Ulysses in the Hut With Eumaeus

Ulysses now left the haven, and took the rough track up through the wooded country and over the crest of the mountain till he reached the place where Minerva had said that he would find the swineherd, who was the most thrifty servant he had. He found him sitting in front of his hut, which was by the yards that he had built on a site which could be seen from far. He had made them spacious¹²⁶ and fair to see, with a free run for the pigs all round them; he had built them during his master’s absence, of stones which he had gathered out of the ground, without saying anything to Penelope or Laertes, and he had fenced them on top with thorn bushes. Outside the yard he had run a strong fence of oaken posts, split, and set pretty close together, while inside he had built twelve styes near one another for the sows to lie in. There were fifty pigs wallowing in each stye, all of them breeding sows; but the boars slept outside and were much fewer in number, for the suitors kept on eating them, and the swineherd had to send them the best he had continually. There were three hundred and sixty boar pigs, and the herdsman’s four hounds, which were as fierce as wolves, slept always with them. The swineherd was at that moment cutting out a pair of sandals¹²⁷ from a good stout ox hide. Three of his men were out herding the pigs in one place or another, and he had sent the fourth to town with a boar that he had been forced to send the suitors that they might sacrifice it and have their fill of meat.

Ulysses now left the harbor and followed the rough track through the wooded country and over the mountain’s crest. He reached the place where Minerva had told him he would find the swineherd, his most careful and economical servant. He found the swineherd sitting in front of his hut, beside the yards he had built on a site visible from far away. He had made the yards spacious¹²⁶ and attractive, with room for the pigs to roam all around them. He had built them during his master’s absence, using stones he had gathered from the ground. He had said nothing about the work to Penelope or Laertes, and had topped the walls with thorn bushes. Outside the yard, he had put up a strong fence of split oak posts, set close together. Inside, he had built twelve pens close to one another for the sows to lie in. Fifty pigs wallowed in each pen, all of them breeding sows. But the boars slept outside and were far fewer, because the suitors kept eating them. The swineherd had to keep sending the suitors his best boars. There were three hundred and sixty boars. The swineherd’s four hounds, as fierce as wolves, always slept with the boars. At that moment, the swineherd was cutting out a pair of sandals¹²⁷ from a good, thick oxhide. Three of his men were out herding the pigs in various places. He had sent the fourth to town with a boar he had been forced to supply to the suitors. The suitors would sacrifice the boar and eat their fill of meat.

When the hounds saw Ulysses they set up a furious barking and flew at him, but Ulysses was cunning enough to sit down and loose his hold of the stick that he had in his hand: still, he would have been torn by them in his own homestead had not the swineherd dropped his ox hide, rushed full speed through the gate of the yard and driven the dogs off by shouting and throwing stones at them. Then he said to Ulysses, “Old man, the dogs were likely to have made short work of you, and then you would have got me into trouble. The gods have given me quite enough worries without that, for I have lost the best of masters, and am in continual grief on his account. I have to attend swine for other people to eat, while he, if he yet lives to see the light of day, is starving in some distant land. But come inside, and when you have had your fill of bread and wine, tell me where you come from, and all about your misfortunes.”

When the hounds saw Ulysses, they barked furiously and charged at him. But Ulysses had the sense to sit down and let go of the stick in his hand. Still, the dogs would have torn him apart on his own property if the swineherd had not come to help. The swineherd dropped his ox hide and rushed through the yard gate at full speed. He drove the dogs away by shouting and throwing stones at them. Then he said to Ulysses, “Old man, the dogs nearly killed you, and then you would have gotten me into trouble. The gods have given me quite enough worries already. I have lost the best of masters, and I grieve for him constantly. I have to tend pigs for other people to eat. Meanwhile, my master, if he is still alive, is starving in some distant land. But come inside. Once you have had your fill of bread and wine, tell me where you come from and all about your misfortunes.”

On this the swineherd led the way into the hut and bade him sit down. He strewed a good thick bed of rushes upon the floor, and on the top of this he threw the shaggy chamois skin—a great thick one—on which he used to sleep by night. Ulysses was pleased at being made thus welcome, and said “May Jove, sir, and the rest of the gods grant you your heart’s desire in return for the kind way in which you have received me.”

Then the swineherd led the way into the hut and invited him to sit down. He spread a thick bed of rushes on the floor. On top, he laid a shaggy chamois skin, a very thick one that he slept on at night. Ulysses was pleased by the warm welcome and said, “Sir, may Jove and the other gods grant you your heart’s desire in return for your kind welcome.”

