesefromthefirsthavebeenhisfriends,asfriendsofhisfather.

Endofassembly

255But,Ithink,hewillsitstillforalongtime,waitingformessageshereinIthaka,andwillneveraccomplishthisvoyage.’

Sohespoke,andsuddenlybrokeuptheassembly,andthepeoplescatteredandwenttheirways,eachtohisownhouse,whilethesuitorswentawayintothehouseofgodlikeOdysseus.

260ButTelemachos,walkingalongtheseabeachawayfromtheothers,washedhishandsinthegraysaltwaterandprayedtoAthene:‘Hearme,youwhocameyesterday,agod,intoourhouseandurgedmeontogobyshipoutoverthemisty

faceofthesea,toaskaboutthehomecomingofmyfather265whoissolongabsent:nowallthisisdelayedbytheAchaians

andparticularlythesuitorsintheireviloverconfidence.’Sohespokeinprayer,andfromnearbyAthenecametohim

likeningherselftoMentorinvoiceandappearance.Nowshespokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:

270‘Telemachos,youaretobenothoughtlessman,nocoward,iftrulythestrongforceofyourfatherisinstilledinyou;suchamanhewasforaccomplishingwordandaction.Yourjourneythenwillbenovainthingnorgounaccomplished.ButifyouarenottheseedbegottenofhimandPenelope,

275Ihavenohopethatyouwillaccomplishallthatyoustrivefor.Forfewarethechildrenwhoturnouttobeequalsoftheirfathers,andthegreaternumberareworse;fewarebetterthantheirfatheris.Butsinceyouaretobenothoughtlessman,nocoward,andthemindofOdysseushasnotaltogethergivenoutinyou,

280thereissomehopethatyoucanbringallthesethingstofulfillment.Sonow,letbethepurposeandtheplanningofthesesenselesssuitors,sincetheyareneitherthoughtfulmennorjustmen,andhavenotrealizedthedeathandblackfatalitythatstandscloseby,sothatonadaytheyallmustperish.

285Andthatjourneyforwhichyouaresourgentwillnotbelongnow,suchacompanionamItoyou,asofyourfather.Iwillfityououtafastship,Imyselfwillgowithyou.Butnowyoumustgobacktothehouse,andjointhesuitors,andgetreadyprovisionsforthejourney,packallincontainers,

290havewineinhandledjars,andbarleymeal,men'smarrow,inthickleatherbags,andI,goingroundthetown,willassemblevolunteercompanionstogowithyou.ThereareshipsinplentyhereinseagirtIthaka,botholdandnewones,

AtheneasMentoradvisesTelemachos

andIwilllookthemoverforyoutofindoutthebestone,295andsoonweshallstowourgearandputoutontothewidesea.’

SospokeAthene,daughterofZeus,nordidTelemachosdelaylongafterhehadheardthevoiceofthegoddess,butwentonhiswaytothehouse,thehearttroubledwithinhim.Hecameuponthehaughtysuitors,thereinhispalace,

300skinninggoatsandsingeingfattedswineinthecourtyard.Antinoös,withasmile,camestraightuptoTelemachos,andtookhimbythehandandspokeandnamedhim,saying:

‘High-spokenintemperateTelemachos,nowletnootherevilbeconsideredinyourheart,neitheraction

305norword,buteatanddrinkwithme,asyoudidinpasttime.TheAchaianswillseetoitthatallthesethingsareaccomplished,theship,andchosencompanions,sothatyoumaythemorequicklyreachsacredPylos,afternewsaboutyourproudfather.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:310‘Antinoös,thereisnowayformetodinewithyou

againstmywill,andtakemyease,whenyouaresoinsolent.Isitnotenough,yousuitors,thatintimepastyouruinedmygreatandgoodpossessions,whenIwasstillinmychildhood?Butnow,whenIamgrownbig,andbylisteningtoothers

315canlearnthetruth,andtheangerissteamingupinsideme,Iwillendeavortovisitevildestructionsuponyou,eitherbygoingtoPylos,orremaininghereinthedistrict.ButIwillgo;thatjourneyIspeakofwillnotbemadevoid;butasapassenger;forIcontrolnoship,notany

320companions;this,Ithink,wasthewayyouwishedtohaveit.’Hespoke,andlightlydrewawayhishandfromAntinoös'

hand,butthesuitorsaboutthehousepreparedtheirdinner,andintheirconversationtheyinsultedhimandmockedhim,andthuswouldgothewordofoneofthearrogantyoungmen:

325‘SurelynowTelemachosisdevisingourmurder.EitherhewillbringsomesupportersfromsandyPylos,orevenfromSparta,nowheissoterriblyeager;orperhapshispurposeistogotoEphyre,thatrichcornland,sothatthencehecanbringbackpoisonousmedicines

330andputthemintoourwinebowl,andsodestroyallofus.’Andthuswouldspeakanotheroneofthesearrogantyoungmen:

‘Whoknowswhether,whenhegoesinahollowship,healso

Theshipisready

mightperishstrayingfarfromhispeople,asdidOdysseus?Werethistohappen,hewouldlightenallourworkforus.

335Thenwecoulddivideuphispossessions,andgivethehousetothisman'smothertokeep,andtothemanwhomarriesher.’

Sotheyspoke,buthewentdownintohisfather'shigh-roofedandwidestoreroom,wheregoldandbronzewerelyingpiledup,andabundantclothinginthebins,andfragrantoliveoil,

340andinitjarsofwine,sweettodrink,aged,werestanding,keepingtheunmixeddivinedrinkinsidethem,

linedupinorderclosetothewall,forthedaywhenOdysseusmightcomehomeevenafterlaboringthroughmanyhardships.Tocloseitthereweredoubledoorsthatfittedtogether

345withtwohalves,andtherebynightanddaywasawomaninchargewho,withintelligentcare,watchedoverallthis,EurykleiathedaughterofOpsthesonofPeisenor.NowTelemachoscalledhertotheroom,andspoketoher:‘Dearnurse,come,drawmesomesweetwineinthehandled

350jars,choicestofallyouhaveinyourkeeping,nextafterwhatyouaresavingfortheill-fatedman,thedaywhenZeus-sprungOdysseusmightcomehome,escapingdeathanditsspirits.Fillmetwelveinallandfitthemallwithcovers.Andpourmebarleyintobagsstitchedstrongly,ofleather.

355Letmehavetwentymeasuresofthechoicemilledbarley.Youbetheonlyonethatknowsthis.Letallbegatheredtogether,forIwillpickitupintheevening,aftermymotherclimbstoherupperchamberandisreadyforsleeping.ForIamgoingintoSpartaandtosandyPylos,

360toaskaftermydearfather'shomecoming,ifImighthearsomething.’Sohespoke,andthedearnurseEurykleiacriedout,

andbitterlylamentingsheaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Why,mybelovedchild,hasthisintentioncomeintoyourmind?Whydoyouwishtowanderovermuchcountry,

365you,anonlyandlovedson?IllustriousOdysseushasperishedfarfromhiscountryinsomeoutlandishregion.Andthesemenwilldeviseevilsagainstyou,onyourreturning,soyoushalldiebyguile,andtheydivideallthatisyours.No,butstayhereandguardyourpossessions.Itisnotright

370foryoutowanderandsufferhardshipsonthebarrenwidesea.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

Preparationsforsailing

‘Donotfear,nurse.Thisplanwasnotmadewithoutagod'swill.Butsweartotellmybelovedmothernothingaboutthisuntiltheeleventhdayhascomeorthetwelfthhereafter,

375oruntilshemissesmeherselforhearsIamabsent,sothatshemaynotruinherlovelyskinwithweeping.’

Sohespoke,andtheoldwomansworetothegodsagreatoath,andaftershehadsworntoitandcompletedtheoathtaking,shedrewthewineinthehandledjarsatoncethereafter

380andpouredhisbarleyintobagsstitchedstronglyofleather,

butTelemachoswentbackintothehouseandjoinedthesuitors.Nowthegray-eyedgoddessAthenethoughtwhattodonext.

InthelikenessofTelemachosshewentallthroughthecityand,standingbesideeachmanasshecametohim,toldthem

385alltoassemblebesidethefastshipintheevening.ThensheaskedNoëmon,theglorioussonofPhronios,forafastship.Andhewithgoodwillpromisedittoher.

Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.Nowshedrewthefastshipdowntothesea,andinher

390stowedalltherunninggearthatstrong-benchedvesselscarry.Shesetitattheedgeoftheharbor,andaroundherthegoodcompanionsthrongedandwereassembledandthegoddessurgedoneachman.

Nowthegray-eyedgoddessAthenethoughtwhattodonext.Shewentonherway,intothehouseofgodlikeOdysseus,

395andthereshedriftedasweetslumberoverthesuitors,andstruckthemastheydrank,andknockedthegobletsoutoftheirhands,andtheywenttosleepinthecity,nordidanyonesitlong,aftersleepwasfallenuponhiseyelids.Afterwardgray-eyedAthenespoketoTelemachos

400whenshehadcalledhimoutfromthewell-establishedpalace,likeningherselftoMentorinvoiceandappearance:‘Telemachos,alreadynowyourstrong-greavedcompanionsaresittingattheoars,andwaitingforyoutosetforth.Soletusgo,andnotdelayourvoyaginglonger.’

405SospokePallasAthene,andsheledthewayswiftly,andthemanfollowedbehindherwalkinginthegod'sfootsteps.Butwhentheyhadcomedowntothesea,andwheretheshipwas,theyfoundtheflowing-hairedcompanionstherebytheseashore.Nowthehallowedprince,Telemachos,spokehiswordtothem:

410‘Here,friends,letuscarrytheprovisions.Theyareallready

Thesailing

andstackedinthehall.Butmymotherhasbeentoldnothingofthis,northerestoftheservingwomen.Onlyoneknowsthestory.’

Sohespokeandledtheway,andtherestwentwithhim.Theyallcarriedtheprovisionsdown,andstowedtheminthestrong-benched

415vessel,inthewaythedearsonofOdysseusdirectedthem.Telemachoswentaboardtheship,butAthenewentfirstandtookherplaceinthesternoftheship,andclosebesideherTelemachostookhisplace.Themencastoffthesterncablesandthemselvesalsowentaboardandsattotheoarlocks.

420Thegoddessgray-eyedAthenesentthemafavoringsternwind,strongZephyros,whomurmuredoverthewine-bluewater.Telemachosthengavethesignandurgedhiscompanionstolayholdofthetackle,andtheylistenedtohisurgingand,raisingthemastpolemadeoffir,theysetitupright

425inthehollowholeinthebox,andmadeitfastwithforestays,andwithhalyardsstronglytwistedofleatherpulledupthewhitesails.Thewindblewintothemiddleofthesail,andatthecutwaterabluewaveroseandsangstronglyastheshipwentonward.Sheranswiftly,cuttingacrosstheswellherpathway.

430Whentheyhadmadefasttherunninggearallalongtheblackship,thentheysetupmixingbowls,fillingthembrimfulwithwine,andpouredtothegodsimmortalandeverlastingbutbeyondallothergodstheypouredtoZeus'gray-eyeddaughter.Allnightlongandintothedawnsheranonherjourney.

BOOKIII

Helios,leavingbehindthelovelystandingwaters,roseupintothebrazenskytoshineupontheimmortalsandalsoonmortalmenacrossthegrain-givingfarmland.TheycametoPylos,Neleus'strong-foundedcitadel,

5wherethepeopleontheshoreoftheseaweremakingsacrificeofbullswhowereallblacktothedark-hairedEarthshaker.Therewereninesettlementsofthem,andineachfivehundredholdings,andfromeachoftheseninebullswereprovided.Nowasthesetastedtheentrails,andburned,forthegod,thethighbones,

10theseothersputstraightin,andonthebalancedshiptookoffthesails,andstowedthem,andmooredherin,andthemselveslanded.Telemachossteppedoutoftheship,butAthenewentfirst,anditwasthegray-eyedgoddessAthenewhofirstspoketohim:‘Telemachos,hereisnomoreneedatallofmodesty;

15forthiswaswhyyousailedontheopensea,tofindnewsofyourfather,whatsoilcovershim,whatfatehehasmetwith.Socomenow,gostraightuptoNestor,breakerofhorses,forweknowwhatintelligenceishiddeninsidehim.Youyourselfmustentreathimtospeakthewholetruthtoyou.

20Hewillnottellyouanyfalsehood;heistoothoughtful.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Mentor,howshallIgouptohim,howclosewithhim?Ihavenoexperienceinclosediscourse.Thereisembarrassmentforayoungmanwhomustquestionhiselder.’

EntertainmentbyNestor

25Theninturnthegray-eyedgoddessAtheneansweredhim:‘Telemachos,someofityouyourselfwillseeinyourownheart,andsomethedivinitywillputinyourmind.Idonotthinkyoucouldhavebeenbornandrearedwithoutthegods'will.’

SospokePallasAthene,andsheledthewayswiftly,

30andthemanfollowedbehindherwalkinginthegod'sfootsteps.TheycametowherethemenofPylosweregatheredinsession,whereNestorwassittingwithhissons,andcompanionsabouthimwerearrangingthefeast,androastingthemeat,andspittingmoreportions.Thesemen,whentheysightedthestrangers,allcamedowntogether

35andgavethemgreetingwiththeirhandsandofferedthemplaces.FirstPeisistratos,sonofNestor,camecloseuptothemandtookthembothbythehands,andseatedthematthefeastingonsoftrugsoffleecethereonthesandoftheseashorenexttohisbrotherThrasymedesandnexttohisfather.

40Hegavethemportionsofthevitals,andpouredwinefortheminagoldencup,andspokeawordtobothofthem,pledgingPallasAthene,whoisdaughterofZeusoftheaegis:‘Myguest,makeyourprayernowtothelordPoseidon,forhisisthefestivalyouhavecometoonyourarrival;

45butwhenyouhavepouredtohimandprayed,accordingtocustom,thengivethismanalsoacupofthesweetwine,sothathetoocanpour,forIthinkhealsowillmakehisprayertotheimmortals.Allmenneedthegods.Butthisoneisayoungermanthanyou,andofthesameageasIam.

50ThisiswhyIamfirstgivingyouthegoldengoblet.’Sohespoke,andputinherhandthecupofsweetwine,

andAthenewashappyatthethoughtfulnessofajustman,becauseitwastoherhefirstgavethegoldengoblet.ImmediatelyshemadeherprayertothelordPoseidon:

55‘Hearus,Poseidon,whocircletheearth,anddonotbegrudgeustheaccomplishmentofalltheseactionsforwhichweprayyou.FirstofalltoNestorandtohissonsgrantglory,andthenonalltherestofthePyliansbesidesconfergraciousrecompenseinreturnforthisgrandhecatomb,

60andyetagaingrantthatTelemachosandIgobackwiththatbusinessdoneforwhichwecamethiswayinourblackship.’

Shespokeinprayer,butherselfwasbringingitalltocompletion.

TelemachosasksafterOdysseus

NextshegaveTelemachosthefinetwo-handledgoblet,andthedearsonofOdysseusprayedinthewaythatshehad.

65Whentheyhadroastedandtakenoffthespitstheoutermeats,dividingsharestheyheldtheircommunalhighfeast.Butwhentheyhadputasidetheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,firsttospeakwastheGerenianhorseman,Nestor:

‘Nowisabettertimetointerrogateourguestsandask70themwhotheyare,nowtheyhavehadthepleasureofeating.

Strangers,whoareyou?Fromwheredoyoucomesailingoverthewateryways?Isitonsomebusiness,orareyourecklesslyrovingaspiratesdo,whentheysailonthesaltseaandventuretheirlivesastheywander,bringingeviltoalienpeople?’

75ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer,takingcourage,forAtheneherselfhadputthatcourageinhisheart,sothathemightaskafterhisabsentfather,andsothatamongpeoplehemightwinagoodreputation:‘ONestor,Neleus'son,greatgloryoftheAchaians,

80youaskuswherewecomefrom.ThereforeIwilltellyou.WecomefromIthakaunderthemountainNeion.Thisisaprivatematter,nopublicbusiness,ofwhichItellyou.Ifollowthewidefameofmyfather,onthechanceofhearingofthegreatpatient-heartedOdysseus,themantheysayonce

85foughtbesideyouandhelpedsackthecityoftheTrojans.ForwehavebeentoldaboutalltheothermenwhooncefoughttheTrojans,howeachoneofthemperishedinsaddestruction,butthesonofKronoshasmadethisman'sdeathonethatnoneknows.Thereisnomanwhocanplainlytelluswhenheperished,

90whetherhewaskilledonthemainlandbymenembattledorontheopenseainthebillowsofAmphitrite.ThatiswhyIcometoyourkneesnow,incaseyoumightwishtotellmeofhisdismaldestruction,whetheryousawitperhapswithyourowneyes,orheardthetalefromanother

95whowanderedtoo.Hismotherborethismantobewretched.Donotsoftenitbecauseyoupitymeandaresorryforme,butfairlytellmeallthatyoureyeshavewitnessed.Iimploreyou,ifevernobleOdysseus,myfather,everundertookanywordorworkandfulfilledit

100foryou,inthelandoftheTrojanswhereyouAchaianssuffered,tellmethesethingsfromyourmemory.Andtellmethewholetruth.’

NestorremembersTroy

InturnNestortheGerenianhorsemanansweredhim:‘Dearfriend,sinceyouremindmeofsorrowswhichinthatcountryweendured,wesonsoftheAchaiansvaliantforever,

105orallweenduredinourshipsonthemistyfaceofthewatercruisingafterplunderwhereverAchilleusledus,orallweenduredaboutthegreatcityofthelordPriam

fighting;andallwhowereourbestwerekilledinthatplace;thereAiaslies,amanofbattles,thereliesAchilleus,

110thereliesPatroklos,onewhowaslikethegodsforcounsel,andthereliesmyownbelovedson,bothstrongandstately,Antilochos,surpassinglyswifttorun,andafighter;andmanybesidestheseweretheevilswesuffered;whatmanwhowasoneofthemortalpeoplecouldevertellthewholeofit,

115notifyouweretositbesidemefiveyears,andsixyears,andaskedmeabouttheevilsthegreatAchaiansenduredthere;sooneryouwouldbetiredofitandgobacktoyourcountry.Fornineyearswefabricatedevilsagainstthem,tryingthemwitheverykindofstratagem,andatlastthesonofKronos

120finishedit.ThentherewasnomanwhowantedtobesetupforcunningagainstgreatOdysseus;hefarsurpassedthemineverykindofstratagem;yourfather;iftrulyyouarehisson;andwonderseizesmewhenIlookonyou.Forsurelyyourwordsarelikehiswords,norwouldanyone

125everhavethoughtthatayoungermancouldspeaksolikehim.ForwhileIandthegreatOdysseusweretheretogether,weneverspokeagainstoneanother,neitherincouncilnorassembly,butforeveroneinmindandinthoughtfulplanning,weworkedouthowthingswouldgobestfortheArgives.

130ButafterwehadsackedthesheercitadelofPriam,andweregoingawayinourships,andthegodscatteredtheAchaians,thenZeusinhisminddevisedasorryhomecomingfortheArgives,sincenotallwereconsideratenorrighteous;thereforemanyofthemfoundabadwayhome,becauseof

135theruinousangeroftheGray-eyedOne,whosefatherismighty.ItwasshewhomadeaquarrelbetweenthetwosonsofAtreus.WhenthesetwocalledalltheAchaiansintoassembly,wildly,andinnokindoforder,asthesunwassetting,andthesonsoftheAchaianscamein,heavywithdrinking

140wine,thesetwospokeforth.Itwaswhytheyassembledthepeople.

andthestartofthehomecoming

AtthistimeMenelaoswasurgingalltheAchaianstothinkupongoinghomeoverthesea'swideridges,butthisdidnotpleaseAgamemnonatall;hewishedrathertoholdthepeoplethere,andaccomplishholyhecatombs

145soastosoftenAthene'sdeadlyanger,poorfoolwhohadnothoughtinhismindthatshewouldnotlistentohim.

Thewilloftheeverlastinggodsisnotturnedsuddenly.Sothesetwo,aftermakingexchangewithhardwords,stooduptogo,andtherestofthestrong-greavedAchaiansrushedout

150withinhumanclamor,andtwoopposedcounselspleasedthem.Thatnightwesleptthere,ponderinginourmindshardthoughtsagainsteachother;Zeuswascontrivingpainofhardship.Atdawn,someofushauledourshipsdownintothedivinesea,andloadedourpossessionsaboard,andthedeep-girdledwomen.

155ButhalfthepeoplewereheldbackbecausetheyremainedtherewithAgamemnon,Atreus'son,shepherdofthepeople.Wetheotherhalfwentaboardanddroveon,andtheshipswentveryfast,asagodflattenedtheseafullofmonsters.WecametoTenedosandmadesacrificetotheimmortals.

160Wewerestraininghomeward;butZeus,hard-hearted,wasnotyetdevisinghomecomingforus,butagaininspiredyetanotherquarrel.Thensome,whofollowedthelordOdysseus,thewiseandresourceful,turnedabout,andboardingoncemoretheiroarsweptvesselswentback,bringingcomforttoAtreus'son,Agamemnon.

165ButI,withalltheshipsthatfollowedpulledtogether,fledaway,forIsawhowthegodwasdevisingevils,andthewarlikesonofTydeusfledandurgedhiscompanionson,and,late,fair-hairedMenelaoscametojoinusandcaughtusatLesbosasweponderedourlongsea-voyage,

170whetherweshouldsailoverthetopofrockyChiosbytheislandPsyros,keepingitonourlefthand,orelsetopassunderChios,bywindyMimas.Weaskedthegodtogiveussomeportentforasign,andthegodgaveusone,andtoldustocutacrossthemiddlemainsea

175forEuboia,andsomostquicklyescapethehoveringevil.Awhistlingwindroseupandbegantoblowandtheshipsranveryfastacrossthosewaysfulloffish,andatnighttimebroughtusinatGeraistos.Wesacrificedmanythighbones

ThemurderofAgamemnon

ofbullstoPoseidon,havingmeasuredthegreatopenwater.180ItwasthefourthdaywhenthecompanionsofDiomedes

breakerofhorses,Tydeus'son,madefasttheirbalancedshipsatArgos.IheldonforPylos.Neveroncedidthewindfail,oncethegodhadsetittoblowing.So,dearchild,Icameback,withoutnews,andIknewnothing

185ofthoseotherAchaians,whichhadsurvived,whichoneshadperished.

ButallIhavegotbyhearsaysittinghereinmypalace,thisyoushallknow;itisrightyoushould;Iwillnotconcealit.TheysaythattheMyrmidons,thosefuriousspearmenledbytheglorioussonofgreat-heartedAchilleusmadeagoodvoyage,

190andPhiloktetes,Poias'shiningson,hadfairsailing,andIdomeneusbroughtbacktoCreteallofhiscompanionswhohadescapedfromthefighting.Theseatooknoneofthesemen.Youyourselves,thoughyouliveapart,haveheardofAtreides,howhecamehome,andhowAigisthosdevisedhiswretched

195death;butAigisthostoopaidforit,inadismalfashion;soitisgood,whenamanhasperished,tohaveasonleftafterhim,sincethisonetookvengeanceonhisfather'skiller,thetreacherousAigisthos,whocutdownhisgloriousfather.Soyoutoo,dearfriend,forIseeyouaretallandsplendid,

200bebravetoo,sothatmenunbornmayspeakwellofyou.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘ONestor,sonofNeleus,greatgloryoftheAchaians,itisalltootruethathetookrevenge,andsotheAchaianswillcarryhisgloryfarandwide,athemeforthesingers

205tocome.Ifonlythegodswouldgivemesuchstrengthashehastotakerevengeonthesuitorsfortheiroverbearingoppression.Theyforcetheirwayuponmeandrecklesslyplotagainstme.No,thegodshavespunoutnosuchstrandofprosperityformeandmyfather.Nowwemustevenhavetoendureit.’

210TheninturnNestortheGerenianhorsemanansweredhim:‘Dearfriend,sinceyouhavespokenaboutthesethingsandremindedme,theydosaythatmanysuitorsforthesakeofyourmotherareinyourpalaceagainstyourwill,andplotevilagainstyou.Tellme,areyouwillinglyputdown,orarethepeople

215wholiveaboutyouswayedbysomedivinevoice,andhateyou?Whoknowswhetherhewillcomesomedayandpunishtheviolenceofthesepeople,eitherbyhimselforalltheAchaianswithhim?

Telemachosasksfordetails

Ifonlygray-eyedAthenewoulddeigntoloveyou,asinthosedayssheusedsototakecareofgloriousOdysseus

220intheTrojancountry,whereweAchaianssufferedmiseries;forIneversawthegodsshowingsuchopenaffectionasPallasAthene,thewayshestoodbesidehim,openly;ifshewoulddeigntoloveyouasshedidhim,andcareforyouinherheart,thensomeofthosepeoplemightwellforgetaboutmarrying.’

225ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Oldsir,Ithinkthatwhatyouhavesaidwillnotbeaccomplished.Whatyoumeanistoobig.Itbewildersme.ThatwhichIhopeforcouldneverhappentome,notevenifthegodssowilledit.’

Nowinturnthegray-eyedgoddessAthenespoketohim:230‘Telemachos,whatsortofwordescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?

Lightlyagod,ifhewishes,cansaveaman,evenfromfaroff.Imyselfwouldratherfirsthavegonethroughmanyhardshipsandthencomehome,andlookuponmydayofreturning,thancomehomeandbekilledatmyownhearth,asAgamemnon

235waskilled,bythetreacherousplotofhiswife,andbyAigisthos.Butdeathisathingthatcomestoallalike.Noteventhegodscanfenditawayfromamantheylove,whenoncethedestructivedoomoflevelingdeathhasfasteneduponhim.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:240‘Mentor,thoughwesorrowletusspeaknomoreofthesethings.

Hishomecomingisnolongerarealthing,butalreadytheimmortalgodsmusthavecontrivedhisdeathandblackdoom.ButnowIwouldfindoutaboutanotherstory,andquestionNestor,sincetherighteousnessandthoughtinhismindoutpass

245others',andtheysayhehasbeenlordoverthreegenerationsofmen.Heshapesasanimmortalformetolookupon.ONestor,sonofNeleus,tellmethetruestory.HowdidAtreus'son,widelyrulingAgamemnon,die?AndwherewasMenelaos?Whatschemeofdeath

250didtreacherousAigisthoshave,tokillonefarbetterthanhewas?WasMenelaosoutofAchaiaandArgos,wanderingelsewhereamongmen,thatAigisthoshadcouragetodoit?’

TheninturnNestortheGerenianhorsemananswered:‘So,mychild,Iwillrelateyouthewholetruestory.

255Allwouldhavehappenedjustinthewayyouyourselfhaveseenit,ifAtreus'son,fair-hairedMenelaos,onhishomecoming

ThemurderofAgamemnon

fromTroyhadfoundAigisthosstillaliveinhispalace.Evenafterhisdeathnonewouldhaveheapedanyearthuponhim,buthewouldhavelaininthefieldoutsidethecity,andthedogs

260andbirdswouldhavefeastedonhim,norwouldanyAchaianwomanhavewailedoverhim.Thatwasamonstrousplotheaccomplished.Forweweresittingoutthereandaccomplishingmanyhardtaskswhilehe,ateasedeepinthecornerofhorse-pasturingArgos,

kepttalkingtoAgamemnon'swifeandtryingtocharmher.265Nowintimebefore,beautifulKlytaimestrawouldnot

consenttotheactofshame,forherownnaturewashonest,andalsoamanwasthere,asinger,whomAgamemnon,whenhewenttoTroy,hadgivenmanyinstructionstokeepwatchonhiswife;butwhenthedoomofthegodshadentangledher,sothat

270shemustsubmit,Aigisthostookthesingerandlefthimonadesertislandforthebirdsofpreytospoilandfeedon,andtookherbacktohishouse,andshewaswillingashewas.Thenonthesacredaltarsofthegodsheburnedmanythighbonesandhungupmanydedications,gold,andthingswoven,

275forhavingaccomplishedthismonstrousthingheneverhadhopedfor.NowwesailedbackonourwayfromTroytogether,Atreus'son,Menelaos,andI,withfriendlythoughtstowardeachother,butwhenwecametoholySounion,thecapeofAthens,therePhoibosApollo,withavisitationofhispainless

280arrows,killedthesteersmanofMenelaos,theonewhoheldinhishandsthesteeringoaroftherunningship.ThiswasPhrontis,Onetor'sson,whosurpassedallthebreedofmortalsinthesteeringofashipwheneverstormwindswereblowing.SoMenelaos,thoughstrainingforthejourney,wasdetained

285there,toburyhiscompanion,andgivehimduerites.Butwhenhetoohadgoneoutonthewine-blueopenwaterinhishollowships,andmadehisrunasfarasthesteeprockofMaleia,thenZeusofthewidebrowsdevisedthathisjourneyshouldbehateful,andpouredoutuponhimtheblastofshrilling

290winds,andwavesthatbulgedandgrewmonstrous,likemountains.Therehecutthefleetintwoparts,anddrovesomeonCretewheretheKydonianslivedaroundthestreamsofIardanos.Thereisthesheerofacliff,asteeprockoutinthewaterattheotherendofGortysonthemistyfaceofthemain,where

295thesouthwindpilesupahugesurfontheleftoftherockhorn

andthewanderingsofMenelaos

towardPhaistos,andalittlestoneholdsoutthebigwater.Itwastheretheycame,andbylivelyworkthemenavoideddestruction,butthewavessmashedtheirshipsonthesplintersofrock,butthewindandthewatercatchinguptheother

300fivedark-prowedshipsborethemalonganddrovethemonEgypt.SoMenelaos,gatheringmuchgoldandlivelihoodinthoseparts,sailedwithhisshipstomenofalienlanguage,

andallthewhileathomeAigisthosworkedouthisgrimplans.SevenyearshelivedaslordovergoldenMykene,

305afterhekilledAtreides,withthepeoplesubjectbeneathhim,butintheeighththeevilcameonhim,greatOrestescomehomefromAthens,andhekilledhisfather'smurderer,thetreacherousAigisthos,whohadkilledhisgloriousfather.Whenhehadkilled,heorderedamongtheArgivesagravemound

310forhismotherwhowashatefulandforunwarlikeAigisthos;andonthesamedayMenelaosofthegreatwarcrysailedinbringingbackmanypossessions,theburdenhisshipscarried.So,dearfriend,donotyoustaylongandfarwanderingawayfromhome,leavingyourpossessions,andinyourhousemen

315sooverbearing,forfeartheydivideupallyourpropertyandeatitaway,soallyourjourneywillhavenoprofit.AndyetIdoencourageyouandurgeyoutovisitMenelaos,forheisnewlycomefromabroad,andpeoplewholivewherenoman'smindwouldeverhavehopeofreturning,

320oncethestormwindshadblunderedhimoffhiscourseandintoanopenseathatissogreatthatnotthebirdsevencrossitbytheirownstrength,itissobigandterrible.Butgotohimnow,withyourshipandwithyourcompanions,orifyouwishtogobyland,herearehorsesandchariot,

325andherearemyownsonsatyourservice,whowillbeyourescortsintoshiningLakedaimon,thehomeoffair-hairedMenelaos.Youyourselfmustentreathimtospeakthewholetruthtoyou.Hewillnottellyouanyfalsehood;heistoothoughtful.'

Sohespoke,andthesunwentdownandthedarknesscameover,330andnowthegray-eyedgoddessAthenespokeforthbeforethem:

‘Oldsir,allthatyouhavesaidwasfairandorderly.Butcomenow,cutoutthetonguesofthevictimsandmixthewinebowls,sothatwhenwehavepouredanofferingtoPoseidonandtheotherimmortals,wecanthinkaboutsleep.Itisthattime.

DepartureofAthene

335Fornowthelighthasgoneintothedarkness,norisitbecomingtositaboutatthefeastofthegods;butbettertogohome.’

Soshespoke,thedaughterofZeus,andtheylistenedtoher.Theheraldspouredwaterovertheirhandstowashwith,andtheyoungmenfilledthemixingbowlswithwinefortheirdrinking,

340andpassedtoall,aftertheyhadofferedadrinkinthegoblets.Theythrewthetonguesinthefireandstoodupandmadealibation.

Butwhentheyhadpouredanddrunkeachasmuchashewanted,thenAtheneandgodlikeTelemachosstarteduptogethertogoawaytotheirhollowvessel,

345butNestordetainedthemwheretheywere,andmadeaspeechtothem:‘MayZeusandalltheotherimmortalsbesideforfendthatyou,inmydomain,shouldgoonbacktoyourfastshipasfromsomemanaltogetherpoorandwithoutclothing,whohasnotanyabundanceofblanketsandrugsinhishousehold

350forhisguests,orforhimselftosleepinsoftcomfort.ButIdohaveabundanceoffinerugsandblankets.No,no,inmyhousethedearsonofOdysseusshallnothavetogotosleeponthedeckofaship,aslongasIamalive,andmysonsaftermeareleftinmypalace

355toentertainourguests,whoevercomestomyhousehold.’Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAthenesaidtohim:

‘Thiswaswellsaidbyyou,dearoldsir;itisfittingthatTelemachosshouldobeyyou,sinceitismuchbetterthatway.Soheshallgoalongwithyounow,sothathecansleep

360inyourpalace,butIshallbegoingdowntomyblackship,sothatIcanencouragemycompanionsandtellthemeverything.ForIamtheonlymanamongthemwhocancallmyselfanelder;therest,allofanagewiththegreat-heartedTelemachos,areyoungermenwhooutofloveforhim

365wentalong.ThereIwillliedownbesidetheblackshipnow,butatdawnshallmakeforthegreat-heartedKaukones,whereadebtowedmehasbeenpilingup,itisnotanewthingnorasmallone.You,sincethisyoungmanhascometoyourhousehold,givehimconveyancewithyoursonbychariot,andgivehim

370thosehorsesthatarebestforstrengthandthelightestrunners.’Sospeaking,gray-eyedAthenewentawayinthelikeness

ofavulture,andamazementseizedonalltheAchaians,andtheoldmanwasamazedatwhathiseyessaw.Hetook

asTelemachosstayswithNestor

Telemachosbythehandandspokeawordtohimandnamedhim:375‘Dearfriend,Ihavenothoughtthatyouwillturnoutmeanandcowardly

if,whenyouaresoyoung,thegodsgowithyouandguideyouthus.HerewasnootherofthosewhohavetheirhomesonOlymposbuttheverydaughterofZeus,mosthonoredTritogeneia,whoalwaysamongtheArgivesfavoredyournoblefather.

380Sonow,Oqueen,begracious,andgrantmegoodreputation

formyselfandformychildrenalsoandformygravewife,andIwillsacrificeyouayearlingcow,withwideforehead,unbroken,onenomanhaseverledundertheyokeyet.Iwillgildbothherhornswithgoldandofferhertoyou.’

385Sohespokeinprayer,andPallasAtheneheardhim.NowtheGerenianhorsemanNestorledthewayforhissonsandhissons-in-lawbacktohissplendiddwelling.Butaftertheyhadreachedthegloriousdwellingoftheking,theytooktheirplacesinorderonchairsandalongthebenches,

390andastheycameintheoldmanmixedthewinebowlforthemwithwinesweettodrinkwhichthehousekeeperhadopenedinitseleventhyearandloosedthesealinguponit.Theoldmanmixedthewineinthebowlandprayedmuch,pouringalibationouttoAthenedaughterofZeusoftheaegis.

395Whentheyhadpouredanddrunk,eachmanasmuchashewanted,theywentawayeachonetosleepinhisowndwelling,butNestortheGerenianhorsemangaveTelemachosthedearsonofgodlikeOdysseusaplacetosleepinuponacordedbedsteadintheechoingportico.

400NexthimwasPeisistratosofthestrongashspear,leaderofmen,whoofhissonsinthepalacewasstillabachelor.ButNestorhimselfsleptintheinnerroomofthehighhouse,andathissidetheladyhiswifeservedasbedfellow.

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,405thenNestortheGerenianhorsemanroseupfromhisbed,

andwentoutsideandtookhisseatuponthepolishedstoneswhichwerethereinplaceforhiminfrontofthetoweringdoorway,whitestones,withashineonthemthatglistened.OnthesebeforehimNeleus,acounselorlikethegods,hadheldhissessions,

410buthehadbeenbeatendownbyhisdoomandgonedowntoHades'house,andnowGerenianNestor,theAchaians'watcher,satthereholdinghisstaff,andhissonscomingoutoftheirchambers

SacrificetoAthene

gatheredinaclusterabouthim,EchephronandStratios,PerseusandAretosandThrasymedesthegodlike,

415andsixthwastheheroPeisistratoswhocametojointhem.TheybroughtoutgodlikeTelemachosandseatedhimnextthem,andNestortheGerenianhorsemanbeganspeakingtothem:‘Actquicklynow,dearchildren,anddomethisfavor,sothatImaypropitiatefirstofallthegods,Athene,

420whocameplainlytomeatourhappyfeastinginthegod'shonor.Comethen,letonemangotothefieldforacow,sothatshemaycomewithallspeed,andletoneoftheoxherdsbedrivingher,andonegodowntotheblackshipofgreat-heartedTelemachos,andbringbackallhiscompanions,leavingonlytwobesideher,

425andyetanothergotelltheworkeringoldLaerkestocome,sothathecancoverthecow'shornswithgold.Youothersstayherealltogetherinagroupbuttelltheservingwomenwhoareinthehousetoprepareagloriousdinner,andsetchairsandfirewoodinreadiness,andfetchbrightwater.’

430Sohespoke,andtheyallbustledabout.Thecowcameinfromthefield,andthecompanionsofgreat-heartedTelemachoscamefrombesidetheirfastblackship,andthesmithcame,holdinginhishandsthetoolsforforgingbronze,hishandicraft'ssymbols,theanvilandthesledgehammerandthewell-wroughtpincers

435withwhichheusedtoworkthegold,andAthenealsocametobeatherrites.NowNestor,theagedhorseman,gavethesmiththegold,andhegildedthecow'shornswithitcarefully,sothegodmighttakepleasureseeingheroffering.StratiosandthenobleEchephronledthecowby

440thehorns,andAretoscamefromtheinnerchambercarryinglustralwaterinafloweredbowl,andintheotherhandscatteringbarleyinabasket.SteadfastThrasymedesstoodbywiththesharpaxinhishand,tostrikedowntheheifer.Perseusheldthedishfortheblood,andtheagedhorseman

445Nestorbeganwiththewaterandbarley,makinglongprayerstoAthene,indedication,andthrewtheheadhairsinthefire.

Nowwhenallhadmadeprayerandflungdownthescatteringbarley,Thrasymedes,thehigh-heartedsonofNestor,standingcloseup,struck,andtheaxchoppeditswaythroughthetendons

450oftheneckandunstrungthestrengthofthecow,andnowthedaughtersanddaughters-in-lawofNestorandhisgravewifeEurydike,

DepartureofTelemachosandPeisistratos

eldestofthedaughtersofKlymenos,raisedtheoutcry.Theyliftedthecowfromearthofthewideways,andheldherfastinplace,andPeisistratos,leaderofmen,slaughteredher.

455Nowwhentheblackbloodhadrunout,andthespiritwentfromthebones,theydividedherintoparts,andcutoutthethighbonesallaccordingtodueorder,andwrappedtheminfat,makingadoublefold,andlaidshredsoffleshuponthem.

Theoldmanburnedtheseoncleftsticks,andpouredthegleaming460wineover,whiletheyoungmenwithforksintheirhandsstoodabouthim.

Butwhentheyhadburnedthethighpiecesandtastedthevitals,theycutalltheremainderintopiecesandspittedthem,androastedallcarefullyandtookoffthepieces.

MeanwhilelovelyPolykaste,whowastheyoungest465ofthedaughtersofNestor,sonofNeleus,hadbathedTelemachos.

Butwhenshehadbathedhimandanointedhimsleeklywitholiveoil,shethrewasplendidmantleandatunicabouthim,andhecameoutfromthebathlookinglikeanimmortalandcameandsatdownbesideNestor,shepherdofthepeople.

470Whentheyhadroastedandtakenoffthespitstheoutermeats,theydinedwheretheyweresitting,andmenofqualitystartedupandpouredthemwineinthegoldengoblets.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,NestortheGerenianhorsemanbeganspeakingtothem:

475‘Comenow,mychildren,harnessthebright-manedhorsesundertheyokeforTelemachossothathecangetonwithhisjourney.’

Sohespoke,andtheylistenedwelltohimandobeyedhim,andquicklytheyharnessedthefasthorsesunderthechariot,andthewomanwhowashousekeeperputbreadandwinein,

480andmeats,suchaskingswhomthegodslovefeedon,andTelemachossteppedupintothefair-wroughtchariot,andbyhimPeisistratosleaderofmen,thesonofNestor,wentupintothechariot,andinhishandstookthereinsandwhippedthehorsestorun,andtheywingedtheirwayunreluctant

485intotheplain,andleftbehindthesheercityofPylos.Alldaylongtheyshooktheyoketheyworeontheirshoulders.

Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.TheycametoPheraiandreachedthehouseofDiokles,whowassonofOrtilochos,whomAlpheiosoncehadchilded.

490Theretheysleptthenightandhegavethemhospitality.

Arrival

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,theyyokedthehorsesagainandmountedthechariotsbrightwithbronze,anddrovethemoutthefrontdoorandtheechoingportico,andhewhippedthemintoarunandtheywingedtheirwayunreluctant.

495Theycameintotheplainfullofwheat,andbythatwaymadegoodtheirjourneyastheirfasthorsestookthisby-way.Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.

BOOKIV

TheycameintothecavernoushollowofLakedaimonandmadetheirwaytothehouseofgloriousMenelaos.Theyfoundhiminhisownhousegiving,formanytownsmen,aweddingfeastforhissonandhisstatelydaughter.Thegirl

5hewassendingtothesonofAchilleus,breakerofbattalions,forinTroylandfirsthehadnoddedhisheadtoitandpromisedtogiveher,andnowthegodswerebringingtopasstheirmarriage;sohewassendingheronherway,withhorsesandchariots,tothefamouscityoftheMyrmidons,whereNeoptolemos

10waslord,andhebroughtAlektor'sdaughterfromSparta,togivepowerfulMegapenthes,hisyounggrownsonborntohimbyaslavewoman;butthegodsgavenomorechildrentoHelenonceshehadborneherfirstandonlychild,thelovelyHermione,withthebeautyofAphroditethegolden.

15SotheseneighborsandtownsmenofgloriousMenelaoswereattheirfeastingallaboutthegreathousewiththehighroof,andtakingtheirease,andamongthemsteppedaninspiredsingerplayinghislyre,whileamongthedancerstwoacrobatsledthemeasuresofsonganddance,revolvingamongthem.

20Thesetwonow,theheroTelemachosandtheshiningsonofNestorintheforecourt,themselvesandtheirhorses,stood,whilepowerfulEteoneus,whowastheactivehenchmanofgloriousMenelaos,cameforwardandsawthemandwentwithhismessagethroughthehousetotheshepherdofthepeople.

EntertainmentbyMenelaos

25Hecameandstandingclosebesidehimaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Menelaos,deartoZeus,herearecertainstrangers,twomen,andtheylooklikethebreedofgreatZeus.Tellmethen,whetherweshouldunharnesstheirfasthorses,orsendthemontosomebodyelse,whocanentertainthem.’

30Then,deeplyvexed,fair-hairedMenelaosansweredhim:Eteoneus,sonofBoëthoös,youwereneverafoolbefore,butnowyouarebabblingnonsense,asachildwoulddo.Surelywetwohaveeatenmuchhospitalityfromothermenbeforewecamebackhere.MayZeusonly

35makeanendofsuchmiseryhereafter.Unharnessthestrangers'horsesthen,andbringthemenheretobefeasted.’

Sohespoke,andthemanhurriedthroughthehall,bestirringtheotheractivehenchmentocomeonthewayalongwithhim.Theysetfreethesweatinghorsesfromundertheharness,

40andtetheredthemfastbythereinsinfrontofthehorsemangers,andputdownfodderbeforethemandmixedwhitemilletintoit,andleanedthechariotsupagainsttheglitteringinnerwalls,andledthemeninsidethedivinehouse.ThesemarveledastheyadmiredthepalaceofthekingwhomZeusloved,

45forastheshiningofthesunorthemoonwastheshiningallthroughthishigh-roofedhouseofgloriousMenelaos.Whenwiththeireyestheyhadhadtheirpleasureinadmiration,theysteppedintothebathtubssmooth-polishedandbathedthere.Thenwhenthemaidshadbathedthemandanointedthemwithoil,

50andputcloaksofthickfleeceandtunicsuponthem,theywentandsatonchairsbesideMenelaosthesonofAtreus.Amaidservantbroughtwaterforthemandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasinforthemtowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforethem.

55Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittothem,addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions,whileacarverliftedplattersofallkindsofmeatandsettheminfrontofthem,andplacedbesidethemthegoldengoblets.Theningreetingfair-hairedMenelaossaidtothem:

60‘Helpyourselvestothefoodandwelcome,andthenafterward,whenyouhavetasteddinner,weshallaskyouwhoamongmenyouare,forthestockofyourparentscanbenolostone,butyouareoftheraceofmenwhoarekings,whomZeussustains,

whoremembershiswanderings

whobearscepters;nomeanmencouldhavesonssuchasyouare.’65Sohespoke,andtakinginhishandsthefatbeefloin

whichhadbeengivenashischoiceportion,hesetitbeforethem.Theyputtheirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,

thenTelemachostalkedtothesonofNestor,leaning70hisheadclosetohis,sothatnoneoftheothersmighthearhim:

‘SonofNestor,youwhodelightmyheart,onlylookatthegleamingofthebronzeallthroughtheseechoingmansions,andthegleamingofgoldandamber,ofsilverandofivory.ThecourtofZeusonOlymposmustbelikethisontheinside,

75suchabundanceofeverything.WondertakesmeasIlookonit.’Menelaosofthefairhairoverheardhimspeaking,

andnowhespoketobothofthemandaddressedtheminwingedwords:‘Dearchildren,thereisnomortalwhocouldrivalZeus,seeingthathismansionsareimmortalandhispossessions.Theremaybe

80somemanwhocouldrivalmeforproperty,ortheremaybenone.MuchdidIsufferandwanderedmuchbeforebringingallthishomeinmyshipswhenIcamebackintheeighthyear.IwanderedtoCyprusandPhoenicia,totheEgyptians,IreachedtheAithiopians,Eremboi,Sidonians,

85andLibyawheretheramsgrowtheirhornsquickly.Threetimesinthefulfillmentofayeartheirsheepflocksgivebirth,andtherenolordwouldevergowanting,norwouldhisshepherd,forcheeseormeat,norforthesweetmilkeither,butalwaysthesheepyieldacontinuoussupplyfortheirsucklings.

90ButwhileIwaswanderingthosepartsandbringingtogethermuchproperty,meanwhileanothermankilledmybrothersecretly,bysurpriseandbyhiscursedwife'streachery.SoitiswithnopleasureIamlordoverallthesepossessions.Youwillhaveheardallthisfromyourfathers,whoeveryourfathers

95are,forIhavesufferedmuch,anddestroyedahouseholdthatwasverystronglysettledandheldmanygoodswithinit.IwishIlivedinmyhousewithonlyathirdpartofallthesegoods,andthatthemenwerealivewhodiedinthosedaysinwideTroylandfarawayfromhorse-pasturingArgos.

100StillandagainlamentingallthesemenandsorrowingmanyatimewhenIamsittinghereinourpalaceIwillindulgemyheartinsorrow,andthenanothertime

EnterHelen

giveover,forsurfeitofgloomylamentationcomesquickly.Butfornoneofallthese,sorryasIam,doIgrievesomuch

105asforone,whomakeshatefulformemyfoodandmysleep,whenIremember,sincenooneoftheAchaianslaboredasmuchasOdysseuslaboredandachieved,andforhimtheendwas

griefforhim,andformeasorrowthatisneverforgottenforhissake,howheisgonesolong,andweknewnothing

110ofwhetherheisaliveordead.TheagedLaertesandtemperatePenelopemustsurelybegrievingforhim,withTelemachoswhomheleftbehindinhishouse,ayoungchild.’

Hespoke,andstirredintheotherthelongingtoweepforhisfather,andthetearsfellfromhiseyestothegroundwhenheheardhisfather's

115name,holdingwithbothhandstherobethatwasstainedwithpurpleupbeforehiseyes.AndMenelaosperceivedit,andnowheponderedtwowayswithin,inmindandinspiritwhetherhewouldleaveittohimtonamehisfather,orwhetherheshouldspeakfirstandaskandinquireabouteverything.

120Whilehewasponderingthesethingsinhisheartandhisspirit,Helencameoutofherfragranthigh-roofedbedchamber,lookinglikeArtemisofthegoldendistaff.Adrestefollowedandsetthewell-madechairinplaceforher,andthecoverletofsoftwoolwascarriedinbyAlkippe,

125andPhylobroughtthesilverworkbasketwhichhadbeengivenbyAlkandre,thewifeofPolybos,wholivedinEgyptianThebes,wherethegreatestnumberofgoodsarestoredinthehouses.PolyboshimselfgaveMenelaostwosilverbathtubs,andapairoftripods,andtentalentsofgold,andapartfrom

130thesehiswifegaveherownbeautifulgiftstoHelen.Shegaveheragoldendistaffandabasket,silver,withwheelsunderneath,andtheedgesweredoneingold.Phylo,hermaidservant,nowbroughtitinandsetitbesideherfullofyarnthathadbeenpreparedforspinning.Thedistaff

135withthedark-coloredwoolwaslaidoverthebasket.Helenseatedherselfonthechair,andunderherfeetwasafootstool.Atonceshespoketoherhusbandandquestionedhimabouteverything:‘Doweknow,MenelaosbelovedofZeus,whothesemenannouncethemselvesasbeing,whohavecomeintoourhousenow?

140ShallIbewrong,oramIspeakingthetruth?Myhearttellsmetospeak,forIthinkIneversawsuchalikeness,neither

Telemachosisidentified

inmannorwoman,andwondertakesmeasIlookonhim,asthismanhasalikenesstothesonofgreat-heartedOdysseus,Telemachos,whowasleftbehindinhishouse,ayoungchild

145bythatmanwhen,forthesakeofshamelessme,theAchaianswentbeneathTroy,theirheartsintentuponrecklesswarfare.’

Theninanswerfair-hairedMenelaossaidtoher:‘Ialsoseeitthus,mywife,thewayyoucomparethem,forOdysseus'feetwerelikethisman's,hishandswerelikethis,

150andtheglancesofhiseyesandhisheadandthehairgrowing.NowtooIwasrememberingthingsaboutOdysseusandspokeofhim,whatmiseryhehadinhishardworkforme,andheletfallaheavytearfromunderhiseyelids,holdingbeforehiseyestherobethatwasstainedwithpurple.’

155NowPeisistratossonofNestorspokeupbeforehim:‘GreatMenelaos,sonofAtreus,leaderofthepeople,thisisintruththesonofthatman,justasyouaresaying;butheismodest,andhisspiritwouldbeshockedatthethoughtofcominghereandbeginningashowofrecklesslanguage

160infrontofyou,forwebothdelightinyourvoice,asifagodwerespeaking.TheGerenianhorsemanNestorsentmetogoalongwithhimandescorthim.Helongedtoseeyousothatyoucouldadvisehimsomewhat,forwordoraction.Forachildenduresmanygriefsinhishousewhenhisfather

165isgoneaway,andnoothersaretheretohelphim,asnowTelemachos'fatherisgoneaway,andtherearenootherswhocandefendhimagainsttheevilthatisinhiscountry.’

Theninanswerfair-hairedMenelaossaidtohim:‘Seenow,thisisthesonofamangreatlybelovedwhohascomenow

170intomyhouse,onewhoformysakeenduredmanytrials,andIthoughthewouldcome,andIwouldlovehimbeyondallotherArgives,ifonlyOlympianZeusofthewidebrowsgrantedbothofustocomehomeacrosstheseainourfastships.IwouldhavesettledacityinArgosforhim,andmadehim

175ahome,bringinghimfromIthakawithallhispossessions,hisson,allhispeople.Iwouldhaveemptiedonecityforhimoutofthosethataresettledroundaboutandundermylordship.And,bothhere,wewouldhaveseenmuchofeachother;nothingwouldthenhaveseparatedustwoinourfriendshipandpleasure,

180untilthedarkeningcloudofdeathhadshroudedusover.

MemoriesofTroy

Allthismustbewhattheverygodhimselfbegrudgedhim,whomadeonlyhimanunhappyman,withoutahomecoming.’

Hespoke,andstartedinallofthemthedesireforweeping.HelenofArgos,daughterofZeus,wept,sotooTelemachos

185wept,asdidMenelaosthesonofAtreus,nordid

Nestor'sson,Peisistratos,haveeyesaltogethertearless,forhewasthinkinginhisheartofstatelyAntilochos,onewhomtheglorioussonoftheshiningDawnhadcutdown.Itwasofhimhethoughtasheaddressedtheminwingedwords:

190‘SonofAtreus,theagedNestorusedtosayyouwerethoughtful,surpassingothermen,whenwespokeaboutyouthereinhisownpalace,andwhenwequestionedeachother.Sonow,ifitmaybe,wouldyoudomeafavor?FormypartIhavenojoyintearsafterdinnertime.Therewillalways

195beanewdawntomorrow.YetIcanhavenoobjectiontotearsforanymortalwhodiesandgoestohisdestiny.Andthisistheonlyconsolationwewretchedmortalscangive,tocutourhairandletthetearsrolldownourfaces.ForImyselfhadabrotherwhodied,hewasnotthemeanest

200oftheArgives,andyouwouldhaveknownhim,butIformypartnevermetnorsawhim.Theysayhesurpassedallothers:Antilochos:surpassinglyswiftoffoot,andafighter.’

Theninanswerfair-hairedMenelaossaidtohim:‘Dearfriend,sinceyouhavesaidallthatamanwhoisthoughtful

205couldsayordo,evenonewhowasolderthanyouare—why,thisisthewayyourfatheris,soyoutoospeakthoughtfully.Easilyrecognizedisthelineofthatman,forwhomKronos'sonweavesgoodfortuneinhismarryingandbegetting,asnowhehasgiventoNestor,allhisdays,forhimself

210togrowoldprosperouslyinhisownpalace,andalsothathissonsshouldbecleverandexcellentinthespear'swork.Nowweshalllettheweepingbe,thatcametousjustnow,andletusthinkagainaboutdinner,letsomeonepouruswaterforourhands,andtherewillbetimeforwordstomorrow

215atdawn,forTelemachosandme,totalkwitheachother.’Hespoke,andAsphalion,whowastheactivehenchman

ofgloriousMenelaos,pouredwaterforthemtowashwith.Theyputtheirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.

NowHelen,whowasdescendedofZeus,thoughtofthenextthing.

andexploitsofOdysseus

220Intothewineofwhichtheyweredrinkingshecastamedicineofheartsease,freeofgall,tomakeoneforgetallsorrows,andwhoeverhaddrunkitdownonceithadbeenmixedinthewinebowl,forthedaythathedrankitwouldhavenotearrolldownhisface,notifhismotherdiedandhisfatherdied,notifmen

225murderedabrotherorabelovedsoninhispresencewiththebronze,andhewithhisowneyessawit.SuchwerethesubtlemedicinesZeus'daughterhadinherpossessions,goodthings,andgiventoherbythewifeofThon,PolydamnaofEgypt,wherethefertileearthproducesthegreatestnumber

230ofmedicines,manygoodinmixture,manymalignant,andeverymanisadoctorthereandmoreunderstandingthanmenelsewhere.ThesepeopleareoftheraceofPaiëon.Nowwhenshehadputthemedicinein,andtoldthemtopourit,takingupthestoryagainshebegantospeaktothem:

235‘SonofAtreus,deartoZeus,Menelaos:andyouwhoarehere,childrenofnoblefathers;yetdivineZeussometimesgivesoutgood,orsometimesevil;hecandoanything.Sitherenowinthepalaceandtakeyourdinnerandlistentomeandbeentertained.WhatIwilltellyouisplausible.

240IcouldnottellyouallthenumbernorcouldInamethem,allthatmakeuptheexploitsofenduringOdysseus,buthereisatasksuchasthatstrongmanenduredandaccomplishedintheTrojancountrywhereyouAchaianssufferedmiseries.Heflagellatedhimselfwithdegradingstrokes,thenthrewon

245aworthlesssheetabouthisshoulders.Helookedlikeaservant.Sohecreptintothewide-wayedcityofthemenhewasfighting,disguisinghimselfinthelikenessofsomebodyelse,abeggar,onewhowasunlikehimselfbesidetheshipsoftheAchaians,butinhislikenesscreptintotheTrojans'city,andtheyall

250weretakenin.Ialonerecognizedhimeveninthisform,andIquestionedhim,butheinhiscraftinesseludedme;butafterIhadbathedhimandanointedhimwitholiveoilandputsomeclothinguponhim,afterIhadswornagreatoathnottodisclosebeforetheTrojansthatthiswasOdysseus

255untilhehadmadehiswaybacktothefastshipsandtheshelters,thenatlasthetoldmeallthepurposeoftheAchaians,andafterstrikingmanyTrojansdownwiththethinbronzeedge,hewentbacktotheArgivesandbroughtbackmuchinformation.

MemoriesofOdysseus

TherestoftheTrojanwomencriedoutshrill,butmyheart260washappy,myhearthadchangedbynowandwasforgoingback

homeagain,andIgrievedforthemadnessthatAphroditebestowedwhensheledmethereawayfrommyowndearcountry,forsakingmyowndaughter,mybedchamber,andmyhusband,

amanwholackednoendowmenteitherofbrainsorbeauty.’265Theninanswerfair-hairedMenelaossaidtoher:

‘Yes,mywife,allthisthatyousaidisfairandorderly.InmytimeIhavestudiedthewitandcounselofmanymenwhowereheroes,andIhavebeenovermuchoftheworld,yetnowherehaveIseenwithmyowneyesanyonelikehim,

270norknownaninwardheartliketheheartofenduringOdysseus.Hereisthewaythatstrongmanactedandthewayheenduredaction,insidethewoodenhorse,wherewewhoweregreatestoftheArgivesallweresittingandbringingdeathanddestructiontotheTrojans.Thenyoucamethere,Helen;youwillhavebeenmovedby

275somedivinespiritwhowishedtograntglorytotheTrojans,andDeïphobos,agodlikeman,waswithyouwhenyoucame.Threetimesyouwalkedaroundthehollowambush,feelingit,andyoucalledout,namingthembyname,tothebestoftheDanaans,andmadeyourvoicesoundlikethevoiceofthewifeofeachoftheArgives.

280NowImyselfandthesonofTydeusandgreatOdysseusweresittingthereinthemiddleofthemandweheardyoucryingaloud,andDiomedesandIstartedup,bothmindedtogooutside,orelsetoansweryourvoicefrominside,butOdysseuspulledusbackandheldus,foralloureagerness.

285ThenalltheothersonsoftheAchaiansweresilent:therewasonlyone,itwasAntiklos,whowasreadytoanswer,butOdysseus,brutallysqueezinghismouthintheclutchofhispowerfulhands,heldhim,andsosavedthelivesofalltheAchaiansuntilsuchtimeasPallasAtheneledyouofffromus.’

290ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘GreatMenelaos,sonofAtreus,leaderofthepeople:somuchtheworse;fornoneofallthiskeptdismaldestructionfromhim,notevenifhehadaheartofironwithinhim.Butcome,takeusawaytoourbeds,sothatatlastnow

295wecangotobedandenjoythepleasureofsweetsleep.’Sohespoke,andHelenofArgostoldherservingmaids

Nextmorning,Telemachosasksabouthim

tomakeupbedsintheporch'sshelterandtolayuponthemfineunderbeddingofpurple,andspreadblanketsaboveitandfleecyrobestobeanover-allcovering.Themaidservants

300wentforthfromthemainhouse,andintheirhandsheldtorches,andtheymadethebeds.Theguestswereledoutsidebyaherald.SotheheroTelemachosandtheglorioussonofNestor

sleptintheplaceoutsidethehouseintheporch'sshelter,butthesonofAtreussleptintheinnerroomofthehighhouse,

305andbyhimlayHelenofthelightrobes,shiningamongwomen.NowwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,

Menelaosofthegreatwarcryrosefromwherehewassleepingandputonhisclothes,andslungasharpswordoverhisshoulder.Underneathhisshiningfeetheboundthefairsandals

310andwentonhiswayfromthechamber,likeagodinpresence,andsatdownbyTelemachosandspoketohimandnamedhim:‘Whatistheneedthathasbroughtyouhere,OheroTelemachos,toshiningLakedaimonoverthesea'swideridges?Apublicoraprivatematter?Tellmethistruly.’

315ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘GreatMenelaos,sonofAtreus,leaderofthepeople,Ihavecometoseeifyoucouldtellmesomenewsofmyfather,formyhomeisbeingeatenaway,therichfieldsareruined,andthehouseisfullofhatefulmen,whonowforever

320slaughtermycrowdingsheepandlumberinghorn-curvedcattle,thesesuitorsofmymother,overbearingintheirrapacity.ThatiswhyIcometoyourkneesnow,incaseyoumightwishtotellmeofhisdismaldestruction,whetheryousawitperhapswithyourowneyes,orheardthetalefromanother

325whowanderedtoo.Hismotherborethismantobewretched.Donotsoftenitbecauseyoupitymeandaresorryforme,butfairlytellmeallthatyoureyeshavewitnessed.Iimploreyou,ifevernobleOdysseus,myfather,undertookanykindofwordorworkandfulfilledit

330foryou,inthelandoftheTrojanswhereallyouAchaianssuffered,tellmethesethingsfromyourmemory.Andtellmethewholetruth.’

Thendeeplyangeredfair-hairedMenelaossaidtohim:‘Oh,forshame,itwasinthebedofaboldandstrongmantheywishedtolie,theythemselvesbeingallunwarlike.

335Aswhenadoehasbroughtherfawnstothelairofalion

ThewanderingsofMenelaos,

andputthemtheretosleep,theyarenewbornandstillsuckling,thenwandersoutintothefoothillsandthegrassycorners,grazingthere,butnowthelioncomesbacktohisownlairandvisitsashamefuldestructiononbothmotherandchildren;

340soOdysseuswillvisitshamefuldestructiononthesemen.OfatherZeusandAtheneandApollo,Iwishthat

ashewaswhenuponatimeinstrong-foundedLesboshestoodupandwrestledPhilomeleidesfromachallengeandthrewhimstrongly,sodelightingalltheAchaians,

345IwishthatsuchanOdysseuswouldcomenowamongthesuitors.Theyallwouldfinddeathwasquickandmarriageapainfulmatter.Butforwhatyouentreatmeforandaskmeabout,Iwillnotturnawayfromthetaleandspeakidly,norwillIdeceiveyou,butofwhattheever-truthfulOldManoftheSeatoldme

350Iwilltellallwithoutconcealment,andholdbacknothing.‘ThegodsheldmestillinEgyptwhenIwaseagertocomeback

here,forIhadnotrenderedcompletehecatombstothem.Thegodshavealwaysdesiredthattheirordersshouldbelistenedto.Thereisanislandthereintheheavywashoftheopen

355sea,infrontofEgypt,andtheycallitPharos,asfaroutasthedistanceahollowshipcanmakeinawholeday'ssailingwhenasharpandfollowingwindisblowingitonward.Andthereisaharbortherewithgoodanchorage,whencetheyputforththeirbalancedshipstosea,aftertheyhavedrawndarkwater.

360Therethegodsheldmetwentydays,nordidtheseawindseverappearandblowacrossthesaltwater,suchwindsasacttosendshipssailingoverthesea'swideridges.Andnowthefoodwouldallhavebeengone,andthemen'sstrengthwithit,ifoneofthegodshadnotbeensorryforme,andshownmercy,

365Eidothea,daughtertomightyProteus,theOldManoftheSea,foritwasherheartthatImovedmostlywhenshemetmewanderingbymyselfwithoutmycompanions.Foralwaysrangingabouttheislandtheywouldgofishingwithcrookedfishhooks,andalwaysthehungeroppressedtheirbellies.

370Shecameandstoodclosebesidemeandspokeawordandaddressedme:“Areyousosimplethen,Ostranger,andflimsy-minded,orareyouwillinglygivingup,andenjoyingyourhardships?See,youareheldsolongontheisland,andcanfindnoway

stormboundoffEgypt

outofit,whiletheheartinyourcompanionsdiminishes.”375Soshespoke,andIinturnspokeupandmadeanswer:

“SoIwilltell,whoeveryoumaybeofthegoddesses,thatIamnotdetainedofmyownfreewill,butitmustbeIhaveoffendedtheimmortalswhoholdwideheaven.Butdoyouthentellme,forthegodsknoweverything,whichone

380oftheimmortalshampersmehereandkeepsmefrommyjourney

andtellmehowtomakemywayhomeontheseawherethefishswarm.”SoIspoke,andshe,shiningamongthegoddesses,answered:“See,Iwillaccuratelyanswerallthatyouaskme.TheevertruthfulOldManoftheSearangesintheseparts.

385ThisistheEgyptian,immortalProteus,andheknowsallthedepthsofthesea.HeisPoseidon'sunderthegn.Andtheysayalsoheismyfather,thathebegotme.Ifsomehowyoucouldlieinambushandcatchholdofhim,hecouldtellyouthewaytogo,thestagesofyourjourney,

390andtellyouhowtomakeyourwayhomeontheseawherethefishswarm.Andhecouldtellyoutoo,illustriousone,ifyouwishit,whatevilandwhatgoodhasbeendoneinyourpalacewhileyouhavebeengoneawayonyourlongandarduousvoyage.”Soshespoke,butthenIansweredherandsaidtoher:

395“Showmethewaytolieinwaitforthisdivineancient,forfearhemaysomehowseemefirstandbewarnedandavoidme.Agodisdifficultforamortalmantomaster.”SoIspoke,andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,answered:“See,Iwillaccuratelyanswerallthatyouaskme.

400Atthetimewhenthesunhasgoneuptobestridethemiddleofheaven,thentheever-truthfulOldManoftheSeawillcomeoutofthewaterundertheblastoftheWestWind,circledinashudderofdarkeningwater,andwhenhecomesouthewillsleep,underhollowcaverns,andaroundhimseals,thosedarlingsofthesea'slovelylady,

405sleepinahuddle,aftertheyhaveemergedfromthegraysea,givingoffthesoursmellthatcomesfromthedeepsaltwater.ThereIwilltakeyoumyselfwhendawnshowsandarrangeyouorderlyinyourambush;youmustchoosefromyourcompanionsthosethreewhoareyourbestbesideyourstrong-benchedvessels.

410NowIwilltellyouallthedeviouswaysofthisoldman.Firstofallhewillgoamonghissealsandcountthem,butafterhehasreviewedthemallandnotedtheirnumber,

Captureof

hewillliedownintheirmidst,likeaherdsmanamonghissheepflocks.Next,assoonasyouseethatheisasleep,thatwillbe

415thetimeforallofyoutouseyourstrengthandyourvigor,andholdhimtherewhilehestrivesandstruggleshardtoescapeyou.Andhewilltryyoubytakingtheformofallcreaturesthatcomeforthandmoveontheearth,hewillbewaterandmagicalfire.Youmustholdstifflyontohimandsqueezehimtheharder.

420Butwhenatlasthehimself,speakinginwords,questionsyou,beingnowinthesameformhewasinwhenyousawhimsleeping,then,hero,youmustgiveoveryourforceandlettheoldmangofree,andaskhimwhichoneofthegodsisangrywithyou,andaskhimhowtomakeyourwayhomeontheseawherethefishswarm.”

425Soshespoke,anddivedbackintothesurfofthewater.ThenIwentbackagaintoourshipswheretheywerestationedalongthesand,butmyheartwasastorminmeasIwent.NowwhenIhadcomebacktowheremyshiplaybytheseaside,wemadereadyourdinner,andtheimmortalnightcameover,

430andthenwelaydowntosleepalongthebreakoftheseabeach.ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenImademywayalongthebeachofthewide-wayedsea,prayingmuchtothegods,andItookalongwithmethosethreecompanionsItrustedmostforanyadventure.

435‘Meanwhileshehaddiveddownintothesea'sgreatcavernandbroughtbacktheskinsoffoursealsoutofthewater.Allwerenewlyskinned.Shewasplanningatrickonherfather.Andhollowingoutfourbedsinthesandofthesea,shesattherewaitingforus,andwecamecloseuptoher.Thereupon

440shebeddedusdowninorder,andspreadaskinovereachman.Thatwasamostawfulambush,forthepernicioussmellofthoseseals,bredinthesaltwater,oppressedusterribly.Whowouldwanttoliedowntosleepbyasea-bredmonster?Butsheherselfcametoourrescueanddevisedagreathelp.

445Shebroughtambrosia,andputitunderthenoseofeachman,anditsmelledverysweet,anddidawaywiththestenchofthemonster.Allthatmorningwewaitedthere,withenduringspirit,andthesealscamecrowdingoutofthesea,andwhentheycameouttheylaydowntosleepinorderalongthebreakoftheseabeach.

450AtnoontheOldMancameoutoftheseaandfoundhiswell-fed

thepropheticOldManoftheSea

seals,andwentabouttothemall,andcountedtheirnumber,andwewereamongthefirsthecounted;hehadnoideaofanytreachery.Thenhetoolaydownamongus.Wewithacrysprangupandrusheduponhim,lockinghim

455inourarms,buttheOldMandidnotforgetthesubtletyofhisarts.Firstheturnedintoagreatbeardedlion,andthentoaserpent,thentoaleopard,thentoagreatboar,andheturnedintofluidwater,toatreewithtoweringbranches,

butweheldstifflyontohimwithenduringspirit.460ButwhentheOldManversedindeviouswaysgrewweary

ofallthis,hespoketomeinwordsandquestionedme:“Whichofthegodsnow,sonofAtreus,hasbeenadvisingyoutocapturemefromambushagainstmywill.Whatdoyouwant?”Sohespoke,andIinturnspokeupandmadeanswer:

465“Youknow,OldMan.Whytrytoputmeoffwithyouranswer?See,Iamheldsolongontheisland,andcanfindnowayoutofit,whiletheinwardheartinmediminishes.Doyouthentellme,forthegodsknoweverything,whichoneoftheimmortalshampersmehereandkeepsmefrommyjourney,

470andtellmehowtomakemywayhomeontheseawherethefishswarm.”SoIspoke,andheinturnspokeupandmadeanswer:“ButyoushouldhavemadegrandsacrificestoZeusandtheotherimmortalgods,andsogoneonboard,somostquicklytoreachyourowncountry,sailingoverthewine-bluewater.

475Itisnotyourdestinynowtoseeyourownpeopleandcomebacktoyourstrong-foundedhouseandtothelandofyourfathers,untilyouhavegonebackonceagaintothewaterofEgypt,thesky-fallenriver,andtherehaveaccomplishedholyhecatombsinhonorofalltheimmortalgodswhoholdwideheaven.

480Thenthegodswillgrantyouthatjourneythatyousolongfor.”Sohespoke,andtheinwardheartinmewasbrokenbecauseheorderedmetogobackonthemistysurfaceofthewatertoEgyptagain,alongwayandahardone,butevensoIansweredhiminwordsandsaidtohim:

485“AllthesethingsIwilldo,OldMan,inthewayyoutellme.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.DidallthoseAchaiansNestorandIleftbehindwhenwewentsailingfromTroycomebackintheirships,withoutinjury,ordidanyofthemdiebyadismaldeathonshipboard

TheOldMantellsaboutAgamemnon

490orinthearmsofhisfriendsafterhehadwoundupthefighting?”SoIspoke,andheinturnspokeupandmadeanswer:“SonofAtreus,whydidyouaskmethat?Youshouldnotlearnit,norknowwhatmymindknows,andIthinkyouwillnotbefreeoftearsforlong,onceyouhaveheardthewholestory.

495Thereweremanyofthesemenwhowerelost,andmanyleftover,buttwoalonewhowereleadersofthebronze-armoredAchaiansdiedonthewayhome.Youyourselfwerethereatthefighting.

Andthereisonewhoisbeingheldaliveonthewideseasomewhere.Aiaswaslost,andhislong-oaredvesselswithhim.

500FirstofallPoseidondrovehimagainstthegreatrocksofGyrai,andyethesavedhimoutofthewater,andAiaswouldhaveescapedhisdoom,thoughAthenehatedhim,hadhenotgonewildlymadandtossedoutawordofdefiance;forhesaidthatindespiteofthegodsheescapedthegreatgulf

505ofthesea,andPoseidonheardhim,loudlyvaunting,andatoncewithhisponderoushandscatchingupthetridenthedroveitagainsttheGyreanrock,andsplitapieceoffit,andpartofitstayedwhereitwas,butasplintercrashedinthewater,andthiswaswhereAiashadbeenperchedwhenheravedsomadly.

510Itcarriedhimdowntothedepthsoftheendlessandtossingmainsea.SoAiasdied,whenhehadswalloweddownthesaltwater.Yourbrothersomehowgotawayandescapedthedeathspiritswithhishollowships.ItwastheladyHerawhosavedhim.Butnowashehadcomeclosetothepointofmakingthesheerpeak

515Maleia,thenthestormwindscaughthimawayandcarriedhim,516groaningheavily,outontheopenseawherethefishswarm.519Butsinceevenfromoutthereaneasyhomecomingwasmanifest520forhim,thegodstwistedthewindback,andtheymadethehomeland517attheuttermostedgeofhisestate,wherebeforenowThyestes518hadmadehishome,butnowAigisthossonofThyestes521lived.Agamemnonsteppedrejoicingonthesoilofhiscountry

andstrokedthegroundwithhishandandkissedit,andhisthronginghottearsstreameddown,sodeartohimwasthesightofhiscountry.Butawatchmansawhimfromhislookout,amanwhomAigisthos

525hadtreacherouslytakenandstationedthere,andpromisedhimtwotalentsofgoldaspay.ForayearhehadbeenwatchingsoAgamemnonwouldnotgobyunnoticedandmindfulofhisfuriousvalor.Themanrantothehouseofthewarlord

andofOdysseuswithKalypso

withhisnews,andatonceAigisthosdevisedatreacherousstratagem.530Choosingoutthetwentybestfightingmeninthedistrict,

hesetanambush,andbesideithadthemarrangeafestival,andwentdowntowelcomeAgamemnon,shepherdofthepeople,withhorsesandchariots,andwithshamefulthoughtsinhismind,thenledhiminallunsuspiciousofdeath,andfeastedhim

535andkilledhimfeasting,asonestrikesdownanoxathismanger.NotoneofAgamemnon'smenwhofollowedhimwasleft

alive,noroneofAigisthos'men.Allwerekilledinthepalace.”Sohespoke,andtheinwardheartinmewasbroken,andIsatdownonthesandandcried,nordidtheheartinme

540wishtogoonlivinganylongernortolookonthesunlight.ButwhenIhadgluttedmyselfwithrollingonthesandandweeping,thentheever-truthfulOldManoftheSeasaidtome:“Nolongernow,sonofAtreus,spendyourtimeonthesewastingtears,forIknownogoodthatwillcomeofit.Ratherwithallspeed

545endeavortomakegoodyourwaybacktothelandofyourfathers.YoumightfindAigisthosstillalive,orperhapsOresteshasbeatenyoutothekill,butyoumightbetherefortheburying.”Sohespoke,andtheheartwithinmeandtheproudspiritofthebreastweresoftened,eventhoughIwassosorrowful,

550andnowIspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:“ThesethenIknow.Butdoyoutellmethenameofthethirdman,whoeveritiswhoisbeingheldaliveonthewidesea,orelsehehasdied,butforallmysorrow,Iwouldhearthis.”SoIspoke,andheinturnspokeupandmadeanswer:

555“ThatwasOdysseussonofLaertes,whomakeshishomeinIthaka,whomIsawonanisland,weepingbigtearsinthepalaceofthenymphKalypso,andshedetainshimbyconstraint,andhecannotmakehiswaytohiscountry,forhehasnotanyshipsbyhim,noranycompanions

560whocanconveyhimbackacrossthesea'swideridges.Butforyou,Menelaos,OfosteredofZeus,itisnotthegods'willthatyoushalldieandgotoyourendinhorse-pasturingArgos,buttheimmortalswillconvoyyoutotheElysianField,andthelimitsoftheearth,wherefair-hairedRhadamanthys

565is,andwherethereismadetheeasiestlifeformortals,forthereisnosnow,normuchwinterthere,noristhereeverrain,butalwaysthestreamoftheOceansendsupbreezes

Gift-giving

oftheWestWindblowingbrisklyfortherefreshmentofmortals.This,becauseHelenisyoursandyouareson-in-lawtherefore

570toZeus.”Hespoke,anddivedbackintothetossingdeepwater.ButIwentbackagaintomyships,andmygodlikecompanionswentwithme,butmyheartwasastorminmeasIwent.Nowwhenwehadcomebacktowhereourshiplaybytheseaside,wemadereadyourdinner,andtheimmortalnightcameover,

575andthenwelaydowntosleepalongthebreakoftheseabeach.

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,firstofallwedraggedtheshipdownintothebrightwater,andinthebalancedshipssetthemastsinplace,andsetsails,andweourselvesalsowentaboardandsattotheoarlocks,

580andsittingwellinorderwedashedtheoarsinthegraysea,backtowhereEgyptis,thesky-fallenriver,andthereIstrandedmyships,andthereIrenderedcompletehecatombs.ButwhenIhadendedtheangerofthegods,whoareeverlasting,IpiledamoundforAgamemnon,sothathismemory

585mightneverdie.Ididthis,andsetsail,andtheimmortalsgavemeawind,sobroughtmebacktomyowndearcountrywithallspeed.Come,now,stayherewithmeinmypalaceuntilitistheeleventhdayandeventhetwelfthday,andthenIwillsendyouwellonyourway,andgiveyouglorious

590gifts,threehorsesandawell-finishedchariot;alsoIwillgiveyouafinegobletsothatyoucanpourlibationstotheimmortals;andthinkofme,allyourdays,whenyoudoso.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘SonofAtreus,donotkeepmewithyouhereforalongtime,

595sinceIcouldwellbesatisfiedtositherebesideyouforayear'stime,withoutanylongingforhomeorparents,suchstrangepleasuredoItakelisteningtoyourstoriesandsayings,butbynowmycompanionsinsacredPylosaregrowingrestless,yetforsometimeyouwouldkeepmewithyou.

600Andletthegiftyougivemebesomethingthatcanbestoredup.IwillnottakethehorsestoIthaka,butwillleavethemhere,foryourowndelight,sinceyouarelordofaspreadingplain,thereisplentyofcloverhere,thereisgalingale,andthereiswheatandmillethereandwhitebarley,widegrown.

605TherearenowidecoursesinIthaka,thereisnomeadow;aplacetofeedgoats;butlovelierthanaplacetofeedhorses;

ThesuitorslearnofTelemachos'voyage

forthereisnooneoftheislandsthathasmeadowsfordrivinghorses;theyareallseaslopes;andIthakamorethanalltheothers.’

Hespoke,andMenelaosofthegreatwarcrysmiledonhim,610andstrokedhimwithhishandandcalledhimbynameandspoketohim:

‘Youareoftrueblood,dearchild,inthewayyoureason.SoIshallchangeallthisforyou,sinceIamableto,andofallthosegiftsthatliestoredawayinmyhouseIwillgiveyoutheonewhichismostsplendidandesteemedatthehighestvalue.

615Iwillgiveyouafashionedmixingbowl.Itisofsilverallbuttheedges,andthesearefinishedingold.ThisistheworkofHephaistos.TheheroPhaidimos,theSidonians'king,gaveittome,whenhishousetookmeinandshelteredmethereonmywayhome.Iwouldgiveittoyouforapresent.’

620Sothesetworemainedconversingthiswaytogether,andthebanqueterscamenowintothedivineking'spalace,andtheydrovesheepandcarriedhearteningwine,andwiththemtheirwives,inhandsomehoods,broughtfoodalong.Inthiswaytheyaboutthepalacewerebusypreparingdinner;

625butmeanwhilebeforethepalaceofOdysseusthesuitorsamusedthemselveswithdiscsandwithlightspearsforthrowingonaleveledfloor,unrulymenastheyalwayshadbeen,butAntinoösandEurymachosthegodlikewereseatedaslordsofthesuitors,outandawaythebestmenamongthem,

630andtothemnowcamePhronios'sonNoëmon,approachingAntinoös,andspoketohimandaskedhimaquestion:‘Antinoös,dowehaveanideainourmindsordowenot,whenTelemachoswillcomebackfromsandyPylos?Hehasgone,andtakenmyship,andnowIfindthatIneedher

635forcrossingovertospaciousElis,whereIhaveadozenhorses,mares,andsucklingfromthemhard-workingunbrokenmules;Iwouldliketobreakonein,takingitfromtheothers.’

Sohespoke,andtheywereamazedatheart;theyhadnotthoughthehadgonetoPylos,thecityofNeleus,butthathewassomewhere

640near,onhislands,amongtheflocks,orelsewiththeswineherd.ItwasAntinoösthesonofEupeithesthatanswered:‘Tellmethetruthnow,whendidhego,andwhichoftheyoungmenwentwithhim?ThechoicemenofIthaka,orweretheyhisownfollowing,henchmenandservants?Evenhecouldaccomplishsomuch.

645Andtellmethisandtellmetruly,soIcanbecertain,

AmbushplottedagainstTelemachos

didhetakeyourblackshipfromyoubyforce,whenyouwereunwilling,ordidyouwillinglygiveithim,whenhespoketoyouforit?’

ThenthesonofNoëmon,Phronios,gavehimananswer:‘Igaveittohimofmyfreewill.Whatelsecouldonedo

650whenamanlikethis,withsomanycarestotroublehisspirit,askedforit?Itwouldbehardtodenyhimthegiving.Andtheyoungmenwhoaregoingalongwithhimarethenoblestinourneighborhood.Also,Isawgoingaboardasleader

Mentor,oritwasagod,buthewasineverywaylikehim,655andyetIwonder,foryesterdayearlyIsawthesplendid

Mentorhere;before,hewasboardingashipforPylos.’Sohespoke,andwentawaytothehouseofhisfather,

andtheproudheartinboththesesuitorswasfilledwithamazement.Theyhadthesuitorssitdowninagroupandstoppedtheircontests.

660ItwasAntinoösthesonofEupeitheswhospoketothem,raging,theheartwithinfilledblacktothebrimwithangerfrombeneath,buthistwoeyesshowedlikefireintheirblazing:‘Herenowisamonstrousthing,thisvoyagemadebyTelemachos,andinsolentlyputthrough.Wethoughthewouldneverachieveit.

665Ayoungboy,indespiteofsomanyofus,hashauleddownhisship,andgoneaway,choosingoutthebestmeninthecountry.Theevilwillbegintogofurther.MayZeusgrantdestructionofthelifeinhim,beforehecomestofullmeasureofmanhood.Butcomenow,givemeafastshipandtwentycompanions,

670sothatIcanwatchhisreturnandlieinwaitforhiminthenarrowstraitbetweenIthakaandtoweringSamos,andmakehimsorryforthissea-goinginsearchofhisfather.’

Sohespoke,andtheyallapprovedwhathesaidandurgedit,andatoncetheystoodupandwentinsidethehouseofOdysseus.

675NordidPenelopegoforalongtimewithoutknowingofthecounselswhichthesuitorshadbeensecretlyplanning,forMedontheheraldtoldher,havingoverheardtheircounsels.Hehadbeenstandingoutsidethecourtwhiletheyplottedinsideit,andhewentonhiswaywiththemessageintothehouseofPenelope.

680Penelopespoketohimashesteppedoverthethreshold:‘Herald,onwhaterrandhavetheproudsuitorssentyou?IsittotelltheservingmaidsofgodlikeOdysseustostoptheirwork,soastopreparethesuitorsadinner?Couldthisnotbethelastandthelatesttimeoftheirdining

Penelopehearsthenews

685here,whethercomingtocourtmeormeetingforsomeotherreason?You,whokeepgatheringhere,andconsumingawaymuchlivelihood,thepropertyofwiseTelemachos,norhaveyoulistenedtowhatyouheardfromyourfathersbeforeyou,whenyouwerechildren,whatkindofmanOdysseuswasamongyourownparents,

690howhedidnoactandspokenowordinhisowncountrythatwasunfair;andthatisawaydivinekingshave,onewillbehatefultoacertainman,andfavoranother,

butOdysseuswasneveroutrageousatalltoanyman.Butinyouthespiritisplaintosee,andyourunjustactions,

695howyouhavenogratitudethereafterforgoodthingsdoneyou.’Medoninturn,amanofthoughtfulmind,saidtoher:

‘Ifonly,myqueen,thatcouldbetheworstoftheevil.Butthesuitorsnowaredevisinganotherthingthatismuchworseandhardertobear.MaythesonofKronosnotseeitaccomplished.

700NowtheyaremindedtokillTelemachoswiththesharpbronzeonhiswayhome.HewentinquestofnewsofhisfathertoPylosthesacrosanctandtogloriousLakedaimon.’

Sohespoke,andherkneesgavewayandtheheartinher.Shestayedalongtimewithoutaword,speechless,andhereyes

705filledwithtears,thespringingvoicewasheldstillwithinher.Atlonglastshefoundwordstospeaktohimandanswer:‘Herald,whyismychildgonefromme?Therewasnoreasonforhimtoboardfast-runningships,whichserveashorsesformenonthesaltsea,andtheycrosstheexpansesofwater.

710Mustitbesothatevenhisnameshallbegonefrommen'sminds?’Medonthen,athoughtfulman,spoketoherinanswer:

‘Idonotknowwhethersomegodmovedhim,orwhetherhisownmindhadtheimpulsetogotoPylos,inordertofindoutabouthisfather'shomecoming,orwhatfatehehadmetwith.’

715SospeakinghewentawaybackintothehouseofOdysseus,andacloudofheart-wastingsorrowwasonher,shehadnostrengthlefttositdowninachair,thoughthereweremanythereinthepalace,butsatdownonthefloorofherownwell-wroughtbedchamberweepingpitifully,andaboutherhermaidswerewailing

720all,whowerethereinthehousewithher,bothyoungandoldones.TothemweepingconstantlyPenelopespokenow:‘Hearme,dearfriends.TheOlympianhasgivenmesorrowsbeyondallotherswhowerebornandbroughtuptogether

ThesorrowsofPenelope

withme,forfirstIlostahusbandwiththeheartofalion725andwhoamongtheDanaanssurpassedinallvirtues,

andgreat,whosefamegoeswidethroughHellasandmidmostArgos;andnowagainthestormwindshavecaughtawaymybelovedson,withouttrace,fromthehalls,andIneverheardwhenheleftme.Hard-hearted,notoneoutofallofyouthenremembered

730towakemeoutofmybed,thoughyourmindsknewallclearly,whenhewentoutandawaytoboardthehollowblackship.

ForifIhadheardthathewasconsideringthisjourney,thenhewouldhavehadtostay,thoughhasteningtohisvoyage,orhewouldhavehadtoleavemedeadinthehalls.Sonow

735letsomeonemakeherwayquicklyandsummontheoldmanDolios,myownservant,whommyfathergavemetohaveasIcamehere,andhekeepsanorchardfulloftreesforme,sothathemaygowithspeedtoLaertesandsitbesidehimandtellhimall,andperhapshe,weavingoutthedesigninhisheart,

740maygooutsideandcomplaintothepeopleofthosewhoarestrivingtowasteawayhisownseedandthatofgodlikeOdysseus.’

TheninturnEurykleiaherdearnursesaidtoher:‘Killmethen,deargirl,withthepitilessbronze,orelseletmebeinthehalls.Iwillnothidethestoryfromyou.

745Ididknowallthesethings,andIgavehimallthatheaskedfor,bothbreadandsweetwine,buthetookagreatoathfrommenevertotellyouofituntilitcametothetwelfthday,oruntilyoumightmisshimyourselforhearhewasabsent,sothatyoumightnotruinyourlovelyskinwithweeping.

750Butgo,washwithwaterandputcleanclothinguponyourbody,andgoingontotheupperstorywithyourattendantwomen,praytoAthenedaughterofZeusoftheaegis,forshewouldthenbeabletosavehim,evenfromdying.Butdonotembitterthebitternessoftheoldman.Ithink

755theseedofArkeisiosisnotaltogetherhatedbytheblessedgods,buttherewillstillbeonelefttoinheritthehigh-roofedhouseandtherichfieldsthatlieatadistance.’

Soshespoke,andstilledhergrievingandstoppedtheweepingofhereyes,andshewashedandputcleanclothinguponherbody;

760andwenttotheupperstorywithherattendantwomen,andlaidthebarleygrainsinthebasketandprayedtoAthene:‘Hearme,Atrytone,childofZeusoftheaegis,

Theambushisset

ifeverhereinhisownpalaceresourcefulOdysseusburnedtherichthighpiecesofanoxorsheepinyourhonor,

765rememberitnowformysakeandsaveformemybelovedson,andfendoffthesuitorswhoareevillyoverbearing.’

Shespoke,andraisedtheoutcry,andthegoddesslistenedtoherpraying.Butthesuitorsallthroughtheshadowyhallswereraisingatumult,andthuswouldgothewordofoneofthearrogantyoungmen:

770‘Surelyourmuchsought-afterqueenisconsentingtomarriage

withoneofus,notknowinghowthemurderofhersonisappointed.’Thusoneofthemwouldspeak,notknowingwhatwasappointed.

ButitwasAntinoöswhonowstoodforthandaddressedthem:‘Youareallmad.Keepclearofallthiskindofdisorderly

775talk,forfearsomebodymaygoinsideandreportus.Butcomeletussilentlyriseupnowandputintoactionthatcounselwhichhasbeenresolvedintheheartsofallofus.’

Sohespoke,andchoseoutthetwentybestmenamongthem,andtheywentalongtothefastshipandthesandoftheseashore,

780andfirstofalltheydraggedtheshipouttothedeepeningwater,andintheblackhullsetthemastinplace,andsetsails,andmadetheoarsfastintheleatherslingsoftheoarlocksallingoodorder,andhoistedthewhitesailsandsetthem,andtheirhigh-heartedhenchmencarriedtheirgearonforthem.

785Theyanchoredherdeepenoughinthechannel,andthendisembarkingthemselves,preparedtheirdinnerandwaitedforthecomingofevening.

Butsheintheupperchamber,circumspectPenelope,laytherefasting,shehadtastednofoodnordrink,onlyponderingwhetherherstatelysonwouldescapefromdying

790orhavetogodownunderthehandsoftheinsolentsuitors;andasmuchasalioncaughtinacrowdofmenturnsaboutinfear,whentheyhavemadeatreacherouscircleabouthim,soshewaspondering,whenthepainlesssleepcameuponherandallherjointswererelaxedsothatsheslepttherereclining.

795Thenthegray-eyedgoddessAthenethoughtwhattodonext.Shemadeanimage,andlikenedittoPenelope'ssisterIphthime,thedaughterofgreat-heartedIkarios,whosehusbandwasEumelos,andhelivedinhishomeatPherai.ShesenthernowintothehouseofgodlikeOdysseus

800inordertostopPenelope,whowasgrieving,lamenting,

AdreamfromAthene

fromhercryingandtearfullamentation.Thedreamfigurewentintothebedchamberpassingbesidethethongofthedoorbar,andcameandstoodaboveherheadandspokeawordtoher:‘Penelope,areyousleepingsosorrowfulintheinward

805heart?Butthegodswholiveattheireasedonotsufferyoutoweepandtobetroubled,sinceyoursonwillhavehishomecomingevenyet,sincehehasdonenowronginthegods'sight.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer,sleepingverysweetlynowinthedreams'gateway:

810‘Whyhaveyoucomehere,sister,now,whenyouwerenotusedtocomebefore,sincethehomewhereyouliveisfarawayfromus,andnowyoutellmetogiveoverfromthegrievingandsorrowsthataremanyuponmeandtroublemeinmyheartandspirit,sincefirstIlostahusbandwiththeheartofalion,

815andwhoamongtheDanaanssurpassedinallvirtues,agreatman,whosefamegoeswidethroughHellasandmidmostArgos;andnowagainabelovedsonisgoneonahollowship,aninnocentallunversedinfightingandspeaking,anditisforhimIgrieveevenmorethanforthatotherone,

820andtrembleforhimandfear,lestsomethingshouldhappentohimeitherinthecountrywherehehasgone,oronthewidesea,forhehasmanywhohatehimandarecontrivingagainsthimandstrivingtokillhimbeforehecomesbackintohisowncountry.’

Theninturnthedarkdreamimagespoketoherinanswer:825‘Takecourage,letnotyourheartbetooaltogetherfrightened,

suchanescortgoesalongwithhim,andonethatothermenwouldhaveprayedtohavestandingbesidethem,forshehaspower,PallasAthene,andshehaspityonyouinyourgrieving,anditisshewhohassentmetoyoutotellyouofthesethings.’

830CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Ifthenyouareagod,andhaveheardthevoiceofthegoddess,comethen,tellmeofthatotherunfortunate,tellmewhetherhestilllivesandlooksuponthesun'sshining,orwhetherhehasdiedandisnowinthehouseofHades.’

835Theninturnthedarkdreamimagespoketoherinanswer:‘Asforthatotherone,Iwillnottellyouthewholestorywhetherhelivesorhasdied.Itisbadtobabbleemptily.’

Soshespoke,anddriftedawaybytheboltandthedoorpostandoutandintotheblowingwinds.Ikarios'daughter

comfortsPenelope

840startedupfromhersleep,soothedintheinwardheart,becausethiscleardreaminthedimofthenighthadcometovisither.

Butthesuitorswentaboardandsailedoutintotheflowingways,intheirheartsdevisingsuddendeathforTelemachos.Thereisarockyislandthereinthemiddlechannel

845halfwaybetweenIthakaandtoweringSamos,calledAsteris,notlarge,butithasadoubleanchoragewhereshipscanbehidden.TheretheAchaianswaitedinambush.

