The Visit to the Dead⁸⁸

“Then, when we had got down to the sea shore we drew our ship into the water and got her mast and sails into her; we also put the sheep on board and took our places, weeping and in great distress of mind. Circe, that great and cunning goddess, sent us a fair wind that blew dead aft and staid steadily with us keeping our sails all the time well filled; so we did whatever wanted doing to the ship’s gear and let her go as the wind and helmsman headed her. All day long her sails were full as she held her course over the sea, but when the sun went down and darkness was over all the earth, we got into the deep waters of the river Oceanus, where lie the land and city of the Cimmerians who live enshrouded in mist and darkness which the rays of the sun never pierce neither at his rising nor as he goes down again out of the heavens, but the poor wretches live in one long melancholy night. When we got there we beached the ship, took the sheep out of her, and went along by the waters of Oceanus till we came to the place of which Circe had told us.

“Then, when we reached the seashore, we pushed our ship into the water and loaded its mast and sails. We also brought the sheep aboard and took our places, weeping and deeply distressed. Circe, the great and cunning goddess, sent us a favorable wind that blew steadily from behind. The wind kept our sails full the whole time. So we tended to the ship’s gear and let the wind and helmsman guide the ship. All day long, the sails stayed full as the ship held its course across the sea. But when the sun set and darkness covered all the earth, we entered the deep waters of the river Oceanus. There lie the land and city of the Cimmerians, who live shrouded in mist and darkness. The sun’s rays never pierce the gloom, either at sunrise or when the sun sinks from the sky. Instead, those poor souls live in one long, sorrowful night. When we arrived, we beached the ship and unloaded the sheep. Then we walked beside the waters of Oceanus until we reached the place Circe had told us about.

“Here Perimedes and Eurylochus held the victims, while I drew my sword and dug the trench a cubit each way. I made a drink-offering to all the dead, first with honey and milk, then with wine, and thirdly with water, and I sprinkled white barley meal over the whole, praying earnestly to the poor feckless ghosts, and promising them that when I got back to Ithaca I would sacrifice a barren heifer for them, the best I had, and would load the pyre with good things. I also particularly promised that Teiresias should have a black sheep to himself, the best in all my flocks. When I had prayed sufficiently to the dead, I cut the throats of the two sheep and let the blood run into the trench, whereon the ghosts came trooping up from Erebus—brides,⁸⁹ young bachelors, old men worn out with toil, maids who had been crossed in love, and brave men who had been killed in battle, with their armour still smirched with blood; they came from every quarter and flitted round the trench with a strange kind of screaming sound that made me turn pale with fear. When I saw them coming I told the men to be quick and flay the carcasses of the two dead sheep and make burnt offerings of them, and at the same time to repeat prayers to Hades and to Proserpine; but I sat where I was with my sword drawn and would not let the poor feckless ghosts come near the blood till Teiresias should have answered my questions.

“Here Perimedes and Eurylochus held the animals for sacrifice while I drew my sword and dug the trench. It measured a cubit each way. I poured an offering to all the dead, first of honey and milk, then wine, and finally water. I sprinkled white barley meal over the whole offering and prayed earnestly to the poor, helpless ghosts. I promised that when I returned to Ithaca, I would sacrifice a barren heifer for them, the best I had. I would also load the funeral pyre with good things. I made a special promise that Teiresias would have a black sheep to himself, the best in all my flocks. When I had prayed enough to the dead, I cut the throats of the two sheep. I let their blood run into the trench. Then the ghosts came crowding up from Erebus. There were brides,⁸⁹ young unmarried men, old men worn out by hard work, and young women disappointed in love. There were also brave men killed in battle, their armour still stained with blood. The ghosts came from every direction and flitted around the trench. Their strange screams made me turn pale with fear. When I saw the ghosts coming, I told the men to quickly skin the two dead sheep. They were to burn the carcasses as offerings, while praying to Hades and Proserpine. But I stayed where I was with my sword drawn. I would not let the poor, helpless ghosts approach the blood until Teiresias had answered my questions.

“The first ghost that came was that of my comrade Elpenor, for he had not yet been laid beneath the earth. We had left his body unwaked and unburied in Circe’s house, for we had had too much else to do. I was very sorry for him, and cried when I saw him: ‘Elpenor,’ said I, ‘how did you come down here into this gloom and darkness? You have got here on foot quicker than I have with my ship.’

“The first ghost to appear was my comrade Elpenor’s, because he had not yet been buried. We had left his body at Circe’s house without a wake or burial, because we had too much else to do. I felt very sorry for him and cried when I saw him. ‘Elpenor,’ I said, ‘how did you come down here into this gloom and darkness? You got here on foot faster than I did in my ship.’

“‘Sir,’ he answered with a groan, ‘it was all bad luck, and my own unspeakable drunkenness. I was lying asleep on the top of Circe’s house, and never thought of coming down again by the great staircase but fell right off the roof and broke my neck, so my soul came down to the house of Hades. And now I beseech you by all those whom you have left behind you, though they are not here, by your wife, by the father who brought you up when you were a child, and by Telemachus who is the one hope of your house, do what I shall now ask you. I know that when you leave this limbo you will again hold your ship for the Aeaean island. Do not go thence leaving me unwaked and unburied behind you, or I may bring heaven’s anger upon you; but burn me with whatever armour I have, build a barrow for me on the sea shore, that may tell people in days to come what a poor unlucky fellow I was, and plant over my grave the oar I used to row with when I was yet alive and with my messmates.’ And I said, ‘My poor fellow, I will do all that you have asked of me.’

“‘Sir,’ he answered with a groan, ‘it was all bad luck and my own terrible drunkenness. I was asleep on the roof of Circe’s house. I never thought to come down by the main staircase. Instead, I fell straight off the roof and broke my neck, so my soul came down to the house of Hades. Now I beg you, in the name of everyone you left behind, though they are not here. I beg you by your wife, by the father who raised you, and by Telemachus, your household’s only hope. Do what I ask you now. I know that when you leave this realm of the dead, you will sail back to the Aeaean island. Do not leave the island without holding a wake for me and burying me. Otherwise, I may bring heaven’s anger upon you. Burn my body with whatever armour I have, and build a burial mound for me on the seashore. Let the mound tell people in years to come what a poor, unlucky man I was. Over my grave, plant the oar I used when I was still alive, rowing alongside my shipmates.’ And I said, ‘My poor friend, I will do all you have asked of me.’