To this you answered, O swineherd Eumaeus, “Stranger, though a still poorer man should come here, it would not be right for me to insult him, for all strangers and beggars are from Jove. You must take what you can get and be thankful, for servants live in fear when they have young lords for their masters; and this is my misfortune now, for heaven has hindered the return of him who would have been always good to me and given me something of my own—a house, a piece of land, a good looking wife, and all else that a liberal master allows a servant who has worked hard for him, and whose labour the gods have prospered as they have mine in the situation which I hold. If my master had grown old here he would have done great things by me, but he is gone, and I wish that Helen’s whole race were utterly destroyed, for she has been the death of many a good man. It was this matter that took my master to Ilius, the land of noble steeds, to fight the Trojans in the cause of king Agamemnon.”

You answered him, swineherd Eumaeus, “Stranger, even if a poorer man came here, I would have no right to insult him. All strangers and beggars come from Jove. You must take what you can get and be thankful. Servants live in fear when young lords are their masters, and that is my misfortune now. Heaven has kept my master from returning. He would always have treated me well and given me something of my own. He would have given me a house, some land, a good-looking wife, and everything else a generous master gives a hardworking servant. The gods have made my work prosper in my position here, just as they have for such a servant. If my master had grown old here, he would have done great things for me. But he is gone, and I wish Helen’s whole family were completely destroyed. She has caused the deaths of many good men. It was because of Helen that my master went to Ilius, the land of noble horses. He went to fight the Trojans for king Agamemnon.”

As he spoke he bound his girdle round him and went to the styes where the young sucking pigs were penned. He picked out two which he brought back with him and sacrificed. He singed them, cut them up, and spitted them; when the meat was cooked he brought it all in and set it before Ulysses, hot and still on the spit, whereon Ulysses sprinkled it over with white barley meal. The swineherd then mixed wine in a bowl of ivy-wood, and taking a seat opposite Ulysses told him to begin.

As he spoke, he tied his belt around his waist and went to the pens holding the young suckling pigs. He picked out two, brought them back, and sacrificed them. He singed them, cut them up, and put them on spits. When the meat was cooked, he brought it all inside and set it before Ulysses, still hot on the spits. Ulysses sprinkled the meat with white barley flour. The swineherd then mixed wine in an ivy-wood bowl. He sat down opposite Ulysses and told him to begin eating.

“Fall to, stranger,” said he, “on a dish of servant’s pork. The fat pigs have to go to the suitors, who eat them up without shame or scruple; but the blessed gods love not such shameful doings, and respect those who do what is lawful and right. Even the fierce freebooters who go raiding on other people’s land, and Jove gives them their spoil—even they, when they have filled their ships and got home again live conscience-stricken, and look fearfully for judgement; but some god seems to have told these people that Ulysses is dead and gone; they will not, therefore, go back to their own homes and make their offers of marriage in the usual way, but waste his estate by force, without fear or stint. Not a day or night comes out of heaven, but they sacrifice not one victim nor two only, and they take the run of his wine, for he was exceedingly rich. No other great man either in Ithaca or on the mainland is as rich as he was; he had as much as twenty men put together. I will tell you what he had. There are twelve herds of cattle upon the main land, and as many flocks of sheep, there are also twelve droves of pigs, while his own men and hired strangers feed him twelve widely spreading herds of goats. Here in Ithaca he runs even large flocks of goats on the far end of the island, and they are in the charge of excellent goat herds. Each one of these sends the suitors the best goat in the flock every day. As for myself, I am in charge of the pigs that you see here, and I have to keep picking out the best I have and sending it to them.”

“Help yourself, stranger,” he said, “to a serving of pork fit for a servant. The fat pigs have to go to the suitors, who eat them without shame or a second thought. But the blessed gods hate such shameful behavior and respect those who do what is lawful and right. Even ruthless pirates feel guilty after raiding other people’s lands and taking the plunder Jove grants them. Once they have filled their ships and returned home, they live in fear of judgment. But some god seems to have told these suitors that Ulysses is dead and gone. So the suitors refuse to return to their own homes and make their marriage proposals in the usual way. Instead, they use force to waste his wealth, without fear or restraint. Every day and night that heaven sends, they slaughter animals for sacrifice, not just one or two. They also help themselves freely to his wine, for he was enormously rich. No other great man in Ithaca or on the mainland is as rich as he was. He had as much wealth as twenty men put together. “I will tell you what he had. On the mainland, he has twelve herds of cattle and twelve flocks of sheep. He also has twelve herds of pigs. His own men and hired outsiders tend twelve herds of goats that graze over a wide area. Here in Ithaca, he also keeps large flocks of goats at the far end of the island. Excellent goatherds look after these flocks. Each goatherd sends the suitors the best goat in his flock every day. As for me, I look after the pigs you see here. I have to keep choosing my best pig and sending it to the suitors.”

