Ulysses Leaves Scheria and Returns to Ithaca

Thus did he speak, and they all held their peace throughout the covered cloister, enthralled by the charm of his story, till presently Alcinous began to speak.

He finished speaking, and everyone in the covered walkway remained silent, captivated by his story. After a while, Alcinous began to speak.

“Ulysses,” said he, “now that you have reached my house I doubt not you will get home without further misadventure no matter how much you have suffered in the past. To you others, however, who come here night after night to drink my choicest wine and listen to my bard, I would insist as follows. Our guest has already packed up the clothes, wrought gold,¹⁰⁸ and other valuables which you have brought for his acceptance; let us now, therefore, present him further, each one of us, with a large tripod and a cauldron. We will recoup ourselves by the levy of a general rate; for private individuals cannot be expected to bear the burden of such a handsome present.”

“Ulysses,” he said, “now that you have reached my house, I have no doubt you will get home without further trouble. This is so no matter how much you have suffered in the past. But I insist on the following from the rest of you. You come here night after night to drink my finest wine and listen to my bard. Our guest has already packed the clothes, worked gold,¹⁰⁸ and other valuables you have given him. So now let each of us also give him a large tripod and a cauldron. We will recover the cost through a tax on everyone. Private individuals cannot be expected to bear the cost of such a generous gift.”

Every one approved of this, and then they went home to bed each in his own abode. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they hurried down to the ship and brought their cauldrons with them. Alcinous went on board and saw everything so securely stowed under the ship’s benches that nothing could break adrift and injure the rowers. Then they went to the house of Alcinous to get dinner, and he sacrificed a bull for them in honour of Jove who is the lord of all. They set the steaks to grill and made an excellent dinner, after which the inspired bard, Demodocus, who was a favourite with every one, sang to them; but Ulysses kept on turning his eyes towards the sun, as though to hasten his setting, for he was longing to be on his way. As one who has been all day ploughing a fallow field with a couple of oxen keeps thinking about his supper and is glad when night comes that he may go and get it, for it is all his legs can do to carry him, even so did Ulysses rejoice when the sun went down, and he at once said to the Phaeacians, addressing himself more particularly to King Alcinous:

Everyone agreed, then went home to bed in their own houses. When rosy-fingered Dawn, the child of morning, appeared, they hurried down to the ship with their cauldrons. Alcinous went aboard and checked that everything was securely stowed beneath the ship’s benches. Nothing could break loose and injure the rowers. Then they went to Alcinous’s house for dinner. He sacrificed a bull for them in honour of Jove, the lord of all. They grilled the steaks and enjoyed an excellent dinner. Afterwards, the inspired bard Demodocus, whom everyone loved, sang to them. But Ulysses kept looking towards the sun, as though he could hurry its setting. He longed to be on his way. A man who has spent all day ploughing a fallow field with two oxen keeps thinking about his supper. He is glad when night comes and he can go home to eat, his legs barely able to carry him. Just as that man welcomes night, Ulysses rejoiced when the sun went down. He immediately spoke to the Phaeacians, directing his words especially to King Alcinous:

“Sir, and all of you, farewell. Make your drink-offerings and send me on my way rejoicing, for you have fulfilled my heart’s desire by giving me an escort, and making me presents, which heaven grant that I may turn to good account; may I find my admirable wife living in peace among friends,¹⁰⁹ and may you whom I leave behind me give satisfaction to your wives and children;¹¹⁰ may heaven vouchsafe you every good grace, and may no evil thing come among your people.”

“Sir, and all of you, farewell. Pour your drink-offerings and send me on my way rejoicing, because you have given me all I hoped for. You have provided an escort and gifts. May heaven grant that I put these gifts to good use. May I find my wonderful wife living in peace among friends,¹⁰⁹ and may you who remain bring happiness to your wives and children.¹¹⁰ May heaven bless you with every good thing, and may no evil come among your people.”

Thus did he speak. His hearers all of them approved his saying and agreed that he should have his escort inasmuch as he had spoken reasonably. Alcinous therefore said to his servant, “Pontonous, mix some wine and hand it round to everybody, that we may offer a prayer to father Jove, and speed our guest upon his way.”

That was what he said. Everyone listening approved of his words and agreed he should have an escort because he had spoken reasonably. So Alcinous said to his servant, “Pontonous, mix some wine and serve it to everyone. Then we can offer a prayer to father Jove and send our guest on his way.”