“Thus, then, did we sit and hold sad talk with one another, I on the one side of the trench with my sword held over the blood, and the ghost of my comrade saying all this to me from the other side. Then came the ghost of my dead mother Anticlea, daughter to Autolycus. I had left her alive when I set out for Troy and was moved to tears when I saw her, but even so, for all my sorrow I would not let her come near the blood till I had asked my questions of Teiresias.

“So we sat and shared our sorrow. I sat on one side of the trench, holding my sword over the blood. My comrade’s ghost sat on the other side, telling me all this. Then came the ghost of my dead mother, Anticlea, daughter of Autolycus. She had been alive when I left for Troy, and I cried when I saw her. But even in all my sorrow, I would not let her near the blood until I had questioned Teiresias.

“Then came also the ghost of Theban Teiresias, with his golden sceptre in his hand. He knew me and said, ‘Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, why, poor man, have you left the light of day and come down to visit the dead in this sad place? Stand back from the trench and withdraw your sword that I may drink of the blood and answer your questions truly.’

“Then the ghost of Theban Teiresias also came, holding his golden sceptre. He recognized me and said, ‘Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, why have you left the daylight, you poor man? Why have you come down to visit the dead in this sad place? Step back from the trench and put away your sword so I can drink the blood and answer your questions truthfully.’

“So I drew back, and sheathed my sword, whereon when he had drank of the blood he began with his prophecy.

“So I stepped back and put my sword in its sheath. Then, after he drank the blood, he began his prophecy.

“‘You want to know,’ said he, ‘about your return home, but heaven will make this hard for you. I do not think that you will escape the eye of Neptune, who still nurses his bitter grudge against you for having blinded his son. Still, after much suffering you may get home if you can restrain yourself and your companions when your ship reaches the Thrinacian island, where you will find the sheep and cattle belonging to the sun, who sees and gives ear to everything. If you leave these flocks unharmed and think of nothing but of getting home, you may yet after much hardship reach Ithaca; but if you harm them, then I forewarn you of the destruction both of your ship and of your men. Even though you may yourself escape, you will return in bad plight after losing all your men, [in another man’s ship, and you will find trouble in your house, which will be overrun by high-handed people, who are devouring your substance under the pretext of paying court and making presents to your wife.

“‘You want to know about your return home,’ he said, ‘but heaven will make your journey hard. I do not think you will escape Neptune’s notice. He still holds a bitter grudge against you for blinding his son. Still, after much suffering, you may get home if you can control yourself and your companions. You must do so when your ship reaches the Thrinacian island. There you will find the sheep and cattle belonging to the sun, who sees and hears everything. If you leave these flocks unharmed and think only of getting home, you may still reach Ithaca after much hardship. But if you harm them, I warn you now that both your ship and your men will be destroyed. Even if you yourself escape, you will return in a miserable state after losing all your men, [in another man’s ship. And you will find trouble in your house. Your house will be overrun by arrogant people who are consuming your wealth. They will do so under the pretext of courting your wife and giving her presents.

“‘When you get home you will take your revenge on these suitors; and after you have killed them by force or fraud in your own house, you must take a well made oar and carry it on and on, till you come to a country where the people have never heard of the sea and do not even mix salt with their food, nor do they know anything about ships, and oars that are as the wings of a ship. I will give you this certain token which cannot escape your notice. A wayfarer will meet you and will say it must be a winnowing shovel that you have got upon your shoulder; on this you must fix the oar in the ground and sacrifice a ram, a bull, and a boar to Neptune.⁹⁰ Then go home and offer hecatombs to all the gods in heaven one after the other. As for yourself, death shall come to you from the sea, and your life shall ebb away very gently when you are full of years and peace of mind, and your people shall bless you. All that I have said will come true].’⁹¹

“‘When you get home, you will take your revenge on these suitors. After you have killed them by force or trickery in your own house, you must take a well-made oar. Carry it on and on until you reach a country where the people have never heard of the sea. They do not even mix salt with their food. They know nothing about ships or oars, which are like a ship’s wings. I will give you a clear sign that you cannot miss. A traveler will meet you and say that you must be carrying a winnowing shovel on your shoulder. When that happens, plant the oar in the ground and sacrifice a ram, a bull, and a boar to Neptune.⁹⁰ Then go home and offer sacrifices of a hundred cattle to all the gods in heaven, one after another. As for you, death will come to you from the sea. Your life will slip away very gently when you are old and at peace, and your people will bless you. Everything I have said will come true].’⁹¹

“‘This,’ I answered, ‘must be as it may please heaven, but tell me and tell me and tell me true, I see my poor mother’s ghost close by us; she is sitting by the blood without saying a word, and though I am her own son she does not remember me and speak to me; tell me, Sir, how I can make her know me.’

“‘This,’ I answered, ‘must be as heaven wishes. But tell me, tell me, tell me the truth. I see my poor mother’s ghost close beside us. She is sitting silently by the blood. Although I am her own son, she does not recognize me or speak to me. Tell me, sir, how I can make her recognize me.’

“‘That,’ said he, ‘I can soon do. Any ghost that you let taste of the blood will talk with you like a reasonable being, but if you do not let them have any blood they will go away again.’

“‘I can do that quickly,’ he said. ‘Any ghost you let taste the blood will talk with you like a reasonable person. But if you don't let a ghost taste any blood, the ghost will go away again.’

“On this the ghost of Teiresias went back to the house of Hades, for his prophecyings had now been spoken, but I sat still where I was until my mother came up and tasted the blood. Then she knew me at once and spoke fondly to me, saying, ‘My son, how did you come down to this abode of darkness while you are still alive? It is a hard thing for the living to see these places, for between us and them there are great and terrible waters, and there is Oceanus, which no man can cross on foot, but he must have a good ship to take him. Are you all this time trying to find your way home from Troy, and have you never yet got back to Ithaca nor seen your wife in your own house?’

“Then the ghost of Teiresias returned to the house of Hades, because he had finished speaking his prophecies. But I stayed seated where I was until my mother came up and tasted the blood. Then she recognized me at once and spoke lovingly to me, saying, ‘My son, how did you come down to this dark place while you are still alive? These places are hard for the living to reach, because vast and terrible waters separate us from them. There is also Oceanus, which no man can cross on foot. He must have a good ship to carry him across. Have you been trying all this time to find your way home from Troy? Have you still not returned to Ithaca or seen your wife in your own house?’