This was his story, but Ulysses went on eating and drinking ravenously without a word, brooding his revenge. When he had eaten enough and was satisfied, the swineherd took the bowl from which he usually drank, filled it with wine, and gave it to Ulysses, who was pleased, and said as he took it in his hands, “My friend, who was this master of yours that bought you and paid for you, so rich and so powerful as you tell me? You say he perished in the cause of King Agamemnon; tell me who he was, in case I may have met with such a person. Jove and the other gods know, but I may be able to give you news of him, for I have travelled much.”

That was his story, but Ulysses kept eating and drinking greedily without a word, brooding over his revenge. When Ulysses had eaten enough and was satisfied, the swineherd took his usual drinking bowl and filled it with wine. He gave the bowl to Ulysses, who was pleased and said as he took it in his hands, “My friend, who was this master of yours who bought and paid for you? You say he was so rich and powerful. You say he died fighting for King Agamemnon. Tell me who he was, in case I have met such a man. Jove and the other gods know, but I may be able to give you news of him. I have traveled widely.”

Eumaeus answered, “Old man, no traveller who comes here with news will get Ulysses’ wife and son to believe his story. Nevertheless, tramps in want of a lodging keep coming with their mouths full of lies, and not a word of truth; every one who finds his way to Ithaca goes to my mistress and tells her falsehoods, whereon she takes them in, makes much of them, and asks them all manner of questions, crying all the time as women will when they have lost their husbands. And you too, old man, for a shirt and a cloak would doubtless make up a very pretty story. But the wolves and birds of prey have long since torn Ulysses to pieces, or the fishes of the sea have eaten him, and his bones are lying buried deep in sand upon some foreign shore; he is dead and gone, and a bad business it is for all his friends—for me especially; go where I may I shall never find so good a master, not even if I were to go home to my mother and father where I was bred and born. I do not so much care, however, about my parents now, though I should dearly like to see them again in my own country; it is the loss of Ulysses that grieves me most; I cannot speak of him without reverence though he is here no longer, for he was very fond of me, and took such care of me that wherever he may be I shall always honour his memory.”

Eumaeus answered, “Old man, no traveller bringing news here will get Ulysses’ wife and son to believe his story. Still, beggars looking for lodging keep coming, their mouths full of lies and not a word of truth. Everyone who reaches Ithaca goes to my mistress and tells her lies. Then she welcomes them, treats them well, and asks them all sorts of questions. She cries the whole time, as women do when they have lost their husbands. And you too, old man, would surely invent a fine story for a shirt and a cloak. But wolves and birds of prey have long since torn Ulysses to pieces, or fish have eaten him. His bones lie buried deep in the sand on some foreign shore. He is dead and gone, and his death is a terrible loss for all his friends, especially me. Wherever I go, I will never find such a good master. Not even if I went home to my mother and father, where I was born and raised. Still, I do not care so much about my parents now, though I would dearly love to see them again in my own country. Losing Ulysses grieves me most. I cannot speak of him without deep respect, though he is no longer here. He was very fond of me and took such good care of me. So wherever he may be, I will always honour his memory.”

“My friend,” replied Ulysses, “you are very positive, and very hard of belief about your master’s coming home again, nevertheless I will not merely say, but will swear, that he is coming. Do not give me anything for my news till he has actually come, you may then give me a shirt and cloak of good wear if you will. I am in great want, but I will not take anything at all till then, for I hate a man, even as I hate hell fire, who lets his poverty tempt him into lying. I swear by king Jove, by the rites of hospitality, and by that hearth of Ulysses to which I have now come, that all will surely happen as I have said it will. Ulysses will return in this self same year; with the end of this moon and the beginning of the next he will be here to do vengeance on all those who are ill treating his wife and son.”

“My friend,” Ulysses replied, “you are very sure of yourself and find it very hard to believe your master will return. Still, I will not just say he is coming. I will swear to it. Give me nothing for my news until he has actually returned. Then you may give me a durable shirt and cloak, if you wish. I am in great need, but I will take nothing until then. For I hate anyone who lets poverty tempt him to lie as much as I hate the fires of hell. I swear by king Jove, by the duties of hospitality, and by Ulysses’ hearth, where I have now arrived. Everything will happen exactly as I have said. Ulysses will return this very year. He will be here as this moon ends and the next begins. He will take revenge on all those who are mistreating his wife and son.”

To this you answered, O swineherd Eumaeus, “Old man, you will neither get paid for bringing good news, nor will Ulysses ever come home; drink your wine in peace, and let us talk about something else. Do not keep on reminding me of all this; it always pains me when any one speaks about my honoured master. As for your oath we will let it alone, but I only wish he may come, as do Penelope, his old father Laertes, and his son Telemachus. I am terribly unhappy too about this same boy of his; he was running up fast into manhood, and bade fare to be no worse man, face and figure, than his father, but some one, either god or man, has been unsettling his mind, so he has gone off to Pylos to try and get news of his father, and the suitors are lying in wait for him as he is coming home, in the hope of leaving the house of Arceisius without a name in Ithaca. But let us say no more about him, and leave him to be taken, or else to escape if the son of Saturn holds his hand over him to protect him. And now, old man, tell me your own story; tell me also, for I want to know, who you are and where you come from. Tell me of your town and parents, what manner of ship you came in, how crew brought you to Ithaca, and from what country they professed to come—for you cannot have come by land.”