Pontonous mixed the wine and handed it to every one in turn; the others each from his own seat made a drink-offering to the blessed gods that live in heaven, but Ulysses rose and placed the double cup in the hands of queen Arete.

Pontonous mixed the wine and handed it to everyone in turn. From their seats, the others each poured a wine offering to the blessed gods who live in heaven. But Ulysses stood and placed the double cup in queen Arete’s hands.

“Farewell, queen,” said he, “henceforward and for ever, till age and death, the common lot of mankind, lay their hands upon you. I now take my leave; be happy in this house with your children, your people, and with king Alcinous.”

“Farewell, queen,” he said, “now and always, until old age and death come for you, as they do for everyone. I take my leave now. Be happy in this house with your children, your people, and king Alcinous.”

As he spoke he crossed the threshold, and Alcinous sent a man to conduct him to his ship and to the sea shore. Arete also sent some maidservants with him—one with a clean shirt and cloak, another to carry his strong box, and a third with corn and wine. When they got to the water side the crew took these things and put them on board, with all the meat and drink; but for Ulysses they spread a rug and a linen sheet on deck that he might sleep soundly in the stern of the ship. Then he too went on board and lay down without a word, but the crew took every man his place and loosed the hawser from the pierced stone to which it had been bound. Thereon, when they began rowing out to sea, Ulysses fell into a deep, sweet, and almost deathlike slumber.¹¹¹

As he spoke, he stepped through the doorway. Alcinous sent a man to guide him to his ship at the shore. Arete also sent some maidservants with him. One carried a clean shirt and cloak, another his strongbox, and a third grain and wine. When they reached the water, the crew loaded these things on board, along with all the food and drink. But for Ulysses, the crew spread a rug and a linen sheet on deck so he could sleep soundly at the stern. Then he too boarded the ship and lay down without a word. But each crew member took his place, and the crew untied the mooring rope from the hole in the stone. Then, as the crew began rowing out to sea, Ulysses fell into a deep, sweet sleep, almost like death.¹¹¹

The ship bounded forward on her way as a four in hand chariot flies over the course when the horses feel the whip. Her prow curvetted as it were the neck of a stallion, and a great wave of dark blue water seethed in her wake. She held steadily on her course, and even a falcon, swiftest of all birds, could not have kept pace with her. Thus, then, she cut her way through the water, carrying one who was as cunning as the gods, but who was now sleeping peacefully, forgetful of all that he had suffered both on the field of battle and by the waves of the weary sea.

The ship surged forward like a chariot racing down the track, its four horses feeling the whip. Her bow rose and dipped like a stallion’s neck, and a great wave of dark blue water churned behind her. She held steady on her course. Even a falcon, the swiftest of all birds, could not have kept up with her. So she cut through the water, carrying a man as cunning as the gods. But now he slept peacefully, forgetting all he had suffered in battle and on the waves of the exhausting sea.

When the bright star that heralds the approach of dawn began to show, the ship drew near to land.¹¹² Now there is in Ithaca a haven of the old merman Phorcys, which lies between two points that break the line of the sea and shut the harbour in. These shelter it from the storms of wind and sea that rage outside, so that, when once within it, a ship may lie without being even moored. At the head of this harbour there is a large olive tree, and at no great distance a fine overarching cavern sacred to the nymphs who are called Naiads.¹¹³ There are mixing bowls within it and wine-jars of stone, and the bees hive there. Moreover, there are great looms of stone on which the nymphs weave their robes of sea purple—very curious to see—and at all times there is water within it. It has two entrances, one facing North by which mortals can go down into the cave, while the other comes from the South and is more mysterious; mortals cannot possibly get in by it, it is the way taken by the gods.

As the bright star that signals dawn began to appear, the ship drew close to land.¹¹² In Ithaca there is a harbour belonging to the old merman Phorcys. It lies between two headlands that jut into the sea and enclose the harbour. These headlands shelter the harbour from the storms of wind and sea raging outside. Once inside, a ship can lie safely without even being moored. At the head of the harbour stands a large olive tree. Nearby is a beautiful cave with an arching roof, sacred to the nymphs called Naiads.¹¹³ Inside the cave are mixing bowls and stone wine jars, and bees make their hives there. There are also great stone looms where the nymphs weave their sea-purple robes, a remarkable sight. Water is always present in the cave. The cave has two entrances. One faces north, and mortals can use it to go down into the cave. The other faces south and is more mysterious. Mortals cannot enter by the southern entrance, for it is the way the gods take.