“‘Mother,’ said I, ‘I was forced to come here to consult the ghost of the Theban prophet Teiresias. I have never yet been near the Achaean land nor set foot on my native country, and I have had nothing but one long series of misfortunes from the very first day that I set out with Agamemnon for Ilius, the land of noble steeds, to fight the Trojans. But tell me, and tell me true, in what way did you die? Did you have a long illness, or did heaven vouchsafe you a gentle easy passage to eternity? Tell me also about my father, and the son whom I left behind me, is my property still in their hands, or has some one else got hold of it, who thinks that I shall not return to claim it? Tell me again what my wife intends doing, and in what mind she is; does she live with my son and guard my estate securely, or has she made the best match she could and married again?’

“‘Mother,’ I said, ‘I had to come here to consult the ghost of the Theban prophet Teiresias. I have not yet come near the Achaean land or set foot in my own country. I have suffered one misfortune after another since the very day I left with Agamemnon to fight the Trojans. We set out for Ilius, the land of noble horses. But tell me, and tell me truthfully, how did you die? Did you suffer a long illness, or did heaven grant you a gentle, easy passage into eternity? Tell me also about my father and the son I left behind. Is my property still in their hands? Or has someone else taken it, believing I will not return to claim it? Tell me, too, what my wife plans to do and how she feels. Does she live with my son and keep my estate safe? Or has she made the best match she could and married again?’

“My mother answered, ‘Your wife still remains in your house, but she is in great distress of mind and spends her whole time in tears both night and day. No one as yet has got possession of your fine property, and Telemachus still holds your lands undisturbed. He has to entertain largely, as of course he must, considering his position as a magistrate,⁹² and how every one invites him; your father remains at his old place in the country and never goes near the town. He has no comfortable bed nor bedding; in the winter he sleeps on the floor in front of the fire with the men and goes about all in rags, but in summer, when the warm weather comes on again, he lies out in the vineyard on a bed of vine leaves thrown any how upon the ground. He grieves continually about your never having come home, and suffers more and more as he grows older. As for my own end it was in this wise: heaven did not take me swiftly and painlessly in my own house, nor was I attacked by any illness such as those that generally wear people out and kill them, but my longing to know what you were doing and the force of my affection for you—this it was that was the death of me.’⁹³

“My mother answered, ‘Your wife still lives in your house, but she is deeply distressed. She spends all her time crying, both night and day. No one has yet taken possession of your fine property, and Telemachus still holds your lands undisturbed. He has to entertain many guests, as of course he must, given his position as a magistrate,⁹² and because everyone invites him. Your father stays at his old place in the country and never goes near the town. He has no comfortable bed or bedding. In winter, he sleeps on the floor in front of the fire with the men and wears nothing but rags. But in summer, when the warm weather returns, he sleeps outside in the vineyard. His bed is a pile of vine leaves thrown carelessly on the ground. He grieves constantly because you have never come home, and his suffering grows worse as he gets older. As for my own death, here is how it happened. Heaven did not take me quickly and painlessly in my own house. Nor did I suffer from any illness of the kind that usually wears people down and kills them. Instead, my longing to know what you were doing and my deep love for you caused my death.’⁹³

“Then I tried to find some way of embracing my poor mother’s ghost. Thrice I sprang towards her and tried to clasp her in my arms, but each time she flitted from my embrace as it were a dream or phantom, and being touched to the quick I said to her, ‘Mother, why do you not stay still when I would embrace you? If we could throw our arms around one another we might find sad comfort in the sharing of our sorrows even in the house of Hades; does Proserpine want to lay a still further load of grief upon me by mocking me with a phantom only?’

“Then I tried to find a way to embrace my poor mother’s ghost. Three times I sprang toward her and tried to hold her in my arms. But each time she slipped out of my embrace like a dream or phantom. Deeply hurt, I said to her, ‘Mother, why won’t you stay still when I try to embrace you? If we could put our arms around each other, we might find some sad comfort in sharing our sorrows. We might find that comfort even in the house of Hades. Does Proserpine want to add still more to my grief by mocking me with nothing but a phantom?’

“‘My son,’ she answered, ‘most ill-fated of all mankind, it is not Proserpine that is beguiling you, but all people are like this when they are dead. The sinews no longer hold the flesh and bones together; these perish in the fierceness of consuming fire as soon as life has left the body, and the soul flits away as though it were a dream. Now, however, go back to the light of day as soon as you can, and note all these things that you may tell them to your wife hereafter.’

“‘My son,’ she answered, ‘you are the most unfortunate of all people. Proserpine is not deceiving you. All people are like this when they are dead. The sinews no longer hold the flesh and bones together. As soon as life leaves the body, the fierce, consuming fire destroys the flesh and bones. The soul flits away as though it were a dream. But now, return to the light of day as soon as you can. Remember all these things so that you can tell your wife about them later.’

“Thus did we converse, and anon Proserpine sent up the ghosts of the wives and daughters of all the most famous men. They gathered in crowds about the blood, and I considered how I might question them severally. In the end I deemed that it would be best to draw the keen blade that hung by my sturdy thigh, and keep them from all drinking the blood at once. So they came up one after the other, and each one as I questioned her told me her race and lineage.

“We talked like this, and soon Proserpine sent up the ghosts of the wives and daughters of all the most famous men. The ghosts crowded around the blood, and I thought about how to question each woman separately. In the end, I decided it would be best to draw the sharp sword hanging by my strong thigh. With the sword, I would keep the ghosts from all drinking the blood at once. So the women approached one after another, and as I questioned each woman, she told me her ancestry and family line.

“The first I saw was Tyro. She was daughter of Salmoneus and wife of Cretheus the son of Aeolus.⁹⁴ She fell in love with the river Enipeus who is much the most beautiful river in the whole world. Once when she was taking a walk by his side as usual, Neptune, disguised as her lover, lay with her at the mouth of the river, and a huge blue wave arched itself like a mountain over them to hide both woman and god, whereon he loosed her virgin girdle and laid her in a deep slumber. When the god had accomplished the deed of love, he took her hand in his own and said, ‘Tyro, rejoice in all good will; the embraces of the gods are not fruitless, and you will have fine twins about this time twelve months. Take great care of them. I am Neptune, so now go home, but hold your tongue and do not tell any one.’