You answered him, swineherd Eumaeus, “Old man, you will not be paid for bringing good news, and Ulysses will never come home. Drink your wine in peace, and let us talk about something else. Stop reminding me of all this. It always hurts when anyone speaks of my honored master. We will leave your oath aside. I only wish Ulysses would return, as do Penelope, his old father Laertes, and his son Telemachus. “I am terribly worried about his boy, too. He was quickly growing into a man. He seemed likely to be his father’s equal as a man, in looks and build. But someone, either a god or a human, has unsettled his mind. So he has gone to Pylos to seek news of his father. The suitors are waiting to ambush him on his way home. They hope to leave no one in Ithaca to carry on the name of the house of Arceisius. But let us say no more about Telemachus. We must leave him to be captured, or to escape if the son of Saturn protects him. “Now, old man, tell me your own story. I want to know who you are and where you come from. Tell me about your town and your parents. What kind of ship did you come in? How did its crew bring you to Ithaca, and what country did they claim to come from? You cannot have come by land.”

And Ulysses answered, “I will tell you all about it. If there were meat and wine enough, and we could stay here in the hut with nothing to do but to eat and drink while the others go to their work, I could easily talk on for a whole twelve months without ever finishing the story of the sorrows with which it has pleased heaven to visit me.

And Ulysses answered, “I will tell you all about it. If we had enough meat and wine, and could stay here in the hut doing nothing but eating and drinking while the others went to work, I could easily talk for twelve whole months. Even then, I would not finish telling you about all the sorrows heaven has seen fit to send me.

“I am by birth a Cretan; my father was a well to do man, who had many sons born in marriage, whereas I was the son of a slave whom he had purchased for a concubine; nevertheless, my father Castor son of Hylax (whose lineage I claim, and who was held in the highest honour among the Cretans for his wealth, prosperity, and the valour of his sons) put me on the same level with my brothers who had been born in wedlock. When, however, death took him to the house of Hades, his sons divided his estate and cast lots for their shares, but to me they gave a holding and little else; nevertheless, my valour enabled me to marry into a rich family, for I was not given to bragging, or shirking on the field of battle. It is all over now; still, if you look at the straw you can see what the ear was, for I have had trouble enough and to spare. Mars and Minerva made me doughty in war; when I had picked my men to surprise the enemy with an ambuscade I never gave death so much as a thought, but was the first to leap forward and spear all whom I could overtake. Such was I in battle, but I did not care about farm work, nor the frugal home life of those who would bring up children. My delight was in ships, fighting, javelins, and arrows—things that most men shudder to think of; but one man likes one thing and another another, and this was what I was most naturally inclined to. Before the Achaeans went to Troy, nine times was I in command of men and ships on foreign service, and I amassed much wealth. I had my pick of the spoil in the first instance, and much more was allotted to me later on.

“I am a Cretan by birth. My father was a wealthy man with many sons born within marriage. But my mother was a slave he had bought as a concubine. Even so, my father treated me as an equal to my brothers born within marriage. He was Castor, son of Hylax, and I claim his ancestry. The Cretans held him in the highest honor for his wealth, prosperity, and the courage of his sons. But when death took him to the house of Hades, his sons divided his estate and drew lots for shares. They gave me a plot of land and little else. Still, my courage allowed me to marry into a rich family. I was not one to boast or shrink from fighting on the battlefield. Those days are over now. Still, if you look at the straw, you can see what the head of grain once was. I have suffered more than enough hardship. Mars and Minerva made me brave in war. When I chose men to ambush the enemy, I never gave death a thought. Instead, I was the first to leap forward and spear everyone I could catch. That was how I fought, but I had no interest in farm work. Nor did I care for the simple, thrifty home life of people who wanted to raise children. I delighted in ships, fighting, javelins, and arrows, things most men shudder to think about. But different men like different things, and these were what I was naturally drawn to. Before the Achaeans went to Troy, I commanded men and ships on nine expeditions abroad and gained great wealth. I had first choice of the plunder, and much more was given to me afterward.