BOOKV

NowDawnrosefromherbed,whereshelaybyhaughtyTithonos,carryinglighttotheimmortalgodsandtomortals,andthegodscameandtooktheirplacesinsession,andamongthemZeuswhothundersonhigh,anditishispowerthatisgreatest,

5andAthenespoketothemofthemanycaresofOdysseus,remembering.Thoughhewasinthenymph'shouse,shestillthoughtofhim:‘FatherZeus,andallotherblessedgodseverlasting,nolongernowletonewhoisascepteredkingbeeagertobegentleandkind,beonewhosethoughtisschooledinjustice,

10butlethimalwaysratherbeharsh,andactseverely,seeingthewaynooneofthepeoplehewaslordoverremembersgodlikeOdysseus,andhewaskind,likeafather.ButnowheliesawayonanislandsufferingstrongpainsinthepalaceofthenymphKalypso,andshedetainshim

15byconstraint,andhecannotmakehiswaytohiscountry,forhehasnotanyshipsbyhim,noranycompanionswhocanconveyhimbackacrossthesea'swideridges.Andnowtherearethosewhoaredeterminedtomurderhisdearsononhiswayhome.Hewentinquestofnewsofhisfather

20toPylosthesacrosanctandtogloriousLakedaimon.’TheninturnZeuswhogathersthecloudsmadeanswer:

‘Mychild,whatsortofwordhasescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?Forisnotthisyourownintention,asyouhavecounseledit,

HermesissenttoliberateOdysseus

howOdysseusshallmakehiswayback,andpunishthoseothers?25ThenbringTelemachoshomeskillfully,sinceyoucandothis,

sothatallwithoutharmhecancomebacktohisowncountrywhilethesuitorsintheirshipcomebackwithnothingaccomplished.’

Hespoke,andthenspokedirectlytohisbelovedson,Hermes:‘Hermes,sinceforotherthingsalsoyouareourmessenger,

30announcetothenymphwiththelovelyhairourabsolutepurpose:thehomecomingofenduringOdysseus,thatheshallcomebackbytheconvoyneitherofthegodsnorofmortalpeople,butheshallsailonajointedraftand,sufferinghardships,onthetwentiethdaymakehislandfallonfertileScheria

35atthecountryofthePhaiakianswhoarenearthegodsinorigin,andtheywillhonorhimintheirheartsasagod,andsendhimback,byship,tothebelovedlandofhisfathers,bestowingbronzeandgoldinabundanceuponhim,andclothing,morethanOdysseuscouldeverhavetakenawayfromTroy,even

40ifhehadescapedunharmedwithhisfairshareoftheplunder.Forsoitisfatedthatheshallseehispeopleandcomebacktohishousewiththehighroofandtothelandofhisfathers.’

Hespoke,nordisobeyedhimthecourierArgeïphontes.Immediatelyhebounduponhisfeetthefairsandals,

45goldenandimmortal,thatcarriedhimoverthewaterasoverthedryboundlessearthabreastofthewind'sblast.Hecaughtupthestaff,withwhichhemazestheeyesofthosemortalswhoseeyeshewouldmaze,orwakesagainthesleepers.Holdingthisinhishands,strongArgeïphonteswingedhiswayonward.

50HestoodonPieriaandlaunchedhimselffromthebrightairacrosstheseaandspedthewavetops,likeashearwaterwhoalongthedeadlydeepwaysofthebarrensaltseagoeshuntingfishandspraysquick-beatingwingsinthesaltbrine.InsuchalikenessHermesrodeovermuchtossingwater.

55Butafterhehadmadehiswaytothefar-lyingisland,hesteppedthenoutofthedarkbluesea,andwalkedonoverthedryland,tillhecametothegreatcave,wherethelovely-hairednymphwasathome,andhefoundthatshewasinside.Therewasagreatfireblazingonthehearth,andthesmellofcedar

60splitinbillets,andsweetwoodburning,spreadallovertheisland.Shewassinginginsidethecavewithasweetvoiceasshewentupanddowntheloomandwovewithagoldenshuttle.

Kalypso'sisland

Therewasagrowthofgrovearoundthecavern,flourishing,alderwasthere,andtheblackpoplar,andfragrantcypress,

65andtherewerebirdswithspreadingwingswhomadetheirnestsinit,littleowls,andhawks,andbirdsoftheseawithlongbeakswhoarelikeravens,butalltheirworkisontheseawater;andrightaboutthehollowcavernextendedaflourishing

growthofvinethatripenedwithgrapeclusters.Nexttoit70therewerefourfountains,andeachofthemranshiningwater,

eachnexttoeach,butturnedtoruninsundrydirections;androundaboutthereweremeadowsgrowingsoftwithparsleyandviolets,andevenagodwhocameintothatplacewouldhaveadmiredwhathesaw,theheartdelightedwithinhim.

75TherethecourierArgeïphontesstoodandadmiredit.Butafterhehadadmiredallinhisheart,hewentintothewidecave,nordidtheshininggoddessKalypsofailtorecognizehimwhenshesawhimcomeintoherpresence;fortheimmortalgodsarenotsuchastogounrecognized

80byoneanother,notevenifonelivesinafarhome.ButHermesdidnotfindgreat-heartedOdysseusindoors,buthewassittingoutonthebeach,crying,asbeforenowhehaddone,breakinghisheartintears,lamentation,andsorrow,asweepingtearshelookedoutoverthebarrenwater.

85ButKalypso,shiningamonggoddesses,questionedHermeswhenshehadseatedhimonachairthatshoneandglittered:‘Howisit,Hermesofthegoldenstaff,youhavecometome?Ihonoryouandloveyou;butyouhavenotcomemuchbeforethis.Speakwhatisinyourmind.Myheartisurgenttodoit

90ifIcan,andifitisathingthatcanbeaccomplished.Butcomeinwithme,soIcanputentertainmentbeforeyou.’

Sothegoddessspoke,andshesetbeforehimatablewhichshehadfilledwithambrosia,andmixedrednectarforhim.Thecourier,HermesArgeïphontes,ateanddrankthen,

95butwhenhehaddinedandsatisfiedhishungerwitheating,thenhebegantospeak,answeringwhatshehadaskedhim:‘You,agoddess,askme,agod,whyIcame,andthereforeIwilltellyouthewholetruthofthetale.Itisyouwhoaskme.ItwasZeuswhotoldmetocomehere.Ididnotwishto.

100Whowouldwillinglymaketherunacrossthisendlesssaltwater?Andthereisnocityofmennearby,norpeople

HermestellshertoletOdysseusgo

whoofferchoicehecatombstothegods,andperformsacrifice.Butthereisnowayforanothergodtoeludethepurposeofaegis-bearingZeusorbringittonothing.Hesays

105youhavewithyouthemanwhoiswretchedbeyondalltheothermenofallthosewhofoughtaroundthecityofPriamfornineyears,andinthetenththeysackedthecityandsetsail

forhome,butonthevoyagehometheyoffendedAthene,wholetlooseaneviltempestandtallwavesagainstthem.

110Thenalltherestofhisexcellentcompanionsperished,butthewindandthecurrentcarriedhimhereandheretheydrovehim.NowZeustellsyoutosendhimonhiswaywithallspeed.Itisnotappointedforhimtodiehere,awayfromhispeople.Itisstillhisfatethatheshallseehispeopleandcomeback

115tohishousewiththehighroofandtothelandofhisfathers.’Sohespoke,andKalypso,shiningamongdivinities,

shuddered,andansweredhiminwingedwordsandaddressedhim:‘Youarehard-hearted,yougods,andjealousbeyondallcreaturesbeside,whenyouareresentfultowardthegoddessesforsleeping

120openlywithsuchmenaseachhasmadehertruehusband.SowhenDawnoftherosyfingerschoseoutOrion,allyougodswholiveatyoureasewerefullofresentment,untilchasteArtemisofthegoldenthroneinOrtygiacamewithavisitationofpainlessarrowsandkilledhim;

125andsoitwaswhenDemeterofthelovelyhair,yieldingtoherdesire,laydownwithIasionandlovedhiminathrice-turnedfield,itwasnotlongbeforethiswasmadeknowntoZeus,whostruckhimdownwithacastoftheshiningthunderbolt.Sonow,yougods,youresentitinmethatIkeepbesideme

130aman,theoneIsavedwhenheclungastrideofthekeelboardallalone,sinceZeuswithacastoftheshiningthunderbolthadshatteredhisfastshipmidwayonthewine-bluewater.Thenalltherestofhisexcellentcompanionsperished,butthewindandthecurrentcarriedhimhereandheretheydrovehim,

135andIgavehimmyloveandcherishedhim,andIhadhopesalsothatIcouldmakehimimmortalandallhisdaystobeendless.Butsincethereisnowayforanothergodtoeludethepurposeofaegis-bearingZeusorbringittonothing,lethimgo,lethimgo,ifhehimselfisaskingforthisanddesiresit,

140outonthebarrensea;butIwillnotgivehimconveyance,

KalypsotellsOdysseus

forIhavenotanyshipsbymenoranycompanionswhocanconveyhimbackacrossthesea'swideridges;butIwillfreelygivehimmycounselandholdbacknothing,sothatallwithoutharmhecancomebacktohisowncountry.’

145TheninturnthecourierArgeïphontesansweredher:‘Thensendhimaccordinglyonhisway,andbewareoftheanger

ofZeus,lestheholdagrudgehereafterandrageagainstyou.’SospokepowerfulArgeïphontes,andtherehelefther,

whileshe,thequeenlynymph,whenshehadbeengiventhemessage150fromZeus,setoutsearchingaftergreat-heartedOdysseus,

andfoundhimsittingonthetheseashore,andhiseyeswereneverwipeddryoftears,andthesweetlifetimewasdrainingoutofhim,asheweptforawayhome,sincethenymphwasnolongerpleasingtohim.Bynightshewouldliebesideher,ofnecessity,

155inthehollowcaverns,againsthiswill,byonewhowaswilling,butallthedayshewouldsitupontherocks,attheseaside,breakinghisheartintearsandlamentationandsorrowasweepingtearshelookedoutoverthebarrenwater.She,brightamongdivinities,stoodnearandspoketohim:

160‘Poorman,nolongermournherebesidemenorletyourlifetimefadeaway,sincenowIwillsendyouon,withagoodwill.Socome,cutlongtimberswithabronzeaxandjointhemtomakeawideraft,andfashiondecksthatwillbeontheupperside,tocarryyouoverthemistyfaceofthewater.

165ThenIwillstowaboardherbreadandwaterandruddywine,strength-givinggoodsthatwillkeepthehungerfromyou,andputclothingonyou,andsendafollowingsternwindafter,sothatallwithoutharmyoucancomebacktoyourowncountry,ifonlythegodsconsent.Itistheywhoholdwideheaven.

170AndtheyaremorepowerfulthanItodeviseandaccomplish.’Soshespoketohim,butlong-sufferinggreatOdysseus

shudderedtohear,andspokeagaininturnandaddressedher:‘Hereissomeotherthingyoudevise,Ogoddess;itisnotconveyance,whenyoutellmetocrossthesea'sgreatopen

175spaceonaraft.Thatisdangerousandhard.NotevenbalancedshipsrejoicinginawindfromZeuscrossover.Iwillnotgoaboardanyraftwithoutyourgoodwill,norunless,goddess,youcanbringyourselftoswearmeagreatoaththatthisisnotsomepainfultrialyouareplanningagainstme.’

thewillofthegods

180Sohespoke,andKalypso,shiningamongdivinities,smiledandstrokedhimwithherhandandspoketohimandnamedhim:‘Youaresonaughty,andyouwillhaveyourownwayinallthings.Seehowyouhavespokentomeandreasonwithme.Earthbemywitnessinthis,andthewideheavenaboveus,

185andthedrippingwateroftheStyx,whichoathisthebiggest

andmostformidableoathamongtheblessedimmortals,thatthisisnootherpainfultrialIamplanningagainstyou,butIamthinkingandplanningforyoujustasIwoulddoitformyownself,ifsuchneedsasyoursweretocomeuponme;

190forthemindinmeisreasonable,andIhavenospiritofironinsidemyheart.Rather,itiscompassionate.

Soshespoke,ashininggoddess,andledthewayswiftly,andthemanfollowedbehindherwalkinginthegod'sfootsteps.Theymadetheirway,themanandthegod,tothehollowcavern,

195andheseatedhimselfuponthechairfromwhichHermeslatelyhadrisen,whilethenymphsetallmanneroffoodbeforehimtoeatanddrink,suchthingsasmortalpeoplefeedupon.SheherselfsatacrossthetablefromgodlikeOdysseus,andherservingmaidssetnectarandambrosiabeforeher.

200Theyputtheirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butaftertheyhadtakentheirpleasureineatinganddrinking,thetalkingwasbegunbytheshininggoddessKalypso:‘SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,areyoustillallsoeagertogoonbacktoyourownhouse

205andthelandofyourfathers?Iwishyouwell,howeveryoudoit,butifyouonlyknewinyourownhearthowmanyhardshipsyouwerefatedtoundergobeforegettingbacktoyourcountry,youwouldstayherewithmeandbethelordofthishouseholdandbeanimmortal,forallyourlongingoncemoretolookon

210thatwifeforwhomyouarepiningallyourdayshere.AndyetIthinkthatIcanclaimthatIamnotherinferioreitherinbuildorstature,sinceitisnotlikelythatmortalwomencanchallengethegoddessesforbuildandbeauty.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:215‘Goddessandqueen,donotbeangrywithme.Imyselfknow

thatallyousayistrueandthatcircumspectPenelopecannevermatchtheimpressionyoumakeforbeautyandstature.Sheismortalafterall,andyouareimmortalandageless.

Odysseusbuildsaraft

Butevenso,whatIwantandallmydaysIpinefor220istogobacktomyhouseandseemydayofhomecoming.

Andifsomegodbattersmefaroutonthewine-bluewater,Iwillendureit,keepingastubbornspiritinsideme,foralreadyIhavesufferedmuchanddonemuchhardworkonthewavesandinthefighting.Soletthisadventurefollow.’

225Sohespoke,andthesunwentdownandthedarknesscameover.Thesetwo,withdrawnintheinnerrecessofthehollowedcavern,enjoyedthemselvesinloveandstayedallnightbyeachother,ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,Odysseuswrappedhimselfinanoutercloakandatunic,

230whileshe,thenymph,mantledherselfinagleamingwhiterobefine-wovenanddelightful,andaroundherwaistshefastenedahandsomebeltofgold,andonherheadwasawimple.Shesetaboutplanningthejourneyforgreat-heartedOdysseus.Shegavehimagreataxthatwasfittedtohispalmsandheaded

235withbronze,withadoubleedgeeachway,andfittedinsideitaverybeautifulhandleofolivewood,wellhafted;thenshegavehimawell-finishedadze,andledthewayonwardtothefarendoftheislandwherethereweretrees,tallgrown,alderandblackpoplarandfirthattoweredtotheheaven,

240butallgonedrylongagoanddead,sotheywouldfloatlightly.Butwhenshehadshownhimwherethetalltreesgrew,Kalypso,shiningamongdivinities,wentbacktoherownhousewhileheturnedtocuttinghistimbersandquicklyhadhisworkfinished.Hethrewdowntwentyinall,andtrimmedthemwellwithhisbronzeax,

245andplanedthemexpertly,andtruedthemstraighttoachalkline.Kalypso,theshininggoddess,atthattimecameback,bringinghimanauger,andheboredthroughthemallandpinnedthemtogetherwithdowels,andthenwithcordshelashedhisrafttogether.Andasgreatasisthebottomofabroadcargo-carrying

250ship,whenamanwellskilledincarpentryfashionsit,suchwasthesizeofthebroadraftmadeforhimselfbyOdysseus.Next,settingupthedeckboardsandfittingthemtocloseuprightsheworkedthemon,andclosedintheendswithsweepinggunwales.Thenhefashionedthemast,withanupperdeckfittedtoit,

255andmadeinadditionasteeringoarbywhichtodirecther,andfencedherindownthewholelengthwithwattlesofosiertokeepthewaterout,andexpendedmuchtimberuponthis.

andKalypsosendshimoff

NextKalypso,theshininggoddess,broughtoutthesailclothtomakethesailswith,andhecarefullyworkedthesealso,

260andattachedthestrapsandhalyardsandsheetsallinplaceaboardher,andthenwithleversworkedherdowntothebrightsaltwater.

Itwasthefourthdayandallhisworkwasfinished.ThenonthefifthdayshiningKalypsosawhimofffromtheisland

whenshehadbathedhimandputfragrantclothinguponhim,265andthegoddessputtwoskinsaboard,onefilledwithdarkwine

andtheother,thebigone,filledwithwater,andputonprovisionsinabag,andstoredtheremanygoodthingstokeepaman'sstrengthup,andsentafollowingwindtocarryhim,warmandeasy.GloriousOdysseus,happywiththewind,spreadsails

270andtakinghisseatartfullywiththesteeringoarheheldheronhercourse,nordidsleepeverdescendonhiseyelidsashekepthiseyeonthePleiadesandlate-settingBoötes,andtheBear,towhommengivealsothenameoftheWagon,whoturnsaboutinafixedplaceandlooksatOrion,

275andshealoneisneverplungedinthewashoftheOcean.ForsoKalypso,brightamonggoddesses,hadtoldhimtomakehiswayoverthesea,keepingtheBearonhislefthand.Seventeendayshesailed,makinghiswayoverthewater,andontheeighteenthdaythereshowedtheshadowymountains

280ofthePhaiakianlandwhereitstoodoutnearesttohim,anditlookedlikeashieldlyingonthemistyfaceofthewater.

ComingbackfromtheAithiopiansthestrongEarthshakersawhimfromfaronthemountainsoftheSolymoi.Hewasvisiblesailingoverthesea.Poseidonwasthemoreangered

285withhim,andshookhishead,andspoketohisownspirit:‘Forshame,surelythegodshaverashlychangedtheirintentionsaboutOdysseuswhileIwasawayintheAithiopians'land,andhenearsthePhaiakiancountrywhereitisappointedthatheshallescapethisgreattrialofmiserythatisnowhis.

290ButIthinkIcanstillgivehimagoodfullportionoftrouble.’Hespoke,andpulledthecloudstogether,inbothhandsgripping

thetrident,andstaggeredthesea,andletlooseallthestormblastsofallthewindstogether,andhuddledunderthecloudscudslandalikeandthegreatwater.Nightsprangfromheaven.

295EastWindandSouthWindclashedtogether,andthebitterblownWestWind

Poseidonwreckstheraft

andtheNorthWindborninthebrightairrolledupaheavysea.ThekneesofOdysseusgavewayforfear,andtheheartinsidehim,anddeeplytroubledhespoketohisowngreat-heartedspirit:‘Ahmeunhappy,whatinthelongoutcomewillbefallme?

300IfearthegoddessmighthavespokenthetruthinallwayswhenshesaidthatontheseaandbeforeIcametomycountryIwouldgothroughhardships;nowallthisisbeingaccomplished,

suchcloudsarethese,withwhichZeusiscrammingthewideskyandhasstaggeredthesea,andstormblastsofwindsfromevery

305directionarecrowdingin.Mysheerdestructioniscertain.ThreetimesandfourtimeshappythoseDanaanswerewhodiedtheninwideTroyland,bringingfavortothesonsofAtreus,asIwishItoohaddiedatthattimeandmetmydestinyonthedaywhenthegreatestnumberofTrojansthrewtheirbronze-headed

310weaponsuponme,overthebodyofperishedAchilleus,andIwouldhavehadmyritesandtheAchaiansgivenmeglory.NowitisbyadismaldeaththatImustbetaken.’

Ashespokeso,agreatwavedrovedownfromabovehimwithahorriblerush,andspuntheraftinacircle,

315andhewasthrownclearfarfromtheraftandletthesteeringoarslipfromhishands.Aterriblegustofstormwindswhirlingtogetherandblowingsnappedthemasttreeoffinthemiddle,andthesailandtheupperdeckwerethrownfarandfellinthewater.Hehimselfwasduckedforalongtime,norwasheable

320tocomeupquicklyfromunderthegreatrushofthewater,fortheclothingwhichdivineKalypsohadgivenweightedhimdown.Atlasthegottothesurface,andspatthebittersaltseawaterthatdrainedfromhishead,whichwasfilledwithit.Buthedidnotforgetabouthisraft,forallhistrouble,

325butturnedandswambackthroughthewaves,andlaidholdofit,andhuddleddowninthemiddleofit,avoidingdeath'send.Thenthewavestossedheraboutthecurrentnowhere,nowthere;astheNorthWindinautumntumblesandtossesthistledownalongtheplain,andthebunchesholdfastoneonanother,

330sothewindstossedheronthegreatsea,nowhere,nowthere,andnowitwouldbeSouthWindandNorththatpushedherbetweenthem,andthenagainEastWindandWestwouldburstinandfollow.

butLeukothearescuesOdysseus

ThedaughterofKadmos,sweet-steppingInocalledLeukothea,sawhim.Shehadoncebeenonewhospokeasamortal,

335butnowinthegulfsoftheseasheholdsdegreeasagoddess.ShetookpityonOdysseusashedriftedandsufferedhardship,andlikeningherselftoawingedgannetshecameupoutofthewaterandperchedontheraftandspokeawordtohim:‘Poorman,whyisPoseidontheshakeroftheearthsobitterly

340cankeredagainstyou,togiveyousuchaharvestofevils?Andyethewillnotdoawaywithyou,forallhisanger.

ButdoasIsay,sinceyouseemtomenotlackingingoodsense.Takeofftheseclothes,andleavetherafttodriftatthewinds'will,andthenstrikeoutandswimwithyourhandsandmakeforalandfall

345onthePhaiakiancountry,whereyourescapeisdestined.Andhere,takethisveil,itisimmortal,andfastenitunderyourchest;andthereisnoneedforyoutodie,nortosuffer.Butwhenwithbothyourhandsyouhavetakenholdofthemainland,untietheveilandthrowitoutinthewine-bluewater

350farfromtheland;andturnyourfaceawayasyoudoso.’Sospokethegoddessandhandedhimtheveil,thenherself

inthelikenessofagannetslippedbackintotheheavingsea,andthedarkandtossingwaterclosedaboveher.Nowlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusponderedtwocourses,

355andtroubledhespokethentohisowngreat-heartedspirit:‘Ahme,whichoftheimmortalsisweavingdeceptionagainstme,andtellsmetoputofffromtheraft?Butno,Iwillnotdoityet,sinceIhaveseenwithmyowneyesthattheshore,whereshesaidIcouldescape,isstillfarfromme.

360ButhereiswhatIwilldo,andthisseemstomethebestway.Aslongasthetimbersholdtogetherandtheconstructionremains,Iwillstaywithitandendurethoughsufferinghardships;butoncetheheavingseahasshakenmyrafttopieces,thenIwillswim.ThereisnothingbetterthatIcanthinkof.’

365Nowashewasponderingthesewaysinhisheartandspirit,Poseidon,shakeroftheearth,droveonagreatwave,thatwasterribleandrough,anditcurledoverandbrokedownuponhim,andaswhenthewindblowshardonadrypileofchaff,andscattersitabroadineverydirection,

370sotheraft'slongtimberswerescattered,butnowOdysseussatastrideonebeam,likeamanridingonhorseback,

OdysseusaidedbyAthene

andstrippedofftheclothingwhichthedivineKalypsohadgivenhim,andrapidlytiedtheveilofInoaroundhischest,thenthrewhimselfheadfirstinthewater,andwithhisarmsspread

375strokedashardashecould.ThestrongEarthshakersawhimswimming,andshookhisheadandspoketohisownspirit:‘There,now,driftontheopensea,sufferingmuchtrouble,untilyoucomeamongcertainpeoplewhoarethegods'fosterlings.Evenso,IhopeyouwillnotcomplainthatIstintedyourhardships.’

380Sohespoke,andlaidthelashonhisfair-manedhorses,andmadehiswaytoAigai,where

hehashisfabulouspalace.ButnowAthene,daughterofZeus,plannedwhatwastofollow.

Shefasteneddownthecoursesofalltherestofthestormwinds,andtoldthemalltogotosleepnowandtogiveover,

385butstirredahasteningNorthWind,andbrokedowntheseasbeforehim,untilZeus-sprungOdysseus,escapingdeathandthespiritsofdeath,mightjointhecompanyofoar-lovingPhaiakians.

Thenhewasdriventwonightsandtwodaysontheheavyseas,andmanytimeshisheartforesawdestruction,

390butwhenDawnwiththelovelyhairhadbroughtthethirdmorning,thenatlastthegalewentdownandwindlessweathercameon,andnowhesawthelandlyingveryclosetohimashetookasharplook,liftedhighonthetopofagreatwave.Andaswelcomeastheshowoflifeagaininafather

395istohischildren,whenhehaslainsick,sufferingstrongpains,andwastinglongaway,andthehatefuldeathspirithasbrushedhim,butthen,anditiswelcome,thegodssethimfreeofhissickness,sowelcomeappearedlandandforestnowtoOdysseus,andheswam,pressingon,soastosetfootonthemainland.

400Butwhenhewasasfarawayasavoicecancarryheheardthethumpingoftheseaonthejaggedrock-teeth,forabigsurf,terriblysuckedupfromthemain,wascrashingonthedryland,allwasmantledinsaltspray,andtherewerenoharborstoholdships,noroadsteadsforthemtoridein,

405butpromontoriesout-thrustandraggedrock-teethandboulders.ThekneesofOdysseusgavewayforfear,andtheheartinsidehim,anddeeplytroubledhespoketohisowngreat-heartedspirit:‘Ahme,nowthatZeushasgrantedasightofunhoped-forland,andnowIhavemadethecrossingofthisgreatdistance,

410Iseenowayformetogetoutofthegrayseawater,

barelyavoidstherocks

forontheoutersidearesharprocks,andthesurfaboutthembreaksandroars,andthesheerofthecliffrunsupabovethem,andtheseaisdeepcloseinshoresothatthereisnoplacetostandbracingonbothmyfeetandsoavoidtrouble.

415IfearthatasIclimboutagreatwavewillcatchandthrowmeagainstthestonycliff.Thatwillbeapitifullanding.YetifItrytoswimonalonginthehopeoffindingbeachesthatslantagainstthewavesorharborsforshelterfromthesea,Ifearthatonceagainthewhirlwindwillsnatchme

420andcarrymeoutontheseawherethefishswarm,groaningheavily,orelsethedivinityfromthedeepwillletlooseagainstmeaseamonster,ofwhomAmphitritekeepssomany;forIknowhowbitterlytherenownedEarthshakerhatesme.’

Nowashewasponderingthisinhisheartandspirit,425meanwhileagreatwavecarriedhimagainsttheroughrockface,

andtherehisskinwouldhavebeentakenoff,hisbonescrushedtogether,hadnotthegray-eyedgoddessAthenesenthimaninkling,andhefranticallycaughtholdwithbothhandsontherockfaceandclungtoit,groaning,untilthegreatwavewentover.Thisone

430hesoescaped,butthebackwashofthesamewavecaughthimwhereheclungandthrewhimfaroutintheopenwater.Aswhenanoctopusisdraggedawayfromitsshelterthethickly-clusteredpebblesstickinthecupsofthetentacles,soincontactwiththerocktheskinfromhisboldhands

435wastornaway.Nowthegreatseacoveredhimover,andOdysseuswouldhaveperished,wretched,beyondhisdestiny,hadnotthegray-eyedgoddessAthenegivenhimforethought.Hegotclearofthesurf,whereitsucksagainsttheland,andswamonalong,lookingalwaystowardtheshoreinthehopeoffinding

440beachesthatslantedagainstthewavesorharborsforshelterfromthesea,butwhenhecame,swimmingalong,tothemouthofasweet-runningriver,thisatlastseemedtohimthebestplace,beingbareofrocks,andtherewasevenshelterfromthewindthere.Hesawwheretherivercameoutandprayedtohiminhisspirit:

445‘Hearme,mylord,whoeveryouare.Icomeingreatneedtoyou,afugitivefromtheseaandthecurseofPoseidon;evenforimmortalgodsthatmanhasaclaimontheirmercywhocomestothemasawanderingman,inthewaythatInowcometoyourcurrentandtoyourkneesaftermuchsuffering.

Odysseuscomesashore

450Pitymethen,mylord.Icallmyselfyoursuppliant.’Hespoke,andtheriverstayedhiscurrent,stoppedthewavesbreaking,

andmadeallquietinfrontofhimandlethimgetsafelyintotheoutletoftheriver.Nowheflexedbothkneesandhisponderoushands;hisveryheartwassickwithsaltwater,

455andallhisfleshwasswollen,andtheseawatercrustedstifflyinhismouthandnostrils,andwithaterriblewearinessfallenuponhimhelayunabletobreatheorspeakinhisweakness.Butwhenhegothisbreathbackandthespiritregatheredinto

hisheart,heatlastunboundtheveilofthegoddessfromhim,460andletitgo,todriftintheseawardcourseoftheriver,

andthegreatwavecarrieditoutonthecurrent,andpresentlyInotookitbackintoherhands.Odysseusstaggeredfromtheriverandlaydownagainintherushesandkissedthegrain-givingsoil.Thendeeplytroubledhespoketohisowngreat-heartedspirit:

465‘Whatwillhappennow,andwhatinthelongoutcomewillbefallme?ForifIwaitouttheuncomfortablenightbytheriver,Ifearthatthefemaledewandtheevilfrosttogetherwillbetoomuchformydamagedstrength,Iamsoexhausted,andinthemorningachillywindwillblowfromtheriver;

470butifIgouptheslopeandintotheshadowyforest,andliedowntosleepamongthedensebushes,evenifthechillandwearinessletmebe,andasweetsleepcomesuponme,IfearImaybecomespoilandpreytothewildanimals.’

Inthedivisionofhisheartthislastwayseemedbest,475andhewenttolookforthewoodandfounditclosetothewater

inaconspicuousplace,andstoppedunderneathtwobushesthatgrewfromthesameplace,oneofshrub,andoneofwildolive,andneithertheforceofwet-blowingwindscouldpenetratethesenorcouldtheshiningsuneverstrikethroughwithhisrays,noryet

480couldtherainpassallthewaythroughthem,soclosetogetherweretheygrown,interlacingeachother;andunderthesenowOdysseusentered,andwithhisownhandsheapedhimabedtosleepon,makingitwide,sincetherewasgreatstoreoffallenleavesthere,enoughfortwomentotakecoverinoreventhreemen

485inthewinterseason,evenintheveryworstkindofweather.Seeingthis,long-sufferinggreatOdysseuswashappy,andlaydowninthemiddle,andmadeapileofleavesoverhim.Aswhenamanburiesaburningloginablackashheap

ontheislandofthePhaiakians

inaremoteplaceinthecountry,wherenonelivenearasneighbors,490andsavestheseedoffire,havingnootherplacetogetalight

from,soOdysseusburiedhimselfintheleaves,andAtheneshedasleeponhiseyessoasmostquicklytoquithim,byveilinghiseyes,fromtheexhaustionofhishardlabors.

BOOKVI

Solong-sufferinggreatOdysseussleptinthatplaceinanexhaustionofsleepandweariness,andnowAthenewentherwaytothedistrictandcityofthePhaiakianmen,whoformerlylivedinthespaciousland,Hypereia,

5nexttotheCyclopes,whowerementoooverbearing,andwhohadkeptharryingthem,beinggreaterinstrength.FromheregodlikeNausithoöshadremovedandledamigration,andsettledinScheria,farawayfrommenwhoeatbread,anddrivenawallaboutthecity,andbuiltthehouses,

10andmadethetemplesofthegods,andallottedtheholdings.Butnowhehadsubmittedtohisfate,andgonetoHades',andAlkinoös,learnedindesignsfromthegods,nowruledthere.Itwastohishousethatthegray-eyedgoddessAthenewent,devisingthehomecomingofgreat-heartedOdysseus,

15andshewentintotheornatechamber,inwhichagirlwassleeping,liketheimmortalgoddessesforstatureandbeauty,Nausikaa,thedaughterofgreat-heartedAlkinoös,andbesidehertwohandmaidenswithbeautygivenfromtheGracessleptoneithersideofthepostwiththeshiningdoorsclosed.

20Shedriftedinlikeabreathofwindtowherethegirlslept,andcameandstoodaboveherheadandspokeawordtoher,likeningherselftothedaughterofDymas,famedforseafaring,agirlofthesameage,inwhomherfancydelighted.Inthislikenessthegray-eyedAthenespoketoher:

Nausikaaisinspiredtogoandwashtheclothes

25‘Nausikaa,howcouldyourmotherhaveachildsocareless?Theshiningclothesarelyingawayuncaredfor,whileyourmarriageisnotfaroff,whenyoushouldbeinyourgloryforclothestowear,andprovidetooforthosewhoattendyou.Itisfromsuchthingsthatagoodreputationamongpeople

30springsup,givingpleasuretoyourfatherandtheladyyourmother.Soletusgoonawashingtomorrowwhendawnshows.Itoowillgoalongwithyouandhelpyou,soyoucanhavealldonemostquickly,sinceyouwillnotlongstayunmarried.Foralreadyyouarebeingcourtedbyallthebestmen

35ofthePhaiakianshereabouts,andyoutooareaPhaiakian.Socome,urgeyourfamousfatherearlyinthemorningtoharnessthemulesandwagonforyou,anditshallcarrythesashesanddressesandshiningcoverletsforyou.Inthiswayitwillbesomuchmorebecomingthanforyoutogothere

40onfoot,forthewashingplacesarealongwayfromthecity.’Sothegray-eyedAthenespokeandwentawayfromher

toOlympos,wheretheabodeofthegodsstandsfirmandunmovingforever,theysay,andisnotshakenwithwindsnorspatteredwithrains,nordoessnowpileeverthere,buttheshiningbrightair

45stretchescloudlessaway,andthewhitelightglancesuponit.Andthere,andalltheirdays,theblessedgodstaketheirpleasure.TheretheGray-eyedOnewent,whenshehadtalkedwiththeyounggirl.

AndthenexttheDawncame,thronedinsplendor,andwakenedthewell-robedgirlNausikaa,andshewonderedmuchatherdreaming,

50andwentthroughthehouse,soastogivethewordtoherparents,toherdearfatherandhermother.Shefoundthemwithinthere;thequeenwassittingbythefiresidewithherattendantwomen,turningsea-purpleyarnonadistaff;herfathershemetashewasgoingoutthedoortothecouncil

55offamedbarons,wheretheproudPhaiakiansusedtosummonhim.Shestoodverycloseuptoherdearfatherandspoketohim:‘Daddydear,willyounothavethemharnessmethewagon,thehighonewiththegoodwheels,sothatIcantaketheclothingtotheriverandwashit?Nowitislyingabout,alldirty,

60andyouyourself,whenyousitamongthefirstmenincouncilandsharetheircounsels,oughttohavecleanclothingaboutyou;andalso,youhavefivedearsonswhoaregrowninthepalace,

OdysseuswakenedbyNausikaa

twoofthemmarried,andotherthreearesprightlybachelors,andtheyareforeverwantingcleanfreshclothing,towearit

65whentheygotodance,anditismydutytothinkaboutallthis.’Soshespoke,butshewasashamedtospeakofherjoyful

marriagetoherdearfather,butheunderstoodallandanswered:‘Idonotbegrudgeyouthemules,child,noranything

else.Sogo,andtheservingmenwillharnessthewagon,70thehighonewiththegoodwheelsthathasthecarryingbasket.’

Hespoke,andgavetheordertotheservingmen.Theseobeyed,andbroughtthemulewagonwithgoodwheelsoutsideandputittogether,andledthemulesundertheyokeandharnessedthem,andthegirlbroughtthebrightclothingoutfromtheinnerchamber

75andlaiditinthewell-polishedwagon.Meanwhilehermotherputinaboxallmanneroffood,whichwouldpreservestrength,andputmanygoodthingstoeatwithit,andpouredoutwineinagoatskinbottle,andherdaughterputthatinthewagon.Shegaveherlimpidoliveoilinagoldenoilflask

80forherandherattendantwomentouseforanointing.Nausikaatookupthewhipandtheshiningreins,thenwhippedthemintoastartandthemuleswentnoisilyforwardandpulledwithoutstint,carryingthegirlandtheclothing.Shewasnotalone.Therest,herhandmaidens,walkedonbesideher.

85Nowwhentheyhadcometothedelightfulstreamoftheriver,wheretherewasalwaysawashingplace,andplentyofgloriouswaterthatranthroughtowashwhatwaseversodirty,theretheyunyokedthemulesandsetthemfreefromthewagon,andchasedthemoutalongthebankoftheswirlingriver

90tograzeonthesweetrivergrass,whiletheyfromthewagonliftedthewashintheirhandsandcarriedittotheblackwater,andstampedonitinthebasins,makingaraceandgameofituntiltheyhadwashedandrinsedalldirtaway,thenspreaditoutinlinealongthebeachofthesea,wherethewater

95oftheseahadwashedthemostbigpebblesuponthedryshore.Thentheythemselves,afterbathingandanointingthemselveswitholiveoil,atetheirdinnerallalongbythebanksoftheriverandwaitedforthelaundrytodryoutinthesunshine.Butwhensheandhermaidshadtakentheirpleasureineating,

100theyallthrewofftheirveilsforagameofball,andamongthem

andthegirlsatplay

itwasNausikaaofthewhitearmswholedinthedancing;andasArtemis,whoshowersarrows,movesonthemountainseitheralongTaÿgetosoronhigh-toweringErymanthos,delightinginboarsanddeerintheirrunning,

105andalongwithherthenymphs,daughtersofZeusoftheaegis,rangeinthewildsandplay,andtheheartofLetoisgladdened,fortheheadandthebrowsofArtemisareabovealltheothers,

andsheiseasilymarkedamongthem,thoughallarelovely,sothisoneshoneamongherhandmaidens,avirginunwedded.

110Butnow,whenshewasaboutreadyoncemoretoharnessthemules,andfoldthesplendidclothing,andstartonthewayhome,thenthegray-eyedgoddessAthenethoughtwhattodonext;howOdysseusshouldawake,andseethewell-favoredyounggirl,andsheshouldbehisguidetothecityofthePhaiakians.

115Nowtheprincessthrewtheballtowardonehandmaiden,andmissedthegirl,andtheballwentintotheswirlingwater,andtheyallcriedoutaloud,andnobleOdysseuswakenedandsatupandbeganponderinginhisheartandhisspirit:‘Ahme,whatarethepeoplewhoselandIhavecometothistime,

120andaretheyviolentandsavage,andwithoutjustice,orhospitabletostrangers,withagodlymind?Seenowhowanoutcryofyoungwomenechoesaboutme,ofnymphs,whokeepthesuddenandsheerhighmountainplacesandspringsoftheriversandgrassofthemeadows,oramItruly

125intheneighborhoodofhumanpeopleIcanconversewith?Butcomenow,ImyselfshallseewhatIcandiscover.’

Sospeaking,greatOdysseuscamefromunderhisthicket,andfromthedensefoliagewithhisheavyhandhebrokeoffaleafybranchtocoverhisbodyandhidethemaleparts,

130andwentintheconfidenceofhisstrength,likesomehill-keptlion,whoadvances,thoughheisrainedonandblownbythewind,andbotheyeskindle;hegoesoutaftercattleorsheep,oritmaybedeerinthewilderness,andhisbellyisurgentuponhimtogetinsideofaclosesteadingandgoforthesheepflocks.

135SoOdysseuswasreadytofaceyounggirlswithwell-orderedhair,nakedthoughhewas,fortheneedwasonhim;andyetheappearedterrifyingtothem,allcrustedwithdryspray,andtheyscatteredonewayandanotherdownthejuttingbeaches.

OdysseussupplicatesNausikaa

OnlythedaughterofAlkinoösstoodfast,forAthene140putcourageintoherheart,andtookthefearfromherbody,

andshestoodhergroundandfacedhim,andnowOdysseusdebatedwhethertosupplicatethewell-favoredgirlbyclaspingherknees,orstandoffwherehewasandinwordsofblandishmentaskifshewouldshowhimthecity,andlendhimclothing.

145Theninthedivisionofhisheartthiswayseemedbesttohim,tostandwelloffandsupplicateinwordsofblandishment,

forfearthat,ifheclaspedherknees,thegirlmightbeangry.Soblandishinglyandfullofcrafthebegantoaddressher:‘Iamatyourknees,Oqueen.Butareyoumortalorgoddess?

150Ifindeedyouareoneofthegodswhoholdwideheaven,thenImustfindinyouthenearestlikenesstoArtemisthedaughterofgreatZeus,forbeauty,figure,andstature.Butifyouareoneamongthosemortalswholiveinthiscountry,threetimesblessedareyourfatherandtheladyyourmother,

155andthreetimesblessedyourbrotherstoo,andIknowtheirspiritsarewarmedforeverwithhappinessatthethoughtofyou,seeingsuchaslipofbeautytakingherplaceinthechorusofdancers;butblessedattheheart,evenbeyondtheseothers,isthatonewho,afterloadingyoudownwithgifts,leadsyouashisbride

160home.Ihaveneverwiththeseeyesseenanythinglikeyou,neithermannorwoman.WondertakesmeasIlookonyou.YetinDelosonceIsawsuchathing,byApollo'saltar.Isawthestalkofayoungpalmshootingup.Ihadgonethereonce,andwithafollowingofagreatmanypeople,

165onthatjourneywhichwastomeanhardsufferingforme.Andas,whenIlookeduponthattree,myheartadmireditlong,sincesuchatreehadneveryetsprungfromtheearth,sonow,lady,Iadmireyouandwonder,andamterriblyafraidtoclaspyoubytheknees.Thehardsorrowisonme.

170YesterdayonthetwentiethdayIescapedthewine-bluesea;untilthenthecurrentandthetearingwindshadsweptmealongfromtheislandOgygia,andmyfatehaslandedmehere;heretooImusthaveeviltosuffer;Idonotthinkitwillstop;beforethenthegodshavemuchtogiveme.

175Thenhavepity,Oqueen.YouarethefirstIhavecometoaftermuchsuffering,thereisnooneelsethatIknowofhereamongthepeoplewhoholdthislandandthiscity.

whoreceiveshimkindly

Showmethewaytothetownandgivemesomeragtowrapmein,ifyouhadanykindofpieceofclothwhenyoucamehere,

180andthenmaythegodsgiveyoueverythingthatyourheartlongsfor;maytheygrantyouahusbandandahouseandsweetagreementinallthings,fornothingisbetterthanthis,moresteadfastthanwhentwopeople,amanandhiswife,keepaharmonioushousehold;athingthatbringsmuchdistresstothepeoplewhohatethem

185andpleasuretotheirwell-wishers,andforthemthebestreputation.’

TheninturnNausikaaofthewhitearmsansweredhim:‘Myfriend,sinceyouseemnotlikeathoughtlessman,norameanone,itisZeushimself,theOlympian,whogivespeoplegoodfortune,toeachsingleman,tothegoodandthebad,justashewishes;

190andsincehemusthavegivenyouyours,youmustevenendureit.Butnow,sinceitisourlandandourcitythatyouhavecometo,youshallnotlackforclothingnoranythingelse,ofthosegiftswhichshouldbefalltheunhappysuppliantonhisarrival;andIwillshowyouourtown,andtellyouthenameofourpeople.

195ItisthePhaiakianswhoholdthisterritoryandcity,andImyselfamthedaughterofgreat-heartedAlkinoös,whosepoweranddominionareheldbyright,givenfromthePhaiakians.’

Shespoke,andtoherattendantswithwell-orderedhairgaveinstruction:‘Standfast,girls.Whereareyouflying,justbecauseyouhavelookedon

200aman?Doyouthinkthisissomeenemycomingagainstus?ThereisnosuchmanlivingnorcanthereeverbeonewhocancomeintothelandofthePhaiakiansbringingwarlikeattack;wearesoverydeartotheimmortals,andwelivefarapartbyourselvesinthewashofthegreatsea

205attheutterend,nordoanyotherpeoplemixwithus.But,sincethisissomepoorwandererwhohascometous,wemustnowtakecareofhim,sinceallstrangersandwanderersaresacredinthesightofZeus,andthegiftisalightandadearone.So,myattendants,givesomefoodanddrinktothestranger,

210andbathehim,wherethereisshelterfromthewind,intheriver.’

Shespoke,andtheystoppedtheirflight,encouragingeachother,andledOdysseusdowntotheshelteredplace,asNausikaadaughterofgreat-heartedAlkinoöshadtoldthemtodo,andlaidoutforhimtowearamantleandtunic,

215andgavehimlimpidoliveoilinagoldenoilflask,

AtheneglorifiesOdysseus

andtoldhimhecouldbathehimselfinthestreamoftheriver.ThenthegloriousOdysseusspoketotheseservingmaids:‘Standasyouare,girls,alittleawayfromme,sothatIcanwashthesaltoffmyshouldersandusetheoliveoil

220onthem.Itislongsincemyskinhasknownanyointment.ButIwillnotbatheinfrontofyou,forIfeelembarrassedinthepresenceoflovely-hairedgirlstoappearallnaked.’

Hespoke,andtheywentawayandtoldittotheiryoungmistress.

ButwhengreatOdysseushadbathedintheriverandwashedfromhisbody225thesaltbrine,whichclungtohisbackandhisbroadshoulders,

hescrapedfromhisheadthescurfofbrinefromthebarrensaltsea.Butwhenhehadbathedall,andanointedhimselfwitholiveoil,andputontheclothingthisunweddedgirlhadgivenhim,thenAthene,daughterofZeus,madehimseemtaller

230fortheeyetobehold,andthicker,andonhisheadshearrangedthecurlinglocksthathungdownlikehyacinthinepetals.Andaswhenamastercraftsmanoverlaysgoldonsilver,andheisonewhowastaughtbyHephaistosandPallasAtheneinartcomplete,andgraceisoneveryworkhefinishes,

235soAthenegildedwithgracehisheadandhisshoulders,andhewentalittleasideandsatbyhimselfontheseashore,radiantingraceandgoodlooks;andthegirladmiredhim.Itwastoherattendantswithwell-orderedhairthatshenowspoke:‘Hearme,mywhite-armedservingwomen;letmesaysomething.

240ItisnotagainstthewillofallthegodsonOlymposthatthismanisheretobemadeknowntothegodlikePhaiakians.Awhileagoheseemedanunpromisingmantome.Nowheevenresemblesoneofthegods,whoholdhighheaven.Ifonlythemantobecalledmyhusbandcouldbelikethisone,

245amanlivinghere,ifonlythisonewerepleasedtostayhere.Butcome,myattendants,givesomefoodanddrinktothestranger.’

Soshespoke,andtheylistenedwelltoherandobeyedher,andtheysetfoodanddrinkdownbesideOdysseus.Hethen,nobleandlong-sufferingOdysseus,eagerly

250ateanddrank,sincehehadnottastedfoodforalongtime.ThenNausikaaofthewhitearmsthoughtwhattodonext.

Shefoldedthelaundryandputitawayinthefinemulewagon,andyokedthemuleswithpowerfulhooves,andherselfmounted,

andNausikaaisimpressed

andurgedOdysseusandspokeawordandnamedhimbytitle:255‘Riseupnow,stranger,togotothecity,soIcanseeyou

tothehouseofmyownprudentfather,whereIamconfidentyouwillbemadeknowntoallthehighestPhaiakians.Orrather,doitthisway;youseemtomenottobethoughtless.Whilewearestillamongthefieldsandthelandsthatthepeople

260work,forthattimefollowthemulesandthewagon,walkinglightlyalongwiththemaids,andIwillpointthewaytoyou.Butwhenwecometothecity,andaroundthisisatowering

wall,andahandsomeharboreithersideofthecity,andanarrowcauseway,andalongtheroadthereareoarswept

265shipsdrawnup,fortheyallhaveslips,oneforeachvessel;andthereistheplaceofassembly,puttogetherwithquarriedstone,andbuiltaroundafineprecinctofPoseidon,andtheretheytendtoallthatgearthatgoeswiththeblackships,thehawsersandthesails,andtheretheyfinedowntheiroarblades;

270forthePhaiakianshavenoconcernwiththeboworthequiver,butitisallmastsandtheoarsofshipsandthebalancedvesselsthemselves,inwhichtheydelightincrossingoverthegraysea;anditistheirgracelessspeechIshrinkfrom,forfearonemaymockushereafter,sincethereareinsolentmeninourcommunity,

275andseehowoneoftheworsesortmightsaywhenhemetus,“WhoisthislargeandhandsomestrangerwhomNausikaahaswithher,andwheredidshefindhim?Surely,heistobeherhusband,butisheastrayfromsomeshipofalienmenshefoundforherself,sincetherearenosuchhereabouts?

280Ordidsomegodaftermuchentreatycomedowninanswertoherprayers,outofthesky,andallhisdayswillhehaveher?Betterso,ifshegoesoutherselfandfindsherahusbandfromelsewhere,sinceshepaysnoheedtoherownPhaiakianneighbors,althoughmanyoftheseandthebestonescourther.”

285Sotheywillspeak,andthatwouldbeascandalagainstme,andImyselfwoulddisapproveofagirlwhoactedso,thatis,withoutthegoodwillofherdearfatherandmothermakingfriendswithaman,beforebeingformallymarried.Then,stranger,understandwhatIsay,inorder

290soontowinescortandavoyagehomefrommyfather.YouwillfindagloriousgroveofpoplarssacredtoAtheneneartheroad,andaspringrunsthere,andthereisameadow

OdysseusandNausikaareturntothecity

aboutit,andthereismyfather'sestateandhisfloweringorchard,asfarfromthecityastheshoutofamanwillcarry.

295Sitdownthereandwaitfortimeenoughfortherestofustoreachthetownandmakeourwaytomyfather'spalace.Butwhenyouestimatethatweshallhavereachedthepalace,thengotothecityofthePhaiakiansandinquireforthepalaceofmyfather,great-heartedAlkinoös.Thisis

300easilydistinguished,soaninnocentchildcouldguideyouthere,fortherearenootherhousesbuiltfortheother

PhaiakiansanythinglikethehouseoftheheroAlkinoös.Butwhenyouhavedisappearedinsidethehouseandthecourtyard,thengoonquicklyacrossthehalluntilyoucometo

305mymother,andshewillbesittingbesidethehearth,inthefirelight,turningsea-purpleyarnonadistaff,awondertolookat,andleaningagainstthepillar,andhermaidsaresittingbehindher;andthereismyfather'schairofstate,drawnclosebesideher,onwhichhesitswhenhedrinkshiswinelikeanyimmortal.

310Goonpasthimandthenwithyourarmsembraceourmother'sknees;dothis,soastobeholdyourdayofhomecomingwithhappinessandspeed,evenifyouliveveryfaroff.Forifshehasthoughtsinhermindthatarefriendlytoyou,thenthereishopethatyoucanseeyourownpeople,andcomeback

315toyourstrong-foundedhouse,andtothelandofyourfathers.’SoNausikaaspokeandwiththeshininglashwhippedup

hermules,andswiftlytheylefttherunningriverbehindthem,andthemules,neatlytwinklingtheirfeet,ranverystrongly,butshedrovethemwithcare,sothatthoseonfoot,Odysseus

320andtheservingmaids,couldkeepup,andusedthewhipwithdiscretion.Andthesunwentdownandtheycametothefamousgrove,sacredtoAthene;andtherethegreatOdysseussatdownandimmediatelythereafterprayedtothedaughterofgreatZeus:‘Hearme,AtrytonechildofZeusoftheaegis,

325andlistentomenow,sincebeforeyoudidnotlistentomystrickenvoiceasthefamousshakeroftheearthbatteredme.GrantthatIcome,asonelovedandpitied,amongthePhaiakians.’

Sohespokeinprayer,andPallasAtheneheardhim,butshedidnotyetshowherselfbeforehim,forsherespected

330herfather'sbrother,Poseidon,whostillnursedasoreangeratgodlikeOdysseusuntilhisarrivalinhisowncountry.

BOOKVII

Solong-sufferinggreatOdysseusprayed,inthatplace,butthestrengthofthemulescarriedtheyounggirlon,tothecity,andwhenshehadarrivedattheglorioushouseofherfather,shestoppedintheforecourt,andthereherbrothersaroundher

5cameandstood,menlikeimmortalgods.Theyfromthemulewagonunyokedthemulesandcarriedthelaundryinside,andshewentintoherchamber.ThereanoldwomanofApeire,Eurymedousathechamberattendant,lightedafireforher.Oarsweptshipsoncecarriedherover

10fromApeire,andtheychoseheroutasaprizeforAlkinoösbecauseheruledallthePhaiakiansandthepeoplelistened,astoagod.Shehadnursedwhite-armedNausikaainthepalace.Nowshelitherafire,andpreparedherasupper,indoors.

ThenOdysseusrosetogotothecity.Athene15withkindthoughtforOdysseusdriftedadeepmistabouthim,

forfearsomeoneofthegreat-heartedPhaiakians,meetinghim,mightspeaktohiminasneeringwayandaskwherehecamefrom.Butwhenhewasabouttoenterthelovelycity,therethegray-eyedgoddessAthenemethim,inthelikeness

20ofayounggirl,alittlemaid,carryingapitcher,andshecameandstoodbeforehimandgreatOdysseusquestionedher:‘Mychild,wouldyounotshowmethewaytothehouseofacertainman,Alkinoös,whoislordoverallthesepeople?ForIamanunhappystranger,andIhavecomehere

AtheneindisguiseinformsOdysseus

25alongwayfromadistantland,andIknownobodyhereofthepeoplewhokeepthiscityandthefieldsaboutit.’

Theninturnthegray-eyedgoddessAtheneansweredhim:‘Then,myfriendandfather,Iwillshowyouthehousethatyouaskmetoshow,sincethekinglivesclosebesidemyownstatelyfather.

30ButgooninsilencethewhileIleadthewayforyou,anddonotgiveanyofthesepeopleyoureye,neitheraskthemquestions,fortheydonothaveverymuchpatiencewithmenfromtheoutlands,nordotheylovinglyentertainthemancomefromelsewhere;they,confidentinthespeedoftheirrunningships,crossover

35thegreatopenwater,sincethisisthegiftoftheEarthshakertothem,whoseshipsmoveswiftasthought,orasawingedcreature.’

SospokePallasAtheneandsheledthewayswiftly,andthemanfollowedbehindherwalkinginthegod'sfootsteps;butthePhaiakiansfamedforseafaringwerenotawareofhim

40ashewalkedamongthemthroughtheircity,becauseAtheneoftheorderedhair,adreadgoddess,wouldnotsufferthemto,butdriftedamagicalmistabouthim,asshecaredforhimlovingly.ButOdysseusnowadmiredtheirbalancedshipsandtheirharbors,themeetingplacesoftheheroesthemselvesandthelonglofty

45wallsthatwerejoinedwithpalisades,awondertolookat.Butwhentheycametotheking'sgloriouspalace,thenitwasPallasAthene,thegray-eyedgoddess,whobeganspeaking:‘Here,myfriendandfather,youseethehousewhichyouaskedmetotellyouof.Hereyouwillfindthekingswhomthegodslove

50busyfeasting,butyougooninwithaspiritthatfearsnothing.Theboldmanprovesthebetterforeveryactionintheend,eventhoughhebeastrangercomingfromelsewhere.Firstofallyouwillfindthemistressthereinherpalace.Areteisthenamesheiscalled,andshecomesofthesame

55forebearsasinfactproducedthekingAlkinoös.FirstofallPoseidon,shakeroftheearth,andthefairestinformofwomen,Periboia,hadasonNausithoös.Shewastheyoungestdaughterofgreat-heartedEurymedon,whoinhistimehadbeenkingoverthehigh-heartedGiants.

60Buthelosthisrecklesslydaringpeopleandhimselfperished,butPoseidonlayinlovewithhisdaughter,andsheengenderedNausithoösthegreat-hearted,whowaslordoverthePhaiakians.Nausithoöshadchildren,AlkinoösandRhexenor,

ThepalaceofAlkinoös

butApolloofthesilverbowthenstruckdownRhexenor,65marriedbutwithoutsonsinhishall,leavingonlytheonechild

Arete,andAlkinoösmadeherhiswife,andgavehersuchprideofplaceasnootherwomanonearthisgivenofsuchwomenasarenowaliveandkeephouseforhusbands.

Soshewasheldhighintheheartandstillsheisso,70byherbelovedchildren,byAlkinoöshimself,andby

thepeople,wholooktowardherastoagodwhentheyseeher,andspeakinsalutationasshewalksaboutinhercity.Forthereisnogoodintelligencethatsheherselflacks.Shedissolvesquarrels,evenamongmen,whenshefavorsthem.

75Soifshehasthoughtsinhermindthatarefriendlytoyou,thenthereishopethatyoucanseeyourownpeople,andcomebacktoyourhousewiththehighroofandtothelandofyourfathers.’

Sogray-eyedAthenespokeandwentawayfromhimacrossthebarrenandopenwater,leftlovelyScheria

80andcametoMarathonandtoAthensofthewideways,andenteredtheclose-builthouseofErechtheus.ButnowOdysseuscametothefamoushouseofAlkinoös,buttheheartponderedmuchinhimashestoodbeforecomingtothebronzethreshold.Forasfromthesunthelightgoesorfromthemoon,suchwas

85thegloryonthehigh-roofedhouseofgreat-heartedAlkinoös.Brazenwerethewallsrunaboutitineitherdirectionfromtheinnerroomtothedoor,withacobaltfriezeencircling,andgoldenwerethedoorsthatguardedthecloseofthepalace,andsilverwerethepillarssetinthebrazenthreshold,

90andtherewasasilverlintelabove,andagoldenhandle,anddogsmadeoutofgoldandsilverwereoneachsideofit,fashionedbyHephaistosinhiscraftsmanshipandcunning,towatchoverthepalaceofgreat-heartedAlkinoös,beingthemselvesimmortal,andalltheirdaystheyareageless.

95Andwithin,throneswerebackedagainstthewallonbothsidesallthewayfromtheinnerroomtothedoor,withfine-spundelicatecloths,theworkofwomen,spreadoutuponthem.TheretheleadersofthePhaiakiansheldtheirsessionsanddrankandate,sincetheyheldtheseforever,andtherewere

100youngmenfashionedallofgoldandintheirhandsholdingflaringtorcheswhostoodonthestrong-compoundedbases,andshedagleamthroughthehousebynight,toshineonthefeasters.

ThepalaceofAlkinoös

Andinhishousearefiftyservingwomen,andofthesesomegrindtheapple-coloredgrainattheturnofthehandmill,

105andtherearethosewhoweavethewebsandwhoturnthedistaffs,sittingrestlessasleavesofthetallblackpoplar,andfromtheclothswhereitissievedoozesthelimpidoliveoil.

AsmuchasPhaiakianmenareexpertbeyondallothersfordrivingafastshipontheopensea,sotheirwomen

110areskilledinweavinganddoweredwithwisdombestowedbyAthene,tobeexpertinbeautifulwork,tohavegoodcharacter.Ontheoutsideofthecourtyardandnextthedoorsishisorchard,agreatone,fourlandmeasures,withafencedrivenallaroundit,andthereistheplacewherehisfruittreesaregrowntallandflourishing,

115peartreesandpomegranatetreesandappletreeswiththeirshiningfruit,andthesweetfigtreesandtheflourishingolive.Neveristhefruitspoiledonthese,neverdoesitgiveout,neitherinwintertimenorsummer,butalwaystheWestWindblowingonthefruitsbringssometoripenesswhilehestartsothers.

120Pearmaturesonpearinthatplace,appleuponapple,grapeclusterongrapecluster,figuponfig.Therealsohehasavineyardplantedthatgivesabundantproduce,someofitawarmareaonlevelgroundwherethegrapesarelefttodryinthesun,butelsewheretheyaregatheringothers

125andtramplingoutyetothers,andinfrontoftheseareunripegrapesthathavecastofftheirbloomwhileothersaredarkening.Andthereatthebottomstripofthefieldaregrowingorderlyrowsofgreens,allkinds,andthesearelushthroughtheseasons;andtheretwospringsdistributewater,onethroughallthegarden

130space,andoneontheothersidejetsoutbythecourtyarddoor,andtheloftyhouse,wheretownspeoplecomefortheirwater.SucharethegloriousgiftsofthegodsatthehouseofAlkinoös.

Andtherelong-sufferinggreatOdysseusstoppedstillandadmiredit.Butwhenhismindwasdonewithalladmiration,lightly

135hesteppedoverthethresholdandwentonintothepalace,andtherefoundtheleadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounselpouringlibationincupstosharp-eyedArgeïphontestowhomtheyalwayspouredthelastdrink,whenmindfulofbedtime.Butnowlong-sufferinggreatOdysseuswentonthroughthehouse,

140wearingstillthedeepmistthatAthenehaddriftedabouthim,

OdysseussupplicatesthePhaiakians

untilhecametoAreteandtotheking,Alkinoös.OdysseusclaspedArete'skneesinhisarms,andatthattimethemagicalandsurroundingmistwasdriftedfromhim,andallfellsilentthroughthehousewhentheysawthemanthere,

145andtheywonderedlookingonhim,andOdysseusmadehisentreaty:‘Arete,daughterofgodlikeRhexenor,aftermuchhardship

Ihavecometoyourkneesasasuppliant,andtoyourhusbandandtothesefeasters,onwhommaythegodsbestowprosperityintheirownlives,andgranttoeachtoleavetohischildren

150hispropertyinhishouseandtherightsthepeoplehavegivenhim.Butforme,urgethatconveyancebegivenquicklytomycountry,sincelongnowfarfrommypeopleIsufferhardships.’

Sohespoke,andsatdownbesidethehearthintheashesnextthefire,whileallofthemstayedstrickentosilence.

155ButatlonglasttheagedheroEcheneosspokeforth.HewasthemostadvancedinageofallthePhaiakians,andsurpassedallinwords,knowingmanythingsfromtimelongpast.Heinkindintentionnowspokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Alkinoös,thisisnotthebetterway,norisitfitting

160thatthestrangershouldsitonthegroundbesidethehearth,intheashes.Theseothersareholdingbackbecausetheyawaityourorder.Butcome,raisethestrangerupandseathimonasilver-studdedchair,andtellyourheraldstomixinmorewineforus,sowecanpouralibationtoZeuswhodelightsinthethunder,

165andhegoestogetherwithsuppliants,whoserightsaresacred.Andletthehousekeeperfromherstoresgivethestrangerasupper.’

ButwhenAlkinoösofthehallowedstrengthhadheardthis,hetookbythehandthewiseandmuch-devisingOdysseus,andraisedhimupfromthefireside,andsethiminashiningchair,

170displacingforthispowerfulLaodamas,hisson,whohadbeensittingnexthimandwhowastheonehelovedmost.Amaidservantbroughtwaterforhimandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasinforhimtowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforehim.

175Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittohim,addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions.Thenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusateanddrank.Afterthis,Alkinoös,thehallowedprince,spoketohisherald:‘Pontonoös,nowmixawinebowlandserveittoallhere

Odysseuskindlyreceived

180inthehall,tomakealibationtoZeuswhodelightsinthethunderandwhogoestogetherwithsuppliants,whoserightsaresacred.’

Sohespoke,andPontonoösmixedthekindlysweetwine,andpassedaportiontoall,offeringadrinkinthegoblets.Thenwhentheyhadmadelibationanddrunkasmuchaseachwanted,

185Alkinoösmadeapublicspeechforthem,andspokethus:

‘Hearme,leadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel,whileIspeakforthwhattheheartwithinmybreasturges.Now,havingfeasted,gohomeandtakeyourrest,andtomorrowatdawnweshallcalltheeldersin,ingreaternumbers,

190andentertaintheguestinourhalls,andtotheimmortalsaccomplishfinesacrifices,andafterthatweshallthinkofconveyance,andhowourguestwithoutannoyanceorhardshipmaycomeagain,convoyedbyus,tohisowncountry,inhappinessandspeed,eventhoughitliesveryfaroff,

195andonthewaybetweensuffernopainnoreviluntilhesetsfootonhisowncountry;butthereinthefutureheshallendureallthathisdestinyandtheheavySpinnersspunforhimwiththethreadathisbirth,whenhismotherborehim.Butifheisoneoftheimmortalscomedownfromheaven,

200thenthisisanewkindofthingthegodsaredevising;foralwaysintimepastthegodshaveshownthemselvesclearlytous,whenwerenderthemgloriousgrandsacrifices,andtheysitbesideusandfeastwithusintheplacewherewedo,orifonecomesaloneandencountersus,asawayfarer,

205thentheymakenoconcealment,asweareveryclosetothem,asaretheCyclopesandthesavagetribesoftheGiants.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Alkinoös,letsomethingelsebeinyourmind;Iamnotinanywayliketheimmortalswhoholdwideheaven,

210neitherinbuildnorstature,butonlytomenwhoaremortal.Whoeveritisofpeopleyouknowwhowearthegreatestburdenofmisery,sucharetheoneswhomIwouldequalforpainendured,andIcouldtellofstillmoretroublesthatareallmineandbythewillofthegodsIsuffered.

215Butleavemenowtoeatmydinner,forallmysorrow,forthereisnootherthingsoshamelessastobesetoverthebelly,butsheratherusesconstraintandmakesmethinkofher,evenwhensadlyworn,wheninmyheartIhavesorrow

tellshowhearrived

asnowIhavesorrowinmyheart,yetstillforever220shetellsmetoeatanddrinkandforcesmetoforgetfulness

ofallIhavesuffered,andstillsheisurgentthatImustfillher.Butyou,whendawntomorrowshows,seethatyoumakespeedtosetunhappymeoncemoreonmyownland,evenwhenIhavemuchsuffered;andletlifeleavemewhenIhaveoncemore

225seenmyproperty,myservingpeople,andmygreathigh-roofedhouse.’Sohespoke,andtheyallapprovedhiswordandencouraged

convoyforthestranger,forwhathesaidwasfairandorderly;butwhentheyhadmadelibationanddrunk,eachasmuchashisheartdesired,theywentawayeachtohishousetorest,andnow

230he,thegreatOdysseus,remainedstillinthepalace,andalongwithhimwereAreteandthegodlikeAlkinoös,whosatbyhim,andtheservantsclearedawaythedinnerthings.Nowitwaswhite-armedAretewhobegantheirdiscourse,forsherecognizedthemantleandtunicwhenshesawthem,splendid

235clotheswhichsheherselfhadmade,withherservingwomen.Nowshespokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Strangerandfriend,Imyselffirsthaveaquestiontoaskyou.Whatmanareyou,andwhence?Andwhowasitgaveyouthisclothing?Didyounotsaythatyoucamehererangingoverthewater?’

240ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘Itisahardthing,Oqueen,totellyouwithoutintermission,allmytroubles,sincethegodsoftheskyhavegivenmemany.ButthisnowIwilltellyouinanswertothequestionyouaskedme.Thereisanisland,Ogygia.Itliesinthewater

245faroff.TherethedaughterofAtlas,subtleKalypso,lives,withorderedhair,adreadgoddess,andthereisnoone,neitheragodnormortalperson,whokeepshercompany.ItwasunhappyIalonewhommydestinybroughttheretoherhearth,whenZeuswithagatheredcastoftheshininglightning

250shatteredmyfastshipmidwayonthewine-bluewater.Therealltherestofmyexcellentcompanionsperished,butI,catchinginmyarmsthekeeloftheoarsweptvessel,wascarriedforninedays,andonthetenthintheblacknightthegodsbroughtmetotheislandOgygia,whereKalypso

255lives,withorderedhair,adreadgoddess,andshereceivedmeandlovedmeexcessivelyandcaredforme,andshepromisedtomakemeanimmortalandallmydaystobeageless,

AlkinoösofferstosendOdysseusonhisway

butneversocouldshewinovertheheartwithinme.TheresevenyearsIremainedfast,butforeverwasdrenching

260withtearsthatclothing,immortalstuff,Kalypsohadgiven.Butwhenintheturningoftimetheeighthyearhadbefallenme,sheherselftoldmetogoandurgedmetodoit,whetherbyamessagefromZeusorwhetherherownmindturnedwithinher,

andshesentmeonmywayonajointedraft,andgaveme265much,breadandsweetwine,andputimmortalclothinguponme,

andsentafollowingwindtocarryme,warmandeasy.SeventeendaysIsailed,makingmywayoverthewater,andontheeighteenthdaythereshowedtheshadowymountainsofyourowncountry,andthedearheartwashappywithinme;

270butIwasunlucky,andhadmuchmiserylefttolivewithstill,whatwasdrivenuponmebytheEarthshaker,Poseidon,whohamperedmefrommyway,lettingloosethewindsuponme,andstirredupanunspeakablesea,nordidthesurfswellletmesailalongonmyraft,thoughgroaningconstantly.

275Fornowthestormwindscattereditfarandwide,andInowmademywayacrossthegreatgulfbyswimming,untilthewindandthewatercarriedmeanddrovemetoyourshore;butthere,hadItriedtosetfootontheland,theroughwavewouldhavedashedmeagainsttallrocksinaplacethatwascheerless,

280soIbackedawayandswamagain,untilIcametoariver,andthisatlastseemedtometobethebestplace,beingbareofrocks,andtherewasevenshelterfromthewindthere.Icameoutanddropped,nursingaholdonlife,andimmortalnightcameon.Iwentoutandawayfromthesky-fallenriver,

285andwenttosleepthereamongthebushes,piledinacoveringofleaves,andthegoddriftedaninfinitesleepaboutme.Andthereamongtheleaves,myheartexhaustedwithsorrow,Isleptnightlong,andintothedawn,andontothenoonday,andthesunwaslosingitslight,andthenthesweetsleepreleasedme.

290ThenIwasawareofyourdaughter'sattendantwomenplayingonthebeach,andshe,lookinglikethegoddesses,wentthereamongthem.Isupplicatedher,nordidshefailoftherightdecision;itwasasyoucouldneverhavehopedforayoungperson,soconfronted,toact,foralwaystheyoungerpeoplearecareless.Also

295shegavemefoodinplentytoeat,shegavemegleamingwine,andabathintheriver.Shealsogavemethisclothing.

aftersuggestingamarriagewithNausikaa

SorrowfulasIam,allthisistrueIhavetoldyou.’TheninturnAlkinoösspoketohimandanswered:

‘Myfriend,hereisoneproperthoughtthatmydaughterwasnot300awareof,whenshefailedtobringyou,withherattendants,

heretoourhouse.Itwasshetowhomyoufirstcameasasuppliant.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Hero,donotformysakefindfaultwithyourblamelessdaughter.Shedidurgemetofollowalongwithherservingmaidens,

305butIforembarrassmentanddreadwasnotwilling,forfearthatsomethinginthismightstiryourspirittoangerseeingus.Forwewhoarepeopleuponthiseartharejealousinjudgment.’

TheninturnAlkinoösspoketohimandanswered:‘Stranger,theinwardheartinmybreastisnotofsuchakind

310astoberecklesslyangry.Alwaysmoderationisbetter.OfatherZeus,AtheneandApollo,howIwishthat,beingthemanyouareandthinkingthewaythatIdo,youcouldhavemydaughterandbecalledmyson-in-law,stayingherewithme.Iwoulddoweryouwithahouseandproperties,

315ifyoustayedbyyourowngoodwill.Againstthat,noPhaiakianshalldetainyou.NevermaysuchbetoZeusfather'sliking.Asforconveyance,sothatyoumaybesure,Iappointitfortomorrow,untilwhichtimegivingwaytoslumberyoumayrest,andtheywillsailinthecalm,tobringyou

320backtoyourcountryandhouseandwhateverelseisdeartoyou,evenifthismaybemuchfurtherawaythanEuboia,whichthoseofourpeoplewhohaveseenitsayisthefarthestawayofall,atthattimetheycarriedfair-hairedRhadamanthysonhiswaytovisitTityosthesonofGaia.

325Theywentthere,andwithoutanystraintheyaccomplishedthejourney,andontheverysamedaytheywerebackhomewithus.Youyourselfwillseeandknowinyourmindhowmyshipsarebest,andmyyoungmenfortossingupseawiththeoarblade.’

Sohespoke,andlong-sufferinggreatOdysseuswashappy.330Hespokeawordtheninprayerandnamedhimbyname,saying:

‘FatherZeus,mayAlkinoösaccomplisheverythingofwhichhespoke,andsomayhehaveimperishablegloryuponthegrain-givingearth;andIcomehometomycountry.’

Sonowthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,335butAreteofthewhitearmstoldherattendantwomen

Odysseusrests

tomakeupabedintheporch'sshelterandtolayuponitfineunderbeddingofpurpleandspreadblanketsaboveit,andfleecyrobestobeanover-allcovering.Themaidservantswentforthfromthemainhouse,andintheirhandsheldtorches.

340Whentheyhadsettoworkandpresentlyhadafirmbedmade,theycameandstoodbesideOdysseus,andwithwordsrousedhim:

‘Up,stranger,soyoucangotorest.Yourbedismadeforyou.’Sotheyspoke,andthethoughtofsleepingwaswelcometohim.Thenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseuslaydownandsleptthere

345uponacordedbedsteadintheechoingportico,butAlkinoöswenttobedintheinnerroomofthehighhouse,andathissidetheladyhiswifeservedasbedfellow.

BOOKVIII

ThenwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,Alkinoös,thehallowedprince,roseupfromhissleeping,andthedescendantofZeus,Odysseussackerofcities,roseup,andAlkinoös,thehallowedprince,guidedthem

5tothePhaiakians'placeofassembly,whichwasbuiltforthembytheships.Theywentandtooktheirseatsonthepolishedstonestogether,butPallasAthenewentthroughthecity,likeningherselftotheheraldofwiseAlkinoös,asshewasdevisingthereturnofgreat-heartedOdysseus.

10Shewouldgoandstandbesideeachmanandspeakawordtohim:‘Comewithme,leadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel,totheplaceofassembly,theretofindoutaboutthestrangerwhoisnew-cometothehouseofwiseAlkinoös,afterwanderingonthegreatsea,andinshapeheisliketheimmortals.’

15Soshespoke,andstirredthespiritandstrengthineachman,andquicklytheplaceofassemblyandseatswerefilledwithpeoplewhogatheredthere,andmanywonderedmuchastheylookedonthewisesonofLaertes,anduponhimAthenedriftedamagicalgraceabouthisheadandhisshoulders,

20andmadehimtallerfortheeyetobehold,andthicker,sothathemightbelovedbyallthePhaiakians,andtothemmightbewonderfulandrespected,andmightaccomplishmanytrialsofstrengthbywhichthePhaiakianstestedOdysseus.Butwhentheywereassembledandallinoneplacetogether,

Feastinthepalace

25tothemnowAlkinoösspokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Hearme,youleadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel,whileIspeakforthwhattheheartwithinmybreasturges.Hereisthisstranger,Idonotknowwhoheis,comewanderingsuppliantheretomyhousefromtheeasternorwesternpeople.

30Heurgesconveyance,andentreatsusforitsassurance.Soletus,aswehavedonebefore,hastentoconveyhim,forneitherhasanyothermanwhohascometomyhousestayedheregrievingalongtimeforthematterofconvoy.Comethen,letusdragablackshipdowntothebrightsea,

35onesailingnowforthefirsttime,andhaveforitaselectionfromthedistrict,fifty-twoyoungmen,whohavebeenthefinestbefore.Then,eachmanfasteninghisoartotheoarlock,disembark,thencometomyhouseandmakeyourselvesbusyforapresentfeast,andIwillmakegenerousprovision

40forall.Isaythistotheyoungmen,butalso,youotherscepteredkings,cometomeinmysplendiddwelling,sowecanentertainthestrangerguestinourpalace.Letnonerefuse;andsummonalsotheinspiredsingerDemodokos,fortohimthegodgavesongsurpassing

45inpowertoplease,wheneverthespiritmoveshimtosinging.’Sohespoke,andledtheway,andtheothersfollowed,asscepteredkings,butaherald

wentseekingtheinspiredsinger,andalsothefifty-twoyoungmenwhohadbeenselectedwent,ashetoldthem,alongthebeachofthebarrensaltsea.

50Butwhentheyhadcomedowntothesea,andwheretheshipwas,theydraggedtheblackshipdowntothedeeperpartofthewater,andintheblackhullsetthemastinplace,andsetsails,andmadetheoarsfastintheleatherslingsoftheoarlocksallingoodorder,andhoistedthewhitesailsandsetthem.

55Theyanchoredherdeepenoughinthechannel,andthenthemselvesmadetheirwaytothegreathouseofwiseAlkinoös,andtheporticoesandenclosuresandroomswerefilledwithpeopleassembling,thereweremanymenthere,botholdandyoungones,andforthemAlkinoösmadeasacrifice,twelvesheep,eight

60pigswithshiningtusks,andtwodrag-footedoxen.Thesetheyskinnedandpreparedandmadethelovelyfeastready.

Theheraldcamenear,bringingwithhimtheexcellentsingerwhomtheMusehadlovedgreatly,andgavehimbothgoodandevil.

DemodokossingsaboutOdysseusatTroy

Sherefthimofhiseyes,butshegavehimthesweetsinging65art.Pontonoössetasilver-studdedchairoutforhiminthemiddleofthefeasters,propping

itagainstatallcolumn,andtheheraldhungtheclearlyreonapegplacedoverhishead,andshowedhimhowtoreachupwithhishandsandtakeit

down,andsetbesidehimatableandafinebasket,70andbesidehimacuptodrinkwheneverhisspiritdesiredit.Theyputforththeirhandsto

thegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,theMusestirredthesingertosingthefamousactionsofmenonthatventure,whosefamegoesupintothewideheaven,

75thequarrelbetweenOdysseusandPeleus'son,Achilleus,howtheseoncecontended,atthegod'sgenerousfestival,withwordsofviolence,sothatthelordofmen,Agamemnon,washappyinhisheartthatthebestoftheAchaianswerequarreling;forsoinprophecyPhoibosApollohadspokentohim

80insacredPytho,whenhehadsteppedacrossthestonedoorsteptoconsult;fornowthebeginningofevilrolledon,descendingonTrojans,andonDanaans,throughthedesignsofgreatZeus.

Thesethingsthefamoussingersangforthem,butOdysseus,takinginhisponderoushandsthegreatmantledyedin

85sea-purple,drewitoverhisheadandveiledhisfinefeatures,shamedfortearsrunningdownhisfacebeforethePhaiakians;andeverytimethedivinesingerwouldpauseinhissinging,hewouldtakethemantleawayfromhishead,andwipethetearsoff,andtakingupatwo-handledgobletwouldpouralibation

90tothegods,buteverytimehebeganagain,andthegreatestofthePhaiakianswouldurgehimtosing,sincetheyjoyedinhisstories,Odysseuswouldcoverhisheadagain,andmakelamentation.There,sheddingtears,hewentunnoticedbyalltheothers,butAlkinoösaloneunderstoodwhathedidandnoticed,

95sincehewassittingnexthimandheardhimgroaningheavily.Atoncehespokealoudtotheoar-lovingPhaiakians:‘Hearme,youleadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel.Bythistimewehavefilledourdesirefortheequalfeastingandforthelyre,whichisthecompaniontothegenerous

100feast.Nowletusgooutsideandmakeourendeavorinallcontests,sothatourstrangercantellhisfriends,afterhereacheshishome,byhowmuchwesurpassallothers

GamestoconsoleOdysseus

inboxing,wrestling,leapingandspeedofourfeetforrunning.’Sohespoke,andledtheway,andtherestwentwithhim,

105andtheheraldhunguptheclearlyreonitspeg,andtakingDemodokosbythehandheledhimoutofthepalaceandsethimonthestartoftheway,wherealltheother

bestmenofthePhaiakianswent,togazeatthecontests.Theywenttotheplaceofassembly,withanendlessmultitude

110following,andmanyandexcellentyoungmenstoodforth.Akroneosstoodup,andOkyalosandElatreus,NauteusandPrymneus,AnchialosandEretmeus,PonteusandProreus,ThoönandAnabesineos,Amphialos,sonofPolyneos,thesonofTekton,

115andEuryalosstoodup,Naubolos'son,amanlikemurderousAreshimself,andhewasbestofallthePhaiakiansinbuildandbeauty,onlyexceptforstatelyLaodamas.AlsotherestoodforththreesonsofstatelyAlkinoös,LaodamasandHaliosandgodlikeKlytoneos.

120Firstofalltheyheldacontestforspeedinrunning.Thefieldstrungoutfromthestartingscratch,yetallatthesametimeflewontogether,turningupthedustoftheplain.OfthesestatelyKlytoneoswasfarthebestintherunning,andwasoutinfrontbythelengthofafurrowformulesplowing

125afield,andcamebackfirsttothecrowd,withtherestbehindhim.Nextthesetriedeachotheroutinthepainfulwrestling,andinthisEuryalossurpassedallthebestamongthem.InthejumpitwasAmphialoswhooutdidallothers,whilewiththediscusfarthebestofthemwasElatreus,

130andinboxingitwasAlkinoösfineson,Loadamas.Butafterallhadenjoyedtheirheartswithathleticcontests,LoadamasthesonofAlkinoösspokeforthamongthem:‘Come,friends,letusaskthestrangerifhehasskillandknowledgeforanykindofcontest.Inhisbuildheisnomeanman,

135forthelowerlegsandthighshehas,andbotharmsabovethem,forthemassiveneckandthegreatstrength,norisitthathelacksyouth,butthecrushofmanymisfortuneshasusedhimhardly.ForIsaythereisnootherthingthatisworsethantheseaisforbreakingaman,eventhoughhemaybeaverystrongone.’

140TheninturnEuryalosspokeforthandanswered:‘Loadamas,thiswordyouspokewasfairandorderly.

Hedeclinestocompete

Goyourselfthen,andsayittohim,andinvitehimtotryit.’ThenwhentheexcellentsonofAlkinoösheardthisanswer,hewentandstoodinthe

midstofthemandspoketoOdysseus:145‘Comeyoualsonow,fatherstranger,andtrythesecontests,ifyouhaveskillinany.It

beseemsyoutoknowathletics,

forthereisnogreaterglorythatcanbefallamanlivingthanwhatheachievesbyspeedofhisfeetorstrengthofhishands.Socomethenandtryit,andscatterthosecaresthatareonyourspirit.

150Yourvoyagewillnotbeputoffforlong,butnowalreadyyourshipishauleddowntothesea,andyourcompanionsareready.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Laodamas,whydoyouallurgemeoninmockerytodothesethings?Caresaremoreinmymindthangamesare,

155whobeforethishavesufferedmuchandhadmanyhardships,andsitherenowinthemiddleofyourassembly,longingtogohome,entreatingyourkingforthis,andallofhispeople.’

Euryalosansweredhimtohisfaceandspoketohimroughly:‘No,stranger,forIdonotseethatyouarelikeoneversed

160incontests,suchasnowarepracticedmuchamongpeople,butrathertoonewhoplieshiswaysinhismany-lockedvessel,masterovermarinerswhoalsoaremenofbusiness,amanwho,carefulofhiscargoandgraspingforprofits,goescarefullyonhisway.Youdonotresembleanathlete.’

165ThenlookingathimdarklyresourcefulOdysseusanswered:‘Friend,thatwasnotwellspoken;youseemlikeonewhoisreckless.Soitisthatthegodsdonotbestowgracesinallwaysonmen,neitherinstaturenoryetinbrainsoreloquence;forthereisacertainkindofman,lessnotedforbeauty,

170butthegodputscomelinessonhiswords,andtheywholooktowardhimarefilledwithjoyatthesight,andhespeakstothemwithoutfalteringinwinningmodesty,andshinesamongthosewhoaregathered,andpeoplelookonhimasonagodwhenhewalksinthecity.Anotheragaininhisappearanceisliketheimmortals,

175butuponhiswordsthereisnogracedistilled,asinyourcasetheappearanceisconspicuous,andnotagodevenwouldmakeitotherwise,andyetthemindthereisworthless.Nowyouhavestirredupangerdeepinthebreastwithinmebythisdisorderlyspeaking,andIamnotsuchanewhand

180atgamesasyousay,butalways,asIthink,Ihavebeen

ButangeredbytherudeEuryalos

amongthebestwhenIstillhadtrustinyouthandhands’strength.NowIamheldinevilconditionandpain;forIhadmuchtosuffer:thewarsofmen;hardcrossingofthebigwaters.ButevensoforallmytroublesIwilltryyourcontests,

185foryourwordbitintheheart,andyouhavestirredmebyspeaking.’

Hespoke,andwithmantlestillonsprangupandlaidholdofadiscusthatwasabiggerandthickerone,heaviernotbyalittlethantheonethePhaiakianshadusedfortheirsportinthrowing.Hespun,andletthisflyfromhisponderoushand.Thestone

190hummedintheair,andthePhaiakians,menoflongoarsandfamedforseafaring,shrankdownagainsttheground,duckingundertheflightofthestonewhich,speedingfromhishandlightly,overflewthemarksofallothers,andAthene,likeningherselftoaman,markeddownthecastandspokeandaddressedhim:

195‘Evenablindman,friend,wouldbeabletodistinguishyourmarkbyfeelingforit,sinceitisnotmingledwiththecommonlot,butfarbefore.Havenofearoverthiscontest.NooneofthePhaiakianswillcomeuptothismarkorpassit.’

Shespoke,andmuch-enduringgreatOdysseusrejoiced,happy200tofindonefriendlycompanionintheassembledcompany.Againhespoketothe

Phaiakians,inlanguagemoreblithe:‘Nowreachmethatmark,youngmen,andthenIwillmakeanotherthrow,asgreatasthis,Ithink,oroneevenbetter.Letanyoftherest,whoseheartandspiritareurgentforit,

205comeupandtryme,sinceyouhaveirritatedmeso,eitheratboxingorwrestlingorinafootrace,Ibegrudgenothing;anyofthePhaiakians,thatis,exceptLaodamashimself,forheismyhost;whowouldfightwithhisfriend?Surelyanymancanbecalledinsensateandgoodfornothing

210whoinanaliencommunityofferstochallengehisfriendandhostinthegames.Hedamageswhatishis.No,butIrefusenotoneoftherest,nordoIscornhim,butIamwillingtolookinhiseyesandbetestedagainsthim.Iamnotbadinanyofthecontestswheremenstrive.

215Iknowwellhowtohandlethepolishedbow,andwouldbefirsttostrikemymanwithanarrowaimedatacompanyofhostilemen,eventhoughmanycompanionswerestandingclosebesideme,andallshootingwithbowsattheenemies.TherewasPhiloktetesalonewhosurpassedmeinarchery

Odysseusexcelsinthrowingthediscus

220whenweAchaiansshotwithbowsintheTrojancountry.ButIwillsaythatIstandfaroutaheadofallotherssuchasarelivingmortalsnowandfeedontheearth.OnlyIwillnotsetmyselfagainstmenofthegenerationsbefore,notwithHeraklesnorEurytosofOichalia,

225whosetthemselvesagainsttheimmortalswiththebow,andthereforegreatEurytosdiedsuddenlynorcametoanoldageinhisownmansions,sinceApolloinangeragainsthimkilledhim,becausehehadchallengedApolloinarchery.Icanthrowwiththespearasfarasanothercastswithanarrow.

230OnlyinafootraceIfearoneofthePhaiakiansmightoutpassme;Ihavebeenthroughtoomuchandshamefullybatteredonmanyroughseas,sincetherecouldbenoorderlytrainingonshipboard;becauseofthismylegshavelosttheircondition.’

Sohespoke,andallofthemstayedstrickentosilence.235OnlyAlkinoösspokeupandgavehimananswer:‘Myfriend,sinceitisnotgracelessfor

youtospeakthusamongus,butyouarewillingtoshowthatexcellenceyouareendowedwith,angeredbecausethismancameuptoyouinourassemblyandbelittledyou,inawaynomanwouldproperlyfindfault

240withyourexcellence,ifheknewinhishearthowtospeaksensibly:comethen,attendtowhatIsay,sothatyoucantelliteventosomeotherheroafterthis,wheninyourpalaceyousitatthefeastingwithyourownwifeandchildrenbesideyou,rememberingourexcellenceandwhatZeushasestablished

245asouractivities,throughtime,fromthedaysofourfathers.Forwearenotperfectinourboxing,noryetaswrestlers,butwedorunlightlyonourfeet,andareexcellentseamen,andalwaysthefeastisdeartous,andthelyreanddancesandchangesofclothingandourhotbathsandbeds.Comethen,

250youwhoamongallthePhaiakiansarethebestdancers,doyourdance,sothatourguest,afterhecomeshometohisownpeople,cantellthemhowfarwesurpassallothersinourseamanshipandthespeedofourfeetanddancingandsinging.LetsomeonegoquicklyandbringDemodokoshisclear-voiced

255lyre,whichmusthavebeensetdownsomewhereinourpalace.’SogodlikeAlkinoösspoke,andtheheraldroseuptobringthehollowedlyreoutof

theking'shouse,andnowstewardsofthecoursestoodup,nineinallofthem,chosen

Demodokossings

outofthepeople,whooneveryoccasionsetingoodorder260thegroundsforgames,andtheysmoothedthedancingfloorandsetrightalltheground,

andtheheraldcamebringingwithhimtheclearlyreforDemodokos,whomovedintothemiddle,andabouthimstoodforthyoungmeninthefirstoftheiryouth,welltrainedindancing,

andbeatthewonderfuldancingfloorwiththeirfeet.Odysseus265gazedonthetwinklingoftheirfeet,hisheartfullofwonder.

DemodokosstruckthelyreandbegansingingwellthestoryabouttheloveofAresandsweet-garlandedAphrodite,howtheyfirstlaytogetherinthehouseofHephaistossecretly;hegavehermuchandfouledthemarriage

270andbedofthelordHephaistos;tohimtherecameasmessengerHelios,thesun,whohadseenthemlyinginlovetogether.Hephaistos,whenhehadheardtheheartsorestoryofit,wentonhiswaytohissmithy,heartturbulentwithhardsorrows,andsetthegreatanviluponitsstand,andhammeredoutfastenings

275thatcouldnotbeslippedorbroken,toholdthemfixedinposition.Nowwhen,inhisangeragainstAres,hehadmadethistreacheroussnare,hewenttohischamberwherehisowndearbedlay,andspunhisfasteningsaroundthepostsfromeverydirection,whilemanymoreweresuspendedoverhead,fromtheroofbeams,

280thin,likespiderwebs,whichnotevenoneoftheblessedgodscouldsee.Hehadfashionedittobeverydeceptive.Butwhenhehadspunaboutthebedsteadallofhistreacherousdevice,hestartedforLemnos,thestrong-foundedcitadel,which,ofallterritoriesonearth,wasfardearesttohim.

285NordidAresofthegoldenreinskeepablindwatchonhim,ashesawHephaistostheglorioussmithgoaway,buthethentookhiscoursesoheenteredthehouseofgloriousHephaistoslustingaftertheloveofsweet-garlandedKythereia.Shehadlatelycomeinfromthehouseofherfather,thepowerful

290sonofKronos,andsattherewhenAresenteredthehouse.Thenhetookherbythehandandspoketoherandnamedher,saying:‘Come,mydear,letustakeourwaytothebed,andliethere,forHephaistosisnolongerhereabouts,butbythistimehemusthavecometoLemnosandthewild-spokenSintians.’

295Sohespoke,andshewaswellpleasedtosleepwithhim.Thesetwowenttobed,andsleptthere,andallaboutthemwerebendingtheartfulbondsthathadbeenforgedbysubtleHephaistos,

abouttheloveofAresandAphrodite

soneitherofthemcouldstiralimborgetup,andnowtheysawthetruth,andtherewasnolongerawayoutforthem.

300Theglorioussmithofthestrongarmscameandstoodnear.Hehadturnedbackonhisway,beforeeverreachingtheLemniancountry,forHelioshadkeptwatchforhim,andtoldhimthestory.

Hetookhiswaybacktohisownhouse,heartgrievedwithinhim,andstoodthereintheforecourt,withthesavageangeruponhim,

305andgaveoutaterriblecryandcalledtoalltheimmortals:‘FatherZeusandallyouotherblessedimmortalgods,comehere,toseearidiculoussight,noseemlymatter,howAphroditedaughterofZeusforeverholdsmeinlittlefavor,butshelovesruinousAres

310becauseheishandsome,andgoessoundonhisfeet,whileIammisshapenfrombirth,andforthisIholdnootherresponsiblebutmyownfatherandmother,andIwishtheyneverhadgotme.Nowlookandsee,wherethesetwohavegonetobedandliethereinlovetogether.IamsickenedwhenIlookatthem,andyet

315Ithinktheywillnotgoonlyingthusevenforalittle,muchthoughtheyareinlove,Ithinktheywillhavenowishforsleeping,butthenmyfasteningsandmysnarewillcontainthemuntilherfatherpaysbackinfullallmygiftsofcourtshipIpaidoutintohishandforthesakeofhisbitch-eyeddaughter.

320Thegirlisbeautifulindeed,butsheisintemperate.’Sohespoke,andthegodsgatheredtothehousewiththebrazenfloor.Poseidoncame,

theshakeroftheearth,andthekindlyHermescame,andthelordwhoworksfromafar,Apollo,butthefemalegodsremainedeachatherhome,formodesty.

325Thegods,thegiversofgoodthings,stoodthereintheforecourt,andamongtheblessedimmortalsuncontrollablelaughterwentupastheysawthehandiworkofsubtleHephaistos.Andthustheywouldspeaktoeachother,eachlookingatthegodnexthim:‘Novirtueinbaddealings.See,theslowonehasovertaken

330theswift,asnowslowHephaistoshasovertakenAres,swiftestofallthegodsonOlympos,byartifice,thoughhewaslame,andAresmustpaytheadulterer'sdamage.’

Thiswasthewayofthegodsastheyconversedwitheachother,butthelordApollosonofZeussaidawordtoHermes:

335‘Hermes,sonofZeus,guideandgiverofgoodthings,tellme,

AresandAphroditeconcluded

wouldyou,caughttightinthesestrongfastenings,bewillingtosleepinbedbythesideofAphroditethegolden?’