“The first woman I saw was Tyro. She was the daughter of Salmoneus and the wife of Cretheus, son of Aeolus.⁹⁴ She fell in love with the river Enipeus, by far the most beautiful river in the whole world. One day, while she was walking beside the river as usual, Neptune came disguised as her lover. He lay with her at the river’s mouth. A huge blue wave arched over them like a mountain to hide both the woman and the god. Then he loosened her virgin’s girdle and put her into a deep sleep. After making love to her, the god took her hand in his and said, ‘Tyro, be glad with all your heart. The embraces of the gods always produce children. About this time next year, you will have fine twins. Take great care of them. I am Neptune, so go home now, but keep quiet and do not tell anyone.’

“Then he dived under the sea, and she in due course bore Pelias and Neleus, who both of them served Jove with all their might. Pelias was a great breeder of sheep and lived in Iolcus, but the other lived in Pylos. The rest of her children were by Cretheus, namely, Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon, who was a mighty warrior and charioteer.

“Then he dived under the sea, and in time she gave birth to Pelias and Neleus. Both served Jove with all their might. Pelias bred many sheep and lived in Iolcus, but Neleus lived in Pylos. Her remaining children were fathered by Cretheus: Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon. Amythaon was a mighty warrior and charioteer.

“Next to her I saw Antiope, daughter to Asopus, who could boast of having slept in the arms of even Jove himself, and who bore him two sons Amphion and Zethus. These founded Thebes with its seven gates, and built a wall all round it; for strong though they were they could not hold Thebes till they had walled it.

“Next to her I saw Antiope, daughter of Asopus. She could boast of having slept in the arms of even Jove himself. She bore him two sons, Amphion and Zethus. They founded Thebes with its seven gates and built a wall all around the city. For although the brothers were strong, they could not hold Thebes until they had walled it.

“Then I saw Alcmena, the wife of Amphitryon, who also bore to Jove indomitable Hercules; and Megara who was daughter to great King Creon, and married the redoubtable son of Amphitryon.

“Then I saw Alcmena, the wife of Amphitryon. She also bore Jove a son, the unconquerable Hercules. And I saw Megara, daughter of the great King Creon, who married the fearsome son of Amphitryon.

“I also saw fair Epicaste mother of king Oedipodes whose awful lot it was to marry her own son without suspecting it. He married her after having killed his father, but the gods proclaimed the whole story to the world; whereon he remained king of Thebes, in great grief for the spite the gods had borne him; but Epicaste went to the house of the mighty jailor Hades, having hanged herself for grief, and the avenging spirits haunted him as for an outraged mother—to his ruing bitterly thereafter.

“I also saw beautiful Epicaste, mother of king Oedipodes. Her terrible fate was to marry her own son without knowing who he was. He married her after killing his father, but the gods revealed the whole story to the world. Afterward, he remained king of Thebes, grieving deeply over the gods’ malice toward him. But Epicaste went to the house of Hades, the mighty jailer, after hanging herself in grief. And the avenging spirits haunted Oedipodes as punishment for wronging his mother, bringing him bitter suffering afterward.

“Then I saw Chloris, whom Neleus married for her beauty, having given priceless presents for her. She was youngest daughter to Amphion son of Iasus and king of Minyan Orchomenus, and was Queen in Pylos. She bore Nestor, Chromius, and Periclymenus, and she also bore that marvellously lovely woman Pero, who was wooed by all the country round; but Neleus would only give her to him who should raid the cattle of Iphicles from the grazing grounds of Phylace, and this was a hard task. The only man who would undertake to raid them was a certain excellent seer,⁹⁵ but the will of heaven was against him, for the rangers of the cattle caught him and put him in prison; nevertheless when a full year had passed and the same season came round again, Iphicles set him at liberty, after he had expounded all the oracles of heaven. Thus, then, was the will of Jove accomplished.

“Then I saw Chloris, whom Neleus married for her beauty after giving priceless gifts for her. She was the youngest daughter of Amphion, son of Iasus and king of Minyan Orchomenus. She was Queen in Pylos. She bore Nestor, Chromius, and Periclymenus. She also bore the wonderfully beautiful Pero, whom men from all the surrounding country wanted to marry. But Neleus would give her only to a man who could steal Iphicles’ cattle from the pastures of Phylace. This was a hard task. The only man willing to attempt the raid was an excellent seer,⁹⁵ but heaven’s will was against him. The cattle guards caught him and put him in prison. Nevertheless, when a full year had passed and the same season returned, Iphicles freed the seer. The seer had explained all the oracles of heaven before his release. And so the will of Jove was fulfilled.

“And I saw Leda the wife of Tyndarus, who bore him two famous sons, Castor breaker of horses, and Pollux the mighty boxer. Both these heroes are lying under the earth, though they are still alive, for by a special dispensation of Jove, they die and come to life again, each one of them every other day throughout all time, and they have the rank of gods.

“And I saw Leda, the wife of Tyndarus. She bore him two famous sons, Castor the horse trainer and Pollux the mighty boxer. Both heroes lie beneath the earth, though they are still alive. For by Jove’s special permission, each dies and comes back to life every other day, forever. And both have the rank of gods.

“After her I saw Iphimedeia wife of Aloeus who boasted the embrace of Neptune. She bore two sons Otus and Ephialtes, but both were short lived. They were the finest children that were ever born in this world, and the best looking, Orion only excepted; for at nine years old they were nine fathoms high, and measured nine cubits round the chest. They threatened to make war with the gods in Olympus, and tried to set Mount Ossa on the top of Mount Olympus, and Mount Pelion on the top of Ossa, that they might scale heaven itself, and they would have done it too if they had been grown up, but Apollo, son of Leto, killed both of them, before they had got so much as a sign of hair upon their cheeks or chin.

“After her I saw Iphimedeia, wife of Aloeus, who boasted that she had slept with Neptune. She had two sons, Otus and Ephialtes, but neither lived long. They were the finest children ever born in this world, and the best looking, except for Orion. At nine years old, they stood nine fathoms tall and measured nine cubits around the chest. They threatened to wage war against the gods in Olympus. They tried to stack Mount Ossa on Mount Olympus, then Mount Pelion on Ossa, so they could climb into heaven itself. They would have succeeded, too, if they had been fully grown. But Apollo, son of Leto, killed them both before even a trace of hair appeared on their cheeks or chins.