“My house grew apace and I became a great man among the Cretans, but when Jove counselled that terrible expedition, in which so many perished, the people required me and Idomeneus to lead their ships to Troy, and there was no way out of it, for they insisted on our doing so. There we fought for nine whole years, but in the tenth we sacked the city of Priam and sailed home again as heaven dispersed us. Then it was that Jove devised evil against me. I spent but one month happily with my children, wife, and property, and then I conceived the idea of making a descent on Egypt, so I fitted out a fine fleet and manned it. I had nine ships, and the people flocked to fill them. For six days I and my men made feast, and I found them many victims both for sacrifice to the gods and for themselves, but on the seventh day we went on board and set sail from Crete with a fair North wind behind us though we were going down a river. Nothing went ill with any of our ships, and we had no sickness on board, but sat where we were and let the ships go as the wind and steersmen took them. On the fifth day we reached the river Aegyptus; there I stationed my ships in the river, bidding my men stay by them and keep guard over them while I sent out scouts to reconnoitre from every point of vantage.

“My household prospered, and I became an important man among the Cretans. But then Jove called for that terrible expedition in which so many died. The people demanded that Idomeneus and I lead their ships to Troy. We had no choice, because the people insisted. We fought there for nine full years. In the tenth year, we sacked Priam’s city and sailed home, scattered by the will of heaven. That was when Jove planned trouble for me. I spent just one happy month with my children, my wife, and my possessions. Then I thought of raiding Egypt, so I prepared a fine fleet and gathered crews. I had nine ships, and people flocked to join them. For six days, my men and I feasted. I supplied plenty of animals both for sacrifices to the gods and for my men to eat. But on the seventh day, we boarded our ships and sailed from Crete. A favorable North wind blew behind us, though we were traveling down a river. None of our ships ran into trouble, and no one aboard fell ill. We stayed seated and let the wind and the steersmen guide the ships. On the fifth day, we reached the river Aegyptus. I stationed my ships in the river and ordered my men to stay beside them and guard them. Meanwhile, I sent scouts to survey the area from every vantage point.

“But the men disobeyed my orders, took to their own devices, and ravaged the land of the Egyptians, killing the men, and taking their wives and children captive. The alarm was soon carried to the city, and when they heard the war cry, the people came out at daybreak till the plain was filled with horsemen and foot soldiers and with the gleam of armour. Then Jove spread panic among my men, and they would no longer face the enemy, for they found themselves surrounded. The Egyptians killed many of us, and took the rest alive to do forced labour for them. Jove, however, put it in my mind to do thus—and I wish I had died then and there in Egypt instead, for there was much sorrow in store for me—I took off my helmet and shield and dropped my spear from my hand; then I went straight up to the king’s chariot, clasped his knees and kissed them, whereon he spared my life, bade me get into his chariot, and took me weeping to his own home. Many made at me with their ashen spears and tried to kill me in their fury, but the king protected me, for he feared the wrath of Jove the protector of strangers, who punishes those who do evil.

“But the men disobeyed my orders, did as they pleased, and plundered the land of the Egyptians. They killed the men and took their wives and children captive. News of the attack soon reached the city. When the people heard the war cry, they came out at daybreak. Soon the plain was filled with horsemen and foot soldiers, and their armour gleamed. Then Jove filled my men with panic. They would no longer face the enemy because they found themselves surrounded. The Egyptians killed many of us and captured the rest to use as forced labour. But Jove gave me an idea. I wish I had died then and there in Egypt instead, for much sorrow still lay ahead of me. I took off my helmet and shield and let my spear fall from my hand. Then I went straight to the king’s chariot, held his knees, and kissed them. At that, he spared my life, told me to get into his chariot, and took me weeping to his home. Many men rushed at me with spears made of ash wood and tried to kill me in their fury. But the king protected me because he feared the anger of Jove, the protector of strangers, who punishes wrongdoers.

“I stayed there for seven years and got together much money among the Egyptians, for they all gave me something; but when it was now going on for eight years there came a certain Phoenician, a cunning rascal, who had already committed all sorts of villainy, and this man talked me over into going with him to Phoenicia, where his house and his possessions lay. I stayed there for a whole twelve months, but at the end of that time when months and days had gone by till the same season had come round again, he set me on board a ship bound for Libya, on a pretence that I was to take a cargo along with him to that place, but really that he might sell me as a slave and take the money I fetched. I suspected his intention, but went on board with him, for I could not help it.

“I stayed there for seven years and collected a lot of money among the Egyptians, because they all gave me something. But as my eighth year began, a Phoenician arrived. He was a cunning scoundrel who had already committed all kinds of crimes. He persuaded me to go with him to Phoenicia, where he had his home and possessions. I stayed there for twelve full months. But when the months and days had passed and the same season came around again, he put me aboard a ship. The ship was bound for Libya. He pretended I was going to help him take a cargo there. But he really intended to sell me as a slave and keep the money he got for me. I suspected his plan, but I went aboard with him because I had no choice.