TheninturnthecourierArgeïphontesanswered:‘Lordwhostrikefromafar,Apollo,Iwishitcouldonly

340be,andtherecouldbethricethisnumberofendlessfastenings,andallyougodscouldbelookingonandallthegoddesses,

andstillIwouldsleepbythesideofAphroditethegolden.’Hespoke,andtherewaslaughteramongtheimmortals,only

therewasnolaughterforPoseidon,buthekeptentreating345Hephaistos,thefamouscraftsman,askinghimtosetAresfree,andspokealoudtohimand

addressedhiminwingedwords:‘Lethimgo,andIguaranteehewillpaywhateveryouask,allthatisapprovedamongtheimmortaldeities.’

Theninturntherenownedsmithofthestrongarmsanswered:350‘Shakeroftheearth,Poseidon,donoturgethisonme.Thebusinessofwretchesis

wretchedeveninguaranteegiving.TowhatcouldIholdyouamongtheimmortalgods,ifAresweretogooff,avoidingbothhisdebtandhisbondage?’

TheninturnPoseidon,shakeroftheearth,answered:355‘Hephaistos,ifAresgoesoffandescapes,notpayinganythinghemayoweyou,thenI

myselfwillpayit.’Theninturntherenownedsmithofthestrongarmsanswered:

‘Itcannotbe,anditisnotright,thatIshoulddenyyou.’SomightyHephaistosspokeandundidthefastenings.Straightway

360thetwoofthem,whentheyweresetfreeofthefastening,thoughitwassostrong,sprangup,andArestookhiswayThraceward,whileshe,Aphroditeloveroflaughter,wentbacktoPaphosonCyprus,wherelieshersacredprecinctandhersmokyaltar,andtheretheGracesbathedherandanointedherwithambrosial

365oil,suchasaboundsforthegodswhoareeverlasting,andputdelightfulclothingabouther,awondertolookon.

Sothefamoussingersanghissong,andOdysseusenjoyeditinhisheartashelistened,asdidtheothersthere,Phaiakians,menofthelongoar,famedforseafaring.

370ThenAlkinoösaskedHaliosandLaodamastodanceallbythemselves,sincetherewasnonetochallengethem.Thesetwo,aftertheyhadtakenupintheirhandstheball,abeautifulthing,red,whichPolybostheskillfulcraftsmanhadmadethem,oneofthem,bendingfarback,wouldthrowituptotheshadowy

Dancing—apologyfromEuryalos

375clouds,andtheother,goinghighofftheground,wouldeasilycatchitagain,beforehisfeetcamebacktotheground.Thenaftertheyhadplayedtheirgamewiththeballthrownupward,thesetwoperformedadanceonthegenerousearth,withrapidinterchangeofposition,andtherestoftheyoungmenstanding

380aboutthefieldstampedoutthetime,andagreatsoundroseup.ThengreatOdysseus

spokeawordtoAlkinoös,saying:‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,truly,asyouboastedyourpeoplewerethebestdancers,soitisdonebeforeme.WondertakesmeasIlookonthem.’

385Hespoke,andAlkinoösthehallowedkingwaspleased,andatoncehespokealoudtotheoar-lovingPhaiakians:‘Hearme,leadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel.Ithinkthisstrangerisamanofdiscretion.Thereforecome,letusgivehimagiftoffriendship,asisbecoming.

390Forherearetwelvewhoaremarkedoutaskingsinourcountrywithpower,andtheyactasleaders,andImyselfamthethirteenth.Thenleteachofyouwhoaresuchcontributeawell-washedrobe,andatunic,andatalentofpreciousgold.Thenweshallassembleitalltogether,sothatourstranger

395mayhaveitinhishandsandbepleasedashegoesintosupper.ButEuryalosshallmakeamendstohimwithaspokenwordandagift,forhavingspokenoutofduemeasure.’

Sohespoke,andtheyallapprovedwhathesaidandurgedit,andeachonesenthisheraldawaytobringthegiftsback.

400ThenEuryalosspokeinhisturnandansweredAlkinoös:‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,certainlyIwillmakeamendstoourguest,asyouurgeme.Iwillgivehimthissword,whichisallbronze,butthehandleonitissilver,andthereisascabbardoffresh-sawnivory

405cutinringstoholdit.Hewillfindthatitisofgreatvalue.’Sohespoke,andputtheswordwiththenailsofsilverintohishands,andspoketohim

andaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Farewell,fatherandstranger,andifanywordwasletslipthatwasimproper,maythestormwindscatchitawayandcarryit

410off,andthegodsgrantyousafehomecomingtoyourowncountryandwife;sincehere,farfromyourownpeople,youmustbesuffering.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Farewellalsotoyou,dearfriend,andmaythegodsgrantyou

GiftsforOdysseus

prosperity;mayyounevermissthisswordyouhavegiven415menow,asagift,andmadeamendstomewithwordsspoken.’

Sohespoke,andslungtheswordwiththenailsofsilveroverhisshoulder.Thesunwentdown,andthegloriouspresentscamein,carriedbytheproudheraldsofAlkinoös,andthese,surpassinglylovelygifts,thesonsofAlkinoös

420tookover,andsetthemdownbesidetheirrespectedmother.NowAlkinoösthehallowed

kingwastheirleader,andallofthemwentintothehouseandsatontheirhighthrones.ThereuponthekingAlkinoössaidtoArete:‘Come,wife,bringoutamagnificentcoffer,thebestoneyouhave,

425andinityourselflayarobethatisnewlywashed,andatunic.Thenwarmabrazencaldronoverthefire,andheatwaterforthisman,sohemaybatheandthensee,allsetoutinorder,thepresentswhichthestatelyPhaiakiansbroughtheretogivehim,andrejoiceinthefeastandinlisteningtothesongofthesinger.

430Imyselfmakehimapresentofthissurpassinglylovelygoldencup,sothatallhisdayshemayremembermeashemakeslibationathometoZeusandtheotherimmortals.’

Sohespoke,andAretegoingtohermaidservantstoldthemtosetthegreatcaldronoverthefire,asquicklyasmightbe,

435andtheysetthetripodforthebathwaterovertheblazingfire,andpouredinthewaterandgatheredkindlingandlitit.Thefireworkedonthebellyofthecaldron,thewaterheated.MeanwhileAretebroughtfromoutofherchamberthesplendidchestforthestranger,andinitlaidthebeautifulpresents,

440theclothingandthegoldwhichthePhaiakianshadgiven,andsheherselfputinarobe,andahandsometunic,andspoketothestrangerandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:‘Youyourselfmustseetothecoverandnimblyfastenaknot,sononemaybreakin,whileonyourjourney

445yourestinapleasantsleepasyougoyourwaysintheblackship.’Whenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseushadheardthis,straightwayhemadethecovering

tightuponitandfasteneditnimblywithanintricateknot,whoseknowledgetheladyCircehadtaughthim.Thenthehousekeepertoldhimwithoutdelaytoenter

450thetubforhisbath,andhewithjoyinhisheartlookedonthehotwater,forhehadnotbeenusedtobesolookedafterinthetimesincehehadleftthehouseoffair-hairedKalypso,

GoodbyeNausikaa

thoughinthattimehehadbeenlookedafterasifheweretrulyagod.Whenthemaidshadbathedhimandanointedhimwithoil,

455theyputalovelymantleandatunicabouthim,andhesteppedfromthebathandwenttojointhemenattheirwinedrinking.ThenNausikaa,withthegods'lovelinessonher,stoodbesidethepillarthatsupportedtheroofwithitsjoinery,andgazeduponOdysseuswithallhereyesandadmiredhim,

460andspoketohimaloudandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:‘Goodbye,stranger,andthinkofmesometimeswhenyouarebackathome,howIwasthefirstyouowedyourlifeto.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘Nausikaa,daughterofgreat-heartedAlkinoös,

465evensomayZeus,high-thunderinghusbandofHera,grantmetoreachmyhouseandseemydayofhomecoming.SoevenwhenIamthereIwillpraytoyou,astoagoddess,allthedaysofmylife.For,maiden,mylifewasyourgift.’

Hespoke,andwenttositonachairbythekingAlkinoös.470Andnowtheywereservingouttheportionsandmixingthewine,astheheraldcamenear,

bringingwithhimtheexcellentsingerDemodokos,prizedamongthepeople,andsetachairforhiminthemiddleofthefeasters,proppingitagainstatallcolumn.ResourcefulOdysseuscalledtheheraldoverandspoketohim,

475butfirsthecutapiecefromtheloinofthepigwithshiningteeth,withmostofthemeatlefton,andedgedwithrichfat:‘Here,herald,takethispieceofmeattoDemodokossothathemayeat,andI,thoughasorryman,embracehim.Forwithallpeoplesupontheearthsingersareentitled

480tobecherishedandtotheirshareofrespect,sincetheMusehastaughtthemherownway,andsinceshelovesallthecompanyofsingers.’

Sohespoke,andtheheraldtooktheportionandplaceditinthehandsoftheheroDemodokos,whoreceivedithappily.Theyputforththeirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.

485Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,OdysseustheresourcefulspoketoDemodokos,saying:‘Demodokos,aboveallmortalsbesideIprizeyou.SurelytheMuse,Zeus'daughterorelseApollohastaughtyou,foralltoorightfollowingthetaleyousingtheAchaians’

490venture,alltheydidandhaddonetothem,allthesufferings

DemodokossingsoftheTrojanHorse

oftheseAchaians,asifyouhadbeenthereyourselforhearditfromonewhowas.Cometoanotherpartofthestory,singusthewoodenhorse,whichEpeiosmadewithAthenehelping,thestratagemgreatOdysseusfilledoncewithmenandbroughtit

495totheuppercity,anditwasthesemenwhosackedIlion.Ifyoucantellmethecourseofallthesethingsastheyhappened,Iwillspeakofyoubeforeallmankind,andtellthemhowfreelythegoddessgaveyouthemagicalgiftofsinging.’

Hespoke,andthesinger,stirredbythegoddess,began,andshowedthem500hissong,beginningfromwheretheArgivesboardedtheirwell-benchedships,andsailed

away,aftersettingfiretotheirshelters;butalreadyalltheseotherswhowerewithfamousOdysseusweresittinghiddeninthehorse,intheplacewheretheTrojansassembled,fortheTrojansthemselveshaddraggedituptotheheightofthecity,

505andnowitwasstandingthere,andtheTrojansseatedaroundittalkedendlessly,andthreewaysofthoughtfoundfavor,eithertotakethepitilessbronzetoitandhackopenthehollowhorse,ordragittothecliffs'edgeandtoppleitover,orletitstandwhereitwasasadedicationtoblandish

510thegods,andthislastwaywastobetheendofit,seeingthatthecitywasdestinedtobedestroyedwhenithadinsideitthegreathorsemadeofwood,withallthebestofArgivessittingwithinandbearingdeathanddoomfortheTrojans.HesangthenhowthesonsoftheAchaianslefttheirhollow

515hidingplaceandstreamedfromthehorseandsackedthecity,andhesanghowoneandanotherfoughtthroughthesteepcitadel,andhowinparticularOdysseuswent,withgodlikeMenelaos,likeAres,tofindthehouseofDeïphobos,andthere,hesaid,heenduredthegrimmestfightingthatever

520hehad,butwonittheretoo,withgreat-heartedAtheneaiding.Sothefamoussingersanghistale,butOdysseusmelted,andfromunderhiseyesthe

tearsrandown,drenchinghischeeks.Asawomanweeps,lyingoverthebodyofherdearhusband,whofellfightingforhercityandpeople

525ashetriedtobeatoffthepitilessdayfromcityandchildren;sheseeshimdyingandgaspingforbreath,andwindingherbodyabouthimshecrieshighandshrill,whilethemenbehindher,hittingherwiththeirspearbuttsonthebackandtheshoulders,

Odysseusisaskedtoidentifyhimself

forceherupandleadherawayintoslavery,tohave530hardworkandsorrow,andhercheeksarewrackedwithpitifulweeping.Suchwerethe

pitifultearsOdysseusshedfromunderhisbrows,buttheywentunnoticedbyalltheothers,butAlkinoösaloneunderstoodwhathedidandnoticed,sincehewassittingnexthimandheardhimgroaningheavily.

535Atoncehespokealoudtotheoar-lovingPhaiakians:‘Hearme,youleadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounsel.LetDemodokosnowgiveoverhisloudlyreplaying,

sinceitcannotbethathepleasesallalikewiththissong.Eversinceweateoursupperandthedivinesinger

540began,ourguesthasneverceasedsincethenhissorrylament.Greatsorrowmusthavecomeonhisheart,surely.Butlethimholdnow,sothatallofus,guestreceiversandguestalike,mayenjoyourselves.Thisisthebetterway,seeingthatallthishasbeendoneforthesakeofourhonored

545guest,thisescort,theselovinggiftswegivehimforfriendship.Foranymanwhosewitshaveholdontheslightestachievement,hissuppliantandguestisasgoodasabrothertohim.SodonotlongerkeephidingnowwithcraftypurposesthetruthofwhatIaskyou.Itisbettertospeakout.

550Tellmethenamebywhichyourmotherandfathercalledyouinthatplace,andhowtherestwholiveinthecityaboutyoucallyou.Nooneamongallthepeoples,neitherbasemannornoble,isaltogethernameless,oncehehasbeenborn,butalwayshisparentsassoonastheybringhimforthputuponhim

555aname.Tellmeyourland,yourneighborhoodandyourcity,sothatourships,strainingwiththeirownpurpose,cancarryyouthere,fortherearenosteersmenamongthePhaiakians,neitherarethereanysteeringoarsforthem,suchasothershipshave,buttheshipsthemselvesunderstandmen'sthoughtsandpurposes,

560andtheyknowallthecitiesofmenandalltheirfertilefields,andwithgreatestspeedtheycrossthegulfofthesaltsea,huddledunderamistandcloud,noristhereeveranyfearthattheymaysufferdamageorcometodestruction.YetthisIhaveheardonceonatimefrommyfather,Nausithoös

565whosaidit,andtoldmehowPoseidonwouldyetbeangrywithus,becauseweareconvoywithouthurttoallmen.Hesaidthatoneday,asawell-madeshipofPhaiakian

Odysseusisinvitedtotellhislife

mencamebackfromaconvoyonthemistyfaceofthewater,hewouldstunit,andpileagreatmountainoverourcity,tohideit.

570Sotheoldmanspoke,andthegodmighteitherbringittopass,oritmightbeleftundone,asthegod'sheartpleases.Socomenowtellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer:Whereyouweredrivenoffyourcourse,whatcountriespeopledbymenyoucameto,thementhemselvesandtheirstrong-founded

575cities,andwhichweresavageandviolent,andwithoutjustice,andwhichwerehospitableandwithagodlymindforstrangers.

AndtellmewhyyouweepinyourheartandmakelamentationwhenyouhearoftheArgives'andtheDanaans'venture,andhearofIlion.Thegodsdidthis,andspunthedestruction

580ofpeoples,forthesakeofthesingingofmenhereafter.Wasthereperhapssomekinsmanbymarriage,wife'sfatherorbrother,abravemanwhoperishedbeforeIlion?Sucharetherelativeswhonexttoaman'sownbloodandkincomeclosesttohim?Orcoulditthenhavebeensomecompanion,abravemanknowing

585thoughtsgracioustowardyou,sinceonewhoisyourcompanion,andhasthoughtshonorabletowardyou,isofnolessdegreethanabrother?'

BOOKIX

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,surelyindeeditisagoodthingtolistentoasingersuchasthisonebeforeus,whoislikethegodsinhissinging;

5forIthinkthereisnooccasionaccomplishedthatismorepleasantthanwhenfestivityholdsswayamongallthepopulace,andthefeastersupanddownthehousesaresittinginorderandlisteningtothesinger,andbesidethemthetablesareloadedwithbreadandmeats,andfromthemixingbowlthewinesteward

10drawsthewineandcarriesitaboutandfillsthecups.Thisseemstomyownmindtobethebestofoccasions.Butnowyourwishwasinclinedtoaskmeaboutmymournfulsufferings,sothatImustmournandgrieveevenmore.WhatthenshallIrecitetoyoufirstofall,whatleavetilllater?

15Manyarethesorrowsthegodsoftheskyhavegivenme.NowfirstIwilltellyoumyname,sothatallofyoumayknowme,andIhereafter,escapingthedaywithoutpity,beyourfriendandguest,thoughthehomewhereIliveisfarawayfromyou.IamOdysseussonofLaertes,knownbeforeallmen

20forthestudyofcraftydesigns,andmyfamegoesuptotheheavens.IamathomeinsunnyIthaka.Thereisamountaintherethatstandstall,leaf-tremblingNeritos,andthereareislandssettledaroundit,lyingoneveryclosetoanother.

Odysseus'tale

ThereisDoulichionandSame,woodedZakynthos,25butmyislandlieslowandaway,lastofallonthewater

towardthedark,withtherestbelowfacingeastandsunshine,aruggedplace,butagoodnurseofmen;formypartIcannotthinkofanyplacesweeteronearthtolookat.ForintruthKalypso,shiningamongdivinities,keptme

30withherinherhollowcaverns,desiringmeforherhusband,andsolikewiseAiaianCircetheguilefuldetainedmebesideherinherhalls,desiringmeforherhusband,butnevercouldshepersuadetheheartwithinme.Soitisthatnothingismoresweetintheendthancountryandparents

35ever,evenwhenfarawayonelivesinafertileplace,whenitisinaliencountry,farfromhisparents.Butcome,Iwilltellyouofmyvoyagehomewithitsmanytroubles,whichZeusinflictedonmeasIcamefromTroyland.

‘FromIlionthewindtookmeanddrovemeashoreatIsmaros40bytheKikonians.Isackedtheircityandkilledtheirpeople,

andoutoftheircitytakingtheirwivesandmanypossessionswesharedthemout,sononemightgocheatedofhisproperportion.ThereIwasforthelightfootandescaping,andurgedit,buttheyweregreatlyfoolishandwouldnotlisten,

45andthenandtheremuchwinewasbeingdrunk,andtheyslaughteredmanysheeponthebeach,andlumberinghorn-curvedcattle.ButmeanwhiletheKikonianswentandsummonedtheotherKikonians,whoweretheirneighborslivingintheinlandcountry,morenumerousandbettermen,wellskilledinfighting

50menwithhorses,butknowingtooatneedthebattleonfoot.Theycameatearlymorning,likeflowersinseasonorleaves,andtheluckthatcameourwayfromZeuswasevil,tomakeusunfortunate,sowemusthavehardpainstosuffer.Bothsidesstoodandfoughttheirbattletherebytherunning

55ships,andwithbronze-headedspearstheycastateachother,andaslongasitwasearlyandthesacreddaylightincreasing,solongwestoodfastandfoughtthemoff,thoughthereweremoreofthem;butwhenthesunhadgonetothetimeforunyokingofcattle,thenatlasttheKikoniansturnedtheAchaiansbackandbeatthem,

60andoutofeachshipsixofmystrong-greavedcompanionswerekilled,buttherestofusfledawayfromdeathanddestruction.

DeparturefromTroy—theLotus-Eaters

‘Fromtherewesailedonfurtheralong,gladtohaveescapeddeath,butgrievingstillatheartforthelossofourdearcompanions.EventhenIwouldnotsuffertheflightofmyoarsweptvessels

65untilacryhadbeenmadethreetimesforeachofmywretchedcompanions,whodiedthereintheplain,killedbytheKikonians.Cloud-gatheringZeusdrovetheNorthWindagainstourvesselsinasupernaturalstorm,andhuddledunderthecloudscuds

landalikeandthegreatwater.Nightsprangfromheaven.70Theshipsweresweptalongyawingdownthecurrent;theviolence

ofthewindrippedoursailsintothreeandfourpieces.Thesethen,infearofdestruction,wetookdownandstowedintheships'hulls,androwedthemonourselvesuntilwehadmadethemainland.Therefortwonightsandtwodaystogetherwelayup,

75forpainandwearinesstogethereatingourheartsout.Butwhenthefair-hairedDawninherroundsbroughtonthethirdday,we,settingthemastsupright,andhoistingthewhitesailsonthem,satstill,andletthewindandthesteersmenholdthemsteady.AndnowIwouldhavecomehomeunscathedtothelandofmyfathers,

80butasIturnedthehookofMaleia,theseaandcurrentandtheNorthWindbeatmeoffcourse,anddrovemeonpastKythera.

‘NinedaysthenIwassweptalongbytheforceofthehostilewindsonthefishysea,butonthetenthdaywelandedinthecountryoftheLotus-Eaters,wholiveonaflowering

85food,andtherewesetfootonthemainland,andfetchedwater,andmycompanionssoontooktheirsuppertherebythefastships.Butafterwehadtastedoffoodanddrink,thenIsentsomeofmycompanionsahead,tellingthemtofindoutwhatmen,eatersofbread,mightlivehereinthiscountry.

90Ichosetwomen,andsentathirdwiththem,asaherald.MymenwentonandpresentlymettheLotus-Eaters,nordidtheseLotus-Eatershaveanythoughtsofdestroyingourcompanions,buttheyonlygavethemlotustotasteof.Butanyofthemwhoatethehoney-sweetfruitoflotus

95wasunwillingtotakeanymessageback,ortogoaway,buttheywantedtostaytherewiththelotus-eatingpeople,feedingonlotus,andforgetthewayhome.Imyselftookthesemenbackweeping,byforce,towheretheshipswere,andputthemaboardundertherowingbenchesandtiedthem

100fast,thengavetheordertotherestofmyeager

Arrivalattheisland

companionstoembarkontheshipsinhaste,forfearsomeoneelsemighttasteofthelotusandforgetthewayhome,andthemenquicklywentaboardandsattotheoarlocks,andsittingwellinorderdashedtheoarsinthegraysea.

105‘Fromthere,grievingstillatheart,wesailedonfurtheralong,andreachedthecountryofthelawlessoutrageousCyclopeswho,puttingalltheirtrustintheimmortal

gods,neitherplowwiththeirhandsnorplantanything,butallgrowsforthemwithoutseedplanting,withoutcultivation,

110wheatandbarleyandalsothegrapevines,whichyieldforthemwineofstrength,anditisZeus'rainthatwatersitforthem.Thesepeoplehavenoinstitutions,nomeetingsforcounsels;rathertheymaketheirhabitationsincavernshollowedamongthepeaksofthehighmountains,andeachoneisthelaw

115forhisownwivesandchildren,andcaresnothingabouttheothers.‘Thereisawoodedislandthatspreads,awayfromtheharbor,

neithercloseintothelandoftheCyclopesnorfaroutfromit;forested;wildgoatsbeyondnumberbreedthere,forthereisnocomingandgoingofhumankindtodisturbthem,

120noraretheyvisitedbyhunters,whointheforestsufferhardshipsastheyhauntthepeaksofthemountains,neitheragainisitheldbyherdedflocks,norfarmers,butallitsdays,neverplowedupandneverplanted,itgoeswithoutpeopleandsupportsthebleatingwildgoats.

125FortheCyclopeshavenoshipswithcheeksofvermilion,norhavetheybuildersofshipsamongthem,whocouldhavemadethemstrong-benchedvessels,andtheseifmadecouldhaverunthemsailingstoallthevariouscitiesofmen,inthewaythatpeoplecrosstheseabymeansofshipsandvisiteachother,

130andtheycouldhavemadethisislandastrongsettlementforthem.Foritisnotabadplaceatall,itcouldbearallcropsinseason,andtherearemeadowlandsneartheshoresofthegraysea,wellwateredandsoft;therecouldbegrapesgrownthereendlessly,andthereissmoothlandforplowing,mencouldreapafullharvest

135alwaysinseason,sincethereisveryrichsubsoil.Alsothereisaneasyharbor,withnoneedforahawsernoranchorstonestobethrownashorenorcablestomakefast;onecouldjustrunashoreandwaitforthetimewhenthesailors'desirestirredthemtogoandtherightwindswereblowing.

offthelandoftheCyclopes

140Alsoattheheadoftheharborthererunsbrightwater,springbeneathrock,andthereareblackpoplarsgrowingaroundit.Therewesailedashore,andtherewassomegodguidingusinthroughthegloomofthenight,nothingshowedtolookat,fortherewasadeepmistaroundtheships,norwasthereanymoon

145showinginthesky,butshewasunderthecloudsandhidden.Therewasnoneofustherewhoseeyeshadspiedouttheisland,

andweneversawanylongwavesrollinginandbreakingontheshore,butthefirstthingwaswhenwebeachedthewell-benchedvessels.Thenafterwehadbeachedtheshipswetookallthesailsdown,

150andweourselvessteppedoutontothebreakoftheseabeach,andtherewefellasleepandwaitedforthedivineDawn.

‘ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,wemadeatourabouttheisland,admiringeverythingthere,andthenymphs,daughtersofZeusoftheaegis,started

155thehill-rovinggoatsourwayformycompanionstofeaston.Atoncewewentandtookfromtheshipscurvedbowsandjavelinswithlongsockets,andarrangingourselvesinthreedivisionscastabout,andthegodgrantedusthegamewelongedfor.Nowthereweretwelveshipsthatwentwithme,andforeachoneninegoats

160wereportionedout,butIalonehadtenformyportion.Soforthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssetting,wesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine;fortheredwinehadnotyetgivenoutintheships,therewassomestillleft,forweallhadtakenawayagreatdeal

165instoringjarswhenwestormedtheKikonians'sacredcitadel.WelookedacrossatthelandoftheCyclopes,andtheywerenearby,andwesawtheirsmokeandheardsheepandgoatsbleating.Butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,thenwelaydowntosleepalongthebreakoftheseashore;

170butwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenIheldanassemblyandspokeforthbeforeall:“Therestofyou,whoaremyeagercompanions,waithere,whileI,withmyownshipandcompanionsthatareinit,goandfindoutaboutthesepeople,andlearnwhattheyare,

175whethertheyaresavageandviolent,andwithoutjustice,orhospitabletostrangersandwithmindsthataregodly.”

Odysseusandhiscompanions

‘SospeakingIwentaboardtheshipandtoldmycompanionsalsotogoaboard,andtocastoffthesterncables,andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipandsattotheoarlocks,

180andsittingwellinorderdashedtheoarsinthegraysea.Butwhenwehadarrivedattheplace,whichwasnearby,thereattheedgeofthelandwesawthecave,closetothewater,high,andovergrownwithlaurels,andinitwerestabledgreatflocks,sheepandgoatsalike,andtherewasafencedyard

185builtarounditwithahighwallofgrubbed-outboulders

andtallpinesandoakswithloftyfoliage.Insidetherelodgedamonsterofaman,whonowwasherdingtheflocksatadistanceaway,alone,forhedidnotrangewithothers,butstayedawaybyhimself;hismindwaslawless,

190andintruthhewasamonstrouswondermadetobehold,notlikeaman,aneaterofbread,butmorelikeawoodedpeakofthehighmountainsseenstandingawayfromtheothers.

‘AtthattimeItoldtherestofmyeagercompanionstostaywheretheywerebesidetheshipandguardit.Meanwhile

195I,choosingoutthetwelvebestmenamongmycompanions,wenton,butIhadwithmeagoatskinbottleofblackwine,sweetwine,givenmebyMaron,sonofEuanthesandpriestofApollo,whobestridesIsmaros;hegaveitbecause,respectinghimwithhiswifeandchild,wesavedthem

200fromharm.HemadehisdwellingamongthetreesofthesacredgroveofPhoibosApollo,andhegavemegloriouspresents.Hegavemeseventalentsofwell-wroughtgold,andhegavemeamixingbowlmadeallofsilver,andgavealongwithitwine,drawingitoffinstoringjars,twelveinall.Thiswas

205asweetwine,unmixed,adivinedrink.Nooneofhisservantsorthrallsthatwereinhishouseholdknewanythingaboutit,butonlyhimselfandhisdearwifeandasinglehousekeeper.Wheneverhedrankthishoney-sweetredwine,hewouldpouroutenoughtofillonecup,thentwentymeasuresofwater

210wereadded,andthemixingbowlgaveoffasweetsmell;magical;thenwouldbenopleasureinholdingoff.OfthiswineIfilledagreatwineskinfull,andtooktooprovisionsinabag,formyproudhearthadanideathatpresentlyIwouldencounteramanwhowasendowedwithgreatstrength,

215andwild,withnotrueknowledgeoflawsoranygoodcustoms.

inthecaveofPolyphemos

‘Lightlywemadeourwaytothecave,butwedidnotfindhimthere,hewasoffherdingontherangewithhisfatflocks.Wewentinsidethecaveandadmiredeverythinginsideit.Basketswerethere,heavywithcheeses,andthepenscrowded

220withlambsandkids.Theyhadallbeendividedintoseparategroups,thefirstlingsinoneplace,andthenthemiddleones,thebabiesagainbythemselves.Andallhisvessels,milkpailsandpans,thatheusedformilkinginto,wererunningoverwithwhey.Fromthestartmycompanionsspoketomeandbeggedme

225totakesomeofthecheeses,comebackagain,andthenexttimetodrivethelambsandkidsfromtheirpens,andgetbackquicklytotheshipagain,andgosailingoffacrossthesaltwater;butIwouldnotlistentothem,itwouldhavebeenbettertheirway,notuntilIcouldseehim,seeifhewouldgivemepresents.

230Myfriendsweretofindthesightofhiminnowaylovely.‘Therewebuiltafireandmadesacrifice,andhelping

ourselvestothecheesesweateandsatwaitingforhiminside,untilhecamehomefromhisherding.Hecarriedaheavyloadofdried-outwood,tomakeafireforhisdinner,

235andthrewitdowninsidethecave,makingaterriblecrash,soinfearwescuttledawayintothecave'scorners.Nexthedroveintothewidecavernallfromthefatflocksthathewouldmilk,butheleftallthemaleanimals,billygoatsandrams,outsideinhisyardwiththedeepfences.Nextthing,

240heheavedupandsetintopositionthehugedoorstop,amassivething;notwenty-twoofthebestfour-wheeledwagonscouldhavetakenthatweightoffthegroundandcarriedit,suchapieceofsky-toweringcliffthatwashesetoverhisgateway.Nexthesatdownandmilkedhissheepandhisbleating

245goats,eachoftheminorder,andputlamborkidundereachonetosuck,andthendrewoffhalfofthewhitemilkandputitbyinbasketsmadeofwickerwork,storedforcheeses,butlettheotherhalfstandinthemilkpailssoastohaveittohelphimselftoanddrinkfrom,anditwouldserveforhissupper.

250Butafterhehadbrisklydoneallhischoresandfinished,atlasthelitthefire,andsawus,andaskedusaquestion:“Strangers,whoareyou?Fromwheredoyoucomesailingoverthewateryways?Isitonsomebusiness,orareyourecklesslyrovingaspiratesdo,whentheysailonthesaltseaandventure

InthecaveofPolyphemos

255theirlivesastheywander,bringingeviltoalienpeople?”‘Sohespoke,andtheinwardheartinuswasbroken

interrorofthedeepvoiceandforseeinghimsomonstrous;butevensoIhadwordsforananswer,andIsaidtohim:“WeareAchaianscomingfromTroy,beatenoffourtruecourse

260bywindsfromeverydirectionacrossthegreatgulfoftheopensea,makingforhome,bythewrongway,onthewrongcourses.Sowehavecome.SoithaspleasedZeustoarrangeit.WeclaimweareofthefollowingofthesonofAtreus,

Agamemnon,whosefamenowisthegreatestthingunderheaven,265suchacitywasthathesackedanddestroyedsomany

people;butnowinturnwecometoyouandaresuppliantsatyourknees,ifyoumightgiveusaguestpresentorotherwisesomegiftofgrace,forsuchistherightofstrangers.Thereforerespectthegods,Obestofmen.Weareyoursuppliants,

270andZeustheguestgod,whostandsbehindallstrangerswithhonorsduethem,avengesanywrongtowardstrangersandsuppliants.”

‘SoIspoke,butheansweredmeinpitilessspirit:“Stranger,youareasimplefool,orcomefromfaroff,whenyoutellmetoavoidthewrathofthegodsorfearthem.

275TheCyclopesdonotconcernthemselvesoverZeusoftheaegis,noranyoftherestoftheblessedgods,sincewearefarbetterthanthey,andforfearofthehateofZeusIwouldnotspareyouoryourcompanionseither,ifthefancytookmeotherwise.Buttellme,soImayknow:wheredidyou

280putyourwell-madeshipwhenyoucame?Nearbyorfaroff?”‘Sohespoke,tryingmeout,butIknewtoomuchandwasnot

deceived,butansweredhiminturn,andmywordswerecrafty:“Poseidon,ShakeroftheEarth,hasshatteredmyvessel.Hedroveitagainsttherocksontheoutercoastofyourcountry,

285crackedonacliff,itisgone,thewindontheseatookit;butI,withtheseyousee,gotawayfromsuddendestruction.”

‘SoIspoke,butheinpitilessspiritanswerednothing,butsprangupandreachedformycompanions,caughtuptwotogetherandslappedthem,likekillingpuppies,

290againsttheground,andthebrainsranalloverthefloor,soakingtheground.Thenhecutthemuplimbbylimbandgotsupperready,andlikealionrearedinthehills,withoutleavinganything,atethem,entrails,fleshandthemarrowybonesalike.We

Themenbeingeaten,twoatatime

criedoutaloudandheldourhandsuptoZeus,seeing295thecrueltyofwhathedid,butourheartswerehelpless.

ButwhentheCyclopshadfilledhisenormousstomach,feedingonhumanfleshanddrinkingdownmilkunmixedwithwater,helaydowntosleepinthecavesprawledoutthroughhissheep.ThenItookcounselwithmyselfinmygreat-heartedspirit

300togoupclose,drawingfrombesidemythighthesharpsword,andstabhiminthechest,wherethemidriffjoinsontheliver,feelingfortheplacewithmyhand;butthesecondthoughtstayedme;

fortherewetoowouldhaveperishedawayinsheerdestruction,seeingthatourhandscouldneverhavepushedfromthelofty

305gateofthecavetheponderousboulderhehadproppedthere.Somourningwewaited,justaswewere,forthedivineDawn.

‘ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,helithisfire,andthensetaboutmilkinghisgloriousflocks,eachoftheminorder,andputlamborkidundereachone.

310Butafterhehadbrisklydoneallhischoresandfinished,againhesnatcheduptwomen,andpreparedthemfordinner,andwhenhehaddined,drovehisfatflocksoutofthecavern,easilyliftingoffthegreatdoorstone,butthenheputitbackagain,likeamanclosingthelidonaquiver.

315AndsotheCyclops,whistlingloudly,guidedhisfatflockstothehills,leavingmethereinthecavemumblingmyblackthoughtsofhowImightpunishhim,howAthenemightgivemethatglory.AndasIthought,thiswastheplanthatseemedbesttome.TheCyclopshadlyingtherebesidethepenagreatbludgeon

320ofolivewood,stillgreen.Hehadcutitsothatwhenitdriedouthecouldcarryitabout,andwelookingatitconsideredittobeaboutthesizeforthemastofacargo-carryingbroadblackshipoftwentyoarswhichcrossestheopensea;suchwasthelengthofit,suchthethickness,tojudgeby

325looking.Iwentupandchoppedalengthofaboutafathom,andhandeditovertomycompanionsandtoldthemtoshaveitdown,andtheymadeitsmooth,whileIstandingbythemsharpenedthepoint,thenputitovertheblazeofthefiretoharden.ThenIputitwellawayandhiditundertheordure

330whichwasalloverthefloorofthecave,muchstufflyingabout.NextItoldtherestofthementocastlots,tofindoutwhichofthemmustendurewithmetotakeupthegreatbeam

TheblindingofthedrunkenPolyphemos

andspinitinCyclops'eyewhensweetsleephadcomeoverhim.TheonesdrewitwhomImyselfwouldhavewantedchosen,

335fourmen,andImyselfwasthefifth,andallottedwiththem.Withtheeveninghecamebackagain,herdinghisfleecyflocks,butdroveallhisfatflocksinsidethewidecaveatonce,anddidnotleaveanyoutsideintheyardwiththedeepfence,whetherhehadsomeidea,orwhetheragodsourgedhim.

340Whenhehadheavedupandsetinpositionthehugedoorstop,nexthesatdownandstartedmilkinghissheepandhisbleating

goats,eachoftheminorder,andputlamborkidundereachone.Butafterhehadbrisklydoneallhischoresandfinished,againhesnatcheduptwomenandpreparedthemfordinner.

345ThenatlastI,holdinginmyhandsanivybowlfulloftheblackwine,stoodcloseuptotheCyclopsandspokeout:“Here,Cyclops,haveadrinkofwine,nowyouhavefedonhumanflesh,andseewhatkindofdrinkourshipcarriedinsideher.Ibroughtitforyou,anditwouldhavebeenyourlibation

350hadyoutakenpityandsentmehome,butIcannotsufferyourrages.Cruel,howcananymancomeandvisityoueveragain,nowyouhavedonewhathasnosanction?”

‘SoIspoke,andhetookitanddrankitoff,andwasterriblypleasedwiththewinehedrankandquestionedmeagain,saying:

355“Givemestillmore,freely,andtellmeyournamestraightwaynow,soIcangiveyouaguestpresenttomakeyouhappy.Forthegrain-givinglandoftheCyclopesalsoyieldsthemwineofstrength,anditisZeus'rainthatwatersitforthem;butthiscomesfromwhereambrosiaandnectarflowinabundance.”

360‘Sohespoke,andIgavehimthegleamingwineagain.ThreetimesIbroughtittohimandgaveittohim,threetimesherecklesslydrainedit,butwhenthewinehadgotintothebrainsoftheCyclops,thenIspoketohim,andmywordswerefullofbeguilement:“Cyclops,youaskmeformyfamousname.Iwilltellyou

365then,butyoumustgivemeaguestgiftasyouhavepromised.Nobodyismyname.MyfatherandmothercallmeNobody,asdoalltheotherswhoaremycompanions.”

‘SoIspoke,andheansweredmeinpitilessspirit:“ThenIwilleatNobodyafterhisfriends,andtheothers

370Iwilleatfirst,andthatshallbemyguestpresenttoyou.”‘Hespokeandslumpedawayandfellonhisback,andlaythere

Trickof“Nobody”

withhisthickneckcrookedoverononeside,andsleepwhosubduesallcameonandcapturedhim,andthewinegurgledupfromhisgulletwithgobsofhumanmeat.Thiswashisdrunkenvomiting.

375ThenIshovedthebeamunderneathadeepbedofcinders,waitingforittoheat,andIspoketoallmycompanionsinwordsofcourage,sononeshouldbeinapanic,andbackout;butwhenthebeamofolive,greenasitwas,wasnearlyatthepointofcatchingfireandglowed,terriblyincandescent,

380thenIbroughtitcloseupfromthefireandmyfriendsaboutme

stoodfast.Somegreatdivinitybreathedcourageintous.Theyseizedthebeamofolive,sharpattheend,andleanedonitintotheeye,whileIfromaboveleaningmyweightonittwirledit,likeamanwithabrace-and-bitwhoboresinto

385ashiptimber,andhismenfromunderneath,graspingthestraponeithersidewhirlit,anditbitesresolutelydeeper.Soseizingthefire-point-hardenedtimberwetwirleditinhiseye,andthebloodboiledaroundthehotpoint,sothattheblastandscorchoftheburningballsingedallhiseyebrows

390andeyelids,andthefiremadetherootsofhiseyecrackle.Aswhenamanwhoworksasablacksmithplungesascreaminggreataxbladeorplaneintocoldwater,treatingitfortemper,sincethisisthewaysteelismadestrong,evensoCyclops'eyesizzledaboutthebeamoftheolive.

395Hegaveagianthorriblecryandtherocksrattledtothesound,andwescuttledawayinfear.Hepulledthetimberoutofhiseye,anditblubberedwithplentyofblood,thenwhenhehadfranticallytakenitinhishandsandthrownitaway,hecriedaloudtotheotherCyclopes,wholive

400aroundhimintheirowncavesalongthewindypinnacles.Theyhearinghimcameswarmingupfromtheirvariousplaces,andstoodaroundthecaveandaskedhimwhatwashistrouble:“Why,Polyphemos,whatdoyouwantwithallthisoutcrythroughtheimmortalnightandhavemadeusallthussleepless?

405Surelynomortalagainstyourwillcanbedrivingyoursheepoff?Surelynonecanbekillingyoubyforceortreachery?”

‘ThenfrominsidethecavestrongPolyphemosanswered:“Goodfriends,Nobodyiskillingmebyforceortreachery.”‘Sothentheothersspeakinginwingedwordsgavehimananswer:

410“Ifaloneasyouarenoneusesviolenceonyou,

Escapefromthecave

why,thereisnoavoidingthesicknesssentbygreatZeus;soyouhadbetterpraytoyourfather,thelordPoseidon.”

‘Sotheyspokeastheywentaway,andtheheartwithinmelaughedoverhowmynameandmyperfectplanninghadfooledhim.

415ButtheCyclops,groaningaloudandinthepainofhisagony,feltwithhishands,andtooktheboulderoutofthedoorway,andsatdownintheentrancehimself,spreadinghisarmswide,tocatchanyonewhotriedtogetoutwiththesheep,hopingthatIwouldbesoguilelessinmyheartastotrythis;

420butIwasplanningsothatthingswouldcomeoutthebestway,andtryingtofindsomereleasefromdeath,formycompanionsandmyselftoo,combiningallmyresourceandtreacheries,aswithlifeatstake,forthegreatevilwasveryclosetous.AndasIthought,thiswastheplanthatseemedbesttome.

425Thereweresomemalesheep,rams,wellnourished,thickandfleecy,handsomeandlarge,withadarkdepthofofwool.SilentlyIcaughttheseandlashedthemtogetherwithpliantwillowwithes,wherethemonstrousCyclopslawlessofmindhadusedtosleep.Ihadtheminthrees,andtheoneinthemiddlecarried

430aman,whiletheothertwowentoneachside,soguardingmyfriends.Threeramscarriedeachman,butasformyself,therewasoneram,farthefinestofalltheflock.ThisoneIclaspedaroundtheback,snuggledunderthewoolofthebelly,andstayedtherestill,andwithafirmtwistofthehandsandenduring

435spiritclungfasttothegloryofthisfleece,unrelenting.SowegrievedforthetimeandwaitedforthedivineDawn.

‘ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenthemalesheephastenedoutofthecave,towardpasture,buttheeweswerebleatingallthroughthepensunmilked,theirudders

440readytoburst.Meanwhiletheirmaster,sufferingandinbitterpain,feltoverthebacksofallhissheep,standingupastheywere,butinhisguilelessnessdidnotnoticehowmymenwerefastenedunderthebreastsofhisfleecysheep.Lastofalltheflocktheramwentoutofthedoorway,

445loadedwithhisownfleece,andwithme,andmyclosecounsels.Then,feelinghim,powerfulPolyphemosspokeawordtohim:“Mydearoldram,whyareyouthusleavingthecavelastofthesheep?Neverintheolddayswereyouleftbehindbytheflock,butlong-striding,faraheadoftherestwouldpasture

450onthetenderbloomofthegrass,befirstatrunningrivers,

androcksthrownbyPolyphemos

andbeeageralwaystoleadthewayfirstbacktothesheepfoldatevening.Nowyouarelastofall.Perhapsyouaregrievingforyourmaster'seye,whichabadmanwithhiswickedcompanionsputout,afterhehadmademybrainhelplesswithwine,this

455Nobody,whoIthinkhasnotyetgotclearofdestruction.Ifonlyyoucouldthinklikeusandonlybegivenavoice,totellmewhereheisskulkingawayfrommyanger,thensurelyhewouldbesmashedagainstthefloorandhisbrainsgo

spatteringalloverthecavetomakemyheartlighter460fromtheburdenofalltheevilsthisnidderingNobodygaveme.”

‘Sohespoke,andsenttheramalongfromhim,outdoors,andwhenwehadgotalittlewayfromtheyardandthecavern,firstIgotmyselfloosefrommyram,thensetmycompanionsfree,andrapidlythen,andwithmanyabackwardglance,we

465drovethelong-stridingsheep,richwithfat,untilwereachedourship,andthesightofuswhohadescapeddeathwaswelcometoourcompanions,buttheybegantomournfortheothers;onlyIwouldnotletthemcryout,butwithmybrowsnoddedtoeachman,andtoldthemtobequickandtoloadthefleecy

470sheeponboardourvesselandsailoutonthesaltwater.Quicklytheywentaboardtheshipandsattotheoarlocks,andsittingwellinorderdashedtheoarsinthegraysea.ButwhenIwasasfarfromthelandasavoiceshoutingcarries,IcalledoutaloudtotheCyclops,tauntinghim:

475“Cyclops,intheenditwasnoweakman'scompanionsyouweretoeatbyviolenceandforceinyourhollowcave,andyourevildeedsweretocatchupwithyou,andbetoostrongforyou,hardone,whodaredtoeatyourownguestsinyourownhouse,soZeusandtherestofthegodshavepunishedyou.”

480‘SoIspoke,andstillmoretheheartinhimwasangered.Hebrokeawaythepeakofagreatmountainandletitfly,andthrewitinfrontofthedark-prowedshipbyonlyalittle,itjustfailedtograzethesteeringoar'sedge,buttheseawashedupinthesplashasthestonewentunder,thetidal

485waveitmadesweptussuddenlybackfromtheopenseatothemainlandagain,andforcedusonshore.ThenIcaughtupinmyhandstheverylongpoleandpushedherclearagain,andurgedmycompanionswithwords,andnoddingwithmyhead,tothrowtheirweightontheoarsandbringus

490outofthethreateningevil,andtheyleanedonandrowedhard.

ThecurseofPolyphemos

Butwhenwehadcutthroughtheseatotwicethepreviousdistance,againIstartedtocalltoCyclops,butmyfriendsaboutmecheckedme,firstonethenanotherspeaking,tryingtosootheme:“Hardone,whyareyoutryingoncemoretostirupthissavage

495man,whojustnowthrewhismissileinthesea,forcingourshiptothelandagain,andwethoughtoncemorewewerefinished;andifhehadheardavoiceoranyoneofusspeaking,

hewouldhavebrokenallourheadsandourship'stimberswithacastofagreatjaggedstone,sostrongishisthrowing.”

500‘Sotheyspoke,butcouldnotpersuadethegreatheartinme,butonceagainintheangerofmyheartIcriedtohim:“Cyclops,ifanymortalmaneverasksyouwhoitwasthatinflicteduponyoureyethisshamefulblinding,tellhimthatyouwereblindedbyOdysseus,sackerofcities.

505Laertesishisfather,andhemakeshishomeinIthaka.”‘SoIspoke,andhegroanedaloudandansweredme,saying:

“Ahnow,aprophecyspokenofoldiscometocompletion.Thereusedtobeamanhere,greatandstrong,andaprophet,Telemos,Eurymos'son,whoforprophecywaspre-eminent

510andgrewoldasaprophetamongtheCyclopes.Thismantoldmehowallthisthathashappenednowmustsomedaybeaccomplished,andhowImustlosethesightofmyeyeatthehandsofOdysseus.ButalwaysIwasonthelookoutforamanhandsomeandtall,withgreatendowmentofstrengthonhim,tocomehere;

515butnowtheendofitisthatalittleman,niddering,feeble,hastakenawaythesightofmyeye,firstmakingmehelplesswithwine.Socomehere,Odysseus,letmegiveyouaguestgiftandurgethegloriousShakeroftheEarthtograntyouconveyancehome.ForIamhisson,heannounceshimselfasmyfather.

520Hehimselfwillhealme,ifhewill,butnotanyotheroneoftheblessedgods,noranymanwhoismortal.”

‘Sohespoke,butIansweredhimagainandsaidtohim:“IonlywishitwerecertainIcouldmakeyoureftofspiritandlife,andsendyoutothehouseofHades,asitiscertain

525thatnoteventheShakeroftheEarthwilleverhealyoureyeforyou.”‘SoIspoke,buthethencalledtothelordPoseidon

inprayer,reachingbotharmsuptowardthestarryheaven:“Hearme,Poseidonwhocircletheearth,dark-haired.IftrulyIamyourson,andyouacknowledgeyourselfasmyfather,

andhisprayertoPoseidon

530grantthatOdysseus,sackerofcities,sonofLaertes,whomakeshishomeinIthaka,mayneverreachthathome;butifitisdecidedthatheshallseehisownpeople,andcomehometohisstrong-foundedhouseandtohisowncountry,lethimcomelate,inbadcase,withthelossofallhiscompanions,

535insomeoneelse'sship,andfindtroublesinhishousehold.”‘Sohespokeinprayer,andthedark-hairedgodheardhim.

Thenforthesecondtimeliftingastonefargreaterhewhirleditandthrew,leaningintothecasthisstrengthbeyondmeasure,andthestonefellbehindthedark-prowedshipbyonly

540alittle,itjustfailedtograzethesteeringoar'sedge,andtheseawashedupinthesplashasthestonewentunder;thetidalwavedroveusalongforwardandforcedusontotheisland.Butafterwehadsomadetheisland,wherealltherestofourstrong-benchedshipswerewaitingtogether,andourcompanions

545weresittingaboutthemgrieving,havingwaitedsolongforus,makingthispointweranourshiponthesandandbeachedher,andweourselvessteppedoutontothebreakoftheseabeach,andfromthehollowshipsbringingouttheflocksoftheCyclopswesharedthemoutsononemightgocheatedofhisproper

550portion;butformealonemystrong-greavedcompanionsexceptedtheramwhenthesheepwereshared,andIsacrificedhimonthesandstoZeus,dark-cloudedsonofKronos,lordoverall,andburnedhimthethighs;buthewasnotmovedbymyofferings,butstillwasponderingonawayhowallmystrong-benched

555shipsshouldbedestroyedandallmyeagercompanions.Soforthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssetting,wesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine.Butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,thenwelaydowntosleepalongthebreakoftheseashore;

560butwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenIurgedontherestofmycompanionsandtoldthemtogoaboardtheirshipsandtocastoffthesterncables,andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipsandsattotheoarlocks,andsittingwellinorderdashedtheiroarsinthegraysea.

565Fromtherewesailedonfurtheralong,gladtohaveescapeddeath,butgrievingstillatheartforthelossofourdearcompanions.

BOOKX

‘WecamenexttotheAiolianisland,whereAioloslived,Hippotas'son,belovedbytheimmortalgods,onafloatingisland,thewholeenclosedbyarampartofbronze,nottobebroken,andthesheerofthecliffrunsupward

5toit;andtwelvechildrenwereborntohiminhispalace,sixofthemdaughters,andsixsonsintheprideoftheiryouth,sohebestowedhisdaughtersonhissons,tobetheirconsorts.Andevermore,besidetheirdearfatherandgraciousmother,thesefeast,andgoodthingsbeyondnumberaresetbeforethem;

10andalltheirdaysthehousefragrantwithfoodechoesinthecourtyard,buttheirnightstheysleepeachonebyhismodestwife,undercoverlets,andonbedsteadscordedforbedding.Wecametothecityofthesemenandtheirhandsomehouses,andawholemonthheentertainedmeandaskedmeeverything

15ofIlion,andtheshipsoftheArgives,andtheAchaians'homecoming,andItoldhimallthetaleasithappened.ButwhenIaskedhimaboutthewaybackandrequestedconveyance,againhedidnotrefuse,butgrantedmepassage.Hegavemeabagmadeoftheskintakenoffanine-year

20ox,stuffedfullinsidewiththecoursesofalltheblowingwinds,forthesonofKronoshadsethiminchargeoverthewinds,toholdthemstillorstartthemupathispleasure.Hestoweditawayinthehollowship,tiedfastwithasilverstring,sothereshouldbenowrongbreathofwind,noteven

TheislandofAiolosandthebagofwinds

25alittle,butsettheWestWindfreetoblowmeandcarrytheshipsandthemenaboardthemontheirway;butitwasnotsotobe,forwewereruinedbyourownfolly.

‘Neverthelesswesailedon,nightandday,forninedays,andonthetenthatlastappearedthelandofourfathers,

30andwecouldseepeopletendingfires,wewereveryclosetothem.Butthenthesweetsleepcameuponme,forIwaswornoutwithalwayshandlingthesheetmyself,andIwouldnotgiveittoanyothercompanion,sowecouldcomehomequickertoourowncountry;butmycompanionstalkedwitheachother

35andsaidthatIwasbringingsilverandgoldhomewithme,givenmebygreat-heartedAiolos,sonofHippotas;andthustheywouldspeaktoeachother,eachlookingatthemannexthim:“Seenow,thismanislovedbyeverybodyandfavoredbyall,wheneverhevisitsanyone'slandandcity,

40andisbringinghomewithhimhandsometreasurestakenfromtheplunderofTroy,whilewe,whohavegonethrougheverythinghehasonthesameventure,comehomewithourhandsempty.NowtooAiolosinfavoroffriendshiphasgivenhimallthesegoods.Letusquicklylookinsideandseewhatisinthere,

45andhowmuchsilverandgoldthisbagcontainsinsideit.”‘Sohespoke,andtheevilcounselofmycompanions

prevailed,andtheyopenedthebagandthewindsallburstout.Suddenlythestormcaughtthemawayandsweptthemoverthewaterweeping,awayfromtheirowncountry.ThenIwaking

50pondereddeeplyinmyownblamelessspirit,whethertothrowmyselfoverthesideanddieintheopenwater,orwaititoutinsilenceandstillbeoneoftheliving;andIendureditandwaited,andhidingmyfaceIlaydownintheship,whileallwerecarriedontheevilblastofthestormwind

55backtotheAiolianisland,withmyfriendsgrieving.‘Thereagainwesetfootonthemainland,andfetchedwater,

andmycompanionssoontooktheirsuppertherebythefastships.Butafterwehadtastedoffoodanddrink,thenItookalongoneheraldwithme,andonecompanion,

60andwentuptothefamoushouseofAiolos.ThereIfoundhimsittingatdinnerwithhiswifeandwithhisownchildren.Wecametothehousebesidethepillars,andonthedoorstone

Allshipsbutone,withcrews,

wesatdown,andtheirmindswonderedatusandtheyaskedus:“Whatbringsyouback,Odysseus?Whatevilspirithasvexedyou?

65Wesentyouproperlyonyourway,soyoucouldcomebacktoyourowncountryandhouseandwhateverelseisdeartoyou.”

‘Sotheyspoke,andIthoughsorryatheartanswered:“Mywretchedcompanionsbroughtmetoruin,helpedbythepitiless

sleep.Thenmakeitright,dearfriends;foryouhavethepower.”70‘SoIspoketothem,plyingthemwithwordsofendearment,buttheywereallsilent;onlythe

fatherfoundwordsandanswered:“Oleastoflivingcreatures,outofthisisland!Hurry!Ihavenorighttoseeonhisway,nonetogivepassagetoanymanwhomtheblessedgodshatewithsuchbitterness.

75Out.Thisarrivalmeansyouarehatefultotheimmortals.”‘Sospeakinghesentme,groaningheavily,outofhispalace,

andfromthere,grievingstillatheart,wesailedonfurther,butthemen'sspiritwaswornawaywiththepainofrowingandourownsilliness,sincehomecomingseemedoursnolonger.

80‘Neverthelesswesailedon,nightandday,forsixdays,andontheseventhcametothesheercitadelofLamos,TelepylosoftheLaistrygones,whereoneherdsman,drivinghisflocksinhailsanother,whoanswersashedriveshisflocksout;andthereamanwhocoulddowithoutsleepcouldearnhim

85doublewages,oneforherdingthecattle,oneforthesilverysheep.Therethecoursesofnightanddaylieclosetogether.Thereasweenteredthegloriousharbor,whichasky-toweringcliffenclosesoneitherside,withnobreakanywhere,andtwoprojectingpromontoriesfacingeachother

90runouttowardthemouth,andthereisanarrowentrance,therealltherestofthemhadtheiroar-sweptshipsintheinwardpart,theyweretiedupclosetogetherinsidethehollowharbor,fortherewasneveraswellofsurfinsideit,neithergreatnorsmall,buttherewasapalecalmonit.

95Imyself,however,keptmyblackshipontheoutside,attheveryend,makingherfasttothecliffwithacable,andclimbedtoarockypointofobservationandstoodthere.Fromherenotraceofcattlenorworkingofmenwasvisible;allwecouldseewasthesmokegoingupfromthecountry.

100SoIsentcompanionsaheadtellingthemtofindout

destroyedbytheLaistrygones

whatmen,eatersofbread,mightlivehereinthiscountry.Ichosetwomen,andsentathirdwiththem,asaherald.Theylefttheshipandwalkedonasmoothroadwherethewagonscarriedthetimberdownfromthehighhillstothecity,

105andthereinfrontofthetowntheymetagirldrawingwater.ThiswasthepowerfuldaughteroftheLaistrygonianAntiphates,whohadgonedowntothesweet-runningwellspring,

Artakie,whencetheywouldcarrytheirwaterbacktothecity.Mymenstoodbyherandtalkedwithher,andaskedherwhowas

110kingofthesepeopleandwhowaslordoverthem.Shereadilypointedouttothemthehigh-roofedhouseofherfather.Butwhentheyenteredtheglorioushouse,theyfoundthereawomanasbigasamountainpeak,andthesightofherfilledthemwithhorror.AtonceshesummonedfamousAntiphates,herhusband,

115fromtheirassembly,andhedeviseddismaldeathagainstthem.Hesnatcheduponeofmycompanions,andpreparedhimfordinner,buttheothertwodartedawayinflight,andgotbacktomyship.Thekingraisedthecrythroughthecity.HearinghimthepowerfulLaistrygonescameswarmingupfromeverydirection,

120tensofthousandsofthem,andnotlikemen,likegiants.These,standingalongthecliffs,peltedmymenwithman-sizedboulders,andahorridracketwentupbytheships,ofmenbeingkilledandshipsbeingsmashedtopieces.Theyspearedthemlikefish,andcarriedthemawayfortheirjoylessfeasting.

125Butwhiletheyweredestroyingtheminthedeep-waterharbor,meanwhileI,drawingfrombesidemythighthesharpsword,choppedawaythecablethattiedtheshipwiththedarkprow,andcalledouttomycompanions,andurgedthemwithallspeedtothrowtheirweightontheoarsandescapethethreateningevil,

130andtheymadethewaterfly,fearingdestruction.Gladlymyship,andonlymine,fledoutfromtheoverhangingcliffstotheopenwater,buttheotherswerealldestroyedthere.

‘Fromtherewesailedonfurtheralong,gladtohaveescapeddeath,butgrievingstillatheartforthelossofourdearcompanions.

135WecametoAiaia,whichisanisland.TherelivedCirceofthelovelyhair,thedreadgoddesswhotalkswithmortals,whoisownsistertothemalignant-mindedAietes;fortheybotharechildrenofHelios,whoshinesonmortals,andtheirmotherisPersewhointurnisdaughterofOcean.

ExplorationofCirce'sisland

140Therewebroughtourshipintotheshore,insilence,ataharborfitforshipstolie,andsomegodguidedusin.Therewedisembarked,andfortwodaysandtwonightswelaythere,forsorrowandwearinesseatingourheartsout.Butwhenthefair-hairedDawninherroundsbroughtonthethirdday,

145thenatlastItookupmyspearagain,mysharpsword,andwentupquicklyfrombesidetheshiptofindalookout

place,tolookforsometraceofpeople,listenforsomesound.Iclimbedtoarockypointofobservationandstoodthere,andgotasightofsmokewhichcamefromthehallsofCirce

150goingupfromwide-wayedearththroughundergrowthandforest.ThenIpondereddeeplyinmyheartandmyspirit,whether,sinceIhadseenthefireandsmoke,toinvestigate;butinthedivisionofmyheartthiswayseemedthebesttome,togobackfirsttothefastshipandthebeachofthesea,andgive

155mycompanionssomedinner,thensendthemforwardtoinvestigate.Butonmyway,asIwasclosetotheoar-sweptvessel,somegod,becauseIwasallalone,tookpityuponme,andsentagreatstagwithtoweringantlersrightinmyverypath;hehadcomefromhisrangeintheforestdowntotheriver

160todrink,forthefiercestrengthofthesunwasuponhim.Ashesteppedout,Ihithiminthemiddleoftheback,nexttothespine,sothatthebrazenspearheadsmasheditswaycleanthrough.Hescreamedanddroppedinthedustandthelifespiritflutteredfromhim.Isetmyfootonhimanddrewthebronzespearoutofthewoundithadmade,andresteditontheground,whileIpulledgrowingtwigsandwillowwithesand,braidingthemintoarope,aboutsixfeetinlength,andloopingthemoverthefeetofthisgreatmonsteronbothsides,lashedthemtogether,andwithhimloadedovermyneckwenttowardtheblackship,

170proppingmyselfonmyspear,fortherewasnowaytocarryhimontheshoulderholdinghimwithonehand,hewassuchaverybigbeast.Ithrewhimdownbytheshipandrousedmycompanions,standingbesideeachmanandspeakingtohiminkindwords:“Dearfriends,sorryasweare,weshallnotyetgodowninto

175thehouseofHades.Notuntilourdayisappointed.Comethen,whilethereissomethingtoeatanddrinkbythefastship,letusthinkofourfoodandnotbewornoutwithhunger.”

Herenchantedbeasts

‘SoIspoke,andtheylistenedatoncetomeandobeyedme,andunveilingtheirheadsalongthebeachofthebarrenwater

180theyadmiredthestag,andtrulyhewasaverybigbeast.Butaftertheyhadlookedathimandtheireyeshadenjoyedhim,theywashedtheirhandsandsettopreparingacommunalhighfeast.Soforthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssettingwesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine.

185Butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,

thenwelaydowntosleepalongthebreakoftheseashore;butwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenIheldanassemblyandspokeforthtoallofthem:“Hearmywords,mycompanions,inspiteofyourhearts'sufferings.

190Dearfriends,forwedonotknowwherethedarknessisnorthesunrise,norwheretheSunwhoshinesuponpeoplerises,norwherehesets,thenletushastenourmindsandthink,whetherthereisanycourseleftopentous.ButIthinkthereisnone.ForIclimbedtoarockyplaceofobservationandlookedat

195theisland,andtheendlesssealiesallinacirclearoundit,buttheislanditselflieslow,andmyeyessawsmokerisinginthemiddlethroughtheundergrowthandtheforest.”

‘SoIspoke,andtheinwardheartinthemwasbroken,astheyrememberedAntiphatestheLaistrygonian

200andtheviolenceofthegreat-heartedcannibalCyclops,andtheyweptloudandshrill,lettingthebigtearsfall,buttherecamenoadvantagetothemforalltheirsorrowing.

‘Icountedoffallmystrong-greavedcompanionsintotwodivisions,andappointedaleaderforeach,Imyself

205takingone,whilegodlikeEurylochoshadtheother.Promptlythenweshookthelotsinabrazenhelmet,andthelotofgreat-heartedEurylochossprangout.Hethenwentonhisway,andwithhimtwo-and-twentycompanions,weeping,andwewhomtheyleftbehindweremourningalso.

210IntheforestglentheycameonthehouseofCirce.Itwasinanopenplace,andputtogetherfromstones,wellpolished,andallaboutittherewerelions,andwolvesofthemountains,whomthegoddesshadgivenevildrugsandenchanted,andthesemadenoattackonthemen,butcameupthronging

215aboutthem,wavingtheirlongtailsandfawning,inthewaythatdogsgofawningabouttheirmaster,whenhecomeshome

Halfthemenchangedtoswine

fromdiningout,forhealwaysbringsbacksomethingtopleasethem;sothesewolveswithgreatstrongclawsandlionscamefawningonmymen,buttheywereafraidwhentheysawtheterriblebigbeasts.

220Theystoodthereintheforecourtofthegoddesswiththeglorioushair,andheardCirceinsidesinginginasweetvoiceasshewentupanddownagreatdesignonaloom,immortalsuchasgoddesseshave,delicateandlovelyandglorioustheirwork.NowPolitesleaderofmen,whowas

225thebestanddearesttomeofmyfriends,beganthediscussion:“Friends,someoneinsidegoingupanddownagreatpieceofweavingissingingsweetly,andthewholeplacemurmurstotheechoofit,whethersheiswomanorgoddess.Come,letuscallher.”

‘Sohespoketothem,andtherestgavevoice,andcalledher,230andatoncesheopenedtheshiningdoors,andcameout,andinvited

themin,andallintheirinnocenceentered;onlyEurylochoswaitedoutside,forhesuspectedtreachery.Shebroughttheminsideandseatedthemonchairsandbenches,andmixedthemapotion,withbarleyandcheeseandpalehoney

235addedtoPramneianwine,butputintothemixturemalignantdrugs,tomakethemforgetfuloftheirowncountry.Whenshehadgiventhemthisandtheyhaddrunkitdown,nextthingshestruckthemwithherwandanddrovethemintoherpigpens,andtheytookonthelookofpigs,withtheheadsandvoices

240andbristlesofpigs,butthemindswithinthemstayedastheyhadbeenbefore.Socryingtheywentin,andbeforethemCircethrewdownacornsforthemtoeat,andilexandcornelbuds,suchfoodaspigswhosleeponthegroundalwaysfeedon.

‘Eurylochoscamebackagaintothefastblackship,245totellthestoryofourcompanionsandoftheirdismal

fate,buthecouldnotgetawordout,thoughhewastryingtospeak,buthisheartwasstunnedbythegreatsorrow,andbotheyesfilledwithtears,hecouldthinkofnothingbutlamentation.Butafterwehadwonderedathimandaskedhimquestions,

250atlasthetoldusaboutthelossofhisothercompanions:“Wewent,OgloriousOdysseus,throughthegrowthasyoutoldus,andfoundafinehouseintheglen.Itwasinanopenplace,andputtogetherfromstones,wellpolished.Someone,goddessorwoman,wassinginginsideinaclearvoice

255asshewentupanddownherloom,andtheycalledher,andspoketoher,

OdysseusencountersHermes

andatoncesheopenedtheshiningdoors,andcameoutandinvitedthemin,andallintheirinnocenceentered,onlyIwaitedforthemoutside,forIsuspectedtreachery.Thenthewholelotofthemvanishedawaytogether,nordidone

260singleonecomeout,thoughIsatandwatchedforalongtime.”‘Sohespoke,andIslungmygreatbronzeswordwiththesilver

nailsacrossmyshoulders,andhungmybowonalso,andtoldhimtoguidemebackbythesamewayhehadgone;

buthe,claspingmykneesinbothhands,entreatedme,265andinloudlamentationspoketomeandaddressedme:

“Illustrious,donottakemeagainstmywillthere.Leavemehere,forIknowyouwillnevercomebackyourself,norbringbackanyofyourcompanions.Letusrathermakehaste,andwiththesewhoareleft,escape,forwestillmayavoidthedayofevil.”

270‘Sohespoke,andIansweredagaininturnandsaidtohim:“Eurylochos,youmaystayhereeatinganddrinking,evenwhereyouareandbesidethehollowblackship;onlyIshallgo.Forthereisstrongcompulsionuponme.”

‘SoIspoke,andstartedupfromtheshipandtheseashore.275ButasIwentupthroughthelonelyglens,andwascoming

neartothegreathouseofCirce,skilledinmedicines,thereasIcameuptothehouse,Hermes,ofthegoldenstaff,metmeonmyway,inthelikenessofayoungmanwithbeardnewgrown,whichisthemostgracefultimeofyoungmanhood.

280Hetookmebythehandandspoketomeandnamedme,saying:“Whereareyougoing,unhappyman,allalone,throughthehilltops,ignorantoftheland-lay,andyourfriendsarehereinCirce'splace,intheshapeofpigsandholedupintheclosepigpens.Doyoucomeheremeaningtosetthemfree?Idonotthink

285youwillgetbackyourself,butmuststayherewiththeothers.Butsee,Iwillfindyouawayoutofyourtroubles,andsaveyou.Here,thisisagoodmedicine,takeit,andgointoCirce'shouse;itwillgiveyoupoweragainstthedayoftrouble.AndIwilltellyouallthemalevolentguilesofCirce.

290Shewillmakeyouapotion,andputdrugsinthefood,butshewillnotevensobeabletoenchantyou,forthisgoodmedicinewhichIgiveyounowwillpreventher.Iwilltellyouthedetailsofwhattodo.AssoonasCircewithherlongwandstrikesyou,

TheherbmolysavesOdysseus

thendrawingfrombesideyourthighyoursharpsword,rush295forwardagainstCirce,asifyouwereragingtokillher,

andshewillbeafraid,andinviteyoutogotobedwithher.Donotthenresistandrefusethebedofthegoddess,forsoshewillsetfreeyourcompanions,andcareforyoualso;butbidherswearthegreatoathoftheblessedgods,thatshe

300hasnootherevilhurtthatsheisdevisingagainstyou,soshewillnotmakeyouweakandunmanned,onceyouarenaked.”

‘SospokeArgeïphontes,andhegavemethemedicine,

whichhepickedoutoftheground,andheexplainedthenatureofittome.Itwasblackattheroot,butwithamilky

305flower.Thegodscallitmoly.Itishardformortalmentodigup,butthegodshavepowertodoallthings.

‘ThenHermeswentaway,passingoverthewoodedisland,towardtallOlympos,andImeanwhilemademywaytothehouseofCirce,butmyheartwasastorminmeasIwent.Now

310Istoodoutsideatthedoorsofthegoddesswiththeglorioushair,andstandingIshoutedaloud;andthegoddessheardme,andatoncesheopenedtheshiningdoorsandcameoutandinvitedmein;andI,deeplytroubledinmyheart,wentinwithher.Shemademesitdowninachairthatwaswroughtelaborately

315andsplendidwithsilvernails,andundermyfeetwasafootstool.Shemadeapotionformetodrinkandgaveitinagoldencup,andwithevilthoughtsinherheartaddedthedrugtoit.ThenwhenshehadgivenitandIdrankitoff,withoutbeingenchanted,shestruckmewithherwandandspokeandnamedme:

320“Gotoyourstynowandliedownwithyourotherfriendsthere.”‘Soshespoke,butI,drawingfrombesidemythighthesharpsword,

rushedforwardagainstCirceasifIwereragingtokillher,butshescreamedaloudandranundermyguard,andclaspingbothkneesinloudlamentationspoketomeandaddressedmeinwingedwords:

325“Whatmanareyouandwhence?Whereareyourcityandparents?Thewonderisonmethatyoudrankmydrugsandhavenotbeenenchanted,fornoothermanbesidecouldhavestoodupundermydrugs,oncehedrankandtheypassedthebarrierofhisteeth.Thereisamindinyounomagicwillworkon.

330YouarethenresourcefulOdysseus.Argeïphontesofthegoldenstaffwasforevertellingmeyouwouldcometome,onyourwaybackfromTroywithyourfastblackship.

fromCirce'sspells

Comethen,putawayyourswordinitssheath,andletustwogoupintomybedsothat,lyingtogether

335inthebedoflove,wemaythenhavefaithandtrustineachother.”‘Soshespoke,andIansweredheragainandsaidtoher:

“Circe,howcanyouaskmetobegentlewithyou,whenitisyouwhoturnedmycompanionsintopigsinyourpalace?Andnowyouhavemeheremyself,youtreacherously

340askmetogointoyourchamber,andgotobedwithyou,sothatwhenIamnakedyoucanmakemeaweakling,unmanned.

Iwouldnotbewillingtogotobedwithyouunlessyoucanbringyourself,Ogoddess,toswearmeagreatoaththatthereisnootherevilhurtyoudeviseagainstme.”

345‘SoIspoke,andsheatoncesworemetheoath,asIaskedher,Butaftershehadswornmetheoath,andmadeanendofit,ImountedthesurpassinglybeautifulbedofCirce.

‘Meanwhile,thefourmaidservants,whowaitonCirceinherhouse,werebusyattheirwork,allthroughthepalace.

350Thesearedaughtersbornofthespringsandfromthecoppicesandthesacredriverswhichflowdowntothesea.Oftheseonelaidthecoverlets,splendidandstainedinpurple,overthebacksofthechairs,andspreadontheseatstheclothstositon.Theseconddrewupthesilvertablesandplacedtheminfrontof

355thechairs,andlaidoutthegoldenservingbasketsuponthem.Thethirdmixedwine,kindlysweetandfragrant,inthesilvermixingbowl,andsetoutthegoldengoblets.Thefourthonebroughtinwater,thensetaboutbuildingupanabundantfire,underneaththegreatcaldron,andthewaterheated.

360Butwhenthewaterhadcometoaboilintheshiningbronze,thenshesatmedowninthebathtubandwashedmefromthegreatcaldron,mixinghotandcoldjustasIwanted,andpouringitovershouldersandhead,totaketheheart-wastingwearinessfrommylimbs.Whenshehadbathedmeandanointedmewitholiveoil,

365sheputasplendidmantleandatunicuponme,andmademesitdowninachairthatwaswroughtelaboratelyandsplendidwithsilvernails,andundermyfeetwasafootstool.Amaidservantbroughtwaterforusandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasin,

370forustowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforeus.

Theswinechangedbacktomen

Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittous,addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions,andtoldustoeat,butnothingpleasedmymind,andIsattherethinkingofsomethingelse,mindfullofevilimaginings.

375‘WhenCircenoticedhowIsattherewithouteverputtingmyhandsouttothefood,andwiththestrongsorrowuponme,shecameclose,andstoodbesidemeandaddressedmeinwingedwords:“Why,Odysseus,doyousitso,likeamanwhohaslosthisvoice,eatingyourheartout,buttouchneitherfoodnordrink.Isit

380thatyoususpectmeofmoretreachery?Butyouhavenothing

tofear,sinceIhavealreadyswornmystrongoathtoyou.”‘Soshespoke,butIansweredheragainandsaidtoher:

“Oh,Circe,howcouldanymanrightinhismindeverenduretotasteofthefoodanddrinkthataresetbeforehim,

385untilwithhiseyeshesawhiscompanionssetfree?Sothen,ifyouaresincerelytellingmetoeatanddrink,setthemfree,somyeyescanagainbeholdmyeagercompanions.”

‘SoIspoke,andCircewalkedonoutthroughthepalace,holdingherwandinherhand,andopenedthedoorsofthepigsty,

390anddrovethemout.Theylookedlikenine-year-oldporkers.Theystoodrangedandfacingher,andshe,makingherwaythroughtheirranks,anointedeachofthemwithsomeothermedicine,andthebristles,grownuponthembytheevilmedicineCircehadbestoweduponthembefore,nowfellawayfromthem,

395andtheyturnedbackoncemoreintomen,youngerthantheyhadbeenandtallerfortheeyetobeholdandhandsomerbyfar.Theyrecognizedme,andeachofthemclungtomyhand.Thelovelylongingforlamentationcameoverus,andthehouseechoedterriblytothesound,andeventhegoddesstookpity,

400andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,camecloseandsaidtome:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,gobackdownnowtoyourfastshipandthesandoftheseashore,andfirstofall,dragyourshipupontheland,stowingyourpossessionsandalltheship'srunninggearawayintheseacaves,

405andthencomeback,andbringwithyouyoureagercompanions.”‘Soshespoke,andtheproudheartinmewaspersuaded,

andIwentbackdowntomyfastshipandthesandoftheseashore,andthereIfoundbesidethefastshipmyeagercompanionspitifulintheirlamentationandweepingbigtears.

Reunionofallthecrew

410Andas,inthecountry,thecalves,aroundthecowsreturningfrompasturebacktothedungofthefarmyard,wellfilledwithgrazing,comegambolingtogethertomeetthem,andthepensnolongercanholdthemin,butlowingincessantlytheycomerunningaroundtheirmothers,sothesemen,oncetheireyessawme,

415camestreamingaroundme,intears,andthespiritinthemmadethemfeelasiftheywerebackintheirowncountry,theverycityofruggedIthaka,wheretheywerebornandraisedup.Sotheycameintearsaboutme,andcriedinwingedwords:“OgreatOdysseus,weareashappytoseeyoureturning

420asifwehadcomebacktoourownIthakancountry.Butcome,tellusaboutthedeathofourothercompanions.”

‘Sotheyspoke,butIansweredinsoftwordsandtoldthem:“Firstofall,letusdragourshipupontheland,stowingourpossessionsandalltheship'srunninggearawayintheseacaves,

425andthenmakehaste,allofyou,tocomealongwithme,sothatyoucanseeyourcompanions,inthesacreddwellingofCirce,eatinganddrinking,fortheyhaveallinabundance.”

‘SoIspoke,andatoncetheydidasItoldthem.OnlyEurylochoswastryingtoholdbackallmyother

430companions,andhespoketothemandaddressedtheminwingedwords:“Ah,poorwretches.Wherearewegoing?WhydoyoulongfortheevilsofgoingdownintoCirce'spalace,forshewilltransformthelotofusintopigsorwolvesorlions,andsoweshallguardhergreathouseforher,undercompulsion.

435SotooithappenedwiththeCyclops,whenourcompanionswentintohisyard,andtheboldOdysseuswasoftheircompany;foritwasbythisman'srecklessnessthatthesetooperished.”

‘Sohespoke,andIconsideredinmymindwhethertodrawoutthelong-edgedswordfrombesidemybigthigh,

440andcutoffhisheadandthrowitontheground,eventhoughhewasnearlyrelatedtomebymarriage;butmycompanionscheckedme,firstonethenanotherspeaking,tryingtosootheme:“Zeus-sprungOdysseus,ifyouaskusto,wewillleavethismanheretostaywhereheisandkeepwatchover

445theship.YoushowusthewaytothesacreddwellingofCirce.”‘Sotheyspoke,andstartedupfromtheshipandtheseashore;

norwouldEurylochosbeleftalonebythehollowship,butfollowedalonginfearofmyfiercereproaches.

LifewithCirce

‘Meanwhile,insidethehouse,Circewithlovingcarebathed450therestofmycompanions,andanointedthemwellwitholiveoil,

andputaboutthemmantlesoffleeceandtunics.Wefoundthemalltogether,feastingwellinthehalls.Whenmymenlookedeachotherinthefaceandknewoneanother,theyburstintoanoutcryoftears,andthewholehouseechoed,

455Butshe,shiningamonggoddesses,camecloseandsaidtous:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,nolongerraisetheswellofyourlamentation.Itooknowallthepainsyouhavesufferedontheseawherethefishswarm,

andallthedamagedoneyouonthedrylandbyhostile460men.Butcomenow,eatyourfoodanddrinkyourwine,until

yougatherbackagainintoyourcheststhatkindofspirityouhadinyouwhenfirstyouleftthelandofyourfathersonruggedIthaka.Nowyouarealldriedout,dispiritedfromtheconstantthoughtofyourhardwandering,noristhereany

465spiritinyourfestivity,becauseofsomuchsuffering.”‘Soshespoke,andtheproudheartinuswaspersuaded.

Thereforallourdaysuntilayearwascompletedwesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine.Butwhenitwastheendofayear,andthemonthswasted

470away,andtheseasonschanged,andthelongdayswereaccomplished,thenmyeagercompanionscalledmeasideandsaidtome:“Whatailsyounow?Itistimetothinkaboutourowncountry,iftrulyitisordainedthatyoushallsurviveandcomebacktoyourstrong-foundedhouseandtothelandofyourfathers.”

475‘Sotheyspoke,andtheproudheartinmewaspersuaded.Soforthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssettingwesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine.Butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,theylaydowntosleepallabouttheshadowychambers,

480butI,mountingthesurpassinglybeautifulbedofCirce,claspedherbythekneesandentreatedher,andthegoddesslistenedtome,andIspoketoherandaddressedherinwingedwords:“OCirce,accomplishnowthepromiseyougave,thatyouwouldseemeonmywayhome.Thespiritwithinmeisurgent

485now,asalsointherestofmyfriends,whoarewastingmyheartaway,lamentingaroundme,whenyouareelsewhere.”

‘SoIspoke,andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,answered:

Odysseusbeforegoinghomemustvisitthelandofthedead

“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,youshallnolongerstayinmyhousewhennoneofyouwishto;

490butfirstthereisanotherjourneyyoumustaccomplishandreachthehouseofHadesandofreveredPersephone,theretoconsultwiththesoulofTeiresiastheTheban,theblindprophet,whosesensesstayunshakenwithinhim,towhomalonePersephonehasgrantedintelligence

495evenafterdeath,buttherestofthemareflitteringshadows.”‘Soshespoke,andtheinwardheartinmewasbroken,

andIsatdownonthebedandcried,nordidtheheartinme

wishtogoonlivinganylonger,nortolookonthesunlight.ButwhenIhadgluttedmyselfwithrollingaboutandweeping,

500thenatlastIspokealoudandansweredthegoddess:“Circe,whowillbeourguideonthatjourney?NoonehaseveryetinablackshipgoneallthewaytoHades’.”

‘SoIspoke,andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,answered:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,

505letnoneedforaguideonyourshiptroubleyou;onlysetupyourmastpoleandspreadthewhitesailsuponit,andsitstill,andlettheblastoftheNorthWindcarryyou.ButwhenyouhavecrossedwithyourshipthestreamoftheOcean,youwillfindthereathicklywoodedshore,andthegrovesofPersephone,

510andtallblackpoplarsgrowing,andfruit-perishingwillows;thenbeachyourshipontheshoreofthedeep-eddyingOceanandyourselfgoforwardintothemolderinghomeofHades.TherePyriphlegethonandKokytos,whichisanoff-breakfromthewateroftheStyx,flowintoAcheron.Thereis

515arockthere,andthejunctionoftwothunderousrivers.There,hero,youmustgocloseinanddoasItellyou.Digapitofaboutacubitineachdirection,andpouritfullofdrinkofferingsforallthedead,firsthoneymixedwithmlk,thenasecondpouringofsweetwine,

520andthethird,water,andoverallthensprinklewhitebarley,andpromisemanytimestothestrengthlessheadsoftheperisheddeadthat,returningtoIthaka,youwillslaughterabarrencow,yourbest,inyourpalaceandpilethepyrewithtreasures,andtoTeiresiasapartdedicateanall-back

525ram,theoneconspicuousinallyoursheepflocks.

Sailinginstructions—themenaretold

Butwhenwithprayersyouhaveentreatedtheglorioushordesofthedead,thensacrificeoneramandoneblackfemale,turningthemtowardErebos,butyourselfturnawayfromthemandmakeforwheretheriverruns,andtherethenumerous

530soulsoftheperisheddeadwillcomeandgatheraboutyou.Thenencourageyourcompanionsandtellthem,takingthesheepthatarelyingby,slaughteredwiththepitilessbronze,toskinthese,andburnthem,andpraytothedivinities,toHadesthepowerful,andtoreveredPersephone,

535whileyouyourself,drawingfrombesideyourthighthesharpsword,crouchthere,anddonotletthestrengthlessheadsoftheperished

deaddrawnearertotheblooduntilyouhavequestionedTeiresias.Then,leaderofthehost,theprophetwillsooncometoyou,andhewilltellyouthewaytogo,thestagesofyourjourney,

540andtellyouhowtomakeyourwayhomeontheseawherethefishswarm.”‘Soshespoke,andDawnofthegoldenthronecameonus,

andsheputclothinguponme,anoutercloakandatunic,whileshe,thenymph,mantledherselfinagleamingwhiterobefine-wovenanddelightful,andaroundherwaistshefastened

545ahandsomebeltofgold,andonherheadwasawimple;whileIwalkedallaboutthehouseandrousedmycompanions,standingbesideeachmanandspeakingtohiminkindwords:“Nolongerlieabedanddreamingawayinsweetsleep.ThequeenlyCircehasshownmetheway.Soletusgonow.”

550‘SoIspoke,andtheproudheartinthemwaspersuaded.YetIdidnotleadawaymycompanionswithoutsomeloss.Therewasone,Elpenor,theyoungestman,notterriblypowerfulinfightingnorsoundinhisthoughts.Thisman,apartfromtherestofhisfriends,insearchofcoolair,hadlain

555downdrunkenlytosleepontheroofofCirce'spalace,andwhenhiscompanionsstirredtogohe,hearingtheirtumultandnoiseoftalking,startedsuddenlyup,andneverthought,whenhewentdown,togobywayofthelongladder,butblunderedstraightofftheedgeoftheroof,sothathisneckbone

560wasbrokenoutofitssockets,andhissoulwentdowntoHades’.‘NowasmymenwereontheirwayIsaidawordtothem:

“Youthinkyouareonyourwaybacknowtoyourownbelovedcountry,butCircehasindicatedanotherjourney

DeathofElpenor

forus,tothehouseofHadesandofreveredPersephone565theretoconsultwiththesoulofTeiresiastheTheban.”

‘SoIspoke,andtheinwardheartinthemwasbroken.Theysatdownonthegroundandlamentedandtoretheirhairout,buttherecamenoadvantagetothemforalltheirsorrowing.

‘Whenwecamedowntoourfastshipandthesandoftheseashore,570wesatdown,sorrowful,andweepingbigtears.Circe

meanwhilehadgonedownherselftothesideoftheblackship,andtetheredaboarditaramandoneblackfemale,easilypassingbyusunseen.Whoseeyescanfollowthemovementofagodpassingfromplacetoplace,unlessthegodwishes?

BOOKXI

‘Nowwhenwehadgonedownagaintotheseaandourvessel,firstofallwedraggedtheshipdownintothebrightwater,andintheblackhullsetthemastinplace,andsetsails,andtookthesheepandwalkedthemaboard,andourselvesalso

5embarked,butsorrowful,andweepingbigtears.Circeofthelovelyhair,thedreadgoddesswhotalkswithmortals,sentusanexcellentcompanion,afollowingwind,fillingthesails,tocarryfromasterntheshipwiththedarkprow.Weourselves,overalltheshipmakingfasttherunninggear,

10satstill,andletthewindandthesteersmanholdhersteady.Alldaylonghersailswerefilledasshewentthroughthewater,andthesunset,andallthejourneying-waysweredarkened.

‘Shemadethelimit,whichisofthedeep-runningOcean.ThereliethecommunityandcityofKimmerianpeople,

15hiddeninfogandcloud,nordoesHelios,theradiantsun,everbreakthroughthedark,toilluminatethemwithhisshining,neitherwhenheclimbsupintothestarryheaven,norwhenhewheelstoreturnagainfromheaventoearth,butalwaysaglumnightisspreadoverwretchedmortals.

20Makingthispoint,werantheshipashore,andtookoutthesheep,andourselveswalkedalongbythestreamoftheOceanuntilwecametothatplacetowhichCircehadspoken.

‘TherePerimedesandEurylochosheldthevictimsfast,andI,drawingfrombesidemythighmysharpsword,

Thelandofthedead—theghostofElpenor

25dugapit,ofaboutacubitineachdirection,andpoureditfullofdrinkofferingsforallthedead,firsthoneymixedwithmilk,andthesecondpouringwassweetwine,andthethird,water,andoveritallIsprinkledwhitebarley.Ipromisedmanytimestothestrengthlessheadsoftheperished

30deadthat,returningtoIthaka,Iwouldslaughterabarrencow,mybest,inmypalace,andpilethepyrewithtreasures,andtoTeiresiasapartwoulddedicateanall-blackram,theoneconspicuousinalloursheepflocks.Nowwhen,withsacrificesandprayers,Ihadsoentreated

35thehordesofthedead,Itookthesheepandcuttheirthroatsoverthepit,andthedark-cloudingbloodranin,andthesoulsoftheperisheddeadgatheredtotheplace,upoutofErebos,brides,andyoungunmarriedmen,andlong-sufferingelders,virgins,tenderandwiththesorrowsofyoungheartsuponthem,

40andmanyfightingmenkilledinbattle,stabbedwithbrazenspears,stillcarryingtheirbloodyarmoruponthem.Thesecameswarmingaroundmypitfromeverydirectionwithinhumanclamor,andgreenfeartookholdofme.ThenIencouragedmycompanionsandtoldthem,taking

45thesheepthatwerelyingby,slaughteredwiththepitilessbronze,toskinthese,andburnthem,andpraytothedivinities,toHadesthepowerful,andtoreveredPersephone,whileImyself,drawingfrombesidemythighmysharpsword,crouchedthere,andwouldnotletthestrengthlessheadsoftheperished

50deaddrawnearertotheblood,untilIhadquestionedTeiresias.‘Butfirsttherecamethesoulofmycompanion,Elpenor,

forhehadnotyetbeenburiedunderearthofthewideways,sincewehadlefthisbodybehindinCirce'spalace,unburiedandunwept,withthisothererrandbeforeus.

55Ibrokeintotearsatthesightofhim,andmyheartpitiedhim,andsoIspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:“Elpenor,howdidyoucomeherebeneaththefogandthedarkness?YouhavecomefasteronfootthanIcouldinmyblackship.”

‘SoIspoke,andhegroanedaloudandspokeandanswered:60“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,

theevilwillofthespiritandthewildwinebewilderedme.IlaydownontheroofofCirce'spalace,andneverthought,whenIwentdown,togobywayofthelongladder,

TheprophecyofElpenor

butblunderedstraightofftheedgeoftheroof,sothatmyneckbone65wasbrokenoutofitssockets,andmysoulwentdowntoHades’.

ButnowIprayyou,bythoseyouhaveyettosee,whoarenothere,byyourwife,andbyyourfather,whorearedyouwhenyouwerelittle,andbyTelemachoswhomyouleftaloneinyourpalace;

forIknowthatafteryouleavethisplaceandthehouseofHades70youwillputbackwithyourwell-madeshiptotheisland,Aiaia;

thereatthattime,mylord,Iaskthatyourememberme,anddonotgoandleavemebehindunwept,unburied,whenyouleave,forfearImightbecomethegods’curseuponyou;butburnmetherewithallmyarmorthatbelongstome,

75andheapupagravemoundbesidethebeachofthegraysea,foranunhappyman,sothatthosetocomewillknowofme.Dothisforme,andontopofthegravemoundplanttheoarwithwhichIrowedwhenIwasaliveandamongmycompanions.”

‘Sohespoke,andIinturnspoketohiminanswer:80“Allthis,myunhappyfriend,Iwilldoforyouasyouaskme.”

‘Sowetwostayedthereexchangingoursadwords,Iononesideholdingmyswordovertheblood,whileoppositemethephantomofmycompaniontalkedlongwithme.

‘Nexttherecametomethesoulofmydeadmother,85Antikleia,daughterofgreat-heartedAutolykos,

whomIhadleftalivewhenIwenttosacredIlion.Ibrokeintotearsatthesightofherandmyheartpitiedher,butevenso,forallmythrongingsorrow,IwouldnotletherdrawneartheblooduntilIhadquestionedTeiresias.

90‘NowcamethesoulofTeiresiastheTheban,holdingastaffofgold,andheknewwhoIwas,andspoketome:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,howisitthen,unhappyman,youhaveleftthesunlightandcomehere,tolookondeadmen,andthisplacewithoutpleasure?

95Nowdrawbackfromthepit,andholdyoursharpswordawayfromme,sothatIcandrinkofthebloodandspeakthetruthtoyou.”

‘Sohespoke,andI,holdingawaytheswordwiththesilvernails,pusheditbackinthesheath,andtheflawlessprophet,afterhehaddrunktheblood,beganspeakingtome.

100“GloriousOdysseus,whatyouareafterissweethomecoming,butthegodwillmakeithardforyou.IthinkyouwillnotescapetheShakeroftheEarth,whoholdsagrudgeagainstyou

aboutthelastvoyageofOdysseus

inhisheart,andbecauseyoublindedhisdearson,hatesyou.Butevensoandstillyoumightcomeback,aftermuchsuffering,

105ifyoucancontainyourowndesire,andcontainyourcompanions’,atthattimewhenyoufirstputinyourwell-madevesselattheislandThrinakia,escapingthesea'sbluewater,

andtherediscoverpasturingthecattleandfatsheepofHelios,whoseesallthings,andlistenstoallthings.

110Then,ifyoukeepyourmindonhomecoming,andleavetheseunharmed,youmightallmakeyourwaytoIthaka,aftermuchsuffering;butifyoudoharmthem,thenItestifytothedestructionofyourshipandyourcompanions,butifyouyourselfgetclear,youwillcomehomeinbadcase,withthelossofallyourcompanions,

115insomeoneelse'sship,andfindtroublesinyourhousehold,insolentmen,whoareeatingawayyourlivelihoodandcourtingyourgodlikewifeandofferinggiftstowinher.Youmaypunishtheviolencesofthesemen,whenyoucomehome.Butafteryouhavekilledthesesuitorsinyourownpalace,

120eitherbytreachery,oropenlywiththesharpbronze,thenyoumusttakeupyourwell-shapedoarandgoonajourneyuntilyoucomewheretherearemenlivingwhoknownothingofthesea,andwhoeatfoodthatisnotmixedwithsalt,whoneverhaveknownshipswhosecheeksarepaintedpurple,whonever

125haveknownwell-shapedoars,whichactforshipsaswingsdo.AndIwilltellyouaveryclearproof,andyoucannotmissit.When,asyouwalk,someotherwayfarerhappenstomeetyou,andsaysyoucarryawinnow-fanonyourbrightshoulder,thenyoumustplantyourwell-shapedoarintheground,andrender

130ceremonioussacrificetothelordPoseidon,oneramandonebull,andamounterofsows,aboarpig,andmakeyourwayhomeagainandrenderholyhecatombstotheimmortalgodswhoholdthewideheaven,alloftheminorder.Deathwillcometoyoufromthesea,in

135somealtogetherunwarlikeway,anditwillendyouintheebbingtimeofasleekoldage.Yourpeopleaboutyouwillbeprosperous.AllthisistruethatItellyou.”

‘Sohespoke,butIinturnsaidtohiminanswer:“Allthis,Teiresias,surelymustbeasthegodsspunit.

140Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.Iseebeforemenowthesoulofmyperishedmother,

AntikleiahismothertellsOdysseus

butshesitsbesidethebloodinsilence,andhasnotyetdeignedtolookdirectlyatherownsonandspeakawordtome.Tellme,lord,whatwillmakeherknowme,andknowmypresence?”

145‘SoIspoke,andheatoncesaidtomeinanswer:“EasilyIwilltellyouandputitinyourunderstanding.

Anyoneoftheperisheddeadyouallowtocomeuptothebloodwillgiveyouatrueanswer,butifyoubegrudgethistoanyone,hewillreturntotheplacewherehecamefrom.”