“Then I saw Phaedra, and Procris, and fair Ariadne daughter of the magician Minos, whom Theseus was carrying off from Crete to Athens, but he did not enjoy her, for before he could do so Diana killed her in the island of Dia on account of what Bacchus had said against her.

“Then I saw Phaedra, Procris, and beautiful Ariadne, daughter of the magician Minos. Theseus was taking Ariadne away from Crete to Athens. But he never got to sleep with her, because Diana killed her before he could. Diana killed Ariadne on the island of Dia because of what Bacchus had said against her.

“I also saw Maera and Clymene and hateful Eriphyle, who sold her own husband for gold. But it would take me all night if I were to name every single one of the wives and daughters of heroes whom I saw, and it is time for me to go to bed, either on board ship with my crew, or here. As for my escort, heaven and yourselves will see to it.”

“I also saw Maera and Clymene and hateful Eriphyle, who sold her own husband for gold. But naming every wife and daughter of heroes I saw would take me all night. And now it is time for me to go to bed, either aboard ship with my crew or here. As for my escort, heaven and you will arrange that.”

Here he ended, and the guests sat all of them enthralled and speechless throughout the covered cloister. Then Arete said to them:—

He finished speaking, and all the guests throughout the covered walkway sat captivated and speechless. Then Arete said to them:

“What do you think of this man, O Phaeacians? Is he not tall and good looking, and is he not clever? True, he is my own guest, but all of you share in the distinction. Do not be in a hurry to send him away, nor niggardly in the presents you make to one who is in such great need, for heaven has blessed all of you with great abundance.”

“What do you think of this man, Phaeacians? Isn’t he tall and good-looking, and isn’t he clever? It’s true he is my own guest, but all of you share in the honor. Don’t rush to send him away or be stingy with your gifts to someone in such great need. For heaven has blessed all of you with great abundance.”

Then spoke the aged hero Echeneus who was one of the oldest men among them, “My friends,” said he, “what our august queen has just said to us is both reasonable and to the purpose, therefore be persuaded by it; but the decision whether in word or deed rests ultimately with King Alcinous.”

Then the old hero Echeneus, one of the oldest men among them, spoke. “My friends,” he said, “what our respected queen has just told us is reasonable and relevant. So let her words persuade you. But the final decision about what to say or do rests with King Alcinous.”

“The thing shall be done,” exclaimed Alcinous, “as surely as I still live and reign over the Phaeacians. Our guest is indeed very anxious to get home, still we must persuade him to remain with us until to-morrow, by which time I shall be able to get together the whole sum that I mean to give him. As regards his escort it will be a matter for you all, and mine above all others as the chief person among you.”

“It will be done,” exclaimed Alcinous, “as surely as I still live and rule over the Phaeacians. Our guest is very eager to get home, but we must persuade him to stay with us until tomorrow. By then, I can gather the full amount I intend to give him. Arranging his escort home will be everyone’s responsibility, but mine above all, as your leader.”

And Ulysses answered, “King Alcinous, if you were to bid me to stay here for a whole twelve months, and then speed me on my way, loaded with your noble gifts, I should obey you gladly and it would redound greatly to my advantage, for I should return fuller-handed to my own people, and should thus be more respected and beloved by all who see me when I get back to Ithaca.”

And Ulysses answered, “King Alcinous, suppose you asked me to stay here for a full twelve months. If you then sent me on my way with your generous gifts, I would gladly do as you asked. Staying would benefit me greatly, for I would return to my people with more gifts. So all who see me when I return to Ithaca would respect and love me more.”

“Ulysses,” replied Alcinous, “not one of us who sees you has any idea that you are a charlatan or a swindler. I know there are many people going about who tell such plausible stories that it is very hard to see through them, but there is a style about your language which assures me of your good disposition. Moreover you have told the story of your own misfortunes, and those of the Argives, as though you were a practiced bard; but tell me, and tell me true, whether you saw any of the mighty heroes who went to Troy at the same time with yourself, and perished there. The evenings are still at their longest, and it is not yet bed time—go on, therefore, with your divine story, for I could stay here listening till tomorrow morning, so long as you will continue to tell us of your adventures.”

“Ulysses,” Alcinous replied, “none of us who see you think you are a fraud or a cheat. I know many people go around telling stories so convincing that their lies are very hard to spot. But the way you speak assures me of your good character. You have also told us about your own suffering and the suffering of the Argives like a skilled bard. But tell me, and tell me truthfully, did you see any of the great heroes who died at Troy? I mean the heroes who went there at the same time as you. The evenings are still at their longest, and it is not yet bedtime. So go on with your wonderful story. I could sit here listening until tomorrow morning, as long as you keep telling us about your adventures.”

“Alcinous,” answered Ulysses, “there is a time for making speeches, and a time for going to bed; nevertheless, since you so desire, I will not refrain from telling you the still sadder tale of those of my comrades who did not fall fighting with the Trojans, but perished on their return, through the treachery of a wicked woman.

“Alcinous,” Ulysses answered, “there is a time for speeches and a time for bed. Still, since you want me to, I will tell you the even sadder story of some of my comrades. These men did not die fighting the Trojans. Instead, they died on their way home because of a wicked woman’s treachery.

“When Proserpine had dismissed the female ghosts in all directions, the ghost of Agamemnon son of Atreus came sadly up to me, surrounded by those who had perished with him in the house of Aegisthus. As soon as he had tasted the blood, he knew me, and weeping bitterly stretched out his arms towards me to embrace me; but he had no strength nor substance any more, and I too wept and pitied him as I beheld him. ‘How did you come by your death,’ said I, ‘King Agamemnon? Did Neptune raise his winds and waves against you when you were at sea, or did your enemies make an end of you on the main land when you were cattle-lifting or sheep-stealing, or while they were fighting in defence of their wives and city?’

“After Proserpine had sent the female ghosts away in all directions, the ghost of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, approached sadly. Around him were those who had died with him in the house of Aegisthus. As soon as he tasted the blood, he recognized me. Weeping bitterly, he reached out his arms to embrace me. But he no longer had any strength or a solid body. I too wept and felt pity as I looked at him. ‘How did you die, King Agamemnon?’ I asked. ‘Did Neptune send his winds and waves against you while you were at sea? Or did your enemies kill you on land while you were stealing cattle or sheep? Or were they fighting to defend their wives and city?’”