Into this harbour, then, they took their ship, for they knew the place.¹¹⁴ She had so much way upon her that she ran half her own length on to the shore;¹¹⁵ when, however, they had landed, the first thing they did was to lift Ulysses with his rug and linen sheet out of the ship, and lay him down upon the sand still fast asleep. Then they took out the presents which Minerva had persuaded the Phaeacians to give him when he was setting out on his voyage homewards. They put these all together by the root of the olive tree, away from the road, for fear some passer by¹¹⁶ might come and steal them before Ulysses awoke; and then they made the best of their way home again.

They brought their ship into this harbour because they knew the place.¹¹⁴ The ship had so much momentum that it slid half its length onto the shore.¹¹⁵ Once they landed, they first lifted Ulysses out of the ship with his rug and linen sheet. They laid him on the sand, still fast asleep. Then they unloaded the gifts Minerva had persuaded the Phaeacians to give him as he set off for home. They placed all the gifts together at the foot of the olive tree, away from the road. They feared some passerby¹¹⁶ might come and steal the gifts before Ulysses woke. Then they headed home as quickly as they could.

But Neptune did not forget the threats with which he had already threatened Ulysses, so he took counsel with Jove. “Father Jove,” said he, “I shall no longer be held in any sort of respect among you gods, if mortals like the Phaeacians, who are my own flesh and blood, show such small regard for me. I said I would let Ulysses get home when he had suffered sufficiently. I did not say that he should never get home at all, for I knew you had already nodded your head about it, and promised that he should do so; but now they have brought him in a ship fast asleep and have landed him in Ithaca after loading him with more magnificent presents of bronze, gold, and raiment than he would ever have brought back from Troy, if he had had his share of the spoil and got home without misadventure.”

But Neptune had not forgotten his earlier threats against Ulysses, so he consulted Jove. “Father Jove,” he said, “I will no longer have any respect among you gods if mortals treat me so lightly. Even the Phaeacians, my own flesh and blood, show me so little respect. I said I would let Ulysses get home once he had suffered enough. I did not say he would never get home at all. I knew you had already nodded your approval and promised he would return. But now the Phaeacians have carried him home in a ship while he was fast asleep. They have landed him in Ithaca, loaded with magnificent gifts of bronze, gold, and clothing. These gifts exceed anything he would have brought back from Troy with his share of the spoils and a trouble-free journey.”

And Jove answered, “What, O Lord of the Earthquake, are you talking about? The gods are by no means wanting in respect for you. It would be monstrous were they to insult one so old and honoured as you are. As regards mortals, however, if any of them is indulging in insolence and treating you disrespectfully, it will always rest with yourself to deal with him as you may think proper, so do just as you please.”

And Jove answered, “What are you talking about, Lord of the Earthquake? The gods certainly respect you. It would be outrageous for them to insult someone as old and honored as you are. As for mortals, if any of them behaves arrogantly and disrespects you, you can always deal with that person however you think best. So do just as you please.”

“I should have done so at once,” replied Neptune, “if I were not anxious to avoid anything that might displease you; now, therefore, I should like to wreck the Phaeacian ship as it is returning from its escort. This will stop them from escorting people in future; and I should also like to bury their city under a huge mountain.”

“I would have done so at once,” Neptune replied, “if I hadn't been worried about displeasing you. So now I would like to wreck the Phaeacian ship as it returns from escorting someone. Wrecking the ship will stop the Phaeacians from escorting people in the future. I would also like to bury their city under a huge mountain.”

“My good friend,” answered Jove, “I should recommend you at the very moment when the people from the city are watching the ship on her way, to turn it into a rock near the land and looking like a ship. This will astonish everybody, and you can then bury their city under the mountain.”

“My good friend,” Jove replied, “I suggest you wait until the people from the city are watching the ship approaching. At that very moment, turn the ship into a rock near the shore, still shaped like a ship. This transformation will astonish everyone, and then you can bury their city under the mountain.”

When earth-encircling Neptune heard this he went to Scheria where the Phaeacians live, and stayed there till the ship, which was making rapid way, had got close in. Then he went up to it, turned it into stone, and drove it down with the flat of his hand so as to root it in the ground. After this he went away.

When earth-encircling Neptune heard this, he went to Scheria, where the Phaeacians live. He waited there until the fast-moving ship came close. Then he approached the ship and turned it to stone. He pushed it down with the flat of his hand so that it was rooted in the ground. After that, he left.