“The ship ran before a fresh North wind till we had reached the sea that lies between Crete and Libya; there, however, Jove counselled their destruction, for as soon as we were well out from Crete and could see nothing but sea and sky, he raised a black cloud over our ship and the sea grew dark beneath it. Then Jove let fly with his thunderbolts and the ship went round and round and was filled with fire and brimstone as the lightning struck it. The men fell all into the sea; they were carried about in the water round the ship looking like so many sea-gulls, but the god presently deprived them of all chance of getting home again. I was all dismayed. Jove, however, sent the ship’s mast within my reach, which saved my life, for I clung to it, and drifted before the fury of the gale. Nine days did I drift but in the darkness of the tenth night a great wave bore me on to the Thesprotian coast. There Pheidon king of the Thesprotians entertained me hospitably without charging me anything at all—for his son found me when I was nearly dead with cold and fatigue, whereon he raised me by the hand, took me to his father’s house and gave me clothes to wear.

“The ship sailed before a brisk North wind until we reached the sea between Crete and Libya. There, however, Jove planned their destruction. As soon as we were far from Crete, with only sea and sky in sight, he raised a black cloud over our ship. The sea grew dark beneath the cloud. Then Jove hurled his thunderbolts, and the ship spun around and around. As the lightning struck, the ship filled with fire and sulfur. All the men fell into the sea. The water carried them around the ship like so many sea-gulls. But soon the god took away all their chances of ever getting home again. I was filled with despair. Jove, however, brought the ship’s mast within my reach, saving my life. I clung to the mast and drifted before the raging gale. For nine days I drifted. But in the darkness of the tenth night, a great wave carried me onto the Thesprotian coast. There Pheidon, king of the Thesprotians, welcomed me generously and charged me nothing at all. His son had found me nearly dead from cold and exhaustion. He took my hand and helped me up, then brought me to his father’s house and gave me clothes.”

“There it was that I heard news of Ulysses, for the king told me he had entertained him, and shown him much hospitality while he was on his homeward journey. He showed me also the treasure of gold, and wrought iron that Ulysses had got together. There was enough to keep his family for ten generations, so much had he left in the house of king Pheidon. But the king said Ulysses had gone to Dodona that he might learn Jove’s mind from the god’s high oak tree, and know whether after so long an absence he should return to Ithaca openly, or in secret. Moreover the king swore in my presence, making drink-offerings in his own house as he did so, that the ship was by the water side, and the crew found, that should take him to his own country. He sent me off however before Ulysses returned, for there happened to be a Thesprotian ship sailing for the wheat-growing island of Dulichium, and he told those in charge of her to be sure and take me safely to King Acastus.

“There I heard news of Ulysses. The king told me he had welcomed Ulysses and treated him generously during his journey home. He also showed me the treasure of gold and worked iron that Ulysses had gathered. Ulysses had left enough in King Pheidon’s house to support his family for ten generations. But the king said Ulysses had gone to Dodona to learn Jove’s will from the god’s tall oak tree. Ulysses wanted to know whether, after so long away, he should return to Ithaca openly or in secret. The king also swore in my presence, while pouring drink-offerings in his own house, that the ship was by the shore. The crew had also been found to take Ulysses to his own country. However, the king sent me away before Ulysses returned. A Thesprotian ship happened to be sailing for the wheat-growing island of Dulichium. So he told those in charge of the ship to make sure they took me safely to King Acastus.

“These men hatched a plot against me that would have reduced me to the very extreme of misery, for when the ship had got some way out from land they resolved on selling me as a slave. They stripped me of the shirt and cloak that I was wearing, and gave me instead the tattered old clouts in which you now see me; then, towards nightfall, they reached the tilled lands of Ithaca, and there they bound me with a strong rope fast in the ship, while they went on shore to get supper by the sea side. But the gods soon undid my bonds for me, and having drawn my rags over my head I slid down the rudder into the sea, where I struck out and swam till I was well clear of them, and came ashore near a thick wood in which I lay concealed. They were very angry at my having escaped and went searching about for me, till at last they thought it was no further use and went back to their ship. The gods, having hidden me thus easily, then took me to a good man’s door—for it seems that I am not to die yet awhile.”

“These men plotted against me in a way that would have brought me the worst possible misery. Once the ship was some distance from land, they decided to sell me as a slave. They stripped off my shirt and cloak and gave me the tattered rags you see me wearing now. Then, near nightfall, they reached the farmland of Ithaca. There they tied me securely in the ship with a strong rope, while they went ashore to eat by the sea. But the gods soon loosened my ropes. I pulled my rags over my head and slid down the rudder into the sea. I swam until I was well clear of the men, then came ashore near a thick wood. I hid among the trees. The men were furious that I had escaped and searched for me. At last, they decided searching was no use and returned to their ship. After hiding me so easily, the gods brought me to a good man’s door. For it seems I am not to die just yet.”