“‘Ulysses,’ he answered, ‘noble son of Laertes, I was not lost at sea in any storm of Neptune’s raising, nor did my foes despatch me upon the mainland, but Aegisthus and my wicked wife were the death of me between them. He asked me to his house, feasted me, and then butchered me most miserably as though I were a fat beast in a slaughter house, while all around me my comrades were slain like sheep or pigs for the wedding breakfast, or picnic, or gorgeous banquet of some great nobleman. You must have seen numbers of men killed either in a general engagement, or in single combat, but you never saw anything so truly pitiable as the way in which we fell in that cloister, with the mixing bowl and the loaded tables lying all about, and the ground reeking with our blood. I heard Priam’s daughter Cassandra scream as Clytemnestra killed her close beside me. I lay dying upon the earth with the sword in my body, and raised my hands to kill the slut of a murderess, but she slipped away from me; she would not even close my lips nor my eyes when I was dying, for there is nothing in this world so cruel and so shameless as a woman when she has fallen into such guilt as hers was. Fancy murdering her own husband! I thought I was going to be welcomed home by my children and my servants, but her abominable crime has brought disgrace on herself and all women who shall come after—even on the good ones.’

“‘Ulysses,’ he answered, ‘noble son of Laertes, I did not die at sea in any storm raised by Neptune. Nor did my enemies kill me on the mainland. Instead, Aegisthus and my wicked wife brought about my death together. He invited me to his house, gave me a feast, and then butchered me pitilessly, like a fattened animal in a slaughterhouse. All around me, my companions were killed like sheep or pigs for some great nobleman’s wedding breakfast, picnic, or lavish banquet. You must have seen many men killed, either in battle or in single combat. But you have never seen anything so pitiful as our deaths in that covered courtyard. The mixing bowl and tables loaded with food lay all around us, and the ground stank of our blood. I heard Priam’s daughter Cassandra scream as Clytemnestra killed her right beside me. I lay dying on the ground with the sword in my body. I raised my hands to kill that murderous slut, but she slipped away from me. She would not even close my lips or my eyes as I died. For nothing in this world is so cruel and shameless as a woman guilty of a crime like hers. Imagine murdering her own husband! I thought my children and servants would welcome me home. But her horrible crime has disgraced her and all women who come after her, even the good ones.’

“And I said, ‘In truth Jove has hated the house of Atreus from first to last in the matter of their women’s counsels. See how many of us fell for Helen’s sake, and now it seems that Clytemnestra hatched mischief against you too during your absence.’

“And I said, ‘Truly, Jove has always hated the house of Atreus because of their women’s advice. Look how many of us died for Helen’s sake. And now it seems Clytemnestra also plotted against you while you were away.’

“‘Be sure, therefore,’ continued Agamemnon, ‘and not be too friendly even with your own wife. Do not tell her all that you know perfectly well yourself. Tell her a part only, and keep your own counsel about the rest. Not that your wife, Ulysses, is likely to murder you, for Penelope is a very admirable woman, and has an excellent nature. We left her a young bride with an infant at her breast when we set out for Troy. This child no doubt is now grown up happily to man’s estate,⁹⁶ and he and his father will have a joyful meeting and embrace one another as it is right they should do, whereas my wicked wife did not even allow me the happiness of looking upon my son, but killed me ere I could do so. Furthermore I say—and lay my saying to your heart—do not tell people when you are bringing your ship to Ithaca, but steal a march upon them, for after all this there is no trusting women. But now tell me, and tell me true, can you give me any news of my son Orestes? Is he in Orchomenus, or at Pylos, or is he at Sparta with Menelaus—for I presume that he is still living.’

“‘So be careful,’ Agamemnon continued, ‘and do not be too friendly even with your own wife. Do not tell her everything you know so well yourself. Tell her only part, and keep the rest to yourself. Not that your wife, Ulysses, is likely to murder you. Penelope is a very admirable woman with an excellent character. When we left for Troy, she was a young bride with a baby at her breast. No doubt that child has now grown happily into a man.⁹⁶ Father and son will have a joyful reunion and embrace, as they should. But my wicked wife denied me even the happiness of seeing my son. She killed me before I could see him. And I tell you this too, so take my words to heart. Do not let people know when you are bringing your ship to Ithaca. Instead, arrive without warning, because after all this, women cannot be trusted. But now tell me, and tell me the truth. Can you give me any news of my son Orestes? Is he in Orchomenus, or at Pylos, or is he at Sparta with Menelaus? I ask because I presume he is still alive.’

“And I said, ‘Agamemnon, why do you ask me? I do not know whether your son is alive or dead, and it is not right to talk when one does not know.’

“And I said, ‘Agamemnon, why do you ask me? I don’t know whether your son is alive or dead. And it’s wrong to speak when you don’t know.’

“As we two sat weeping and talking thus sadly with one another the ghost of Achilles came up to us with Patroclus, Antilochus, and Ajax who was the finest and goodliest man of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus. The fleet descendant of Aeacus knew me and spoke piteously, saying, ‘Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, what deed of daring will you undertake next, that you venture down to the house of Hades among us silly dead, who are but the ghosts of them that can labour no more?’

“As the two of us sat weeping and talking sadly together, the ghost of Achilles approached us. With him were Patroclus, Antilochus, and Ajax. Ajax was the finest and most handsome of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus. The swift descendant of Aeacus recognized me and spoke sorrowfully. ‘Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, what daring deed will you attempt next? You have ventured down to the house of Hades among us helpless dead. We are only the ghosts of those who can no longer work.’

“And I said, ‘Achilles, son of Peleus, foremost champion of the Achaeans, I came to consult Teiresias, and see if he could advise me about my return home to Ithaca, for I have never yet been able to get near the Achaean land, nor to set foot in my own country, but have been in trouble all the time. As for you, Achilles, no one was ever yet so fortunate as you have been, nor ever will be, for you were adored by all us Argives as long as you were alive, and now that you are here you are a great prince among the dead. Do not, therefore, take it so much to heart even if you are dead.’