150‘Sospeaking,thesoulofthelordTeiresiaswentbackintothehouseofHades,oncehehadutteredhisprophecies,whileIwaitedsteadilywhereIwasstanding,untilmymothercameanddrankthedark-cloudingblood,andatoncesheknewme,andfulloflamentationshespoketomeinwingedwords:

155“Mychild,howdidyoucomeherebeneaththefogandthedarknessandstillalive?Allthisishardforthelivingtolookon,forinbetweenliethegreatriversandterriblewatersthatflow,Oceanfirstofall,whichthereisnomeansofcrossingonfoot,notunlessonehasawell-madeship.Areyou

160comenowtothisplacefromTroy,withyourshipandyourcompanions,afterwanderingalongtime,andhaveyounotyetcometoIthaka,andthereseenyourwifeinyourpalace?”

‘Soshespoke,andIinturnsaidtoherinanswer:“Mother,adutybroughtmeheretothehouseofHades.

165IhadtoconsultthesoulofTeiresiastheTheban.ForIhavenotyetbeennearAchaiancountry,noreversetfootonourland,butalwayssufferingIhavewanderedsincethetimeIfirstwentalongwithgreatAgamemnontoIlion,landofgoodhorses,andthebattleagainsttheTrojans.

170Butcomenow,tellmethis,andgivemeanaccurateanswer.Whatdoomofdeaththatlaysmenlowhasbeenyourundoing?Wasitalongsickness,ordidArtemisofthearrowscomeuponyouwithherpainlessshafts,anddestroyyou?AndtellmeofmyfatherandsonwhomIleftbehind.Is

175myinheritancestillwiththem,ordoessomeothermanholdthemnow,andthinksIwillcomenomore?TellmeaboutthewifeImarried,whatshewants,whatsheisthinking,andwhethershestaysfastbymyson,andguardseverything,orifshehasmarriedthebestmanamongtheAchaians.”

180‘SoIspoke,andmyqueenlymotheransweredmequickly:

somethingaboutIthaka

“Alltoomuchwithenduringheartshedoeswaitforyouthereinyourownpalace,andalwayswithherthewretchednightsandthedaysalsowasteherawaywithweeping.Nooneyetholdsyourfineinheritance,butinfreedom

185Telemachosadministersyourallottedlands,andapportions

theequalfeasts,workthatbefitsamanwithauthoritytojudge,forallcallhimin.Yourfatherremains,ontheestatewhereheis,anddoesnotgotothecity.Thereisnobedtherenoristherebedclothingnorblanketsnorshiningcoverlets,

190butinthewintertimehesleepsinthehouse,wherethethrallsdo,inthedirtnexttothefire,andwithfoulclothinguponhim;butwhenthesummercomesandtheblossomingtimeofharvest,everywherehehasplacestosleepontheground,onfallenleavesinpilesalongtherisinggroundofhisorchard,

195andtherehelies,grieving,andthesorrowgrowsbigwithinhimashelongsforyourhomecoming,andharsholdageisonhim.AndsoitwaswithmealsoandthatwasthereasonIperished,norinmypalacedidtheladyofarrows,well-aiming,comeuponmewithherpainlessshafts,anddestroyme,

200norwasIvisitedbysickness,whichbeyondotherthingstakesthelifeoutofthebodywithhatefulweakness,but,shiningOdysseus,itwasmylongingforyou,yourclevernessandyourgentleways,thattookthesweetspiritoflifefromme.”

‘Soshespoke,butI,ponderingitinmyheart,yetwished205totakethesoulofmydeadmotherinmyarms.Threetimes

Istartedtowardher,andmyheartwasurgenttoholdher,andthreetimessheflutteredoutofmyhandslikeashadoworadream,andthesorrowsharpenedattheheartwithinme,andsoIspoketoherandaddressedherinwingedwords,saying:

210“Mother,whywillyounotwaitforme,whenIamtryingtoholdyou,sothateveninHades’withourarmsembracingwecanbothtakethesatisfactionofdismalmourning?OrareyounothingbutanimagethatproudPersephonesentmyway,tomakemegrieveallthemoreforsorrow?”

215‘SoIspoke,andmyqueenlymotheransweredmequickly:“Ohmychild,ill-fatedbeyondallothermortals,thisisnotPersephone,daughterofZeus,beguilingyou,butitisonlywhathappens,whentheydie,toallmortals.Thesinewsnolongerholdthefleshandthebonestogether,

Thequeensofthepast

220andoncethespirithasleftthewhitebones,alltherestofthebodyismadesubjecttothefire'sstrongfury,butthesoulflittersoutlikeadreamandfliesaway.Thereforeyoumuststrivebacktowardthelightagainwithallspeed;butrememberthesethingsforyourwife,soyoumaytellherhereafter.”

225‘Sowetwowereconversingbackandforth,andthewomencametome.TheyweresentmywaybyproudPersephone.Thesewereallwhohadbeenthewivesanddaughtersofprinces,andnowtheygatheredinswarmsaroundthedarkblood.Ithenthoughtaboutawaytoquestionthem,eachbyherself,

230andasIthought,thiswastheplanthatseemedbesttome;drawingoutthelong-edgedswordfrombesidemybigthigh,Iwouldnotletthemalldrinkthedarkbloodatthesametime.Sotheywaitedandcametomeinorder,andeachonetoldmeaboutherorigin,andIquestionedallofthem.

235‘TherefirstIsawTyro,gloriouslydescended,andshetoldmeshewasthedaughterofstatelySalmoneus,butsaidshewasthewifeofKretheus,thesonofAiolos,andshewasinlovewithariver,godlikeEnipeus,byfarthehandsomestofallthoseriverswhosestreamscrossover

240theearth,andsheusedtohauntEnipeus’beautifulwaters;takinghislikeness,thegodwhocirclestheearthandshakesitlaywithherwheretheswirlingriverfindsitsoutlet,andasea-bluewavecurvedintoahillofwaterrearedupaboutthetwo,tohidethegodandthemortalwoman;

245andhebrokehervirginzoneanddriftedasleepuponher.Butwhenthegodhadfinishedwiththeactoflovemaking,hetookherbythehandandspoketoherandnamedher,saying:“Behappy,lady,inthislove,andwhentheyearpassesyouwillbeargloriouschildren,forthecouplingsoftheimmortals

250arenotwithoutissue.Youmustlookafterthem,andraisethem.Gohomenowandholdyourpeaceandtellnobodymyname,butItellittoyou;IamtheEarthshakerPoseidon.”

‘Sohespokeanddivedbackintotheheavingwaterofthesea,butsheconceivedandborePeliasandNeleus,

255andbothofthesegrewuptobestronghenchmenofmightyZeus;Peliaslived,richinsheepflocks,inthewidespacesofIolkos,whiletheotherwaskinginsandyPylos;butthisqueenamongwomenboretherestofherchildrentoKretheus,

tellOdysseustheirstories

AisonandPheresandAmythaondelightinginhorses.260‘AfterherIsawAntiope,whowasthedaughterofAsopos,whoclaimedshehadalsolain

intheembracesofZeus,andbornetwosonstohim,AmphionandZethos.Thesefirstestablishedthefoundationsofseven-gated

Thebes,andbuiltthebulwarks,sincewithoutbulwarkstheycouldnot265havelived,foralltheirstrength,inThebesofthewidespaces.

‘AfterherIsawAmphitryon'swife,Alkmene,who,afterlyinginloveintheembracesofgreatZeus,broughtforthHerakles,lion-heartedandboldofpurpose.AndIsawMegara,daughterofhigh-spiritedKreion,

270whomAmphitryon'sboldandwearilesssonhadmarried.‘IsawthebeautifulEpikaste,Oidipodes’mother,

whointheignoranceofhermindhaddoneamonstrousthingwhenshemarriedherownson.Hekilledhisfatherandmarriedher,butthegodssoonmadeitallknowntomortals.

275Buthe,forallhissorrows,inbelovedThebescontinuedtobelordovertheKadmeians,allthroughthebitterdesigningofthegods;whileshewentdowntoHadesofthegates,thestrongone,knottinganooseandhangingsheerfromthehighceiling,intheconstraintofhersorrow,butlefttohimwhosurvivedher

280allthesorrowsthatarebroughttopassbyamother'sfuries.‘AndIsawChloris,surpassinglylovely,theonewhomNeleus

marriedforherbeauty,givingnumberlessgiftstowinher.ShewastheyoungestdaughterofIasos’sonAmphion,whoonceruledstronglyoverOrchomenosoftheMinyai.

285SoshewasqueenofPylosandsheborehimgloriouschildren,NestorandChromiosandproudPeriklymenos.Alsosheborethatmarvelamongmortals,majesticPero,whomalltheheroesroundaboutcourted,butNeleuswouldnotgivehertoany,unlesshecoulddriveawaythebroad-faced

290horn-curvedcattleofstrongIphiklesoutofPhylake.Itwashardtodo,andonlytheblamelessseerMelampousundertookit,buthewasboundfastbytheharddestinyofthegod,andthepainfulfettersonhim,andtheloutishoxherds.Butwhenthemonthsandthedayshadcometoanend,andtheyear

295hadgonefullcircleandcomebackwiththeseasonsreturning,thenstrongIphiklesreleasedhim,whenhehadtoldhimallpropheciesheknew;andthewillofZeuswasaccomplished.

Interlude—AlkinoösandArete

‘AndIsawLeda,whohadbeenthewifeofTyndareos,andshehadbornetoTyndareostwosonswithstronghearts,

300Kastor,breakerofhorses,andthestrongboxer,Polydeukes.Thelife-givingearthholdsbothofthem,yettheyarestillliving,and,evenunderneaththeearth,enjoyingthehonor

ofZeus,theylivestilleveryotherday;onthenextdaytheyaredead,buttheyaregivenhonorevenasgodsare.

305‘AfterherIsawIphimedeia,wifeofAloeus,butshetoldmehowshehadbeenjoinedinlovewithPoseidonandbornetwosonstohim,buttheseintheendhadnotlivedlong,Otoslikeagod,andthefar-famedEphialtes;andthesewerethetallestmenthegrain-givingearthhasbroughtforth

310ever,andthehandsomestbyfar,afterfamousOrion.Whentheywereonlynineyearsoldtheymeasuredninecubitsacross,butinheighttheygrewtoninefathoms,andevenmadethreatsagainsttheimmortalgodsonOlympos,thattheywouldcarrytheturmoilofbattlewithallitsmanysorrowsagainstthem,

315andweremindedtopileOssaonOlympos,andaboveOssaPelionofthetremblingleaves,toclimbthesky.Surelytheywouldhavecarrieditoutiftheyhadcometomaturity,butthesonofZeuswhomLetowithorderedhairhadbornehim,Apollo,killedthemboth,beforeeverthedowngathered

320belowtheirtemples,orontheirchinsthebeardshadblossomed.‘IsawPhaidraandProkrisandAriadne,thebeautiful

daughterofmalignantMinos.TheseusatonetimewasbringingherfromCretetothehighgroundofsacredAthens,butgotnojoyofher,sincebeforethatArtemiskilledher

325insea-washedDia,whenDionysosborewitnessagainsther.‘IsawMaira,Klymene,andEriphylethehateful,

whoacceptedpreciousgoldforthelifeofherowndearhusband.ButIcouldnottelloverthewholenumberofthemnornameallthewomenIsawwhowerethewivesanddaughtersofheroes,

330forbeforethatthedivinenightwouldgiveout.Itistimenowformysleep,eitherjoiningmycompanionsonboardthefastship,orhere;butyou,andthegods,willseetomyhomewardjourney.’

Sohespoke,andallofthemstayedstrickentosilence,heldinthrallbythestoryallthroughtheshadowychambers.

335Nowitwaswhite-armedAretewhobeganthediscourse:‘Phaiakians,whatdoyouthinknowofthismanbeforeyou

admireOdysseusthestoryteller

forbeautyandstature,andforthemindwellbalancedwithinhim?Andagainheismyownguest,buteachoneofyouhassomepartinhonoringhim.Donothurrytosendhimoff,norcutshort

340hisgifts,whenheisinsuchneed,foryouallhavemanypossessions,bythegraceofthegods,storedupinyourpalaces.’

TheninturntheagedheroEcheneosspokeforth,whowasthemostadvancedinageofallthePhaiakians:‘Friends,ourcircumspectqueenisnotoffthemarkinherspeaking,

345norshortofwhatweexpectofher.Dothenasshetellsus.FromnowonthewordandtheactbelongtoAlkinoös.’

TheninturnAlkinoösspoketohimandanswered:‘Evensothiswordwillbeminetosay,aslongasIamaliveandkingovertheoar-lovingPhaiakians.

350Butletourguest,muchthoughhelongsforthehomewardjourney,stillenduretowaittilltomorrow,untilIhaveraisedallthecontribution;butthemenshallseetohisconvoyhome,andImostofall;formineisthepowerinthisdistrict.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:355‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,

ifyouurgedmetostayhereevenforthelengthofayear,andstillspedmyconveyancehomeandgavemegloriouspresents,thatwouldbewhatIwished,therewouldbemuchadvantageincomingbackwithafullerhandtomyowndearcountry,

360andIwouldbemorerespectedsoandbemorepopularwithallpeoplewhosawmemakemyreturntoIthaka.’

ThenAlkinoösansweredhiminturnandsaidtohim:‘Odysseus,weaswelookuponyoudonotimaginethatyouareadeceptiveorthievishman,thesortthattheblackearth

365breedsingreatnumbers,peoplewhowanderwidely,makinguplyingstories,fromwhichnoonecouldlearnanything.Youhaveagraceuponyourwords,andthereissoundsensewithinthem,andexpertly,asasingerwoulddo,youhavetoldthestoryofthedismalsorrowsbefallenyourselfandalloftheArgives.

370Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer:Didyouseeanyofyourgodlikecompanions,whooncewithyouwenttoIlionandtheremettheirdestiny?Hereisanightthatisverylong,itisendless.Itisnottimeyettosleepinthepalace.Butgoontellingyourwonderfulstory.

375Imyselfcouldholdoutuntilthebrightdawn,ifonly

Thestoryresumed

youcouldbeartotellme,hereinthepalace,ofyoursufferings.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,thereisatimeformanywords,andatimeforsleeping;

380butifyouinsistonhearingmestill,Iwouldnotbegrudgeyou

thetaleofthesehappeningsandothersyetmorepitifultohear,thesorrowsofmycompanions,whoperishedlater,whoescapedonslaughtandcryofbattle,butperishedallforthesakeofavilewoman,onthehomewardjourney.

385‘NowwhenchastePersephonehadscatteredthefemalesoulsofthewomen,drivingthemoffineverydirection,therecamethesoulofAgamemnon,thesonofAtreus,grieving,andthesoulsoftheothermen,whodiedwithhimandmettheirdoominthehouseofAigisthos,weregatheredaroundhim.

390Heknewmeatonce,whenhedrankthedarkblood,andfelltolamentationloudandshrill,andthetearscamespringing,andthrewhimselfintomyarms,meaningsotoembraceme,buttherewasnoforcethereanylonger,noranyjuiceleftnowinhisflexiblelimbs,astherehadbeenintimepast.

395Ibrokeintotearsatthesightofhimandmyheartpitiedhim,andsoIspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:“SonofAtreus,mostlordlyandkingofmen,Agamemnon,whatdoomofdeaththatlaysmenlowhasbeenyourundoing?Wasitwiththeships,anddidPoseidon,rousingastormblast

400ofbatteringwindsthatnonewouldwishfor,proveyourundoing?Orwasitonthedryland,didmenembattleddestroyyouasyoutriedtocutoutcattleandfleecysheepfromtheirholdings,orfightingagainstthemforthesakeoftheircityandwomen?”

‘SoIspoke,andheinturnsaidtomeinanswer:405“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,

notintheships,nordidPoseidon,rousingastormblastofbatteringwindsthatnonewouldwishfor,provemydestruction,norondrylanddidenemymendestroymeinbattle;Aigisthos,workingoutmydeathanddestruction,invited

410metohishouse,andfeastedme,andkilledmethere,withthehelpofmysluttishwife,asonecutsdownanoxathismanger.SoIdiedamostpitifuldeath,andmyothercompanionswerekilledaroundmewithoutmercy,likepigswithshiningtusks,inthehouseofamanrichandverypowerful,

TheghostofAgamemnon

415forawedding,orafestival,oracommunaldinner.Youhavebeenpresentinyourtimeattheslaughterofmanymen,killedsingly,orinthestrongencountersofbattle;butbeyondallothersyouwouldhavebeensorryatheartforthisscene,howwelaysprawledbythemixingbowlandtheloaded

420tables,alloverthepalace,andthewholefloorwassteamingwithblood;andmostpitifulwasthevoiceIheardofPriam'sdaughterKassandra,killedbytreacherousKlytaimestraoverme;butIliftedmyhandsandwiththembeatonthegroundasIdieduponthesword,butthesluttishwoman

425turnedawayfrommeandwassohardthatherhandswouldnotpressshutmyeyesandmouththoughIwasgoingtoHades’.Sothereisnothingmoredeadlyormorevilethanawomanwhostoreshermindwithactsthatareofsuchsort,asthisonedidwhenshethoughtofthisactofdishonor,andplotted

430themurderofherlawfulhusband.See,IhadbeenthinkingthatIwouldbewelcometomychildrenandthrallsofmyhouseholdwhenIcamehome,butshewiththoughtssurpassinglygrislysplashedtheshameonherselfandtherestofhersex,onwomenstilltocome,evenontheonewhoseactsarevirtuous.”

435‘Sohespoke,andIagainsaidtohiminanswer:“Shameitis,howmostterriblyZeusofthewidebrowsfromthebeginninghasbeenhatefultotheseedofAtreusthroughtheschemesofwomen.ManyofusdiedforthesakeofHelen,andwhenyouwerefar,Klytaimestraplottedtreasonagainstyou.”

440‘SoIspoke,andheinturnsaidtomeinanswer:“Sobythis,donotbetooeasyevenwithyourwife,norgiveheranentireaccountofallyouaresureof.Tellherpartofit,butlettherestbehiddeninsilence.Andyetyou,Odysseus,willneverbemurderedbyyourwife.

445ThedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,isalltoovirtuousandhermindisstoredwithgoodthoughts.Ahwell.Shewasonlyayoungwifewhenweleftherandwentofftothefighting,andshehadaninfantchildthenatherbreast.Thatchildnowmustsitwiththemenandbecounted.

450Happyhe!Forhisdearfatherwillcomeback,andseehim,andhewillfoldhisfatherinhisarms,asisright.Mywifeneverevenletmefeedmyeyeswiththesightofmyownson,butbeforethatImyselfwaskilledbyher.

InterviewwiththeghostofAchilleus

AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.455Whenyoubringyourshipintoyourowndearcountry,doit

secretly,notintheopen.Thereisnotrustinginwomen.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer;tellmeifyouhappenedtohearthatmysonwasstillliving,

whetherperhapsinOrchomenos,orinsandyPylos,460orperhapswithMenelaosinwideSparta;fornowhere

upontheearthhastherebeenanydeathofnobleOrestes.”‘Sohespoke,andIagainsaidtohiminanswer:

“SonofAtreus,whydoyouaskmethat?Idonotknowifheisaliveordead.Itisbadtobabbleemptily.”

465‘Sowetwostoodthereexchangingoursadwords,grievingbothtogetherandsheddingthebigtears.Afterthis,therecametousthesoulofPeleus’son,Achilleus,andthesoulofPatroklosandthesoulofstatelyAntilochos,andthesoulofAias,whoforbeautyandstaturewasgreatest

470ofalltheDanaans,nexttothestatelysonofPeleus.Thesoulofswift-footedAchilleus,scionofAiakos,knewme,andfulloflamentationhespoketomeinwingedwords:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,hardman,whatmadeyouthinkofthisbiggerendeavor,howcouldyou

475enduretocomedownheretoHades’place,wherethesenselessdeadmendwell,mereimitationsofperishedmortals?”

‘Sohespoke,andIagainsaidtohiminanswer:“SonofPeleus,farthegreatestoftheAchaians,Achilleus,IcamefortheneedtoconsultTeiresias,ifhemighttellme

480someplanbywhichImightcomebacktorockyIthaka;forIhavenotyetbeennearAchaiancountry,noreversetfootonmyland,butalwaysIhavetroubles.Achilleus,nomanbeforehasbeenmoreblessedthanyou,noreverwillbe.Before,whenyouwerealive,weArgiveshonoredyou

485aswedidthegods,andnowinthisplaceyouhavegreatauthorityoverthedead.Donotgrieve,evenindeath,Achilleus.”

‘SoIspoke,andheinturnsaidtomeinanswer:“OshiningOdysseus,nevertrytoconsolemefordying.Iwouldratherfollowtheplowasthralltoanother

490man,onewithnolandallottedhimandnotmuchtoliveon,thanbeakingoveralltheperisheddead.Butcomenow,tellmeanythingyouhaveheardofmyproudson,whether

MemoriesofTroy

ornothewentalongtowartofightasachampion;andtellmeanythingyouhaveheardaboutstatelyPeleus,

495whetherhestillkeepshispositionamongtheMyrmidonhordes,orwhetherinHellasandPhthiatheyhavediminishedhisstate,becauseoldageconstrainshishandsandfeet,andI

amnolongerthereunderthelightofthesuntohelphim,notthemanIusedtobeonce,wheninthewideTroad

500Ikilledthebestoftheirpeople,fightingfortheArgives.IfonlyforalittlewhileIcouldcomelikethattothehouseofmyfather,myforceandmyinvinciblehandswouldterrifysuchmenasuseforceonhimandkeephimawayfromhisrightfulhonors.”

‘Sohespoke,andIagainsaidtohiminanswer:505“IhavenoreporttogiveyouofstatelyPeleus,

butasforyourbelovedsonNeoptolemos,Iwilltellyou,sinceyouaskmetodoit,allthetruestory;forImyself,inthehollowhullofabalancedship,broughthimoverfromSkyros,tojointhestrong-greavedAchaians.Whenever

510we,aroundthecityofTroy,talkedoverourcounsels,hewouldalwaysspeakfirst,andneverblunder.InspeakingonlygodlikeNestorandIwerebetterthanhewas.AndwhenweAchaiansfoughtintheTrojanplain,heneverwouldhangbackwheretherewereplentyofothermen,norstaywith

515themasses,butrunfaroutinfront,givingwaytonomanforfury,andmanywerethosehekilledintheterriblefighting.IcouldnottelloverthenumberofallnornameallthepeoplehekilledashefoughtfortheArgives,butwhatagreatmanwasone,thesonofTelephosheslewwiththebrazen

520spear,theheroEurypylos,andmanyKeteiancompanionswerekilledabouthim,byreasonofwomanishpresents.NexttogreatMemnon,thiswasthefinestmanIeversaw.Again,whenwewhowerebestoftheArgivesenteredthehorsethatEpeiosmade,andallthecommandwasgiven

525tome,tokeepclosehiddeninside,orsallyoutfromit,theotherleadersoftheDanaansandmenofcounselwerewipingtheirtearsawayandthelimbswereshakingundereachmanofthem;butneveratanytimedidIseehimlosinghishandsomecolorandgoingpale,orwiping

530thetearsoffhisface,butratherheimploredmetolethimsallyoutofthehorse;hekeptfeelingforhisswordhilt

TheangryghostofAias

andspearweightedwithbronze,fullofevilthoughtsfortheTrojans.ButafterwehadsackedthesheercitadelofPriam,withhisfairshareandaprincelyprizeofhisown,heboarded

535hisship,unscathed;hehadnotbeenhitbythrownandpiercingbronze,norstabbedinclose-upcombat,asoftenhappens

infighting.TheWarGodragesatall,andfavorsnoman.”‘SoIspoke,andthesouloftheswift-footedscionofAiakos

stalkedawayinlongstridesacrossthemeadowofasphodel,540happyforwhatIhadsaidofhisson,andhowhewasfamous.

‘Nowtherestofthesoulsoftheperisheddeadstoodnearmegrieving,andeachonespoketomeandtoldofhissorrows.OnlythesoulofTelamonianAiasstoodoffatadistancefromme,angrystilloverthatdecision

545Iwonagainsthim,whenbesidetheshipswedisputedourcasesforthearmsofAchilleus.Hisqueenlymothersetthemasprize,andthesonsoftheTrojans,withPallasAthene,judged;andIwishIhadneverwoninacontestlikethis,sohighaheadhasgoneunderthegroundforthesakeofthatarmor,

550Aias,whoforbeautyandforachievementsurpassedalltheDanaansnexttothestatelysonofPeleus.SoIspoketohimnowinwordsofconciliation:“Aias,sonofstatelyTelamon,couldyouthenneverevenindeathforgetyourangeragainstme,becauseof

555thatcursedarmor?ThegodsmadeittopaintheAchaians,sogreatabulwarkwereyou,whowerelosttothem.WeAchaiansgrievedforyourdeathasincessantlyasforAchilleusthesonofPeleusathisdeath,andthereisnoothertoblame,butZeus;he,inhisterriblehateforthearmy

560ofDanaanspearmen,visitedthisdestructionuponyou.Comenearer,mylord,soyoucanhearwhatIsayandlistentomystory;suppressyourangerandlordlyspirit.”

‘SoIspoke.Hegavenoanswer,butwentoffaftertheothersoulsoftheperisheddeadmen,intothedarkness.

565There,despitehisanger,hemighthavespoken,orImighthavespokentohim,buttheheartinmyinwardbreastwantedstilltoseethesoulsoftheotherperisheddeadmen.

‘ThereIsawMinos,theglorioussonofZeus,seated,holdingagoldenscepterandissuingjudgmentsamong

570thedead,whoallaroundthegreatlordarguedtheircases,

Heroesintorment—Herakles

somesittingandsomestanding,bythewide-gatedhouseofHades.‘AfterhimIwasawareofgiganticOrion

inthemeadowofasphodel,roundingupanddrivingtogetherwildanimalshehimselfhadkilledinthelonelymountains,

575holdinginhishandsabrazenclub,foreverunbroken.

‘AndIsawTityos,Earth'sgloriousson,lyingintheplain,andsprawledovernineacres.Twovultures,sittingoneoneitherside,weretearinghisliver,plunginginsidethecaul.Withhishandshecouldnotbeatthem

580away.HehadmanhandledLeto,thehonoredconsortofZeus,asshewentthroughspaciousPanopeus,towardPytho.

‘AndIsawTantalosalso,sufferinghardpains,standinginlakewaterthatcameuptohischin,andthirstyashewas,hetriedtodrink,butcouldcapturenothing;

585foreverytimetheoldman,tryingtodrink,stoopedover,thewaterwoulddrainawayanddisappear,andtheblackearthshowedathisfeet,andthedivinitydrieditaway.Overhisheadtreeswithloftybrancheshadfruitlikeashowerdescending,peartreesandpomegranatetreesandappletreeswithfruitshining,

590andfigsthatweresweetandolivesripenedwell,buteachtimetheoldmanwouldstraightenupandreachwithhishandsforthem,thewindwouldtossthemawaytowardthecloudsoverhanging.

‘AlsoIsawSisyphos.Hewassufferingstrongpains,andwithbotharmsembracingthemonstrousstone,struggling

595withhandsandfeetalike,hewouldtrytopushthestoneupwardtothecrestofthehill,butwhenitwasonthepointofgoingoverthetop,theforceofgravityturneditbackward,andthepitilessstonerolledbackdowntothelevel.Hethentriedoncemoretopushitup,straininghard,andsweatran

600alldownhisbody,andoverhisheadacloudofdustrose.‘AfterhimIwasawareofpowerfulHerakles;

hisimage,thatis,buthehimselfamongtheimmortalgodsenjoystheirfestivals,marriedtosweet-steppingHebe,childofgreatZeusandHeraofthegoldensandals.

605Allaroundhimwasaclamorofthedeadasofbirdsscatteringscaredineverydirection;buthecameon,likedarknight,holdinghisbowbarewithanarrowlaidonthebowstring,andforeverlooking,asonewhoshot,withterribleglances.Therewasaterriblebeltcrossedoverhischest,andagolden

ReturntoCirce'sisland

610baldrick,withmarvelousworksofartthatfigureduponit,bears,andlionswithglaringeyes,andboarsoftheforests,thebattlesandthequarrels,themurdersandthemanslaughters.Mayhewhoartfullydesignedthem,andartfullyputthemuponthatbaldrick,neveragaindoanydesigning.

615Herecognizedmeatonceassoonashiseyeshadseenme,andfulloflamentationhespoketomeinwingedwords:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,unhappyman,areyoutooleadingsomewretcheddestinysuchasItoopursuedwhenIwentstillinthesunlight?

620ForIwassonofKronianZeus,butIhadanendlessspellofmisery.IwasmadebondmantoonewhowasfarworsethanI,andheloadedmydifficultlaborsonme.Onetimehesentmeheretofetchthedogback,andthoughttherecouldbenootherlabortobedevisedmoredifficultthanthat

625one,butIbroughtthedogupandledhimfromtherealmofHades,andHermessawmeonmyway,withPallasAthene.”

‘Sohespoke,andwentbackintotherealmofHades,butIstayedfastinplacewhereIwas,toseeifsomeotheroneofthegenerationofheroeswhodiedbeforeme

630wouldcome;andImighthaveseenmenearlierstill,whomIwantedtosee,PerithoösandTheseus,gods’gloriouschildren;butbeforethatthehordesofthedeadmengatheredaboutmewithinhumanclamor,andgreenfeartookholdofmewiththethoughtthatproudPersephonemightsendupagainstme

635somegorgonishheadofaterriblemonsterupoutofHades’.So,goingbackonboardmyship,Itoldmycompanionsalsotogoaboard,andtocastoffthesterncables;andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipandsattotheoarlocks,andtheswellofthecurrentcarriedherdowntheOceanriver

640withrowingatfirst,butafterthatonafairwindfollowing.

BOOKXII

‘NowwhenourshiphadleftthestreamoftheOceanriver,andcomebacktothewidecrossingofthesea'swaves,andtotheislandofAiaia,whereliesthehouseoftheearlyDawn,herdancingspaces,andwhereHelios,thesun,makeshisuprising,

5makingthispointweranourshiponthesandandbeachedher,andweourselvessteppedoutontothebreakoftheseabeach,andtherewefellasleepandwaitedforthedivineDawn.

‘ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,thenIsentmycompanionsawaytothehouseofCirce

10tobringbackthebodyofElpenor,whohaddiedthere.Thenwecutlogs,andwheretheextremeoftheforelandjuttedout,weburiedhim,sorrowful,sheddingwarmtearsforhim.Butwhenthedeadmanhadburnedandthedeadman'sarmor,pilingthegravemoundandpullingthegravestonetostandaboveit,

15weplantedthewell-shapedoarintheverytopofthegravemound.‘Sowewerebusyeachwithourvariouswork,norwasCirce

unawarethatwehadcomebackfromHades’.Presentlyshecame,attired,andherattendantsfollowingcarriedbreadatherwillandmanymeatsandtheshiningredwine.

20Brightamonggoddessesshestoodinourmidstandaddressedus:“Unhappymen,whowentalivetothehouseofHades,sodyingtwice,whenalltherestofmankinddieonlyonce,cometheneatwhatisthereanddrinkyourwine,stayingherealltherestoftheday,andthentomorrow,whendawnshows,

InstructionsfromCirce

25youshallsail,andIwillshowyouthewayandmakeplainalldetails,sothatneitherbylandnoronthesaltwateryoumaysufferandcometogriefbyunhappybaddesigning.”

‘Soshespoke,andtheproudheartinuswaspersuaded.Soforthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssetting,

30wesattherefeastingonunlimitedmeatandsweetwine.Butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,themenlaydowntosleepallbytheship'ssterncables,butshe,takingmebythehand,mademesitdownawayfrommydearcompanions,andtalkedwithme,andaskedmethedetails

35ofeverything,andIrecitedall,justasithadhappened.ThenthequeenlyCircespokeinwordsandaddressedme:“Soallthathasbeendulydone.Listennow,Iwilltellyouall,buttheverygodhimselfwillmakeyouremember.YouwillcomefirstofalltotheSirens,whoareenchanters

40ofallmankindandwhoevercomestheirway;andthatmanwhounsuspectingapproachesthem,andlistenstotheSirenssinging,hasnoprospectofcominghomeanddelightinghiswifeandlittlechildrenastheystandabouthimingreeting,buttheSirensbythemelodyoftheirsingingenchanthim.

45Theysitintheirmeadow,butthebeachbeforeitispiledwithboneheapsofmennowrottedaway,andtheskinsshriveluponthem.Youmustdrivestraightonpast,butmeltdownsweetwaxofhoneyandwithitstopyourcompanions’ears,sononecanlisten;therest,thatis,butifyouyourselfarewantingtohearthem,

50thenhavethemtieyouhandandfootonthefastship,standinguprightagainstthemastwiththeropes’endslashedaroundit,sothatyoucanhavejoyinhearingthesongoftheSirens;butifyousupplicateyourmenandimplorethemtosetyoufree,thentheymusttieyoufastwithevenmorelashings.

55“Then,forthetimewhenyourcompanionshavedrivenyoupastthem,forthattimeIwillnolongertellyouindetailwhichwayofthetwoyourcoursemustlie,butyouyourselfmustconsiderthisinyourownmind.Iwilltellyouthetwowaysofit.Ononesidethereareoverhangingrocks,andagainstthem

60crashestheheavyswellofdark-eyedAmphitrite.TheblessedgodscalltheserockstheRovers.Bythiswaynotevenanyflyingthing,noteventhetremulous

TheSirens—SkyllaandCharybdis

doves,whichcarryambrosiatoZeusthefather,canpassthrough,buteverytimethesheerrockcatchesawayoneeven

65ofthese;buttheFatherthenaddsanothertokeepthenumberright.Noshipofmenthatcamehereeverhasfledthrough,butthewavesoftheseaandstormsofraveningfirecarryawaytogethertheship'stimbersandthemen'sbodies.

ThatwaytheonlyseagoingshiptogetthroughwasArgo,70whoisinallmen'sminds,onherwayhomefromAietes;

andevenshewouldhavebeendrivenonthegreatrocksthattime,butHerasawherthrough,outofhergreatloveforJason.

‘“Butofthetworocks,onereachesupintothewideheavenwithapointedpeak,andadarkcloudstandsalwaysaroundit,

75andneveratanytimedrawsawayfromit,nordoesthesunlighteverholdthatpeak,eitherintheearlyorthelatesummer,norcouldanymanwhowasmortalclimbthere,orstandmountedonthesummit,notifhehadtwentyhandsandtwentyfeet,fortherockgoessheerlyup,asifitwerepolished.

80Halfwayupthecliffthereisacave,misty-lookingandturnedtowardErebosandthedark,theverydirectionfromwhich,OshiningOdysseus,youandyourmenwillbesteeringyourhollowship;andfromthehollowshipnovigorousyoungmanwithabowcouldshoottotheholeinthecliffside.

85InthatcavernSkyllalives,whosehowlingisterror.Hervoiceindeedisonlyasloudasanew-bornpuppycouldmake,butsheherselfisanevilmonster.Noone,notevenagodencounteringher,couldbegladatthatsight.Shehastwelvefeet,andallofthemwaveintheair.Shehassix

90necksuponher,growntogreatlength,anduponeachneckthereisahorriblehead,withteethinit,setinthreerowsclosetogetherandstiff,fullofblackdeath.Herbodyfromthewaistdownisholedupinsidethehollowcavern,butsheholdsherheadspokedoutandawayfromtheterriblehollow,

95andthereshefishes,peeringalloverthecliffside,lookingfordolphinsordogfishtocatchoranythingbigger,someseamonster,ofwhomAmphitritekeepssomany;nevercansailorsboastaloudthattheirshiphaspassedherwithoutanylossofmen,forwitheachofherheadsshesnatches

100onemanawayandcarrieshimofffromthedark-prowedvessel.‘“Theothercliffislower;youwillseeit,Odysseus,

WarningaboutthecattleofHelios

fortheylieclosetogether,youcouldevencastwithanarrowacross.Thereisagreatfigtreegrowsthere,densewithfoliage,andunderthisshiningCharybdissucksdowntheblackwater.

105Forthreetimesadaysheflowsitup,andthreetimesshesucksitterriblydown;mayyounotbetherewhenshesucksdownwater,fornoteventheEarthshakercouldrescueyououtofthatevil.

Butsailingyourshipswiftlydriveherpastandavoidher,andmakeforSkylla'srockinstead,sinceitisfarbetter

110tomournsixfriendslostoutofyourshipthanthewholecompany.”‘Soshespoke,butIinturnsaidtoherinanswer:

“Comethen,goddess,answermetruthfullythis:istheresomewayformetoescapeawayfromdeadlyCharybdis,butyetfighttheotheroneoff,whensheattacksmycompanions?”

115‘SoIspoke,andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,answered:“Hardyman,yourmindisfullforeveroffightingandbattlework.Willyounotgivewayeventotheimmortals?Sheisnomortalthingbutamischiefimmortal,dangerousdifficultandbloodthirsty,andthereisnofightingagainsther,

120noranyforceofdefense.Itisbesttorunawayfromher.Forifyouarmforbattlebesideherrockandwastetimethere,Ifearshewillmakeanotheroutrushandcatchyouwithallherheads,andsnatchawayoncemorethesamenumberofmen.Drivebyashardasyoucan,butinvokeKrataiïs.

125SheisthemotherofSkyllaandborethismischiefformortals,andshewillstayherfrommakinganothersallyagainstyou.

‘“ThenyouwillreachtheislandThrinakia,wherearepasturedthecattleandthefatsheepofthesungod,Helios,sevenherdsofoxen,andasmanybeautifulsheepflocks,

130andfiftytoeachherd.Thereisnogivingbirthamongthem,nordotheyeverdieaway,andtheirshepherdessesaregods,nymphswithsweethair,LampetiaandPhaethousa,whomshiningNeairaboretoHyperionthesungod.These,whentheirqueenlymotherhadgiventhembirthandrearedthem,

135shesettledintheislandThrinakia,faraway,tolivethereandguardtheirfather'ssheepandhishorn-curvedcattle.Then,ifyoukeepyourmindonhomecomingandleavetheseunharmed,youmightallmakeyourwaytoIthaka,aftermuchsuffering;butifyoudoharmthem,thenItestifytothedestruction

140ofyourshipandyourcompanions,butifyouyourselfgetclear,

Departure—theSirens

youwillcomehomeinbadcasewiththelossofallyourcompanions.”‘Soshespoke,andDawnofthegoldenthronecameonus.

She,shiningamonggoddesses,wentaway,uptheisland.Then,goingbackonboardmyship,Itoldmycompanions

145alsotogoaboard,andtocastoffthesterncables,andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipandsattotheoarlocks,

andsittingwellinorderdashedtheoarsinthegraysea;butfair-hairedCirce,thedreadgoddesswhotalkswithmortals,sentusanexcellentcompanion,afollowingwind,filling

150thesails,tocarryfromasterntheshipwiththedarkprow.Weourselves,overalltheshipmakingfasttherunninggear,satthere,andletthewindandthesteersmanholdhersteady.Then,sorrowfulasIwas,Ispokeandtoldmycompanions:“Friends,sinceitisnotrightforoneortwoofusonly

155toknowthedivinationsthatCirce,brightamonggoddesses,gaveme,soIwilltellyou,andknowingallwemayeitherdie,orturnasidefromdeathandescapedestruction.FirstofallshetellsustokeepawayfromthemagicalSirensandtheirsingingandtheirflowerymeadow,butonly

160I,shesaid,wastolistentothem,butyoumusttiemehardinhurtfulbonds,toholdmefastinpositionuprightagainstthemast,withtheropes’endsfastenedaroundit;butifIsupplicateyouandimploreyoutosetmefree,thenyoumusttiemefastwithevenmorelashings.”

165‘SoasIwastellingallthedetailstomycompanions,meanwhilethewell-madeshipwascomingrapidlyclosertotheSirens’isle,fortheharmlesswindwasdrivingheronward;butimmediatelythenthebreezedropped,andawindlesscalmfellthere,andsomedivinitystilledthetossing

170waters.Mycompanionsstoodup,andtookthesailsdown,andstowedthemawayinthehollowhull,andtooktheirplacesforrowing,andwiththeirplanedoarbladeswhitenedthewater.ThenI,takingagreatwheelofwax,withthesharpbronzecutalittlepieceoff,andrubbedittogetherinmyheavy

175hands,andsoonthewaxgrewsofter,underthepowerfulstressofthesun,andtheheatandlightofHyperion'slordling.Oneafteranother,Istoppedtheearsofallmycompanions,andtheythenboundmehandandfootinthefastship,standinguprightagainstthemastwiththeropes’endslashedaroundit,

PassagebySkylla

180andsittingthentorowtheydashedtheiroarsinthegraysea.Butwhenwewereasfarfromthelandasavoiceshoutingcarries,lightlyplying,theswiftshipasitdrewnearerwasseenbytheSirens,andtheydirectedtheirsweetsongtowardus:“Comethisway,honoredOdysseus,greatgloryoftheAchaians,

185andstayyourship,sothatyoucanlistenheretooursinging;

fornooneelsehaseversailedpastthisplaceinhisblackshipuntilhehaslistenedtothehoney-sweetvoicethatissuesfromourlips;thengoeson,wellpleased,knowingmorethaneverhedid;forweknoweverythingthattheArgivesandTrojans

190didandsufferedinwideTroythroughthegods’despite.Overallthegenerousearthweknoweverythingthathappens.”

‘Sotheysang,insweetutterance,andtheheartwithinmedesiredtolisten,andIsignaledmycompanionstosetmefree,noddingwithmybrows,buttheyleanedonandrowedhard,

195andPerimedesandEurylochos,risingup,straightwayfastenedmewithevenmorelashingsandsqueezedmetighter.ButwhentheyhadrowedonpasttheSirens,andwecouldnolongerheartheirvoicesandlostthesoundoftheirsinging,presentlymyeagercompanionstookawayfromtheirearsthebeeswax

200withwhichIhadstoppedthem.Thentheysetmefreefrommylashings.‘Butafterwehadlefttheislandbehind,thenextthing

wesawwassmoke,andaheavysurf,andwehearditthundering.Themenwereterrified,andtheylettheoarsfalloutoftheirhands,andthesebangedallaboutinthewash.Theshipstopped

205still,withthemennolongerrowingtokeepwayonher.ThenIgoingupanddowntheshipurgedonmycompanions,standingbesideeachmanandspeakingtohiminkindwords:“Dearfriends,surelywearenotunlearnedinevils.ThisisnogreaterevilnowthanitwaswhentheCyclops

210haduscoopedinhishollowcavebyforceandviolence,buteventhere,bymycourageandcounselandmyintelligence,weescapedaway.Ithinkthatallthiswillberememberedsomedaytoo.ThendoasIsay,letusallbewonover.Sitwell,allofyou,toyouroarlocks,anddashyouroarsdeep

215intothebreakingsurfofthewater,sointhatwayZeusmightgrantthatwegetclearofthisdangerandfleeawayfromit.Foryou,steersman,Ihavethisorder;sostoreitdeeplyinyourmind,asyoucontrolthesteeringoarofthishollow

withthelossofsixmen

ship;youmustkeepherclearfromwherethesmokeandthebreakers220are,andmakehardforthesearocklest,withoutyourknowing,

shemightdriftthatway,andyoubringallofusintodisaster.”‘SoIspoke,andtheyquicklyobeyedmywords.Ihadnot

spokenyetofSkylla,aplaguethatcouldnotbedealtwith,forfearmycompanionsmightbeterrifiedandgiveover

225theirrowing,andtakecoverinsidetheship.Formypart,IletgofrommymindthedifficultinstructionthatCircehadgivenme,forshetoldmenottobearmedforcombat;butIputonmygloriousarmorand,takinguptwolongspearsinmyhands,Istoodbestridingthevessel'sforedeck

230attheprow,forIexpectedSkyllaoftherockstoappearfirstfromthatdirection,shewhobroughtpaintomycompanions.Icouldnotmakeheroutanywhere,andmyeyesgrewwearyfromlookingeverywhereonthemistyfaceofthesearock.

‘Sowesailedupthenarrowstraitlamenting.Ononeside235wasSkylla,andontheothersidewasshiningCharybdis,

whomadeherterribleebbandflowofthesea'swater.Whenshevomiteditup,likeacaldronoverastrongfire,thewholeseawouldboilupinturbulence,andthefoamflyingspatteredthepinnaclesoftherocksineitherdirection;

240butwheninturnagainshesuckeddownthesea'ssaltwater,theturbulenceshowedalltheinnersea,andtherockarounditgroanedterribly,andthegroundshowedatthesea'sbottom,blackwithsand;andgreenfearseizeduponmycompanions.WeinfearofdestructionkeptoureyesonCharybdis,

245butmeanwhileSkyllaoutofthehollowvesselsnatchedsixofmycompanions,thebestofthemforstrengthandhands’work,andwhenIturnedtolookattheship,withmyothercompanions,Isawtheirfeetandhandsfrombelow,alreadyliftedhighaboveme,andtheycriedouttomeandcalledme

250byname,thelasttimetheyeverdidit,inheart'ssorrow.Andasafishermanwithaverylongrod,onajuttingrock,willcasthistreacherousbaitforthelittlefishes,andsinksthehornofafield-rangingoxintothewater,thenhaulsthemupandthrowsthemonthedryland,gasping

255andstruggling,sotheygaspedandstruggledastheywerehoistedupthecliff.Rightinherdoorwaysheatethemup.Theywerescreamingandreachingouttheirhandstomeinthishorridencounter.

LandingonThrinakia

ThatwasthemostpitifulscenethattheseeyeshavelookedoninmysufferingsasIexploredtheroutesoverthewater.

260‘NowwhenwehadfledawayfromtherocksanddreadedCharybdisandSkylla,nextwemadeourwaytotheexcellentislandofthegod,whererangedthehandsomewide-browedoxen,andmanyfatflocksofsheep,belongingtotheSunGod,Hyperion.

WhileIwasontheblackship,stilloutontheopenwater,265Iheardthelowingofthecattleastheyweredriven

home,andthebleatingofsheep,andmymindwasstruckbythesayingoftheblindprophet,TeiresiastheTheban,andalsoAiaianCirce.BothhadtoldmemanytimesovertoavoidtheislandofHelioswhobringsjoytomortals.

270ThensorrowfulasIwasIspokeandtoldmycompanions:“ListentowhatIsay,mycompanions,thoughyouaresufferingevils,whileItellyouthepropheciesofTeiresiasandAiaianCirce.BothhavetoldmemanytimesovertoavoidtheislandofHelioswhobringsjoytomortals,

275fortheretheyspokeofthemostdreadfuldisasterthatwaitedforus.Sodrivetheblackshiponward,andpasstheisland.”

‘SoIspoke,andtheinwardheartinthemwasbroken.AtonceEurylochosansweredmewithabittersaying:“Youareahardman,Odysseus.Yourforceisgreater,

280yourlimbsneverwearout.Youmustbemadeallofiron,whenyouwillnotletyourcompanions,wornwithhardworkandwantingsleep,setfootonthisland,whereifwedid,ontheseagirtislandwecouldoncemoremakereadyagreedydinner;butyouforceustoblunderalongjustaswearethroughtherunning

285night,drivenfromtheislandoverthemistyfaceofthewater.Inthenightsthehardstormwindsarise,andtheybringdamagetoships.Howcouldanyofusescapesheerdestruction,ifsuddenlythererisestheblastofastormfromthebitterblowingoftheSouthWindortheWestWind,whobeyondothers

290hammerashipapart,indespiteofthegods,ourmasters?Butnowletusgivewaytoblacknight'spersuasion;letusmakereadyoureveningmeal,remainingclosebyourfastship,andatdawnwewillgoaboardandputforthontothewidesea.”

‘SospokeEurylochos,andmyothercompanionsassented.295Isawthenwhatevilthedivinityhadinmindforus,

andordealbyhunger

andsoIspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:“Eurylochos,Iamonlyoneman.Youforcemetoit.Butcomethenallofyou,swearastrongoathtome,thatifwecomeuponsomeherdofcattleoronsomegreatflock

300ofsheep,nooneofyouinevilandrecklessactionwillslaughteranyoxorsheep.No,ratherthanthis,eatatyourpleasureofthefoodimmortalCirceprovided.”

‘SoIspoke,andtheyallsworemetheoaththatIaskedthem.Butaftertheyhadswornmetheoathandmadeanendofit,

305webeachedthewell-madeshipinsideofthehollowharbor,closetosweetwater,andmycompanionsdisembarkedalsofromtheship,andexpertlymadetheeveningmealready.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,theyrememberedandtheycriedfortheirbelovedcompanions

310whomSkyllahadcaughtoutofthehollowshipandeaten,andontheircryingaquietsleepdescended;butafterthethirdpartofthenighthadcome,andthestarchanges,Zeusthecloudgathererletlooseonusagalethatblusteredinasupernaturalstorm,andhuddledunderthecloudscuds

315landalikeandthegreatwater.Nightsprangfromheaven.ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,weberthedourship,draggingherintoahollowseacavewherethenymphshadtheirbeautifuldancingplacesandsessions.ThenIheldanassemblyandspokemyopinionbeforethem:

320“Friends,sincethereisfoodanddrinkstoredinthefastship,letusthenkeepourhandsoffthecattle,forfearthatsomethingmaybefallus.Thesearethecattleandfatsheepofadreadedgod,Helios,whoseesallthingsandlistenstoallthings.”

‘SoIspoke,andtheproudheartinthemwaspersuaded.325ButtheSouthWindblewforawholemonthlong,nordidanyother

windbefallafterthat,butonlytheSouthandtheEastWind.Aslongastheystillhadfoodtoeatandredwine,themenkepttheirhandsoffthecattle,strivingastheywereforsustenance.Then,whenalltheprovisionsthathadbeenintheshiphadgiven

330out,theyturnedtohunting,forcedtoit,andwentrangingafterfishandbirds,anythingthattheycouldlayhandson,andwithcurvedhooks,forthehungerwasexhaustingtheirstomachs.ThenIwentawayalongtheislandinorder

Thecattleeaten

topraytothegods,ifanyofthemmightshowmesomecourse335tosailon,butwhen,crossingtheisle,Ihadleftmycompanions

behind,Iwashedmyhands,wheretherewasaplaceshelteredfromthewind,andprayedtoallthegodswhoseholdisOlympos;butwhattheydidwastoshedasweetsleeponmyeyelids,andEurylochosputanevilcounselbeforehiscompanions:

340“ListentowhatIsay,mycompanions,thoughyouaresufferingevils.Alldeathsaredetestableforwretchedmortals,

buthungeristhesorriestwaytodieandencounterfate.Comethen,letuscutoutthebestofHelios'cattle,andsacrificethemtotheimmortalswhoholdwideheaven,

345andifweevercomebacktoIthaka,landofourfathers,presentlywewillbuildarichtempletotheSunGodHeliosHyperion,andstoreitwithdedications,manyandgood.Butif,inangeroverhishigh-hornedcattle,hewishestowreckourship,andtherestofthegodsstandbyhim,

350Iwouldfarrathergulpthewavesandlosemylifeinthemonceforall,thanbepinchedtodeathonthisdesolateisland.”

‘SospokeEurylochos,andtheothercompanionsassented.Atonce,cuttingoutfromnearathandthebestofHelios'cattle;forthehandsomebroad-facedhorn-curvedoxen

355werepasturingthere,notfarfromthedark-prowedship;drivingthese,theystationedthemselvesaroundthem,andmadetheirprayerstothegods,pullingtenderleavesfromadeep-leavedoaktree;fortheyhadnowhitebarleyleftonthestrong-benchedvessel.Whentheyhadmadetheirprayerandslaughteredtheoxenandskinnedthem,

360theycutawaythemeatfromthethighsandwrappedtheminfat,makingadoublefold,andlaidshredsoffleshuponthem;andsincetheyhadnowinetopourontheburningofferings,theymadealibationofwater,androastedalloftheentrails;butwhentheyhadburnedthethighpiecesandtastedthevitals,

365theycutalltheremainderintopiecesandspittedthem.‘Atthattimethequietsleepwaslostfrommyeyelids,

andIwentbackdowntomyfastshipandthesandoftheseashore,butonmyway,asIwasclosetotheoar-sweptvessel,thepleasantsavorofcookingmeatcamedriftingaroundme,

370andIcriedoutmygriefaloudtothegodsimmortal:“FatherZeus,andyouothereverlastingandblessed

Portents—departurefromThrinakia

gods,withapitilesssleepyoululledme,tomyconfusion,andmycompanionsstayingheredaredadeedthatwasmonstrous.”

‘Lampetiaofthelightrobesranswiftwiththemessage375toHyperiontheSunGod,thatwehadkilledhiscattle,

andangeredatthehearthespokeforthamongtheimmortals:“FatherZeus,andyouothereverlastingandblessedgods,punishthecompanionsofOdysseus,sonofLaertes;fortheyoutrageouslykilledmycattle,inwhomIalways

380delighted,onmywayupintothestarryheaven,

orwhenIturnedbackagainfromheaventowardearth.Unlessthesearemadetogivemejustrecompenseformycattle,IwillgodowntoHades'andgivemylighttothedeadmen.”

‘TheninturnZeuswhogathersthecloudsansweredhim:385“Helios,shineonasyoudo,amongtheimmortals

andmortalmen,alloverthegrain-givingearth.FormypartIwillstrikethesemen'sfastshipmidwayontheopenwine-blueseawithashiningboltanddashittopieces.”

‘AllthisIheardafterwardfromfair-hairedKalypso,390andshetoldmesheherselfhadhearditfromtheguide,Hermes.

‘ButwhenIcamebackagaintotheshipandtheseashore,theyallstoodaboutandblamedeachother,butwewerenotabletofindanyremedy,fortheoxenwerealreadydead.Thenextthingwasthatthegodsbegantoshowforthportentsbeforeus.

395Theskinscrawled,andthemeatthatwasstuckonthespitsbellowed,bothroastandraw,andthenoisewaslikethelowingofcattle.

‘SixdaysthereaftermyowneagercompanionsfeastedonthecattleofHeliostheSunGod,cuttingthebestonesout;butwhenZeusthesonofKronosestablishedtheseventh

400day,thenatlastthewindceasedfromitsstormyblowing,andpresentlywewentaboardandputforthonthewidesea,andsetthemastuprightandhoistedthewhitesailsonit.

‘Butafterwehadlefttheislandandtherewasnomorelandinsight,butonlytheskyandthesea,thenKronian

405Zeusdrewonablue-blackcloud,andsettleditoverthehollowship,andtheopenseawasdarkenedbeneathit;andsheranon,butnotforaverylongtime,assuddenlyascreamingWestWindcameuponus,stormilyblowing,andtheblastofthestormwindsnappedboththeforestaysthatwereholding

Lossoftheshipandcrew

410themast,andthemastwentoverbackwards,andalltherunninggearcollapsedinthewash;andatthesternoftheshipthemastpolecrasheddownonthesteersman'sheadandpoundedtopiecesallthebonesofhishead,sothathelikeadiverdroppedfromthehighdeck,andtheproudlifelefthisbonesthere.

415Zeuswiththunderandlightningtogethercrashedonourvessel,and,struckbythethunderboltofZeus,shespuninacircle,andallwasfullofbrimstone.Mymenwerethrowninthewater,andbobbinglikeseacrowstheywerewashedawayontherunningwavesallaroundtheblackship,andthegodtookawaytheirhomecoming.

420‘ButIwentonmywaythroughthevessel,towherethehighseashadworkedthekeelfreeoutofthehull,andthebarekeelfloatedontheswell,whichhadbrokenthemastoffatthekeel;yetstilltherewasabackstaymadeoutofoxhidefastenedtoit.WiththisIlashedtogetherbothkeelandmast,then

425rodethetwoofthem,whilethedeadlystormwindscarriedme.‘AfterthistheWestWindceasedfromitsstormyblowing,

andtheSouthWindcameswiftlyon,bringingtomyspiritgriefthatImustmeasurethewholewaybacktoCharybdis.AllthatnightIwascarriedalong,andwiththesunrising

430IcametothesearockofSkylla,anddreadedCharybdis.AtthistimeCharybdissuckeddownthesea'ssaltwater,butIreachedhighintheairaboveme,towherethetallfigtreegrew,andcaughtholdofitandclunglikeabat;therewasnoplacewhereIcouldfirmlybracemyfeet,orclimbupit,

435fortherootsofitwerefarfromme,andthebrancheshungoutfar,bigandlongbranchesthatovershadowedCharybdis.InexorablyIhungon,waitingforhertovomitthekeelandmastbackupagain.Ilongedforthem,andtheycamelate;atthetimewhenamanleavesthelawcourt,fordinner,

440afterjudgingthemanydisputesbroughthimbylitigiousyoungmen;thatwasthetimeittookthetimberstoappearfromCharybdis.ThenIletgomyholdwithhandsandfeet,anddroppedoff,andcamecrashingdownbetweenandmissingthetwolongtimbers,butImountedthese,andwithbothhandsIpaddledmywayout.

445ButtheFatherofGodsandmendidnotletSkyllaseemeagain,orIcouldnothaveescapedfromsheerdestruction.

‘FromthereIwascarriedalongninedays,andonthetenthnight

OdysseusescapestoKalypso'sisland

thegodsbroughtmetotheislandOgygia,homeofKalypsowiththelovelyhair,adreadedgoddesswhotalkswithmortals.

450Shebefriendedmeandtookcareofme.Whytelltherestofthisstoryagain,sinceyesterdayinyourhouseItoldittoyouandyourmajesticwife?Itishatefultometotellastoryoveragain,whenithasbeenwelltold.’

BOOKXIII

Sohespoke,andallofthemstayedstrickentosilence,heldinthrallbythestoryallthroughtheshadowychambers.ThenAlkinoösansweredhiminturnandsaidtohim:‘Odysseus,nowthatyouhavecometomyhouse,bronze-founded

5withthehighroof,Ithinkyouwillnotloseyourhomecoming,norbedrivenbackfromitagain,forallyoursufferings.NowIlaythischargeuponeachmanofyou,suchashereinmypalacedrinkthegleamingwineoftheprincesalwaysatmyside,andhearthesongofthesinger.

10Clothingforourguestisstoredawayinthepolishedchest,andintricatelywroughtgold,andallthoseothergiftsthePhaiakianmenofcounselbroughtheretogivehim.Come,letusmanbymaneachoneofusgiveagreattripodandacaldron,andwewillmakeitgoodtousbyacollection

15amongthepeople.Itishardforasinglemantobegenerous.’SoAlkinoösspoke,andhiswordpleasedalltherestofthem.

Theyallwenthometogotobed,eachonetohisownhouse.ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,theycameinhastetotheship,andbroughtthelavishbronzewiththem,

20andAlkinoös,thehallowedprince,himselfgoingonboard,stoweditwellawayunderthethwarts,soitwouldnothamperanyofthecrewastheyrowedwiththeiroarsandsenttheshipspeedilyon.ThenallwenttoAlkinoös'houseandmadethefeastready.

Alkinoös,thehallowedprince,sacrificedanoxforthem

PreparationsforOdysseus'departure

25toZeus,dark-cloudedsonofKronos,lordoverallmen.Theyburnedthethighpiecesandenjoyedfeastingonthegloriousbanquet,andamongthemDemodokos,thedivinesinger,sanghissongsandwasprizedbythepeople.ButnowOdysseusturnedhisheadagainandagaintolookattheshining

30sun,tohastenitsgoingdown,sincehewasnoweagertogo;andasamanmakesforhisdinner,whenalldaylonghiswine-coloredoxenhavedraggedthecompactplowforhimacrossthefield,andthesun'ssettingiswelcomeforbringingthetimetogotohisdinner,andashegoeshiskneesfailhim;

35thuswelcometoOdysseusnowwasthesungoingunder.Nowhespokealoudtotheoar-lovingPhaiakians,addressinghiswordstoAlkinoösbeyondallothers:‘OgreatAlkinoös,pre-eminentamongallpeople,makelibationandsendmeuponmywayuntroubled;

40andyourselvesfarewell,forallmyheartdesiredisnowmadegood,conveyanceandlovinggifts.Maytheskygodsmaketheseprosperforme.MayIreturntomyhouseandfindthereablamelesswife,andallwhoaredeartomeunharmed.Mayyouinturn,remaininghere,bringcomfortandcheertoyourwedded

45wivesandyourchildren,andmaythegodsgrantsuccessineveryendeavor,andnounhappinessbefoundinyourpeople.’

Sohespoke,andtheyallapprovedhiswordandencouragedconvoyfortheguest,forwhathesaidwasfairandorderly;thenthehallowedprinceAlkinoösspoketohisherald:

50‘Pontonoös,nowmixabowlofwineandserveittoallinthepalace,sothat,withaprayertoourfatherZeus,wemaysendourguestonhisway,backtohisowncountry.’

Sohespoke,andPontonoösmixedthesweetwineandservedittoall,standingbesideeachperson.Theypouredalibation

55toalltheblessedimmortalgodswhoholdwideheavenfromthechairswheretheyweresitting,butgreatOdysseusstoodupandputthehandledgobletintothehandofArete,andspoketoheraloudandaddressedherinwingedwords,saying:‘Farewelltoyou,Oqueen,andforalltime,untiloldage

60comestoyou,anddeath,whichbefallallhumancreatures.NowIamonmyway;buthavejoyhereinyourhousehold,inyourchildrenandyourpeople,andinyourking,Alkinoös.’

SospokegreatOdysseus,andstrodeoutoverthedoorsill,

ThePhaiakianscarryOdysseustoIthaka

andgreatAlkinoössenthisheraldtogoalongwithhim65andshowhimthewaytothefastshipandthesandoftheseashore.

AlsoAretesentherservingwomenwithhim.Onecarriedamantle,washedandclean,andatunic.Anotheroneshesentalongwithhimtocarrythewell-made

chest,andathirdwentalongwiththembearingfoodandredwine.70Butwhentheyhadcomedowntothesea,andwheretheshipwas,theproudescorts

promptlytookoverthegifts,andstowedthemawayinthehollowhull,andallthefoodandthedrink,thenspreadoutacoverletforOdysseus,andlinen,outonthedeck,atthesternoftheship'shull,sothathecouldsleepthere

75undisturbed,andhehimselfwentaboardandlaydownsilently.Theysatdowneachinhisplaceattheoarlocksinorder,andslippedthecablefreefromitsholeinthestonepost.Theybenttotheirrowing,andwiththeiroarstosseduptheseaspray,andupontheeyesofOdysseustherefellasleep,gentle,

80thesweetestkindofsleepwithnoawakening,mostlikedeath;whiletheship,asinafieldfourstallionsdrawingachariotallbreaktogetheratthestrokeofthewhiplash,andliftinghightheirfeetlightlybeatouttheirpath,sothesternofthisshipwouldliftandthecreamingwavebehindher

85boiledamaininthethunderouscrashofthesea.Sheranonverysteadyandneverwavering;eventhefalcon,thathawkthatflieslightestofwingedcreatures,couldnothavepacedher,solightlydidsherunonherwayandcutthroughthesea'swaves.Shecarriedamanwithamindlikethegodsforcounsel,onewhose

90spirituptothistimehadenduredmuch,sufferingmanypains:thewarsofmen,hardcrossingofthebigwaters;butnowhesleptstill,obliviousofallhehadsuffered.

Atthetimewhenshinesthatbrighteststar,whichbeyondotherscomeswithannouncementofthelightoftheyoungDawngoddess,

95thenwasthetimethesea-faringshipputintotheisland.ThereisaharboroftheOldManoftheSea,Phorkys,

inthecountrysideofIthaka.Theretwoprecipitouspromontoriesopposedjustout,tocloseintheharborandshelteritfromthebigwavesmadebythewindsblowing

100sohardontheoutside;inside,thewell-benchedvesselscanliewithoutbeingtiedup,oncetheyhavefoundtheiranchorage.

andleavehimthereasleep

Attheheadoftheharbor,thereisanolivetreewithspreadingleaves,andnearbyisacavethatisshaded,andpleasant,andsacredtothenymphswhoarecalledtheNymphsoftheWellsprings,

105Naiads.Therearemixingbowlsandhandledjarsinsideit,allofstone,andtherethebeesdeposittheirhoney.Andthereinalsoareloomsthataremadeofstone,verylong,where

thenymphsweavetheirsea-purplewebs,awondertolookon;andthereiswaterforeverflowing.Ithastwoentrances,

110oneofthemfacingtheNorthWind,wherepeoplecanenter,buttheonetowardtheSouthWindhasmoredivinity.Thatisthewayoftheimmortals,andnomenenterbythatway.

Itwasintothisbaytheyrowedtheirship.Theyknewofitbeforehand.Theship,hard-driven,ranupontothebeachforasmuchas

115halfherlength,suchwastheforcethehandsoftheoarsmengaveher.Theysteppedfromthestrong-benchedshipoutontothedryland,andfirsttheyliftedandcarriedOdysseusoutofthehollowhull,alongwithhisbedlinenandshiningcoverlet,andsethimdownonthesand.Hewasstillboundfastinsleep.Then

120theyliftedandcarriedoutthepossessions,thosewhichthehaughtyPhaiakians,urgedbygreat-heartedAthene,hadgivenhim,ashesetoutforhome,andlaidthemnexttothetrunkoftheolive,allinapileandawayfromtheroad,lestsomewayfarermightcomebeforeOdysseusawoke,andspoilhispossessions.

125Thentheythemselvesturnedbacktowardhome.ButtheEarthshakerhadnotforgottenthosethreatshehadonceutteredatgodlikeOdysseusinthebeginning,andheaskedZeusforcounsel:‘FatherZeus,nolongeramongthegodsimmortalshallIbehonored,whentherearemortalswhodomenohonor,

130thePhaiakians,andyettheseareofmyownblood.Seenow,IhadsaidtomyselfOdysseuswouldcomehomeonlyaftermuchsuffering.Ihadnotindeedtakenhishomecomingaltogetheraway,sincefirstyounoddedyourheadandassentedtoit.Buttheycarriedhim,asleepinthefastship,over

135thesea,andsethimdowninIthaka,andgavehimnumberlessgifts,asbronze,andgoldabundant,andwovenclothing,morethanOdysseuscouldeverhavetakenfromTroy,evenifhehadcomehomeungrievedandwithhisfairshareoftheplunder.’

TheninturnZeuswhogathersthecloudsmadeanswer:

Poseidonturnstheirshiptostone

140‘Whatathingtohavesaid,Earthshakerofthewidestrength.Thegodsdonotholdyouindishonor.Itwouldbeahardthingifweweretoputanyslightontheeldestandbestamongus.Butifthereisanymanwho,givingwaytotheviolenceandforceinhim,slightsyou,itwillbeyourstopunishhim.

145Nowandalways.Doasyouwillandasitpleasesyou.’TheninturnPoseidonshakeroftheearthmadeanswer:

‘Iwouldactquickly,dark-cloudedone,asyouadviseme,butalwaysIhaverespectforyouranger,andkeepoutofitsway.Thistime,Iwishtostunthatbeautifulvessel

150ofthePhaiakiansoutonthemistyseaasitcomesbackfromitsjourney,sothattheymaystop,andgiveoverconveyingpeople.AndIwouldhidetheircityunderamountain.’

TheninturnZeuswhogathersthecloudsmadeanswer:‘Goodbrother,hereisthewayitseemstomymindbest

155todo.Whenallthepeoplearewatchingherfromthecityasshecomesin,thenturnherintoarockthatlookslikeafastship,closeoffshore,sothatallpeoplemaywonderather.Butdonothidetheircityunderamountain.’

WhentheshakeroftheearthPoseidonheardhim,hewentoff160stridingtoScheria,wherethePhaiakiansarebornandlive.There

hewaited,andthesea-goingshipcameclosein,lightlypursuingherway,andtheEarthshakercamecloseuptoher,andturnedherintostoneandrootedhertheretothebottomwithaflatstrokeofhishand.Andthenhewentawayfromher.

165ThePhaiakiansofthelongoars,thesea-famedpeople,nowbegantalkingtoeach

otherandspokeinwingedwords;andthustheywouldspeak,eachlookingatthemannexttohim:‘Ahme,whowasitfastenedourswiftshipinthewaterasshecamerowinginforhome?Justnowshecouldbeseenplainly.’

170Thusoneoranotherspokebuttheydidnotknowwhathadhappened.TothemnowAlkinoösspokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Ahnow,theprophecyofoldiscometocompletion,thatmyfatherspoke,whenhesaidPoseidonsomedaywouldbeangrywithus,becauseweareconvoywithouthurttoallmen.

175Hesaidthatoneday,asawell-madeshipofPhaiakianmencamebackfromaconvoyonthemistyfaceofthewater,hewouldstunit,andpileagreatmountainoverourcity,tohideit.Sotheoldmanspoke.Nowallisbeingaccomplished.

Odysseus'wakening

Comethen,letusdoasIsay,letusallbewonover.180Stopourconveyingofeverymortalwhomakeshisarrival

hereatourcity.WemustdedicatealsotoPoseidontwelvebulls,chosenoutoftheherds.Thenhemighttakepityonus,andnotpileupahighmountainoverourcity.’

Sohespoke,andtheywereafraidandmadethebullsready.

185SotheseleadersofthePhaiakiansandmenofcounselamongtheirpeoplemadetheirprayertothelordPoseidon,standingaroundthealtar.ButnowgreatOdysseuswakenedfromsleepinhisownfatherland,andhedidnotknowit,havingbeenlongaway,forthegoddess,PallasAthene,

190daughterofZeus,pouredamistoverall,soshecouldmakehimunrecognizableandexplainallthedetailstohim,tohavehiswifenotrecognizehim,norhistownspeopleandfriends,tillhepunishedthesuitorsfortheiroverbearingoppression.ThereforetothelordOdysseusshemadeeverythinglookotherwise

195thanitwas,thepenetratingroads,theharborswhereallcouldanchor,therocksgoingstraightup,andthetreestallgrowing.Hesprangandstooduprightandlookedaboutathisnativecountry,andgroanedaloudandstruckhimselfonboththighswiththeflatsofhishands,andspokeawordoflamentation:

200‘Ahme,whatarethepeoplewhoselandIhavecometothistime,andaretheysavageandviolent,andwithoutjustice,orhospitabletostrangersandwithmindsthataregodly?AndwhereshallItakeallthesemanygoods?WhereshallImyselfbedriven?IwishIhadstayedamongthePhaiakians,

205justwhereIwas,andIwouldhavevisitedsomeotherpowerfulking,whothenwouldhavebeenmyfriendandseentomyjourney.NowIdonotknowwheretoputallthis,andIcannotleaveithere,forfearitmaybecomespoilforothers.ShameontheleadersofthePhaiakiansandtheirmenofcounsel,

210fortheywerenotaltogetherthoughtful,norweretheyrighteous,whentheytookmeawayheretoanotherland;buttheytoldmetheywouldbringmetosunnyIthaka,andtheydidnotdoit.MayZeusofthesuppliantspunishthem,forheoverseesothermenbesides,andpunishesanyonewhotransgresses.

215Butcome,letmecountmygoodsandfindoutwhethertheymightnothavegonetakingsomeofitwiththeminthehollowvessel.’

Sospeaking,hecountedupthesurpassinglybeautifultripods

Athenedisguisedtellshimwhereheis

andcaldrons,andthegoldandallthefinewovenclothing.Therewasnothinggonefromallofthis;butheingreatsorrow

220creptoverthebeachofhisowncountrybesidetheresoundingsea,withmuchlamentation;butnowAthenecamenearhim,likeningherselfinformtoayoungman,aherdsmanofsheep,adelicateboy,suchasthechildrenofkingsare,

andwearingawell-wroughtshawlinadoublefoldoverhershoulders.225Underhershiningfeetshehadsandals,andinherhandcarried

aspear.Odysseus,injoyatthesight,cameuptomeether,andspokealoudtoherandaddressedherinwingedwords,saying:‘Dearfriend,sinceyouarethefirstIhavemetwithinthiscountry,Igiveyougreeting.Donotcrossmewithevilpurpose,

230butrescuethesepossessionsandme.Imakemyprayertoyouastoagod,andcometoyourdearkneesasasuppliant.Andtellmethisandtellmetruly,sothatImayknowit.Whatlandisthis,whatneighborhoodisit,whatpeoplelivehere?Isitsomeoneofthesunnyislands,orisitsomeforeland

235slantedoutfromthegenerousmainlandintothesaltsea?’Theninturnthegray-eyedgoddessAtheneanswered:

‘Youaresomeinnocent,Ostranger,orelseyouhavecomefromfaraway,ifyouaskaboutthisland,foritisnotsonamelessasallthat.Thereareindeedmanywhoknowit,

240whetheramongthosewholivetowardtheeastandthesunrise,orthosewholiveupandawaytowardthemistanddarkness.Seenow,thisisaruggedcountryandnotforthedrivingofhorses,butneitherisitsounpleasant,thoughnotwidelyshapen;forthereisabundantgrainforbreadgrownhere,itproduces

245wine,andthereisalwaysrainandthedewtomakeitfertile;itisgoodtofeedgoatsandcattle;andtimberisthereofallsorts,andwateringplacesgoodthroughtheseasons;sothat,stranger,thenameofIthakahasgoneeventoTroy,thoughtheysaythatisveryfarfromAchaiancountry.’

250Soshespoke,andresourcefulgreatOdysseuswashappy,rejoicinginthelandofhisfatherswhenPallasAthenedaughterofZeusoftheaegistoldhimthetruthofit,andsoheansweredheragainandaddressedherinwingedwords;buthedidnottellherthetruth,butcheckedthatwordfromtheoutset,

255foreverusingtoeveryadvantagethemindthatwasinhim:‘IheardthenameofIthakawhenIwasinwideCrete,

Heliestoher

faraway,acrossthesea;nowImyselfhavecomeherewiththesegoodsthatyousee,butleavingasmuchagaintomychildren.Ihavefled,anexile,becauseIkilledthesonofIdomeneus,

260Orsilochos,amanswiftoffoot,whoinwideCretesurpassedallothermortalmenforspeedofhisfeet.Ikilledhimbecausehetriedtodeprivemeofallmyshareoftheplunder

fromTroy,andforthesakeofitmyheartsufferedmanypains:thewarsofmen;hardcrossingofthebigwaters;

265forIwouldnotdohisfatherfavor,andserveashishenchmaninthelandofTroy,butIledothers,ofmyownfollowing.Ilayinwaitforhimwithafriendbytheroad,andstruckhimwiththebronze-headedspearashecamebackfromthefields.Therewasaverydarknightspreadoverallthesky,nordidanyone

270seeme,nordidanyoneknowofitwhenIstrippedthelifefromhim.Butthen,whenIhadcuthimdownwiththesharpbronze,Iwentatoncetoaship,andsupplicatedthelordlyPhoenicianmen,andgavethemspoil,tostaytheireagerness,andaskedthemtocarrymeandtosetmedowninPylos

275orshiningEliswheretheEpeiansarelords;butithappenedthattheforceofthewindbeatthemawayfromthoseplaces,greatlyagainsttheirwill;itwasnotasiftheywishedtodeceiveme.So,drivenoffthosecourses,wecameinhere,bynight,androwedherhastilyintotheharbor,norwasthereany

280thoughtinusoftheeveningmeal,muchthoughwewantedit,butallofuscameofftheshipaswewere,andlaydown;then,wearyasIwas,thesweetnessofsleepcameuponme,whilethey,takingallthepossessionsoutofthehollowhull,setthemashoreonthesand,andclosetotheplacewhereIwaslying,

285andthey,embarking,wentontheirwaytostronglysettledSidon;butI,grievingattheheart,wasleftbehindhere.’

Sohespoke.Thegoddess,gray-eyedAthene,smiledonhim,andstrokedhimwithherhand,andtookontheshapeofawomanbothbeautifulandtall,andwellversedinglorioushandiworks,

290andspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:‘Itwouldbeasharpone,andastealthyone,whowouldevergetpastyouinanycontriving;evenifitwereagodagainstyou.Youwretch,sodevious,neverwearyoftricks,thenyouwouldnoteveninyourowncountrygiveoveryourwaysofdeceiving

295andyourthievishtales.Theyareneartoyouinyourverynature.

Athenerevealsherself

Butcome,letustalknomoreofthis,foryouandIbothknowsharppractice,sinceyouarefarthebestofallmortalmenforcounselandstories,andIamongallthedivinitiesamfamousforwitandsharpness;andyetyouneverrecognized

300PallasAthene,daughterofZeus,theonewhoisalwaysstandingbesideyouandguardingyouineveryendeavor.

AnditwasIwhomadeyoulovedbyallthePhaiakians.AndnowagainIamhere,tohelpyouinyourdevisingofschemes,andtohidethepossessionswhichthehaughtyPhaiakians

305bestowed—itwasbymythoughtandcounsel—onyou,asyoustartedforhome,andtellyouallthetroublesyouaredestinedtosufferinyourwell-wroughthouse;butyoumust,ofnecessity,endureall,andtellnooneoutofallthemenandthewomenthatyouhavecomebackfromyourwanderings,butyoumustendure

310muchgriefinsilence,standingandfacingmenintheirviolence.’TheninturnresourcefulOdysseusspoketoherinanswer:

‘Itishard,Ogoddess,forevenamanofgoodunderstandingtorecognizeyouonmeeting,foryoutakeeveryshapeuponyou.ButthisIknowwell:therewasatimewhenyouwerekindtome

315inthedayswhenwesonsoftheAchaianswerefightinginTroyland.ButafterwehadsackedthesheercitadelofPriam,andwentawayinourships,andthegodscatteredtheAchaians,Ineversawyou,daughterofZeus,afterthat,nordidIknowofyourvisitingmyship,tobeatoffsometrouble

320fromme,butalwayswithmyhearttorninsideitscoveringsIwandered,untilthegodssetmefreefromunhappiness,untilintherichterritoryofthePhaiakianmenyoucheeredmewithwords,thenledme,yourselfinperson,intotheircity.AndnowIentreatyouinthenameofyourfather;forIdonotthink

325IhavereallycomeintosunnyIthaka,buthavebeendrivenoffcoursetoanothercountry,andIthinkyouareteasingmewhenyoutellmeIam,andsayingittobeguileme;tellmeifitistruethatIhavecomebacktomyowndearcountry.’

Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneansweredhim:330‘Alwaysyouarethesame,andsuchisthemindwithinyou,

andsoIcannotabandonyouwhenyouareunhappy,becauseyouarefluent,andreasonclosely,andkeepyourheadalways.Anyoneelsecomehomefromwanderingwouldhaverunhappilyofftoseehischildrenandwifeinhishalls;butitisnot

andexplainsherabsences

335yourpleasuretoinvestigateandaskquestions,nottillyouhavemadetrialofyourwife;yetshe,asalways,sitsthereinyourpalace,andalwayswithherthewretchednights,andthedaysalso,wasteherawaywithweeping.AndIneverdidhaveanydoubt,butinmyheartalways

340knewhowyouwouldcomehome,havinglostallofyourcompanions.

But,yousee,Ididnotwanttofightwithmyfather'sbrother,Poseidon,whowasholdingagrudgeagainstyouinhisheart,andbecauseyoublindedhisdearson,hatedyou.Come,IwillshowyousettledIthaka,soyouwillbelieveme.

345ThisistheharboroftheOldManoftheSea,Phorkys,andhereattheheadoftheharboristheolivetreewithspreadingleaves,andnearbyisthecavethatisshaded,andpleasant,andsacredtothenymphswhoarecalledtheNymphsoftheWellsprings,Naiads.Thatisthewideover-archingcave,whereoften

350youusedtoaccomplishforthenymphstheircompletehecatombs;andthereisthemountain,Neritos,allcoveredwithforest.’

Sospeakingthegoddessscatteredthemist,andthelandwasvisible.Long-sufferinggreatOdysseuswasgladdenedthen,rejoicinginthesightofhiscountry,andkissedthegrain-givingground,then

355raisedhishandsintheairandspoketothenymphs,praying:‘Naiadnymphs,OdaughtersofZeus,IneversuspectedthatIwouldseeyouagain.Bewelcomenowtomygentleprayers,butIwillalsogiveyougifts,asIusedtobefore,ifAthenetheSpoiler,Zeus'daughter,freelygrantsme

360togoonlivingheremyself,andsustainsmydearson.’Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAthenesaidtohim:

‘Neverfear,letnoneofthesematterstroubleyourmind.Ratherletushidethesepossessionswithoutdelay,deepintheinwardpartofthewonderfulcave,sotheywillbekeptsafeforyou.

365Thenweshallmakeourplanshowallmaycomeoutbestforus.’Sothegoddessspoke,andwentinsidetheshadowy

cave,lookingthroughitforhidingplaces.Meanwhile,Odysseusbroughteverythingcloseup,gold,tirelessbronze,clothingthathadbeenmadewithcare,givenhimbythePhaiakians,

370andstoweditwellawayinside;andPallasAthene,daughterofZeusoftheaegis,setastoneagainstthedoorway.

Thetwosatdownagainstthetrunkofthehallowedolive,

Informationandinstructions

andplottedoutthedestructionoftheovermasteringsuitors.Theirdiscoursewasbegunbythegoddessgray-eyedAthene:

375‘SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,considerhowyoucanlayyourhandsontheseshamelesssuitors,whoforthreeyearsnowhavebeenaslordsinyourpalace,andcourtingyourgodlikewife,andofferinggiftstowinher.Andshe,thoughherheartforevergrievesoveryourhomecoming,

380holdsoutsomehopeforall,andmakespromisestoeachman,sendingthemmessages,buthermindhasotherintentions.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘SurelyIwasonthepointofperishingbyanevilfateinmypalace,likeAtreus'sonAgamemnon,unless

385youhadtoldme,goddess,theverytruthofallthathashappened.Comethen,weavethedesign,thewayIshalltakemyvengeanceuponthem;standbesideme,inspiremewithstrengthandcourage,aswhentogetherwebroughtdownTroy'sshiningcoronal.Forifinyourfury,Ogray-eyedgoddess,youstoodbesideme,

390Iwouldfight,ladyandgoddess,withyourhelpagainstthreehundredmenifyou,freelyandinfullheart,wouldhelpme.’

Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneanswered:‘Iwillindeedbeatyourside,youwillnotbeforgottenatthetimewhenwetwogotothiswork,andIlookforendless

395groundtobespatteredbythebloodandbrainsofthesuitors,thesemenwhoareeatingallyoursubstanceaway.Butcomenow,letmemakeyousothatnomortalcanrecognizeyou.ForIwillwitherthehandsomefleshthatisonyourflexiblelimbs,andruinthebrownhaironyourhead,andaboutyou

400putonsuchacloutofclothanymanwillloathewhenheseesyouwearingit;Iwilldimthoseeyes,thathavebeensohandsome,soyouwillbeunprepossessingtoallthesuitorsandyourwifeandchild,thosewhomyouleftbehindinyourpalace.Firstofall,youaretomakeyourwaytotheswineherd

405whoisinchargeofyourpigs,butalwayshisthoughtsarekindly,andheisafriendtoyoursonandtocircumspectPenelope.Youwillfindhimpostedbesidehispigs,andtheseareherdedneartheRockoftheRavenandbesidethespringArethousa,toeattheacornsthatstaytheirstrength,anddrinkofthedarkling

410water,forthesearenourishingforpigs,andfattenthem.Thereyoushallwait,andstaywithhim,andaskhimallquestions,

Odysseustransformedintoanoldtramp

whileIgoovertoSparta,thecountryoflovelywomen,andcallbackTelemachos,yourowndearson,Odysseus,whowentintospaciousLakedaimontoseeMenelaos

415andaskhimfornewsofyou,andwhetheryouwerestillliving.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:

‘Whythendidyounottellhim,sinceinyourmindyouknowallthings?Wasitsothathetoowanderingoverthebarren

seashouldsufferpains,whileothersateuphissubstance?’420Theninturnthegoddessgray-eyedAtheneanswered:

‘Lethimnotbetoomuchonyourmind.ItwasImyselfwhosawhimalongonthatjourney,sohewouldwinreputationbygoingthere,andhehasnohardship,butnowisstayingathiseasewiththesonofAtreus,andallabundanceisbyhim.

425Itistruethattheyoungmenwiththeirblackshiparelyinginwaitforhimtokillhimbeforehereacheshiscountry;butIthinkthiswillnothappen,butthatsoonertheearthwillcoversomeoneofthosesuitors,whonowareeatingawayyoursubstance.'

SospokeAthene,andwithherwandshetappedOdysseus,430andwitheredthehandsomefleshthatwasuponhisflexible

limbs,andruinedthebrownhaironhishead,andabouthim,tocoverallhisbody,sheputtheskinofanancientoldman,andthenshedimmedthoseeyesthathadbeensohandsome.Thensheputanothervileragonhim,andatunic,

435tattered,squalid,blackenedwiththefoulsmoke,andoveritgavehimthebighideofafast-runningdeer,withthehairsrubbedoff,towear,andshegavehimastaff,andanuglywalletthatwasfullofholes,withatwistofropeattached,todangleit.

Sotheytwoconsultedandwenttheirways.Thegoddess440wenttobrightLakedaimontofetchthesonofOdysseus.

BOOKXIV

ButOdysseushimselflefttheharborandascendedaruggedpath,throughwoodedcountryalongtheheights,whereAthenehadindicatedthenobleswineherd,whobeyondotherscaredforthehousepropertiesacquiredbynobleOdysseus.

5Hefoundhimsittinginfront,ontheporch,wheretheloftyenclosurehadbeenbuilt,inaplacewithaviewonallsides,bothlargeandhandsome,clearedallabout,anditwastheswineherdhimselfwhohadbuiltit,toholdthepigsofhisabsentmaster,farfromhismistressandfromagedLaertes.Hemadeit

10withstonesfromthefield,andtoppeditoffwithshrubbery.Outsidehehaddrivenpostsinafullcircle,tocloseitonallsides,setclosetogetherandthick,thedarkoftheoak,splitoutfromthelogs.Insidetheenclosurehemadetwelvepigpensnexttoeachother,forhissowstosleepin,andineachofthem

15fiftypigswhosleeponthegroundwereconfined.Thesewerethebreedingfemales,butthemaleslayoutside,andthesewerefewerbyfar,forthegodlikesuitorskeptdiminishingtheirnumbersbyeatingthem,sincetheswineherdkepthavingtosendtheminthebestofallthewell-fattenedporkers

20atanytime.Now,theynumberedthreehundredandsixty,andfourdogs,whowerelikewildbeasts,foreverwerelyingbythem.Thesetheswineherd,leaderofmen,hadraiseduphimself.Nowhewasfittingsandalstohisfeet,cuttingoutawell-coloredpieceofoxhide.Meanwhile,theother

OdysseusfindsEumaiostheswineherd

25swineherdswereoutwiththeherdedpigsoneplaceoranother,threeofthem,butthefourthhehadsentofftothecitytotakeapigtotheinsolentsuitors,sincetheysoforcedhim,sotheycouldsacrificeitandgluttheirappetitesonit.

Suddenlythewild-bayingdogscaughtsightofOdysseus.30Theyranathimwithagreatoutcry,andOdysseusprudentlysatdownontheground,and

thestafffelloutofhishand.Butthere,besidehisownsteading,hemighthaveenduredashamefulmauling,

buttheswineherd,quickandlightonhisfeet,camehurryingtohimacrosstheporch,andletfallfromhishandtheshoehewasholding.

35Heshoutedatthedogsandscaredthemineverydirectionwithvolleyedshowersofstones,andspokethentohisownmaster:‘Oldsir,thedogsweresuddenlyonyouandwouldhavesavagedyoubadly;soyouwouldhavecoveredmewithshame,butalreadythereareotherpainsandsorrowsthegodshavebestoweduponme.

40ForhereIsit,mourningandgrievingawayforagodlikemaster,andcarefullyraisehisfattenedpigsforotherstoeat,whilehe,inneedoffindingsomesustenance,wanderssomecityorcountrysideofalien-speakingpeople;ifhestillisalivesomewhereandlooksonthesunlight.

45Come,oldsir,alongtomyshelter,sothatyoualsofirstmaybefilledtocontentmentwithfoodandwine,thentellmewhereyoucomefrom,andaboutthesorrowsyouhavebeensuffering.’

Sospokethenobleswineherdandledthewaytotheshelter,andbroughthimin,andseatedhimonbrushwoodpiledup

50beneath,andspreadoverthisthehideofahairywildgoatfromhisownbed.Thiswasgreatandthick,andOdysseuswashappyathowhereceivedhim,andspokeawordandnamedhim,saying:‘MayZeus,stranger,andtheothergodseverlastinggrantyouallyoudesirethemost,foryouhavereceivedmeheartily.’

55Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Stranger,Ihavenorighttodenythestranger,notevenifonecametomewhowasmeanerthanyou.AllvagabondsandstrangersareunderZeus,andthegiftisalightandadearonethatcomesfromus,forthatisthewayofuswhoareservants

60andforeverfilledwithfearwhentheycomeunderpowerofmasterswhoarenew.Thegodshavestoppedthehomewardvoyageofthatonewhocaredgreatlyforme,andgrantedmesuchpossessionsasagood-naturedlordgrantstothethrallofhishouse;ahome

HospitalityofEumaios

ofhisown,andaplotofland,andawifemuchsoughtafter,65whenthemanaccomplishesmuchworkandgodspeedsthelaborashehasspedformethis

labortowhichIamgiven.Somylordwouldhavedonemuchformeifhehadgrownoldhere,butheperished,asIwishHelen'sseedcouldallhaveperished,pitchedaway,forshehasunstrungthekneesofsomany

70men;forinAgamemnon'scausemymasterwentalsotoIlion,landofgoodhorses,theretofightwiththeTrojans.’

Hespoke,andpulledhistunictowithhisbelt,andwentoutswiftlytohispigpenswherehisherdsofswinewerepennedin,

andpickedoutapairandbroughttheminandsacrificedthem,75andsingedthem,andcutthemintolittlepieces,andspittedthem,thenroastedalland

broughtandsetitbeforeOdysseushotonthespitsasitwas,andsprinkledwhitebarleyoverit,andmixedthewine,assweetashoney,inabowlofivy,andhimselfsatdownfacinghim,andurgedhimon,saying:

80‘Eatnow,stranger,whatweservingmenarepermittedtoeat:youngpigs,butthefattenedswinearedevouredbythesuitors,whohavenoregardforanyoneintheirminds,nopity.Theblessedgodshavenoloveforapitilessaction,butrathertheyrewardjusticeandwhatmendothatislawful;

85andthoughthosearehatefulandlawlessmenwholandonanalienshore,andZeusgrantsthemspoilandplunder,whentheyhaveloadedtheirshipswithittheysetsailawayforhome,foreveninthemindsofthesethereisstoredsomefear,whichisstrongerthanonthesetherefallsstrongfearofhowtheymayberegarded.Butthesuitors,yousee,haveheardsomegod-sentrumor,andtheyknow

90aboutthedismaldeathofourman,andtheywillnotdecentlymaketheirsuit,norgohometotheirownhouses,butattheireasetheyforciblyeatuphisproperty,andsparenothing.ForasmanyasarethenightsandthedaysfromZeus,onnotoneofthesedotheydedicateonlyasinglevictim,noronly

95two,andtheyviolentlydrawthewineandwasteit.Seenow,hehadanendlesslyabundantlivelihood.Notoneoftheheroesoverontheblackmainlandhadsomuch,noonehereonIthaka,notwentymentogetherhadsuchquantityofsubstanceashe.Iwillcountitforyou.

100Twelveherdsofcattleonthemainland.Asmanysheepflocks.Asmanytroopsofpigsandagainasmanywidegoatflocks,

andhisloyaltytoOdysseus

andfriendsoverthere,andhisownherdsmen,pasturethemforhim.Andhereagain,attheendoftheisland,elevenwideflocksofgoatsinallarepastured,goodmenhavetheseintheirkeeping.

105Anddaybydayeachofthesepeoplebringsinforthesuitorsasheep,andeachbringsinthefattedgoatthatseemsfinest,andImyselfkeepwatchonthesepigsandguardthem,andItoochoosewithcarethebestofthepigs,andsenditofftothem.’

Hespoke,andtheotheratehismeatanddrankhiswine,quietly,110greedilyandwithoutspeaking,anddevisedevilsforthesuitors;butwhenhehaddined,

andfilledhisdesirewithfood,theotherfilledthecupinwhichhewasdrinkingandhandedittohim,allfilledwithwine,andhereceivedit,andhisheartwascheeredandhespoketohimthenandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:

115‘Dearfriend,whoisthemanwhoboughtyouwithhispossessionsandissorichandpowerfulasyoutellme?YousayhewasonewhoperishedinAgamemnon'scause.Thentellme,andperhapsImightknowhimifhewassuchaman,forZeusknowsasdotheotherimmortalgods,ifImighthaveseenhim

120andhavesomereporttogiveyou.Ihavewanderedtomanyplaces.’Thentheswineherd,leaderofmen,saidtohiminanswer:‘Oldsir,thereisnonewho

couldcomehere,bringingareportofhim,andpersuadehiswifeandhisdearson;andyettherearevainandvagabondmeninneedofsustenance

125whotelllies,andareunwillingtogiveatruestory;andanyvagrantwhomakeshiswaytothelandofIthakagoestomymistressandbabbleshisliestoher,andshethenreceiveshimwellandentertainshimandaskshimeverything,andasshemournshimthetearsrundownfromhereyes,sincethisis

130therightwayforawifewhenherhusbandisfarandperished.Soyoutoo,oldsir,mightspinoutawell-madestory,ifsomeonewouldgiveyouacloakortunictowearforit.But,forhim,thedogsandtheflyingbirdsmustbynowhaveworriedtheskinawayfromhisbones,andthesoulhasleftthem;orelse

135thefishhaveeatenhim,outinthegreatsea,andhisboneslienowonthemainlandshorewiththesandpileddeeplyuponthem.Sohehasperishedthere,andsorrowsaremadeforhisdearonesallhereafter,andmemostofall,forneveragainnowwillIfindagainalordaskindashe,wherever

140Igo;evenifIcouldcomebacktomyfatherandmother's

Askedwhoheis,Odysseus

house,wherefirstIwasborn,andtheyraisedmewhenIwaslittle.ButIdonotsomuchmournforthis,muchthoughmylongingistobeholdthemwiththeseeyesandinmyowncountry,butthelongingisonmeforOdysseus,andheisgonefromme;

145andevenwhenheisnothere,myfriend,Ifeelsomemodestyaboutnaminghim,forinhishearthecaredformegreatlyandlovedme.SoIcallhimmymaster,thoughheisabsent.’

Thenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusspoketohiminanswer:‘Dearfriend,sinceyouarealtogetherfullofdenial,

150youdonotthinkhewillcome,andyourheartiseveruntrusting;butIwillnotspeakinthesamemanner,butonmyoathtellyouOdysseusisonhiswayhome.Letmehavemyrewardforgoodnewsthen,assoonasheiscomebackandentershisownhouse.

Givemefineclothing,acloakandtunictowear.Beforethat,155muchasIstandinneedofthese,Iwillnotacceptthem.ForasIdetestthedoorwaysof

DeathIdetestthatmanwhounderconstraintofpovertybabblesbeguilingfalsehoods.Zeusbemywitness,firstofthegods,andthetableoffriendship,andthehearthofblamelessOdysseus,towhichIcomeasasuppliant,

160allthesethingsarebeingaccomplishedinthewayItellthem.SometimewithinthisveryyearOdysseuswillbehere.Eitheratthewaningofthemoon,oratitsonset,hewillcomehomeandtakehisvengeancehereuponanywhodepriveshiswifeandhisglorioussonoftheirduehonor.’

165Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Oldsir,Iwillneverpayyouthatgiftforgoodnews,norwillOdysseuscometothishouseagain.Beeasyanddrinkyourwine.Wewillthinkofothermatters.Donotthenkeeponremindingmeofthis,fortheheartwithinme

170grieveswheneveranyonespeaksofmygraciousmaster.Sowewillletyouroathalone,butIhopethatOdysseuswillcomeback,asIwish,andasPenelopewishes,andLaertestheoldmantoo,andgodlikeTelemachos.ButnowIgrieveunforgettinglyforTelemachos,theson

175borntoOdysseus.Thegodsmadehimgrowlikeayoungtree,andIthoughthewouldbeamongthemenonenotinferiortohisdearfather,admirableforbuildandbeauty;butsomeimmortalupsetthebalancedmindwithinhim,orelseitwassomeman.Hewentafternewsofhisfather

embarksonafalsestory

180toPylosthesacrosanct,andthehaughtysuitorsarelyinginwaitforhimashecomeshome,tomakeArkeisios’stockandseedperishallawayandbenamelessinIthaka.Nowwewilllethimbe,however,whethertheycatchhimorwhetherheescapesandthesonofKronosprotectshim.

185Butcomenow,agedsir,recitemethetaleofyoursorrows,andtellmethistoo,tellmetruly,sothatImayknowit:Whatmanareyouandwhence?Whereisyourcity?Yourparents?Whatkindofshipdidyoucomehereon?AndhowdidthesailorsbringyoutoIthaka?Whatmendotheyclaimthattheyare?

190ForIdonotthinkyoucouldhavetraveledonfoottothiscountry.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘See,Iwillaccurately

answerallthatyouaskme.Ionlywishtherewerefoodenoughforthetime,forustwo,

andsweetwineforushereinsideoftheshelter,sothat195wecouldfeastquietlywhileotherstendedthework;theneasilyIcouldgoonforthewhole

ofayear,andstillnotfinishthestoryofmyheart'stribulations,allthathardworkIhavedoneinmytime,becausethegodswilledit.IannouncethatmyoriginisfromCrete,aspacious

200land;Iamsonofarichman,andthereweremanyothersonswhowereborntohimandrearedinhispalace.Thesewerelawfulsonsbyhiswife,butaboughtwoman,aconcubine,wasmymother,yetIwasfavoredwiththelegitimatesonsbyKastor,Hylakos’son,whomIclaimasfather,

205honoredamongtheCretansinthecountrysideasagodis,inthosedays,forwealthandpowerandgloriouschildren.Butthen,yousee,thedeathspiritscaughtandcarriedhimfromustothehouseofHades,andhisoverbearingsonsdividedthelivelihoodamongthemandcastlotsforit.Little

210enough,however,waswhattheygavemeingoodsandhouses.ButItookformyselfawifefrompeoplewithmanypossessions,becauseofmycourage,forIwasnocontemptibleman,notonewhofledfromthefighting;butnowallthathasgonefromme,butstill,Ithink,ifyoulookatthestubbleyouseewhatthecornwas

215likewhenitgrew,butsincethenhardshipenoughhashadme.AresandAtheneendowedmewithcourage,thatpowerthatbreaksmeninbattle.WheneverIdetailedthebestfighterstogointoambush,planningevilthingsfortheenemy,

OdysseusclaimstobeaveteranofTroy

theproudheartinmehadnoimageofdeathbeforeit,220butfarthefirstIwouldleapoutandwithmyspearbringdownthatenemymanwhose

speedoffootfailedhimagainstme.SuchwasIinthefighting;butlaborwasneverdeartome,norcareformyhouse,thoughthatiswhatraisesgloriouschildren;butshipsthataredrivenonbyoarsweredeartomealways,

225andthewars,andthrowingspearswithpolishedhafts,andthearrows,gloomythings,whichtoothermenareterrible,andyetthosethingsweredeartomewhichsurelysomegodhadputthereinmyheart,fordifferentmentakejoyindifferentactions.BeforethesonsoftheAchaiansembarkedforTroy,Iwas

230ninetimesaleaderofmenandwentinfast-faringvesselsagainstoutlandmen,andmuchsubstancecamemyway,andfromthisItookoutanabundanceofthings,butmuchIallotted

again,andsoonmyhousegrewgreater,andfromthattimeonIwentamongtheCretansasonefearedandrespected.

235ButwhenZeusofthewidebrowsdevisedforusthathatefulexpedition,whichunstrungthekneesofsomanymen,theywereurgentuponmeandrenownedIdomeneustoleadwiththeshipstoIlion,andtherewasnoremedy,noranyrefusing,forthehardspeechofthepeopleconstrainedus.

240ThenfornineyearswesonsoftheAchaiansfoughtthere,andinthetenthwesackedthecityofPriam,andwentbackhomewardwithourships,andthegodscatteredtheAchaians.ButforwretchedmeZeusofthecounselsdevisedmorehardships;onemonthonlyIstayed,takingpleasureinmychildren

245andmyweddedwifeandmypossessions,butthenthespiritwithinmeurgedmetomakeanexpeditiontoEgyptwithshipswellappointedandwithmygodlikecompanions.Iappointednineships,andrapidlythepeopleweregathered,andforsixdaysthenmyeagercompanionscontinued

250feasting,butIprovidedthemwithabundantvictimsforsacrificetothegods,andforthemselvestomakereadytheirfeast.OntheseventhdaywewentaboardandfromwideCretesailedonaNorthWindthatwasfavorableandfair.Itwaseasy,likesailingdownstream,sothatneverasingle

255oneofmyshipswashurt,andwe,unharmed,withoutsickness,satstill,andletthewindandthesteersmenholdthemsteady.OnthefifthdaywereachedtheabundantstreamAigyptos,

whocametogriefinEgypt

andIstayedmyoarsweptshipsinsidetheAigyptosRiver.ThenIurgedmyeagercompanionstostaywheretheywere,there

260closetothefleet,andtoguardtheships,andwasurgentwiththemtosendlook-outstothewatchingplaces;butthey,followingtheirownimpulse,andgivingwaytomaraudingviolence,suddenlybeganplunderingtheEgyptians’beautifulfields,andcarriedoffthewomenandinnocentchildren,

265andkilledthemen,andsoontheoutcrycametothecity.Theyheardtheshouting,andatthetimewhendawnshows,theycameonus,andalltheplainwasfilledwithhorsesandinfantryandtheglareofbronze,andZeuswhodelightsinthunderflungdownafoulpanicamongmycompanions,andnonewassohardy

270astostandandfight,fortheevilsstoodinacirclearoundthem.Theretheykilledmanyofuswiththesharpbronze,andothers

theyledawayalive,toworkfortheminforcedlabor;butZeushimselfputthisthoughtintomymind,asIwilltellyou,buthowIwishIhaddiedandmetmydestiny

275thereinEgypt,fortherewasstillmoresorrowawaitingme.AtonceIputthewell-wroughthelmfrommyhead,thegreatshieldoffmyshoulders,andfrommyhandIletthespeardrop,andwentoutintothewayofthekinganduptohischariot,andkissedhiskneesandclaspedthem;herescuedmeandtookpity

280andseatedmeinhischariotandtookme,weeping,homewardwithhim;andindeedmanysweptinonmewithashspearsstrainingtokillme,fortheywerealltooangered,butthekingheldthemofffromme,andhonoredtheangerofZeusProtectorofStrangers,whobeyondothersisoutragedatevildealings.

285ThereforsevenyearsIstayedandgatheredtogethermuchsubstancefromthemenofEgypt,forallgavetome;butwhenintheturningoftimetheeighthyearhadbefallenme,thentherecameaPhoenicianman,wellskilledinbeguilements,agnaweratothers’goods,andmanywerethehurtsheinflicted

290onmen,andbyhiswitstalkedmeover,soIwentwithhimtoPhoenicia,wherelaythisman'shouseandpossessions.ThereforthefulfillmentofayearIstayedwithhim,butwhenthemonthsandwhenthedayshadcometocompletion,withthecirclingbackoftheyearagain,andtheseasonscameon,

295thenhetookmeonhisseafaringshiptoLibya,withlyingadvices,thatwithhimwecouldwinacargo,butinfact

Heclaimstohavebadnews

sohecouldsellmethereandtaketheimmensepriceforme.Iwentwithhimonhisship,forcedto,althoughIsuspectedall,onaNorthWindthatwasfavorableandfair,above

300themiddleofCrete,butZeuswasplottingthesemen'sdestruction.ButafterwehadleftCretebehindus,andtherewasnomorelandinsight,butonlytheskyandthesea,thenKronianZeusdrewonablue-blackcloud,andsettleditoverthehollowship,andtheopenseawasdarkenedbeneathit.

305Zeuswiththunderandlightningtogethercrashedonourvessel,and,struckbythethunderboltofZeus,shespuninacircle,andallwasfullofbrimstone.Themenwerethrowninthewater,andbobbinglikeseacrowstheywerewashedawayontherunningwavesallaroundtheblackship,andthegodtookawaytheirhomecoming.

310ButZeushimself,thoughIhadpaininmyheart,thenputintomyhandsthegiantmastof

theshipwithdarkprows,sothatIstillcouldescapetheevil,andIembracingthiswassweptalongbeforethedestructivestormwinds.NinedaysIwassweptalong,andonthetenth,inblacknight,

315thegreatwaverollingwashedmeupontheshoreofThesprotia.TherethekingoftheThesprotians,theheroPheidon,lookedaftermewithoutprice,forhisowndearsonhadcomeonmewhenIwasbeatenbywearinessandcoldair,andliftedmeupbythehands,andledmehometothehouseofhisfather,

320andputamantleandtunicaboutmetowearasclothing.ItwasthereIhadwordofOdysseus,forthiskingtoldmehehadfeastedandfriendedhimonhiswaybacktohisowncountry;andheshowedmeallthepossessionsgatheredinbyOdysseus,bronzeandgoldanddifficultywroughtiron.Truly,

325thatwouldfeedasuccessionofheirstothetenthgeneration,sucharethetreasuresstoredforhiminthehouseofthegreatking.ButhesaidOdysseushadgonetoDodona,tolistentothewillofZeus,outoftheholydeep-leavedoaktree,forhowhecouldcomebacktotherichcountrysideofIthaka,

330insecretoropenly,havingbeenbynowlongabsent.Andhesworetomeinmypresence,ashepouredoutalibationinhishouse,thattheshipwasdrawndowntotheseaandthecrewwerereadytocarryOdysseusbackagaintohisowndearcountry;butbeforethathesentmeoff,forashipofThesprotian

ofOdysseusonhiswayhome

335menhappenedthentobesailingforDoulichion,richinwheatfields;soheurgedthemtoconveymetheretothekingAkastos,inaproperway,buttheirheartsweretakenwithabadcounselconcerningme,soIstillshouldhavethepainofaffliction.Sowhentheseafaringshiphadgonefaroutfromthemainland,

340theypresentlydevisedthedayofslaveryforme.TheytookoffmethemantleandtunicIworeasclothing,andthentheyputanothervileragonme,andatunic,tattered,theoneyouyourselfseewithyoureyes.AteveningtimetheymadetheirwayoffthefieldsofsunnyIthaka,

345andtheretheytiedmefastinthestrong-benchedship,witharope'sendtwistedandtightlyaboutme,andthemselvesdisembarkingspeedilytooktheireveningmealonthesandoftheseashore.Buttheverygodsthemselvesuntiedtheknotsthatwereonmeeasily,andI,wrappingmyheadinarag,climbeddown

350thepolishedplankthatwasthereforloading,andletmychestintothesea,thenstruckoutwithbothmyarms,andthusswimmingIverysoonwasoutofthewaterandclosetowheretheywere.ThenIwentup,wheretherewasagrowthoffloweringthicket,andlaythere,cowering;theywithoutcrygreatandsorrowful

355camebacktosearch,butthenitseemedtherewasnomoreprofitinlookingformeanylonger,andsotheywentback,boardingtheirhollowshipagain;butitwasthegodswhoconcealedmeeasily,anditwastheywhobroughtmeheretothesteadingofanunderstandingman.Sonow,lifeisstillmyportion.’

360Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Osorrowfulstranger,trulyyoutroubledthespiritinme,bytellingmeallthesedetails,howyousufferedandwandered;yetIthinksomepartisinnotrueorder,andyouwillnotpersuademeinyourtalkaboutOdysseus.Whyshouldsuchamanasyouare

365lierecklesslytome?ButImyselfknowthewholetruthofwhatmylord'shomecomingis,howallthegodshatedhimsomuchthattheydidnotmakehimgodowninthelandoftheTrojans,norinthearmsofhisfriends,afterhehadwoundupthefighting.SoalltheAchaianswouldhaveheapedagravemoundoverhim,

370andhewouldhavewongreatfameforhimselfandhissonhereafter.Butnowingloriouslythestormwindshavecaughtandcarriedhim.ButIkeepawayandwithmypigs,andIdonotgonowtothecity,unlesscircumspectPenelopeforsomereason

Eumaiosisskeptical

asksmetogo,whenwordcomesinfromoneplaceoranother;375andtherearethosewhositbesidemeandquestionmeoverparticulars,whethertheyare

grievingforalordlongabsent,orarehappyateatinguphissubstancewithoutrecompense.ButIhavenolikingforthisinquiryandaskingofquestions,sincethattimeanAitolianmanbeguiledmebytelling

380astory.Thisonehadkilledamanandwanderedovermuchcountry.HecametomyhouseandIentertainedhimfondly.HesaidhehadseenhimwithIdomeneus,amongtheCretanmen,repairinghisships,forthestormwindshadsmashedthem,andhesaidhewouldbecomingback,inthesummerorautumn,

385bringinginmanypossessions,andwithhisgodlikecompanions.Youtoo,oldmanofmanysorrows,sincethespiritbroughtyouheretome,donottrytopleasemenorspellmewithlyingwords.ItisnotforthatIwillentertainandbefriendyou,butforfearofZeus,thegodofguests,andformyownpity.’

390ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Truly,themindinyouissomethingverysuspicious.NotevenwithanoathcanIbringyouround,norpersuadeyou.Comenow,wetwoshallmakeanagreement,andforthefuturethegodswhoholdOlymposshallbewitnessestobothsides.

395Asyourlordmakeshishomecomingintohispalacehere,youshallgivemeatunicandmantletowear,andsendmeonmywaytoDoulichion,wheremyhearthasbeendesiringtogo;butifyourlordnevercomesinthewayItellyouhewill,setyourservingmenonme,andthrowmeoverahighcliff,

400sothenextvagabondwillbecareful,andnotlietoyou.’Theninturnthegloriousswineherdspoketohiminanswer:‘Thatwouldbevirtuous

ofme,myfriend,andgoodreputationwouldbemineamongmen,forpresenttimealikeandhereafter,iffirstIledyouintomyshelter,thereentertainedyou

405asguest,thenmurderedyouandravishedthedearlifefromyou.ThencheerfullyIcouldgoandpraytoZeus,sonofKronos.Butnowitistimeforourdinner,andIhopemycompanionscomeinsoon,sowecanprepareagooddinnerhereinmyshelter.’

Sothesetworemainedconversingthiswaytogether,410andthesowscameup,andwiththemcamethemenwhowereswineherds,andthey

pennedthesowsforthenightinsidetheiraccustomedplaces,

butentertainshimwell

andanendlessclamorwentupfromthecrowdingswine.Thereafterthegloriousswineherdgavethewordtohisowncompanions:‘Bringinthebestofthepigs,tosacrificeforourstranger

415guestfromafar,andweourselvesshallenjoyit,wewholonghaveenduredthiswretchedworkforthepigswithshiningteeth,whileothersatnocosteatupwhatwehaveworkedon.’

Sohespoke,andwiththepitilessbronzesplitkindling,andthemenbroughtinapig,fiveyearsoldandaveryfatone,

420andmadeitstandinfrontofthefireplace,nordidtheswineherdforgettheimmortalgods,forhehadtheusesofvirtue;buthecutoffhairsfromtheheadofthewhite-toothedpig,andthrewthemintothefireasdedication,andprayedtoallthegodsthatOdysseusofthemanydesignsshouldhavehishomecoming.

425Hehitthebeastwithasplitofoakthathehadlyingbyhim.Thebreathwentoutofthepig;thentheyslaughteredhimandsingedhim,thenjointedthecarcass,andtheswineherdlaidpiecesofrawmeatwithofferingsfromalloverthebodyuponthethickfat,andsprinkledthesewithmealofbarleyandthrewtheminthefire,then

430theycutalltheremainderintopiecesandspittedthem,androastedallcarefullyandtookoffthepieces,andlaiditalltogetheronplatters.Theswineherdstooduptodividetheportions,forhewasfairminded,andseparatedallthemeatintosevenportions.

435Onehesetaside,withaprayer,forthenymphsandHermes,thesonofMaia,andtheresthedistributedtoeachman,butgaveOdysseusinhonorthelongcutsofthechine'sportionofthewhite-toothedpig,andsoexaltedtheheartofhismaster.ThenresourcefulOdysseusspoketohimandaddressedhim:

440‘Iwish,Eumaios,youcouldbeasdeartoourfatherZeusastome,whenIamsopoor,butyougracemewithgoodthings.’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Eat,myguest,strangemanthatyouare,andtakeyourpleasureofwhatisherenow;thegodwillgiveyousuch,orwillletit

445be,asinhisownmindhemaywish.Hecandoanything.’Hespoke,andsacrificedfirst-offeringstotheimmortalgods,thenpouredbrightwine

forOdysseus,sackerofcities,andputthecupinhishands,andsatdowntohisownportion.

Odysseushintsforamantle

Mesauliosservedthebreadtothem,amanwhomtheswineherd450ownedhimselfbyhimselfandapartfromhisabsentmaster,andindependentlyofhis

mistressandagedLaertes,havingboughthimfromtheTaphianswithhisownpossessions.Theyputforththeirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,

455Mesauliostookthefoodawayagain,andtheymadehastetogotobed,filledwithbreadandmeattorepletion.

Abadnightcameon,thedarkofthemoon,andZeusrainedallnightlong,andtheWestWindblewbig,alwayswatery.Odysseusspokeamongthem.Hewastryingitoutontheswineherd,

460toseeifhemighttakeoffhismantleandgiveithim,ortelloneofhismentodoit,sincehecaredforhimsogreatly:‘Hearmenow,Eumaiosandallyouothercompanions.WhatIsaywillbeabitofboasting.Themadwinetellsmetodoit.Winesetsevenathoughtfulmantosinging,

465orsetshimintosoftlylaughing,setshimtodancing.Sometimesittossesoutawordthatwasbetterunspoken.ButnowIhavebrokenintoloudspeechIwillnotsuppressit.IwishIwereyoungagainandthestrengthstillsteadywithinme,

aswhen,underTroy,weformedanambushdetailandledit.470TheleaderswereOdysseusandAtreus’son,Menelaos,andImadeathirdleaderwith

them,sincetheythemselvesaskedme.Butwhenwehadcomeunderneaththecityandthesteepwall,we,allaboutthecityinmarshygroundandthedensegrowthofswampgrassandthereeds,andhuddlingunderourarmor,

475laythere,andabadnightcameonwitharushoftheNorthWindfreezing,andfromabovecameafallofsnow,chillinglikefrost,andontheshields’edgestheiceformed,rimmingthem.Therealltheothermenwerewearingbothmantlesandtunics,andtheysleptatease,pullingtheirgreatshieldsovertheirshoulders,

480butI,inmycarelessnesswhenIstartedwithmycompanions,hadleftmymantle;IneverthoughtIwouldbesocold,butwentalongwithonlymyshieldandmyshiningwaistguard.Butwhenitwasthethirdtimeofthenightandafterthestarchange,thenIspoketoOdysseus,forhewaslyingnextme,

485nudginghimwithmyelbow,andhelistenedatonce.Isaid:“SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,Ishallnolongerbeleftamongtheliving.Theweather

bytellingayarnaboutTroy

istoomuchforme.Ihavenomantle.Thespiritmademesilly,togohalf-dressed,andnowthereisnoescapeforme.”

490SoIspoke,andheimmediatelyhadanideainhismind,suchamanhewasforcounseling,asforfighting.Hespoketomeinalittlevoiceandsaidawordtome:“Bequietnow,letnootheroftheAchaianshearyou.”Thenheproppedhisheadonhiselbowandspokeaword,outloud:

495“Hearme,friends.Inmysleepadivinedreamcametome.Wehavecometoofarawayfromtheships.Now,wouldtherebesomeonetotellAgamemnon,Atreus’son,shepherdofthepeople,sohemightsendmoreofthemenbytheshipstocomeheretous?”Sohespoke,andThoassprangup,thesonofAndraimon,

500quickly,andtookoffandlaidasidehisredmantle,andwentontherunfortheships,andIlaydowninhisclothes,happily,andresteduntilDawnofthegoldenthronecame.IwishIwereyounglikethatandthestrengthstillsteadywithinme.Someoneoftheswineherdsinthishousewouldgivemeamantle,

505bothforloveandoutofrespectforastrongwarrior.NowtheyslightmebecauseIwearvileclothinguponme.’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:

‘Oldsir,thatwasablamelessfablethewayyoutoldit;andyouhavemadenounprofitablespeech,noronethat

510missedthepoint,soyoushallnotlackforclothes,noranythingrightfullyduetheunhappysuppliantwhoapproachesus.Fornow,thatis.Youmustflauntyourragsagaininthemorning.Therearenotmanyextramantlesandextratunicsheretochangeinto.Thereisonlyonesetforeachman.

515When,however,thedearsonofOdysseuscomesback,hewillgiveyouamantleandtunictowearasclothing,andsendyouwhereveryourheartandspiritdesiretobesent.’

Sohespoke,andsprangup,andlaidabedforhimnexttothefire,andthrewthefleecesofsheepandgoatsoverit.

520ThereOdysseuslaydown,andhethrewoverhimamantlethatwasgreatandthick,whichhekeptbyhimasanextracoveringtowrapinwhenwinterweathercameonandwastoorigorous.

SothereOdysseuswenttobedandtheyoungmenbesidehimlaydownalsotogotosleep.Onlytheswineherd

525didnotpleasetoleavehispigs,andgotobedindoors,

Eumaiossleepswiththepigs

butmadepreparationsashewentout;andOdysseuswashappythathislivelihoodwassowellcaredforwhilehewasabsent.Firsttheswineherdslunghissharpswordonhisheavyshoulders,andputaverythickmantleabouthim,tokeepthewindout,

530andtookupalsothehairyskinofagreat,well-conditionedgoat,andtookupasharpjavelinasaprotectionagainstmenanddogs,andwenttosleepwherehispigs,withshiningteeth,layinthehollowofarock,shelteredfromtheNorthWind.

BOOKXV

Atthistime,PallasAthenemadeherwayintowide-spacedLakedaimon,toremindtheshiningsonofgreat-heartedOdysseusofhisjourneyhome,andspeedhishomecoming.ShefoundTelemachostherewiththeglorioussonofNestor,

5sleepingintheforecourtofworshipfulMenelaos.Indeed,thesonofNestorwasheldfastinthesofteningsleep,butthesweetsleepwasnotonTelemachos,wakefulthroughtheimmortalnight,withanxiousthoughtsofhisfather.Gray-eyedAthenestoodclosebyhisheadandaddressedhim:

10‘Telemachos,itnolongerbecomesyoutostrayoffsofarfromhome,leavingyourpossessionsbehindandmeninyourpalacewhoaresooverbearing.Youmustnotletthemdivideupandeatupallyoursubstance,andmakeyourjourneyavainone.SourgeMenelaosofthegreatwarcrywithallspeedtogiveyou

15conveyance,soyouwillfindyourstatelymotherisstillthereathome,sincenowherfatherandherbrothersareurgentwithhertomarryEurymachos.Heisoutdoingtherestofsuitorsinthegivingofgifts,andhasbeenpilinguppresentstowinher.Nopropertymustgooutofthehouse,unlessyouconsenttoit.

20Foryouknowwhatthemindislikeinthebreastofawoman.Shewantstobuildupthehouseholdofthemanwhomarriesher,andofformerchildren,andofherbelovedandweddedhusband,shehasnoremembrance,whenheisdead,nordoesshethinkofhim.Foryourself,whenyoucomeback,youshouldturnovereverything

TelemachosasksMenelaos

25towhicheveroneoftheservingwomenseemstobethebestone,untilthegodsshowwhoistobeyourhonoredwife.AlsoyoushouldputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.Thebestmenofthesuitorsarelyinginwait,onpurpose,foryouinthepassagebetweenrockySamosandIthaka,

30longingtokillyou,beforeyoucomebacktoyourowncountry.ButIthinktheywillnotachieveit.Soonertheearthwillcloseoversomeoneofthesuitors,theywhoareeatingawayyoursubstance.Butyoumustkeepyourwell-madeshipawayfromtheislands,andsailwiththenight,andthatoneoftheimmortalswhowatches

35overyouandguardsyouwillsendafollowingsternwind.Butwhenyoumakeland,atthefirstpromontoryonIthaka,thenspeedyourshipandallyourcompanionsalongtothecity,butyouyourselfgofirstofalltotheswineherd,thatmanwhoisinchargeofthepigs,andwhosethoughtstowardyouarekindly.

40Therespendthenight,butspeedthemanalongtothecitytotakeyourmessagetocircumspectPenelope,sayingthatyouarealiveandsafe,andyouhavecomehomefromPylos.’

Soshespoke,andthenwentaway,backtotallOlympos,andTelemachoswakenedNestor'ssonoutofhissweetsleep,

45stirringhimwithanudgeofhisheel,andspokeawordtohim:‘Wake,Peisistratos,sonofNestor,andbringyoursolid-hoofedhorsesundertheyoketoharness,sowecanstartback.’

Peisistratos,thesonofNestor,saidtohiminanswer:‘Telemachos,thoughwelongforthejourney,surelywecannot

50drivethroughthedarkofthenight,butitwillbedaylightpresently.Butwaituntilthehero,thesonofAtreus,spear-famedMenelaos,bringsyouhisgiftstoputinthechariot,andspeakstous,andwithkindwordssendsusawayonourjourney.Foraguestremembersallhisdaysthemanwhoreceivedhim

55asahostreceivesaguest,andgavehimthegiftsoffriendship.’Sohespoke,andsoonafterDawnofthegoldenthronecame,

and,risingupfromhisbedwherehelaybysweet-hairedHelen,Menelaosofthegreatwarcrycameandstoodnearthem.AssoonthenasthedearsonofOdysseusnotedhim,

60hemadehastetosliptheshimmeringtunicoverhisskin,andtheherothrewagreatmantleoverhisheavyshoulders,andwenttothedoor,andstoodbyhishostandaddressedhim,

forpermissiontoleave

he,Telemachos,thedearsonofgodlikeOdysseus:‘GreatMenelaos,sonofAtreus,leaderofthepeople,

65nowsendmeonmywayatlasttomyowndearcountry,fornowtheheartwithinmelongsforthehomewardjourney.’

TheninturnMenelaosofthegreatwarcryanswered:‘Telemachos,Iformypartneverwilllongdetainyou

herewhenyoustrainforhome.Iwoulddisapproveofanother70hospitablemanwhowasexcessiveinfriendship,

asofoneexcessiveinhate.Inallthingsbalanceisbetter.Itisequallybadwhenonespeedsontheguestunwillingtogo,andwhenheholdsbackonewhoishastening.Ratheroneshouldbefriendtheguestwhoisthere,butspeedhimwhenhewishes.

75Yetstay,untilIcanbringyoufinegiftstoputinyourchariot,andyoucanlookatthemwithyoureyes,whileItellthewomentoprepareadinneroutofwhatwehavehereinabundance.Forthereisbothhonorandbrillianceinit,andtherealsoisprofit,todine,thengoalongwayovertheendlessearth.Therefore,

80ifyouwishtomakeatourthroughHellasandmidmostArgos,andhavemegomyselfwithyou,Iwillharnessmyhorsesandbeyourguidethroughthecitiesofmen,andtherewillbenoonewhowillsendusawayjustasweare,buteachonewillgiveusonethingtocarryawaywithus,sometripodorcaldron

85wellwroughtinbronze,orapairofmules,oragoldengoblet.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘GreatMenelaos,sonofAtreus,leaderofthepeople,Iwishnowtogobacktoourcountry,forIleftbehindmenoonewhenIwent,tolookaftermyownpossessions.

90Imustnot,goinginsearchofmygodlikefather,ruinmyself,orhavesomestored-uptreasurelostfrommypalace.’

ButassoonasMenelaosofthegreatwarcryhadheardthis,immediatelyhetoldhiswifeandallthemaidservantstoprepareadinneroutofwhatwasthereinabundance;

95and,risenfromhisbed,EteoneusthesonofBoethoöscametothem,sincehehadhisowndwellingnotfarfromthem.Menelaosofthegreatwarcrytoldhimtokindlethefireandroastthemeat,nordidthemandisobeyhim.Meanwhilehehimselfwentintothefragrantchamber,

100notalone,butMegapenthesandHelenwentwithhim.

Courtesiesandgift-giving

Butwhentheycametotheplacewheretheyhadtheirtreasuresstored,thesonofAtreustookupthegoblet,handledonbothsides,andtoldMegapenthestocarrythemixingbowl,thatwasmadeofsilver;butHelenwenttostandbythestoringboxes,

105wheretherewereelaboratelywroughtrobes.Sheherselfhadmadethem.AndHelen,shiningamongwomen,liftedoutoneofthem,thatwhichwastheloveliestindesignandthelargest

andshonelikeastar.Itlaybeneaththeothers.Shewentonherway,furtherandoutthroughthehouse,untilshecameto

110Telemachos;thenfair-hairedMenelaossaidtohim:‘Telemachos,mayZeus,loud-thunderinghusbandofHera,accomplishyourhomewardjourneyinthewaythatyourheartdesiresit.OfallthosegiftsthatliestoredawayinmyhouseIwillgiveyoutheonewhichismostsplendidandesteemedatthehighestvalue.

115Iwillgiveyouafashionedmixingbowl.Itisofsilver,allbuttheedges,andthesearefinishedingold.ThisistheworkofHephaistos.TheheroPhaidimos,theSidonians’king,gaveittome,whenhishousetookmeinandshelteredmethere,onmywayhome.Iwouldgiveittoyouforapresent.’

120Sospeaking,thehero,Atreus’son,putthehandledgobletintohishands,andmeanwhilestrongMegapenthescarriedoutthemixingbowlgleamingwithsilverandsetitbeforethem.Helenofthefaircheeksstoodby,holdingtherobeinherhands,andspoketohimandnamedhim,saying:

125‘Itoogiveyouthisgift,dearchild:somethingtorememberfromHelen'shands,foryourwifetowearatthelovelyoccasionofyourmarriage.Untilthattimeletitlieawayinyourpalace,inyourdearmother'skeeping;andIhopeyoucomebackrejoicingtoyourownstrong-foundedhouseandtothelandofyourfathers.’

130Sospeaking,sheputitinhishands,andhegladlyreceivedit.TheheroPeisistratostookthepresentsandpackedthemintothecarryingbasket,andinhisownmindadmiredeverything.Fair-hairedMenelaosledthembackintohispalace,andthetwoyoungmenseatedthemselvesonchairsandbenches.

135Amaidservantbroughtwaterforthemandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasinforthemtowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforethem.Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittothem,addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions,

AportentreadbyHelen

140andthesonofBoethoöscarvedthemeatandservedouttheportions,whilethesonofgloriousMenelaospouredthewineforthem.Theyputtheirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,thenTelemachosandtheglorioussonofNestor

145harnessedthehorsesandmountedupintothechariotbrightwithbronze,anddrovethemoutthefrontdoorandtheechoingportico.

Butfair-hairedMenelaosthesonofAtreusfollowed,bearinginhisrighthandagoldencupthatwasfilledwithwineassweetashoney,sotheycouldpouralibation

150astheywent.Hestoodbeforethechariotandspokeandpledgedthem:‘Farewell,youngmen;givemygreetingtotheshepherdofthepeople,Nestor,foralwayshewaskindtomelikeafather,whenwesonsoftheAchaianswerefightinginTroyland.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:155‘Surely,illustrioussir,whenwearriveweshalltellhim

allthatyousay,andIwishthatevensoItoo,arrivinginIthaka,couldfindOdysseusthereinourpalace,andtellhimIwasreturningfromyou,havinghadalllovingtreatment,andbringingmanyexcellenttreasuresgivenme.’

160Ashespokeabirdflewbyontheright,aneaglecarryinginhistalonsagreatwhitegoosehehadcaughttamefromtheyard,andallofthem,menandwomen,withstoppedbreathfollowedhisflight;buttheeagle,asheapproachedthem,shotbyontherightbeforethechariot,andtheyseeing

165werefilledwithjoyandtheheartsinallofthemweresoftened.FirstofthemtospeakwasPeisistratos,sonofNestor:‘Menelaos,illustrious,leaderofthepeople,telluswhetherthegodshowedthissignforyou,orwasitforustwo?’

Sohespoke,andwarlikeMenelaoswaspondering170howtospeakhisthoughtstherightwayandgivethemananswer;

butHelenofthelightrobesanticipatedhim,saying:‘Hearme!Ishallbeyourprophet,thewaytheimmortalsputitintomyheart,andIthinkitwillbeaccomplished.Asthiseaglecamedownfromthemountain,wherewashisorigin

175andparentage,andcaughtthegoosethatwasnursedinthehousehold,soOdysseus,afterwanderinglongandsufferingmuch,willcomehomeandtakerevenge;orheisalready

ReturntoPylos—Nestoravoided

home,andmakingaplanofevilforallofthesuitors.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

180‘MayZeus,highthunderinghusbandofHera,soappointit.ThenevenathomeIwouldmakemyprayerstoyou,astoagoddess.’

Hespoke,andlaidthelashonhishorses,andtheyveryquicklyandwitheagerspiritdashedawaytotheplain,throughthecity.Alldaylongtheyshooktheyoketheyworeontheirshoulders.

185Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.TheycametoPheraiand

reachedthehouseofDiokles,whowassonofOrtilochos,whomAlpheiosoncehadchilded.Theretheysleptthenightandhegavethemhospitality.

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,190theyyokedthehorsesagainandmountedthechariotsbrightwith

bronze,anddrovethemoutthefrontdoorandtheechoingportico,andhewhippedthemintoarunandtheywingedtheirwayunreluctant.PresentlytheyapproachedthesheercitadelofPylos,andthenTelemachosspokeawordtothesonofNestor:

195‘SonofNestor,wouldyouacceptwhatIsayandbringittopass?ForyouandIcanavowourselvesfriendsforeverbecauseofourfathers’love,andthetwoofusarethesameage,andthisjourneyofourswilladdtothefeelingwehaveforeachother.Thendonottakeme,illustrious,pastmyship,butleaveme

200there,forfeartheoldmaninhisaffectionwillkeepmeinhishouselongerthanIwish.ButImustmakemywayquickly.’

Hespoke,andthesonofNestorponderedthethoughtwithinhim,howhecouldfairlyundertakethisandseeitaccomplished.Inthedivisionofhisheartthiswayseemedbesttohim.

205Heturnedthehorsestowardthefastshipandthesandoftheseashore,andontothesternoftheshipunloadedthebeautifulpresents,theclothingandthegold,whichMenelaoshadgiven,andspoke,speedinghimonhisway,andaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Goaboardnowinhaste,andurgeonallyourcompanions

210togo,beforeIreachhomeandtakethenewstotheoldman.ForIknowthisthingwellinmyheart,andmymindknowsit,howoverbearinghisangerwillbe,andhewillnotletyougo,butwillcomehimselftosummonyou,andIdonotthinkhewillgoawaywithoutyou.Asitis,hewillbeveryangry.’

215Sohespoke,anddroveawayhisbright-manedhorsesbacktothecityofthePylians,andreachedhishomequickly.

Encounterwithafugitive

Telemachosthengavethesignandurgedhiscompanions:‘Putallrunninggearinorder,friends,ontheblackship,andletusourselvesgoaboard,sowecangetonwiththejourney.’

220Sohespoke,andtheylistenedwelltohimandobeyedhim,andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipandsattotheoarlocks.So,whilehewasbusywithprayerandsacrificetoAthenebesidethesternoftheship,therecametohimanoutlanderfromArgos,wherehehadkilledaman;nowhewasafugitive.

225Hewasaprophet,andbybloodwasofthestockofMelampous.MelampousoncehadlivedinPylos,motherofsheepflocks,arichmanamongthePylians,athomeinhishighhouse;butthenhecametothelandofothermen,fleeinghiscountryandgreat-heartedNeleus,theproudestofallmenliving,

230whountilayearwasfulfilledkeptmuchofhissubstancebyforce,forMelampousmeanwhileinthehallsofPhylakoswasheldinconstraintofwearisomebondage,sufferingstrongpainsforthesakeofNeleus’daughter,andthebitterinfatuationwhichthegoddessErinys,wreckerofhouses,inflicteduponhim.

235Yetheescapeddeath,anddroveawaytheloud-lowingcattlefromPhylaketoPylos,andachievedtheunjustlaborgodlikeNeleusimposedonhim,andledbacktheladytohisbrother'shouse;buthehimselfwenttothelandofothers,tohorse-pasturingArgos,sincenowitwasordainedforhim

240thatheshouldlivethereandbelordovermanyArgives.Andtherehetoomarriedawifeandestablishedahigh-roofedhouse,andhadchildren,MantiosandAntiphates,strongsons.Antiphateshadason;thiswasgreat-heartedOïkles.HissonwasAmphiaraos,leaderofstormingarmies,

245whomZeusoftheaegislovedinhisheart,asdidApollo,witheveryfavor,buthenevercametothedoorsillofoldage,butperishedinThebes,becausehiswifehadbeenbribedwithpresents.Heinturnhadsons,AmphilochosandAlkmaion.ThechildrenborntoMantioswerePolypheidesandKleitos,

250butDawnofthegoldenthronecarriedKleitosaway,becauseofhisbeauty,sothathemightdwellamongtheimmortals;butApollomadehigh-heartedPolypheidesaprophet,andfarthebestamongmortals,afterAmphiaraoshaddied.He,angeredwithhisfather,inHyperesia

255livedandwaslord,andtherehewasaprophetforallmen.

Theoklymenosthefugitiveprophet

Itwasthisman'sson,bynameTheoklymenos,whonowcametoTelemachosandstoodnear,andtherehefoundhimpouringlibationandprayingbesidehisfastblackvessel.Hecameandspoketohimaloudandaddressedhiminwingedwords:

260‘Dearfriend,sinceIhavefoundyouinthisplace,makingsacrifice,Ientreatyou,firstbytheseritesandspirit,thenalsobyyourownheadandbyyourcompanions,whotravelwithyou,tellmetrulythisthingthatIaskyou,andholdbacknothing:

Whatmanareyouandwhence?Whereisyourcity?Yourparents?’265ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Friend,Iwillaccuratelyanswerall

thatyouaskme.Ithakaismycountry,andOdysseusismyfather,ifeverhelived;butbynowhemusthavediedbyadismaldeath.So,takingmyblackshipandwithmycompanions,

270Ihavecomefornewsofmyfatherwhohasbeensolongabsent.’ThengodlikeTheoklymenossaidtohiminanswer:

‘SoItooamoutofmycountry,becauseIhavekilledamanofmytribe,buthehadmanybrothersandrelativesinhorse-pasturingArgos,withgreatpoweramongtheAchaians.

275Avoidingdeathatthehandsofthesemenandblackdoom,Iamafugitive,sinceitismyfatetobeawandereramongmen.Givemeaplaceinyourship,sinceIhavecometoyouasasuppliant,lesttheykillme;fornowIthinktheyareafterme.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:280‘Iwillnotwillinglythrustyouawayfrommybalancedship.Come,then,

withme.Thereyouwillbeentertained,fromwhatwehaveleft.’SoTelemachosspoke,andtookthebronzespearfromhim,

andlaiditatlengthuponthedeckoftheoarsweptvessel.Thenhehimselfmountedonboardtheseagoingvessel

285andtookhisseatonthesterndeck,andnexthimheseatedTheoklymenos,andnowthemencastoffthesterncables.Telemachosthengavethesignandurgedhiscompanionstolayholdofthetackle,andtheylistenedtohisurging,andraisingthemastpolemadeoffirtheysetitupright

290inthehollowholeinthebox,andmadeitfastwithforestays,andwithhalyardsstronglytwistedofleatherpulledupthewhitesails.Thegoddessgray-eyedAthenesentthemafavoringsternwindblusteringstormilythroughthebrightair,sothatwithallspeedtheshipmightrunthewholeofhercoursethroughthesea'ssaltwater.

takenonbyTelemachos

295TheyranpastKrounoi,andpastChalkisonthefairwaters.Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.PressingonbeforethewindfromZeus,sheranpastPheai,andonpastshiningElis,wheretheEpeiansarelords;thenTelemachossethercourseovertowardthePointedIslands,

300asheponderedwhetherhewouldescapedeath,orbecaptured.ButnowintheshelterOdysseusandthenobleswineherd

wereeatingtheireveningmeal,andtherestofthemenwiththem.

Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,Odysseusspoketothem,makingtrialoftheswineherd,tosee

305ifhewastrulyhisfriendandwouldinvitehimtostayoninhissteadingashewas,orwouldurgehimtogotothecity:‘Hearmenow,Eumaios,andallyouothercompanions.Iamveryeagertomakemywayatdawntothecityandbegthere,soIwillnotwearyouout,andyourmen.Only

310advisemewell,andsendagoodguidetogoalongwithmeandseemethere.OnceinthetownImustevengobegginginmyneed,forsomeonetohandmeabitofbreadoracupful.ThenIwouldgointothehouseofgodlikeOdysseuswithamessageforcircumspectPenelope,totellher;

315andIwouldminglewiththeoverbearingsuitors,toseeifthey,whohavegoodthingsingreatnumbers,wouldgivemeadinner.SoonIwoulddogoodworkforthem,whatevertheywanted.ForItellyouthis,listentomeandunderstandme:bygraceofHermes,theguide,whodispensesglory

320andbeautyupontheendeavorsofallmen,Iamsuchaoneforworkwithmyhandsthatnoothermanalivecouldcompetewithmeforbuildingagoodfire,forsplittingupkindling,forcarvingthemeatorroastingthemeatorfillingthewinecups,forallsuchworkasmeanermenbestowontheirbetters.’

325Then,deeplytroubled,yousaidtohim,OswineherdEumaios:‘Omyguest,whatisthisideathathascomenowintoyourhead?Areyouutterlybentonachievingyourowndestructionthere,ifyoumeantoloseyourselfinthatswarmofsuitorswhoseoutrageousviolencegoesupintotheiron

330sky?Fornothinglikeyouaretheservingmenwhoworkforthem,butyoungmen,andwelldressedinmantlesandtunics,alwayswithneatoiledheadsandhandsomefaces.Thesearethepeoplewhoserveunderthesuitors,andtheirwell-polishedtables

LifestoryofEumaios

areheavilyloadedwithbreadandmeatsandwine.No,rather335stayhere.Thereisnoneherewhoisannoyedbyyourpresence,

neithermyselfnoranycompanionwhomIhavewithme.When,however,thedearsonofOdysseuscomesback,hewillgiveyouamantleandtunictowearasclothing,andsendyouwhereveryourheartandspiritdesiretobesent.’

340Thenmuch-enduringgreatOdysseussaidtohiminanswer:‘Iwish,Eumaios,youcouldbeasdeartoourfather

Zeusastome,sinceyoustoppedmywanderingandmyterriblesorrow.Thereisnothingworseformortalmenthanthevagrantlife,butstillforthesakeofthecursedstomachpeople

345endurehardsorrows,whenrovingandpainandgriefbefallthem.Butnow,sinceyoukeepsuchamanasIam,andbidmestayhere,comethen,tellmeaboutthemotherofgodlikeOdysseus,andhisfather,whomwhenhewentheleftonthedoorsillofoldage.Aretheystillaliveinthebeamsofthesunlight,

350oraretheydeadbynowandgonetothehouseofHades?’Theswineherd,leaderofmen,thensaidtohiminanswer:

‘So,myfriendandguest,Iwillgiveyouanaccurateanswer.Laertesisstillalive,butallthetimeheisprayingtoZeusthatthespiritwillleavehisbodyinhisownpalace;

355forterriblyhemournsoverthesonwhoisabsent,andforhisweddedvirtuouswife,whosedeathhashurthimmorethanallelse,andgavehimtoagreenuntimelyoldage.Shediedofgrievingoverhergloriousson,byadismaldeath;Ihopethatnofriendwholivesherewithme

360diessuchadeath,noranywhodoesmetheactsoffriendship.Nowwhileshewasstillalive,inspiteofhergrieving,itwasmypleasuretotryheroutandtoaskherquestions,becauseshebroughtmeupalongwithherstatelydaughter,Ktimeneofthelightrobes,theyoungestchild.Wetwo

365grewuptogether,andIwasonlyalittlelessfavored.Butwhenwehadbotharrivedatourlovelyprime,theygaveherawayformarriage,inSame,andforherweregivennumberlessgifts;buttheladygavemeamantleandtunic,excellentclothingsheputuponme,andgivingmesandalsformyfeet

370sentmetotheestate.Fromtheheartshelovedmedearly.NowIgolackingallthesethings,buttheblessedimmortalsprosperalltheworkthatImyselfdoabiding

onceaking'sson

here,whenceIeatanddrinkandgivetopeopleIhonor;butthereisnosweetoccasionnowtohearfrommymistress

375inwordorfact,sincetheevilhasfallenuponourhousehold,theseoverbearingmen,andgreatlytheservingpeoplemissthetalkintheirmistress'presence,theaskingofquestionsandeatinganddrinkingthere,thensomethingtotakehomewiththemtothecountry—whichalwayswarmstheheartsoftheservingpeople.’

380ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Youmusthavebeenvery

littlethen,OswineherdEumaios,whenyouwanderedfarawayfromyourowncountryandyourparents.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.Wastheresomestormingofyourwide-wayedcityofpeople,

385whereyourfatherandtheladyyourmotherlived,orwereyoucaughtalonebesideyoursheepandyourcattle?Andwasitenemymenwhocarriedyouintheirshipsandsoldyouhereinthisman'shouse,beingpaidafairpriceforyou?’

Theswineherd,leaderofmen,thensaidtohiminanswer:390‘Myguest,sinceindeedyouareaskingmeallthesequestions,

listeninsilenceandtakeyourpleasure,andsittheredrinkingyourwine.Thesenightsareendless,andamancansleepthroughthem,orhecanenjoylisteningtostories,andyouhavenoneedtogotobedbeforeitistime.Toomuchsleepisonly

395abore.Andoftheothers,anyonewhoseheartandspiriturgehimcangooutsideandsleep,andthen,whenthedawnshows,breakfastfirst,thengoouttotendtheswineofourmaster.Butwetwo,sittinghereintheshelter,eatinganddrinking,shallentertaineachotherrememberingandretelling

400oursadsorrows.Forafterwardsamanwhohassufferedmuchandwanderedmuchhaspleasureoutofhissorrows.SoIwilltellyounowtheanswertoallyourquestions.Thereisanisland,calledSyria,youmayhaveheardofit,lyingaboveOrtygia,wherethesunmakeshisturnings;

405notsomuchapopulousisland,butagoodone,goodforcattleandgoodforsheep,fullofvineyards,andwheatraising.Nohungerevercomesonthesepeople,noranyotherhatefulsickness,ofsuchasbefallwretchedhumanity;butwhenthegenerationsofmengrowoldinthecity,

410Apolloofthesilverbow,andArtemiswithhim,comeswithavisitationofpainlessarrows,andkillsthem.

KidnappedbyPhoenicians

Therearetwocities,andeverythingisdividedbetweenthem,andoverbothofthesecitiestherewasoneking,myfather,Ktesios,Ormenos'son,inthelikenessoftheimmortals.

415‘TherecamePhoenicianmen,famousseafarers,gnawersatothermen'sgoods,withcountlessprettythingsstoredintheirblackship.Nowinmyfather'shousetherewasaPhoenicianwoman,bothbeautifulandtall,andskilledinglorioushandiwork,andyetthesePhoenicians,subtlemenintheirtalk,beguiledher.

420Firstofall,whenshewentoutwashing,oneofthemlaywithherinlove'sembracebythehollowship,whichforfemalewomenisaheart'sbeguilement,evenfortheonewhoisaskilledworker.Thenheaskedherwhoandwhenceshewas.Shereadilytoldthemallaboutthehigh-roofedhouseofherfather:

425“IclaimthatIcomefromSidon,richinbronze;IamdaughterofArybas,whohasriversofwealth,butmenfromTaphos,pirates,caughtmeandcarriedmeawayasIcamebackhomefromthefields,andcarriedmetothisplaceandsoldmehereinthisman'shouse,beingpaidafairpriceforme.”

430‘Thenthemanwhohadlainwithhersecretlysaidtoher:“Wouldyouthenbewillingtogobackhomeagainwithus,toseeoncemorethehigh-roofedhouseofyourfatherandmotherandthemselvestoo?Fortheyarestillalive,andcalledwealthy.”

‘Theninturnthewomanansweredthemandsaidtothem:435“Thatalsocouldbedoneifyou,sailors,werewilling

toassuremebyanoaththatyouwouldtakemehomesafely.”‘Soshespoke,andallofthemsworetothis,assheaskedthem.

Butwhentheyhadsworntheoath,andmadeanendoftheirswearing,thenonceagainthewomanspoketothemandsaidtothem:

440“Silence,now.Noneofyourcompanionsmustsayanythingtome,whenhehappenstomeetmeinthestreet,orelseperhapsatthespring;somebodymightgotothehouseandtellittotheoldman,andhemightbesuspicious,andbindmeinpainfulbondage,andplandestructionagainsttherestofyou.

445Butkeepthewordinyourhearts,andgetonwithbuyingyourhomewardcargo.Butwhenyourshipisloadedwithgoods,thenlettherebesomeonesenttomeatthehousewithwordofit,quickly.ForIwillbringyougold,whateverIcanlaymyhandon.AndthereisanotherthingIwouldwillinglygiveyou,topayfor

andatreacherousnurseandsold

450mywayhome.Iamnursetotheman'ssoninhisplace,suchacunningchild,asherunsaroundoutside.IfIcouldtakehimaboardyourship,hewouldbringyouapricebeyondcounting,whereveryoumightsellhimamongalien-speakingpeople.”

‘Soshespoke,andwentawaybacktothesplendidpalace,455andthey,withtheirhollowship,forthewholeofayearremaining

inourcountry,tradedandpiledupmuchsubstance.Butwhenatlasttheirhollowshipwasloadedforsailing,theysenttheirmessenger,tobringthenewstothewoman.

Therecameaknowledgeablemantothehouseofmyfather,460withagoldennecklace,anditwasstrungwithpiecesofamber.

Nowinthehalltheservingwomenwiththeladymymotherwereturningitintheirhandsandeyingitandofferingtobuyit,andthemannoddedsilentlytothewoman,thenafternoddingtoherhewentawaytothehollow

465ship,andshetookmyhandandledmeoutofthepalace.Thereintheforecourtshecameuponthecupsandthetablesofmenwhohadbeenfeasting,associatesofmyfather,butthesehadgonetoasessionanddebateofthepeople.Shesnatchedthreegobletsandhidtheminthefoldofherbosom,

470andcarriedthemoff,andIinmyinnocencewentwithher.Andthesunset,andallthejourneyingwaysweredarkened.Walkingfast,wemadeourwaytothegloriousharbor,wherelaythefast-runningshipofthemenfromPhoenicia.Theythenputtingoutwentoverthewaysofthewater

475aftertakingusaboard,andZeussentawindtofollow.Thusitwasthatforsixdays,nightandday,wesailedon,butwhenZeus,sonofKronos,hadbroughtontheseventhday,Artemisoftheshoweringarrowsstruckdownthewoman,andshedroppedwithasplash,likeadivingtern,inthehull'sbilge.Theythen

480threwheroverboardtobethespoilofthefishesandseals,whileIwasleftalone,heartfullofsorrow;andthewindandthecurrentcarriedthemenandbroughtthemtoIthaka,whereLaertesboughtmeforhimselfwithhisownpossessions.ThusitwasthatIcametoseteyesonthiscountry.’

485InturnillustriousOdysseusgavehimananswer:‘Eumaios,youhavedeeplystirredthespiritwithinme

ArrivalofTelemachosonIthaka

bytellingmeallthesethings,thesorrowsyourhearthassuffered.ButbesidethesorrowZeushasplacedsomegoodforyou,seeingthataftermuchsufferingyoucameintothehouseofakindly

490man,who,asheoughttodo,providesyouwithvictualsanddrink,andthelifeyouleadisagoodone.ButIcometoyouonlyaftermuchwanderinginthecitiesofpeople.’

Sonowthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,thenslept,butnotforverymuchtime,onlyforalittle,

495sincesoonthegloriousdawncameon.Ashore,Telemachos'companionsnowloosenedthesails,andtookdownthemasttree,easily,androwedherinwithoarstothemooring.

Theythrewovertheanchorstonesandmadefastthesterncables,andthemselvessteppedoutontothebreakoftheseabeach,

500andthenmadereadytheirdinner,andmixedthebrightwinewithwater.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,thenthethoughtfulTelemachosbegantheirdiscourse:‘Therestofyounowtaketheblackshipontothecity,whileIgoouttovisittheestateandtheherdsmen.

505Intheevening,whenIhavelookedattheholdings,Iwillcomebacktotown.Iwillsetagoodfeastbeforeyou,meatsandsweet-tastingwine,tobemythanksforsharingthejourneywithme.’

TheninturngodlikeTheoklymenossaidtohim:‘WhereshallIgothen,dearchild?Ofthemenwhoarelordshere

510inrockyIthaka,whoistherewhosehouseIcanvisit?OrshallIgostraighttothehousewhereyoulive,andtoyourmother?’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Werethingsotherwise,indeedIwouldurgeyoutovisitourhouse;welacknomeansashosts,andyetforyourself

515itwouldbeworse,forIshallbeabsent,norwillmymotherseeyou;withsuitorsthereinthehouseshedoesnotoftenappear,butstaysintheupperroomandworksatherweaving.ButIwillindicateanothermanyoucouldgoto,Eurymachos,theglorioussonofprudentPolybos,

520whomnowthepeopleofIthakalookonasondivinity,sinceheistheirbestmanbyfar,andisthemosteagertomarrymymotherandseizetherightsandpowersofOdysseus;butZeustheOlympian,dwellinginthehighair,knowswhethertheevildaywillendhimbeforehecanmakethatmarriage.’

525Ashespoke,abirdflewbyontheright,afalcon,

Theoklymenosreadsaportent

swiftmessengerofApollo,andinhisclawshecarriedapigeonandtoreatitsothatashoweroffeathersdriftedtothegroundbetweentheshipandTelemachos.Theoklymenoscalledhimawayfromhisothercompanions

530andtookhimbythehandandspokeandnamedhim,saying:‘Telemachos,notwithoutagod'swilldidthisbirdflypastyouontheright,forIknewwhenIsawitthatitwasaportent.NootherfamilyshallbekinglierthanyoursinthecountryofIthaka,butyoushallhavelordlypowerforever.’

535ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Ifonlythisword,strangerandguest,werebroughttofulfillment,

soonyouwouldbeawareofmyloveandmanygiftsgivenbyme,soanymanwhometyouwouldcallyoublessed.’

Hespoke,andsaidawordtoPeiraios,afaithfulcompanion:540‘Peiraios,sonofKlytios,inotherwaysalsoyoufollow

mywill,beyondtheotherfriendswhowentwithmetoPylos.Sonowtootakethisguesthometoyourhouseandgivehimhishonordueandlovingattention,untilIcometoyou.’

Sohespoke,andspear-famedPeiraiosgavehimananswer:545‘Telemachos,evenifyouweretostayoutthereforalongtime,

weshalllacknomeansashoststothisman,andIshalllookafterhim.’Sospeakinghewentaboardtheshipandtoldhiscompanions

alsotogoaboard,andtocastoffthesterncables,andquicklytheywentaboardtheshipsandsattotheoarlocks;

550butunderhisfeetTelemachosboundonhisfairsandals,andthencaughtupapowerfulspear,edgedwithsharpbronze,fromtheship'sdeck,buttheothermencastoffthesterncables,andpushedoffandsailedawaytothecity,astheywereaskedtobyTelemachos,belovedsonofgodlikeOdysseus.

555Hesteppedout,andhisfeettookhimswiftly,untilhecametotheyard,wheretherewerecountlesspigs,andnearthemalwayssleptthenobleswineherd,withkindthoughtsforhismasters.

BOOKXVI

Thesetwointheshelter,Odysseusandthenobleswineherd,stirredthefireatdawn,andarrangedtheirbreakfast,andsenttheherdsmenoutwiththepasturingpigs.AtthistimetheclamorousdogscamefawningaroundTelemachos,nordid

5theybarkathimashecame,andgreatOdysseusnoticedthatthedogswerefawning;abovethemheheardtheloudnoiseoffootsteps.ImmediatelyhespokeinwingedwordstoEumaios:‘Eumaios,someoneisonhiswayherewhoistrulyoneofyours,orelsewellknown,sincethedogsarenotbarking

10butfawningabouthim,andIcanhearthethudofhisfootsteps.’Hiswholewordhadnotbeenspokenwhenhisbeloved

sonstoodintheforecourt.Amazed,theswineherdstartedup,andthevessels,wherehehadbeenbusilymixingthebrightwine,fellfromhishand.Hecameuptomeethismaster,

15andkissedhishead,andkissedtoohisbeautifulshiningeyes,andbothhishands,andtheswellingtearfellfromhim.Andasafather,withheartfulloflove,welcomeshisonlyandgrownson,forwhosesakehehasundergonemanyhardshipswhenhecomesbackinthetenthyearfromadistantcountry,

20sonowthenobleswineherd,clingingfasttogodlikeTelemachos,kissedhimevenasifhehadescapeddying,andinaburstofweepinghespoketohiminwingedwords:‘Youhavecome,Telemachos,sweetlight;IthoughtIwouldnever

TelemachosfindsOdysseusandEumaios

seeyouagain,whenyouhadgoneintheshiptoPylos.25Butcomenowintothehouse,dearchild,sothatIcanpleasure

myheartwithlookingatyouagainwhenyouareinside;foryoudonotcomeveryoftentotheestateandtheherdsmen,butyoustayintown,sincenowitseemsyouareevenmindedtofacethedeadlycompanyofthelordlysuitors.’

30ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Soitshallbe,myfather;butitwasforyoursakeIcamehere,tolookuponyouwithmyeyes,andtohearawordfromyou,whethermymotherenduresstillinthehalls,orwhethersomeothermanhasmarriedher,andthebedofOdysseus

35liesforlornofsleeperswithspiderwebsgrownuponit.’Theninturntheswineherd,leaderofmen,saidtohim:

‘Alltoomuchwithenduringheartshedoeswaitforhimthereinyourownpalace,andalwayswithherthewretchednightsandthedaysalsowasteherawaywithweeping.’

40Sohespoke,andtookthebronzespearfromhim.Telemachosthenwentinsideandsteppedoverthesillofstone,andhisfatherOdysseusrosefromhisseatandyieldedhimplaceasheentered,butTelemachosfromtheothersidecheckedhimandsaidtohim:‘No,sit,myfriend,andweshallfindusanotherseat,here

45inourownshelter;themanisherewhowilllayitforus.’Hespoke,andOdysseuswentbackagainandsatdown.Theswineherd

strewedgreenbrushwoodandfleecesonthegroundforhim.TherethebelovedsonofOdysseusseatedhimself,andforthemtheswineherdbroughtandsetbesidethemplattersofroasted

50meat,whichtheyhadleftoverwhentheywereeatingearlier;andhastilysetbreadbythem,pilingitinbaskets,andmixedthewine,assweetashoney,inabowlofivy.HehimselfsatdownacrossfromgodlikeOdysseus.Theyputforththeirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.

55Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,thenatlastTelemachosquestionedthenobleswineherd:‘Father,wheredidthisstrangercomefrom?HowdidthesailorsbringhimtoIthaka?Whatmendotheyclaimthattheyare?ForIdonotthinkhecouldhavetraveledonfoottothiscountry.’

60Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘So,mychild,Iwillrelateyouthewholetruestory.Heannounceshimselfbybirthtobeonefromspacious

TroublesinIthakadescribed

Crete,buthiswanderingshavewheeledhimthroughmanycitiesofmortalmen,forsothedivinityspunhisthreadforhim,

65andnowthistimehehasfledawayoffashipofThesprotianmen,andcometomysteading.Iputhimintoyourhandsnow.Dowithhimasyouwill.Henameshimselfyoursuppliant.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘Eumaios,thiswordyouspokehurtmyheartdeeply.Forhow70shallItakeandentertainastrangerguestinmyhouse?

Imyselfamyoungandhavenofaithinmyhands'strengthtodefendaman,ifanyoneelsepicksaquarrelwithhim;andmymother'sheartisdividedinher,andponderstwoways,whethertoremainherewithme,andlookafterthehousehold,

75keepfaithwithherhusband'sbed,andregardthevoiceofthepeople,orgoawayatlastwiththebestmanoftheAchaianswhopayshercourtinherpalace,andbringsherthemostpresents.Butasforthisstranger,sinceitisyourhousehehascometo,Iwillgivehimamantleandtunictowear,fineclothing,

80andgivehimsandalsforhisfeet,aswordwithtwoedges,andsendhimwhereverhisheartandspiritdesiretobesent.Orifyouwill,keephimhereinyoursteadingandlookafterhim,andIwillsendtheclothesouthere,andallprovisionstoeat,sohewillnotbehardonyou,noronyourcompanions;

85butIwillnotlethimgodownthereandbewherethesuitorsare,fortheiroutrageousnessistoostrong,andIfeartheymayinsulthim,andthatwillbeahardsorrowuponmeandadifficultoneforevenastrongmantodealwithamongtoomanyofthem,sincetheywillbefarthestronger.’

90Thenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusspoketohiminanswer:‘Dearfriend,sinceintruthIamprivilegedtospeakofthis,youeatawaythedearheartinme,asIlistentowhatyoutellofthesuitorsandtheirrecklesscontrivingsinsideyourpalace,againstyourwill,whenyouaresuchaone

95asyouare.Tellme,areyouwillinglyoppressedbythem?Dothepeoplehateyouthroughoutthisplace,swayedbysomeimpulsegivenfromthegods?Doyoufindyourbrotherswanting?Amantrustshelpfromtheseinthefightingwhenagreatquarrelarises.IwishthatIweretrulyasyoungasIaminspirit,

100orasonofstatelyOdysseuswerehere,orhehimselfmightcomeinfromhiswandering.Thereistimestillforhope.Ifsuch

EumaiossenttoPenelope

thingscouldbe,anothercouldstrikemyheadfrommyshouldersifIdidnotcomeasanevilthingtoallthosepeopleasIenteredthepalaceofOdysseus,thesonofLaertes.

105AndifI,fightingalone,weresubduedbyalltheirnumber,thenIwouldratherdie,cutdowninmyownpalace,thanhavetogoonwatchingforevertheseshamefulactivities,

guestsbeingbatteredabout,ortoseethemrudelymishandlingtheservingwomenallaboutthebeautifulpalace,

110toseethemdrawingthewineandeatingupfoodinthisutterlyrecklessway,withoutend,foreverandalwaysatit.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘So,myfriend,Iwilltellyouplainlythewholetruthofit.Itisnotthatallthepeoplehateme,noraretheyangry,

115norisitthatIfindbrotherswanting,whomamantrustsforhelpinthefighting,wheneveragreatquarrelarises.ForsoitisthatthesonofKronosmadeoursasingleline.Arkeisioshadonlyasingleson,Laertes,andLaerteshadonlyoneson,Odysseus;Odysseusinturn

120leftonlyoneson,myself,inthehalls,andgotnoprofitofme,andmyenemiesarehereinmyhouse,beyondnumbering.Forallthegreatestmenwhohavethepowerintheislands,inDoulichionandSameandinwoodedZakynthos,andallwhoinrockyIthakaareholdersoflordships,

125alltheseareaftermymotherformarriage,andwearmyhouseout.Andshedoesnotrefusethehatefulmarriage,norissheabletomakeanendofthematter;andtheseeatingupmysubstancewasteitaway;andsoontheywillbreakmemyselftopieces.Yetallthesearethingsthatarelyinguponthegods'knees.

130FatherEumaios,goquicklynow,andtellthecircumspectPenelopethatIamsafeandhavecomefromPylos.Imyselfwillstayhere.Yougotherequickly,andgivethismessagetoheralone,andletnootherAchaianhearit;fortherearemanytherewhoareplottingagainstme.’

135Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Isee,Iunderstand;youspeaktoonewhofollowsyou.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.ShallIonthesameerrandgowiththenewstowretchedLaertes,whowhilehesogreatlygrievedforOdysseus

140yetwouldlookafterhisfarmandwiththethrallsinhishousehold

Odysseusrevealshimself

wouldeatanddrink,wheneverthespiritwasurgentwithhim;butnow,sinceyouwentawayintheshiptoPylos,theysayhehasnoteateninthisway,nordrunkanything,norlookedtohisfarm,butalwaysinlamentationandmourning

145sitsgrieving,andthefleshonhisbonesiswastingfromhim.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘Thoughithurtsthemore,weshalllethimbe,foralloursorrow.Forifitweresomehowgiventomortalstohavetheirchoosinginallthings,weshouldchoosemyfather'sdayofhomecoming.

150Butyou,whenyouhavegivenyourmessage,comebackanddonotgoofftotheestatetoseehim,buttellmymothertotelltheservantwhoishousekeepertogothereswiftlyandsecretly,andshecangivethenewstotheoldman.’

Hespoke,andstartedtheswineherd,whoinhishandstookup155hissandalsandtiedthemonhisfeettostartforthecity.

NorwasAtheneunawarethatEumaiostheswineherdhadleftthesteading,butshecamenear,likenedtoawomanbeautifulandtall,andskilledinglorioushandiwork,andstoodintheforecourtoftheshelter,seenbyOdysseus.

160ButTelemachosdidnotlookherwaynordidheperceiveher;forthegodsdonotshowthemselvesinthiswaytoeveryone;butOdysseussawherandthedogsdid;theywerenotbarking,butcoweredaway,whimpering,totheothersideoftheshelter.Shenoddedtohimwithherbrows,andnobleOdysseus

165sawher,andcamefromthehouse,outsidethegreatwallofthecourtyard,andstoodinherpresence.ThenAthenespoketohim,saying:‘SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,itistimenowtotellyoursonthestory;nolongerhideit,sothat,contrivingdeathanddoomforthesuitors,

170youtwomaygotothegloriouscity.Imyselfshallnotbelongabsentfromyouinmyeagernessforthefighting.’

SospokeAthene,andwithhergoldenwandshetappedhim.Firstshemadethemantleandthetunicthatcoveredhischestturnbrightandclean;sheincreasedhisstrengthandstature.

175Hisdarkcolorcamebacktohimagain,hisjawsfirmed,andthebeardthatgrewabouthischinturnedblack.Athenewentawayoncemore,havingdoneherwork,butOdysseuswentbackintotheshelter.Hisbelovedsonwasastonishedandturnedhiseyesintheotherdirection,fearingthismustbe

toTelemachos

180agod,andspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Suddenlyyouhavechanged,myfriend,fromwhatyouwereformerly;yourskinisnolongerasitwas,youhaveotherclothing.Surelyyouareoneofthegodswhoholdthehighheaven.Begracious,then:soweshallgiveyoufavoredofferings

185andgoldengiftsthathavebeenwellwrought.Onlybemerciful.’

Theninturnlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusansweredhim:‘No,Iamnotagod.Whylikenmetotheimmortals?ButIamyourfather,forwhosesakeyouarealwaysgrievingasyoulookforviolencefromothers,andendurehardships.’

190Sohespoke,andkissedhisson,andthetearsrunningdownhischeekssplashedontheground.Untilnow,hewasalwaysunyielding.ButTelemachos,forhedidnotyetbelievethatthiswashisfather,spoketohimonceagaininanswer,saying:‘No,youarenotOdysseusmyfather,butsomedivinity

195beguilesme,sothatImustgrievethemore,andbesorry.Fornomanwhowasmortalcouldeverhavesocontriveditbyhisownmindalone,notunlesssomeimmortal,descendingonhiminperson,werelightlytomakehimayoungoranoldman.Forevennowyouwereanoldmaninunseemlyclothing,

200butnowyouresembleoneofthegodswhoholdwideheaven.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Telemachos,itdoesnotbecomeyoutowondertoomuchatyourownfatherwhenheishere,nordoubthim.NootherOdysseusthanIwillevercomebacktoyou.ButhereIam,

205andIamasyouseeme,andafterhardshipsandsufferingmuchIhavecome,inthetwentiethyear,backtomyowncountry.ButhereyouseetheworkofAthene,thegiverofplunder,whoturnsmeintowhatevershepleases,sinceshecandothis;andnowshewillmakemelooklikeabeggar,butthenthenexttime

210likeayoungman,andwearingsplendidclothesonmybody;anditisalightthingforthegodswhoholdwideheaventoglorifyanymortalman,orelsetodegradehim.’

Sohespoke,andsatdownagain,butnowTelemachosfoldedhisgreatfatherinhisarmsandlamented,

215sheddingtears,anddesireformourningroseinbothofthem;andtheycriedshrillinapulsingvoice,evenmorethantheoutcryofbirds,ospreysorvultureswithhookedclaws,whosechildren

Theymaketheirplans

werestolenawaybythemenofthefields,beforetheirwingsgrewstrong;suchwastheirpitifulcryandthetearstheireyeswept.

220Andnowthelightofthesunwouldhavesetontheircrying,hadnotTelemachosspokenaquickwordtohisfather:‘Whatkindofshipwasit,fatherdear,inwhichthesailorsbroughtyoutoIthaka?Whatmendotheyclaimthattheyare?ForIdonotthinkyoucouldhavetraveledonfoottothiscountry.’

225Thenlong-sufferinggreatOdysseussaidtohiminanswer:‘So,mychild,Iwilltellyouallthetruth.ThePhaiakiansfamedforseafaringbroughtmehere,andtheycarryotherpeopleaswell,whoevermaycomeintotheircountry.Theybroughtmesleepingintheirfastshipovertheopen

230sea,andsetmedowninIthaka,andgavemegloriousgifts,abundantbronzeandgoldandwovenapparel.Allthis,bythegods'grace,islyingstoredinthecaverns.ButnowIhavecometothisplacebytheadvicebyAthene,sowetogethercanmakeourplanstoslaughterourenemies.

235Comethen,tellmethenumberofsuitors,andtellmeaboutthem,soIcanknowhowmanythereare,andwhichmenareofthem;andthen,whenIhavepondereditinmyfaultlessmind,Icandecidewhetherwetwoalonewillbeabletofacethemwithoutanyhelp,orwhetherwemustgolookingforothers.’

240ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Oh,father,Ihavealwaysheardofyourgreatfame,andhowyouwereafightingmanwithyourhands,andprudentincounsel;butwhatyouhavespokenofistoobig;Iamawed;foritcouldnotbethattwomencouldfightagainststrongmeninthesenumbers.

245Thesuitorsarenosimplenumberoften,nortwicethat,butfarmorethanthat.Evennowyoushallhearthenumberofthosethatarehere.FromDoulichiontherearetwoandfiftyyoungmen,choicemen,andtherearesixthrallsoftheirfollowing;thenumberofmencomefromSameisfourandtwenty,

250andfromZakynthostherearetwentysonsoftheAchaians.FromIthakaitselftherearetwelve,andalloftheirbestmen,andMedontheheraldiswiththem,andthedivinesinger,andtherearetwohenchmenwiththem,bothskilledincarving.Ifwesetourselvestofightagainstallwhoareinthepalace,

255Ifearyourrevengeontheirviolencemaybegrimandbitterforus.Then,ifyoucanthinkofanyonetostandbyus

todealwiththesuitors

andwithforthrightspiritbeourprotector,speakofhimtome.’Theninturnlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusansweredhim:

‘So,then,Iwilltellyou.Hearmeandunderstandme260andconsiderwhetherAthenewithZeusfatherhelpingwillbe

enoughforus,orwhetherImustthinkofsomeotherhelper.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘Thoseindeedaretwoexcellenthelpersyounametome,even

thoughtheysithighawayintheclouds,fortheyhavepower265overothersbesides,overmortalmenandthegodsimmortal.’

Theninturnlong-sufferinggreatOdysseusansweredhim:‘Thesearetwowhowillnotforalongtimestayfarofffromthestrongbattle,atthattimewhentheWarGod'sdecisionisfoughtoutinourhallsbetweenourselvesandthesuitors.

270Butnow,asforyou,youmustmakeyourway,whendawnshows,backtoourhouse,andbewiththegroupofinsolentsuitors.Atalatertimetheswineherdshalltakemetothecity,andIshalllooklikeadismalvagabond,andanoldman.Butiftheymaltreatmewithinthehouse,thenletthedearheart

275inyouevenendureit,thoughIsufferoutrage,eveniftheydragmebythefeetthroughthepalacetothrowmeoutofit,orpeltmewithmissiles;youmuststilllookonandendureit;thoughindeedyoumayspeaktothemwithsoftwordsandentreatthemtogiveovertheirmadbehavior,butstilltheywillnever

280listentoyou,forthedayoftheirdestinystandsnearthem.AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.WhenAthene,ladyofmanycounsels,putsitintomymind,Iwillnodmyheadtoyou,andwhenyouperceiveit,takeallthewarlikeweaponswhicharestoredinthegreathall,

285andcarrythemoffandstorethemawayintheinwardcornerofthehighchamber;andwhenthesuitorsmissthemandaskyouaboutthem,answerandbeguilethemwithsoftwords,saying:“Istoredthemawayoutofthesmoke,sincetheyarenolongerlikewhatOdysseusleftbehindwhenhewenttoTroyland,

290butaremadefoul,withallthesmokeofthefireuponthem.Also,thesonofKronosputintomyheadthisevengreaterthought,thatwiththewineinyou,youmightstandupandfight,andwoundeachother,andspoilthefeastandthecourting,sinceironallofitselfworksonamanandattractshim.”

295Butleavebehind,foryouandmealone,apaireach

Returnofthesuitors

ofswordsandspears,andapairofoxhideshields,totakeupinourhands,andwieldthem,andkillthesemen;andZeusofthecounselsandPallasAthenewillbetheretomazethewitsinthem.AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.

300Iftrulyyouaremyownson,andbornofourownblood,thenletnobodyhearthatOdysseusisinthepalace;letnotLaerteshearofit,neitherlettheswineherd;

letnooneinthehouseholdknow,notevenPenelopeherself;youandIalonewilljudgethefaithofthewomen,

305and,besidesthese,wecanmaketrialoftheservingmen,toseewhetheranyofthemistruetousandfullofhumility,orwhetheronecaresnothingforyou,anddeniesyourgreatness.’

Theninansweragainhisglorioussonsaidtohim:‘Father,Ithinkyouwilllearnwhatmyspiritislike,whenthetimecomes,

310forthemoodthatisinmymindshowsnoslackening;onlyIthinkinwhatyouproposetherewillbenoprofitforeitherofus,andIurgeyoutothinkwellaboutit.Youwouldbegoingaboutourholdings,testingandlearningthenatureofmanafterman,whiletheyattheireaseinthepalace

315overbearinglyconsumeourgoods,andsparenothing.AndyetIdourgeyoutofindoutaboutthewomen,whichofthemcarenothingforyou,andwhichareinnocent;butImyselfwouldnotwishthatweshouldgoouttothesteadingstotestthemen,butthisisatasktobeleftforlater,

320iftrulyyouhavebeengivensomesignfromZeusoftheaegis.’Nowasthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,

thewell-madevesselwhichhadcarriedTelemachos,togetherwithhiscompanions,fromPylos,nowcameintoIthaka.They,whentheywereinsidethemany-hollowedharbor,

325hauledtheblack-hulledshipontothedryland,highup,andtheirhigh-heartedhenchmencarriedtheirarmorforthem,andtookthebeautifulpresentstothehouseofKlytios.ButtheysentaheraldonhiswaytothehouseofOdysseustotakeamessagetocircumspectPenelope,saying

330Telemachoswasinthecountrynow,buthadtoldthemtosailtheshipbacktothecity,sothemagnificentqueenwouldnotbeterrifiedwithinherheart,andshedthesofttears.

fromtheirfutileambush

Thetwoofthemmet,theheraldandnobleswineherd,goingbyreasonofthesamemessage,toreporttothelady.

335Butwhentheyhadcometothehouseofthesacredking,theheraldstoodinthemidstoftheservingmaidsanddeliveredhismessage:‘Now,Oqueen,yourbelovedsonisbackinthiscountry.’ButtheswineherdstoodveryclosetoPenelopeandtoldherallthemessagethatherbelovedsonhadentrusted

340tohimtotell,butwhenhehadgivenherallthemessage,hewentbacktohispigs,leavingthepalaceandcourtyard.

Buttheheartsofthesuitorsweredisturbedanddiscouraged.Theywentoutofthepalaceandstoodbythegreatwallofthecourtyard,andthereinfrontofthepalacegatestheyheldanassembly.

345FirstofthemtospeakwasEurymachos,sonofPolybos:‘Friends,thisisamonstrousthing,thisvoyagemadebyTelemachosandinsolentlyputthrough.Wethoughthewouldneverachieveit.Butcome,letusdragablackship,ourbestone,downtothewater,andassemblesailorstorowit,whocanwithallspeedcarry

350themessagetogivetoourothersandtellthemtocomehomequickly.’HehadnotyetsaidallbeforeAmphinomos,turning

fromhisplace,sawtheshipinsidethedepthsoftheharbor,andtheyhadtheoarsnowintheirhandsandweretakingthesailsdown.Helaughedoutsweetlyandspokeawordthentohiscompanions:

355‘Weneedsendthemnomessagenow.Heretheyare,inside.Eithersomegodtoldittothem,ortheythemselvessawtheothershippassby,andtheywerenotabletocatchher.’

Hespoke,andtheystoodupandwentdowntothesandoftheseashore,andothershauledtheirblack-hulledshipupontothedryland,

360andtheirhigh-heartedhenchmencarriedtheirarmorforthem.Theywentinathrongtotheassembly,nordidtheysufferanyoftheyoungmenoranyoftheelderstositwiththem.ThereuponAntinoös,sonofEupeithes,addressedthem:‘Itisshamefulhowthegodsgotthismanclearofmisfortune.

365Inthedaytimewesatwatchfulalongthewindyheadlands,alwayssucceedingeachother,butwhenthesunset,weneverlaythroughthenightonthedryland,butalwaysontheopenwater,cruisinginafastship,wewaitedforthedivinedawn,watchingtoambushTelemachos,sothatwecouldcuthim

Antinoös’proposaltomurderTelemachos

370off;butallthetimesomedivinitybroughthimhome.Therefore,wewhoareheremustmakeourplansforthegrimdestructionofTelemachos,sohecannotescapeus;sinceIhavenothoughtwecangetourpresentpurposeaccomplishedwhileheisliving.Forhehimselfisunderstandinginthoughtandcounsel,

375andthepeopleherenolongershowustheirentirefavor.Butcomenow,beforehecangathertheAchaiansandbringthemtoassembly;forIthinkhewillnotletusgo,butworkouthisanger,andstandupbeforethemallandtellthemhowwedesignedhissuddenmurder,butwecouldnotcatchhim;

380andtheywillhavenopraiseforuswhentheyhearofourevil

deeds,andIfeartheywillworksomeevilonus,anddriveusfromourowncountry,sowemustmakeforanothercommunity;thenletussurprisehimandkillhim,inthefieldsawayfromthecity,orintheroad,andourselvesseizehisgoodsandpossessions,

385dividingthemamongourselvesfairly,butgivehispalacetohismothertokeepandtothemanwhomarriesher.Orelse,ifwhatIsayisnotpleasingtoyou,butyouaredeterminedtohavehimgoonlivingandkeephisfather'sinheritance,thenwemustnotgoongatheringhereandabundantlyeating

390awayhisfinesubstance,butfromhisownpalaceeachmanmuststrivetowinherwithgiftsofcourtship;shewillthenmarrythemansheisfatedtohave,andwhobringsherthegreatestpresents.’

Sohespoke,andallofthemstayedstrickentosilence.NowAmphinomosspokeforthandaddressedthem.Hewas

395theshiningsonofNisos,sonofthelordAretiades,andledthosesuitorswhohadcomeoverfromtheabundantgrasslandsandgrainlandsofDoulichion,andpleasedPenelopemorethantheothersintalk,forhehadgoodsenseanddiscretion.Heinkindintentiontowardallspokeforthandaddressedthem:

400‘Dearfriends,IformypartwouldnotbewillingtomurderTelemachos;itisterribletokilloneofroyalblood;weshouldfirsthavetoaskthegodsfortheircounsel.Then,iftheordinancesofgreatZeusapproveofit,Imyselfwouldkillhimandtellallotherstodoso;

405butIsaywemustgiveitup,ifthegodsdenyus.’SoAmphinomosspoke,andhiswordwasacceptabletothem.

ThentheystoodupatonceandwentintothehouseofOdysseus,andenteringtheyfoundtheirpolishedchairs,andwereseated.

vetoedbyAmphinomos

ButnowcircumspectPenelopethoughtofhernextmove,410toshowherselftoheroverbearinglyviolentsuitors;

forshehadheardhowtheyhadplannedherson'sdeathinthepalace.Theherald,Medon,whooverheardtheirplanning,hadtoldher.Shewentwithherattendantwomenintothegreathall.Butwhenshe,shiningamongwomen,cametothesuitors,

415shestoodbythepillarthatsupportedtheroofwithitsjoinery,holdinghershiningveilinfrontofherfacetoshieldit,andspokeawordofreproachtoAntinoös,naminghim:‘Antinoös,violentman,deviserofevil:inIthakathecommonaccountsaysyouarethebestmanamongyouragemates

420forspeechandcounsel.Butyouhaveneverbeensuch.Oh,boisterouscreature,whydoyouweaveadesignofdeathanddestructionforTelemachos,andtakenoheedofsuppliants,overwhomZeusstandswitness?Itisnotrighttoplanharmforeachother.Doyounotknowhowyourfathercamehereonce,afugitive

425infearofthepeople?Thesewereterriblyangeredwithhim,becausehehadthrowninhislotwiththepirateTaphiansandharriedtheThesprotians,andthesewerefriendsofourpeople.Theywantedtowastehimaway,tobreakthedearheartinhim,toeatuphissubstanceandabundantlivelihood.Only

430Odysseusstayedtheirhandandheldthem,foralltheirfury.Nowyoueatuphishousewithoutpayment,paycourttohisweddedwife,trytomurderhisson,anddomegreatindignity.Itellyoutostopit,andasktheotherstodosolikewise.’

EurymachosthesonofPolybosspokethenanswering:435‘DaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,

donotfear.Neverletyourheartbetroubledforthesethings.Themanisnotliving,norwilltherebeone,norcanthereeverbeone,whoshalllayhandsuponyourson,Telemachos,aslongasIamaliveonearthandlookonthedaylight.

440ForItellyouthisstraightout,anditwillbeathingaccomplished:instantlyhisownblackbloodwillstainmyspearpoint.Myownspear;sinceoftenOdysseus,sackerofcities,wouldseatmealsouponhisknees,andputpiecesofroastedmeatinmyhands,andholdtheredwineouttome.Therefore,

445ofallmenTelemachosisthedearesttomebyfar,andItellhimtogoinnofearofdestructionfromthesuitors.Butifitcomesfromthegods,thereisnoescapingit.’

ReturnofEumaios

Sohespoke,encouragingher,buthimselfwasplanningthemurder.Shewentbacktotheshiningupperchamber

450andweptforOdysseus,herdearhusband,untilthegray-eyedgoddessAthenedriftedasweetsleepoverhereyelids.

Withtheevening,thenobleswineherdcamebacktoOdysseusandhisson.Thentheystoodovertheeveningmealtoprepareit,anddedicatedayear-oldsow;butmeanwhileAthene

455hadcomeandstoodclosebyOdysseus,sonofLaertes,andtappedhimwithherwandandmadehimoncemoreanoldman,andputfoulclothinguponhisskin,forfeartheswineherdmightrecognizehim,facetoface,andgowiththemessage

tocircumspectPenelope,andnotkeepfastthesecret.460NowTelemachoswasthefirstwhospokeawordtohim:‘So,nobleEumaios,youhave

come.Andwhatwastherumorinthetown?Arethehaughtysuitorsnowbackfromtheirambush,oraretheystilllyinginwaitformeonmyhomewardjourney?’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:465‘Itwasnotonmymindtogodownthroughthecity,nortoask,

nortrytofindout;ratherthewillwasurgentwithinmetospeakmymessagewithallspeedandbeonmywaybackhere.Butoneofyourfellowsasaswiftmessengerjoinedmycompany,theherald;hewasthefirstwhotoldthewordtoyourmother.

470ButhereisanotherthingIknow;withmyeyesIsawit.Iwasabovethecity,wheretheHillofHermesis,makingmywayalong,whenIsawafastvesselcomingintoourharbor,makinginshore,andmanymenwereaboardher,andshewasloadedwithshieldsandleaf-headedspears.ThenIthought

475thatthesewouldbethemenwemean,butIdonotknowit.’Sohespoke,andTelemachos,thehallowedprince,smiled

ashecaughthisfather'seye,butavoidedtheeyesoftheswineherd.They,whentheyhadfinishedtheirworkandgottheirfeastready,

feasted,norwasanyman'shungerdeniedafairportion.480Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,

theythoughtofgoingtobed,andacceptedthegiftofslumber.

BOOKXVII

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,Telemachos,belovedsonofgodlikeOdysseus,thenboundunderneathhisfeetthebeautifulsandals,andtookupapowerfulspearwhichfittedhishand'sgrip,

5onhiswaytothecity,andgoinghespoketohisswineherd:‘Father,Iamgoingtothecity,sothatmymotherwillseeme,sinceasIsupposeshewillnevergiveoverthatbitterlamentationofhersandhertearfulcryinguntilsheseesmemyself.ButhereiswhatIwilltellyou

10todo;takethisunhappystrangertothecity,sothattherehecanbeghisdinner,andanywhowillcangivehimhisbitofbreadandhiscupful;itisnotformetoputupwitheverybody,nowwhenIhavetroublesonmymind.Therefore,evenifthestrangeristerriblyangry,itwillbeonly

15theworseforhim.SpeakingthetruthisthewayIlikebest.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Dearfriend,neitherdoIdesirethatheshoulddetainmehere;abeggarisbetterbegginghisdinnerinthecitythaninthecountry.Whoeverwantstowillgivemesomething;

20forIamnolongertherightagetostayonthefarms,therightagetocarryoutanytasktheforemanimposesonme.Goonthen.Thisman,theoneyouhaveasked,willtakeme,assoonasIhavewarmedmyselfbythefireandthereissomesunlight;theseclothesareverypoor,andIhopenomorning

OdysseusandTelemachosreturnseparately

25frostundoesme.Theysayitisveryfartothecity.’Sohespoke,butTelemachosstrodeoutthroughthesteading,

walkingfast,andplanningevilthingsforthesuitors.Butwhenhehadarrivedatthewell-settledhouse,hecarriedhisspearovertoatallcolumn,andproppeditagainstit,

30andhehimselfwentinside,steppingoverthestonethreshold.Farthefirsttoseehimwashisnurse,Eurykleia,

asshespreadthefleecesontheelaboratechairs.Sheburstoutintears,andwentstraighttohim,andaroundhimtheotherservingmaidsofpatient-heartedOdysseusclustered,

35andmademuchofhim,andkissedhimonhisheadandhisshoulders.ButnowcircumspectPenelopecamedownfromherchamber,

lookinglikeArtemis,orlikegoldenAphrodite,andburstintotears,andthrewherarmsaroundherbelovedson,andkissedhimonhisheadandbothofhisshining

40eyes,andtearfullyspokewingedwordsandaddressedhim:‘Youhavecome,Telemachos,sweetlight,andIthoughtIwouldneverseeyouagain,whenyouhadgoneintheshiptoPylossecretly,andagainstmywill,fornewsofthefatheryoulove.Butcomenow,tellmewhatsightsyouhavebeenseeing.’

45ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:‘Mother,donotstirupasceneofsorrow,nortroublemyheartoncemore,nowIhaveescapedfromsheerdestruction;butgo,washwithwaterandputcleanclothinguponyourbody,andgoingontotheupperstorywithyourattendant

50women,vowtoallthegodstheserviceofcompletehecatombs,ifZeusgrantsrequitalforwhatisdonetous.ButIwillgototheplaceofmeeting,soIcansummonmyguest,whocamealongwithmeasImademywayhere.Isenthimonaheadofmewithmygodlikecompanions,

55andtoldPeiraiostotakehimtohisownhouse,andgivehimforthrighthonorandentertainment,untilmyarrival.’

Sohespoke,andshehadnowingedwordsforananswer,andshewashedwithwaterandputcleanclothinguponherbody,andvowedtoallthegodstheserviceofcompletehecatombs,

60ifZeusweretograntrequitalforwhathadbeendonetothem.Telemachosthenwentstridingoutthroughthepalace,andleftit,

holdinghisspear,andapairoflight-footeddogswentwithhim.Athenedriftedanenchantmentofgraceuponhim,

TelemachosfetchesTheoklymenos

andallthepeoplehadtheireyesonhimashecameon.65Aroundhimthehaughtysuitorsclustered.Theyallwerespeaking

himfair,butinthedeepoftheirheartsweredevisingevils.Telemachoshimselfavoidedtheircrowdingnumbers,andwhereMentorwassitting,andAntiphosandHalitherses,

themenwhofromthefirsthadbeenhisfather'scompanions,70therehewentandsatdown,andtheyquestionedhimabouteverything.

NowPeiraiosthefamousspearmancamenearthem,bringingtheguestthroughthecitytotheassembly,nordidTelemachosstayforlongfarawayfromtheguest,butcameandstoodbyhim.FirstofthetwotospeakwasPeiraios,whothensaidtohim:

75‘Telemachos,haveyourwomencometomyhousewithallspeed,soIcansendbackthegiftswhichMenelaoshasgivenyou.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Peiraios,sincewedonotknowhowallthiswillcomeout,orwhetherthehaughtysuitorswillkillmehereinmypalace

80treacherously,anddivideupallmyfather'spossessions,Iwishthatyouyourself,oroneofthesemen,shouldkeepthem,andhavetheprofit.ButifIcanplottheirdeathanddestruction,bringthemtomyhouse;andtherewillbegratitudeshownonbothsides.’

Sohespoke,andledthelong-sufferingstrangerbackto85hishouse.Andwhentheyhadarrivedatthewell-settledpalace,

theylaiddowntheirmantlesalongthechairsandthebenches,andsteppedintothebathtubs,smooth-polished,andbathedthere.Then,whenthemaidshadbathedthemandanointedthemwithoil,andputcloaksofthickfleeceandtunicsuponthem,theywent

90forthfromthebathingtubs,andtooktheirplacesonsettles.Amaidservantbroughtwaterforthemandpoureditfromasplendidandgoldenpitcher,holdingitaboveasilverbasinforthemtowash,andshepulledapolishedtablebeforethem.Agravehousekeeperbroughtinthebreadandservedittothem,

95addingmanygoodthingstoit,generouswithherprovisions.Hismothersatoppositebesidethepillarsupportingthehall,sittingbackonachairandturningfineyarnonadistaff.Theyputforththeirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.Butwhentheyhadputawaytheirdesireforeatinganddrinking,

100itwascircumspectPenelopewhobegantheirdiscourse:‘Telemachos,Iwillgobacknowtomyupperchamber,andliedownonmybed,whichismadesorrowful,always

Penelopetoldofthetravels

disorderedwiththetearsIhavewept,eversinceOdysseuswentwiththesonsofAtreustoTroy;andyouhadnopatience

105totellme—beforethehaughtysuitorsarriveatourpalace—anynewsyoumayhaveheardofyourfather'shomecoming.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Then,mymother,Iwilltellyouthewholetruestory.WewenttoPylos,andtoNestor,shepherdofthepeople,

110andhe,inhishighhouse,gavemehospitality,andlovingfreeattention,asafatherwouldtohisownbelovedson,whowasnewlyarrivedfromalongvoyageelsewhere.Sohefreelytookcareofme,withhisowngloriouschildren.ButhesaidhehadheardnothingaboutenduringOdysseus,

115norwhetherhewasaliveordead,fromanyofthepeoplesofearth.HesentmetoAtreus'son,spear-famedMenelaos,givingmepassagewithhisownhorsesandcompactchariot.ThereIsawHelenofArgos,forwhosesakeArgivesandTrojanshadundergonemuchhardshipbythegods'will.Menelaos

120ofthegreatwarcryquestionedme,whenIcametohim,andaskedwhatneedhadbroughtmetogloriousLakedaimon;whereuponItoldhimthewholetruthofmystory,andheinturnspoketomethenandgavemeananswer:“Oh,forshame,itwasinthebedofaboldandstrongman

125theywishedtolie,theythemselvesbeingallunwarlike.Aswhenadoehasbroughtherfawnstothelairofalion,andputthemtheretosleep,theyarenewbornandstillsuckling,thenwandersoutintothefoothillsandthegrassycorners,grazingthere,butnowthelioncomesbacktohisownlair

130andvisitsashamefuldestructiononbothmotherandchildren;sonowOdysseuswillvisitshamefuldestructiononthesemen.OfatherZeusandAtheneandApollo,Iwishthatashewaswhen,uponatime,instrong-foundedLesboshestoodupandwrestledPhilomeleidesfromachallenge,

135andthrewhimstrongly,sodelightingalltheAchaians;IwishthatsuchanOdysseuswouldcomenowamongthesuitors.Theyallwouldfinddeathwasquickandmarriageapainfulmatter.Butforwhatyouentreatmeforandaskmeabout,Iwillnotturnawayfromthetaleandspeakidly,norwillIdeceiveyou,

140butofwhattheever-truthfulOldManoftheSeatoldme,Iwilltellyouallwithoutconcealment,andholdbacknothing.

ofTelemachos

Hesaidhehadseenhimonanisland,sufferingstrongpainsinthepalaceofthenymphKalypso,andshedetainshim,byconstraint,andhecannotmakehiswaytohiscountry;

145forhehasnotanyshipsbyhim,noranycompanionswhocanconveyhimbackacrossthesea'swideridges.”