The Phaeacians then began talking among themselves, and one would turn towards his neighbour, saying, “Bless my heart, who is it that can have rooted the ship in the sea just as she was getting into port? We could see the whole of her only a moment ago.”

The Phaeacians began talking among themselves. One would turn to his neighbor and say, “Good heavens, who could have fixed the ship in place at sea just as she was entering port? We could see the whole ship only a moment ago.”

This was how they talked, but they knew nothing about it; and Alcinous said, “I remember now the old prophecy of my father. He said that Neptune would be angry with us for taking every one so safely over the sea, and would one day wreck a Phaeacian ship as it was returning from an escort, and bury our city under a high mountain. This was what my old father used to say, and now it is all coming true.¹¹⁷ Now therefore let us all do as I say; in the first place we must leave off giving people escorts when they come here, and in the next let us sacrifice twelve picked bulls to Neptune that he may have mercy upon us, and not bury our city under the high mountain.” When the people heard this they were afraid and got ready the bulls.

That was what they said, but they knew nothing about it. Alcinous said, “Now I remember my father’s old prophecy. He said Neptune would be angry with us for carrying everyone so safely across the sea. One day, Neptune would wreck a Phaeacian ship as it returned from taking someone home. He would also bury our city under a high mountain. That was what my old father used to say, and now it is all coming true.¹¹⁷ So now let us all do as I say. First, we must stop taking people across the sea when they come here. Next, let us sacrifice twelve carefully chosen bulls to Neptune. Then he may have mercy on us and not bury our city under the high mountain.” When the people heard his words, they were afraid and prepared the bulls.

Thus did the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians pray to king Neptune, standing round his altar; and at the same time¹¹⁸ Ulysses woke up once more upon his own soil. He had been so long away that he did not know it again; moreover, Jove’s daughter Minerva had made it a foggy day, so that people might not know of his having come, and that she might tell him everything without either his wife or his fellow citizens and friends recognising him¹¹⁹ until he had taken his revenge upon the wicked suitors. Everything, therefore, seemed quite different to him—the long straight tracks, the harbours, the precipices, and the goodly trees, appeared all changed as he started up and looked upon his native land. So he smote his thighs with the flat of his hands and cried aloud despairingly.

So the Phaeacian chiefs and rulers prayed to king Neptune as they stood around his altar. At the same time¹¹⁸ Ulysses woke once more on his own soil. He had been away so long that he no longer recognized his homeland. Moreover, Jove’s daughter Minerva had made the day foggy so that people might not know he had returned. She also wanted to tell him everything without his wife, fellow citizens, or friends recognizing him¹¹⁹ before he took revenge on the wicked suitors. Everything therefore seemed quite different to him. The long, straight paths, the harbors, the cliffs, and the beautiful trees all seemed changed as he sprang up and looked around his homeland. So he slapped his thighs with his palms and cried out in despair.

“Alas,” he exclaimed, “among what manner of people am I fallen? Are they savage and uncivilised or hospitable and humane? Where shall I put all this treasure, and which way shall I go? I wish I had staid over there with the Phaeacians; or I could have gone to some other great chief who would have been good to me and given me an escort. As it is I do not know where to put my treasure, and I cannot leave it here for fear somebody else should get hold of it. In good truth the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians have not been dealing fairly by me, and have left me in the wrong country; they said they would take me back to Ithaca and they have not done so: may Jove the protector of suppliants chastise them, for he watches over everybody and punishes those who do wrong. Still, I suppose I must count my goods and see if the crew have gone off with any of them.”

“Oh no,” he cried. “What kind of people have I ended up among? Are they savage and uncivilized, or welcoming and humane? Where shall I put all this treasure, and where shall I go? I wish I had stayed there with the Phaeacians. Or I could have gone to some other great chief who would have treated me well and provided an escort. As things stand, I do not know where to put my treasure. And I cannot leave the treasure here for fear someone else might take it. The chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians have truly treated me unfairly and left me in the wrong country. They said they would take me back to Ithaca, but they have not done so. May Jove, the protector of those who ask for help, punish them. For he watches over everyone and punishes those who do wrong. Still, I suppose I must count my goods and see if the crew have taken any of them.”