“And I said, ‘Achilles, son of Peleus, greatest champion of the Achaeans, I came to consult Teiresias. I wanted to see if he could advise me about returning home to Ithaca. For I have never yet managed to get near the Achaean land or set foot in my own country. Instead, I have been in trouble the whole time. As for you, Achilles, no one has ever been as fortunate as you, and no one ever will be. All of us Argives adored you while you were alive. And now that you are here, you are a great prince among the dead. So do not grieve so much, even if you are dead.’

“‘Say not a word,’ he answered, ‘in death’s favour; I would rather be a paid servant in a poor man’s house and be above ground than king of kings among the dead. But give me news about my son; is he gone to the wars and will he be a great soldier, or is this not so? Tell me also if you have heard anything about my father Peleus—does he still rule among the Myrmidons, or do they show him no respect throughout Hellas and Phthia now that he is old and his limbs fail him? Could I but stand by his side, in the light of day, with the same strength that I had when I killed the bravest of our foes upon the plain of Troy—could I but be as I then was and go even for a short time to my father’s house, any one who tried to do him violence or supersede him would soon rue it.’

“‘Don’t say a word in favor of death,’ he answered. ‘I would rather live as a paid servant in a poor man’s house than rule over kings among the dead. But give me news of my son. Has he gone to war, and will he be a great soldier, or not? Tell me also if you have heard anything about my father Peleus. Does he still rule among the Myrmidons? Or do people throughout Hellas and Phthia no longer respect him now that he is old and his limbs are weak? If only I could stand beside him in daylight, as strong as when I killed our bravest enemies outside Troy. If only I could have that strength again and go to my father’s house, even for a short time. Then anyone who tried to hurt him or take his place would soon regret it.’

“‘I have heard nothing,’ I answered, ‘of Peleus, but I can tell you all about your son Neoptolemus, for I took him in my own ship from Scyros with the Achaeans. In our councils of war before Troy he was always first to speak, and his judgement was unerring. Nestor and I were the only two who could surpass him; and when it came to fighting on the plain of Troy, he would never remain with the body of his men, but would dash on far in front, foremost of them all in valour. Many a man did he kill in battle—I cannot name every single one of those whom he slew while fighting on the side of the Argives, but will only say how he killed that valiant hero Eurypylus son of Telephus, who was the handsomest man I ever saw except Memnon; many others also of the Ceteians fell around him by reason of a woman’s bribes. Moreover, when all the bravest of the Argives went inside the horse that Epeus had made, and it was left to me to settle when we should either open the door of our ambuscade, or close it, though all the other leaders and chief men among the Danaans were drying their eyes and quaking in every limb, I never once saw him turn pale nor wipe a tear from his cheek; he was all the time urging me to break out from the horse—grasping the handle of his sword and his bronze-shod spear, and breathing fury against the foe. Yet when we had sacked the city of Priam he got his handsome share of the prize money and went on board (such is the fortune of war) without a wound upon him, neither from a thrown spear nor in close combat, for the rage of Mars is a matter of great chance.’

“‘I have heard nothing about Peleus,’ I answered, ‘but I can tell you all about your son Neoptolemus. I brought him from Scyros in my own ship with the Achaeans. In our war councils before Troy, he was always the first to speak, and his judgment was always sound. Only Nestor and I could surpass him. When we fought on the plain of Troy, he would never stay with the main body of his men. Instead, he rushed far ahead, the bravest of them all. He killed many men in battle. I cannot name everyone he killed while fighting for the Argives. I will only tell you that he killed the brave hero Eurypylus, son of Telephus. Eurypylus was the handsomest man I ever saw except Memnon. Many other Ceteians fell around Eurypylus because of a woman’s bribes. Then all the bravest Argives climbed inside the horse Epeus had built. I was left to decide when to open or close the door of our hiding place. All the other leaders and chief men among the Danaans were wiping their eyes and trembling all over. But I never once saw Neoptolemus turn pale or wipe a tear from his cheek. He kept urging me to break out of the horse. He gripped his sword’s handle and his bronze-tipped spear, filled with fury against the enemy. Yet after we had sacked Priam’s city, he received a generous share of the spoils and boarded the ship unwounded. Such is the fortune of war. Neither a thrown spear nor close combat had wounded him, for the fury of Mars strikes largely by chance.’

“When I had told him this, the ghost of Achilles strode off across a meadow full of asphodel, exulting over what I had said concerning the prowess of his son.

“After I told him this, Achilles’ ghost strode off across a meadow full of asphodel. He was overjoyed by what I had said about his son’s skill in battle.

“The ghosts of other dead men stood near me and told me each his own melancholy tale; but that of Ajax son of Telamon alone held aloof—still angry with me for having won the cause in our dispute about the armour of Achilles. Thetis had offered it as a prize, but the Trojan prisoners and Minerva were the judges. Would that I had never gained the day in such a contest, for it cost the life of Ajax, who was foremost of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus, alike in stature and prowess.

“The ghosts of other dead men stood near me, and each told me his own sad story. But the ghost of Ajax, son of Telamon, alone kept his distance. He was still angry because I had won our dispute over the armour of Achilles. Thetis had offered the armour as a prize, but the Trojan prisoners and Minerva were the judges. I wish I had never won that contest, because my victory cost Ajax his life. After the son of Peleus, Ajax was the greatest of all the Danaans in both size and skill in battle.

“When I saw him I tried to pacify him and said, ‘Ajax, will you not forget and forgive even in death, but must the judgement about that hateful armour still rankle with you? It cost us Argives dear enough to lose such a tower of strength as you were to us. We mourned you as much as we mourned Achilles son of Peleus himself, nor can the blame be laid on anything but on the spite which Jove bore against the Danaans, for it was this that made him counsel your destruction—come hither, therefore, bring your proud spirit into subjection, and hear what I can tell you.’

“When I saw him, I tried to calm him and said, ‘Ajax, won’t you forget and forgive, even in death? Must the decision about that hateful armour still torment you? We Argives paid dearly enough by losing you, such a source of strength to us. We mourned you as much as we mourned Achilles himself, son of Peleus. Nothing was to blame but Jove’s hatred of the Danaans. That hatred led him to plan your destruction. So come here, set aside your pride, and hear what I have to tell you.’

“He would not answer, but turned away to Erebus and to the other ghosts; nevertheless, I should have made him talk to me in spite of his being so angry, or I should have gone on talking to him,⁹⁷ only that there were still others among the dead whom I desired to see.