SospokeAtreus'son,spear-famedMenelaos.AfterIhaddoneallthisIcameback.Theimmortalsgavemeafollowingwind,andbroughtmequicklytothedearlandofmyfathers.’

150Sohespoke,andstirredthespiritwithinher.AndnowTheoklymenos,agodlikeman,spoketobothofthem:‘OrespectedwifeofOdysseus,sonofLaertes,attendmyword,becausehedoesnotunderstandclearly,butIshallprophesytrulytoyou,andholdbacknothing.

155Zeusbemywitness,firstofthegods,andthetableoffriendship,andthehearthofblamelessOdysseus,towhichIcomeasasuppliant,thatOdysseusisalreadyhereinthelandofhisfathers,sittingstilloradvancing,learningofalltheseevilactions,anddevisingevilsforallofthesuitors.

160SuchwasthebirdsignIinterpreted,andItoldittoTelemachos,asIsataboardthestrong-benchedvessel.’

TheninturncircumspectPenelopeansweredhim:‘Ifonlythisword,strangerandguest,werebroughttofulfillment,soonyouwouldbeawareofmyloveandmanygiftsgiven

165byme,soanymanwhometyouwouldcallyoublessed.’Sonowthesethreewereconversingthuswitheachother,

butmeanwhilebeforethepalaceofOdysseusthesuitorsamusedthemselveswithdiscsandwithlightspearsforthrowing,onaleveledfloor,unrulymen,astheyalwayshadbeen.

170Butwhenitwastimefordinner,andthesheepfromthefieldshadbeencominginfromallsides,andthesamemenasusualdrovethem,thenMedonspoketothesuitors.Itwasheamongalltheheraldswhomtheylikedbest,andheusedtowaitonthemattheirfeasting:‘Youngmen,sinceyouhavealltakenyourpleasureinexercise,

175goonintothehousesowecanmakedinnerready.Nothingisanytheworsewhenmealsaretakeninseason.’

Hespoke,andtheystoodupandwent,anddidashetoldthem;andthey,whentheyhadgoneintothewell-settledpalace,laidtheirmantlesdownalongthechairsandthebenches,

EumaiosandOdysseusmeetMelanthios

180andsetaboutsacrificinggreat-sizedsheep,andfatgoats,andsacrificinganoxoftheherd,andfattenedporkers,astheypreparedtheirfeast.ButOdysseusnowandthenobleswineherdwerestirringthemselvestogototownfromthecountry.Firstofthetwotospeakwastheswineherd,leaderofpeople:

185‘Stranger,sincethenyouareeagertogotothecity

today,asmymastertoldyoutodo,thoughIcouldhavewantedyourathertostayhereandguardthesteading—evensoIgoinaweofhimandfearhim,andanyreproacheshemightgiveme;ascoldingcomeshardfromamaster—sothen,

190letusbeonourway,formostofthedayisalreadygone.Theeveningiscomingon.Youmayfinditcolder.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Isee,Iunderstand.Youspeaktoonewhofollowsyou.Butletusbeonourway.Youbemyguideonthejourney.

195Onlygivemesomekindofcudgel,ifyouhaveanycut,toleanon.Theysaytheroadisveryslippery.’

Hespoke,andoverhisshoulderslungtheuglywalletthatwasfullofholes,withatwistofropeattachedtodangleit.Eumaiosgavehimawalkingstickthatsuitedhisfancy,

200andthetwoofthemwenton,withthedogsandtheherdsmanstayingbehindtoguardthefarm.Heledhislordtothecity,lookingashedidlikeadismalvagabondandanoldman,proppingonastick,andworewretchedclothinguponhisbody.

Nowastheywentdownoverthestonyroad,andwerecoming205closetothecity,andhadarrivedatthefountain,sweet-running

andmadeofstone;andtherethetownspeoplewentfortheirwater;Ithakoshadmadethis,andNeritos,andPolyktor;andarounditwasagroveofblackpoplars,treesthatgrowbywater,allinacircle,andtherewascoldwaterpouring

210downfromtherockabove;overithadbeenbuiltanaltarofthenymphs,andthereallthewayfarersmadetheirsacrifice;thereMelanthios,sonofDolios,cameuponthemashedrovehisgoats,theonesthatwerefinestamonghisgoatflocks,forthesuitors'dinner,andtwootherherdsmenwentalongwithhim.

215Seeingthetwohespokeandnamedthem,givingthemcursesoverbearingandshameful,andstirredtheheartofOdysseus:‘Seenowhowtherascalcomesonleadingarascalabout;likeguideswhatislikeitself,justasagoddoes.

ontheirwaytotown

Where,youdetestableswineherd,areyoutakingthiswretched220man,thisbothersomebeggarwhospoilsthefunofthefeasting,

thekindwhostandsandrubshisshouldersonmanydoorposts,beggingonlyforhandouts,neverforswordsorcaldrons.Ifyouwouldturnhimovertometokeepmysteading,thenhecoulddrinkwheyandbuildupabiglegmuscle,

225sweepingmypens,andcarryinggreenstuffintotheyounggoats.Butsincehehaslearnednothingbutmischief,hewillnotbewillingtogotowork,butwouldrathergobeggingallthroughthedistrict,askingforhandoutsandfeedinguphisbottomlessbelly.ButItellyouthisstraightoutanditwillbeathingaccomplished.

230IfheevercomesnearthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus,hisribsandheadwillfeeltheweightofplentyoffootstoolsflungathimalloverthehousebythehandsofheroes.’

Sohespoke,andashewentbyrecklesslylashedoutwithhisheeltothehip,butfailedtoknockhimoutofthepathway,

235forOdysseusstoodit,unshaken,whileheponderedwithinhimwhethertogoforhimwithhiscudgel,andtakethelifefromhim,orpickhimuplikeajugandbreakhisheadontheground.Yetstillhestoodit,andkeptitallinsidehim.Theswineherdstared,andcursedhim,andprayedaloudwithhishandsuplifted:

240‘Nymphsofthefountain,daughtersofZeus,ifeverOdysseusburnedforyouthethighpiecesoflambsorgoats,wrappingthemintherichfat,thengrantmethisfavorIaskfor,namelythatthemanhimselfwillcomehome,withthedivinityguidinghim;so,Melanthios,hewouldsendflyingallthoseglories

245youwearnowinyourinsolence,foreverloiteringhereinthetown,whileuselessherdsmenruinthesheepflocks.’

TheninturnMelanthiosthegoatherdansweredhim:‘Shameonthespeakingofthisnasty-mindeddog.SomedayIwillgethimaboardastrong-benchedship,andtakehim

250farfromIthaka,wherehecouldwinmeagoodlivelihood.IfonlyApollo,silver-bowed,wouldstrikedownTelemachostodayinhishalls,orhewerekilledbythesuitors,assurelyasOdysseus,faraway,haslosthisdayofhomecoming.’

Sohespoke,andleftthemthere,astheywentoneasily;255buthewentforward,andquicklycametothehouseofhismaster.

Hewentstraightoninside,andsatdownnexttothesuitors,oppositeEurymachos,whomhewasfondestof.Theservants

TheolddogArgosrecognizesOdysseus

doingthedinnerplacedaportionofmeatbeforehim.Agravehousekeeperbroughtthebreadandsetitdownforhim

260toeat.Odysseus,onhiswaywiththenobleswineherd,stoodcloseinfrontofthehouse,andaroundthemcametheclamorofthehollowlyre,forPhemioshadstruckupthemusictosing.Odysseustooktheswineherd'shand,andsaidtohim:

‘Eumaios,surelythisisthehandsomehouseofOdysseus.265Easilyitissingledoutandseenamongmany,

foronepartisjoinedontoanother,andthecourtyardisworkedonwithwallandcopings,andthedoorshavebeenwellmade,withdoublepanels.Nobodycouldbelittlethishouse.AndalsoIrealizethatmanymenareholdingafeastthere,

270forthesmellofthefoodcomestome,andthereistheclamorofthelyre,whichthegodsmadetobecompanionoffeasting.’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Easilyyouperceivedit,norareyouotherwisewithoutsense;butcome,letusthinkouthowwewillactinthesematters.

275Eitheryougoonfirstintothewell-settledpalace,andgoamongthesuitors,andleavemehereontheoutside;orifyouwill,stayhere,whileIgoonaheadofyou.Butdonotbeslow,orsomeonehereoutside,seeingyou,mightstrikeyou,orthrowsomething.Here,Ibidyoubecareful.’

280Thenmuch-enduringgreatOdysseussaidtohiminanswer:‘Isee,Iunderstand;youspeaktoonewhofollowsyou.Butyougoonahead,andIwillstayhereontheoutside.Iamnotunfamiliarwithblows,andthingsthrownatme.Thespiritinmeisenduring,sinceIhavesufferedmuchhardship

285onthewavesandinthefighting;soletthisadventurefollow.Evenso,thereisnosuppressingtheravenousbelly,acursedthing,whichbestowsmanyevilsonmen,seeingthatevenforitssakethestrong-builtshipsarehandledacrossthebarrengreatsea,bringingmisfortunetoenemies.’

290Nowasthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,adogwhowaslyingthereraisedhisheadandears.ThiswasArgos,patient-heartedOdysseus'dog,whomhehimselfraised,butgotnojoyofhim,sincebeforethathewenttosacredIlion.Inthedaysbefore,theyoungmenhadtakenhim

295outtofollowgoatsofthewild,anddeer,andrabbits;butnowhehadbeenputaside,withhismasterabsent,

butdiesbeforerevealinghisidentity

andlayonthedeeppileofdung,fromthemulesandoxen,whichlayabundantbeforethegates,sothattheservantsofOdysseuscouldtakeittohisgreatestate,formanuring.

300TherethedogArgoslayinthedung,allcoveredwithdogticks.Now,asheperceivedthatOdysseushadcomeclosetohim,hewaggedhistail,andlaidbothhisearsback;only

henownolongerhadthestrengthtomoveanyclosertohismaster,who,watchinghimfromadistance,withoutEumaios

305noticing,secretlywipedatearaway,andsaidtohim:‘Eumaios,thisisamazing,thisdogthatliesonthedunghill.Theshapeofhimissplendid,andyetIcannotbecertainwhetherhehadtherunningspeedtogowiththisbeauty,orisjustoneofthekindoftabledogthatgentlemen

310keep,anditisonlyforshowthattheirmasterscareforthem.’Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:

‘This,itistootrue,isthedogofamanwhoperishedfaraway.Ifheweresuch,inbuildandperformance,aswhenOdysseuslefthimbehind,whenhewenttoIlion,

315soonyoucouldseehisspeedandhisstrengthforyourself.Nevercouldanywildanimal,intheprofounddepthsoftheforest,escape,oncehepursued.Hewasverycleverattracking.Butnowheisinbadtimes.Hismaster,farfromhiscountry,hasperished,andthewomenarecareless,anddonotlookafterhim;

320andservingmen,whentheirmastersarenolongerabout,tomakethemwork,arenolongerwillingtodotheirrightfulduties.ForZeusofthewidebrowstakesawayonehalfofthevirtuefromaman,oncethedayofslaveryclosesuponhim.’

Sohespoke,andwentintothestrongly-settledpalace,325andstrodestraighton,tothegreathallandthehaughtysuitors,

Butthedoomofdarkdeathnowclosedoverthedog,Argos,when,afternineteenyearshadgoneby,hehadseenOdysseus.

GodlikeTelemachoswasthefirstbyfartonoticetheswineherdashecameintothehouse,andquicklyhenodded

330tosummonhimover.Theswineherd,lookingabouthim,pickedupachairthatwaslyingnearwherethecarversat,cuttingmuchmeatforthesuitors,asthesefeastedallthroughthepalace.ThishetookandplaceditbyTelemachos'tablefacinghim,thensatdowntherehimself,andtheherald

335tookaportion,andservedhim,andpassedhimbreadfromthebasket.

Odysseusinhisownhouse

CloseafterhimOdysseusnowcameintothepalace,lookingashedidlikeadismalvagabondandanoldman,proppingonastick,andworefoulclothinguponhisbody.Hesatdownthenontheashwoodthreshold,insidethedoorway,

340leaningagainstthedoorpostofcypresswood,whichthecarpenteroncehadexpertlyplaned,anddrawnittruetoachalkline;

butTelemachosspokeawordtotheswineherd,callinghimover,takingandgivinghimawholeloaffromthebeautifulbasket,withmeat,asmuchfoodasbotharmscouldholdintheircompass:

345‘Takeallthisandgiveittothestranger,butalsotellhimtogoaboutamongthesuitors,andbegfromallofthem.Modesty,foramaninneed,isnotagoodquality.’

Sohespoke,andtheswineherdwent,whenheheardhisorder.HecameandstoodclosebyOdysseus,andspokeinwingedwords:

350‘Stranger,Telemachosgivesyouthis,andalsohetellsyoutogoaboutamongthesuitors,andbegfromallofthem.Hesaidthatmodesty,forapoorman,isnogoodquality.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘LordZeus,letTelemachosbeoneoftheprosperous

355men;leteverythingbefallhimthathisheartlongsfor.’Hespoke,andwithbothhandsacceptingeverything,laidit

thereinfrontofhisfeet,ontopoftheuglywallet,andateit,allthewhilethesingersanginthehalls.Then,whenhehadeatenhisdinner,andthedivinesingerwasfinished,

360thesuitorsraisedtheirtumultalongthehalls;butAthenecamethenandstoodclosebyOdysseus,sonofLaertes,andstirredhimtogocollecthisbitsofbreadfromthesuitors,andsolearnwhichofthemwerefair,whichunfair;butevenso,shewouldnotdeliveranyofthemfromdisaster.

365Hewentonhisway,fromlefttoright,sotobegfromeachman,reachinghishandoutalways,asifforalongtimehehadbeenabeggar,andtheytookpityandgave,andtheywonderedathim;theyaskedeachotherwhatmanhewas,andwherehecamefrom.ButnowMelanthios,thegoat-herdingman,saidtothem:

370‘Hearmenow,yousuitorsofourgloriousqueen,concerningthisstranger;forIhaveseenhimbefore;knowthenthatitwastheswineherdwhoguidedhimhere,butIdonotknowclearlywhothemanishimself,orwhatraceheclaimstocomeof.’

begsfromthesuitors

Sohespoke.Antinoösspokethenandscoldedtheswineherd:375‘Omostdistinguishedswineherd,whydidyoubringthisfellow

tothecity?Dowenotalreadyhaveenoughothervagabonds,andbothersomebeggarstoruinourfeasting?Or,nowthatmengatherheretoeatupyourmaster'ssubstance,isthatnotenough,butyouhadtoinvitethisoneinalso?’

380Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtohiminanswer:‘Antinoös,thoughyouarenoble,

thiswasnotwellspoken.Forwhogoesvisitingelsewheresoastocallinanotherstranger,unlessheisonewhoworksforthepeople,eitheraprophet,orahealerofsickness,oraskilledworkman,

385orinspiredsinger,onewhocangivedelightbyhissinging?Thesearethemenwhoallovertheendlessearthareinvited.Butnobodywouldaskinabeggar,onewhowouldfeedonhimself.You,though,beyondalltheothersuitors,areheavyontheservantsofOdysseus,andmemostofall,butI

390formypartdonotcare,whilestillcircumspectPenelopelivesinthepalace,togetherwithgodlikeTelemachos.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Silence.Donotanswerhimatsuchlength.Antinoöshasmadeithishabitalwaystoirritateotherswithhurtful

395words,andstirthemup,andencouragesotherstodoso.’Sohespoke,andthenaddressedhiswordstoAntinoös:

‘Antinoös,asafatherforhissonyoutakegoodcareofme,whenyoutellourstrangerguesttogetoutofthepalace,withastrictword.Maythisnotbetheendgodmakesofit.

400Takeandgive.Idonotbegrudgeyou.Ievenurgeyou.Anddonothaveanyrespectformymother,noryetforanythrallbeside,wholivesinthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus.Butsuchisnotthekindofintentionyoukeepwithinyou.Youaremoreeagertoeat,yourself,thantogivetoanother.’

405TheninturnAntinoössaidtohiminanswer:‘High-spokenintemperateTelemachos,whataccusationsyouhavemade.Ifallthesuitorswouldhandhimthiskindofpresent,thehousewouldthendowithouthimforthespaceofthreemonths.’

Sohespoke,andpickedupafootstoolthatlaybythetable410andshowedit.Hehadhisshiningfeetonitashefeasted.

Butalltheothersgavetohim,andtheyfilledhiswalletwithbreadandmeat,andOdysseuswasonthepointoffinishing

OdysseusstruckbyAntinoös

histestoftheAchaians,andgettingbackfreetohisdoorsill;butnowhestoodbyAntinoös,andspokeawordtohim:

415‘Give,dearfriend.Youseemtome,ofalltheAchaians,nottheworst,butthebest.Youlooklikeaking.Therefore,yououghttogivemeabetterpresentoffoodthantheothershavedone,andIwillsingyourfameallovertheendlessearth,forItoooncelivedinmyownhouseamongpeople,

420prosperinginwealth,andoftenIgavetoawandereraccordingtowhathewasandwantedwhenhecametome;andIhadservingmenbythousands,andmanyanothergoodthing,bywhichmenlivewellandarecalledprosperous.OnlyZeus,sonofKronos,spoileditall—somehowhewishedto—

425whenheputitintomyheadtogowiththerovingpiratestoEgypt,alongvoyage,sothatImustberuined.IstayedmyoarsweptshipsinsidetheAigyptosRiver.ThenIurgedmyeagercompanionstostaywheretheywere,thereclosetothefleet,andtoguardtheships,andwasurgentwiththem

430tosendlookoutstothewatchingplaces,buttheyfollowingtheirownimpulse,andgivingwaytomaraudingviolence,suddenlybeganplunderingtheEgyptians'beautifulfields,andcarriedoffthewomenandinnocentchildren,andkilledthemen,andsoontheoutcrycametothecity.

435Theyheardtheshouting,andatthetimewhendawnshows,theycameonus,andalltheplainwasfilledwithhorsesandinfantryandtheglareofbronze;andZeuswhodelightsinthethunderflungdownafoulpanicamongmycompanions,andnonewassohardyastostandandfight,fortheevilsstoodinacirclearoundthem.

440Theretheykilledmanyofuswiththesharpbronze,andotherstheyledawayalive,toworkfortheminforcedlabor;buttheygavemeaway,intoCyprus,toastrangerarriving,Dmetor,Iasos'son,whowasthestrongkinginCyprus.FromthereIcamehere,whereIamnow,sufferinghardships.’

445ThenAntinoösansweredhiminturn,andsaidtohim:‘Whatspiritbroughtthispainuponus,tospoilourfeasting?Standoff,so,inthemiddle,andkeepawayfrommytable,orotherwiseyoumayfindyourselfinasorryCyprusorEgypt,youaresoboldaone,andashamelessbeggar.

450Youwentthewholecircleandstoodbyall,andtheyallgavetoyou

whoisscoldedbytheothers

recklessly,forthereisnoholdingbacknorsparingoffavorsfromanotherman'sgoods,sinceeachhasplenty.’

NowresourcefulOdysseusspoke,ashedrewbackfromhim:‘Shame;thewitsinyou,itisclear,donotmatchyouroutward

455beauty.Youwouldnotgiveabitofsalttoaservantinyourownhouse,sincenow,sittingatanother's,youcouldnottakeabitofbreadandgiveittome.Itisthereinabundance.’

Hespoke,andAntinoösinhisheartgrewstillmoreangry.

Lookingathimfromunderhisbrows,headdressedhiminwingedwords:460‘NowIthinkthatyoucannolongermakearespectable

retreatoutofthepalace,sincewhatyousayisscurrilous.’Hespoke,andthrewthefootstoolandhithimintherightshoulder

nearthebase,intheback,buthestooduptoit,steadyasarock,nordidthemissilethrownbyAntinoösshakehim,

465butheshookhisheadinsilence,deeplydevisingevils.Hewentbacktothesillandsatthere,andspreadoutbeforehimthewalletthatwaswellfilled,andspokeawordtothesuitors:‘Youwhoaresuitorsofthismostgloriousqueen,hearmewhileIspeakoutwhattheheartwithinmybreasturges:

470thereisnogriefthatcomestotheheart,noryetanysorrow,whenamanishit,fightinginbattleforthesakeofhisownpossessions,eithertoguardhisshiningsheeporhiscattle;butAntinoösstruckmeallbecauseofmywretchedbelly,thatcursedthing,whobestowsmanyevilsonmen.Therefore,

475ifthereareanygodsoranyfuriesforbeggars,Antinoösmayfindhisdeathbeforeheismarried.’

ThenAntinoös,sonofEupeithes,gavehimananswer:‘Goinpeace,stranger,andsitdown,orgoawayelsewhere,orelse,forthewayyoutalk,theyoungmenmighttakeyouanddragyou

480byhandorfootthroughthehouse,andteartheskinonyourbody.’Sohespoke,butalltherestwerewildlyindignant,

andthisisthewayoneofthesehaughtyyoungmenwouldspeaktohim:‘Antinoös,youdidbadlytohittheunhappyvagabond:acurseonyou,ifheturnsouttobesomegodfromheaven.

485Forthegodsdotakeonallsortsoftransformations,appearingasstrangersfromelsewhere,andthustheyrangeatlargethroughthecities,watchingtoseewhichmenkeepthelaws,andwhichareviolent.’

EumaiostellsPenelope

Sospokethesuitors,buthepaidnoattentiontowhattheyweresaying.ButTelemachossustainedinhisheartagreatsorrowover

490theblow,buthedidnotletfallfromhiseyesanygroundwardtear,butshookhisheadinsilence,deeplydevisingevils.ButwhencircumspectPenelopeheardthatthestrangerhadbeenstruckinherhalls,shespoketoherservingwomen:‘Thus,Ipray,maythearcherApollostrikeatthestriker.’

495Thenthehousekeeper,Eurynome,spokeandanswered:‘Ifonlysomefulfillmentbefellourprayers.ThennotoneofthesemenwouldbealivetomeettheDawninhersplendor.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Mother,theyareallhateful,sinceallaredevisingevils,

500butAntinoös,beyondtherest,islikeblackdeath.Hereisastranger,someunfortunateman,whogoesthroughourpalaceaskingalmsofthemen,forhishelplessnessforceshimtoit.Thenalltheothersgaveandfilledhisbag,butthismanstruckhimwithafootstoolatthebaseoftherightshoulder.’

505SoPenelope,sittingupinherchamber,conversedwithherservingwomen,whilegreatOdysseuswaseatinghisdinner.Butnowshesummonedthenobleswineherdtoher,saying:‘Goonyourwaynow,nobleEumaios,andtellthestrangertocome,soIcanbefriendhim,andsoIcanaskhim

510ifhehassomewhereheardanynewsofsteadfastOdysseusorseenhiminperson.Heseemslikeamanwhohaswanderedwidely.’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtoherinanswer:‘IfonlytheseAchaians,myqueen,wouldletyouhavesilence!Suchstorieshetells,hewouldcharmoutthedearheartwithinyou.

515ThreenightsIhadhimwithme,andforthreedaysIdetainedhiminmyshelter,forhecamefirsttome.Hehadfledfromavessel;buthehasnotyettoldthestoryofallhissuffering.Butaswhenamanlookstoasinger,whohasbeengivenfromthegodstheskillwithwhichhesingsfordelightofmortals,

520andtheyareimpassionedandstraintohearitwhenhesingstothem,soheenchantedmeinthehallsashesatbesideme.HesaysthatheisafriendbyfamilyofOdysseus,withhishomeinCrete,wherelivesthegenerationofMinos,andfromtherehemadehiswaytothisplace,sufferinghardships,

525drivenhelplessalong.HeclaimshehasheardthatOdysseus

abouthisunknownguest

isnear,intherichcountryofthemenofThesprotia,andalive,andbringingmanytreasuresbacktohishousehold.’

TheninturncircumspectPenelopesaidtohim:‘Gonow,callhimhere,sohecantellmedirectly,

530andletthesepeoplesitbythedoorsandplaytheirgames,orelsegoanddoitathome,wheneverthespiritfavors.Fortheirownpropertiesarestored,unspoiled,intheirhouses,bread,andsweetwine,butthistheirownhouse-peopleeat.Meanwhile,they,daybydayvisitingourhouse,andalways

535dedicatingouroxen,andoursheepandfatgoats,holdtheirfestivalandrecklesslydrinkupourshining

wine;andmostofitisusedup,forthereisnomanheresuchasOdysseuswas,tokeeptheplaguefromhishousehold.ButifOdysseuscouldcome,andreturntothelandofhisfathers,

540soon,withhisson,hecouldpunishtheviolenceofthesepeople.’Shespoke,andTelemachossneezedamain,andaroundhimthepalace

re-echoedterriblytothesound.Penelope,laughing,spokepresentlytoEumaiosandaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Go,please,andsummonthestrangerintomypresence.Doyou

545notseehowmysonsneezedforeverythingIhavespoken?Mayitmeanthatdeath,accomplishedinfull,befallthesuitorseachandall,notoneavoidingdeathanddestruction.AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.IfIlearnthateverythinghesaysistruthfullyspoken,

550Iwillgivehimbeautifulclothingtowear,atunicandmantle.’Soshespoke,andtheswineherdwent,whenheheardwhatshetoldhim,

andhecameandstoodclosebyOdysseusandspokeinwingedwords:‘Fatherandfriend,circumspectPenelope,motherofTelemachos,summonsyou,forherheartisurgenttofindout

555fromyouaboutherhusband,thoughsheissufferingtroubles.Andifshelearnsthatallyousayistruthfullyspoken,shewillgiveyouatunicandmantletowear,whatyouhaveneedofmostofall;andyou,bybeggingyourbreadthroughthecity,cankeepyourbellysustained;andhewhowillcangivetoyou.’

560Theninturnmuch-enduringgreatOdysseusansweredhim:‘Eumaios,byandbyIwilltelleverythingtrulytothedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope.ForIknowwellabouthim,wehavesufferedthesamesadstory.

Eumaiosgoesback

OnlynowIamafraidofthisswarmofroughsuitors,565whoseoutrageousviolencegoesupintotheiron

sky.Forevennow,asIwentthroughthehouse,doingnoharm,andthismanstruckmeandgavemeovertosuffering,Telemachoscouldnotsavemefromthis,norcouldanyother.TellPenelope,therefore,forallhereagerness,towait

570formeinthepalaceuntilthesunhasset.Letherthenquestionmeaboutherhusband'sdayofhomecoming,givingmeaseatclosetothefire,sincethesearewretchedclothesIhave.Youknowthisyourself;youaremyfirstpatron.’

Sohespoke,andtheswineherdwent,whenheheardwhathetoldhim.575ButPenelopesaidtohimashesteppedoverthethreshold:

‘Youdonotbringhim,Eumaios?Whatisthisvagabondthinking?Doeshefearsomeindignity,orisheotherwisebashfulaboutthehouse?Abashfulvagabondmakesabadbeggar.’

Then,OswineherdEumaios,yousaidtoherinanswer:580‘Hespeakswithinreason,asanothermanmightthinkalso,

inkeepingawayfromtheviolenceoftheseinsolentmen.Thereforehetellsyoutowaituntilafterthesunhasgonedown.Foryouyourselfalso,myqueen,thiswayitwillbemuchbetter:totalkinprivatetothestranger,andhearhisstory.’

585TheninturncircumspectPenelopeansweredhim:‘Soitshallbe.Thestranger'sthoughtisnotwithoutgoodsense,sinceneveryetamongmortalmankindhavetherebeenanymenwhohavebeensoviolentintheirwildendeavors.’

Sosheinstructedhim,andthenobleswineherdwentback590intothecrowdofthesuitors,whenhehadunderstoodallofit.

AtoncehespokehiswingedwordstoTelemachos,leaninghisheadclosetohim,sothatnoneoftheothersmighthearhim:‘Dearchild,Iamgoingbacktoguardthepigsandthatotherlivelihoodthatisyoursandmine.Letallbeinyourcharge

595here.Firstofalltakecareofyourself,andbeverywatchfulagainstharmtoyou.TherearemanyAchaianswhowishyouevil.MayZeusdestroythembeforetheycanmakeanyharmbefallus.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Soitshallbe,myfather.Go,whenyouhavehadyoursupper;

600butcomeagaininthemorning,andbringusbeautifulvictims.Imyselfwillseetothingshere,aswilltheimmortals.’

Sohespoke,andtheothersatdownagainonapolished

leavingOdysseusinthepalace

chair.Butwhenhehadhisfillofeatinganddrinking,hewentonbacktothepigs,andleftthecourtsandthepalace

605fullofbanqueters,whotooktheirpleasureinsinginganddancing.Bynowthelaterpartofthedayhadcomeon.

BOOKXVIII

Andnowtherearrivedapublicbeggar,whousedtogobeggingthroughthetownofIthaka,knowntofameforhisravenousbellyandappetiteforeatinganddrinking.Therewasnorealstrengthinhim,noranyforce,buthisbuildwasbigtolookat.

5HehadthenameArnaios,forthustheladyhismothercalledhimfrombirth,butalltheyoungmenusedtocallhimIros,becausehewouldrunandgivemessageswhenanyonetoldhim.ThismanhadcometochaseOdysseusoutofhisownhouseandnowhespoke,insultinghim,andaddressedhiminwingedwords:

10‘Giveway,oldsir,fromtheforecourt,beforeyouaretakenanddraggedoutbythefoot.Doyouseehowallofthemaregivingthesignalandtellingmetodragyou.Still,Iamashamedtodoit.Soup,beforeitcomestoabattleofhandsbetweenus.’

ThenlookingathimdarklyresourcefulOdysseusanswered:15‘Strangeman,Iamdoingyounoharm,norspeakingany,

noramIjealous,ifsomeonetakesplentyandgivesittoyou.Thisdoorsillisbigenoughforbothofus,norhaveyouanyneedtobejealousofothers.IthinkyouareavagabondasIamtoo.Prosperityisinthegods'giving.

20Leaveblowsalone,donotpressmetoohard,oryoumaymakemeangrysothat,oldasIam,Imaygiveyouabloodychestandmouth.ThenIcouldhavepeace,andstillmoreofittomorrow,forIdonotthinkyouwillmakeyourwaybackhere

OdysseuschallengedbythebeggarIros

asecondtimetothehouseofOdysseus,sonofLaertes.’25TheninangerIrosthevagabondsaidtohim:‘Shameonhowtheoldhulkrollsalonginhis

speech,likeanoldwomanattheoven.Ihavesomebadplansforhim:hithimwithbothhands,andspatteralloftheteethoutfromhisjawsontheground,asifhewereawildpigrooting

30thecrops.Come,tuckup,soallthesepeoplecanseeusdobattle.Buthowcanyoufightagainstamanwhoisyounger?’

So,infrontofthetoweringdoors,anduponthethresholdpolishedsmooth,thesetwohurledjaggedwordsateachother;andAntinoös,thesacredprince,stirredthemontobattle,

35andlaughingsweetlyhespokealoudtotherestofthesuitors:‘Friends,inthepastnothinghaseverhappenedtomatchthisentertainmentthatthegodhasnowbroughttothepalace;forthestrangerandIrosarenowmakingreadyforbattlewiththeirfists.Come,lettherestofusspeedtheencounter.’

40Sohespoke,andtherestofthemallsprangup,laughing,andgatheredallinagrouparoundthetworaggedbeggars.ItwasAntinoösthesonofEupeitheswhospoketothem:‘Listentome,youhaughtysuitors,whileIsaysomething.Herearesomegoatpaunchessetonthefire;wefilledthem

45withbloodandfat,andsetthemthere,toeataftersupper.Whicheverofthesemenwinsthecontest,andisprovedbetter,lethimcomeup,andhelphimselftowhicheverhelikesbest;andheshallalwayshavedinnerwithus,norshallweeveradmitanyotherbeggartojoinusinside,andbegfromus.’

50SoAntinoösspoke,andwhathehadsaidwaspleasing.ButnowresourcefulOdysseus,withcraftythoughts,saidtohim:‘Friends,itisnotpossibleforamanwhoisolderandwornwithsorrowtofightwithayoungerman,butmyvillainousbellydrivesmetodoit,andfalltohisfists.Therefore,

55come,swearmeastrongoathallofyou,thatnoonewilltakethesideofIrosandlightheartedlystrikemedownwithaheavyhand,andmakemefalltohisonset.’

Sohespoke,andtheyallsworehimtheoathasheaskedit.Butwhenallhadsworntheoathandmadeanendoftheirswearing,

60thehallowedprinceTelemachosnowspokeoutamongthem:‘Stranger,ifyourheartandspiritareurgentwithyoutodefendyourselfagainstthisman,thenfearnoother

Thesuitorshavethemfight

Achaian.Themanwhostrikesyoushallhavetofightagainstnumbers.Imyselfamyourhost,withtheassentofthetwokings

65AntinoösandEurymachos,bothmenofprudence.’Sohespoke,andtheyallapplaudedhim.ButOdysseus

girdeduphisragsabouthisbody,displayinghisthighs,splendidandlarge,andonecouldseethewideshoulders;

hischestshowed,andhisponderousarms;andalsoAthene70standingclosebesidetheshepherdofthepeoplemagnified

hislimbs,andthesuitorsallintheirinsolencewereastonished,andthuswouldoneofthemspeak,lookingoverathisnextneighbor:‘IroswillsoonbeIrosnomore,withhimselftothankfortheevil.Seewhatlimbstheoldman'sragshaveuncovered.’

75Sohespoke,andtheheartinIroswasstirredwithtrouble,butevensothethrallsgirthimforciblyup,anddraggedhimthere.Hewasfrightened,andthefleshshookalloverhisbody.Antinoösscoldedhimwithawordandspokeoutandnamedhim:‘Idonotcareifyouliveordie,yougreatox,norwhathappens

80toyou,whenyouareafraidofthisman,andtremblebeforehim,anoldman,andwornwiththesorrowsthathavecomeuponhim.ButItellyouthisstraightout,anditwillbeathingaccomplished.Ifthismanwinsthefightwithyou,andisprovedthebetter,Iwillthrowyouintoablackship,andsendyouacrosstothemainland,

85toEchetos,whopreysonallmen,andwhoiskingthere,andhewiththepitilessbronzewillcutoffyournoseandears,andtearoffyourprivatesandgivethemrawforthedogstofeedon.’

Sohespoke,andthetremblingevenmoretookholdofhislimbs,buttheypulledhimon,andbothmenputtheirhandsup.

90Atthattime,much-enduringgreatOdysseusponderedwhethertohithimsothatthelifewouldgooutofhim,ashewentdown,oronlytostretchhimoutbyhittinghimlightly.Andinthedivisionofhisheartthiswayseemedbesttohim,tohithimlightly,sotheAchaianswouldnotbesuspicious.

95Theyputuptheirhands,andIroshithimontherightshoulder,butOdysseusstrucktheneckunderneaththeear,andshatteredtheboneswithin,andtheredbloodcameinhismouth,fillingit.Hedropped,bleating,inthedust,withteethsetinagrimace,andkickingatthegroundwithhisfeet,andthehaughtysuitors

100helduptheirhandsanddiedwithlaughing.Meanwhile,Odysseusdraggedhimbythefootthroughtheporch,tillhecametothecourtyard

andIrosisknockedout

andtheporticodoors,andproppedhimagainstthecourtyardwall,sittingup,andstuckthestaffinhishand,toholdit.Thenhespoketohimaloudandaddressedhiminwingedwords:

105‘Sittherenow,andscareawaythedogsandthestraypigs.Butyoumustnolongertrytobekingofthestrangersandbeggars,beingsuchawretch,oryoumaywinyourselfstillmoreevil.’

Hespoke,andthrewacrosshisshouldershisuglywalletthatwasfullofholes,withatwistofropeattachedtodangleit.

110Hewentbacktothesillagainandsatdown,buttheotherswentinsideagain,laughingsweetly,anddranktohim,saying:‘MayZeus,stranger,andalltheotherimmortalsgiveyouwhatyouwantmostofallandwhatisdeartoyourspirit,forhavingstoppedthewanderingofthisgreedycreature

115inourneighborhood.Soonwewilltakehimacrosstothemainland,toEchetos,whopreysonallmen,andwhoiskingthere.’

Sotheyspoke,andgreatOdysseuswaspleasedattheomen.NowAntinoössetbeforehimthegreatpaunchpuddingthatwasallfilledwithfatandblood.Amphinomos,taking

120twoloavesofbreadoutofthebasket,setthembeforehim,anddrankhishealthinagoldencupandspoketohim,saying:‘Yourhealth,fatherandstranger;mayprosperousdaysbefallyouhereafter;butnowyouareheldinthegripofmanymisfortunes.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:125‘Amphinomos,youseemtomeveryprudent,being

thesonofsuchafather,whoseexcellentfameIhaveheardof,Nisos,thatis,ofDoulichion,bothstrongandprosperous;theysayyouarehisson,andyouseemlikeamanwell-spoken.SoIwilltellyou,andyouinturnunderstandandlisten.

130Ofallcreaturesthatbreatheandwalkontheearththereisnothingmorehelplessthanamanis,ofallthattheearthfosters;forhethinksthathewillneversuffermisfortuneinfuturedays,whilethegodsgranthimcourage,andhiskneeshavespringinthem.Butwhentheblessedgodsbringsaddaysuponhim,

135againsthiswillhemustsufferitwithenduringspirit.ForthemindinmenuponearthgoesaccordingtothefortunestheFatherofGodsandMen,daybyday,bestowsuponthem.ForImyselfoncepromisedtobeamanofprosperity,but,givingwaytoforceandviolence,didmanyreckless

140things,becauseIreliedonmyfatherandbrothers.Therefore,

AtheneinspiresPenelope

letnomanbealtogetherwithoutthesenseofrighteousness,buttakeinsilencethegiftsofthegods,whatevertheygivehim.Evenso,now,Iseethesuitors,theirrecklessdevisings,howtheyshownorespecttothewife,anddespoilthepossessions

145ofamanwho,Ithink,willnotforlongbefarfromhiscountryandfriends.Heisverycloseby.ButIhopeyourdestiny

takesyouhome,outofhisway.Ihopeyouneverwillfacehim,atthetimehecomesbacktothebelovedlandofhisfathers.ForIbelievethat,onceheentershishalls,therewillbe

150areckoning,notwithoutblood,betweenthatmanandthesuitors.’Sohespoke,andpoured,anddrankthehoney-sweetwine,then

putthecupbackintothehandsofthelordofthepeople;buttheotherwentbackacrosstheroom,heartsaddenedwithinhim,shakinghishead,forinhisspirithesawtheevil,

155butstillcouldnotescapehisdoom,forAthenehadboundhimfast,tobestronglykilledbythehandsandspearofTelemachos.Hewentbackandsatdownonthechairfromwhichhehadrisen.

Butnowthegoddess,gray-eyedAthene,putitinthemindofthedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,

160toshowherselftothesuitors,sothatthemightallthemoreopentheirhearts,andsothatshemightseemallthemorepreciousintheeyesofherhusbandandsoneventhanshehadbeenbeforethis.Shelaughed,inanidleway,andspoketohernurseandnamedher:‘Eurynome,myheartdesires,thoughbeforeitdidnot,

165toshowmyselftothesuitors,althoughIstillhatethem.Also,Iwouldspeakawordtomyson,andthatwouldbeforthebetter,thatheshouldnotalwaysgoamongtheinsolentsuitors,whospeakhimwell,butareplottingevilthingsforthefuture.’

Eurynomethehousekeepersaidtoherinanswer:170‘Nowallthisyouhavesaid,mychild,wasfairandorderly.

Gothen,andspeakawordtoyourson,hidenothing.Onlyfirstyoushouldwashyourbodyandanointyourface.Donotgodownwithafacesoravagedalloverbytears,asitnowis,sincenothingisgainedbyindiscriminatesorrowingalways.

175Fornowyoursoniscomeofage,andyouknowyoualwaysprayedtheimmortals,beyondallelse,toseehimbearded.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Eurynome,thoughyoucareforme,donotspeakofsuchmattersaswashingmybodyandanointingmyselfwithunguents,

toappearbeforethesuitors

180seeingthatthegods,theywhopossessOlympos,ruinedmyglory,fromthattimewhenhewentawayinthehollowships.ButtellAutonoëandHippodameiatocome,sothattheycanstandatmysideinthegreathall.Iwillnotgoaloneamongmen.Ithinkthatimmodest.’

185Soshespoke,andtheoldwomanwentawaythroughthepalace,andbroughtthewordto

thewomen,andurgedthemtogototheirmistress.Thenthegoddessgray-eyedAthenethoughtwhattodonext.

ShedriftedasweetsleepoverIkarios'daughter,andallherjointswererelaxedsothatsheslumbered,reclining

190thereonthecouch.Meanwhileshe,shiningamonggoddesses,endowedherwithgiftsimmortal,tomaketheAchaiansadmireher.First,forherbeauty'ssake,shefreshenedallherfinefeatureswithambrosia,suchasfair-garlandedKythereiausesforsalve,whenevershejoinsthelovelydanceoftheGraces.

195Shemadehertallerfortheeyetobehold,andthicker,andshemadeherwhiterthansawnivory.Aftersodoing,she,Athene,shiningamonggoddesses,departed,andthewhite-armedhandmaidenscamerunninginfromthegreathall,withclamor,aboutPenelope,andthesweetsleepreleasedher.

200Sherubbedhercheekswithbothherhandsandspokealoud,saying:‘Thatwasastrangething,thatsoftsleepthatshroudedme.HowIwishchasteArtemiswouldgivemeadeathsosoft,andnow,soIwouldnotgooninmyheartgrievingallmylife,andlongingforloveofahusbandexcellent

205ineveryvirtue,sincehestoodoutamongtheAchaians.’Soshespoke,andmadeherdescentfromhershiningchamber,

notallalone,sincetwohandmaidenswenttoattendher.Whenshe,shiningamongwomen,camenearthesuitors,shestoodbythepillarthatsupportedtheroofwithitsjoinery,

210holdinghershiningveilinfrontofherface,toshieldit,andadevotedattendantwasstationedoneithersideofher.Theirkneesgaveway,andtheheartsinthemwerebemusedwithpassion,andeachoneprayedfortheprivilegeoflyingbesideher;butshespokerathertoherbelovedson,Telemachos:

215‘Telemachos,yourmindandthoughtsarenolongersteadfast.Whenyouwereachildstill,youhadbetterthoughtsinmind.Now,whenyouarebig,andcometothemeasureofmaturity,andone

Penelopehintsatmarriage

whosawyou,someoutsider,viewingyoursizeandbeauty,wouldsayyouwerethesonbornofaprosperousman;

220yourthoughtsarenolongerrighteous,noryourperception;suchathinghasbeendonenow,hereinourpalace,andyoupermittedourstrangerguesttobesooutrageouslyhandled.Howmustitbenow,ifthestrangerwhositsinourhouseholdistobemadetosuffersofrombitterbrutality?

225Thatmustbeyouroutrageandshameaspeopleseeit.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Mymother,Icannotcomplainofyouranger.Imyselfnoticeallthesethingsinmyheartandknowofthem,betterandworsealike,butbeforenowIwasonlyaninfant;

230butstillIcannotseemywaytothewisecoursealways,forthesemencomefromoneplaceoranother,andsitbesidemewiththeirevilthoughts,anddistractme,andtherearenoneheretohelpme.YetitwasnotbythewillofthesuitorsthatthisstruggletookplacebetweenIrosandthestranger,andhewasstrongerthanIros

235inbattle.OfatherZeus,andAthene,andApollo,ifonlyinourhouse,insuchamanner,thesuitorscouldbedefeatedandbowtheirheads,someinthecourtyardandsomeinsideofthehouse,andthelimbsbeunstrungineachofthem;asnowforIros,ashesitsovertherebythecourtyard

240gates,lollinghisheadlikeadrunkenman,andunabletostanduprightonhisfeetagainandmakehiswayhomewardtowhereverhemakeshishome,sincethereisnostrengthinhisbody.’

Sothesetwowereconversinginthiswaywitheachother;butEurymachosnowspokeoutandaddressedPenelope:

245‘DaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,ifonlyalltheAchaiansinIadArgoscouldseeyou,atdawnofdaytomorrowtherewouldbeevenmoresuitorscometofeastinyourhouse,sinceyousurpassallwomenforbeautyandstatureandforthemindwellbalancedwithinyou.’

250CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Eurymachos,allmyexcellence,mybeautyandfigure,wereruinedbytheimmortalsatthattimewhentheArgivestookshipforIlion,andwiththemwentmyhusband,Odysseus.Ifheweretocomebacktomeandtakecareofmylife,then

255myreputationwouldbemoregreatandsplendid.Asitis

butalsoatpresents

now,Igrieve;suchevilsthegodhasletlooseuponme.Whenhewentandleftmebehindinthelandofhisfathers,hetookmebytherighthandatthewrist,andthensaidtome:“Dearwife,sinceIdonotthinkthestrong-greavedAchaians

260willallcomesafelyhomefromTroywithouthurt,seeingthatpeoplesaytheTrojansaremenwhocanfightinbattle,thattheyarethrowersofthespear,andshootersofarrows,andriderswithfast-footedhorses,whowiththegreatest

speedsettlethegreatandhatefulissueofcommonbattle,265Idonotknowifthegodwillspareme,orifImustbelost

thereinTroy;hereleteverythingbeinyourcharge.Youmusttakethoughtformyfatherandmotherhereinourpalace,asyoudonow,orevenmore,sinceIshallbeabsent.Butwhenyouseeoursongrownupandbearded,thenyoumay

270marrywhatevermanyouplease,forsakingyourhousehold.”Sohespokethen;andnowallthisisbeingaccomplished.Andtherewillcomethatnightwhenahatefulmarriageisgiventowretchedme,forZeushastakenmyhappinessfromme.Butthisthingcomesasabitterdistresstomyheartandspirit:

275thebehaviorofthesesuitorsisnotasitwasintimepastwhensuitorsdesiredtopaytheircourttoanoblewomananddaughterofarichman,andrivaleachother.Suchmenthemselvesbringintheirowncattleandfatsheep,tofeastthefamilyofthebride,andoffergloriouspresents.

280Theydonoteatupanother'slivelihood,withoutpayment.’Shespoke,andmuch-enduringgreatOdysseuswashappy

becauseshebeguiledgiftsoutofthem,andenchantedtheirspiritswithblandishingwords,whileherownmindhadotherintentions.

ThenAntinoösthesonofEupeithesanswered:285‘DaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,

whatevergiftanyAchaianwishestobringhere,takeit;itisnothonorabletorefusethegiving.Wewillnotgobacktoourownestates,norwillwegoelsewhere,untilyoumarrywhicheverAchaianyoufancy.’

290SospokeAntinoös,andhiswordpleasedtherestofthem.Eachmansenthisheraldofftobringbackthepresents.Antinoös'heraldbroughtinagreatrobe,beautifulandelaborate,andinitweretwelvedoublepins,goldenallthrough,andfittedwithbarsthatopenedandclosedeasily.

OdysseusisscoldedbyMelantho

295Eurymachos'mancamebackwithanelaboratenecklaceofgold,strungwithbitsofamber,andbrightassunshine.Eurydamas'servantscamebackbringingapairofearringswithtripledropsinmulberryclusters,andtherewasradiantcharminthem.FromthehouseofthelordPeisandros,Polyktor's

300son,hisservantbroughtanecklace,awonderfuloffering.EachoftheAchaiansbroughtadifferentbeautifulpresent;andshe,shiningamongwomen,wentbacktoherupper

room,andhermaidservantscarriedthebeautifulpresentsforher.Butnowthesuitors,turningtothedanceanddelightful

305song,tooktheirpleasureandawaitedthecomingofevening,andtheblacknightcameonastheyweretakingtheirpleasure.Accordingly,theysetupthreecressetsaboutthepalace,togivethemlight,andaboutthemtheylaidpilesoffirewoodpieces,longdriedandseasoned,butlatelysplitwiththebrazen

310ax;andputkindlinginwithit,andthemaidsofenduringOdysseuswerereadytotaketurnskeepingthemburning,whenillustriousresourcefulOdysseushimselfspoketothem:‘YoumaidsofOdysseus,whosemasterhaslongbeenabsent,gobackintothehousewheretherespectedqueenis,

315andinherpresenceturnyourdistaffs,andsitbesideherinthehalls,andcomforther,orcombyourwoolinyourhandsthere.ButImyselfwillprovidethelightforallofthesepeople.Andeveniftheywishtokeepatituntilthehigh-throneddawn,theywillnotwearmeout.Iamveryenduring.’

320Sohespoke,andtheyburstoutlaughingandlookedateachother;butMelanthoofthelovelyfaceshamefullyscoldedhim.Dolioswasherfather,butPenelopehadtakenherin,andcaredforherlikeadaughter,andcheeredherwithpresents;butevensoherhearthadnosorrowforPenelope,

325butsheusedtosleepwithEurymachos,andshewashissweetheart.NowshespoketoOdysseusandgavehimascolding:‘Wretchedstranger,youmustbeonewhosewitsaredistracted,whenyouwillnotgowherethesmithisatwork,andsleepthere,ortosomepublicgatheringplace,butstayingherespeakout

330boldlyandatlengthamongmanymen,andyourspiritknowsnofear.Thewinemusthaveyourbrains;orelsealwaysyouaresuchamaninyourmind,ababblerofnonsense.AreyousobravebecauseyoubeatthevagabondIros?

andtauntedbyEurymachos

TakecarelestabettermanthanIrosstandupagainstyou,335onewhocanpummelyouabouttheheadwithhisheavy

hands,beatyou,drawblood,andchaseyououtofthepalace.’ThenlookingatherdarklyresourcefulOdysseusanswered:

‘IthinkIwillgotoTelemachos,youbitch,andtellhimhowyouaretalking,sothathewillcutyoutopieces.’

340Speakinginwordslikethisheflutteredthewomen.Theywentontheirwaybackintothehouse,andthekneesofeachone

wentloosewithfear.Theythoughthewasspeakingthetruth.Hethentookhisplacebytheburningcressets,andkeptthemlighted,lookingafterthemallhimself,buttheheartwithinhim

345wasponderingotherthoughts,whichwerenottogounaccomplished.ButAthenedidnotaltogetherpermitthehaughty

suitorstoforgotheirhardinsolence,sothatstillmoregriefwouldinvadetheheartofOdysseus,sonofLaertes.Eurymachos,sonofPolybos,beganspeakingamongthem,

350tauntingOdysseus,andstarteduplaughteramonghiscompanions:‘Hearme,allyousuitorsofthegloriousqueen,hearmewhileIspeakoutwhattheheartwithinmybreasturges.ThismancomesasgiftofthegodstothehouseofOdysseus.Itismythoughtthathecangiveusillumination

355fromhisbaldhead,whichhasnohair,notevenalittle.’Sohespoke,andaddressedOdysseus,sackerofcities:

‘Stranger,ifIweretotakeyouup,wouldyoubewillingtoworkformeonmyouterestate—Iwouldgiveyouadequatepay—assemblingstonesforfences,andgrowingthetalltrees?

360ThereIwouldprovideyouwithanallowanceofvictuals,andgiveyoushoestowearonyourfeet,andclothingtoputon.Butsincealltheworkyouhavelearnedisbad,youwillnotbewillingtogooffandworkhard;no,youwouldratherbegwherethepeopleare,andsobeabletofeedthatravenousbelly.’

365ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘Eurymachos,Iwishtherecouldbeaworkingcontestbetweenus,inthespringseasonwhenthedaysarelengthening,outinthemeadow,withmyselfholdingawell-curvedsickle,andyouonelikeit,sototestourenduranceforlabor,

370withoutfood,fromdawntilldark,withplentyofgrassforourmowing.Orifitwereoxentobedriven,thoseofthebestsort,largeonesandruddy,bothwellfedwithgrass,ofanequal

EurymachosthrowsafootstoolatOdysseus

ageandcarryingpower,andtheirstrengthisnotcontemptible,andtherewerefouracrestoplow,withtheglebegivingtotheplowshare.

375ThereyouwouldseeifIcouldcarveacontinuousfurrow.Oragain,ifthisdaythesonofKronosshouldbringonabattle,andIweregivenagreatshieldandtwospears,andahelmetallofbronzewellfittedovermytemples,soyouwouldseemetakingmyplaceasoneoftheforemost

380fighters,andyoucouldnotspeaksoinscornofmybelly.

Butnowyouareveryinsulting,andthinktobeshortwithme;also,asIsuppose,youthinkyouareatallmanandpowerful,becauseyouhavedealingswithfewmenandnobraveones;surely,ifOdysseusweretocomebacktothelandofhisfathers,

385thegatesofthehouse,althoughtheyareverywide,wouldsuddenlybetoonarrowasyoutookflighttoescapefromtheforecourt.’

Hespoke,andtheangermountedintheheartofEurymachos,andlookingdarklyathimheaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Wretch,Iwilldoyouaninjuryforthewayyouaretalking,

390boldlyandatlengthamongmanymen,andyourspiritknowsnofear.Thewinemusthaveyourbrains;orelsealwaysyouaresuchamaninyourmind,ababblerofnonsense.AreyousobravebecauseyoudefeatedthevagabondIros?’

Sohespoke,andcaughtupafootstool;butOdysseus395crouchedagainstthekneesofDoulichianAmphinomos

infearofEurymachos,whothrew,andhitthecupbearerintherighthand.Thepitcherfelltotheground,clashing,butthecupbearerfellonhisbackinthedust,groaning.Butthesuitorsallthroughtheshadowyhallswereraisingatumult,

400andthustheywouldspeak,eachmanlookingatthemannexthim:‘HowIwishthisstrangercouldhavegonetoperditionsomewhereelse,beforehecamehere;hehasraisedsuchatumult,andnowwearefightingoverbeggars;therewillbenopleasureinthestatelyfeastatall,sincevilethingswillbeuppermost.’

405NowthehallowedprinceTelemachosspokeawordtothem:‘Fools,youareoutofyourmindsandnolongerconcealinsideyouwhatyouhaveeatenanddrunk.Itmustbesomegodwhotroublesyou.Youhavefeastedwell;gotoyourhomesandsleep,whenever,thatis,anyonedesirestogohome;Idriveawaynoman.’

410Sohespoke,andallofthembittheirlipsinamazementatTelemachos,andthedaringwayhehadspokentothem.

Thesuitorsgohome

NowtheywereaddressedandspokentobyAmphinomos,theglorioussonofNisos,sonofthelordAretios:‘Dearfriends,nomanmustbeangry,noryetwithviolent

415answersattackwhathasbeenspokeninjustice.Anddonotstrikethestranger,asyouhavedone,noryetanyotherservingmanwhoisinthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus.Comenow,letthecupbearerpourwineinourgoblets,sowecanpouralibationandthenretiretoourhouses;

420andinthehallsofOdysseusweshallletTelemachoslookafterthestranger,sinceitishishousethathecameto.’

Sohespoke,andthewordhespokewaspleasingtoallofthem.TheheroMoulios,theDoulichianherald,mixedthemwineinthebowl.HewasthehenchmanofAmphinomos.

425Hepasseditaroundtoallinorder,andthey,pouringalibationtotheblessedgods,drankthehoney-sweetwine.Butwhentheyhadmadelibationanddrunkasmuchastheywanted,thentheywenthometogotobed,eachmantohisownhouse.

BOOKXIX

NowgreatOdysseusstillremainedinthehall,ponderinghow,withthehelpofAthene,hewouldmurderthesuitors.PresentlyhespokeinwingedwordstoTelemachos:‘Telemachos,wemusthavetheweaponsstoredawayinside

5thehighchamber;andwhenthesuitorsmissthemandaskyouaboutthem,answerandbeguilethemwithsoftwords,saying:“Istoredthemawayoutofthesmoke,sincetheyarenolongerlikewhatOdysseusleftbehindwhenhewenttoTroyland,butaremadefoul,withallthesmokeofthefireuponthem.

10Also,somedivinityputintomyheadthisevengreaterthought,thatwiththewineinyou,youmightstandupandfight,andwoundeachother,andspoilthefeastandthecourting;sinceironallofitselfworksonamanandattractshim.”’

Sohespoke,andTelemachosobeyedhisdearfather,15andsummonedoutEurykleiahisnurse,andsaidtoher:

‘Come,nurse,pleasedetainthewomeninsidethepalace,whileIputawaymyfather'sbeautifularmorintheinnerroom;itiscarelesslylaidinthehouse,anddarkenedwithsmoke,inmyfather'sabsence,andIwasachildallthattime.

20NowIwouldputitaway,wheresmokefromthefirewillnotreachit.’TheninturnEurykleiahisdearnursesaidtohim:

‘Ionlyhope,mychild,thatyouwillassumesuchforesightintakingcareofthehouseandprotectingallourpossessions.Buttellme,whoisitwillgowithyouandholdthelightforyou?

OdysseusandTelemachosremovethearmor

25Themaidswouldhavegivenyoulight,butyouwouldnotletthemcomeout.ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Thisstrangerwill.Iwillnotsufferamanwhofeedsfromourstores,anddoesnotwork,eventhoughhecomesfromfaroff.’

Sohespoke,andshehadnowingedwordsforananswer.

30Eurykleiabarredthedoorsofthestrong-builtgreathall.Thetwomen,Odysseusandhisgloriousson,sprangupandbegancarryinghelmets,shieldsmassiveinthemiddle,andpointedspears,andbeforethemPallasAthene,holdingagoldenlamp,gavethemsplendidillumination.

35SuddenlyTelemachosspokeawordtohisfather:‘Father,hereisagreatwonderthatmyeyeslookon.Alwaysitseemsthatthechamberwalls,thehandsomebasesandrooftimbersoffirandtallcolumnssustainingthem,shineinmyeyesasifafirewereblazing.Theremustbe

40surelyagodhere,oneofthosewhoholdthehighheaven.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Hush,andkeepitinyourownmind,anddonotaskquestions.Forthisistheverywayofthegods,whoholdOlympos.Youshouldnowgotobed,andIshallremainbehindhere,

45sothatIcancontinuetostirupthemaids,andalsoyourmother;andsheinhersorrowwillquestionmeabouteverything.’

Sohespoke,andTelemachoswentoutofthegreathalltohisownchambertogotobed,withtorchestolighthimtohisbed,wherehealwayslaywhensweetsleepcameonhim.

50TherehelaythistimealsoandwaitedforthedivineDawn,whilegreatOdysseusstillremainedinthehall,ponderinghow,withthehelpofAthene,hewouldmurderthesuitors.

ButnowcircumspectPenelopecamedownfromherchamber,lookinglikeArtemisorlikegoldenAphrodite.

55Theysetachairforhertositonclosebythefireplace.Thechairwasinlaidwithivoryandsilver;thecraftsmanIkmalioshadmadeit,andforthefeethehadjoinedonafootstool,allofonepiecewithit;agreatfleecewasspreadoutoverthechair,anduponitcircumspectPenelope

60tookherplace.Herwhite-armedhandmaidenscamefromthepalace.Theyclearedandcarriedawayagreatdealoffood,withthetablesandgoblets,wherethemeninhighspiritshadbeendrinking,andshooktheashfromthecressetsontotheground,thenpiledthem

InterviewbetweenOdysseusandPenelope

againwithpiecesofwood,togivethemlight,andtowarmthem.65AgainforthesecondtimeMelanthoscoldedOdysseus:

‘Stranger,doyoumeantostayhereallnightandbotherusbypokingalloverthehouseandspyinguponthewomen?Takeyourselfoutofthedoor,youwretch,andbewellsatisfied

withyourfeast,oryoumaybeforcedtogetout,withatorchthrownatyou.’70ThenlookingdarklyatherresourcefulOdysseussaidtoher:‘Iwonder,whydoyouhold

suchanangrygrudgeagainstme?IsitbecauseIamdirty,andwearfoulclothinguponme,andgoaboutasapublicbeggar?Theneedisonme,forsuchisthelotofvagabondsandmenwhoarehomeless.

75Itoowasonewholivedinmyownhouseamongpeople,prosperinginwealth,andoftenIgavetoawandereraccordingtowhathewasandwantedwhenhecametome;andIhadservingmenbythousands,andmanyanothergoodthing,bywhichmenlivewellandarecalledprosperous,only

80Zeus,sonofKronos,spoileditall—somehowhewishedto.So,woman,youshouldnowbewarelestyouloseallofthatgloriouslookwithwhichyoushineamongthehandmaidens.Bewareofyourmistress,whomaygrowangrywithyouandhateyou.OrOdysseusmaycomeback.Thereisstilltimeforhopethere.

85Andevenifhehasperishedandwillnolongercomeback,hereisTelemachos,hisson,bygraceofApollogrownsuchaman,andinhispalacenoneofthewomenwillbesinfulandescape,sinceheisachildnolonger.’

Sohespoke,andcircumspectPenelopeheardhim,90andspoketohermaidservantbynameandgaveherascolding:

‘AlwaysIknowwellwhatmonstrousthingyouaredoing,youboldandshamelessbitch;youwillwipeitoffonyourownhead.Youunderstoodallthisverywell,becauseyouhadhearditfromme,howinmyhallsIintendedtoquestionthestranger

95aboutmyhusband;sinceIamtroubledforhimincessantly.’Soshespokeandaddressedherhousekeeper,Eurynome:

‘Eurynome,bringupachairandputafleeceonit,sothatthestrangercanbeseated,andtellmehisstory,andlistenalsotowhatIsay.Iwishtoquestionhim.’

100Soshespoke,andtheservantquicklybroughtupandsetdownawell-polishedchair,andlaidafleeceacrosstocoverit.

whotellsherstory

Onthis,much-enduringgreatOdysseuswasseated,andtheirdiscoursewasbegunbycircumspectPenelope:‘Stranger,Imyselffirsthaveaquestiontoaskyou.

105Whatmanareyouandwhence?Whereisyourcity?Yourparents?’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:

‘Lady,nomortalmanontheendlessearthcouldhavecause

tofindfaultwithyou;yourfamegoesupintothewideheaven,asofsomekingwho,asablamelessmanandgod-fearing,

110andrulingaslordovermanypowerfulpeople,upholdsthewayofgoodgovernment,andtheblackearthyieldshimbarleyandwheat,histreesareheavywithfruit,hissheepflockscontinuetobearyoung,theseagiveshimfish,becauseofhisgoodleadership,andhispeopleprosperunderhim.

115Questionmenowhereinyourhouseaboutallothermatters,butdonotaskwhoIam,thenameofmycountry,forfearyoumayincreaseinmyheartitsburdenofsorrowasIthinkback;Iamveryfullofgrief,andIshouldnotsitinthehouseofsomebodyelsewithmylamentation

120andwailing.Itisnotgoodtogoonmourningforever.Someoneofyourmaids,oryouyourself,mightfindfaultwithmeandsayIswamintearsbecausemybraindrownedinliquor.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Stranger,allofmyexcellence,mybeautyandfigure,

125wereruinedbytheimmortalsatthattimewhentheArgivestookshipforIlion,andwiththemwentmyhusband,Odysseus.Ifheweretocomebacktomeandtakecareofmylife,thenmyreputationwouldbemoregreatandsplendid.Asitisnow,Igrieve;suchevilsthegodhasletlooseuponme.

130Forallthegreatestmenwhohavethepowerintheislands,inDoulichionandSameandinwoodedZakynthos,andallwhoinrockyIthakaareholdersoflordships,allthesearemysuitorsagainstmywill,andtheywearmyhouseout.Therefore,Ipaynoattentiontostrangers,nortosuppliants,

135noryettoheralds,whoareinthepublicservice,butalwaysIwasteawayattheinwardheart,longingforOdysseus.Thesementrytohastenthemarriage.Iweavemyownwiles.Firstthedivinityputtheideaofthewebinmymind,tosetupagreatloominmypalace,andsettoweaving

140awebofthreads,longandfine.ThenIsaidtothem:

Odysseuspretends

“Youngmen,mysuitorsnowthatthegreatOdysseushasperished,wait,thoughyouareeagertomarryme,untilIfinishthisweb,sothatmyweavingwillnotbeuselessandwasted.ThisisashroudfortheheroLaertes,forwhenthedestructive

145doomofdeathwhichlaysmenlowshalltakehim,lestanyAchaianwomaninthisneighborhoodholditagainstme

thatamanofmanyconquestslieswithnosheettowindhim.”SoIspoke,andtheproudheartinthemwaspersuaded.ThereafterinthedaytimeIwouldweaveatmygreatloom,

150butinthenightIwouldhavetorchessetby,andundoit.SoforthreeyearsIwassecretinmydesigns,convincingtheAchaians,butwhenthefourthyearcamewiththeseasonsreturning,andthemonthsfaded,andmanydayshadbeenbroughttocompletion,thenatlastthroughmymaidservants,thosecarelesshussies,

155theylearned,andcameuponmeandcaughtme,andgavemeascolding.So,againstmywillandbyforce,Ihadtofinishit.NowIcannotescapefromthismarriage;Icannolongerthinkofanotherplan;myparentsareurgentwithmetomarry;mysonisvexedastheyeatawayourlivelihood;

160heseesitall;heisagrownmannow,mostabletocareforthehouse,anditistohimZeusgrantsthishonor.Butevenso,tellmewhoyouare,andtheplacewhereyoucomefrom.Youwerenotbornfromanyfabulousoak,oraboulder.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:165‘OrespectedwifeofOdysseus,sonofLaertes,

youwillnotstopaskingmeaboutmyorigin?ThenIwilltellyou;butyouwillgivemeovertosorrowsevenmorethanIhave;butsuchisthewayofit,whenonestraysawayfromhisowncountryaslongasIhave,

170wanderingmanycitiesofmenandsufferinghardships.Evenso,Iwilltellyouwhatyouaskmeandseekfor.ThereisalandcalledCreteinthemiddleofthewine-bluewater,ahandsomecountryandfertile,seagirt,andtherearemanypeoplesinit,innumerable;thereareninetycities.

175Languagewithlanguagemixtheretogether.ThereareAchaians,therearegreat-heartedEteokretans,thereareKydonians,andDoriansinthreedivisions,andnoblePelasgians;andthereisKnossos,thegreatcity,theplacewhereMinoswaskingfornine-yearperiods,andconversedwithgreatZeus.

tohaveentertainedOdysseusinCrete

180Hewasthefatherofmyfather,great-heartedDeukalion.Deukalionhadtwosons,myselfandthelordIdomeneus,butIdomeneushadgonewiththecurvedshipstoIlionalongwiththesonsofAtreus.MygloriousnamewasAithon,andIwastheyoungerborn,buthewastheelderandbetter.

185ItwastherethatIknewOdysseusandentertainedhim,

fortheforceofthewindhadcaughthim,ashewasmakingforIlion,andbroughthimtoCrete,drivinghimoffcoursepastMaleia.HestoppedatAmnisos,wherethereisacaveofEileithyia,indifficultharbors,andbarelyhehadescapedfromthestormwind.

190Hewentuptothetownatonce,andaskedforIdomeneus,forhesaidhewashishereditaryfriend,andrespected;butitwasnowthetenthoreleventhdaysinceIdomeneushadgoneawayalongwithhiscurvedshipsforIlion.ButItookhimbacktomyownhouse,andwellentertainedhim

195withproperhospitality,sincetherewasabundanceinthehouse,andforhisothercompanions,whowerehisfollowers,Icollectedfromthepublicandgavethembarley,andshiningwine,andcattletodedicate,tocontenttheirspirits.TherethenobleAchaiansstayedtwelvedays,foramighty

200NorthWindcontainedthem,suchthatamancouldnotstanduprightandwalktheearth.Someharshdivinitymusthaverousedit.Butonthethirteenthdaythewindfell,andtheyputforth.’

Heknewhowtosaymanyfalsethingsthatwereliketruesayings.Asshelistenedhertearsranandherbodywasmelted,

205asthesnowmeltsalongthehighplacesofthemountainswhentheWestWindhaspileditthere,buttheSouthWindmeltsit,andasitmeltstheriversrunfullflood.Itwasevensothatherbeautifulcheekswerestreamingtears,asPenelopeweptforherman,whowassittingtherebyherside.ButOdysseus

210inhishearthadpityforhiswifeasshemournedhim,buthiseyesstayed,asiftheyweremadeofhornoriron,steadyunderhislids.Hehidhistearsanddeceivedher.Butwhenshehadtakenherpleasureoftearfullamentation,thensheansweredhimonceagainandspokeandaddressedhim:

215‘Now,myfriend,IthinkIwillgiveyouatest,toseeifitistruethatthere,andwithhisgodlikecompanions,youentertainedmyhusband,asyousayyoudid,inyourpalace.Tellmewhatsortofclothingheworeonhisbody,andwhatsort

HeclaimsOdysseusisinThesprotia

ofmanhewashimself,andhiscompanions,whofollowedhim.’220ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘Lady,itisdifficulttotellyou,

withsomuchtimebetween,fornowitisthetwentiethyearsincehewasinthatplaceandwentawayfrommycountry.Still,Iwilltellyou,inthewaymyheartimagineshim.

225GreatOdysseuswaswearingawoolenmantleofpurple,withtwofolds,butthepintoitwasgoldenandfashionedwithdoublesheathes,andthefrontpartofitwasartfullydone:ahoundheldinhisforepawsadappledfawn,preyingonitasitstruggled;andalladmiredit,

230how,thoughtheyweregolden,itpreyedonthefawnandstrangleditandthefawnstruggledwithhisfeetashetriedtoescapehim.Inoticedalsotheshiningtunicthathewaswearingonhisbody.Itwaslikethedried-outskinofanonion,sosheeritwasandsoft,andshiningbrightasthesunshines.

235Manyofthewomenwerelookingatitinadmiration.ButputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.IdonotknowifthisclothingOdysseusworehadcomefromhishome,orifsomecompaniongaveittohimasheboardedhisfastship;orsomefriendabroad,sinceOdysseushadfriendship

240withmanymen.Indeed,therewerefewAchaianslikehim.Imyselfgavehimabrazenswordandadoublecloakofpurple,ahandsomething,andafringedtunic,andsawhimoffintheproperwayonhisstrong-benchedvessel.Alsotherewasaherald,alittleolderthanhewas,

245whowentwithhim.Iwilldescribetoyouwhathelookedlike.Hewasroundintheshoulders,black-complexioned,wooly-haired,andhadthenameEurybates.Odysseusprizedhimabovehisothercompanions,fortheirthoughtswereinharmony.’

Hespoke,andstillmorearousedinherthepassionforweeping,250assherecognizedthecertainproofsOdysseushadgiven.

Butwhenshehadtakenherpleasureoftearfullamentation,thenonceagainshespoketohimandgavehimananswer:‘Stranger,whilebeforethisyouhadmypity,younowshallbemyfriendandberespectedhereinmypalace.

255ForImyselfgavehimthisclothing,asyoudescribeit.Ifoldeditinmychamber,andItooattachedtheshiningpin,tobehisadornment;butIshallneverwelcomehim

andnearinghome

home,comebackagaintothebelovedlandofhisfathers.ItwasonabaddayforhimthatOdysseusboarded

260hishollowshipforthatevil,not-to-be-mentionedIlion.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:

‘OrespectedwifeofOdysseus,sonofLaertes,nolongerwasteyourbeautifulskinnoreatyourheartout

inlamentationforyourhusband.YetIdonotblameyou.265Foranywomanmournswhenshelosesherweddedhusband,

withwhomshehaslaininloveandbornechildren,evenalessermanthanOdysseus.Theysaythathewasliketheimmortals.Butnowgiveoveryourlamentation,andmarkwhatItellyou,forIsaytoyouwithoutdeception,withoutconcealment,

270thatIhaveheardofthepresenthomecomingofOdysseus.Heisnear,intherichlandofthemenofThesprotia,andalive,andbringingmanytreasuresbacktohishousehold.Hecollectsthisaboutthedistrict.Hiseagercompanionswerelosttohim,withhishollowship,onthewine-bluewater

275ashelefttheislandofThrinakia,forZeusandHelioshatedhim,sincehiscompanionskilledthecattleofHelios.Sotheyallperishedinthewashofthegreatsea;onlyOdysseus,ridingthekeel,wascastashorebytheseaswellonthelandofthePhaiakians,whoareneartheimmortals;

280andtheyhonoredhimintheirheartsasifhehadbeenadivinity,andgavehimmuch,andtheythemselveswerewillingtocarryhimhomewithoutharm.SoOdysseuswouldhavebeenhomealongtimebeforethis,butinhismindhethoughtitmoreprofitabletogoaboutandvisitmuchcountry,collectingpossessions.

285ForOdysseusknewprofitablewaysbeyondallothermenwhoaremortal,noothermancouldrivalhimatit.SoPheidon,kingoftheThesprotians,toldmethestory;andhesworetomeinmypresence,ashepouredoutalibationinhishouse,thattheshipwasdrawndowntothesea,andthecrewwereready

290tocarryOdysseusbackagaintohisowndearcountry;butbeforethathesentmeoff,forashipofThesprotianmenhappenedthentobesailingforDoulichion,richinwheatfields.AndheshowedmeallthepossessionsgatheredinbyOdysseus;thesewouldfeedasuccessionofheirstothetenthgeneration,

295somanytreasuresarestoredforhiminthehouseofthegreatking.

Eurykleiaistold

ButhesaidOdysseushadgonetoDodona,tolistentothewillofZeus,outoftheholydeep-leavedoaktree,forhowhecouldcomebacktotherichcountrysideofIthaka,insecretoropenly,havingbeenbynowlongabsent.

300Soheissafe,asyousee,andisnowcomingback.Heisverycloseathand,andwillnotforlongbefarfromhiscountryandhisownpeople.Iwillswearyouafirmoathtothis.

Zeusbemywitness,firstofthegods,andthetableoffriendship,andthehearthofblamelessOdysseus,towhichIcomeasasuppliant,

305allthesethingsarebeingaccomplishedinthewayItellthem.SometimewithinthisveryyearOdysseuswillbehere,eitheratthewaningofthemoonoratitsonset.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Ifonlythisword,strangerandguest,werebroughttofulfillment,

310soonyouwouldbeawareofmyloveandmanygiftsgivenbyme,soanymanwhometyouwouldcallyoublessed.ButhereisthewayIthinkinmymind,andthewayitwillhappen.Odysseuswillnevercomehomeagain,norwillyoubegivenconveyance,fortherearenonetogiveordersleftinthehousehold

315suchasOdysseuswasamongmen—ifheeverexisted—forreceivingrespectedstrangersandsendingthemoffontheirjourneys.Butcome,handmaidens,givehimawashandspreadacouchforhimhere,withbeddingandcoverletsandwithshiningblankets,sothathecankeepwarmashewaitsforDawnofthegolden

320throne,andearlytomorrowyoushallgivehimabath,anointhim,sothathecansitinthehallbesideTelemachosandexpecttodinethere;anditwillbetheworseforanyofthosemenwhoinflictsheart-wastingannoyanceonhim;hewillaccomplishnothinghereforallhisterrible

325spite;forhow,myfriend,willyoulearnifIinanywaysurpasstherestofwomen,inmindandthoughtfulgoodsense,ifyoumustattend,badlydressedandunwashed,thefeastinginthepalace?Humanbeingsliveforonlyashorttime,andwhenamanisharshhimself,andhismindknowsharshthoughts,

330allmenpraythatsufferingswillbefallhimhereafterwhilehelives;andwhenheisdeadallmenmakefunofhim.Butwhenamanisblamelesshimself,andhisthoughtsareblameless,thefriendshehasentertainedcarryhisfamewidelytoallmankind,andmanyaretheywhocallhimexcellent.’

towashOdysseus'feet

335ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘OrespectedwifeofOdysseus,sonofLaertes,coverletsandshiningrugshavebeenhatefultomeeversincethattimewhenIleftthesnowymountainsofCretebehindme,andwentawayonmylong-oaredvessel.

340IwilllienowasIhavelainbeforethroughthesleepless

nights;formanyhavebeenthenightswhenonanunpleasantcouchIlayandawaitedthethronedDawninhersplendor.Noristhereanydesireinmyheartforfootbasins,towashmyfeet,norshallanywomanlayholdofmyfeet,notone

345ofthosesuchasdoyourworkforyouinyourpalace;notunlessthereissomeagedandvirtuouswomanwhosehearthashadtoendureasmanytroublesasminehas.Ifsuchaoneweretotouchmyfeet,Ishouldnotbeangry.’

TheninturncircumspectPenelopeanswered:350‘Dearfriend,neverbeforehastherebeenanymansothoughtful,

amongthosefriendsfromfarplaceswhohavecometomypalaceasguests,sothoughtfulandsowell-considerediseverythingyousay.Idohaveoneoldwoman,whosethoughtsareprudent,whowasnursetothatunhappyman,andtookgoodcareofhim.

355Shetookhimupinherhandswhenfirsthismotherhadbornehim,andsheshallwashyourfeet,thoughshehaslittlestrengthforit.Comethen,circumspectEurykleia,riseupandwashthefeetofonewhoisthesameageasyourmaster.Odysseusmustbythistimehavejustsuchhandsandfeetasyoudo,

360forinmisfortunemortalmengrowoldmoresuddenly.’Sohespoke,andtheoldwomancoveredherfaceinherhands,

andshedhottears,andspoketohiminwordsofcompassion:‘HowhelplessIamtohelpyou,mychild.SurelyZeushatedyoubeyondallothermen,thoughyouhadagodlyspirit;

365fornomanamongmortalseverhasburnedsomanythighpiecestoZeuswhodelightsinthethunder,norgivensomanychoiceandgrandsacrifices,asyouprayedyoumightcometoasleekoldage,andraiseyourglorioussontomanhood.Nowforyoualonehetookawayyourdayofhomecoming.

370Soitmustbeforhimalsothatinthehousesoffar-offfriends,whosefamoushomesheenters,thewomenteasehim,asnowtheseslutsareallteasingyou,stranger,anditistoavoidtheirabuseandshamefulspeakingyouwillnotletthem

ThescarofOdysseus

washyourfeet.ButcircumspectPenelope,daughter375ofIkariostoldmetodoit,noramIunwilling.

SoIshallwashyourfeet,bothforthesakeofPenelopebutalsoforyourself,sincetheheartisstirredwithinmebysorrows;butcome,attendtomeandthewordItellyou.Therehavebeenmanyhard-travelingstrangerswhohavecomehere,

380butIsayIhaveneverseenoneaslikeasyouaretoOdysseus,bothastoyourfeet,andvoiceandappearance.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘Soallsay,olddame,whowiththeireyeshavelookedonthetwoofus.Theysaywetwoareverysimilar

385eachtoeach,asyouyourselfhavenoticedandtellme.’Sohespoke,andtheoldwomantookuptheshiningbasin

sheusedforfootwashing,andpouredinagreatdealofwater,thecoldfirst,andthensheaddedthehottoit.NowOdysseuswassittingclosetothefire,butsuddenlyturnedtothedarkside;

390forpresentlyhethoughtinhisheartthat,asshehandledhim,shemightbeawareofhisscar,andallhisstorymightcomeout.Shecameupcloseandwashedherlord,andatoncesherecognizedthatscar,whichoncetheboarwithhiswhitetuskhadinflictedonhim,whenhewenttoParnassos,toAutolykosandhischildren.

395Thiswashismother'snoblefather,whosurpassedallmeninthieveryandtheartoftheoath,andthegodHermeshimselfhadendowedhim,forhehadpleasedhimbyburningthethighbonesoflambsandkids,andthegodfreelygavehimhisfavor.AutolykoscameoncetotherichcountryofIthaka,

400andfoundthatachildtherewasnewlyborntohisdaughter;and,ashefinishedhiseveningmeal,Eurykleialaidhimuponhisveryknees,andspokehimawordandnamedhim:‘Autolykos,nowfindyourselfthatnameyouwillbestowonyourownchild'sdearchild,foryouhaveprayedmuchtohavehim.’

405ThenAutolykosspoketoherandgaveherananswer:‘Myson-in-lawanddaughter,givehimthenameItellyou;sinceIhavecometothisplacedistastefultomany,womenandmenalikeontheprosperingearth,solethimbegiventhenameOdysseus,thatisdistasteful.Thenwhenhegrowsup,

410andcomestothegreathouseofhismother'sline,andParnassos,wheretherearepossessionsthatarecalledmine,Iwillgivehim

andthestoryofhisname

freelyofthesetomakehimhappy,andsendhimbacktoyou.’ThiswaswhyOdysseuscame,sothathewouldgivehim

gloriouspresents.AutolykosandthesonsofAutolykos415greetedhimwithclaspingofhandsandwordsofendearment,

andAmphithea,hismother'smother,embracedOdysseus,andkissedhisheadandkissedtoohisbeautifulshiningeyes.Autolykosgavehisglorioussonstheorder

tomakereadythedinner,andtheylistenedtohisurging.420Presentlytheybroughtinanox,amale,fiveyearsold.

Theyskinnedthevictimandputitinorder,andbutcheredthecarcass,andcutthemeatexpertlyintosmallpieces,andspittedthemorsels,androastedallcarefully,andsharedouttheportions.So,forthewholelengthofthedayuntilthesun'ssetting,

425theyfeasted,norwasanyman'shungerdeniedafairportion;butwhenthesunwentdownandthesacreddarknesscameover,thentheywenttotheirbedsandtooktheblessingofslumber.

ButwhentheyoungDawnshowedagainwithherrosyfingers,theywentoutontheirwaytothehunt,thedogsandthepeople,

430thesesonsofAutolykos,andwiththemnobleOdysseuswent.Theycametothesteepmountain,mantledinforest,Parnassos,andsoontheywereupinthewindyfolds.Atthistime,thesunhadjustbeguntostrikeontheplowlands,risingoutofthequietwaterandthedeepstreamoftheOcean.

435Thehunterscametoawoodedvalley,andonaheadofthemranthedogs,castingaboutforthetracks,andbehindthemthesonsofAutolykos,andwiththemnobleOdysseuswentclosebehindthehounds,shakinghisspearfar-shadowing.Nowthere,insidethatthickofthebush,wasthelairofagreatboar.

440Neithercouldtheforceofwet-blownwindspenetratehere,norcouldtheshiningsuneverstrikethroughwithhisrays,noryetcouldtherainpassallthewaythroughit,soclosetogetheritgrew,withafallofleavesdriftedindenseprofusion.Thethuddingmadebythefeetofmenanddogscametohim

445astheyclosedonhiminthehunt,andagainstthemhefromhiswoodlairbristledstronglyhisnape,andwithfirefromhiseyesglaringstooduptofacethemclose.ThefirstofallwasOdysseus,whosweptin,holdinghighinhisheavyhandthelongspear,andfurioustostab,buttooquickforhimtheboardrove

450overtheknee,andwithhistuskgashedmuchoftheflesh,

EurykleiarecognizesOdysseus

tearingsidewise,anddidnotreachtheboneoftheman.NowOdysseusstabbedathim,andhithimintherightshoulder,andstraightonthroughhimpassedthepointoftheshiningspearhead.Hescreamedanddroppedinthedust,andthelifespiritflitteredfromhim.

455ThedearsonsofAutolykoswerebusytotendhim,andunderstandinglytheyboundupthewoundofstatelygodlikeOdysseus,andsingingincantationsoverit

stayedtheblackblood,andsooncamebacktothehouseoftheirlovingfather.ThenAutolykosandthesonsofAutolykos,

460healinghimwellandgivinghimshiningpresents,senthimspeedilybackrejoicingtohisownbelovedcountryinIthaka,andtherehisfatherandqueenlymotherweregladinhishomecoming,andaskedaboutallthathadhappened,andhowhecamebyhiswound,andhetoldwellhisstory,

465howinthehunttheboarwithhiswhitetuskhadwoundedhimashewentuptoParnassoswiththesonsofAutolykos.

Theoldwoman,holdinghiminthepalmsofherhands,recognizedthisscarasshehandledit.Shelethisfootgo,sothathisleg,whichwasinthebasin,fellfree,andthebronzeechoed.

470Thebasintippedoverononeside,andthewaterspilledoutonthefloor.Painandjoyseizedheratonce,andbotheyesfilledwithtears,andthespringingvoicewasheldwithinher.ShetookthebeardofOdysseusinherhandsandspoketohim:‘Then,dearchild,youarereallyOdysseus.Ididnotknowyou

475before;notuntilIhadtouchedmylordallover.’Shespoke,andturnedhereyestowardPenelope,wishing

toindicatetoherherbelovedhusband'spresence,butPenelopewasnotabletolookthatway,orperceivehim,sinceAtheneturnedasideherperception.Odysseus

480gropedforher,andtookherbythethroatwithhisrighthand,whilewiththeotherhepulledherclosertohim,andsaidtoher:‘Nurse,whyareyoutryingtokillme?Youyourselfsuckledmeatyourownbreast;andnowatlastaftersufferingmuch,Ihavecome,inthetwentiethyear,backtomyowncountry.

485ButnowthatyouhavelearnedwhoIam,andthegodputitintoyourmind,hush,letnobodyelseinthepalaceknowofit.ForsoItellyoustraightout,anditwillbeathingaccomplished.Ifyoudo,andbymyhandsthegodbeatsdownthearrogant

byhisscar,butissilenced

suitors,nurseofminethoughyouare,Iwillnotspareyou490whenIkilltherestoftheservingmaidsinmypalace.’

TheninturncircumspectEurykleiasaidtohim:‘Mychild,whatsortofwordescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?Youknowwhatstrengthissteadyinme,anditwillnotgivewayatall,butIshallholdasstubbornasstoneoriron.

495AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.Ifbyyourhandsthegodbeatsdownthearrogantsuitors,

thenIwillgiveyouthelistofthosewomenwhoinyourpalacehavebeenmutinousagainstyou,andtellyouwhichareinnocent.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:500‘Nurse,whyshouldyoutellmeofthem?Thereisnoneedto.

Imyselfwillproperlystudyeachandlearnofeach.Leaveittothegodsandkeepthestoryinsilence.’

Sohespoke,andtheoldwomanwentbackthroughthehall,tofetchanotherbasin,forallthewaterthathadbeenthereformerly

505wasspilled.Whenshehadwashedhimandanointedhimwithoil,Odysseusdrewhischairclosertothefire,tryingtokeepwarm,buthidthescarunderhisraggedclothing.CircumspectPenelopethenbegantheirtalking:‘Friend,Iwillstayhereandtalktoyou,justforalittle.

510Tobesure,itwillsoonbethetimeforsweetrest,foronedelicioussleeptakesholdof,althoughhemaybesorrowful.Thedivinitygavemegriefbeyondmeasure.ThedaytimesIindulgeinlamentation,mourningasIlooktomyowntasksandthoseofmymaidsinthepalace.

515Butafterthenightcomesandsleephastakenallothers,Ilieonmybed,andthesharpanxietiesswarmingthickandfastonmybeatinghearttormentmysorrowingself.AswhenPandareos'daughter,thegreenwoodnightingale,perchinginthedeepoftheforestfoliagesingsout

520herlovelysong,whenspringtimehasjustbegun;she,varyingthemanifoldstrainsofhervoice,poursoutthemelody,mourningItylos,sonofthelordZethos,herownbelovedchild,whomsheoncekilledwiththebronzewhenthemadnesswasonher;somymindisdividedandstartsoneway,thenanother.

525ShallIstayherebymysonandkeepallinorder,myproperty,myservingmaids,andmygreathigh-roofedhouse,

Thedreamofthegeese

keepfaithwithmyhusband'sbedandregardthevoiceofthepeople,orgoawayatlastwiththebestofallthoseAchaianswhocourtmehereinthepalace,withendlessgiftstowinme?

530Myson,whilehewasstillachildandthoughtless,wouldnotletmemarryandleavethehouseofmyhusband;butnowthatheisgrownatallmanandcometomaturity'smeasure,heevenpraysmetogohomeoutofthepalace,frettingovertheproperty,whichtheAchaianmenaredevouring.

535Butcome,listentoadreamofmineandinterpretitforme.

Ihavetwentygeesehereaboutthehouse,andtheyfeedongrainsofwheatfromthewatertrough.Ilovetowatchthem.Butagreateaglewithcrookedbeakcamedownfromthemountain,andbrokethenecksofthemallandkilledthem.Sothewholetwenty

540laydeadaboutthehouse,buthesoaredhighinthebrightair.ThenIbegantoweep—thatwasinmydream—andcriedoutaloud,andaroundmegatheredthefair-hairedAchaianwomenasIcriedoutsorrowingformygeesekilledbytheeagle.Buthecamebackagainandperchedonthejutofthegabled

545roof.Henowhadahumanvoiceandspokealoudtome:“Donotfear,Odaughteroffar-famedIkarios.Thisisnodream,butablessingrealasday.Youwillseeitdone.Thegeesearethesuitors,andI,theeagle,havebeenabirdofportent,butnowIamyourownhusband,comehome,

550andIshallinflictshamelessdestructiononallthesuitors.”Sohespoke;andthenthehoney-sweetsleepreleasedme,andIlookedaboutandsawthegeeseinmypalace,feedingontheirgrainsofwheatfromthewatertrough,justastheyhadbeen.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:555‘Lady,itisimpossibletoreadthisdreamandavoidit

byturninganotherway,sinceOdysseushimselfhastoldyouitsmeaning,howitwillend.Thesuitors'doomisevidentforoneandall.Notonewillavoidhisdeathanddestruction.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:560‘Myfriend,dreamsarethingshardtointerpret,hopelesstopuzzle

out,andpeoplefindthatnotallofthemendinanything.Therearetwogatesthroughwhichtheinsubstantialdreamsissue.Onepairofgatesismadeofhorn,andoneofivory.Thoseofthedreamswhichissuethroughthegateofsawnivory,

565thesearedeceptivedreams,theirmessageisneveraccomplished.

Thecontestofthebowisproposed

Butthosethatcomeintotheopenthroughthegatesofthepolishedhornaccomplishthetruthforanymortalwhoseesthem.IdonotthinkthatthisstrangedreamthatIhadcametomethroughthisgate.MysonandIwouldbegladifitdidso.

570AndputawayinyourheartthisotherthingthatItellyou.Thisdawnwillbeadayofevilname,whichwilltakemeawayfromthehouseofOdysseus;fornowIwillsetupacontest:thoseaxeswhich,inhispalace,heusedtosetupinordersothat,twelveinall,theystoodinarow,liketimbers

575toholdaship.Hewouldstandfaroff,andsendashaftthroughthem.NowIwillsettheseupasacontestbeforemysuitors,andtheonewhotakesthebowinhishands,stringsitwiththegreatestease,andsendsanarrowcleanthroughallthetwelveaxesshallbetheoneIwillgoawaywith,forsakingthishouse

580whereIwasabride,alovelyplaceandfullofgoodliving.IthinkthateveninmydreamsIshallneverforgetit.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘OrespectedwifeofOdysseus,sonofLaertes,donotputoffthiscontestinyourhouseanylonger.

585Beforethesepeoplecanhandlethewell-wroughtbow,andmanagetohookthestringandbendit,andsendashaftthroughtheiron,Odysseusofthemanydesignswillbebackherewithyou.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘If,myfriend,youwerewillingtositbymeinmypalace

590andentertainme,nosleepwouldbedriftedovermyeyelids.Butitisinnowaypossibleforpeopleforevertogowithoutsleep;andtheimmortalshavegiventomortalseachhisownduesharealloverthegrain-givingcornland.SoIshallnowgobackagaintomyupperchamber,

595andlieonmybed,whichismadeasorrowfulthingnow,alwaysdisorderedwiththetearsIhavewept,eversinceOdysseuswentawaytothatevil,not-to-be-mentionedIlion.ThereImustlie;butyoucansleephereinthehouse,eitherbeddingdownonthefloor,ortheycanmakeabedforyou.’

600Soshespoke,andwentbackuptohershiningchamber,notalone,sinceothers,herwomen,wenttoattendher.Shewentbacktotheupperstorywithherattendantwomen,andweptforOdysseus,herbelovedhusband,untilgray-eyedAthenecastsweetslumberoverhereyelids.

BOOKXX

ThenthenobleOdysseusbeddeddownintheforecourt,andspreadbeneathhimtherawhideofanox,anduppermostmanyfleecesofsheeptheAchaianshaddedicated.Whenhehadlaindown,Eurynomethrewablanketoverhim.