He counted his goodly coppers and cauldrons, his gold and all his clothes, but there was nothing missing; still he kept grieving about not being in his own country, and wandered up and down by the shore of the sounding sea bewailing his hard fate. Then Minerva came up to him disguised as a young shepherd of delicate and princely mien, with a good cloak folded double about her shoulders; she had sandals on her comely feet and held a javelin in her hand. Ulysses was glad when he saw her, and went straight up to her.

He counted his fine copper vessels and cauldrons, his gold, and all his clothes, but nothing was missing. Still, he grieved because he was not in his own country. He wandered up and down the shore of the roaring sea, mourning his hard fate. Then Minerva approached him disguised as a young shepherd with delicate features and a princely bearing. She wore a fine cloak folded double around her shoulders, with sandals on her beautiful feet. She held a javelin in her hand. Ulysses was glad to see her and went straight up to her.

“My friend,” said he, “you are the first person whom I have met with in this country; I salute you, therefore, and beg you to be well disposed towards me. Protect these my goods, and myself too, for I embrace your knees and pray to you as though you were a god. Tell me, then, and tell me truly, what land and country is this? Who are its inhabitants? Am I on an island, or is this the sea board of some continent?”

“My friend,” he said, “you are the first person I have met in this country. So I greet you and ask you to treat me kindly. Protect my belongings and me too, for I clasp your knees and pray to you as though you were a god. Now tell me, and tell me truthfully, what land and country is this? Who lives here? Am I on an island, or is this the coast of a continent?”

Minerva answered, “Stranger, you must be very simple, or must have come from somewhere a long way off, not to know what country this is. It is a very celebrated place, and everybody knows it East and West. It is rugged and not a good driving country, but it is by no means a bad island for what there is of it. It grows any quantity of corn and also wine, for it is watered both by rain and dew; it breeds cattle also and goats; all kinds of timber grow here, and there are watering places where the water never runs dry; so, sir, the name of Ithaca is known even as far as Troy, which I understand to be a long way off from this Achaean country.”

Minerva answered, “Stranger, you must be very naive, or you must have come from far away. Otherwise, you would know what country this is. It is a very famous place, known to everyone in the East and West. The land is rugged and poor for driving, but for its size, the island is by no means bad. It produces plenty of grain and wine, since both rain and dew water the land. Cattle and goats are raised here too. All kinds of trees grow here, and there are watering places that never run dry. So, sir, the name of Ithaca is known even as far away as Troy. I understand Troy is a long way from this Achaean country.”

Ulysses was glad at finding himself, as Minerva told him, in his own country, and he began to answer, but he did not speak the truth, and made up a lying story in the instinctive wiliness of his heart.

Ulysses was glad to find himself in his own country, as Minerva had told him. He began to answer, but he did not tell the truth. Instead, his naturally cunning heart led him to make up a false story.

“I heard of Ithaca,” said he, “when I was in Crete beyond the seas, and now it seems I have reached it with all these treasures. I have left as much more behind me for my children, but am flying because I killed Orsilochus son of Idomeneus, the fleetest runner in Crete. I killed him because he wanted to rob me of the spoils I had got from Troy with so much trouble and danger both on the field of battle and by the waves of the weary sea; he said I had not served his father loyally at Troy as vassal, but had set myself up as an independent ruler, so I lay in wait for him with one of my followers by the road side, and speared him as he was coming into town from the country. It was a very dark night and nobody saw us; it was not known, therefore, that I had killed him, but as soon as I had done so I went to a ship and besought the owners, who were Phoenicians, to take me on board and set me in Pylos or in Elis where the Epeans rule, giving them as much spoil as satisfied them. They meant no guile, but the wind drove them off their course, and we sailed on till we came hither by night. It was all we could do to get inside the harbour, and none of us said a word about supper though we wanted it badly, but we all went on shore and lay down just as we were. I was very tired and fell asleep directly, so they took my goods out of the ship, and placed them beside me where I was lying upon the sand. Then they sailed away to Sidonia, and I was left here in great distress of mind.”