“He would not answer, but turned away toward Erebus and the other ghosts. Still, I would have made him talk to me despite his anger, or kept talking to him myself,⁹⁷ if there had not been others among the dead I still wanted to see.

“Then I saw Minos son of Jove with his golden sceptre in his hand sitting in judgement on the dead, and the ghosts were gathered sitting and standing round him in the spacious house of Hades, to learn his sentences upon them.

“Then I saw Minos, son of Jove, holding his golden sceptre and sitting in judgment over the dead. Ghosts sat and stood around him in the spacious house of Hades to hear his judgments on them.

“After him I saw huge Orion in a meadow full of asphodel driving the ghosts of the wild beasts that he had killed upon the mountains, and he had a great bronze club in his hand, unbreakable for ever and ever.

“After him I saw huge Orion in a meadow full of asphodel. He was driving the ghosts of wild beasts he had killed in the mountains. In his hand he held a great bronze club that could never, ever break.

“And I saw Tityus son of Gaia stretched upon the plain and covering some nine acres of ground. Two vultures on either side of him were digging their beaks into his liver, and he kept on trying to beat them off with his hands, but could not; for he had violated Jove’s mistress Leto as she was going through Panopeus on her way to Pytho.

“And I saw Tityus, son of Gaia, stretched out on the plain. His body covered some nine acres of ground. Two vultures, one on each side, were digging their beaks into his liver. He kept trying to beat them off with his hands, but he could not. This was because he had raped Jove’s mistress Leto as she passed through Panopeus on her way to Pytho.

“I saw also the dreadful fate of Tantalus, who stood in a lake that reached his chin; he was dying to quench his thirst, but could never reach the water, for whenever the poor creature stooped to drink, it dried up and vanished, so that there was nothing but dry ground—parched by the spite of heaven. There were tall trees, moreover, that shed their fruit over his head—pears, pomegranates, apples, sweet figs and juicy olives, but whenever the poor creature stretched out his hand to take some, the wind tossed the branches back again to the clouds.

“I also saw the dreadful fate of Tantalus, who stood in a lake with water up to his chin. He was desperate to quench his thirst, but he could never reach the water. Whenever the poor man bent down to drink, the water dried up and vanished. Only dry ground remained, parched by heaven’s spite. There were also tall trees with fruit hanging over his head: pears, pomegranates, apples, sweet figs and juicy olives. But whenever the poor man reached out to take some fruit, the wind tossed the branches back toward the clouds.

“And I saw Sisyphus at his endless task raising his prodigious stone with both his hands. With hands and feet he tried to roll it up to the top of the hill, but always, just before he could roll it over on to the other side, its weight would be too much for him, and the pitiless stone⁹⁸ would come thundering down again on to the plain. Then he would begin trying to push it up hill again, and the sweat ran off him and the steam rose after him.

“And I saw Sisyphus at his endless task, lifting his enormous stone with both hands. He used his hands and feet to try to roll the stone to the top of the hill. But always, just before he could roll the stone over the other side, its weight would overwhelm him. The merciless stone⁹⁸ would come thundering back down to the plain. Then he would start pushing the stone uphill again. Sweat poured off him, and steam rose behind him.

“After him I saw mighty Hercules, but it was his phantom only, for he is feasting ever with the immortal gods, and has lovely Hebe to wife, who is daughter of Jove and Juno. The ghosts were screaming round him like scared birds flying all whithers. He looked black as night with his bare bow in his hands and his arrow on the string, glaring around as though ever on the point of taking aim. About his breast there was a wondrous golden belt adorned in the most marvellous fashion with bears, wild boars, and lions with gleaming eyes; there was also war, battle, and death. The man who made that belt, do what he might, would never be able to make another like it. Hercules knew me at once when he saw me, and spoke piteously, saying, ‘My poor Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you too leading the same sorry kind of life that I did when I was above ground? I was son of Jove, but I went through an infinity of suffering, for I became bondsman to one who was far beneath me—a low fellow who set me all manner of labours. He once sent me here to fetch the hell-hound—for he did not think he could find anything harder for me than this, but I got the hound out of Hades and brought him to him, for Mercury and Minerva helped me.’

“After him I saw mighty Hercules, but only his ghost. Hercules himself feasts forever with the immortal gods. His wife is lovely Hebe, daughter of Jove and Juno. The ghosts screamed around him like frightened birds flying in all directions. He looked as dark as night, holding his uncovered bow with an arrow on the string. He glared around as though ready at any moment to take aim. Around his chest he wore a magnificent golden belt, decorated with extraordinary skill. It showed bears, wild boars, and lions with gleaming eyes, along with scenes of war, battle, and death. No matter how hard he tried, the man who made that belt could never make another like it. Hercules recognized me at once and spoke sorrowfully, saying, ‘My poor Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you too living the same miserable life I lived above ground? I was the son of Jove, but I suffered endlessly. I became a slave to someone far beneath me, a lowly man who gave me all kinds of tasks. He once sent me here to fetch the hell-hound, because he thought he could find no harder task for me. But I brought the hound out of Hades and took him to my master, because Mercury and Minerva helped me.’

“On this Hercules went down again into the house of Hades, but I stayed where I was in case some other of the mighty dead should come to me. And I should have seen still other of them that are gone before, whom I would fain have seen—Theseus and Pirithous—glorious children of the gods, but so many thousands of ghosts came round me and uttered such appalling cries, that I was panic stricken lest Proserpine should send up from the house of Hades the head of that awful monster Gorgon. On this I hastened back to my ship and ordered my men to go on board at once and loose the hawsers; so they embarked and took their places, whereon the ship went down the stream of the river Oceanus. We had to row at first, but presently a fair wind sprang up.

“Then Hercules went back down into the house of Hades, but I stayed where I was. I waited in case another of the mighty dead came to me. And I would have seen still others who had died before me, whom I longed to see: Theseus and Pirithous. They were glorious children of the gods. But so many thousands of ghosts surrounded me, crying out so horribly, that I was seized with panic. I feared Proserpine might send up the head of the terrifying monster Gorgon from the house of Hades. So I hurried back to my ship and ordered my men to board at once and untie the mooring ropes. The men boarded and took their places, and the ship headed downstream along the river Oceanus. We had to row at first, but soon a favorable wind sprang up.”