5There,devisingevilsinhisheartforthesuitors,Odysseuslayawake;andoutofthepalaceissuedthosewomenwhointhepasthadbeengoingtobedwiththesuitors,fullofcheerfulspiritsandgreetingeachotherwithlaughter.ButthespiritdeepintheheartofOdysseuswasstirredbythis,

10andmuchheponderedinthedivisionofmindandspirit,whethertospringonthemandkilleachone,orrathertoletthemliethisonemoretimewiththeinsolentsuitors,forthelastandlatesttime;buttheheartwasgrowlingwithinhim.Andasabitch,facinganunknownman,standsover

15hercallowpuppies,andgrowlsandragestofight,soOdysseus'heartwasgrowlinginsidehimashelookedonthesewickedactions.Hestruckhimselfonthechestandspoketohisheartandscoldedit:‘Bearup,myheart.YouhavehadworsetoendurebeforethisonthatdaywhentheirresistibleCyclopsateup

20mystrongcompanions,butyouenduredituntilintelligencegotyououtofthecave,thoughyouexpectedtoperish.’

Sohespoke,addressinghisowndearheartwithinhim;andtheheartingreatobedienceenduredandstooditwithoutcomplaint,butthemanhimselfwastwistingandturning.

AthenecomfortsOdysseus

25Andasamanwithapaunchpudding,thathasbeenfilledwithbloodandfat,tossesitbackandforthoverablazingfire,andthepuddingitselfstrainshardtobecookedquickly;sohewastwistingandturningbackandforth,meditatinghow,thoughhewasaloneagainstmany,hecouldlayhandson

30theshamelesssuitors.AndatthistimeAthene,descendingfromthesky,cameclosetohim,andworetheshapeofalady.Shecameandstoodabovehishead,andspokeawordtohim:‘Whyareyouwakefulnow,Omostwretchedofallmen?Hereisyourhouse,andhereisyourwifeinthehouse,andhereis

35yourson;andheisthekindofsonanymanwouldlongfor.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:

‘Yes,Ogoddess,allyouhavesaidwasfairandorderly;yetstill,hereissomethingtheheartinsidemeispondering,how,whenIamaloneagainstmany,Icanlayhandson

40theshamelesssuitors.Andtheyarealwayshereinabody.Andhereisastillbiggerproblemthatmyheartispondering.Evenif,bygraceofZeusandyourself,Ikillthem,howshallImakemyescape?ItiswhatIwouldhaveyouthinkon.’

Theninturnthegoddess,gray-eyedAthene,saidtohim:45‘Stubbornman!Anyonetrustsevenalessercompanion

thanI,whoismortal,anddoesnothavesomanyideas.ButIamagod,andthroughitallIkeepwatchoveryouineveryendeavorofyours.AndnowItellyouthisplainly:eventhoughtherewerefiftybattalionsofmortalpeople

50standingaroundus,furioustokillinthespiritofbattle,evensoyoucoulddriveawaytheircattleandfatsheep.Soletsleeptakeyounow.Thereisannoyanceinlyingawakeandonguardallnight.Youwillsoonbeoutofyourtroubles.’

Soshespoke,andscatteredslumberoverhiseyelids,55andshe,shiningamonggoddesses,wentbacktoOlympos.

Butwhenthesleephadcaughthim,arelaxingsleep,slippingthecaresfromhismind,atthattimehisvirtuouswifewakenedinturn,andcried,sittingupinhersoftbed.Butaftershehadsatisfiedallherdesirewithweeping,thenshe,

60shiningamongwomen,prayedfirstofalltoArtemis:‘Artemis,goddessandqueen,daughterofZeus,howIwishthatwiththecastofyourarrowyoucouldtakethelifefrominsidemyheart,thismoment,orthatsoonthestormwindwouldsnatchme

Sleeplessnight

away,andbegone,carryingmedownmistypathways,65andsetmedownwheretherecurrentOceanempties

hisstream;asoncethestormwindscarriedawaythedaughtersofPandareos.Thegodskilledtheirparents,andtheywereleftthereorphanedinthepalace,andradiantAphrodite

tendedthemandfedthemwithcheese,andsweethoney,andpleasant70wine;andHeragrantedtothem,beyondallwomen,

beautyandgoodsense,andchasteArtemisgavethemstature,andAtheneinstructedtheminglorioushandiwork.ButwhenbrightAphroditehadgoneuptotallOlympostorequestforthesegirlstheachievementofblossomingmarriage,

75fromZeuswhorejoicesinthethunder—andhewellknowsallthings,theluckandthelucklessnessofmortalpeople—meanwhiletheseizingstormwindscarriedawaythesemaidensandgavethemoverintothecareofthehatefulFuries.SoIwishthattheywhohavetheirhomesonOlympos

80wouldmakemevanish,orsweet-hairedArtemisstrikeme,sothatIcouldmeettheOdysseusIlongfor,evenunderthehatefulearth,andnothavetopleasethemindofaninferiorhusband.Yettheevilisendurable,whenonecriesthroughthedays,withheartconstantlytroubled,yetstill

85istakenbysleepinthenights;forsleepisoblivionofallthings,bothgoodandevil,whenithasshroudedtheeyelids.Butnowthegodhassenttheevildreamsthronginguponme.Foronthisverynighttherewasonewholaybyme,likehimashewaswhenhewentwiththearmy,sothatmyownheart

90washappy.Ithoughtitwasnodream,butawakingvision.’Soshespoke,andDawnofthegoldenthronecameonher.

GreatOdysseuswasawareofhervoicecrying,andponderedthen,anditseemedtohiminhismindthatnowshewasstandingbyhishead,andhadrecognizedhimalready.

95Herolledtogethertheblanketandfleece,wherehehadbeensleeping,andlaidthemdownbythechairinthehall,andtakingtheoxhideout,laiditdown,andprayedtoZeus,withhishandslifted:‘FatherZeus,ifwillinglyyougodsledmeoverwetanddrytomyland,aftergivingtoomuchaffliction,

100letoneofthewakingpeoplesendmeanomenfrominsidethehouse;andletZeusalsoshowmeanoutsideportent.’

Sohespokeinprayer,andZeusofthecounselsheardhim.

Goodomensinthemorning

ImmediatelyhesenthisthunderfromshiningOlymposhighabovetheclouds,andnobleOdysseuswashappy.

105Andfromthehouseamillwomansenthimanomen.Shewasnearby,wheretheshepherdofthehosthadsetuphishandmills,andtheretwelvewomeninallhadbeenbending

togrindthewheatandthebarleyflour,men'smarrow.Theothers,sincetheyhadfinishedgrindingtheirwheat,bynowweresleeping,

110butthisonehadnotendedherwork,andshewastheweakest.Shestoppedthemillandspokealoud,asignforhermaster:‘FatherZeus,youwhoarelordofthegodsandpeople,nowyouhavethunderedloudfromthestarrysky,althoughthereisnocloud.Youshowthisforth,aportentforsomeone.

115GrantnowalsoforwretchedmethisprayerthatImakeyou.Onthisdayletthesuitorstake,forthelastandlatesttime,theirdesirablefeastinginthehallsofOdysseus.Foritistheywhohavebrokenmykneeswithheart-sorelaborasIgrindthemealforthem.Letthisbetheirfinalfeasting.’

120Soshespoke,andgreatOdysseuswelcomedtheominousspeech,andthethunderofZeus.Hethoughthewouldpunishthesinners.

TheotherservingwomeninthefinehouseofOdysseushadgathered,andwerelightingthewearilessfireonthefireplace.Telemachos,amanlikeagod,roseupfromhisbed

125andputonhisclothes,andslungasharpswordoverhisshoulder.Underneathhisshiningfeetheboundthefairsandals,andthencaughtupapowerfulspear,edgedwithsharpbronze.HecameandstoodonthethresholdandspokenowtoEurykleia:‘Dearnurse,howhaveyoutreatedthestranger-guestinourhouse?

130Withfoodandabed?Orhashebeenlefttolieuncared-for?Thatisthewaymymotheris,thoughsheissensible.Impulsivelyshefavorsthewrongman,theworseoneamongmortals,andletsthebettermango,unfavored.’

TheninturncircumspectEurykleiasaidtohim:135‘Child,donotfindfaultwithherthistime.Sheisblameless.

Forhesathereanddrankhiswine,ashehimselfwanted,buthesaidhehadnomorehungerforfood.Sheaskedhim.Butafterward,whenhewasthinkingofrestandsleep,thenshedidtelltheservingwomentomakeuphisbedding,

140butitwashe,asoneforeverwretchedandwithoutfortune,whowouldnotsleepinabed,norunderblankets,

Preparationsforfestival

butintherawhideofanoxandunderfleeceshesleptintheforecourt,andweputablanketoverhim.’

Soshespoke,andTelemachoswentoutthroughthepalace,145holdinghisspear,andapairoflight-footeddogswentwithhim.

Hewentofftotheassemblytojointhestrong-greavedAchaians.

ButEurykleia,shiningamongwomen,thedaughterofOps,thesonofPeisenor,gaveorderstothemaidservants:‘Towork.Someofyoukeepbusysweepingthepalace,

150andfreshenthefloorwithwater,andlaythepurplecoverletsoverthewell-wroughtchairs.Someothers,washallthetablesthoroughlyclearwithsponges,andcleanthewinebowls,alsothewroughtanddouble-handleddrinking-cups;others,beoffnowtothespringtofetchthewater,andcomebackquickly.

155Forthesuitorswillnotlongbeawayfromthepalace,butwillarriveveryearly,sincethisisapublicfestival.’

Soshespoke,andtheylistenedwelltoher,andobeyedher,andtwentyofthemwentontheirwaytothespringofdarkwater,whileothers,remaininginthehouse,didtheirworkexpertly.

160Thenthehaughtymenservantscamein,andthesepresentlysplitthefirewoodwellandexpertly,andnowthewomencamebackfromthespring,andnextafterthemcameintheswineherddrivinginthreeporkers,whichwerethebestinhiskeeping.Thesehelefttograzeinsidethehandsomeenclosure,

165whilehehimselfspoketoOdysseusinwordsofendearment:‘Friend,havetheAchaiansbeengivingyoumoreregard,ordotheyslightyoustillinthehalls,astheydidearlier?’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘HowIwish,Eumaios,thegodswouldpunishtheoutrage

170thesemendointheviolenceoftheirrecklessdesigns,hereinthehouseofanotherman.Theyhavenogiftofmodesty.’

Nowasthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,Melanthios,whowastheherdsmanofthegoats,approachedthem,drivingthegoatsthatshowedthebestinallofhisgoatflocks

175tobethesuitors'dinner.Twootherherdsmenfollowedhim.Melanthiostetheredthegoatsundertheechoingportico,andhehimselfnowspoketoOdysseus,intermsofrevilement:‘Stranger,areyoustilltobehereinthehouse,topesterthegentlemenwithyourbegging?Willyounottakeyourselfoutside

180andelsewhere?IthinkthatnowyouandIcannolonger

ArrivalofPhiloitiosthecowherd

part,untilwehavetriedourfists.Thereisnothingorderlyaboutyourbegging.AndotherAchaiansarefeastingelsewhere.’

Sohespoke.ResourcefulOdysseusgavehimnoanswer,butshookhisheadinsilence,deeplydevisingevils.

185ThethirdmantocomeinwasPhiloitios,leaderofpeople,drivinginforthesuitorsa

barrencow,andfatgoats.Theferrymanhadbroughttheseover;theygiveconveyancetopeoplegenerallybesides,whoevercomestothem.Philoitiostetheredthebeastswellundertheechoingportico,

190thenwenthimselfandstoodclosebytheswineherd,andaskedhim:‘Whoisthisstranger,swineherd,newlyarrivedtovisitthishouseofours?Fromwhatpeopledoesheclaimorigin?Whereishisancestralplaceandthelandofhisfathers?Unluckyman;heislikeakingandalordinappearance.

195Yetitistrue;thehomelessmenarethosewhomthegodsholdindespite,whentheyspinmiseryevenforprinces.’

Hespoke,andstoodclosebyOdysseus,andofferedhisrighthand,andspoketohimaloudandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:‘Welcome,fatherandstranger;mayprosperousdaysbefallyou

200hereafter;butnowyouareheldinthegripofmanymisfortunes.FatherZeus,nogodbesideismorebalefulthanyouare.Youhavenopityonmen,onceyouyourselfhavecreatedthem;youbringthemintomisfortuneanddismalsufferings.Ithascomehometome,whenIsawit.Myeyesaretearful

205asIrememberOdysseus,sinceIthinkhetooiswearingsuchragsuponhimasthis,andwanderingamongpeoplesifheisaliveatallanywhere,andlooksonthesunlight.ButifheisnowdeadandgonetothehouseofHades,ImournthenforblamelessOdysseus,whowhenIwaslittle

210setmeinchargeofhisoxenintheKephalleniancountry.Nowthesecattlearemarvelouslygrown,norcouldonebettergatheranincreaseofbroad-facedcattlethanasthesearebred.Butothermentellmetodrivethemtothemtoeat,andtheycarenothingaboutthesoninthepalace,

215nortremblebeforethegods'regard;nowtheyaregrowneagertodividethepossessionsofthemaster,whohasbeenabsentlong.Buthereisaproblemthattheheartdeepwithinmehaslongresolved.Whilethesonishere,itwouldbecowardlytotakemycattlewithmeandgotoanotherdistrict

Philoitiosfoundtobeloyal

220andalienmen;andyetagainitgrowsworsetostayhere,asonesetinchargeofothermen'scattle,andsufferhardships.AndlongagoIwouldhaveescapedfromhere,andgonetosomeotherpowerfulking,sincethisisnolongerendurable;yetstillIthinkofthatlucklessman,howhemaycomeback

225andallthroughoutthehousemaycausethesuitorstoscatter.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Oxherd,sinceyouseemlikeneitherabadnorasenselessman—andImyselfknowwhatgoodsenseisinyou—soIwilltellyouthis,andswearagreatoathuponit.

230Zeusbemywitness,firstofthegods,andthetableoffriendship,andthehearthofblamelessOdysseus,towhichIcomeasasuppliant;Odysseuswillcomehomeagain,whileyouarestillhereinthehouse,andwithyourowneyes,ifyoudesireto,youcanwatchhimkillingthesuitors,whoaresupremehere.’

235Thentheherdsmanofoxenspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘HowIwish,myfriend,thatthesonofKronoswouldmakegoodyoursaying;thenyouwouldseewhatkindofstrengthmyhandshave.’

SoEumaiosalsoprayedtoallthedivinitiesthattheywouldgrantthehomecomingofthoughtfulOdysseus.

240Nowasthesemenwereconversingthuswitheachother,thesuitorswerecompactingtheirplanofdeathanddestructionforTelemachos,andabirdflewoverthemontheleftside.Thiswasahigh-flowneagle,andcarriedatremulouspigeon.NowitwasAmphinomoswhospokeforthandaddressedthem:

245‘Ofriends,thisplanofourstomurderTelemachoswillnoteverbebroughttocompletion;soletusthinkofourfeasting.’

SoAmphinomosspoke,andhiswordwasacceptabletothem.They,whentheyhadenteredthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus,laidtheirmantlesdownalongthechairsandthebenches,

250andsetaboutsacrificinggreat-sizedsheep,andfatgoats,andsacrificinganoxoftheherd,andfattenedporkers.Theyroastedthevitalsanddistributedthem,andtheyblendedthewineinthemixingbowls,andtheswineherdpassedthewinecupsabout,andPhiloitios,leaderofmen,servedthemthebread

255inbeautifulbaskets,andMelanthiospouredthewineforthem.Theyputforththeirhandstothegoodthingsthatlayreadybeforethem.

Telemachos,hisheartfullofguile,seatedOdysseusinsidethewell-constructedhall,andbythestonethreshold,

Arrivalofthesuitors

settingdownapoorchairforhim,andalittletable,260andsetbeforehimaportionofvitals,andpouredwineforhim:

inagoldendrinkingcup,andthenhespokeawordtohim:‘Takeyourplacehereanddrinkyourwineinthemen'scompany.Imyselfwilldefendyouagainsttheblowsandtheinsults

ofallthesuitors.Thishousedoesnotbelongtothepeople,265butitbelongstoOdysseus;heacquiredit;thismakesit

mine;andso,yousuitors,holdbackyourspiritforinsultsandblows,orelsetheremaybeaquarrelandfightbetweenus.’

Sohespoke,andallofthembittheirlipsinamazementatTelemachos,andthedaringwayhehadspokentothem.

270NowAntinoös,thesonofEupeithes,saidtothem:‘WeAchaiansmustacceptthewordofTelemachos,thoughitishard.Nowhethreatensusverystrongly.Zeus,sonofKronos,stoppedus;otherwiseweshouldbeforenowhaveputhimdowninhishalls,thoughheisalucidspeaker.’

275SospokeAntinoös,buttheotherpaidnoattention.Theheraldscamethroughthetowndrivingtheholyhecatombofthegods,andtheflowing-hairedAchaiansassembledundertheshadygroveofhimwhostrikesfromafar,Apollo.

Whentheyhadroastedandtakenoffthespitstheouter280meats,dividingsharestheyheldtheircommunalhighfeast.

ThentheywhowereworkingsetdownbeforeOdysseusanequalportion,suchastheygotthemselves,forthiswastheorderofTelemachos,belovedsonofgodlikeOdysseus.

AndyetAthenewouldnotaltogetherpermitthearrogant285suitorstokeepfromheart-hurtingoutrage,sotomakegreater

theanguishintheheartofOdysseus,sonofLaertes.Therewasamanamongthesuitorsversedinvillainy;Ktesipposwashisname,andhehadhishomeinSame.He,intheconfidenceofhisamazingpossessions,

290courtedthewifeofOdysseus,whohadbeensolongabsent.Thismannowspokeforthamongtheinsolentsuitors:‘Hearmenow,youhaughtysuitors,whileIsaysomething.Thestrangerhashadhissharelongsince,and,asisproper,anequalone;foritisnotwellnorjusttomakelightof

295theguestsofTelemachos,whocometohiminhispalace.Come,letmetoogivehimaguestgift,sohecangiveitasprizetothewomanwhowasheshisfeet,ortosomeother

ViolenceofKtesippos

oneoftheservantsinthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus.’Hespoke,andwithhisheavyhandhecaughtupanoxhoof

300thatlaybyinthebasket,andthrewit.Odysseusavoidedthisbyaneasyshiftofhishead.Hesmiledinhisangeraverysardonicsmile.Thehoofhitthewallofthewell-built

house,andTelemachosspokenowandscoldedKtesippos:‘Ktesippos,itwasthebetterforyourheartthatithappened

305so;youmissedthestranger,heavoidedyourmissile.Iwouldhavestruckyouwithmysharpspearfairinthemiddle,andinsteadofyourmarriageyourfatherwouldhavebeenbusywithyourfuneralhere.Letnonedisplayanyrudenesshereinmyhouse.Inownoticeallandknowofit,better

310andworsealike,butbeforenowIwasonlyaninfant.Evenso,wehavehadtolookonthisandendureitall,thesheepflocksbeingslaughtered,thewinedrunkup,andthefood,sinceitishardforonemantostandoffmany.Comethen,nolongerdomeharminyourhostility.

315Butifyouaredeterminedtomurdermewiththesharpbronze,thenthatwouldbemywishalso,sinceitwouldbefarbetterthantohavetogoonwatchingforevertheseshamefulactivities,guestsbeingbatteredabout,ortoseeyourudelymishandlingtheservingwomenallaboutthebeautifulpalace.’

320Sohespoke,andallofthemstayedstrickentosilence.AtlastAgelaos,sonofDamastor,spokeforthamongthem:‘Dearfriends,nomanmustbeangry,noryetwithviolentanswersattackwhathasbeenspokeninjustice.Anddonotstrikethestranger,asyouhavedone,noryetanyother

325servingmanwhoisinthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus.But,toTelemachosandhismother,Ioffergentleadvice,ifthismightbepleasingtotheheartsofbothofthem.AslongasthespiritsintheheartsofyoubothwerehopefulthatOdysseusofthemanydesignswouldhavehishomecoming,

330thennoonecouldblameyouforwaitingforhim,andholdingthesuitorsoffinthepalace,sincethatwasthebetterwayforyouincaseOdysseusdidcomehomeandreturntohispalace.Butnowithasbecomeevidentthatheneverwillcomeback.Comethen;sitbesideyourmotherandgiveherthiscounsel,

335tomarrytheonewhoisthebestmanandbringsthemostnumerousgifts.Soyoucanbehappy,controlyourfather'sinheritance,

Hysteriaofthesuitors—propheciesbyTheoklymenos

andeatanddrink,whileshelooksafterthehouseofanother.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:

‘But,byZeus,Agelaos,Iswear,andbythesufferings340ofmyfather,whohasdiedorisdrivenfarfromIthaka,

Idonotdelaymymother'smarriage;ratherIurgeher

tomarrytheoneshewants,andIofferthemcountlesspresents.ButIamashamedtodriveherunwillingoutofthepalacewithastrictword.Maythisnotbetheendgodmakesofit.’

345SospokeTelemachos.InthesuitorsPallasAthenestirredupuncontrollablelaughter,andaddledtheirthinking.Nowtheylaughedwithjawsthatwerenolongertheirown.Themeattheyatewasamessofblood,theireyeswereburstingfulloftears,andtheirlaughtersoundedlikelamentation.

350GodlikeTheoklymenosnowspokeoutamongthem:‘Poorwretches,whatevilhascomeonyou?Yourheadsandfacesandthekneesunderneathyouareshroudedinnightanddarkness;asoundofwailinghasbrokenout,yourcheeksarecoveredwithtears,andthewallsbleed,andthefinesupportingpillars.

355Alltheforecourtishuddledwithghosts,theyardisfullofthemastheyflockdowntotheunderworldandthedarkness.Thesunhasperishedoutofthesky,andafoulmisthascomeover.’

Sohespoke,andallofthemlaughedhappilyathim.Eurymachos,sonofPolybos,beganspeakingamongthem:

360‘Thisstrangernewlycomefromelsewherehaslosthissenses.Come,youngmen,andgivehimanescortoutofthepalacetogettothemarketplace,sinceeverythinghereisdarkness.’

TheninturngodlikeTheoklymenosanswered:‘Eurymachos,Idonotwantyoutogivemeanescort.

365IhaveeyesandIhaveears,andIhavebothmyfeet,andamindinsidemybreastwhichisnotwithoutunderstanding.Thesewilltakemeoutsidethehouse,sinceIseetheevilcominguponyou,andnotoneofthesuitorsavoidingthiswillescape;forinthehouseofgodlikeOdysseus

370youareoutrageoustomen,andallyourdesignsarereckless.’Sohespoke,andwalkedoutofthewell-settledpalace,

andmadehiswaytoPeiraios,whohospitablyreceivedhim.Butthesuitorsnowwereglancingoneatanother,tryingtoteaseTelemachosabouthisguests,andlaughingoverthem;

375andthuswouldgothewordofoneofthearrogantyoungmen:

ThesuitorsteaseTelemachos

‘Noonehasworseluckwithhisgueststhanyou,Telemachos.Here,forone,somebodybroughtyouinthisvagabondwhowantshisfoodandhiswine,whodoesnotknowhowtodoanywork,whohasnostrength,butisjustaweightonthegoodland.

380Andnowthisotheronestoodupandbegantoprophesy.

IfyouwouldlistentowhatIsay,itwouldbefarbetter.LetusputtheseguestsinavesselwithmanyoarlocksandtakethemtotheSicilians.Theretheywouldfetchagoodprice.’

Sospokethesuitors,butTelemachospaidnoattention,385butlookedacrossathisfathersilently,alwayswaiting

forthetimewhenhewouldlayhishandsontheshamelesssuitors.ThedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,

hadtakenherbeautifulchairandsetitjustoutsidethedoor,andlistenedtoeverywordthemeninthehallweresaying.

390Forthesewerelaughingaloudastheypreparedadinnerthatwassweetandstaying,fortheyhadmadeaverybigsacrifice;buttherecouldnotbeamealthatwasmoreunpleasantthanthisone,suchwastobetheattackthatthepowerfulmanandthegoddesswouldmakeonthem.Fortheyhadfirstbegunthewrongdoing.

BOOKXXI

Butnowthegoddess,gray-eyedAthene,putitinthemindofthedaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,tosetthebowbeforethesuitors,andthegrayiron,inthehouseofOdysseus:thecontest,thebeginningoftheslaughter.

5Sosheascendedthehighstaircaseofherownhouse,andinhersolidhandtookupthebeautiful,brazenandartfullycurvedkey,withanivoryhandleuponit.Withherattendantwomenshewenttotheinmostrecessofthechamber.Therewerestoredawaythemaster'spossessions.

10Bronzewasthere,andgold,anddifficultywroughtiron,andtherethebackstrungbowwasstoredaway,andthequivertoholdthearrows.Thereweremanypainfulshaftsinsideit.TheseweregiftsfromafriendwhomhemetinLakedaimon,Iphitos,sonofEurytos,oneliketheimmortal

15gods.Thesetwo,inMessene,hadencounteredeachotherinthehouseofwiseOrtilochos,atthetimewhenOdysseuswentthereonanerrandenjoinedbythewholecommunity.FormenofMessenehadcomeinshipswithmanyoarlocksandliftedthreehundredsheepfromIthaka,alsotheherdsmen

20withthem,soOdysseustraveledfarontheembassywhilestillaboy,sentbyhisfatherandtherestoftheelders.Iphitoswasthereinsearchofhishorses,twelvemareshehadlost;hard-workingmulecoltswerewiththem,nursing.Thesemarespresentlyweretomeanhisdoomandmurder,

PenelopefetchesthebowofOdysseus

25atthetimewhenhecametothesonofZeus,strong-hearted,themancalledHerakles,guiltyofmonstrousactions,whokilledIphitoswhilehewasaguestinhishousehold;hardman,withoutshameforthewatchfulgods,northetablehehadsetforIphitos,hisguest;andwhenhehadkilledhim

30hekeptthestrong-footedhorsesforhimselfinhispalace.Insearchofhismares,IphitosmetOdysseus,andgavehimthebow,whichoncethegreatEurytoshadcarried,andleftitafterwardtohissonwhenhehaddiedinhishighhouse.Odysseusgavehiminturnasharpswordandastrongspear,

35tobegintheirconsideratefriendship,butthesetwoneverentertainedeachother;beforethat,thesonofZeuskilledIphitos,sonofEurytos,oneliketheimmortalgods,whogaveOdysseusthebow.ButOdysseusnevertookitwithhimwhenhewenttowarontheblackships,

40butalwaysitwasstoredawayinhishalls,inmemoryofadearfriend;buthecarrieditathomeinhiscountry.

Whenshe,shiningamongwomen,hadcometothechamber,andhadcomeuptotheoakenthreshold,whichthecarpenteroncehadexpertlyplanedanddrawnittruetoachalkline,

45andfittedthedoorpoststoitandjoinedontheshiningdoorleaves,firstshequicklysetthefasteningfreeofthehook,thensheinsertedthekeyandknockedtheboltupward,pushingthekeystraightin,andthedoorbellowedaloud,asabulldoes,whenhefeedsinhispasture;suchwasthenoisethesplendid

50doorsmade,struckwiththekey,andnowtheyquicklyspreadopen.Thenshewentuptothehighplatform,wheretherewerestandingchests,andinthesewerestoredfragrantpiecesofclothing.Fromthereshereached,andtookthebowfromitspeg,whereithung,initsowncase,ashiningthingthatcoveredit.Thereupon

55shesatdown,andlaidthebowonherdearknees,whileshetookherlord'sbowoutofitscase,allthewhileweepingaloud.Butwhenshehadsatedherselfwithtearsandcrying,shewentonherwaytothehalltobewiththelordlysuitors,bearinginherhandthebackstrungbow,andthequiver

60toholdthearrows,withmanysorrowfulshaftsinsideit.Herservingwomencarriedtheboxforher,andtherelaymuchironandbronze,prizesthathadbeenwonbythemaster.Whenshe,shiningamongwomen,camenearthesuitors,

andpromisesmarriagetothebestarcher

shestoodbythepillarthatsupportedtheroofwithitsjoinery,65holdinghershiningveilinfrontofherface,toshieldit,

andadevotedattendantwasstationedoneithersideofher.Nowatonceshespokeandaddressedawordtothesuitors:‘Hearmenow,youhaughtysuitors,whohavebeenusing

thishouseforyourincessanteatinganddrinking,thoughit70belongstoamanwhohasbeengoneforalongtime;never

haveyoubeenabletobringanyothersayingbeforeme,butonlyyourdesiretomakemeyourwifeandmarryme.Butcome,yousuitors,sincehereisaprizesetoutbeforeyou;forIshallbringyouthegreatbowofgodlikeOdysseus.

75Andtheonewhotakesthebowinhishands,stringsitwiththegreatestease,andsendsanarrowcleanthroughallthetwelveaxes,shallbetheoneIgoawaywith,forsakingthishousewhereIwasabride,alovelyplaceandfullofgoodliving.IthinkthateveninmydreamsIshallneverforgetit.’

80Soshespoke,andtoldthenobleswineherd,Eumaios,toputthebowandthegrayironinfrontofthesuitors.Eumaiosacceptedit,intears,andputthembeforethem,andtheoxherdalsowept,whenhesawthebowofhismaster,butAntinoösscoldedthetwoofthem,andspokeoutandnamedthem:

85‘Youfoolishcountrymen,whoneverthinkoftomorrow,poorwretches,whyareyoustreamingtears,andtroublingtheladynow,andstirringherheart,whenshehasenoughalreadyofsadnessherheartrestson,nowshehaslostadearhusband.Goandsitinsilenceandeat,orelsetakeyourcrying

90outofthedoorandbegone,butleavethebowwhereyouputit,aprizeforthesuitorstostrivefor;aterribleone;Idonotthinkthatthiswell-polishedbowcaneverbestrungeasily.ThereisnomanamongthelotofuswhoissuchaoneasOdysseususedtobe.Imyselfhaveseenhim,

95andIrememberwell,thoughIwasstillyoungandchildish.’Sohespoke,butthespiritinsidehisheartwashopeful

thathewouldbeabletostringthebowandshootthroughtheiron;buthewastobethefirsttogetatasteofthearrowfromthehandsofblamelessOdysseus,towhomhenowpaidnoattention

100ashesatinOdysseus'hallsandencouragedallhiscompanions.Nowthehallowedprince,Telemachos,spokehiswordtothem:

‘Ah,howZeus,thesonofKronos,hasmademewitless.

Telemachossetsuptheaxes

Myownbelovedmother,thoughsheissensible,tellsmethatshewillforsakethishouseandgoawaywithanother;

105andthen,inthewitlessnessofmyheart,Ilaughandenjoyit.Butcome,yousuitors,sincehereisaprizesetoutbeforeyou,awoman;thereisnonelikeherinalltheAchaiancountry,

neitherinsacredPylosnorArgosnorinMykene,norhereinIthakaitself,noronthedarkmainland.

110Youyourselvesalsoknowthis;thenwhyshouldIpraisemymother?Butcome,nolongerdragthingsoutwithdelays,norturnbackstillfromthestringingofthebow,sothatwemayseeit.Imyselfamalsowillingtoattemptthebow.Then,ifIcanputthestringonitandshootthroughtheiron,

115myqueenlymotherwouldnotgooffwithanother,andleavemesorrowinghereinthehouse;sinceIwouldstillbefoundhereasonenowabletotakeuphisfather'sgloriousprizes.’

Hespoke,andsprangupright,layingasidefromhisshoulderstheredcloak,andfromhisshoulderstootookoffthesharpsword.

120Hebeganbysettinguptheaxes,diggingonelongtrenchforthemall,anddrawingittruetoachalkline,andstampeddowntheeartharoundthem;wonderseizedtheonlookersathoworderlyhesetthemup.Heneverhadseenthembefore.Hewentthenandtriedthebow,standingonthethreshold.

125Threetimeshemadeitvibrate,strainingtobendit,andthreetimeshegaveovertheeffort,yetinhisheartwashopefulofhookingthestringtothebowandsendingashaftthroughtheiron.Andnow,pullingthebowforthefourthtime,hewouldhavestrungit,butOdysseusstoppedhim,thoughhewaseager,makingasignal

130withhishead.Thehallowedprince,Telemachos,saidtothem:‘Shameonme.Imustbethenacowardandweakling,orelseIamstillyoung,andmyhandshaveyetnoconfidencetodefendmyselfagainstamanwhohasstartedaquarrel.Comethen,youwhoinyourstrengtharegreaterthanIam,

135makeyourattemptsonthebow,andletusfinishthecontest.’Sohespoke,andputthebowfromhim,leaningit

ontheground,andagainstthecompactedandpolisheddoorleaves,andinthesameplaceleanedtheswiftshaftagainstthefinehandle,andwentbackandsatinthechairfromwhichhehadrisen.

140NowAntinoösthesonofEupeithessaidtothem:‘Takeyourturnsinorderfromlefttoright,mycompanions

butfailswiththebow

all,beginningfromtheplacewherethewineisservedout.’SospokeAntinoös,andhiswordwaspleasingtoallofthem.

Leodeswasthefirsttoarise:thesonofOinops,145whowasadivineramongthem,andsatalwaysinthecorner

besidethefinemixingbowl.Tohimalonetheirexcesses

werehateful,andhedisapprovedofallofthesuitors.Hewasthefirsttotakeupthebowandtheswiftarrownow.Hewentthenandtriedthebow,standingonthethreshold,

150andcouldnotstringit;beforethatheruinedhissoft,uncallousedhands,pullingatthestring,andnowhespoketothesuitors:‘Friends,Icannotstringthis;letoneoftheotherstakeit.Hereisabowsuchthatitwillsundermanyoftheprincesfromlifeandsoul,sincetrulyitisfarbettertodie

155thangoonlivingandfailofthatforwhosesakeweforeverkeepongatheringhere,allourdaysinexpectation.NowamanmaybehopefulandinhisheartdesirousofmarryingPenelope,thewifeofOdysseus.Butwhenthebowhasbeenattempted,andallismadeplain,

160thenonemustcourtsomeotherfair-robedAchaianwoman,andstrivetowinherwithgiftsofcourtship;shewillthenmarrythemansheisfatedtohaveandwhobringsherthegreatestpresents.’

Sohespoke,andputthebowfromhim,leaningitontheground,andagainstthecompactedandpolisheddoorleaves,

165andinthesameplaceleanedtheswiftshaftagainstthefinehandle,andwentbackandsatinthechairfromwhichhehadrisen.ButnowAntinoösscoldedhim,andspokeoutandnamedhim:‘Leodes,whatsortofwordescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?Aterribleandshamefulword.Iamoutragedtohearit;

170ifthisistobesuchabowthatwillsundertheprincesfromlifeandsoul,becauseyouareunabletostringit.Youwerenotsuchaone,whentheladyyourmotherboreyou,asevertobeabletomanagethebowandthearrows.Butpresentlytheotherlordlysuitorswillstringit.’

175Sohespoke,andnowurgedMelanthiosthegoatherd:‘Comenow,Melanthios,lightusafireinsidethepalace,andsetbesideitagreatchairwithfleecesuponit,andbringoutfromtheinsidestoresagreatwheeloftallow,sothatweyoungmen,havingheatedthebowandrubbedit

180withfat,canthenattempttobendit,andfinishthecontest.’

Thesuitorsfail

Sohespoke,andMelanthiosquicklykindledthewearilessfire,andbroughtoutthechair,andlaidthefleecesuponit,andbroughtoutfromtheinsidestoresagreatwheeloftallow.Theyoungmenheatedthebowandtriedit,butwerenotable

185tostringit.Theywerenotnearlystrongenough.Allthistime

Antinoösstillheldback,asdidgodlikeEurymachos,thoselordsofthesuitors,outandawaythebestmenamongthem.

Twomen,theoxherdandtheswineherdofgodlikeOdysseus,wentoutofthehouse,incompanykeepingclosetogether,

190andgreatOdysseushimselfcamefromthehousetojointhem.Butaftertheywereoutofthewayofthedoorsandthecourtyard,Odysseusspoketothetwooftheminwordsofendearment:‘Oxherd,andyoutoo,swineherd,shallIsaysomethingtoyou,orkeepithiddenwithin?Myspirittellsmetospeakout.

195WhatsortoffightwouldyouputupindefenseofOdysseus,ifheweretocomesuddenly,so,withthegodleadinghim?Wouldyoufightforthesuitors,orwouldyoufightforOdysseus?Tellmewhatyourheartandspiritwouldhaveyouanswer.’

Thentheherdsmanofoxenspokeinturnandansweredhim:200‘FatherZeus,ifyouwouldachievethisprayerIaskfor,

thatthemanhimselfwouldcomehomewiththedivinityguidinghim,thenyouyourselfwouldseewhatkindofstrengthmyhandshave.’

SoEumaiosalsoprayedtoallthedivinitiesthattheywouldgrantthehomecomingofthoughtfulOdysseus.

205ButwhenOdysseushadrecognizedtheinfallibletemperofthesemen,thenhespoketothemagainandansweredthem:‘Iamhe.Iamhereinmyhouse.AftermanysufferingsIhavecomehomeinthetwentiethyeartothelandofmyfathers.AndnowIseethatofallmymenitwasonlyyoutwo

210whowantedmetocome;IhavenotheardoneoftheothersprayingthatIshouldreturnagainandcometomyownhouse.ThereforeIwilltellyouthetruth,andsoitshallbe;ifbymyhandthegodovermastersthelordlysuitors,thenIshallgetwivesforyouboth,andgrantyoupossessions

215andhousesbuiltnexttomine,andthinkofyouinthefuturealwaysascompanionsofTelemachos,andhisbrothers.Butcomenow,letmeshowyouaproofthatshallbemanifest,sothatyoumayknowmeforsureandtrustmyidentity;thatscar,whichoncetheboarwithhiswhitetoothinflicted

OdysseusrevealshimselftoEumaios

220onme,whenIwenttoParnassoswiththesonsofAutolykos.’Sohespoke,andpushedbacktheragsthatcoveredhisgreatscar.

Whenthesetwohadexamineditandrecognizedeverything,theyburstoutweepingandthrewtheirarmsaroundwiseOdysseus,andmademuchofhim,andkissedhimonhisheadandhisshoulders,

225andsoOdysseusalsokissedtheirheadsandhands.Nowthesunwouldhavegonedownwhiletheywerestillthusclamoring,hadnotOdysseusstayedthemfromitandsaidawordtothem:‘Nowstopyourlamentationandwailing,orsomeonemaycomeoutfromthehallandseeus,andtellaboutitinside.Sorather

230letusgoinseverally,notalltogether,Ifirst,youafterme,butletushavethisasasignalarranged;foralltheothersthere,whoarelordlysuitors,willnotsaythatyoucangivemethebowandthequiver;butyoumustcarrythebowthroughthehouse,nobleEumaios,

235andputitintomyhands,andthenyoumusttellthewomentobarthetightlyfitteddoorsthatclosethehall;tellthem,ifanyofthemhearsfrominsidethecrashandtheoutcry,ofmenwhoarecaughtwithinourtoils,thattheymustnotpeepinfromoutside,butsimplysitstillattheirwork,insilence.

240NoblePhiloitios,yourtaskistomakefastthecourtyarddoorwiththebolt,andtiethefasteningquicklyuponit.’

Sohespoke,andwentintotheestablishedpalace,andwentbackandsatinthechairfromwhichhehadrisen,andafterhimthetwothrallsofgodlikeOdysseusentered.

245Eurymachosbynowhadtakenthebow,andhandledit,turningitroundandroundbytheblazeofthefire,butevensohecouldnotstringit,andhisproudheartwasharrowed.Deeplyvexedhespoketohisowngreat-heartedspirit:‘Oh,mysorrow.Hereisagriefbeyondallothers;

250itisnotsomuchthemarriageIgrievefor,forallmychagrin.TherearemanyAchaianwomenbesides,someofthemclosebyinseagirtIthaka,andsomeintherestofthecities;butitisthethought,ifthisistrue,thatwecomesofarshortofgodlikeOdysseusinstrength,sothatwecannoteven

255stringhisbow.Ashameformenunborntobetoldof.’TheninturnAntinoös,sonofEupeithes,answered:

‘Itwillnothappenthatway,Eurymachos.Youyourselfknowthis.Nowthereisaholyfeastinthecommunity

Odysseusasksforatryatthebow

forthegod.Whocouldstringbowsthen?Putitawaynow260forourgoodtime;butweshallleavealltheaxesstanding

wheretheyare.IdonotbelieveanyonewillcomeinandstealthemawayfromthehallsofOdysseus,sonofLaertes.Come,letthewinestewardpouraroundofwineinthegoblets,

sowecanmakealibationandputawaythecurvedbow;265thenatdawninstructMelanthios,whoisthegoatherd,

tobringingoats,thosefarthebestinallofhisgoatflocks,sothat,dedicatingthethighstothegloriousarcherApollo,wecanattemptthebowandfinishthecontest.’

SospokeAntinoös,andhiswordwaspleasingtoallofthem.270Theheraldspouredwaterovertheirhandstowashwith,

andtheyoungmenfilledthemixingbowlswithwinefortheirdrinking,andpassedtoall,aftertheyhadofferedadrinkinthegoblets.Butwhentheyhadpoured,anddrunk,eachasmuchashewanted,resourcefulOdysseusspoketothemincraftyintention:

275‘Hearmenow,youwhoaresuitorsofourgloriousqueen,whileIspeakoutwhattheheartwithinmybreasturges.AboveallIentreatEurymachosandthegodlikeAntinoös,sincewhathesaidalsowasfairandorderly.Letthebowbeforthetime,giveitovertothedivinities,

280andtomorrowthegodwillgivesuccesstowhomeverhewishes;butcomenow,givemethewell-polishedbow,sothatamongyouImaytryoutmystrengthandhands,toseeifIstillhaveforceinmyflexiblelimbsastherehasbeenintimepast,orwhethermywanderingandlackofgoodcarehaveruinedme.’

285Sohespoke,butallofthemwerewildlyindignant,andfearedthathemighttakethewell-polishedbowandstringit.NowAntinoösscoldedhimandspokeoutandnamedhim:‘Ah,wretchedstranger,youhavenosense,notevenalittle.Isitnotenoughthatyoudineinpeace,amongus,whoareviolent

290men,andaredeprivedofnofairportion,butlistentoourconversationandwhatwesay?Butthereisnoothervagabondandnewcomerwhoisallowedtohearustalk.Thehoneyedwinehashurtyou,asithasdistractedothersaswell,whogulpitdownwithoutdrinkinginseason.

295ItwaswinealsothatdrovetheCentaur,famousEurytion,distractedinthepalaceofgreat-heartedPeirithoöswhenhevisitedtheLapiths.Hisbrainwentwildwithdrinking,

Objectionsfromthesuitors

andinhisfuryhedidmuchharminthehouseofPeirithoös.Griefandragethenseizedtheheroes,theysprangupanddraggedhim

300throughtheforecourtandoutside,withthepitilessbronzeseveringhisearsandnose;andhe,havinghadhisbrainsbewildered,knewwhatadisasterhisunstablespirithadgothim.

SincehistimetherehasbeenafeudbetweenmenandCentaurs,andhewasthefirstwhofoundhisownevilinheavydrinking.

305SoIannouncegreattroubleforyouaswell,ifeveryoustringthisbow;youwillmeetnokindofcourtesyinourgroup,butweshallputyouintoablackshipandtakeyouovertoKingEchetos,onewhomutilatesallmen;thereyouwillloseeverything;sitandbequiet

310anddrinkyourwine,norquarrelwithmenwhoareyoungerthanyouare.’CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:

‘Antinoös,itisneitherfairnorjusttobrowbeatanyguestofTelemachoswhocomestovisithim.Doyouimaginethatifthisstranger,intheconfidence

315ofhandsandstrength,shouldstringthegreatbowofOdysseus,thathewouldtakemehomewithhimandmakemehiswife?No,hehimselfhasnosuchthoughtintheheartwithinhim.Letnoneofyoubesorrowfulatheartinhisfeastinghere,forsuchareason.Thereisnolikelihoodofit.’

320AndnowEurymachos,thesonofPolybos,answered:‘DaughterofIkarios,circumspectPenelope,wedonotthinkhewilltakeyouaway.Thatisnotlikely.Butweareashamedtofacethetalkofthemenandthewomen,forfearsomeotherAchaian,whoismeanerthanweare,

325mightsay:“Farbasermenarecourtingthewifeofastatelyman.Theyarenotevenabletostringhisbow.Thenanother,somebeggarman,camewanderinginfromsomewhere,andeasilystrungthebow,andsentashaftthroughtheiron.”Sotheywillspeak;andthatwouldbeadisgraceonallofus.’

330CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Eurymachos,therecanbenogloryamongourpeopleinanycase,forthosewhoeatawayanddishonorthehouseofagreatman.Whybeconcernedoverreproaches?Butthisstrangerisaverybigman,andheisbuiltstrongly,

335andalsoheclaimstobethesonofanoblefather.

Penelopesentaway

Comethen,givehimthepolishedbow.Letusseewhathappens.ForItellyouthisstraightout,anditwillbeathingaccomplished.Ifhecanstringthebow,andApollogiveshimthatglory,Iwillgivehimfineclothingtowear,amantleandtunic,

340andgivehimasharpjavelin,tokeepmenanddogsoff,andgivehimsandalsforhisfeet,aswordwithtwoedges,

andsendhimwhereverhisheartandspiritdesiretobesent.’ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtoherinanswer:

‘Mymother,noAchaianmanhasmoreauthority345overthisbowthanI,togiveorwithhold,atmypleasure;

notoneofthosewhoarelordshereinrockyIthaka,notoneofthoseintheislandsoffhorse-pasturingElis;noonecanforcemeagainstmywill;ifIwant,Icangiveittothestrangerasanoutrightgift,totakeawaywithhim.

350Gothereforebackintothehouse,andtakeupyourownwork,theloomandthedistaff,andseetoitthatyourhandmaidensplytheirworkalso.Themenshallhavethebowintheirkeeping,allmen,butImostofall.Formineisthepowerinthishousehold.’

Penelopewentbackinsidethehouse,inamazement,355forshelaidtheseriouswordsofhersondeepawayinherspirit;

andshewentbacktotheupperstorywithherattendantwomen,andweptforOdysseus,herbelovedhusband,untilgray-eyedAthenecastsweetslumberoverhereyelids.

Nowthenobleswineherdtookthecurvedbowandcarriedit;360butallthesuitorsinthepalacecriedoutagainsthim,

andthuswouldgothewordofoneofthesearrogantyoungmen:‘Whereareyoucarryingthebow,yousorryandshiftlessswineherd?Thoseswiftdogsthatyouraisedyourselfwillfeedonyoubesideyourpigs,forsakenbymen,ifonlyApollo

365andtherestoftheimmortalgodsarepropitioustowardus.’Theyspoke,andhetookthebowandputitbackwhereithadbeen,

infear,sincemanymenwereshoutingathiminthepalace,butfromtheothersideTelemachosspokeandthreatenedhim:‘Keeponwiththebow,oldfellow.Youcannotdowhateveryone

370tellsyou.Takecare,or,youngerthoughIam,Imightchaseyououttothefieldswithashowerofstones.Iamstrongerthanyouare.IonlywishIwereasmuchstronger,andmoreofafighterwithmyhands,thanallthesesuitorswhoarehereinmyhousehold.SoIcouldhatefullyspeedanymanofthemonhisjourney

Odysseuseasilystringsthebow

375outofourhouse,wheretheyarecontrivingevilsagainstus.’Sohespoke,andallthesuitorslaughedhappilyathim,

andallgaveovertheirbitterrageagainstTelemachos.Theswineherdtookupthebowandcarrieditthroughthepalace,andstoodbesidethewiseOdysseus,andhandedittohim.

380ThenhecalledasidethenurseEurykleia,andtoldher:

‘CircumspectEurykleia,Telemachoswantsyoutobarthetightlyfitteddoorsthatclosethehouse;andthen,ifanyofyouhearfrominsidethecrashandtheoutcryofmenwhoarecaughtwithinourtoils,youmustnotpeepin

385fromoutside,butsimplysitstillatyourwork,insilence.’Sohespoke,andshehadnowingedwordsforananswer.

Eurykleiabarredthedoorsofthestrong-builtgreathall.Philoitiossprangtohisfeetandwentsilentlyoutsidethehouse,andthenheclosedthedoorsofthewell-madecourtyard.

390Lyingbeneaththeporticowasafibercableforanoar-drivenship;withthathemadefastthedoors,andhimselfwentin,andsatagainonthechairfromwhichhehadrisen,lookingtowardOdysseus,whobynowwashandlingthebow,turningitallupanddown,andtestingitfromonesideandanother

395toseeifwormshadeatenthehorninthemaster'sabsence.Andthuswouldoneofthemsayashelookedacrossatthenextman:‘Thismanisanadmirerofbows,oronewhostealsthem.Noweitherhehassuchthingslyingbackawayinhisownhouse,orelseheisstudyingtomakeone,thewayheturnsit

400thiswayandthat,ourvagabondwhoisversedinvillainies.’Andthuswouldspeakanotheroneofthesearrogantyoungmen:

‘HowIwishhisshareofgoodfortunewereofthesamemeasureasisthedegreeofhispowerevertogetthisbowstrung.’

Sothesuitorstalked,butnowresourcefulOdysseus,405oncehehadtakenupthegreatbowandlookeditallover,

aswhenaman,whowellunderstandsthelyreandsinging,easily,holdingitoneitherside,pullsthestronglytwistedcordofsheep'sgut,soastoslipitoveranewpeg,so,withoutanystrain,Odysseusstrungthegreatbow.

410Thenpluckingitinhisrighthandhetestedthebowstring,anditgavehimbackanexcellentsoundlikethevoiceofaswallow.Agreatsorrowfellnowuponthesuitors,andalltheircolorwaschanged,andZeusshowingforthhisportentsthunderedmightily.

Odysseusshootsthroughtheaxes

Hearingthis,long-sufferinggreatOdysseuswashappy415thatthesonofdevious-devisingKronoshadsenthimaportent.

Hechoseoutaswiftarrowthatlaybesidehimuncoveredonthetable,buttheotherswerestillstoredupinsidethehollowquiver,andpresentlytheAchaiansmustlearntheirnature.Takingthestringandtheheadgrooveshedrewtothemiddle

420grip,andfromtheverychairwherehesat,bendingthebowbeforehim,letthearrowfly,normissedanyaxesfromthefirsthandleon,butthebronze-weightedarrowpassedthroughall,andouttheotherend.HespoketoTelemachos:‘Telemachos,yourguestthatsitsinyourhallsdoesnotthen

425failyou;Imissednopartofthemark,norhaveImademuchworkofstringingthebow;thestrengthisstillsoundwithinme,andnotasthesuitorssaidintheirscorn,makinglittleofme.NowisthetimefortheirdinnertobeservedtheAchaiansinthedaylight,thenfollowwithotherentertainment,

430thedanceandthelyre;forthesethingscomeattheendofthefeasting.’Hespoke,andnoddedtohimwithhisbrows,andTelemachos,

dearsonofgodlikeOdysseus,puthissharpswordabouthimandclosedhisownhandoverhisspear,andtookhispositionclosebesidehimandnextthechair,allarmedinbrightbronze.

BOOKXXII

NowresourcefulOdysseusstrippedhisragsfromhim,andsprangupatopthegreatthreshold,holdinghisbowandthequiverfilledwitharrows,andscatteredouttheswiftshaftsbeforehimonthegroundnexthisfeet,andspokehiswordtothesuitors:

5‘Hereisataskthathasbeenachieved,withoutanydeception.NowIshallshootatanothermark,onethatnomanyethasstruck,ifIcanhititandApollograntsmetheglory.’

Hespoke,andsteeredabitterarrowagainstAntinoös.Hewasonthepointofliftingupafinetwo-handled

10gobletofgold,andhaditinhishands,andwasmovingitsoastodrinkofthewine,andinhishearttherewasnothoughtofdeath.Forwhowouldthinkthatoneman,aloneinacompanyofmanymenattheirfeasting,thoughhewereaverystrongone,wouldeverinflictdeathuponhimanddarkdoom?ButOdysseus,

15aimingatthisman,struckhiminthethroatwithanarrow,andcleanthroughthesoftpartoftheneckthepointwasdriven.Heslumpedawaytooneside,andoutofhisstrickenhandfellthegoblet,andupandthroughhisnostrilsthereburstathickjetofmortalblood,andwithathrustofhisfoothekickedback

20thetablefromhim,sothatallthegoodfoodwasscatteredontheground,breadandbakedmeatstogether;butallthesuitorsclamoredaboutthehousewhentheysawthatthemanwasfallen,sprangupfromtheirseatsandrangedabouttheroom,throwingtheirglanceseverywayallalongthewell-builtwalls,

Odysseusrevealshimself

25buttherewasneverashieldtherenoranystrongspearforthem.ButtheyscoldedOdysseusinwordsfullofanger,saying:‘Stranger,itisbadlydonetohitmen.Youwillneverachieveanymoretrials.Nowyoursuddendestructioniscertain,fornowyouhavestruckdownthemanwhowasfarthegreatest

30oftheyouthofIthaka.Forthatthevulturesshalleatyou.’Eachspokeatrandom,fortheythoughthehadnotintended

tokilltheman,poorfools,andtheyhadnotyetrealizedhowoverallofthemthetermsofdeathwerenowhanging.ButlookingdarklyuponthemresourcefulOdysseusanswered:

35‘Youdogs,youneverthoughtthatIwouldanymorecomebackfromthelandofTroy,andbecauseofthatyoudespoiledmyhousehold,andforciblytookmyservingwomentosleepbesideyou,andsoughttowinmywifewhileIwasstillalive,fearingneithertheimmortalgodswhoholdthewideheaven,

40noranyresentmentsprungfrommentobeyoursinthefuture.Nowuponallofyouthetermsofdestructionarefastened.’

Sohespoke,andthegreenfeartookholdofallofthem,andeachmanlookedabouthimforawaytoescapesheerdeath.OnlyEurymachosspokeupandgavehimananswer:

45‘IfintruthyouareOdysseusofIthaka,comehome,whatyouhavesaidisfairaboutallthewickednessdoneyoubytheAchaians,muchinyourhouseandmuchinthecountry.Butnowthemanisdownwhowasresponsibleforallthis,Antinoös.Itwashewhopushedthisaction,

50notsomuchthathewantedthemarriage,orcaredforit,butwithotherthingsinmind,whichthesonofKronoswouldnotgranthim:tolieinwaitforyoursonandkillhim,andthenbekinghimselfinthedistrictofstrong-foundedIthaka.Nowhehasperishedbyhisownfate.Thenspareyourown

55people,andafterwardwewillmakepublicreparationforallthathasbeeneatenanddrunkinyourhalls,settingeachuponhimselfanassessmentoftwentyoxen.Wewillpayitbackinbronzeandgoldtoyou,untilyourheartissoftened.Tillthen,wecannotblameyouforbeingangry.’

60ThenlookingdarklyathimresourcefulOdysseusanswered:‘Eurymachos,ifyougavemeallyourfather'spossessions,allthatyouhavenow,andwhatyoucouldaddfromelsewhere,evenso,Iwouldnotstaymyhandsfromtheslaughter,

Thebattlebegins

untilIhadtakenrevengeforallthesuitors'transgression.65Nowthechoicehasbeensetbeforeyou,eithertofightme

orrun,ifanyofyoucanescapedeathanditsspirits.ButIthinknotonemanwillescapefromsheerdestruction.’

Sohespoke,andtheothers'knees,andtheheartwithinthem,

wentslack,butEurymachoscriedasecondtime,tothesuitors:70‘Dearfriends,nowthismanwillnotrestrainhisinvincible

hands,butsincehehasgotthepolishedbowandthequiver,hewillshootatusfromthesmooththreshold,untilhehaskilledusoneandall.Thenletusallrememberourwarcraft.Drawyourswordsandholdthetablebeforeyou,towardoff

75thearrowsofsuddendeath;letusallmakearushagainsthimtogether,andtrytopushhimbackfromthedoorsandthethreshold,andgothroughthetown.Sothehueandcrycouldbemostquicklyraised,andperhapsthismanwillnowhaveshotforthelasttime.’

Sohespokealoud,anddrewfromhissidethesharpsword,80brazen,andedgedoneitherside,andmadearushathim,

cryinghisterriblecry.Atthesametime,nobleOdysseusshotanarrow,andstruckhiminthechest,bythenipple,andthespeedingarrowfixedinhisliver,andhisswordtumbledoutofhishandonthefloor,ashe,sprawlingoverthetable,

85doubledandfell,andonthefloorthegoodfoodwasscattered,andthetwo-handledgoblet.Hestruckthegroundwithhisforeheadinhisparoxysmofpain,andkickingwithbothfeetrattledthechair,andoverhiseyesthedeathmistdrifted.

Amphinomos,springingforwardtofacegloriousOdysseus,90madearushagainsthim,anddrewhissharpsword,thinking

hemightbeforcedtogivewayfromthedoors;butnowTelemachoswastooquickwithacastofthebrazenspearfrombehindhimbetweentheshoulders,anddroveitthroughtothechestbeyondit.Hefell,thunderously,andtooktheearthfullonhisforehead.

95Telemachossprangaway,andleftbehindthefar-shadowingspearwhereitwasinAmphinomos,turningback,forfearthatashepulledoutthefar-shadowingspear,someotherAchaianmightdriveathiminanoutrush,orelsestrikehimfromcloseup.Hewentontherun,andverysoonhereachedhisdearfather,

100andstoodthereclosebesidehimandaddressedhiminwingedwords:‘Father,nowIwillgoandbringyouashield,andtwospears,andahelmetallofbronzefittingclosetoyourtemples.

Thebattlecontinues

Itoowillgoandputonarmor,andgivetheswineherdandoxherdmoretowear.Itisbetterforustobearmored.’

105TheninturnresourcefulOdysseusspoketohiminanswer:‘Runandfetchthem,whileIhavearrowsstilltodefendme,orelse,whileIamalone,theymightforcemefromthedoorway.’

Sohespoke,andTelemachosobeyedhisdearfather,andwentonhiswaytotheinnerroom,wheregloriousarmor

110wasstoredaway,andtookfrominsidefourshields,andeightspears,andfourhelmetsplatedwithbronzeandcrestedwithhorsehair,andcarriedthemback,andverysoonhereachedhisdearfather.Hewasthefirstofalltoputthebronzearmoruponhim,andinthesamewaythetwoservingmenputontheirmagnificent

115arms,andstoodbesidethewise,resourcefulOdysseus.Odysseus,whilehestillhadarrowslefttodefendhim,

keptaimingatthesuitorsinhishouse;andeverytimehehithisman,andtheydroppedoneafteranother.Butwhentherewerenomorearrowsleftfortheking'sarchery,

120hesetthebowsoitleanedagainstapillarsustainingthestrong-builtpalace,therebytheshiningwalls,thenhimselfthrewacrosshisshoulderstheshieldofthefourfoldoxhide.Overhismightyheadhesetthewell-fashionedhelmet,withthehorsehaircrest,andtheplumesnoddedterriblyaboveit.

125Thenhecaughtuptwopowerfulspearsedgedwiththebrightbronze.Therewasasidedoorinthestrongly-constructedwall,andalso,

nexttheedgeofthethresholdintothewell-madepalace,awaythroughthealley,withthedoorleavesfittingitclosely.Odysseustoldthenobleswineherdtotakeaposition

130nearthis,andwatchit.Onlyoneatatimecouldattackthere.Agelaoscriedaloudtoallofthesuitors:‘Dearfriends,couldnotonemanslipaway,throughthesidedoor,andtellthepeople?Sothehueandcrycouldbemostquicklyraised,andperhapsthismanwillnowhaveshotforthelasttime.’

135TheninturnMelanthiosthegoatherdansweredhim:‘Itcannotbe,illustriousAgelaos.Thefinedoorstothecourtareterriblyclose,themouthofthealleyisdifficulttoforce;onemancouldholdagainstall,ifhewereafighter.Comerather,letmebringyouarmsfrominsidethechamber

140toarmyouin;forthere,Ibelieve,andinnootherplace,Odysseusandhisglorioussonhavehiddenthem.’

Melanthiosbringsarmstothesuitors

SoMelanthiosthegoatherdspoke,andclimbedthroughtoOdysseus'innerchambersbytheventsinthegreathall.Fromtherehetookoutadozenheavyshields,andasmany

145spears,andasmanybrazenhelmetscrestedwithhorsehair,andwentonhisway,andquicklyhandedthemtothesuitors.

ThenthekneesofOdysseuswentslack,andtheheartwithinhim,ashesawthemputtingthearmoraboutthem,andshakingthelongspearsintheirhands;hethoughtitwasmonstrous

150treason,andhespokenowinwingedwordstoTelemachos:‘Telemachos,someoneofthewomenhereinthepalace,orMelanthios,hasmadeanevilattackuponus.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Father,itwasmyownmistake,andthereisnoother

155toblame.Ileftthedoorofthechamber,whichcanclosetightly,openatanangle.OneofthesemenwasabetterobserverthanI.Gonow,nobleEumaios,andclosethechamberdoor,andseeifitisoneofthewomendoingthis,orMelanthios,sonofDolios,whichiswhatIthink.’

160Nowasthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,Melanthiosthegoatherdwentbackintothechambertobringmoresplendidarmor,butthenobleswineherdsightedhim.QuicklyhespokeawordtoOdysseusstandingclosebyhim:‘SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,

165thereisthatdeadlymanagain,theonewesuspected,onhiswayintothechamber.Nowgivemeyourtrueinstructions,whether,ifIprovestrongerthanheis,Iamtokillhim,orbringhimbackheretoyou,sohecanpayforthemanytransgressions,allthathehasdevisedinyourhouseagainstyou.’

170ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘TelemachosandIwillholdoffthehaughtysuitors,foralltheirfury,hereinsidethepalace;youtwotwistthefeetofMelanthiosandhisarmsbehindhim,puthimawayinthechamberandfastenboardsbehindhim,

175thenmakehimsecurewithabraidedrope,andhoisthimupwardalongthehighcolumn,tillyoufetchhimuptotheroofbeams.Thus,whilehestillstaysalive,hewillsufferharshtorment.’

Sohespoke,andtheylistenedwelltohimandobeyedhim.Theywentintothechamber.Hewasthere,buthedidnotseethem.

180Now,hewassearchingoutweapons,deepinthebackofthechamber,

Melanthiostiedup

andtheystoodtherewaitingforhimbehindthecolumns,oneitherside,untilMelanthiostheherdsmanofgoatscameoverthesill.Inonehandhewasholdingasplendidhelmet,andintheothertheancientshield,allfouledwithmildew,

185oftheheroLaertes,whichhehadcarriedwhenhewasayoungman.

Ithadbeenlyingthere,andthestitchesweregoneonthehandstraps.Nowtheysprangoutandseizedhim,caughtholdofhishairanddraggedhimin,andthrewhimdownonthefloor,thereinhisanguishofheart,andinthehurtfulbondtheysecurelyfastened

190hisfeetandarms,twistedallthewayback,obeyingtheordersgivenbygreat,enduringOdysseus,thesonofLaertes.Thentheymadehimsecurewithabraidedrope,andhoistedhimhighonthecolumn,untiltheyfetchedhimuptotheroofbeams.Thenyouspokeandjeeredathim,OswineherdEumaios:

195‘Nowthewholenightlong,Melanthios,youshallkeepwatchwakefully,laid,asyoudeserve,torestonasoftbed,wellawareoftheyoungDawnthronedingoldassherisesupfromtheOceanrivers,atthetimewhenyouusedtodriveingoatstothepalace,soastomakeafeastforthesuitors.’

200Sotheylefthimthere,trussedupinhishorriblebindings.Theherdsmenclosedtheshiningdoor,andputontheirarmor,andwentandstoodbesidethewise,resourcefulOdysseus.Therebothsidesstood,breathingvalor,thefourmenholdingthethreshold,butinsidethehouseweremanyandbravemen.

205NowtothesemencamethedaughterofZeus,Athene,likeningherselfinvoiceandappearancetoMentor.Odysseuswashappywhenhesawher,andhailedher,saying:‘Mentor,helpmefromhurt,andrememberme,yourcompanionandfriend,whohavedoneyoumuchgood.Wetwogrewuptogether.’

210Hespokeso,butthoughtitwasAthene,leaderofarmies.Ontheothersideinthepalacethesuitorscriedoutagainsther,andfirsttothreatenwasAgelaos,sonofDamastor;‘Mentor,neverletOdysseusbytalkingpersuadeyoutofightagainstthesuitorsanddefendhim.Consider

215whatweproposetodo,andIthinkitwillbeaccomplished.Whenwekillthesemen,thesonandthefather,youtooshallbekilledintheircompany,forwhatyouaretryingtodohereinthepalace.Youshallpayforitwithyourownhead.

AthenehelpsOdysseusandhisparty

Butwhenwiththebronzewehavetakenawaythelivesofallofyou,220allthepossessionswhichareyours,bothhereandelsewhere,

weshallcountinwiththoseofOdysseus,norwillwesufferyoursonstogoonlivinghereinyourhalls,noryourdaughtersandlovingwifetogoaboutinthetownofIthaka.’

Hespoke,andAtheneinherheartgrewstillmoreangry,

225andshescoldedOdysseusinwordsfullofanger,saying:‘Nolonger,Odysseus,arethestrengthandvalorstillsteadywithinyou,aswhen,forthesakeofwhite-armed,illustriousHelen,youfoughtnineyearswiththeTrojans,everrelentless;andmanymenyoukilledthereinthedreadedencounter,

230andbyyourcounselthewide-wayedcityofPriamwastaken.Howisitnow,whenyouhavecomebacktoyourownpossessionsandhouse,youcomplain,insteadofstandinguptothesuitors?Comehere,friend,andwatchmeatwork,andstandingbesidemeseewhatkindofmanisMentorthesonofAlkimos,

235andhowagainstyourenemiesherepaysyourkindness.’Shespoke,butdidnotyetaltogetherturnthevictory

theirway.ShestillwasputtingtoproofthestrengthandcouragealikeofOdysseusandhisgloriousson;andshenow,likeningherselftoaswallowintheirsight,shotup

240highaloft,andperchedonabeamofthesmokypalace.NowAgelaos,sonofDamastor,urgedonthesuitors,

withDemoptolemos,Amphimedon,andPeisandrosthesonofPolyktor,Eurynomos,andthewisePolybos.Fortheseinwarcraftwerebyfarthebestofthesuitors

245whostillwerealiveandfightingfortheirlives;butothershadalreadyfallenbeforethebowandtheshoweringarrows.TotheseAgelaosspoke,directinghiswordstoallofthem:‘Dearfriends,nowthismanwillhavetostayhisinvinciblehands,sinceMentor,afterdoingsomeemptyboasting,

250hasgone,andtheseareleftaloneinthefrontdoorway.Now,donotallofyouthrowyourlongspearsatthesametimeathim,butletussixthrowfirstwithourspears,anditmaybeZeuswillgrantthatwestrikeOdysseusandwintheglory.Wecarenothingabouttheothers,oncethismanhasfallen.’

255Sohespoke,andallsixaimedtheirspears,ashetoldthem,andthrew,butAthenemadevainalltheircasts,sothatonemanthrewhisspearagainstthepillarsustaining

Defeatanddeathofallthesuitors

thestrong-builtpalace,anotherintothedoor,close-fitted.Oneashspearheavywithbronzewasdrivenintothesidewall.

260Butthen,aftertheyhadavoidedthespearsofthesuitors,much-enduringgreatOdysseusbeganspeakingtothem:‘Dearfriends,nowIwouldsayitwasthetimeforourturntothrowourspearsintothemidstofthesuitors,furious

astheyaretokillus,andaddtoformerevilscommitted.’265Sohespoke,andtheyallaimedtheirsharpspearsandthrewthemstraightahead.

DemoptolemoswaskilledbyOdysseus,EuryadesbyTelemachos,Elatosbytheswineherd,PeisandrosbyPhiloitios,theherdsmanofoxen.Butwhenallthesehadfallen,andbitwiththeirteeththegreatearth,

270thesuitorsdrewawayintothecornerofthepalace,andtheothersrushed,andpluckedtheirspearsfromthefallenbodies.

Onceagainthesuitorsaimedatthemwiththeirsharpspears,andthrew,butAthenemadevainmostoftheircasts,sothatonemanthrewhisspearagainstthepillarsustaining

275thestrong-builtpalace,anotherintothedoor,close-fitted.Oneashspearheavywithbronzewasdrivenintothesidewall.ButAmphimedonstruckTelemachosonthewrist,withaglancingblow,andthebronzerippedtheoutermostskin;andalsoKtesipposwithhislongspearhitEumaiosover

280theshield,andscratchedhisshoulder,butthespearflewover,andlandedvoid.Thenthecompanyofwise,devious-devisingOdysseusthrewtheirspearsintothemassofthesuitors.ThistimeOdysseus,stormerofcities,struckdownEurydamas;TelemachoshitAmphimedon;theswineherd,Polybos.

285ThenPhiloitios,herdsmanofoxen,struckKtesipposfullinthechest,andspokeawordofvauntingoverhim:‘OsonofPolytherses,loverofmockery,neverspeakloudandallatrandominyourrecklessness.Ratherleaveallspeechtothegods,sincetheyarefarstrongerthanyouare.

290Hereisyourguestgift,inexchangeforthathoofyouformerlygavetogodlikeOdysseus,ashewentaboutthroughthepalace.’

Sospoketheherdsmanofhorn-curvedoxen;butnowOdysseusstabbedAgelaos,sonofDamastor,fromclose,withthelongspear,whileTelemachosstabbedLeokritos,sonofEuenor,

295inthemidmostbellywiththespear,anddrovethebronzecleanthrough.

Endofthebattle

Hefellthenheadlong,andtooktheearthfullonhisforehead.AndnowAthenewavedtheaegis,thatblightshumanity,fromhighaloftontheroof,andalltheirwitswerebewildered;andtheystampededaboutthehall,likeaherdofcattle

300setuponanddrivenwildbythedartinghorseflyinthespringseason,atthetimewhenthedaysgrowlonger;buttheothermen,whowerelikehook-clawed,beak-bentvultures,

descendingfromthemountainstopounceuponthelesserbirds;andtheseontheplain,shrinkingawayfromtheclouds,speedoff,

305butthevulturesplungeonthemanddestroythem,noristhereanydefense,noranyescape,andmenaregladforthehunting;sothesemen,sweepingaboutthepalace,struckdownthesuitors,onemanafteranother;thefloorwassmokingwithblood,andthehorriblecriesroseupastheirheadswerebroken.

310LeodesrushedinandcaughtthekneesofOdysseus,andspoketohiminwingedwordsandinsupplication:‘Iamatyourknees,Odysseus.Respectme,havemercy;forIclaimthatneverinyourhallsdidIsayordoanythingwrongtoanyoneofthewomen,butalwayswastrying

315tostopanyoneoftheothersuitorswhoactedinthatway.Buttheywouldnotlistentomeandkeeptheirhandsoffevil.Sobytheirownrecklessnesstheyhavefoundashamefuldeath,butIwastheirdiviner,andIdidnothing;butImustfall,sincethereisnogratitudeforpastfavors.’

320ThenlookingdarklyathimspokeresourcefulOdysseus:‘Ifyouclaimtobethedivineramongthesepeople,manyatimeyoumusthaveprayedinmypalace,askingthatthecompletionofmysweethomecomingbefarofffromme,thatmydearwifewouldgooffwithyou,andbearyou

325children.Soyoucannotescapefromsorrydestruction.’Sohespoke,andinhisheavyhandcaughtupasword

thatwaslyingthereonthegroundwhereAgelaoshaddroppeditwhenhewaskilled.Withthishecutthroughtheneckatthemiddle,andtheheadofLeodesdroppedinthedustwhilehewasstillspeaking.

330Phemiosthesinger,thesonofTerpias,stillwasskulkingawayfromdeath.Hehadbeensingingamongthesuitorsundercompulsion,andstoodwiththeclear-tonedlyreinhishandsbythesidedoor,andhisheartwasponderingoneoftwocourses:eithertoslipoutofthehalltothealtarofmighty

Thesingerandheraldspared

335Zeusofthecourt,andcrouchatthestructure,whereonceOdysseusandLaerteshadburnedupthethighsofmanyoxen,orrushupandmakeentreatyatthekneesofOdysseus.Theninthedivisionofhisheartthiswayseemedbesttohim,toseizeholdofthekneesofOdysseus,sonofLaertes.

340Thereuponhelaidthehollowedlyreontheground,betweenthemixingbowlandthechairwithitsnailsofsilver,

buthehimselfrushedinandcaughtthekneesofOdysseus,andspoketohiminwingedwordsandinsupplication:‘Iamatyourknees,Odysseus.Respectme,havemercy.

345Youwillbesorryintimetocomeifyoukillthesingerofsongs.Isingtothegodsandtohumanpeople,andIamtaughtbymyself,butthegodhasinspiredinmethesong-waysofeverykind.Iamsuchaoneascansingbeforeyouastoagod.Thendonotbefurioustobeheadme.

350Telemachostoo,yourowndearson,wouldtellyou,asIdo,thatitwasagainstmywill,andwithnodesireonmypart,thatIservedthesuitorshereinyourhouseandsangattheirfeasting.Theyweretoomanyandtoostrong,andtheyforcedmetodoit.’

Sohespoke,andthehallowedprinceTelemachosheardhim.355Quicklythenhespoketohisfather,whostoodclosebyhim:

‘Holdfast.Donotstrikethismanwiththebronze.Heisinnocent.AndletusspareMedonourherald,amanwhohasalwaystakencareofmewhenIwasachildinyourpalace;unless,thatis,Philoitiosortheswineherdhaskilledhim,

360orunlesshecameinyourwayasyoustormedthroughthepalace.’Sohespoke,andMedon,amanofprudentthoughts,heardhim;

forhehadhiddenunderachair,andputonabouthimthehideofanox,freshlyskinned,soavoidingblackdeath.Hecameoutquicklyfromunderthechair,andtookofftheoxhide,

365andthenrushedinandcaughtholdofthekneesofTelemachos,andspoketohiminwingedwordsandinsupplication:‘HereIam,dearfriend.Holdfast,andspeaktoyourfather,before—sinceheissostrong—hedestroysmewiththetearingbronze,inangeroverthesuitors,whokeptruining

370hisgoodsinhispalaceand,likefools,paidyounohonor.’ThenresourcefulOdysseussmileduponhimandanswered:

‘Donotfear.Telemachoshassavedyouandkeptyoualive,soyoumayknowinyourheart,andsaytoanother,

Eurykleiasummoned

thatgooddealingisbetterbyfarthanevildealing.375Butgooutnowfromthepalaceandsitoutside,awayfrom

theslaughter,inthecourtyard,youandtheversatilesinger,sothatIcandointhehousetheworkthatIhaveto.’

Sohespoke,andthetwowentaway,outsidethepalace,andsatdownbothtogetherbesidethealtarofmighty

380Zeus,lookingallaboutthem,stillthinkingtheywouldbemurdered.

Odysseuslookedabouthisownhouse,toseeifanymanstillwasleftalive,escapingtheblackdestruction;buthesawthem,oneandallintheirnumbers,lyingfallenintheirbloodandinthedust,likefishwhomthefishermen

385havetakenintheirnetwithmanyholes,anddraggedoutontothehollowbeachfromthegraysea,andallofthemliepiledonthesand,needingtherestlesssaltwater;butHelios,theshiningSun,bakesthelifeoutofthem.Likethese,thesuitorsnowwerelyingpiledoneachother.

390ThenatlastresourcefulOdysseussaidtoTelemachos:‘Telemachos,comenow,summoninthenurse,Eurykleia,sothatIcansaywhatisonmymindtosaytoher.’

Sohespoke,andTelemachosobeyedhisdearfather.Heopenedthedoorandcalledouttothenurse,Eurykleia:

395‘Riseandcomehere,agedwoman,youwhowatchoverallthattheservingwomendohereinourpalace.Comehere.Myfathercallsyou.Hehassomethingtotellyou.’

Sohespoke,andshehadnowingedwordsforananswer,butsheopenedthedoorsofthestrong-builtgreathall,andwent

400oninside,butTelemachoswentahead,leadingher.ThereshefoundOdysseusamongtheslaughtereddeadmen,spatteredoverwithgoreandbattlefilth,likealionwhohasbeenfeedingonanoxofthefields,andgoesoffcoveredwithblood,allhischestandhisflanksoneither

405sidebloody,aterriblethingtolookintheface;sonowOdysseus'feetandthehandsabovethemwerespattered.She,whenshesawthedeadmenandtheendlessblood,beganthentoraisethecryoftriumph,havingseenitwasmonstrouswork,butOdysseuscheckedherandheldher,forallhereagerness,

410andspoketoherandaddressedherinwingedwords,saying:‘Keepyourjoyinyourheart,olddame;stop,donotraiseupthecry.Itisnotpietytoglorysooverslainmen.

Punishmentofthefaithlessmaids

Theseweredestroyedbythedoomofthegodsandtheirownhardactions,forthesemenpaidnoattentionatalltoanymanonearth

415whocametheirway,nomatterifhewerebaseornoble.Sobytheirownrecklessnesstheyhavefoundashamefuldeath.Nowassembleherethewomenwhoareinthepalace,boththosewhohavedonemenohonor,andthosewhoareinnocent.’

ThenthebelovednurseEurykleiasaidtohiminanswer:

420‘So,mychild,Iwilltellyouthewholetruthofthematter.Youhavefiftyservingwomenhereinyourpalace,andtheseIhavetaughttoworkattheirowntasks,thecardingofwool,andhowtoenduretheirownslavery.Ofthesefifty,twelveinallhavetakentoimmorality.

425Theypaynoattentiontome,oreventoPenelope.Telemachosisbutlatelycomeofage,andhismotherwouldnotlethimbeinchargeoftheservingwomen.Butcome,letmegouptotheshiningupperchamberandtellyourwife.Somegodhassentdownasleepuponher.’

430ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:‘Donotwakenheryet,buttellthosewomenwhohavebeenshamefulintheirdevisingstocomeheretomypresence.’

Sohespoke,andtheoldwomanwentthroughthepalace,bringingthemessagetothewomenandurgingthemonward.

435ButOdysseus,callingTelemachosandtheoxherdandswineherdtohim,spoketotheminwingedwords,saying:‘Begintheworkofcarryingoutthebodies,andtellthewomentohelp,andafterthattowashthebeautifulchairsandtablesclean,withwaterandporoussponges.

440Then,afteryouhavegotallthehousebackingoodorder,leadallthesemaidservantsoutofthewell-builtpalacebetweentheround-houseandtheunfaultedwallofthecourtyard,andhewthemwiththethinedgeofthesword,untilyouhavetakenthelivesfromall,andtheyforgetAphrodite,thegoddess

445theyhadwiththemwhentheylaysecretlywiththesuitors.’Sohespoke,andthewomenallinahuddlecameout,

withterriblecriesofsorrow,andthebigtearsfalling.Firsttheycarriedawaythebodiesofallthedeadmen,andlaidthemundertheporticoofthewell-builtcourtyard,

450stackingthemoneachother.Odysseushimselfdirectedthem

andMelanthios

andhurriedthemon.Theycarriedthebodiesout.Theyhadto.Then,aftertheyhaddonethis,thewomenwashedthebeautifulchairsandtablesclean,withwaterandporoussponges.AfterthisTelemachos,theoxherdandtheswineherd,

455scrapedoutthefloorofthestronglyconstructedhouse,withshovels,andthewomencarriedthescrapingsway,andpiledthemoutside.Butaftertheyhadgotallthehousebackingoodorder,leadingthemaidservantsoutofthewell-builtpalace,

betweentheround-houseandtheunfaultedwallofthecourtyard,460theypennedtheminastraitplacefromwhichtherewasnoescaping.

NowthethoughtfulTelemachosbeganspeakingamongthem:‘Iwouldnottakeawaythelivesofthesecreaturesbyanycleandeath,fortheyhaveshoweredabuseontheheadofmymother,andonmyownheadtoo,andtheyhavesleptwiththesuitors.’

465Sohespoke,andtakingthecableofadark-prowedship,fastenedittothetallpillar,andfetcheditabouttheround-house;andlikethrushes,whospreadtheirwings,orpigeons,whohaveflownintoasnaresetupfortheminathicket,tryingtofindarestingplace,butthesleepgiventhemwashateful;

470sotheirheadswereallinaline,andeachhadherneckcaughtfastinanoose,sothattheirdeathwouldbemostpitiful.Theystruggledwiththeirfeetforalittle,notforverylong.

TheytookMelanthiosalongtheporchandthecourtyard.Theycutoff,withthepitilessbronze,hisnoseandhisears,

475toreoffhisprivatepartsandgavethemtothedogstofeedonraw,andloppedoffhishandsandfeet,infuryofanger.

Then,aftertheyhadwashedtheirownhandsandfeetclean,theywentintothehouseofOdysseus.Theirworkwasended.ButOdysseussaidtothebelovednurse,Eurykleia:

480‘Bringmebrimstone,olddame,thecureofevils,andbringmefire,soIcansulphurthehall,andtellPenelopetocomeherenow,togetherwithherattendantwomen,andtellalltheservingmaidstocomeheretothepalace.’

485ThenthebelovednurseEurykleiasaidtohiminanswer:‘Allthisyouhavesaid,mychild,wasfairandorderly.Butcomenow,letmebringyououtamantleandtunic,anddonotstandthushereinthehall,withyourbroadshoulderscoveredoverwithragsastheyare.Thatwouldbescandalous.’

490ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredher:

Odysseuscleansthepalace

‘Beforeallthis,letmehavethefireinmypalace.’Hespoke,andthedearnurseEurykleiadidnotdisobeyhim.Shebroughthimoutthe

fireandbrimstone;andthenOdysseuscleanedhispalace,houseandcourtyardalike,withsulphur.

495TheoldwomanwentoffthroughthefinehouseofOdysseus,totakethemessagetothewomenandtellthemtogather.Theycamefromthemainhouse,andintheirhandsheldtorches,andalltheservingwomenclungtoOdysseus,andgreetedhim,

andmademuchofhim,andkissedhimonhisheadandhisshoulders500andhands,admiringhim,andsweetlongingforlamentation

andtearstookholdofhim.Herecognizedallthesewomen.

BOOKXXIII

Theoldwoman,laughingloudly,wenttotheupperchambertotellhermistressthatherbelovedhusbandwasinsidethehouse.Herkneesmovedswiftly,butherfeetweretottering.ShestoodabovePenelope'sheadandspokeawordtoher:

5‘Wake,Penelope,dearchild,sothat,withyourowneyes,youcanseewhatallyourdaysyouhavebeenlongingfor.Odysseusishere,heisinthehouse,thoughlateinhiscoming;andhehaskilledthehaughtysuitors,whowereafflictinghishouse,andusingforceonhisson,andeatinghisproperty.’

10CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Dearnurse,thegodshavedrivenyoucrazy.Theyarebothabletochangeaverysensiblepersonintoasenselessone,andtosetthelight-witonthewayofdiscretion.Theyhavesetyouawry;beforenowyourthoughtswereorderly.

15Whydoyouinsultmewhenmyheartisheavywithsorrows,bytalkinginthiswildway,andwakingmefromahappysleep,whichhadcomeandcoveredmyeyes,andheldthemfastened?ForIhavenothadsuchasleepasthisone,sincethetimewhenOdysseuswenttothatevil,not-to-be-mentionedIlion.

20Butgodownnow,andtakeyourselfbackintothepalace.Ifanyofthoseotherwomen,whoareherewithme,hadcomewithamessagelikeyours,andwakenedmefrommyslumber,Iwouldhavesentherbackonherwaytothehallinahatefulfashionfordoingit.Itshallbeyouragethatsavesyou.’

PenelopecomesdowntoOdysseus

25ThenthebelovednurseEurykleiasaidtoherinanswer:‘Iamnotinsultingyou,dearchild.Itisalltrue.Odysseusishere,heisinthehouse,justasItellyou.Heisthatstranger-guest,whomallinthehousewereabusing.Telemachoshasknownthathewashereforalongtime,

30buthewasdiscreet,anddidnotbetraytheplansofhisfather,sohemightpunishtheseoverbearingmenfortheirviolence.’

Soshespoke,andPenelopeinherjoysprangupfromthebed,andembracedtheoldwoman,hereyesstreamingtears,andshespoketoherandaddressedherinwingedwords:

35‘Come,dearnurse,andgivemeatrueaccountofthematter,whetherhereallyhascomebacktohishouse,asyoutellme,tolayhishandsontheshamelesssuitors,thoughhewasonlyone,andtheywerealwayslyinginwait,inabody!’

ThenthebelovednurseEurykleiasaidtoherinanswer:40‘Ididnotsee,Iwasnottold,butIheardtheoutcryofthembeingkilled;we,hiddenawayin

thestrong-builtstorerooms,satthereterrified,andthecloseddoorsheldusprisoner,untilfrominsidethegreathallyoursonTelemachossummonedme,becausehisfathertoldhimtodoit.

45ThereIfoundOdysseusstandingamongthedeadmenhehadkilled,andtheycoveredthehardenedearth,lyingpiledoneachotheraroundhim.Youwouldhavebeencheeredtoseehim,spatteredoverwithgoreandbattlefilth,likealion.Nowtheyliealltogether,bythedoorsofthecourtyard,

50whileheisburningagreatfire,andcleaningthebeautifulhousewithbrimstone.Hehassentmeontosummonyou.Comewithmethen,sothatbothofyoucanturnyourdearheartsthewayofhappiness,sinceyouhavehadsomuchtosuffer,butnowatlastwhatlongyouprayedforhasbeenaccomplished.

55Hehascomebackandishereathishearth,alive,andhasfoundyouandhissoninthepalace,andhastakenrevengeonthesuitorshereinhishouse,foralltheevilsthattheyhavedonehim.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Dearnurse,donotyetlaughaloudintriumph.Youknow

60howwelcomehewouldbeifheappearedinthepalace:toall,butabovealltomeandthesonwegavebirthto.No,butthisstoryisnottrueasyoutellit;rather,

butwillnotspeaktohim

someoneoftheimmortalshaskilledthehaughtysuitorsinangerovertheirwickeddeedsandheart-hurtingviolence;

65forthesemenpaidnoattentionatalltoanymanonearthwhocametheirway,nomatterifhewerebaseornoble.Sotheysufferedfortheirownrecklessness.ButOdysseushaslosthishomecomingandlosthislife,farfromAchaia.’

ThenthebelovednurseEurykleiasaidtoherinanswer:70‘Mychild,whatsortofwordescapedyourteeth'sbarrier?Thoughyourhusbandishere

besidethehearth,youwouldneversayhewouldcomehome.Yourheartwasalwaysmistrustful.Buthereisanotherproofthatisveryclear.Iwilltellyou.Thatscar,whichoncetheboarwithhiswhiteteethinflicted.

75IrecognizeditwhileIwaswashinghisfeet,andIwantedtotellyouaboutit,buthestoppedmymouthwithhishands,wouldnotletmespeak,forhismindsoughteveryadvantage.Comethen,followme,andIwillhazardmylifeuponit.Killmebythemostpitifuldeath,ifIamdeceivingyou.’

80CircumspectPenelopesaidtoherinanswer:‘Dearnurse,itwouldbehardforyoutobafflethepurposesoftheeverlastinggods,althoughyouareveryclever.Still,Iwillgotoseemyson,sothatIcanlookonthesemenwhocourtedmelyingdead,andthemanwhokilledthem.’

85Shespoke,andcamedownfromthechamber,herheartponderingmuch,whethertokeepawayandquestionherdearhusband,ortogouptohimandkisshishead,takinghishands.Butthen,whenshecameinandsteppedoverthestonethreshold,shesatacrossfromhiminthefirelight,facingOdysseus,

90bytheoppositewall,whilehewasseatedbythetallpillar,lookingdownward,andwaitingtofindoutifhismajesticwifewouldhaveanythingtosaytohim,nowthatshesawhim.Shesatalongtimeinsilence,andherheartwaswondering.Sometimesshewouldlookathim,withhereyesfulluponhim,

95andagainwouldfailtoknowhiminthefoulclothinghewore.Telemachosspoketoherandcalledherbynameandscoldedher:‘Mymother,myharshmotherwiththehardheartinsideyou,whydoyouwithdrawsofrommyfather,anddonotsitbesidehimandaskhimquestionsandfindoutabouthim?

100Nootherwoman,withspiritasstubbornasyours,wouldkeepbackasyouaredoingfromherhusbandwho,aftermuchsuffering,

Planstodeceivethepeople

cameatlastinthetwentiethyearbacktohisowncountry.Butalwaysyouhaveaheartthatisharderthanstonewithinyou.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:105‘Mychild,thespiritthatisinmeisfullofwonderment,andIcannotfindanythingtosay

tohim,norquestionhim,norlookhimstraightintheface.ButifheistrulyOdysseus,andhehascomehome,thenweshallfindotherways,andbetter,torecognizeeachother,forwehavesignsthatweknowof

110betweenthetwoofusonly,buttheyaresecretfromothers.’

Soshespoke,andmuch-enduringnobleOdysseussmiled,andpresentlyspokeinwingedwordstoTelemachos:‘Telemachos,leaveyourmothertoexaminemeinthepalaceasshewill,andpresentlyshewillunderstandbetter;

115butnowthatIamdirtyandwearfoulclothinguponme,shedislikesmeforthat,andsaysIamnotherhusband.Butletusmakeourplanshowallwillcomeoutbestforus.Forwhenonehaskilledonlyonemaninacommunity,andthentherearenotmanyavengerstofollow,even

120so,hefleesintoexile,leavingkinsmenandcountry.Butwehavekilledwhatheldthecitytogether,thefinestyoungmeninIthaka.ItiswhatIwouldhaveyouconsider.’

ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Youmustlooktothisyourself,dearfather;fortheysay

125youhavethebestmindamongmenforcraft,andthereisnoothermanamongmortalmenwhocancontendwithyou.Weshallfollowyoueagerly;Ithinkthatweshallnotcomeshortinwarcraft,insofarasthestrengthstayswithus.’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:130‘SoIwilltellyouthewayofit,howitseemsbesttome.First,allgoandwash,andput

yourtunicsuponyou,andtellthewomeninthepalacetochooseouttheirclothing.Thenlettheinspiredsingertakehisclear-soundinglyre,andgiveustheleadforfestivedance,sothatanyone

135whoisoutside,someoneoftheneighbors,orapersongoingalongthestreet,whohearsus,willthinkwearehavingawedding.Letnorumorgoabroadinthetownthatthesuitorshavebeenmurdered,untilsuchtimeaswecanmakeourwayouttoourestatewithitsmanytrees,andoncethere

140seewhatprofitableplantheOlympianshowsus.’

OdysseusreproachesPenelope

Sohespoke,andtheylistenedwelltohimandobeyedhim.Firsttheywentandwashed,andputtheirtunicsuponthem,andthewomenarrayedthemselvesintheirfinery,whiletheinspiredsingertookuphishollowedlyreandstirredupwithinthem

145theimpulseforthesweetnessofsongandthestatelydancing.Nowthegreathouseresoundedaloudtothethudoftheirfootsteps,asthemencelebratedthere,andthefair-girdledwomen;andthuswouldapersonspeakoutsidethehousewhoheardthem:‘Surelynowsomeonehasmarriedourmuch-sought-after

150queen;hard-hearted,shehadnopatiencetokeepthegreathouseforherownweddedlordtotheend,tillhecamebacktoher.’

Sowouldapersonspeak,buttheydidnotknowwhathadhappened.NowthehousekeeperEurynomebathedgreat-heartedOdysseusinhisownhouse,andanointedhimwitholiveoil,

155andthrewabeautifulmantleandatunicabouthim;andoverhisheadAthenesuffusedgreatbeauty,tomakehimtallertobeholdandthicker,andonhisheadshearrangedthecurlinglocksthathungdownlikehyacinthinepetals.Andaswhenamastercraftsmanoverlaysgoldonsilver,

160andheisonewhowastaughtbyHephaistosandPallasAtheneinartcomplete,andgraceisoneveryworkhefinishes;soAthenegildedwithgracehisheadandhisshoulders.Then,lookinglikeanimmortal,hestrodeforthfromthebath,andcamebackthenandsatonthechairfromwhichhehadrisen,

165oppositehiswife,andnowhespoketoher,saying:‘Youaresostrange.Thegods,whohavetheirhomesonOlympos,havemadeyourheartmorestubbornthanfortherestofwomankind.Nootherwoman,withspiritasstubbornasyours,wouldkeepbackasyouaredoingfromherhusbandwho,aftermuchsuffering,

170cameatlastinthetwentiethyearbacktohisowncountry.Comethen,nurse,makemeupabed,sothatIcanuseithere;forthiswomanhasaheartofironwithinher.’

CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Youaresostrange.Iamnotbeingproud,norindifferent,

175norpuzzledbeyondneed,butIknowverywellwhatyoulookedlikewhenyouwentintheshipwiththesweepingoars,fromIthaka.Comethen,Eurykleia,andmakeupafirmbedforhimoutsidethewell-fashionedchamber:thatverybedthathehimselfbuilt.Putthefirmbedhereoutsideforhim,andcoverit

Shetrickshimintobetrayinghimself,

180overwithfleecesandblankets,andwithshiningcoverlets.’Soshespoketoherhusband,tryinghimout,butOdysseusspokeinangertohis

virtuous-mindedlady:‘Whatyouhavesaid,dearlady,hashurtmyheartdeeply.Whatmanhasputmybedinanotherplace?Butitwouldbedifficult

185forevenaveryexpertone,unlessagod,comingtohelpinperson,wereeasilytochangeitsposition.Butthereisnomortalmanalive,nostrongman,wholightlycouldmovetheweightelsewhere.Thereisoneparticularfeature

inthebed'sconstruction.Imyself,nootherman,madeit.190Therewastheboleofanolivetreewithlongleavesgrowingstronglyinthecourtyard,and

itwasthick,likeacolumn.Ilaiddownmychamberaroundthis,andbuiltit,untilIfinishedit,withclose-setstones,androofeditwellover,andaddedthecompacteddoors,fittingcloselytogether.