“I heard of Ithaca,” he said, “when I was in Crete across the sea. Now it seems I have reached Ithaca with all these treasures. I left just as much behind for my children, but I am fleeing because I killed Orsilochus, son of Idomeneus. He was the fastest runner in Crete. I killed him because he wanted to rob me of the spoils I had brought from Troy. I had gained those spoils through great hardship and danger, both in battle and on the exhausting sea journey. He said I had not served his father loyally at Troy as a vassal. Instead, he said, I had set myself up as an independent ruler. So one of my followers and I waited to ambush him beside the road. I killed him with a spear as he was coming into town from the countryside. It was a very dark night, and nobody saw us. So no one knew I had killed him. But as soon as I had done so, I went to a ship. I begged its Phoenician owners to take me aboard and leave me in Pylos or Elis, where the Epeans rule. I gave them enough of my spoils to satisfy them. They had no intention of deceiving me, but the wind drove them off course. We sailed on until we reached this place at night. We barely managed to enter the harbor. None of us mentioned supper, though we badly wanted it. Instead, we all went ashore and lay down just as we were. I was very tired and fell asleep at once. So the Phoenicians unloaded my goods and placed them beside me where I lay on the sand. Then they sailed away to Sidonia, leaving me here deeply distressed.”

Such was his story, but Minerva smiled and caressed him with her hand. Then she took the form of a woman, fair, stately, and wise, “He must be indeed a shifty lying fellow,” said she, “who could surpass you in all manner of craft even though you had a god for your antagonist. Dare devil that you are, full of guile, unwearying in deceit, can you not drop your tricks and your instinctive falsehood, even now that you are in your own country again? We will say no more, however, about this, for we can both of us deceive upon occasion—you are the most accomplished counsellor and orator among all mankind, while I for diplomacy and subtlety have no equal among the gods. Did you not know Jove’s daughter Minerva—me, who have been ever with you, who kept watch over you in all your troubles, and who made the Phaeacians take so great a liking to you? And now, again, I am come here to talk things over with you, and help you to hide the treasure I made the Phaeacians give you; I want to tell you about the troubles that await you in your own house; you have got to face them, but tell no one, neither man nor woman, that you have come home again. Bear everything, and put up with every man’s insolence, without a word.”

That was his story, but Minerva smiled and gently stroked him with her hand. Then she took the form of a beautiful, dignified, wise woman. “Anyone who could outsmart you in every kind of trickery would have to be a cunning liar,” she said. “Even a god would struggle against you. You daredevil, so full of schemes, never tired of deceiving! Can’t you give up your tricks and your instinct for lying, even now that you’re back in your own country? But let’s say no more about your tricks, since we can both deceive when we need to. You are the most skilled adviser and speaker among all mankind. And among the gods, I have no equal in diplomacy and cunning. Didn’t you recognize me, Minerva, Jove’s daughter? I have always been beside you, watching over you through all your troubles. I was the one who made the Phaeacians like you so much. “And now I’ve come again to talk things over and help you hide your treasure. I made the Phaeacians give you that treasure. I want to tell you about the troubles waiting for you in your own house. You must face those troubles, but tell no one, man or woman, that you have come home again. Bear everything, and endure every man’s insults without a word.”

And Ulysses answered, “A man, goddess, may know a great deal, but you are so constantly changing your appearance that when he meets you it is a hard matter for him to know whether it is you or not. This much, however, I know exceedingly well; you were very kind to me as long as we Achaeans were fighting before Troy, but from the day on which we went on board ship after having sacked the city of Priam, and heaven dispersed us—from that day, Minerva, I saw no more of you, and cannot ever remember your coming to my ship to help me in a difficulty; I had to wander on sick and sorry till the gods delivered me from evil and I reached the city of the Phaeacians, where you encouraged me and took me into the town.¹²⁰ And now, I beseech you in your father’s name, tell me the truth, for I do not believe I am really back in Ithaca. I am in some other country and you are mocking me and deceiving me in all you have been saying. Tell me then truly, have I really got back to my own country?”

And Ulysses answered, “A man may know a great deal, goddess, but you change your appearance so often. When he meets you, he has trouble knowing whether you are really yourself. But I know one thing very well. You were very kind to me as long as we Achaeans were fighting outside Troy. But then we boarded our ships after sacking the city of Priam, and heaven scattered us. From that day on, Minerva, I saw no more of you. I cannot remember you ever coming to my ship to help me out of trouble. I had to keep wandering, sick and miserable, until the gods freed me from suffering. Then I reached the city of the Phaeacians, where you encouraged me and led me into town.¹²⁰ And now, I beg you in your father’s name, tell me the truth. I do not believe I am really back in Ithaca. I am in some other country, and you are mocking and deceiving me with everything you have said. So tell me the truth. Have I really returned to my own country?”