To this you answered, O swineherd Eumaeus, “Poor unhappy stranger, I have found the story of your misfortunes extremely interesting, but that part about Ulysses is not right; and you will never get me to believe it. Why should a man like you go about telling lies in this way? I know all about the return of my master. The gods one and all of them detest him, or they would have taken him before Troy, or let him die with friends around him when the days of his fighting were done; for then the Achaeans would have built a mound over his ashes and his son would have been heir to his renown, but now the storm winds have spirited him away we know not whither.

You answered him, swineherd Eumaeus, “You poor, unhappy stranger, I have found the story of your troubles very interesting. But the part about Ulysses is not true, and you will never make me believe it. Why should a man like you go around telling lies like this? I know all about my master’s return. All the gods hate him. Otherwise, they would have let him die at Troy, or among friends once his fighting days were over. Then the Achaeans would have built a burial mound over his ashes, and his son would have inherited his fame. But now the storm winds have carried him away, and we do not know where.”

“As for me I live out of the way here with the pigs, and never go to the town unless when Penelope sends for me on the arrival of some news about Ulysses. Then they all sit round and ask questions, both those who grieve over the king’s absence, and those who rejoice at it because they can eat up his property without paying for it. For my own part I have never cared about asking anyone else since the time when I was taken in by an Aetolian, who had killed a man and come a long way till at last he reached my station, and I was very kind to him. He said he had seen Ulysses with Idomeneus among the Cretans, refitting his ships which had been damaged in a gale. He said Ulysses would return in the following summer or autumn with his men, and that he would bring back much wealth. And now you, you unfortunate old man, since fate has brought you to my door, do not try to flatter me in this way with vain hopes. It is not for any such reason that I shall treat you kindly, but only out of respect for Jove the god of hospitality, as fearing him and pitying you.”

“As for me, I live out here with the pigs, far from everyone else. I only go to town when news of Ulysses arrives and Penelope sends for me. Then they all sit around asking questions. Some grieve over the king’s absence. Others are glad he is gone because they can consume his wealth without paying for it. As for me, I have never bothered asking anyone else since an Aetolian fooled me. He had killed a man and traveled a long way before finally reaching my farm. I treated him very kindly. He said he had seen Ulysses with Idomeneus among the Cretans, repairing his ships after a violent storm damaged them. He said Ulysses would return with his men the following summer or autumn and bring back great wealth. And now you, you poor old man, fate has brought you to my door. Do not try to win me over with empty hopes like these. Such hopes are not why I will treat you kindly. I will do so only out of respect for Jove, the god of hospitality, because I fear him and pity you.”

Ulysses answered, “I see that you are of an unbelieving mind; I have given you my oath, and yet you will not credit me; let us then make a bargain, and call all the gods in heaven to witness it. If your master comes home, give me a cloak and shirt of good wear, and send me to Dulichium where I want to go; but if he does not come as I say he will, set your men on to me, and tell them to throw me from yonder precipice, as a warning to tramps not to go about the country telling lies.”

Ulysses answered, “I see you are not willing to believe me. I have sworn an oath, yet you still do not trust me. So let us make a bargain and call on all the gods in heaven to witness it. If your master comes home, give me a durable cloak and shirt. Then send me to Dulichium, where I want to go. But if he does not return as I say he will, order your men to attack me. Tell them to throw me off that cliff over there. Let my death warn tramps not to travel around the country telling lies.”

“And a pretty figure I should cut then,” replied Eumaeus, “both now and hereafter, if I were to kill you after receiving you into my hut and showing you hospitality. I should have to say my prayers in good earnest if I did; but it is just supper time and I hope my men will come in directly, that we may cook something savoury for supper.”

“And wouldn’t I look good then,” replied Eumaeus, “both now and in the future, if I killed you? Especially after welcoming you into my hut and treating you as a guest. I’d have to pray very earnestly if I did kill you. But it’s suppertime, and I hope my men come back soon so we can cook something tasty for supper.”

Thus did they converse, and presently the swineherds came up with the pigs, which were then shut up for the night in their styes, and a tremendous squealing they made as they were being driven into them. But Eumaeus called to his men and said, “Bring in the best pig you have, that I may sacrifice him for this stranger, and we will take toll of him ourselves. We have had trouble enough this long time feeding pigs, while others reap the fruit of our labour.”

As they talked, the swineherds arrived with the pigs and shut them in their pens for the night. The pigs squealed terribly as they were driven inside. But Eumaeus called to his men and said, “Bring in your best pig so I can sacrifice it for this stranger. We’ll have our share of it too. We’ve had more than enough trouble raising pigs all this time, while others enjoy the fruits of our work.”