195ThenIcutawaythefoliageofthelong-leavedolive,andtrimmedthetrunkfromtherootsup,planingitwithabrazenadze,wellandexpertly,andtrueditstraighttoachalkline,makingabedpostofit,andboredallholeswithanauger.Ibeganwiththisandbuiltmybed,untilitwasfinished,

200anddecorateditwithgoldandsilverandivory.ThenIlasheditwiththongsofoxhide,dyedbrightwithpurple.Thereisitscharacter,asItellyou;butIdonotknownow,dearlady,whethermybedisstillinplace,orifsomemanhascutunderneaththestumpoftheolive,andmoveditelsewhere.’

205Sohespoke,andherkneesandtheheartwithinherwentslackassherecognizedtheclearproofsthatOdysseushadgiven;butthensheburstintotearsandranstraighttohim,throwingherarmsaroundtheneckofOdysseus,andkissedhishead,saying:‘Donotbeangrywithme,Odysseus,since,beyondothermen,

210youhavethemostunderstanding.Thegodsgrantedusmisery,injealouslyoverthethoughtthatwetwo,alwaystogether,shouldenjoyouryouth,andthencometothethresholdofoldage.Thendonotnowbeangrywithmenorblameme,becauseIdidnotgreetyou,asIdonow,atfirstwhenIsawyou.

215Foralwaysthespiritdeepinmyveryheartwasfearfulthatsomeoneofmortalmenwouldcomemywayanddeceivemewithwords.Fortherearemanywhoschemeforwickedadvantage.ForneitherwouldthedaughterborntoZeus,HelenofArgos,

thenembraceshim

havelaininlovewithanoutlanderfromanothercountry,220ifshehadknownthatthewarlikesonsoftheAchaianswouldbringherhomeagaintothe

belovedlandofherfathers.Itwasagodwhostirredhertodotheshamefulthingshedid,andneverbeforehadshehadinherheartthisterriblewildness,outofwhichcamesufferingtousalso.

225Butnow,sinceyouhavegivenmeaccurateproofdescribingourbed,whichnoothermortalmanbesidehaseverseen,butonlyyouandI,andthereisoneservingwoman,

Aktor'sdaughter,whommyfathergavemewhenIcamehere,whousedtoguardthedoorsforusinourwell-builtchamber;

230soyoupersuademyheart,thoughithasbeenverystubborn.’Shespoke,andstillmorerousedinhimthepassionforweeping.

Heweptasheheldhislovelywife,whosethoughtswerevirtuous.Andaswhenthelandappearswelcometomenwhoareswimming,afterPoseidonhassmashedtheirstrong-builtshipontheopen

235water,poundingitwiththeweightofwindandtheheavyseas,andonlyafewescapethegraywaterlandwardbyswimming,withathickscurfofsaltcoateduponthem,andgladlytheysetfootontheshore,escapingtheevil;sowelcomewasherhusbandtoherasshelookeduponhim,

240andshecouldnotlethimgofromtheembraceofherwhitearms.NowDawnoftherosyfingerswouldhavedawnedontheirweeping,hadnotthegray-eyedgoddessAtheneplanneditotherwise.Sheheldthelongnightbackattheoutwardedge,shedetainedDawnofthegoldenthronebytheOcean,andwouldnotlether

245harnessherfast-footedhorseswhobringthedaylighttopeople:LamposandPhaethon,theDawn'shorses,whocarryher.ThenresourcefulOdysseusspoketohiswife,saying:‘Dearwife,wehavenotyetcometothelimitofallourtrials.Thereisunmeasuredlaborleftforthefuture,

250bothdifficultandgreat,andallofitImustaccomplish.SothesoulofTeiresiasprophesiedtome,onthatdaywhenIwentdowninsidethehouseofHades,seekingtolearnabouthomecoming,formyselfandformycompanions.Butcome,mywife,letusgotobed,sothatatlonglast

255wecanenjoythesweetnessofslumber,sleepingtogether.’CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Youshallhaveyourgoingtobed

wheneverthespirit

PenelopeandOdysseusreunited

desiresit,nowthatthegodshavebroughtaboutyourhomecomingtoyourownstrong-foundedhouseandtothelandofyourfathers.

260Butsincethegodsputthisintoyourmind,andyouunderstandit,tellmewhatthistrialis,sinceIthinkIshallhearofitlater;soitwillbenonetheworseifInowhearofit.’

TheninturnresourcefulOdysseussaidtoherinanswer:‘Youaresostrange.Whydoyouurgemeonandtellme

265tospeakofit?YetIwilltellyou,concealingnothing.Yourheartwillhavenojoyinthis;andImyselfamnot

happy,sincehetoldmetogoamongmanycitiesofmen,takingmywell-shapedoarinmyhandsandbearingit,untilIcomewheretherearemenlivingwhoknownothing

270ofthesea,andwhoeatfoodthatisnotmixedwithsalt,whoneverhaveknownshipswhosecheeksarepaintedpurple,whoneverhaveknownwell-shapedoars,whichactforshipsaswingsdo.Andthenhetoldmeaveryclearproof.Iwillnotconcealit.When,asIwalk,someotherwayfarerhappenstomeetme,

275andsaysIcarryawinnowfanonmybrightshoulder,thenImustplantmywell-shapedoarintheground,andrenderceremonioussacrificetothelordPoseidon,oneramandonebull,andamounterofsows,aboarpig,andmakemywayhomeagain,andrenderholyhecatombs

280totheimmortalgodswhoholdthewideheaven,alloftheminorder.Deathwillcometomefromthesea,insomealtogetherunwarlikeway,anditwillendmeintheebbingtimeofasleekoldage.Mypeopleaboutmewillprosper.Allthishetoldmewouldbeaccomplished.’

285CircumspectPenelopesaidtohiminanswer:‘Ifthegodsareaccomplishingamoreprosperousoldage,thenthereishopethatyoushallhaveanescapefromyourtroubles.’

Nowasthesetwowereconversingthuswitheachother,meanwhilethenurseandEurynomeweremakingthebedup

290withsoftcoverings,underthelightoftheirflaringtorches.Thenwhentheyhadworkedandpresentlyhadafirmbedmade,theoldwomanwentawaybacktobedinherownplace,whileEurynome,asmistressofthechamber,guidedthemontheirwaytothebed,andherhandsheldthetorchforthem.

295Whenshehadbroughtthemtothechambershewentback.Theythengladlywenttogethertobed,andtheiroldritual.

Hetellshisstory

AtthistimeTelemachosandtheoxherdandswineherdstoppedthebeatoftheirfeetinthedance,andstoppedthewomen,andtheythemselveswenttobedintheshadowypalace.

300WhenPenelopeandOdysseushadenjoyedtheirlovemaking,theytooktheirpleasureintalking,eachonetellinghisstory.She,shiningamongwomen,toldofallshehadenduredinthepalace,asshewatchedthesuitors,araveningcompany,whoonheraccountwereslaughteringmanyoxen

305andfatsheep,andmuchwinewasbeingdrawnfromthewinejars.ButshiningOdysseustoldofallthecaresheinflictedonothermen,andtoldtooofallthatinhismisery

hehadtoiledthrough.Shelistenedtohimwithdelight,nordidanysleepfalluponhereyesuntilhehadtoldhereverything.

310HebeganwithhowhehadbeatentheKikonians,andthengonetotherichcountryofthemenwhofeedonthelotus.HetoldallthattheCyclopshaddone,andhowhetookvengeanceonhimforhisstrongcompanionshehadeaten,andshowednopity.HowhecametoAiolos,whogenerouslyreceivedhim

315andgavehimpassage,butitwasnotfatedforhimtocomebackyettohiscountry,sothestormwindscaughtandcarriedhimoutagainontheseawherethefishswarm,groaningheavily;andhowhecametoTelepylosoftheLaistrygones,andthesemenhaddestroyedhisshipsandstrong-greavedcompanions

320[all;butOdysseusonlygotawaywithhisblackship].HetoldheroftheguileandthemanydevicesofCirce,andhowhehadgoneintothemolderinghomeofHades,theretoconsultthesoulofThebanTeiresias,goinginhisshipwithmanybenches,andtheresawallhiscompanions,

325andhismother,whohadbornehimandnursedhimwhenhewaslittle.HetoldhowhehadheardthesongoftheechoingSirens,andmadehiswaytotheRovingRocksanddreadedCharybdisandSkylla,whomnomeneveryethaveescapedwithoutdamage.HetoldhowhiscompanionsatethecattleofHelios,

330thentoldhowZeuswhothundersonhighhadstruckhisfastshipwiththesmokythunderbolt,andallhisnoblecompanionsperishedalike,onlyheescapedtheevildeathspirits;andhowhecametotheislandOgygiaandthenymphKalypsowhodetainedhimwithher,desiringthatheshouldbeherhusband,

335inherhollowcaverns,andshetookcareofhimandtoldhim

Odysseusgoestoseehisfather

thatshewouldmakehimagelessallhisdays,andimmortal,butneversocouldshepersuadetheheartthatwasinhim;thenhow,aftermuchsuffering,hereachedthePhaiakians,whohonoredhimintheirheartsasifhewereagod,andsenthim

340back,byship,tothebelovedlandofhisfathers,bestowingbronzeandgoldinabundanceonhim,andclothing.Andthiswasthelastwordhespoketoher,whenthesweetsleepcametorelaxhislimbsandslipthecaresfromhisspirit.

Thenthegoddessgray-eyedAthenethoughtwhattodonext.345AssoonasshethoughttheheartofOdysseushadfullcontentmentofthepleasureof

restinginbedbesidehiswife,andofsleeping,

immediatelyshestirredfromOceanthegolden-thronedearlyDawn,toshineherlightuponmen,andOdysseusroseupfromhissoftbed,andspokethentohiswife,tellingher:

350‘Dearwife,webothhavehadourfullshareofnumeroustrialsnow;yourshavebeenhereasyoucriedovermymuch-longed-forhomecoming,whileasforme,Zeusandtheothergodsheldmebackfrommyowncountry,asIwasstrivingtoreachit.Butnowthatwetwohavecometoourdesiredbedtogether,

355youlookaftermypossessionswhichareinthepalace,butasformyflocks,whichtheoverbearingsuitorshaveruined,manyIshallrestorebyraiding,otherstheAchaiansshallgiveme,untiltheyhavefilledupallofmysheepfolds.ButnowIshallgotoourestatewithitsmanyorchards,

360toseemynoblefatherwhohasgrievedformeconstantly.ButItellyouthis,mywife,thoughyouhaveyourownunderstanding.Presently,whenthesunrises,therewillbearumoraboutthemenwhocourtedyou,whomIkilledinourpalace.Thengototheupperchamberwithyourattendantwomen,

365andsitstill,lookingatnoone,anddonotaskanyquestions.’Hespoke,andputhissplendidarmoroverhisshoulders,andwakenedTelemachos

andtheoxherdandtheswineherd,andtoldalltotakeupintheirhandstheirwarlikeweapons;nordidtheydisobeyhim,butarmedthemselvesinthebronze,then

370openedthedoorsandwentoutside,andOdysseusledthem.Bynowthelightwasovertheearth,butAthene,hidingthesemenindarkness,guidedthemquicklyoutofthecity.

BOOKXXIV

HermesofKyllenesummonedthesoulsofthesuitorstocomeforth,andinhishandshewasholdingthebeautifulgoldenstaff,withwhichhemazestheeyesofthosemortalswhoseeyeshewouldmaze,orwakesagainthesleepers.Herding

5themonwiththis,heledthemalong,andtheyfollowed,gibbering.Andaswhenbatsinthedepthofanawfulcaveflitterandgibber,whenoneofthemhasfallenoutofhisplaceinthechainthatthebatshaveformedbyholdingoneonanother;so,gibbering,theywenttheirwaytogether,andHermes

10thekindlyhealerledthemalongdownmolderingpathways.Theywentalong,andpassedtheOceanstream,andtheWhiteRock,andpassedthegatesofHeliostheSun,andthecountryofdreams,andpresentlyarrivedinthemeadowofasphodel.Thisisthedwellingplaceofsouls,imagesofdeadmen.

15TheretheyfoundthesoulofAchilleus,thesonofPeleus,thesoulofPatroklos,andthesoulofstatelyAntilochos,andthesoulofAias,whoforbeautyandstaturewasgreatestofalltheDanaans,nexttotheblamelesssonofPeleus.SotheseweregatheredaroundAchilleus,andnowcametothem

20thesoulofAgamemnon,thesonofAtreus,sorrowing,andaroundhimweregatheredthesoulsofthoseothers,whowithhimalsodiedandmettheirfateinthehouseofAigisthos.FirstofthesetwotospeakwasthesoulofthesonofPeleus:‘SonofAtreus,wethoughtthatallyourdaysyouwerefavored

ConversationofAchilleus

25beyondallotherheroesbyZeuswhodelightsinthethunder,becauseyouwerelordovernumerouspeople,andstrongones,inthelandoftheTrojans,whereweAchaianssufferedhardships.Andyetitwastoyouthatthedestructivedoomspiritwouldcometooearly;butnomanwhoisbornescapesher.

30HowIwishthat,enjoyingthathighplaceofyourpower,youcouldhavemetdeathanddestinyinthelandoftheTrojans.SoalltheAchaianswouldhavemadeamoundtocoveryou,andyouwouldhavewongreatgloryforyoursonhereafter.Intruthyouwereordainedtodiebyadeathmostpitiful.’

35ThesoulofAgamemnon,sonofAtreus,answered:‘OhappysonofPeleus,Achilleus,liketheimmortals,whodiedinTroy,farawayfromArgos,andaroundyouotherswerekilled,TrojansandthebestmenamongtheAchaians,astheyfoughtoveryou;andyouintheturningdustlay

40mightilyinyourmight,yourhorsemanshipallforgotten.Wefoughtonforthewholedaylong,norwouldweeverhavestoppedfighting,ifZeushadnotstoppeduswithawhirlstorm.Butwhenwehadcarriedyoutotheships,awayfromthefighting,welaidyououtonalitter,andanointedyourhandsomebody

45withwarmwaterandwithunguents,andbyyoutheDanaansshedmanyhottears,andcuttheirhairshortforyou;andalsoyourmother,hearingthenews,cameoutofthesea,withimmortalseagirlsbesideher.Immortalcryingaroseandspreadoverthegreatsea,andtremblingseizedholdofalltheAchaians.

50Andnowtheywouldhavestartedaway,andgoneonthehollowships,hadnotamanofmuchancientwisdomhaltedthem,Nestor,whoseadvicehadalsoshownbestbeforethis.Heinkindintentiontowardallspokeforthandaddressedthem:“Holdfast,Argives;donotrunaway,OyoungAchaians.

55Itishismothercomingoutoftheseawithimmortalseagirlsbesideher,tobewithherson,whohasperished.”

‘Sohespoke,andthegreat-heartedAchaiansstayedfromtheirpanic.AroundyoustoodthedaughtersoftheSea'sAncient,mourningpiteously,withimmortalclothinguponthem.

60AndallthenineMusesinsweetantiphonalsingingmournedyou,norwouldyouthenhaveseenanyoneoftheArgivesnotintears,somuchdidthesingingMusestirthem.Fortenandsevendays,alikeinthedayandthenighttime,

andAgamemnoninHades

wewailedforyou,bothmortalpeopleandtheimmortals.65Ontheeighteenthdaywegaveyoutothefire,andaroundyou

slaughteredagreatnumberoffatsheepandhorn-curvedcattle.Youwereburnedintheclothingofthegods,andabundantointmentandsweethoney,whilemanyAchaianheroes

movedinarmoraboutthepyrewhereyouwereburning,70withhorsesandonfoot,andagreatclamoringroseup.

ButaftertheflameofHephaistoshadconsumedyouutterly,thenatdawnwegatheredyourwhitebones,Achilleus,togetherwithunmixedwineandunguents.Yourmothergaveyouagoldenjarwithhandles.Shesaidthatitwasapresent

75fromDionysos,andwastheworkofrenownedHephaistos.Inthisyourwhitebonesarelaidaway,OshiningAchilleus,mixedwiththebonesofthedeadPatroklos,sonofMenoitios,andapartfromthoseofAntilochos,whomyouprizedabovealltherestofyourcompanionsafterthedeathofPatroklos.

80Aroundthemthen,we,thechosenhostoftheArgivespearmen,piledupagravemoundthatwasbothgreatandperfect,onajuttingpromontorytherebythewideHellespont,sothatitcanbeseenafarfromoutonthewaterbymennowaliveandthosetobeborninthefuture.

85Thenyourmother,askingthegodsforthegiftofbeautifulprizes,settheminthefieldforthebestoftheAchaians.Iinmytimehaveattendedthefuneralsofmanyheroes,atthosetimeswhen,becauseakinghasperished,theyoungmengirdthemselvesforsportandsetuptheprizes;

90buttheseyourheartwouldhaveadmiredbeyondanyothers,suchbeautifulprizesasweresetupbythegoddess,silver-footedThetis,foryoursake.Youwereverydeartothegods.So,evennowyouhavedied,youhavenotlostyourname,butalwaysinthesightofallmankindyourfameshallbegreat,Achilleus;

95butwhatpleasurewasthereformewhenIhadwoundupthefighting?InmyhomecomingZeusdevisedmydismaldestruction,tobekilledbythehandsofmycursedwife,andAigisthos.’

Nowasthespiritswereconversingthuswitheachother,therecameapproachingthemthecourierArgeïphontes,

100leadingdownthesoulsofthesuitorskilledbyOdysseus.Thesetwoinwondermentwentuptothemastheysawthem,andthesoulofAgamemnon,sonofAtreus,recognized

TheghostofthesuitorAmphimedon

gloriousAmphimedon,thedearsonofMelaneus,who,inhishomeinIthaka,hadoncebeenhisguest-friend.

105FirstofthetwotospeakwasthesoulofAgamemnon:‘Amphimedon,whatbefellyouthatyoucameunderthedarkearth,allofyouchoiceyoungmen,ofthesameage,norcouldone,gathering

thebestmenoutofallacityhavechosenotherwise.Wasitwiththeships,anddidPoseidon,rousingastormblast

110ofbatteringwindsandwavestoweringproveyourundoing?Orwasitonthedryland,didmenembattleddestroyyouasyoutriedtocutoutcattleandfleecysheepfromtheirholdings,orfightingagainstthem,forthesakeoftheircityandwomen?TellmewhatIask.IclaimthatIamyourguest-friend.

115OrdoyounotrememberwhenIcameintoyourhousethere,togetherwithgodlikeMenelaos,torouseupOdysseussohewouldgotoIliononthewell-benchedvesselswithus?Andwewereawholemonthcrossingoverthewidesea,havinghardlypersuadedOdysseus,sackerofcities.’

120TheninturnthesoulofAmphimedonansweredhim,saying:‘SonofAtreus,mostlordlyandkingofman,Agamemnon,Irememberitall,illustrious,asyoutellit.Iwilltellyouwellandtruthfullytheentirestoryofhowourwretchedendcameindeath,howitwasaccomplished.

125WewerecourtingthewifeofOdysseus,whohadbeenlonggone.Shewouldnotrefusethehatefulmarriage,norwouldshebringitabout,butshewasplanningourdeathandblackdestructionwiththisotherstratagemofherheart'sdevising.Shesetupagreatloominherpalace,andsettoweaving

130awebofthreadslongandfine.Thenshesaidtous:“Youngmen,mysuitorsnowthatthegreatOdysseushasperished,wait,thoughyouareeagertomarryme,untilIfinishthisweb,sothatmyweavingwillnotbeuselessandwasted.ThisisashroudfortheheroLaertes,forwhenthedestructive

135doomofdeath,whichlaysmenlow,shalltakehim,lestanyAchaianwomaninthisneighborhoodholditagainstmethatamanofmanyconquestslieswithnosheettowindhim.”Soshespoke,andtheproudheartinuswaspersuaded.Thereafterinthedaytimeshewouldweaveathergreatloom,

140butinthenightshewouldhavetorchessetby,andundoit.Soforthreeyearsshewassecretinherdesign,convincing

tellsoftheirslaughter

theAchaians,butwhenthefourthyearcame,withtheseasonsreturning,andthemonthswaned,andmanydayshadbeenbroughttocompletion,oneofherwomen,whoknewthewholeofthestory,toldus,

145andwefoundherintheactofundoinghergloriousweaving.So,againstherwillandbyforce,shehadtofinishit.

Thenshedisplayedthegreatpieceofweavingthatshehadwoven.Shehadwashedit,anditshonelikethesunorthemoon.Atthattimeanevilspirit,comingfromsomewhere,broughtbackOdysseus

150totheremotepartofhisestate,wherehisswineherdwasliving.AtthattimethedearsonofgodlikeOdysseuscameoverfromsandyPylos,voyaginginhisblackship.Thesetwo,aftercompactingtheirplotofafouldeathforthesuitors,madetheirwaytotheglorioustown.InfactOdysseus

155cameafterwards;Telemachosledtheway,andtheswineherdbroughtinOdysseus,wearingsorryclothinguponhim,inthelikenessofawretchedvagabond,anoldmanleaningonastick,andpoorwastheclothinghehaduponhim.Notoneofus,evenoftheolderones,wasable

160torecognizewhohewaswhenheappearedsosuddenly,butwetreatedhimrudelywithevilwordsandwithblows.Odysseus,nevertheless,enduredforthetimewithsteadfastspirittobepeltedwithmissilesandharshlyspokentoinhisownpalace;butthen,whenthepurposeofaegis-bearingZeushadstirredhim,

165he,withTelemachos,tookawaythegloriousarmor,andstoweditawayinthechamber,closingthedoorsuponit.Then,inthecraftinessofhismind,heurgedhisladytosetthebowandthegrayironinfrontofthesuitors,thecontestforusill-fatedmen,thestartofourslaughter.

170Notoneofuswasabletohookthestringonthepowerfulbow,butallofuswerefoundfartooweakforit;butwhenthegreatbowwasgivenintothehandsofOdysseus,thenallofusspokeoutandthreatenedtheman,tellinghimnottogivethebow,howevermuchhemightargue.

175OnlyTelemachosurgedhimonandtoldhimtogiveit.Thenmuch-enduringOdysseus,inhishandacceptingit,easilystrungthebow,andsentashaftthroughtheiron.Hestoodonthethreshold,andscatteredouttheswiftshaftsbeforehim,glaringterribly,andstruckdownthekingAntinoös.

180Thenheshothisbanefularrowsintotheothers,

Odysseusfindshisfather

aimingstraightatthem,andtheydroppedoneafteranother.Itcouldbeseenthenthatsomeoneofthegodswashelpinghim,forthesemen,chasingusthroughthehouseintheirstrengthandfury,killedus,onemanafteranother;thefloorwassmoking

185withblood,andthehorriblecriesroseupasourheadswerebroken.

So,Agamemnon,weweredestroyed,andstillatthismomentourbodiesarelyinguncared-forinthehallsofOdysseus;forourpeopleinthehouseofeachmanknownothingofthis,theywhowouldhavewashedawayfromourwoundstheblackblood,

190andlaidusoutandmournedus;forthisistherightoftheperished.’ThesoulofAgamemnon,sonofAtreus,answeredhim:

‘OfortunatesonofLaertes,Odysseusofmanydevices,surelyyouwonyourselfawifeendowedwithgreatvirtue.HowgoodwasprovedtheheartthatisinblamelessPenelope,

195Ikarios'daughter,andhowwellsherememberedOdysseus,herweddedhusband.Therebythefameofhervirtueshallneverdieaway,buttheimmortalswillmakeforthepeopleofearthathingofgraceinthesongforprudentPenelope.NotsodidthedaughterofTyndareosfashionherevil

200deeds,whenshekilledherweddedlord,andasongofloathingwillbehersamongmen,tomakeevilthereputationofwomankind,evenforonewhoseactsarevirtuous.’

Sothesetwowereconversingeachwiththeother,standinginthegatesofHades,underneaththeearth'ssecretplaces.

205Theotherswentfromthecity,andpresentlycametothecountryplaceofLaertes,handsomelycultivated.Laerteshimselfhadreclaimedit,afterhespentmuchlaboruponit.Therewashishouse,andallaroundthehouseranashelter,inwhichtheslaves,whoworkedathispleasureundercompulsion,

210wouldtaketheirmeals,andsit,andpassthenight.TherewasalsoanoldSicilianwomanthere,whodulylookedaftertheoldmanoutontheestate,farawayfromthecity.ThereOdysseusspokeawordtohissonandhisservants:‘Gonow,allofyou,insidethestrong-fashionedbuilding,

215andsacrificethebestofallthepigsforourdinnerpresently;butImyselfwillmaketrialofmyfather,toseewhetherhewillknowmeandhiseyesrecognizeme,orfailtoknowme,withallthistimethathasgrownuponme.’

Sohespoke,andgavehisthrallstheirweaponsofwarfare,

Laertesonhisfarm

220andtheywentquicklyontheirwaytothehouse;butOdysseuswentclosertotheabundantorchard,searching.HedidnotfindeitherDolios,ashecameintothegreatorchard,noranyofhisthralls,norhissons,forallthesehadgoneofftogatherstonesandmakethemintoawallretaining

225theorchard,andtheoldmanhadguidedthemontheirerrand;buthedidfindhisfatheraloneinthewell-workedorchard,spadingoutaplant,andhehadasqualidtunicuponhim,patchedtogetherandugly,andonhislegshehadoxhidegaitersfastenedandpatchedtogether,topreventscratching,

230andglovesonhishandsbecauseofthebushes,andhewaswearingacapofgoatskinonhishead,toincreasehismisery.Nowwhenmuch-enduringgreatOdysseusobservedhim,withgreatmiseryinhisheart,andoppressedbyoldage,hestoodunderneathatoweringpeartreeandshedtearsforhim,

235anddeliberatedtheninhisheartandhisspiritwhethertoembracehisfatherandkisshimandtellhimeverything,howhewascomeagaintohisowndearcountry,orquestionhimfirstabouteverything,andmaketrialofhim.Inthedivisionofhisheartthiswayseemedbesttohim,

240firsttomaketrialofhimandspeakinwordsofmockery.Withthisinmind,nobleOdysseuscamestraightuptohim.Hewasdiggingaroundaplantwithhisheadhelddownward,andnowhisglorioussonstoodnear,andspoketohim,saying:‘Oldsir,thereisinyounolackofexpertnessintending

245yourorchard;everythingiswellcaredfor,andthereisneveraplant,neitherfigtreenoryetgrapevinenorolivenorpeartreenorleekbeduncaredforinyourgarden.ButIwillalsotellyouthis;donottakeitascauseforanger.Youyourselfareillcaredfor;togetherwithdismal

250oldage,whichisyours,youaresqualidandwearfoulclothinguponyou.Itisnotforyourlazinessthatyourlorddoesnottakecareofyou,norisyourstatureandbeauty,asIseeit,suchasoughttobelongtoaslave.Youlooklikeamanwhoisroyal,andsuchaoneaswho,afterhehasbathedandeaten,

255shouldsleeponasoftbed;forsuchistherightoftheelders.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.Whatman'sthrallareyou?Whoseorchardareyoulaboring?Andtellmethisandtellmetruly,sothatImayknow

RecognitionofOdysseus

whetherthisisreallyIthakaIhavecometo,asthatman260toldmejustnowasIencounteredhimonmywayhere:

notaverysensibleman,forhehadnopatiencetotellmeallorlistentowhatIsaid,whenIaskedhimaboutmyfriendfromabroad,whetherhestilllivesandissomewhere

here,orisdeadnowanddowninthehouseofHades.265AndItellyouthis;listentomeandunderstandme.

OnceIentertainedafriendinmyowndearcountry,whenhecametoourhouse,norhasanymanbeendearertome,amongallthosewhohavecomefromafartomypalace.HeannouncedthathewasbybirthamanofIthaka,

270andsaidthathisfatherwasLaertes,sonofArkeisios.Itookhimintomyownhouseandwellentertainedhimwithproperhospitality,sincetherewasabundanceinthehouse,andgavehimpresentsoffriendship,aswasbecoming.Igavehimseventalentsofwell-wroughtgold,andIgavehim

275amixingbowlmadeallofsilver,withflowerswroughtonit,andtwelvemantlestobewornsingle,asmanyblankets,asmanyhandsomecloaks,alsothesamenumberoftunics,andasidefromthesefourcomelywomen,whoseskillinhandiworkwaswithoutfault;andhecouldchoosetheonesthathewanted.’

280Thenhisfather,sheddingtears,saidtohiminanswer:‘Friend,thislandthatyouhavereachedistheoneyouwereseeking;butviolentandrecklessmenareincontrolofit,andthegraceofthosecountlessgiftsyougaveisallgonefornothing.IfyouhadfoundhimyetaliveinthelandofIthaka,

285hewouldhavesentyoualongwithgiftsinreturn,andgivengoodentertainment,asisrightforhimwhohasgiven.Butcomenow,tellmethisandgivemeanaccurateanswer.Howmanyyearsisitsinceyouentertainedthatunhappyguestofyours,myson—didheeverlive?—anill-starred

290man,onewhom,farfromhiscountryandhisownpeople,thefishhaveeateninthegreatsea,orelseonthedrylandhehasbeenspoilforwildbeastsandforbirds;andhismotherandfather,whosechildhewas,didnotgivehimhisritesnormournhim,noryetdidhisbountifulwife,circumspectPenelope,

295wailforherhusbandonhisbier,aswouldhavebeenfitting,norclosehiseyes;forthatistherightofthosewhohaveperished.Buttellmethistoo,tellmetruly,sothatImayknowit.

byLaerteshisfather

Whatmanareyouandwhence?Whereisyourcity?Yourparents?Whereisyourswiftshipstandingnow,thatbroughtyoutothisplace,

300andyourgodlikecompanions?Ordidyoucomeasapassengerinsomeoneelse'sship,andtheyletyouoff,andwenton?’

ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘See,Iwillaccuratelyanswerallthatyouaskme.IamfromAlybas,whereIliveinafamousdwelling,

305andamthesonofApheidas,sonofthelordPolypemon.MyownnameisEperitos;nowthedivinitydrovemehereonmywayagainstmywill,fromSikania.Andmyshipstandsnearby,offthecountry,awayfromthecity.ButasforOdysseus,thisisbynowthefifthyearsince

310hewentfromthere,andtookhisdepartureoutofmycountry.Unhappyman.Indeed,thebirdsignsweregoodathisgoing.Theywereonhisright;andItoorejoicedasIsenthimoff,andherejoicedashewent.Myheartwasstillhopefulthatwewouldmeetinfriendshipandgivegloriouspresents.’

315Hespoke,andtheblackcloudofsorrowclosedonLaertes.Inbothhandshecaughtupthegrimydustandpoureditoverhisfaceandgrizzledhead,groaningincessantly.ThespiritroseupinOdysseus,andnowinhisnostrilstherewasashockofbitterforceashelookedonhisfather.

320Hesprangtohimandembracedandkissedandthensaidtohim:‘Father,Iamhe,themanwhomyouaskabout.Iamhere,comebackinthetwentiethyeartothelandofmyfather.Butstaynowfromyourweeping,sheddingoftears,andoutcry,forItellyouthisstraightout;theneedforhasteisuponus.

325Ihavekilledthesuitorswhowereinourpalace,avengingalltheirheart-hurtingoutrageandtheirevildevisings.’

TheninturnLaertesansweredhimandsaidtohim:‘IfintruthyouareOdysseus,myson,whohavecomebackhere,givemesomeunmistakablesign,sothatIcanbelieveyou.’

330ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:‘First,then,lookwithyoureyesuponthisscarandknowit.Thewildboarinflicteditwithhiswhitetusk,onParnassos,whenIwentthere;foryouandmyqueenlymotherhadsentmetoAutolykos,mymother'sdearfather,soIcouldbegiven

335thosegifts,whichhepromisedmeandconsentedtowhenhecametous.Orcomethen,letmetellyouofthetreesinthewell-worked

ReunionofOdysseus

orchard,whichyougavemeonce.Iaskedyouofeachone,whenIwasachild,followingyouthroughthegarden.Wewentamongthetrees,andyounamedthemallandtoldmewhateachone

340was,andyougavemethirteenpeartrees,andtenappletrees,andfortyfigtrees;andsoalsoyounamedthefifty

vinesyouwouldgive.Eachofthemboreregularly,forthereweregrapesateverystageuponthem,whenevertheseasonsofZeuscamedownfromtheskyuponthem,tomakethemheavy.’

345Hespoke,andLaertes'kneesandtheheartwithinhimwentslack,asherecognizedtheclearproofsthatOdysseushadgiven.Hethrewhisarmsaroundhisdearson,andmuch-enduringgreatOdysseusheldhimclose,forhisspiritwasfainting.Butwhenhehadgothisbreathbackagain,andthespiritgathered

350intohisheart,oncemorehesaidtohim,answering:‘FatherZeus,therearegodsindeedupontallOlympos,iftrulythesuitorshavehadtopayfortheirrecklessviolence.ButnowIamterriblyafraidinmyheartthatspeedilythemenofIthakamaycomeagainstushere,andsendout

355messageseverywheretotheKephalleniancities.’ThenresourcefulOdysseusspokeinturnandansweredhim:

‘Neverfear,lettheseconcernsnottroubleyourthinking;butletusgotothehousewhichliesherenexttotheorchard,forthereIsentTelemachosonahead,withtheoxherd

360andtheswineherd,sothattheycouldmostquicklyprepareourdinner.’Sohespoke,andthetwowentintothehandsomedwelling;

andwhentheyhadcomeintothewell-establisheddwellingplace,theretheyfoundTelemachos,andtheoxherdandswineherd,cuttingupagreatdealofmeat,andmixingthebrightwine.

365MeanwhiletheSicilianservingmaidbathedgreat-heartedLaertesinhishouse,andanointedhimwitholiveoil,thenthrewahandsomemantleabouthim.Also,Athene,standingbytheshepherdofthepeople,filledhislimbsout,andmadehimtallerandthickertobeholdthanhehadbeen.

370Hesteppedforthfromthebath,andhissonlookedoninamazementashesawhimlookinglikeoneoftheimmortalgodstoencounter.Sohespoketohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:‘Father,surelysomeoneofthegodswhoareeverlastinghasmadeyoubettertolookuponforbeautyandstature.’

375TheninturnthethoughtfulLaertessaidtohiminanswer:

withDoliosandhissons

‘OfatherZeus,AtheneandApollo,ifonlyasIwaswhen,lordoftheKephallenians,ItookNerikos,thestrong-foundedcitadelonthemainlandcape;ifonlyIcouldhavebeensuchyesterdayinthepalace,

380witharmoruponmyshoulders,tostandbesideyouandfightoffthesuitors'attack;soIwouldhaveunstrungthekneesofmany

thereinthehall,andyourheartwithinyouwouldhavebeengladdened.’Nowthesetwowerethusconversingonewiththeother.

Andall,whentheyhadfinishedtheirworkandmadereadytheirdinner,385tooktheirplacesinorderonchairsandalongthebenches.

Thentheywereputtingtheirhandstothedinner,andnowtheredrewneartheagedDolios,andtheoldman'ssonswerewithhim,comingfromtheirtoilsomework,fortheirmotherhadcalledthem.ThiswastheoldSicilianwoman,whohadraisedthem,andcarefully

390lookedaftertheoldman,nowthatgreatagehadseizedhim.These,whentheysawOdysseusandrecognizedhisidentity,stoodstillinthehallinastonishment;butOdysseushadwordsofconciliationforthem,andsoheaddressedthem:‘Sittodinnerwithus,oldman,andletbeyourwonder;

395foralongtimenowwehavebeeneagertoputourhandstofood,butwewaitedforyouinthehalls,everexpectingyou.’

Sohespoke,andDolios,openinghisarmswide,ranstraighttohim,andtookOdysseus'handatthewrist,andkissedit,andspokealoudtohimandaddressedhiminwingedwords,saying:

400‘Dearmaster,sinceyouhavecomebacktous,whowantedyoubutexpectedyounomore—buttheverygodshavebroughtyouback—weheartilywelcomeyou;maythegodsgiveyoublessings.Andtellmethisandtellmetruly,sothatImayknowit.DoescircumspectPenelopeknowallthetruthofthis

405andthatyouhavecomeback,orshallwesendheramessenger?’TheninturnresourcefulOdysseussaidtohiminanswer:

‘Shealreadyknows,oldman.Whyshouldyoutroubletodothis?’Hespoke,andDoliossatdownagainonthepolished

chair;sotoo,aroundgreatOdysseus,thesonsofDolios410cametospeaktohiminwelcome,andshakehandswithhim,

andthenwentbackinordertositbytheirfather,Dolios.Sothesewerebusyinthehallpreparingtheirdinner;

butRumor,amessenger,wentswiftlythroughallthecity,

Thekinsmenofthesuitors

cryingaloudtheterribledeathanddoomofthesuitors;415andthepeopleastheyhearditcame,fromtheirseveralplaces,

togather,withgroaningandoutcry,beforethehouseofOdysseus.Theycarriedthecorpsesoutofthehouse,andeachoneburiedhisown,andsentbackallwhohadcomefromtheothercities,givingtheminchargeoffishermentotakeintheirfastships.

420Theythemselves,sorrowfulatheart,gatheredinassembly.

Butwhentheywereallassembledandinoneplacetogether,Eupeithesstoodupandaddressedthem,sinceunforgettablesorrowwasstoredawayinhisheartforthesakeofAntinoös,hisson,whowasthefirsttobekilledbynobleOdysseus.

425Forhissakeweepingtearshenowstoodforthandaddressedthem:‘Friends,thisman'swillworkedgreatevilupontheAchaians.Firsthetookmanyexcellentmenawayinthevesselswithhim,andlostthehollowships,andlostallthepeople,andthenreturningkilledthebestmenoftheKephallenians.

430Comethen,beforehecanmakehiswayquicklyovertoPylos,orelsetoshiningElis,wheretheEpeiansarelords,letusgo,orelseweshallthenbeshamedforever;allthisshallbeadisgrace,evenforthemenhereaftertohearof,ifwedonottakerevengeonthemurderersofourbrothers

435andsons;fortherewouldbenopleasureinmyhearttogoonliving,butIwouldwishtodieandbewiththeperished.Soletusgo,beforetheycrossthesea,andescapeus.’

Hespoke,weeping,andpitytookholdofalltheAchaians.ButnowMedonarrived,andwithhimtheinspiredsinger,

440fromthepalaceofOdysseus,sincenowthesleephadleftthem;theystoodintheirmidst,andamazementseizeduponeachmanofthem.ThenMedon,fullofprudentthoughts,spokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Hearmenow,youmenofIthaka;forOdysseusdevisedwhathedid,notwithouttheconsentofimmortal

445gods.ImyselfsawanimmortalgodwhowasstandingbesideOdysseus.IneverywayitresembledMentor.Animmortalgodwasseen,atonetimeinfrontofOdysseusurginghimon,andthennexttimehewouldroutthesuitors,anddashaboutthehall,whiletheyfelloneafteranother.’

450Sohespoke,andthegreenfeartookholdofallofthem.NowHalitherses,Mastor'sson,anagedwarrior,spoketothem.Healonesawwhatwasbeforeandbehindhim.

assembleandplanrevenge

Nowinkindintentiontowardallhespokeforthandaddressedthem:‘Hearmenow,youmenofIthaka;hearwhatItellyou.

455Itisbyyourownweakness,dearfriends,thatthesethingshavehappened.Youwouldnotlistentome,nortoMentor,shepherdofthepeople,whenwetoldyoutomakeyoursonsgiveovertheirsenselessmood;forthey,intheirevilrecklessness,didagreatwronginshowingnorespecttothewife,despoilingthepossessions,

460ofalordlyman.Theythoughtthatheneverwouldbecominghome.Nowletitbethus.Hearme,anddoasItellyou.Letusnotgothere.Hewhodoesmightincursomeevil.’

Sohespoke,butmorethanhalfwhoweretheresprangupwithagreatcry—thoughothersstayedwheretheywereassembled—

465sinceHalitherses'speechdidnotpleasetheirhearts,buttheylistenedtoEupeithes,andnowsuddenlytheyranfortheirarmor.Nowthey,whenintheshiningbronzetheyhadshroudedtheirbodies,assembledallinabodyinfrontofthespaciouscity.Eupeitheswastheirleaderintheirfoolishness.Hethought

470hewouldavengetheslaughterofhisson,buthewasnotevertocomeback,butmusthimselfencounterhisdeaththere.

NowAthenespokeawordtoZeus,sonofKronos:‘SonofKronos,ourfather,Olordliestofthemighty,tellmewhatIask.Whatdoesyourmindhavehiddenwithinit?

475Willyoufirstinflictevilfightinguponthem,andterriblestrife,orwillyouestablishfriendshipbetweenthetwofactions?’

ThenZeusthegathererofthecloudssaidtoherinanswer:‘Mychild,whydoyouaskandquestionmeinthesematters?Forwasnotthisyourownintention,asyouhavecounseledit,

480howOdysseusshouldmakehiswayback,andpunishthoseothers?Doasyouwill;butIwilltellyouhowitisproper.NowthatnobleOdysseushaspunishedthesuitors,letthemmaketheiroathsoffaithandfriendship,andlethimbekingalways;andletusmakethemforgetthedeathoftheirbrothers

485andsons,andletthembefriendswitheachother,asinthetimepast,andletthemhaveprosperityandpeaceinabundance.’

Sohespoke,andstirredonAthene,whowaseagerbeforethis,andshewentinaflashofspeeddownthepinnaclesofOlympos.

Whenthemenhadputawaytheirdesirefordeliciousfeasting,490much-enduringgreatOdysseusbeganspeakingamongthem:

‘Letsomeonegooutnowandseeiftheyareapproaching.’

Finalbattle

Hespoke,andDolios'sonwentout,asOdysseustoldhim.Hewentandstoodonthethresholdandsawthemalldrawingcloser.NowpresentlyhespokeinwingedwordstoOdysseus:

495‘Heretheyare,comingclosetous,soletusarmquickly.’Sohespoke,andtheysprangupandputontheirarmor,

Odysseuswithhisthree,andthesixsonsofDolios;andwiththemDoliosandLaertesputontheirarmor,

graythoughtheywere,buttheywerefightersperforce.Andnow,500whenalloftheminshiningbronzehadshroudedtheirbodies,

theyopenedthedoors,andwentoutside,andOdysseusledthem.ButnowcametheirwaythedaughterofZeus,Athene,

likeningherselfinappearanceandvoicetoMentor.Seeingher,much-enduringgreatOdysseuswashappy,

505andpresentlyhespoketohisdearson,Telemachos:‘Telemachos,nowyourselfbeingpresent,wheremendobattle,andthebravestaresingledoutfromtherest,youmustbecertainnottoshamethebloodofyourfathers,forweintimepastallacrosstheworldhavesurpassedinmanhoodandvalor.’

510ThenthethoughtfulTelemachossaidtohiminanswer:‘Youwillsee,dearfather,ifyouwish,thatasfarasmywillgoes,Iwillnotshamemybloodthatcomesfromyou,whichyouspeakof.’

Sohespoke,andLaertesalsorejoiced,andsaidtothem:‘Whatdayisthisforme,deargods?Iamveryhappy.

515Mysonandmyson'ssonarecontendingovertheircourage.’Thenstandingclosebesidehimgray-eyedAthenesaidtohim:

‘SonofArkeisios,fardearestofallmycompanions,makeyourprayertothegray-eyedgirlandtoZeusherfather,thenquicklybalanceyourfar-shadowingspear,andthrowit.’

520SoPallasAthenespoke,andbreathedintohimenormousstrength,and,makinghisprayerthentothedaughterofgreatZeus,hequicklybalancedhisfar-shadowingspear,andthrewit,andstruckEupeithesonthebrazensideofhishelmet,norcouldthehelmholdoffthespear,butthebronzesmashedcleanthrough.

525Hefell,thunderously,andhisarmorclattereduponhim.Odysseusandhisglorioussonfellupontheirfrontfighters,andbegantostrikewithswordsandstabwithspearsleaf-headed.Andnowtheywouldhavekilledthemall,andgivennoneofthemhomecoming,hadnotAthene,daughterofZeusoftheaegis,

ReconciliationbyAthene

530criedoutinagreatvoiceandheldbackallthecompany:‘Holdback,menofIthaka,fromthewearisomefighting,sothatmostsoon,andwithoutblood,youcansettleeverything.’

SospokeAthene,andthegreenfeartookholdofthem,andintheirterrortheyletfallfromtheirhandstheirweapons,

535whichfellallonthegroundatthecryofthegoddessspeaking.Strivingtosavetheirlives,theyturnedinflighttowardthecity.Withaterriblecry,much-enduringOdysseus,gathering

himselftogether,madeaswoop,likeahigh-flowneagle.ButthesonofKronosthenthrewdownasmokythunderbolt,

540whichfellinfrontofthegray-eyeddaughterofthegreatfather.Thenthegray-eyedgoddessAthenesaidtoOdysseus:‘SonofLaertesandseedofZeus,resourcefulOdysseus,holdhard,stopthisquarrelinclosingcombat,forfearZeusofthewidebrows,sonofKronos,maybeangrywithyou.’

545SospokeAthene,andwithhappyheartheobeyedher.Andpledgesforthedaystocome,sworntobybothsides,weresettledbyPallasAthene,daughterofZeusoftheaegis,whohadlikenedherselfinappearanceandvoicetoMentor.

GLOSSARY

NOTE.Inthespellingofnames,IhavefollowedthesamepracticeasinmytranslationoftheIliad.Mostly,IhavesimplytransliteratedtheGreek,asforinstanceAgelaos,notAgelaus.Insomecases,however,Ihavemadeexceptionsandfollowedfamiliarusage;andsometimesIhavesimplytranslated(Dawn,Graces).Theexceptionstomynormalpracticeare:Achaians,Apollo,Argives,Athens,Circe,Crete,Cyclopes,Cyprus,Danaans,Dawn,Dorians,Egypt,ElysianField,Graces,Hades,Helen,Hermes,Jason,Lotus-Eaters,Ocean,Penelope,PhoeniciaandPhoenicians,Priam,RovingRocks,Sicilians,Sirens,Thrace,Trojans,Troy.

Thisglossaryisnotanindex,butgivesatleastonereferenceforeachname.Referencearetobookandline.

Achai'ans:Themostgeneraltermfor“Greeks,”includingthepeopleofIthaka,i.90;ii.7,etc.

A'cheron:Riverinthelandofthedead,x.514.

Achil'leus:ThegreatherooftheIliad,whoseghosttalkedtoOdysseus,xi.467,etc.

Adres'te:HandmaidofHelen,iv.122.

Agamem'non:LeaderoftheexpeditionagainstTroy,murderedbyAigisthos,i.30;iii.143,etc.

Agela'os:SonofDamastor,asuitor,xx.321,etc.;killedbyOdysseus,xxii.293.

Aiai'a:Circe'sisland,x.135.

Ai'akos:FatherofPeleus,grandfatherofAchilleus,xi.471,538.

Ai'as:(1)SonofTelamon,whoquarreledwithOdysseusoverthearmorofAchilleus,xi.469,etc.;(2)sonofOïleus,drownedbyPoseidon,iv.499-510.

Aie'tes:BrotherofCirce,x.137;xii.70.

Ai'gai:CityinAchaia,favoredbyPoseidon,v.381.

Aigis'thos:SonofThyestes,loverofKlytaimestraandmurdererofAgamemnon,killedbyOrestes,i.29;iii.194,etc.

Aigyp'tios:ElderofIthaka,fatherofEurynomos,ii.15.

Aigy'ptos:TheriverofEgypt,theNile,xiv.257.

Aio'lia:TheislandofAiolos(1),x.1.

Ai'olos:(1)Mortalkinginchargeofthewinds,x.1;(2)fatherofKretheus,xi.237.

Ai'son:SonofTyroandKretheus,xi.259.

Aithio'pians:TheEthiopians,adistantpeoplevisitedbyPoseidon,i.22;v.282,etc.

Ai'thon:NameassumedbyOdysseusinconversationwithPenelope,xix.183.

Aito'lia:CountryincentralGreece,xiv.379.

Akas'tos:AkinginwesternGreece,xiv.336.

Akro'neos:APhaiakian,viii.111.

Ak'toris:MaidofPenelope,xxiii.228.

Alek'tor:ASpartan,whosedaughtermarriedMegapenthes,iv.10.

Alkan'dre:LadyofThebesinEgypt,wifeofPolybos(2),iv.126.

Al'kimos:FatherofMentor,xxii.234.

Alki'noös:KingofthePhaiakians,vi.12;vii.185,etc.

Alkip'pe:HandmaidofHelen,iv.124.

Alkmai'on:SonofAmphiaraos,xv.248.

Alkme'ne:MotherofHerakles,ii.120;xi.266.

Alo'eus:HusbandofIphimedeia,putativefatherofOtosandEphialtes,xi.305.

Alphei'os:RiverinthewesternPeloponnese,iii.489.

A'lybas:CityofunknownlocationfromwhichOdysseuspretendedtohavecome,xxiv.304.

Amni'sos:AplaceinCrete,xix.188.

Amphi'alos:APhaiakian,winnerinjumping,viii.114;128.

Amphiara'os:SonofOïklesandgrandfatherofTheoklymenos.HewasoneofthesevenagainstThebes,xv.244-247.

Amphi'lochos:SonofAmphiaraos,xv.248.

Amphi'medon:Oneofthesuitors,xxii.242;killedbyTelemachos,xxii.284;hisghosttoldtheghostofAgamemnonabouttheslaughterofthesuitors,xxiv.103.

Amphi'nomos:Oneofthesuitors,xvi.351;sonofNisos,fromDoulichion,bestofthesuitorsandbestlikedbyPenelope,xvi.394;befriendedOdysseusandwaswarnedbyhim,xviii.119-150;killedbyTelemachos,xxii.89-94.

Amphi'on:(1)SonofAntiope,andbuilder,withhisbrotherZethos,ofThebes,xi.262;(2)lordofMinyanOrchomenos,xi.283.

Amphi'thea:GrandmotherofOdysseus,xix.416.

Amphitri'te:Queenofthesea,iii.91,etc.

Amphi'tryon:HusbandofAlkmene,putativefatherofHerakles,xi.266.

Amytha'on:SonofKretheusandTyro,xi.259.

Anabasi'neos:APhaiakian,viii.113.

Anchi'alos:(1)FatherofMentes,i.180;(2)aPhaiakian,viii.112.

Andrai'mon:FatherofThoas,xiv.499.

Antiklei'a:MotherofOdysseus,xi.85.

Anti'klos:OneoftheAchaiansintheWoodenHorse,iv.286.

Anti'lochos:SonofNestor,killedatTroybyMemnon,iii.112;iv.187,etc.

Anti'noös:SonofEupeithes,oneofthetwoleadingsuitors,i.383;ii.84,etc.;struckOdysseuswithfootstool,xvii.462;firsttobekilled,byOdysseus,xxii.8.

Anti'ope:DaughterofAsopos,motherofAmphionandZethos,xi.260.

Anti'phates:(1)KingoftheLaistrygones,x.107;(2)fatherofOïkles,xv.242.

An'tiphos:(1)CompanionofOdysseus,killedbytheCyclops,ii.17;(2)anelderofIthaka,xvii.68.

Apeir'e:ThehomeofEurymedousa,vii.8.

Aphei'das:PretendednameofOdysseus'fatherinhisconversationwithLaertes,xxiv.305.

Aphrodi'te:DaughterofZeus,goddessofloveandbeauty,iv.14,etc.IntheOdyssey(thoughnotintheIliad)sheisthewifeofHephaistos,viii.267,etc.

Apol'lo:OrPhoibosApollo,sonofZeusandLeto,iii.279,etc.HeplaysnomajorpartintheOdyssey,butthedaywhenthesuitorsarekilledisafestivaldayforhim,xx.278.Hisarrows,likethoseofArtemis,bringsuddenandpainlessdeath,iii.280,etc.

Ar'es:SonofZeus,godofwar,loverofAphrodite,viii.267,etc.

Are'te:WifeofAlkinoös,queenofthePhaiakians,vii.54,etc.

Arethou'sa:AspringonIthaka,xiii.408.

Are'tos:SonofNestor,iii.414.

Argeïphon'tes:“TheslayerofArgos,”anepithetofHermes,i.38;v.43,etc.

Ar'gives:TheGreekswhowenttoTroy,i.61,etc.;also,thepeopleofMykeneorSparta,iii.309,etc.

Ar'go:TheshipoftheArgonauts,xii.69.

Ar'gos:ThedogofOdysseus,xvii.292.

Ar'gos:CityordistrictinthenortheastPeloponnese,orsimply“Greece,”i.344,iii.251,etc.

Ariad'ne:DaughterofMinos,killedbyArtemis.HerghostwasseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.321.

Arkei'sios:FatherofLaertes,xvi.118,etc.

Arnai'os:ThetruenameofIros,xviii.5.

Arta'kie:AspringonLamos,x.108.

Ar'temis:DaughterofZeusandLeto,sisterofApollo,vi.102,etc.Herarrows,likethoseofApollo,bringsuddenandpainlessdeath,xv.410,etc.

Aso'pos:AriverandrivergodinBoiotia,fatherofAntiope,xi.260

A'rybas:AlordofSidon,fatherofEumaios'nurse,xv.426.

Asphal'ion:HenchmanofMenelaos,iv.216.

As'teris:AlittleislandoffIthaka,iv.846.

Athe'ne:OrPallasAthene,goddess,daughterofZeus,i.44,etc.

Ath'ens:Thefamouscityineast-centralGreece,iii.278.

At'las:Titan,fatherofKalypso,i.52.

At'reus:FatherofAgamemnonandMenelaos,i.35,etc.

Atryto'ne:EpithetofAthene,iv.762.

Auto'lykos:FatherofAntikleia,sograndfatherofOdysseus,xi.85;xix.394,etc.

Auto'noë:HandmaidofPenelope,xviii.182.

Bo'ëthoös:FatherofEteoneus,iv.31.

Boö'tes:Theconstellationofthatname,v.272.

Chal'kis:AplaceonthewestcoastofGreece,oppositeIthaka,xv.295.

Charyb'dis:Amonsterofthecoastintheformofagreatwhirlpool,xii.104,etc.

Chi'os:AlargeislandoffthecoastofAsiaMinor,iii.170.

Chlo'ris:WifeofNeleusandmotherofNestor,whoseghostOdysseussawinthelandofthedead,xi.281.

Chro'mios:SonofNeleusandChloris,brotherofNestor,xi.286.

Cir'ce:ThegoddessandenchantressofAiaia,Bookxthroughout,alsoviii.448;ix.31,etc.

Crete:Largeisland,domainofIdomeneus,iii.191,etc.PretendedhomeofOdysseusinvariouslyingstories,xiii.256;xiv.199;xix.172.

Cyclo'pes:AmonstrouspeopleencounteredbyOdysseusandhismen,ix.106,etc.Inthesingular,theCyclopsmeansPolyphemos,i.69;ii.19,etc.

Cy'prus:LargeislandintheeasternmostMediterranean,iv.83,etc.

Damas'tor:FatherofAgelaos,xx.321.

Dan'aans:TheGreekswhowenttoTroy,i.350,etc.

Dawn:ProperlyEos,thegoddesswhoserisingbringstheday,ii.1;v.1,etc.WifeofTithonos,v.1;motherofthekillerofAntilochos(presumablyMemnon),iv.188;inlovewithOrion,v.121;carriedoffKleitos,xv.250.

Deï'phobos:SonofPriam,husbandofHelenatthetimeofthefallofTroy,iv.276;viii.518.

De'los:IslandintheAigaianSea,sacredtoApollo,vi.162.

Deme'ter:SisterofZeus,wholovedIasion,v.125.

Demo'dokos:TheblindsingerofthePhaiakians,viii.44,etc.

Demopto'lemos:SuitorkilledbyOdysseus,xxii.242;266.

Deuka'lion:KinginCrete,fatherofIdomeneus,xix.180.

Di'a:AnislandintheAigaian,xi.325.

Dio'kles:LordofPherai,iii.488;xv.186.

Diome'des:SonofTydeus,agreatherooftheIliad,iii.180.

Diony'sos:Godofwine,xxiv.75;accuserofAriadne,xi.325.

Dme'tor:SonofIasos(2),kingofCyprus,xvii.443.

Dodo'na:SiteofanoracleofZeusinnorthwesternGreece,xiv.327;xix.296.

Do'lios:Anoldservant,speciallyattachedtoPenelope,iv.735;worksontheestatewithLaertes,xxiv.222;fatherofMelanthios,xvii.212;ofMelantho,xviii.322.

Dor'ians:Presumably,the“conquerors,”locatedbyOdysseusinCrete,xix.177.

Douli'chion:Alarge,butnotpositivelyidentified,islandinthedomainofOdysseus,i.246,etc.(IntheIliad,itisinthedomainofMeges.)

Dy'mas:APhaiakian,fatherofNausikaa'sbestfriend,vi.22.

Echene'os:AgedPhaiakiancounselor,vii.155;xi.342.

Eche'phron:AsonofNestor,iii.413.

E'chetos:AcruelkingsomewhereinwesternGreece,xviii.85;xxi.308.

E'gypt:Thecountry,iii.300;iv.351,etc.

Eido'thea:Seanymph,daughterofProteus,iv.365.

Eileithyi'a:Thegoddessofchildbirth,xix.188.

E'latos:Asuitor,killedbyEumaios,xxii.267.

Elat'reus:APhaiakian,viii.111.

E'lis:CityanddistrictofthewesternPeloponnese,oppositeIthaka,iv.635,etc.

Elpe'nor:CompanionofOdysseus,killedbyaccidentallyfallingfromtheroof,x.552;Odysseustalkedwithhisghost,xi.51.

Ely'sianField:ThefarfortunateplacewhereMenelaosisultimatelytofindhishome,iv.563.

E'nipeus:AriverinThessaly,lovedbyTyro,xi.238.

Epei'ans:PeopleofElis,xiii.275,etc.

Epei'os:ThebuilderoftheWoodenHorse,viii.493;xi.524.

Eper'itos:NameassumedbyOdysseuswhenhetalkedwithLaertes,xxiv.306.

Ephial'tes:SonofPoseidonandIphimedeia,brotherofOtos,giganticchildkilledbyApollo,xi.308.

E'phyre:Placeofunknownlocation,apparentlyinWesternGreece,i.259;ii.328.

Epikas'te:MorefamiliarlyknownasIokaste,thewifeandmotherofOidipodes,xi.271.

E'rebos:Thedarkplaceofthedead,x.528.

Erech'theus:HeroofAthens,vii.81.

Erem'boi:AnunidentifiedpeoplevisitedbyMenelaosduringhiswanderings,iv.84.

Eret'meus:APhaiakian,viii.112.

Eriphy'le:WifeofAmphiaraos,whocausedhisdeath,xi.326.

Eryman'thos:AmountaininthenorthwestPeloponnese,vi.104.

Eri'nys:Fury,oragoddessofcurses,xv.234.

Eteo'neus:HenchmanofMenelaos,iv.22.

Eteokre'tans:ApeopleofCrete,thoughttomean“True-Cretans,”xix.176.

Euan'thes:FatherofMaron,ix.197.

Euboi'a:AlargeislandeastofcentralGreece,iii.175;vii.321.

Eue'nor:FatherofLeokritos,ii.242,etc.

Eumai'os:ThenobleswineherdofOdysseus,xiv.55,etc.

Eume'los:LordofPherai,husbandofIphthime,thusbrother-in-lawofPenelope,iv.798.

Eupei'thes:FatherofAntinoös,i.383,etc.;killedbyLaertesinthefinalbattle,xxiv.523.

Eury'ades:Suitor,killedbyTelemachos,xxii.267.

Eury'alos:AyoungPhaiakian,rudetoOdysseus,viii.158,etc.

Eury'bates:TheheraldofOdysseus,xix.247.

Eury'damas:Asuitor,xviii.297;killedbyOdysseus,xxii.283.

Eury'dike:DaughterofKlymenos,wifeofNestor,iii.451.

Euryklei'a:TheoldnurseofOdysseusandofTelemachos,i.428,etc.

Eury'lochos:SecondincommandofOdysseus'fleet,x.205,etc.;arelativeofOdysseus,thoughsometimesatoddswithhim,x.441.

Eury'machos:SonofPolybos(1).Oneofthetwoleadingsuitors,i.399;ii.177,etc.;attackedOdysseus,xviii.394;killedbyOdysseus,xxii.79.

Eury'medon:Kingofthegiants,fatherofPeriboia,vii.58.

Eurymedou'sa:NurseofNausikaa,vii.8.

Eu'rymos:FatherofTelemos,ix.509.

Eury'nome:HousekeeperandnurseofPenelope,xvii.495,etc.

Eury'nomos:Suitor,sonofAigyptios,ii.21;xxii.242.

Eury'pylos:LeaderoftheKeteians,killedatTroybyNeoptolemos,xi.520.

Eury'tion:Adrunkencentaur,xxi.295.

Eu'rytos:FatherofIphitos,archer,kingofOichalia,killedbyApollo,viii.224,etc.

Gai'a:MotherofTityos,vii.324.

Gerais'tos:PromontoryontheislandofEuboia,iii.178.

Gere'nian:EpithetofNestor,iii.68,etc.

Gor'gon:Astaringmonster,xi.635.

Gor'tys:AplaceinCrete,iii.294.

Gra'ces:Properly,theCharites,goddessesofbeauty,vi.18,etc.

Gy'rai:ArockyislandintheAigaianSea,iv.501.

Ha'des:ProperlyAïdes,lordofthedead,iv.834;xi.47,etc.

Ha'lios:AsonofAlkinoös,viii.119.

Halither'ses:AnIthakan,giftedinprophecy,favorabletoOdysseus,ii.157;xxiv.451,etc.

He'be:DaughterofZeusandHera,brideofHeraklesafterhisimmortalization,xi.604.

He'len:WifeofMenelaos,thecauseofthewar,iv.12,etc.

He'lios:Thesungod,i.8,etc.Odysseus'menslaughteredsomeofhiscattle,xii.260-390.

Hel'las:AnameforthecountryofAchilleus(asintheIliad)xi.496;morewidely,apparentlyas“Greece”generally,i.344,etc.

Hel'lespont:Thestrait(Dardanelles)byTroy,xxiv.82.

Hephais'tos:Theimmortalartificer,iv.617,etc.;intheOdyssey(notintheIliad)marriedto

Aphrodite,whoplayedhimfalsewithAres(accordingtothesongofDemodokos),viii.266-366.

He'ra:WifeofZeus,queenofthegods,iv.513.

Her'akles:OrHercules,sonofAlkmeneandZeus,xi.268;agreatarcher,xiii.224;killerofIphitos,xxi.26;immortalizedandmarriedtoHebe,xi.601-604.

Her'mes:OftencalledArgeïphontes,sonofZeusandMaia,messengerofZeus,i.38,etc.

Hermi'one:DaughterofMenelaosandHelen,iv.14.

Hippodamei'a:HandmaidofPenelope,xviii.182.

Hip'potas:FatherofAiolos(1),x.2.

Hy'lakos:FatherofKastor(2),xiv.204.

Hyperei'a:FormerhomeofthePhaiakians,neartheCyclopes,vi.4.

Hypere'sia:CityinAchaia,homeofPolypheides,xv.254.

Hyperi'on:(1)EpithetofHelios,i.24,etc.;(2)fatherofHelios,xii.176.

Iar'danos:RiverinCrete,iii.292.

Ias'ion:HerobelovedbyDemeter,v.126.

I'asos:(1)FatherofAmphion(2),xi.283;(2)fatherofDmetor,xvii.443.

Ido'meneus:LordofCrete,agreatherooftheIliad,iii.191;xiii.259,etc.

Ika'rios:ThefatherofPenelope,i.328,etc.

Ikma'lios:Artificer,whomadePenelope'schair,xix.57.

I'lion:ThecityofTroy,ii.18,etc.

I'los:SonofMermeros,apparentlykingofEphyra,i.259.

I'no:AlsocalledLeukothea,daughterofKadmos,oncemortal,nowaseagoddess,v.333;461.

Iol'kos:PlaceinThessaly,homeofPelias,xi.257.

I'phikles:LordofPhylake,captorofMelampous,xi.290.

Imphimedei'a:MotherofOtosandEphialtes,xi.305.

I'phitos:SonofEurytos,friendoftheyoungOdysseus,foullymurderedbyHerakles,giverofthegreatbowtoOdysseus,xxi.11-41.

Iphthi'me:WifeofEumelosandsisterofPenelope,towhomsheappearedinadream,iv.797.

I'ros:ThenameArnaioscommonlywentby;thebeggarwhofoughtwithOdysseus,xviii.1-107;sonamedafterthegoddessIris,whootherwisedoesnotappearintheOdyssey,xviii.6.

Is'maros:ThracianhomeoftheKikonians,ix.40.

I'thaka:IslandoffthewestcoastofGreece,i.18,etc.,homeofOdysseus;itspositiondescribed,ix.21-26.

I'thakos:BuilderofawellonIthaka,xvii.207.

I'tylos:SonofZethos(2)and“thenightingale,”daughterofPandareos(presumablyProkne),killedbyhismother,xix.523.

Ja'son:MasteroftheshipArgo,xii.72.

Kadmei'ans:ThepeopleofThebes(2),xi.276.

Kad'mos:FounderofThebes(2),fatherofIno,v.333.

Kalyp'so:Goddess-nymph,daughterofAtlas,i.14;52;befriendedandlivedwithOdysseus,v.14-268,etc.

Kassan'dra:DaughterofPriam,captivemistressofAgamemnon,murderedwithhim,xi.422.

Kas'tor:(1)SonofLedaandTyndareos,brotherofPolydeukes,semi-immortalizedbyZeus,xi.298-304;(2)sonofHylakos,pretendedfatherofOdysseusinhisstoryastoldtoEumaios,xiv.204.

Kauko'nes:Apeople,presumablynearPylos.Athene,disguisedasMentor,announcesthat

shewillvisitthem,iii.366.Apparently,therefore,theyarenotthesameasthepeopleintheIliadmentionedatIliadX.429andXX.329.

Kephallen'ians:PeopleofKephalleniaor,especiallyinBookxxiv,ofthewholecommunityofislands,xx.210;xxiv.355;377;429.

Ketei'ans:ThepeopleofEurypylos,xi.520.

Kiko'nians:TheThraciansofIsmaros,raidedbyOdysseus,ix.39-61.

Kimmer'ians:Apeoplenearthelandofthedead,xi.14.Inhistoricaltimes,thenameappliestoanon-GreekpeopleoftheBlackSeawhoraidedAsiaMinorintheseventhcenturyB.C.

Klei'tos:SonofMantios,snatchedawaybytheDawn,xv.250.

Kly'mene:HeroineseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.326.

Kly'menos:FatherofEurydike,iii.452.

Klytaimes'tra:Agamemnon'swife,whotookAigisthosasalover,iii.265-272;accompliceinAgamemnon'smurder,andmurderedKassandra,xi.421-434.

Kly'tios:FatherofPeiraios,xv.540.

Klytone'os:AsonofAlkinoös,viii.119.

Knos'sos:AcityinCrete,xix.178.

Koky'tos:Ariverinthelandofthedead,x.513.

Kratai'ïs:MotherofSkylla,xii.124.

Krei'on:FatherofMegara,xi.269.

Kre'theus:SonofAiolos(2),husbandofTyro,fatherofAison,Pheres,andAmythaon,xi.258,etc.

Kro'nos:FatherofZeus,i.386,etc.

Kro'unoi:AplaceonthewesterncoastofGreece,oppositeIthaka,xv.295.

Kte'sios:FatherofEumaios,xv.414.

Ktesip'pos:Aviolentsuitor,whothrewacow'shoofatOdysseus,xx.288-303;killedby

Philoitios,xxii.285.

Kti'mene:ThesisterofOdysseus,xv.363.

Kydo'nians:ApeopleofCrete,iii.292;xix.176.

Kylle'ne:MountaininArkadia,thehomeofHermes,xxiv.1.

Kythe'ra:IslandoffthesoutherntipofGreece,ix.81.

Kytherei'a:Aphrodite,theladyofKythera,viii.288;xviii.193.

Laer'kes:GoldsmithinPylos,iii.425.

Laer'tes:SonofArkeisios,fatherofOdysseus,i.189,etc.RejuvenatedbyAthene,fightsinthelastbattle,xxiv.513-525.

Laistry'gones:AgiantcannibalpeopleencounteredbyOdysseusandhismen,x.80-132.

Lakedai'mon:ThecountryofSparta,domainofMenelaos,iii.326,etc.

La'mos:ThecityoftheLaistrygones,x.81.

Lampe'tia:Nymph,daughterofHeliosandNeaira,whotendedherfather'scattle,xii.132;374.

Lam'pos:OneoftheDawn'shorses,xxiii.246.

Lao'damas:FavoritesonofAlkinoös,vii.170;viii.117,etc.

La'pithai:ThepeopleofPeirithoös,xxi.297.

Le'da:WifeofTyndareos,motherofKastorandPolydeukes,xi.298.

Lem'nos:IslandinthenorthernAigaian,favoredbyHephaistos,viii.283,etc.

Leo'des:Aweakandwell-meaningsuitor,withpropheticskill,xxi.144,etc.;killedbyOdysseuswhilebeggingformercy,xxii.310-329.

Leo'kritos:Asuitor,ii.242;killedbyTelemachos,xxii.294.

Les'bos:IslandoffAsiaMinor,whereOdysseuswrestledwithPhilomeleides,iv.342,etc.

Le'to:Mother(byZeus)ofArtemisandApollo,vi.106,etc.;Tityostormentedafterdeath

forassaultingher,xi.580.

Leuko'thea:Ino'snameasadivinity,v.333.

Lib'ya:TheGreeknameforAfrica,iv.85;xiv,295.

Lotus-Eaters:MysteriouspeoplevisitedbyOdysseusandhismen,ix.82-104.

Mai'a:MotherofHermes,xiv.436,etc.

Mai'ra:HeroineseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.326.

Malei'a:SoutheasterncapeonthemainlandofGreece,iii.288,etc.

Man'tios:SonofMelampous,grandfatherofTheoklymenos,xv.242.

Ma'rathon:DistrictnearAthens,favoredbyAthene(also,siteofthesubsequentbattle),vii.80.

Ma'ron:PriestofApolloatIsmaros,ix.197.

Mas'tor:FatherofHalitherses,ii.157;xxiv.451.

Me'don:HeraldofOdysseusinIthaka,loyaltoPenelopeandTelemachos,iv.677,etc.;sparedbyOdysseusaftertheslaughter,xxii.361.

Megapen'thes:SonofMenelaosandaslavegirl,iv.11;xv.100,etc.

Me'gara:DaughterofKreion,wifeofHerakles,xi.269.

Melam'pous:Afamoussoothsayer,xi.291;xv.256.

Mel'aneus:FatherofAmphimedon,xxiv.103.

Melan'thios:SonofDolios,goatherdwhosidedwiththesuitorsandinsultedandkickedOdysseus,xvii.212,etc.;aidedthesuitorsintheirbattle,xxii.135;mutilatedbyTelemachosandtheherdsmen,xxii.474.

Melan'tho:DaughterofDolios,favoredbuttreacherousmaidofPenelope,xviii.321;xix.65.

Mem'non:SonoftheDawn,seeiii.112(where,however,heisnotnamed);handsomestofmen,xi.522.

Menela'os:HusbandofHelen,greatherooftheIliad,iv.2,etc.

Menoi'tios:FatherofPatroklos,xxiv.77.

Men'tes:NameassumedbyAtheneonherfirstvisittoTelemachos,i.105,etc.

Men'tor:IthakanfriendofOdysseus,towhomheentrustedhishouseholdwhenhewenttoTroy,ii.225,etc.;frequentlyimpersonatedbyAthene,ii.268;xxii.206;xxiv.548,etc.

Mer'meros:FatherofIlos,i.259.

Mesaul'ios:ThrallofEumaios,xiv.449.

Messe'ne:TerritoryinsouthwesternGreece,xxi.15.

Mi'mas:AmountainouspromontoryofAsiaMinor,oppositeChios,iii.172.

Mi'nos:SonofZeusandkingofCrete,xix.178;judgeinthelandofthedead,xi.568;fatherofAriadne,xi.322.

Min'yan:NameappliedtoOrchomenos,xi.284.

Mou'lios:DoulichianheraldattachedtoAmphinomos,xviii.423.

Myke'ne:(1)afabulousheroineofthepast,ii.120;(2)thecityofAgamemnon,iii.304.

Myr'midons:ThepeopleofAchilleusandNeoptolemos,iii.188,etc.

Nau'bolos:FatherofEuryalos,viii.115.

Nausi'kaa:DaughterofAlkinoösandArete,whobefriendedOdysseus,vi.17,etc.

Nausi'thoös:FounderofthePhaiakiansettlementonScheria,vi.7;sonofPoseidonandfatherofRhexenorandAlkinoös,vii.56-63.

Nau'teus:APhaiakian,viii.112.

Neai'ra:WifeofHelios,motherofPhaethousaandLampetia,xii.133.

Ne'leus:FatherofNestor,formerkinginPylos,iii.409,etc.

Neopto'lemos:SonofAchilleus,xi.506.

Ne'rikos:Place(onLeukas)oncetakenbyLaertes,xxiv.378.

Ne'ritos:(1)MountainofIthaka,xiii.351;(2)builderofawellonIthaka,xvii.207.

Nes'tor:TheoldherooftheIliad,kinginPylos,i.284;iii.17,etc.

Ni'sos:KinginDoulichion,fatherofAmphinomos,xviii.127,etc.

Noë'mon:IthakanfriendofTelemachos,wholenthimhisship,ii.386;iv.630.

Ocean:OrOke'anos,thewaterssurroundingtheworldandthegodofthosewaters,iv.567;x.139;xi.639,etc.

Odys'seus:Thehero,firstmentionedbyname,i.21;sonofLaertes,iv.555,etc.;andofAntikleia,xi.85.

Ogy'gia:Kalypso'sisland,i.85,etc.

Oidi'podes:OrOedipus,heroofThebes(1),xi.271(inHomer,strictly,Oidipodes).

Oï'kles:FatherofAmphiaraos,xv.243.

Oi'nops:FatherofLeodes,xxi.144.

Oky'alos:APhaiakian,viii.111.

Olym'pos:Thehomeofthegods,i.102,etc.;described,vi.42.

One'tor:FatherofPhrontis,iii.282.

Ops:FatherofEurykleia,i.429.

Orcho'menos:MinyancityinBoiotia,xi.284.

Ores'tes:ThesonofAgamemnon,whoavengedhim,i.30;298;iii.306,etc.

Ori'on:AherolovedbytheDawn,killedbyArtemis,v.121;hisghostseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.572;asaconstellation,v.274.

Or'menos:FatherofKtesios,xv.414.

Orsi'lochos:SonofIdomeneus,inastorytoldbyOdysseus,xiii.260.

Orti'lochos:FatherofDiokles,iii.489;hosttoOdysseusinMessene,xxi.16.

Orty'gia:Aplaceofuncertainlocation,whereArtemiskilledOrion,v.123;aplace(thesame?)“wherethesunmakeshisturnings,”neartheHomericSyria,xv.404.

Os'sa:AmountaininThessaly,xi.315.

O'tos:SonofPoseidonandIphimedeia,brotherofEphialtes,giganticchildkilledbyApollo,xi.308.

Paië'on:Thegodofmedicine,iv.232.

Pal'las:EpithetofAthene,i.125,etc.

Pandar'eos:Fatherof“thenightingale,”xix.518;hisdaughterscarriedawaybythestormwinds,xx.66.

Pan'opeus:AcityinPhokis,xi.581.

Paph'os:AplaceonCyprus,favoredbyAphrodite,viii.362.

Parnas'sos:AgreatmountainincentralGreece,xix.394,etc.

Patrok'los:CompanionofAchilleus,agreatherooftheIliad,iii.110,etc.

Peirai'os:ManofIthaka,friendandcompanionofTelemachos,xv.540,etc.

Peiri'thoös:Heroofformertimes,friendofTheseus,xi.631;kingoftheLapiths,whopunishedEurytion,xxi.296.

Peisan'dros:SonofPolyktor,asuitor,xviii.299;killedbyPhiloitios,xxii.268.

Peise'nor:(1)HeraldinIthaka,ii.37;(2)fatherofOps,grandfatherofEurykleia,i.429,etc.

Peisis'tratos:SonofNestor,greetsTelemachosandAthene,iii.36;accompaniesTelemachostoSparta,iii.482,etc.

Pelas'gians:Amysteriouspeople,variouslylocatedintheIliad;intheOdyssey,theyarefoundinCrete,xix.177.

Pe'leus:FatherofAchilleus,v.310,etc.

Pe'lias:SonofTyroandPoseidon,kinginIolkos,xi.256.

Pe'lion:AmountaininThessaly,xi.316.

Pene'lope:DaughterofIkarios,wifeofOdysseus,i.223,etc.

Periboi'a:DaughterofEurymedon,mother,byPoseidon,ofNausithoös,vii.57.

Perikly'menos:SonofNeleusandChloris,brotherofNestor,xi.286.

Perime'des:AcompanionofOdysseus,xi.23;etc.

Pe'ro:DaughterofNeleusandChloris,agreatbeauty,xi.287.

Per'se:Nymph,daughterofOcean,x.139.

Perse'phone:Goddess,wifeofHades,queenoverthedead,x.491,xi.47,etc.

Per'seus:SonofNestor,iii.414(nottobeconfusedwiththegorgonslayer).

Pha'ethon:OneoftheDawn'shorses,xxiii.246.

Phaethou'sa:Nymph,daughterofHeliosandNeaira,whotendedherfather'scattle,xii.132.

Phaia'kians:ThepeopleofAlkinoös,v.35,etc.

Phai'dimos:KingoftheSidonians,friendofMenelaos,iv.617.

Phaid'ra:HeroineseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.321.

Phais'tos:CityinCrete,iii.296.

Pha'ros:IslandoffEgyptwhereMenelaoscapturedProteus,iv.355.

Phe'ai:AplaceonthemainlandoppositeIthaka,xv.297.

Phei'don:KingofThesprotia,xiv.316.

Phe'mios:SonofTerpias,thesingerwhosangforthesuitors,i.154,etc.;hislifesparedbyOdysseus,xxii.331.

Phe'rai:(1)AplaceinThessaly,thehomeofEumelos,iv.798;(2)aplacebetweenPylosandSparta,thehomeofDiokles,iii.488.

Phe'res:SonofKretheusandTyro,xi.259.

Philoi'tios:TheoxherdwhoremainedloyaltoOdysseus,xx.185,etc.

Philokte'tes:AgreatheroandmasterbowmanoftheTrojanWar,iii.190;viii.219.

Philomele'ïdes:AwrestlerofLesbos,thrownbyOdysseus,iv.343.

Phoeni'cia,Phoeni'cians:Anationanditspeople,notedasseafarers,traders,andslave

traders,livingontheSyriancoast,iv.83;xiv.288,etc.

Phoi'bos:EpithetofApollo,iii.279,etc.

Phor'kys:Anoldmanofthesea,xiii.345;fatherofThoö'sa,i.72.

Phron'ios:FatherofNoëmon,ii.386,etc.

Phron'tis:SonofOnetor,thesteersmanofMenelaos,iii.282.

Phthi'a:ThehomeofAchilleus,xi.496.

Phy'lake:ThehomeofIphikles,xi.290;xv.236.

Phy'lakos:Ahero,possiblythesamepersonasIphikles,whoimprisonedMelampous,xv.231.

Phy'lo:HandmaidofHelen,iv.125.

Pie'ria:MountainousdistrictnearMountOlympos,v.50.

Plei'ades:Theconstellation,v.272.

Poi'as:FatherofPhiloktetes,iii.190.

Poli'tes:AcompanionofOdysseus,x.224.

Pol'ybos:(1)FatherofEurymachos,i.399;(2)manofEgyptianThebes,visitedbyMenelaosandHelen,iv.126;(3)craftsman,whomadeaballusedbythePhaiakians,viii.373;(4)suitor,xxii.243;killedbyEumaios,xxii.284.

Polydam'na:Egyptianlady,wifeofThon,whogaveHelenatranquilizingdrug,iv.228.

Polydeu'kes:SonofLedaandTyndareos,brotherofKastor(1),semi-immortalizedbyZeus,xi.298-304.

Polykas'te:YoungestdaughterofNestor,whogaveTelemachosabath,iii.464.

Polyk'tor:(1)BuilderofawellonIthaka,xvii.207;(2)fatherofPeisandros,xviii.299.

Polyne'os:FatherofAmphialos,viii.114.

Polype'mon:FatherofApheidas,xxiv.305.

Polyphei'des:SonofMantios,aprophet,fatherofTheoklymenos,xv.249-256.

Polyphe'mos:GreatestoftheCyclopes,sonofPoseidon,blindedbyOdysseus,i.70;ix.403,etc.

Polyther'ses:FatherofKtesippos,xxii.287.

Pon'teus:APhaiakian,viii.113.

Ponto'noös:HeraldofAlkinoös,vii.182,etc.

Posei'don:BrotherofZeus,lordofthesea,enemyofOdysseus,i.20,etc.;fatherofPolyphemos,i.68-73,etc.

Pramnei'anwine:Awineusedmedicinally,originunknown,x.235.

Pri'am:KingofTroy,iii.107,etc.

Prok'ris:HeroineseenbyOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.321.

Pro'reus:APhaiakian,viii.113.

Pro'teus:Theoldmanofthesea,iv.365-570.

Prym'neus:APhaiakian,i.112.

Psy'rios:IslandoffChios,iii.171.

Py'los:ThecityofNestoronthesouthwestcoastofGreece,i.93,etc.

Pyriphle'gethon:Ariverinthelandofthedead,x.513.

Py'tho:Apollo'ssanctuaryontheslopesofMountParnassos,viii.80;xi.581.

Rhadaman'thys:PresumablykingintheElysianField,iv.564.

Rhei'thron:HarboronIthaka,i.186.

Rhexe'nor:SonofNausithoös,fatherofArete,vii.63.

RovingRocks:LocatedneartheSirens,xii.61;xxiii.327.

Salmo'neus:FatherofTyro,xi.236.

Sam'eorSamos:Largeisland(laterKephallenia),nexttoIthakaandinthedomainofOdysseus,i.246,etc.

Sche'ria:ThelandofthePhaiakians,v.34,etc.

Sicilian:Usedofapeoplereferredtoasdealinginslaves,xx.383;provenenceofLaertes'slavewoman,xxiv.211,etc.(actually,thewordisSi'kelos,whichinGreekelsewherereferstoanativepeopleinSicily,orSike'lia).

Si'don,Sidon'ia:CityofthePhoenicians,xiii.286,etc.

Sika'nia:AplacereferredtobyOdysseus,perhapstobeidentifiedwithSicily,xxiv.307.

Sin'tians:FriendsofHephaistosinLemnos,whospokeanuncouthlanguage,viii.294.

Si'rens:Singing,dangerouscreaturesofthesea,xii.39,etc.

Sis'yphos:Herotormentedinthelandofthedead,condemnedtorollastoneforeveruphill,xi.593.

Skyl'la:Aman-eatingmonsterwhopreyedonOdysseus'men,xii.85;245,etc.

Sky'ros:IslandfromwhichOdysseusbroughtNeoptolemostoTroy,xi.509.

So'lymoi:ApeoplevisitedbyPoseidon,v.283.

Sou'nion:AseacapeofAttika,nearAthens,iii.278.

Spar'ta:ThecityofMenelaos,i.93,etc.

Stra'tios:AsonofNestor,iii.413.

Styx:Theriverorwaterfallbywhichthegodsswear,v.185;locatedinthelandofthedead,x.514.

Sy'ria:Anislandofuncertainlocation,theoriginalhomeofEumaios,xv.403.

Tan'talos:Herotormentedinthelandofthedead,xi.582.

Taph'ians:Apeople,notcertainlylocated,onornearthewesterncoastofGreece,i.105;xiv.452.

Taÿ'getos:AmountainrangeinLakedaimon,vi.103.

Teire'sias:Thebanseer,whoretainedhispowerseveninthelandofthedead,x.492,etc.;consultedbyOdysseusandforetellshisfuture,xi.90-137.

Tek'ton:FatherofPolyneos,viii.114.

Te'lamon:ThefatherofAias(1),xi.553.

Tele'machos:ThethoughtfulsonofOdysseusandPenelope,i.113,etc.

Te'lemos:ProphetoftheCyclopes,ix.509.

Te'lephos:FatherofEurypylos,xi.519.

Tele'pylos:CityoftheLaistrygones,x.82.

Te'mese:PlaceallegedtobeherdestinationbyAthenedisguisedasMentes,i.184.

Te'nedos:IslandoffAsiaMinor,nearTroy,iii.159.

Ter'pias:FatherofPhemios,xxii.330(buttheformofhisnameisuncertain).

Thebes:(1)CityofEgypt,iv.127;(2)cityoftheKadmeiansinBoiotia,xv.247,etc.

The'mis:Goddessofwhatisrightandproper,whosupervisestheassembliesofmen,ii.68.

Theokly'menos:Amanofpropheticfamily,fugitivefromArgos,befriendedbyTelemachos,xv.223,etc.(firstnamed,xv.256).

The'seus:GreatheroofAthens,whocarriedAriadneawayfromCrete,xi.322,etc.

Thespro'tians:Apeopleofthenorthwestmainland,xiv.315,etc.

The'tis:Nereid,marriedtoPeleus,motherofAchilleus,xxiv.91.

Tho'as:SonofAndraimon,heroatTroy,xiv.499.

Thon:Egyptian,husbandofPolydamna,iv.228.

Tho'ön:APhaiakian,viii.113.

Thoö'sa:Anymph,daughterofPhorkys,motherofPolyphemos,i.71.

Thrace:TerritorynorthofGreece,favoredhomeofAres,viii.361.

Thrsyme'des:SonofNestor,iii.39,etc.

Thrina'kia:TheislandofHelios,wherehissacredcattlewerepastured,xi.107;xii.127,etc.

Thyes'tes:FatherofAigisthos,iv.517.

Titho'nos:ThehusbandoftheDawn,v.1.

Ti'tyos:Aherotormentedinthelandofthedead,xi.576;mentioned,vii.324.

Tritogenei'a:AnameforAthene,iii,378.

Tro'jans:ThepeopleofTroy,i.237,etc.

Troy:ThedomainofPriam,whosecitywasIlion,i.2,etc.

Ty'deus:FatherofDiomedes,iii.167,etc.

Tynda'reos:FatherofKastorandPolydeukes,xi.298;ofKlytaimestra,xxiv.199.

Ty'ro:Afabulousqueen,ii.120;herghosttalkedwithOdysseusinthelandofthedead,xi.235.

Zakyn'thos:Largeisland,partofthedomainofOdysseus,i.246,etc.

Ze'thos:(1)SonofAntiope,andbuilder,withhisbrotherAmphion,ofThebes,xi.262;(2)fatherofItylos,xix.523.

Zeus:SonofKronos,mostpowerfulofthegods,i.10,etc.

AbouttheAuthor

RichmondLattimorewasbornin1906.HewasconsideredoneoftheleadingtranslatorsofGreekclassicalliterature.Hediedin1984.

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PraiseforRichmondLattimore’stranslationofTheOdysseyofHomer

“InthisOdysseyProfessorLattimorehasachievedhischef-d’oeuvreasatranslator.Studiedinretrospect,muchofhispreviousworktakesontheappearance,technicallyspeaking,ofprolegomenatothisdazzlingandwell-nighflawlessperformance…

“IntheOdysseyhehasfoundtheidealpoembothforhimselfandforhisaudience;andhehascometoitattheveryheightofhispowers….Hereisamasterinperfectcontrolofhismedium.Theapparenteasewithwhichhesurmountseveryproblem,theperfectbalancestruckandmaintainedbetweenvivid,fast-movingnarrativeandepicformality,therhythmicsubtleties,thefreshnessandvigouroflanguagedisplayedfromfirstpagetolast—allthesemakehisOdysseyalandmarkinthehistoryofmoderntranslation….

“Hehas,infact,comeaboutasnearasanymancouldtoconveying,inEnglish,theutterlyalienmovementandstructureofHomer’spoetry….

“Itwouldbeacrimetounderestimatethemiraculousandself-effacingartistrywithwhichProfessorLattimorehasreanimatedHomerforthisgeneration,andperhapsforothergenerationstocome.”

—TheTimes[London]LiterarySupplement

“ThemanyadmirersofRichmondLattimore’sIliadwillnotbedisappointedinhisOdyssey.HiscompleteHomerisindeedasplendidachievement,andIshallbeveryfarfrombeingaloneinregardingitasmuchthebesttranslationthereisofagreat,perhapsthegreatest,poem.”

—RexWarner,NewYorkTimesBookReview

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—PaulEngle

“RichmondLattimore’s…Odysseyishismasterpiece.Ithastheaccuracythattoomanytranslatorstaketobebeneaththemselves;theimagesareHomer’sown;andLattimoredoesnotpermithimselfflightsofhisownfancy.”

—WalterKaufman

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1ItmayseemunreasonabletodistinguishtheGreatWanderings(TroytoKalypso'sisland)fromtheHomecoming(Kalypso'sislandtoIthaka).ThereasonforthedistinctionisHomer'swayofrecountingthesetwostages.TheGreatWanderingsaretoldbyOdysseusinthefirstperson;theHomecomingbythepoetinhisownperson.Thismakesagreatdifference.Forinstance,whenOdysseusismadetoreportdivineinterventionunseenbyhim,hehastofindaplausibleexplanation(xii.389-390);whenthepoettellsthestoryinhisownperson,hecandoashepleases.Thusthechangeoftechnique,ifnothingelse,putsthetwostagesofwanderingondifferentlevels.

2SeeD.L.Page,TheHomericOdyssey(Oxford,1955),p.53;foracontraryview,G.S.Kirk,TheSongsofHomer(Cambridge,1962),pp.358-360.

3Ibelieveinonepoet.Theremayhavebeenmore.Havingsaidsomuch,Ishallhenceforthspeakof“thepoet.”Theremay,indeedtheremust,beinterpolatedlinesandpassages.Idonotknowwhichonestheyare.

4BytheNostoiImean,notthepost-HomericpoemcalledNostoiorreturns,buttheunderlyingmaterial,tracesofwhicharetobefoundintheOdysseyitself.

5Menelaosspeaksinthesamevein,iv.332-345.

6iii.180-192.Itisinterestingthatforalltheseheroes,exceptNestor,latervariantshadthemeithernotreachhomeatall(Neoptolemos)orelsewanderaftertheirhomecomings.BothDiomedesandIdomeneusbarelyescapedthefateofAgamemnon.ForNeoptolemos,seePindar,SixthPaean;forIdomeneus,seethelatecompilationofApollodorus,editedandtranslatedbyJ.A.Frazer(LondonandCambridge,Mass.,1921),vol.ii,p.249,andforPhiloctetes,p.257.ForDiomedes,seethematerialinH.J.Rose,AHandbookofGreekMythology(NewYork,1959),p.237.

7AccordingtoNestor,Odysseussetoffinhiscompany,butthenturnedbackwithsomeothers(who?howmany?)torejoinAgamemnon(iii.162-164).Odysseussaysnothingaboutthis;inhisownstoryhesimplysetsofffromIlionbyhimself,withhisowncontingent.Thereisnooutrightcontradiction;thereiscertainlyagap.

8HephaistosintheIliadalsohasautomatons;seeIliadXVIII.372-377;417-420.ButHephaistosisagod,andthePhaiakiansaremortalmen.

9FortheCyclopes,seeHesiod,Theogony,139-146;seefurtherthebriefandclearaccountofRose,op.cit.,p.22.

10ConvenientlysummarizedbyFrazerinanappendixtohistranslationofApollodorus(citedabove,note6),vol.ii,pp.404-455.

11Wemayinstancethewraths,againstOdysseusorotherAchaianheroes,ofHelios,i.9;xii.376;ofZeusandHelios,xix.276;ofZeus,iii.132,152,160,288;ix.38,552-555;xii.415;ofAthene,i.327;iii.135;iv.502;v.108.

12SeeKirk,op.cit.,pp.41-43.

13SeeW.W.Hyde,AncientGreekMariners(NewYork,1947),pp.72-96.Thisisanexcellentconciseaccountofidentifications,ancientandmodern,madeforsitesandlandmarksintheOdyssey.Itneeds,however,tobebroughtuptodate.

14ForSicily,seeThucydidesvi.2.1;forKorkyra,i.25.4.

15SeeBaedeker'sSouthernItaly(1912),p.410.

16SeeBaedeker'sGreece(1909),p.262.

17SeeJ.Boardman,TheGreeksOverseas(London,1964),pp.179-181.

18SeethechapterbyF.H.Stubbings,inWaceandStubbings,CompaniontoHomer(LondonandNewYork,1962),pp.398-421.

19“YouwillfindwhereOdysseuswandered,”saidtheAlexandriangeographerEratosthenes,“whenyoufindthecobblerwhostitchedthebagofthewinds.”SeeStrabo,Geographyi.2.15.

20Forarecentstatementanddefenseofthisview,seeG.deF.Lord,HomericRenaissance(NewHaven,1956).

21See,foroneinstanceoutofmany,xxii.413-416.

22SeePage,op.cit.,pp.101-130and,inparticularpp.112-114.

23See,forinstance,Kirk,op.cit.,p.96.

24Foracontraryviewsee,forinstance,D.B.Monro,Homer'sOdyssey(Oxford,1901),vol.2,pp.290-291.Monrocommentsonthe“markedfalling-offinthecharacterofthechiefactor.”

25ThisistheviewofPage,op.cit.,pp.158-159.

26ContrastthestorytoldbyOdysseustoEumaiosaboutwarriorsonnightpicketdutybeforeTroy,xiv.462-502.Thechillinessofthetaskisemphasized.

27OnthissubjectseeKirk,op.cit.,pp.293-297.

28ThewordsofHektortoAndromache,IliadVI.490-493arerepeatedtwiceintheOdyssey(i.356-359;xxi.350-353),andthelastlineandahalfatxi.352-353;butthe“fighting”oftheIliadpassageischangedeachtime.