“You are always taking something of that sort in your head,” replied Minerva, “and that is why I cannot desert you in your afflictions; you are so plausible, shrewd and shifty. Any one but yourself on returning from so long a voyage would at once have gone home to see his wife and children, but you do not seem to care about asking after them or hearing any news about them till you have exploited your wife, who remains at home vainly grieving for you, and having no peace night or day for the tears she sheds on your behalf. As for my not coming near you, I was never uneasy about you, for I was certain you would get back safely though you would lose all your men, and I did not wish to quarrel with my uncle Neptune, who never forgave you for having blinded his son.¹²¹ I will now, however, point out to you the lie of the land, and you will then perhaps believe me. This is the haven of the old merman Phorcys, and here is the olive tree that grows at the head of it; [near it is the cave sacred to the Naiads;¹²² here too is the overarching cavern in which you have offered many an acceptable hecatomb to the nymphs, and this is the wooded mountain Neritum.”

“You are always getting ideas like that,” replied Minerva, “and that is why I cannot abandon you in your troubles. You are so persuasive, clever, and cunning. Anyone but you, returning from such a long voyage, would have gone straight home to see his wife and children. But you seem unwilling to ask about them or hear any news until you have tested your wife. She stays at home, grieving for you in vain. She has no peace, night or day, because she sheds so many tears for you. “As for my staying away, I was never worried about you. I was certain you would return safely, though you would lose all your men. And I did not want to quarrel with my uncle Neptune, who never forgave you for blinding his son.¹²¹ But now I will show you the landscape, and then perhaps you will believe me. This is the harbor of the old merman Phorcys. Here is the olive tree growing at the head of the harbor. [Nearby is the cave sacred to the Naiads.¹²² Here too is the high, arching cavern where you have offered many a hecatomb, a sacrifice, pleasing to the nymphs. And this is the wooded mountain Neritum.”

As she spoke the goddess dispersed the mist and the land appeared. Then Ulysses rejoiced at finding himself again in his own land, and kissed the bounteous soil; he lifted up his hands and prayed to the nymphs, saying, “Naiad nymphs, daughters of Jove, I made sure that I was never again to see you, now therefore I greet you with all loving salutations, and I will bring you offerings as in the old days, if Jove’s redoubtable daughter will grant me life, and bring my son to manhood.”

As she spoke, the goddess cleared away the mist, and the land came into view. Ulysses rejoiced to find himself back in his own land and kissed the fertile soil. He raised his hands and prayed to the nymphs, saying, “Naiad nymphs, daughters of Jove, I was certain I would never see you again. Now I greet you with all my love. I will bring you offerings as I did before, if Jove’s mighty daughter lets me live and brings my son to manhood.”

“Take heart, and do not trouble yourself about that,” rejoined Minerva, “let us rather set about stowing your things at once in the cave, where they will be quite safe. Let us see how we can best manage it all.”

“Take heart, and don’t worry about that,” Minerva replied. “Instead, let’s start putting your things in the cave right away. Your things will be completely safe there. Let’s see how best to manage it all.”

Therewith she went down into the cave to look for the safest hiding places, while Ulysses brought up all the treasure of gold, bronze, and good clothing which the Phaeacians had given him. They stowed everything carefully away, and Minerva set a stone against the door of the cave. Then the two sat down by the root of the great olive, and consulted how to compass the destruction of the wicked suitors.

Then she went down into the cave to find the safest hiding places. Meanwhile, Ulysses brought up all the gold, bronze, and fine clothing the Phaeacians had given him. They carefully stored everything, and Minerva placed a stone against the cave entrance. Then the two sat down at the base of the great olive tree. There they planned how to destroy the wicked suitors.

“Ulysses,” said Minerva, “noble son of Laertes, think how you can lay hands on these disreputable people who have been lording it in your house these three years, courting your wife and making wedding presents to her, while she does nothing but lament your absence, giving hope and sending encouraging messages¹²³ to every one of them, but meaning the very opposite of all she says.”

“Ulysses,” said Minerva, “noble son of Laertes, think how you can capture these disgraceful men. They have been acting like masters in your house for three years. They have been courting your wife and giving her wedding presents. Meanwhile, she does nothing but mourn your absence. She gives hope and sends encouraging messages¹²³ to every one of them, but means the opposite of everything she says.”

And Ulysses answered, “In good truth, goddess, it seems I should have come to much the same bad end in my own house as Agamemnon did, if you had not given me such timely information. Advise me how I shall best avenge myself. Stand by my side and put your courage into my heart as on the day when we loosed Troy’s fair diadem from her brow. Help me now as you did then, and I will fight three hundred men, if you, goddess, will be with me.”

And Ulysses answered, “Truly, goddess, it seems I would have met much the same terrible end at home as Agamemnon did. That would have happened if you had not warned me in time. Tell me how best to take my revenge. Stand beside me and fill my heart with your courage, as you did when we stripped Troy of her beautiful crown. Help me now as you did then. I will fight three hundred men if you, goddess, are with me.”

“Trust me for that,” said she, “I will not lose sight of you when once we set about it, and I imagine that some of those who are devouring your substance will then bespatter the pavement with their blood and brains. I will begin by disguising you so that no human being shall know you; I will cover your body with wrinkles; you shall lose all your yellow hair; I will clothe you in a garment that shall fill all who see it with loathing; I will blear your fine eyes for you, and make you an unseemly object in the sight of the suitors, of your wife, and of the son whom you left behind you. Then go at once to the swineherd who is in charge of your pigs; he has been always well affected towards you, and is devoted to Penelope and your son; you will find him feeding his pigs near the rock that is called Raven¹²⁴ by the fountain Arethusa, where they are fattening on beechmast and spring water after their manner. Stay with him and find out how things are going, while I proceed to Sparta and see your son, who is with Menelaus at Lacedaemon, where he has gone to try and find out whether you are still alive.”¹²⁵

“Trust me on that,” she said. “Once we begin, I will not lose sight of you. I imagine some of those who are devouring your wealth will then splatter the floor with their blood and brains. I will start by disguising you so that no human being will recognize you. I will cover your body with wrinkles, and you will lose all your yellow hair. I will dress you in clothing that disgusts everyone who sees it. I will make your fine eyes bleary. You will look repulsive to the suitors, your wife, and the son you left behind. Then go straight to the swineherd who looks after your pigs. He has always been loyal to you and is devoted to Penelope and your son. You will find him feeding his pigs near the rock called Raven¹²⁴, by the fountain Arethusa. There the pigs are growing fat on beech nuts and spring water, as pigs do. Stay with him and find out how things are going. Meanwhile, I will go to Sparta to see your son, who is staying with Menelaus at Lacedaemon. Your son went there to try to find out whether you are still alive.”¹²⁵

“But why,” said Ulysses, “did you not tell him, for you knew all about it? Did you want him too to go sailing about amid all kinds of hardship while others are eating up his estate?”

“But why,” said Ulysses, “didn't you tell him? After all, you knew all about it. Did you want him too to sail around facing all kinds of hardship while others are using up his wealth?”

Minerva answered, “Never mind about him, I sent him that he might be well spoken of for having gone. He is in no sort of difficulty, but is staying quite comfortably with Menelaus, and is surrounded with abundance of every kind. The suitors have put out to sea and are lying in wait for him, for they mean to kill him before he can get home. I do not much think they will succeed, but rather that some of those who are now eating up your estate will first find a grave themselves.”

Minerva answered, “Don’t worry about him. I sent him so that people would speak well of him for making the journey. He is in no trouble at all and is staying comfortably with Menelaus, with plenty of everything. The suitors have gone out to sea and are waiting to ambush him. They intend to kill him before he can get home. I don’t think they are likely to succeed. Instead, I think some of those now eating up your estate will end up in their graves first.”

As she spoke Minerva touched him with her wand and covered him with wrinkles, took away all his yellow hair, and withered the flesh over his whole body; she bleared his eyes, which were naturally very fine ones; she changed his clothes and threw an old rag of a wrap about him, and a tunic, tattered, filthy, and begrimed with smoke; she also gave him an undressed deer skin as an outer garment, and furnished him with a staff and a wallet all in holes, with a twisted thong for him to sling it over his shoulder.

As she spoke, Minerva touched him with her wand and covered him with wrinkles. She took away all his golden hair and shriveled the flesh over his whole body. She clouded his eyes, though they were naturally very fine. She changed his clothes, throwing a ragged old cloak around him and dressing him in a torn, filthy, smoke-stained tunic. She also gave him an untanned deerskin to wear over his clothes, along with a staff and a bag full of holes. The bag had a twisted leather strap so he could sling it over his shoulder.

When the pair had thus laid their plans they parted, and the goddess went straight to Lacedaemon to fetch Telemachus.

After the two had made their plans, they parted. The goddess went straight to Lacedaemon to fetch Telemachus.