On this he began chopping firewood, while the others brought in a fine fat five year old boar pig, and set it at the altar. Eumaeus did not forget the gods, for he was a man of good principles, so the first thing he did was to cut bristles from the pig’s face and throw them into the fire, praying to all the gods as he did so that Ulysses might return home again. Then he clubbed the pig with a billet of oak which he had kept back when he was chopping the firewood, and stunned it, while the others slaughtered and singed it. Then they cut it up, and Eumaeus began by putting raw pieces from each joint on to some of the fat; these he sprinkled with barley meal, and laid upon the embers; they cut the rest of the meat up small, put the pieces upon the spits and roasted them till they were done; when they had taken them off the spits they threw them on to the dresser in a heap. The swineherd, who was a most equitable man, then stood up to give every one his share. He made seven portions; one of these he set apart for Mercury the son of Maia and the nymphs, praying to them as he did so; the others he dealt out to the men man by man. He gave Ulysses some slices cut lengthways down the loin as a mark of especial honour, and Ulysses was much pleased. “I hope, Eumaeus,” said he, “that Jove will be as well disposed towards you as I am, for the respect you are showing to an outcast like myself.”

Then he began chopping firewood, while the others brought in a fine, fat, five-year-old boar and placed it at the altar. Eumaeus did not forget the gods, for he was a man of good principles. So first he cut bristles from the pig’s face and threw them into the fire. As he did so, he prayed to all the gods that Ulysses might return home again. Then he struck the pig with an oak log he had saved while chopping firewood. The blow stunned the pig, while the others slaughtered it and singed off its hair. Then they cut it up. Eumaeus first placed raw pieces from each joint on some of the fat. He sprinkled these offerings with barley meal and laid them on the embers. They cut the remaining meat into small pieces, put them on spits, and roasted them until done. Then they took the meat off the spits and piled it on the kitchen table. The swineherd, who was a very fair man, then stood up to give everyone a share. He divided the meat into seven portions. He set one aside for Mercury, the son of Maia, and the nymphs, praying to them as he did so. He handed out the other portions to the men, one by one. He gave Ulysses some slices cut lengthwise along the loin as a mark of special honor. Ulysses was very pleased. “I hope, Eumaeus,” he said, “that Jove will be as well disposed toward you as I am. You have shown such respect to an outcast like me.”

To this you answered, O swineherd Eumaeus, “Eat, my good fellow, and enjoy your supper, such as it is. God grants this, and withholds that, just as he thinks right, for he can do whatever he chooses.”

You answered, Eumaeus the swineherd, “Eat, my friend, and enjoy your supper, such as it is. God gives some things and withholds others, just as he thinks right, because he can do whatever he chooses.”

As he spoke he cut off the first piece and offered it as a burnt sacrifice to the immortal gods; then he made them a drink-offering, put the cup in the hands of Ulysses, and sat down to his own portion. Mesaulius brought them their bread; the swineherd had brought this man on his own account from among the Taphians during his master’s absence, and had paid for him with his own money without saying anything either to his mistress or Laertes. They then laid their hands upon the good things that were before them, and when they had had enough to eat and drink, Mesaulius took away what was left of the bread, and they all went to bed after having made a hearty supper.

As he spoke, he cut off the first piece and burned it as an offering to the immortal gods. Then he poured a drink offering to the gods, handed the cup to Ulysses, and sat down to eat his portion. Mesaulius brought them bread. The swineherd had bought Mesaulius from the Taphians while his master was away, paying with his own money. He had done this without telling either his mistress or Laertes. Then they began to eat the good food before them. When they had eaten and drunk enough, Mesaulius cleared away the leftover bread. After their hearty supper, they all went to bed.

Now the night came on stormy and very dark, for there was no moon. It poured without ceasing, and the wind blew strong from the West, which is a wet quarter, so Ulysses thought he would see whether Eumaeus, in the excellent care he took of him, would take off his own cloak and give it him, or make one of his men give him one. “Listen to me,” said he, “Eumaeus and the rest of you; when I have said a prayer I will tell you something. It is the wine that makes me talk in this way; wine will make even a wise man fall to singing; it will make him chuckle and dance and say many a word that he had better leave unspoken; still, as I have begun, I will go on. Would that I were still young and strong as when we got up an ambuscade before Troy. Menelaus and Ulysses were the leaders, but I was in command also, for the other two would have it so. When we had come up to the wall of the city we crouched down beneath our armour and lay there under cover of the reeds and thick brushwood that grew about the swamp. It came on to freeze with a North wind blowing; the snow fell small and fine like hoar frost, and our shields were coated thick with rime. The others had all got cloaks and shirts, and slept comfortably enough with their shields about their shoulders, but I had carelessly left my cloak behind me, not thinking that I should be too cold, and had gone off in nothing but my shirt and shield. When the night was two-thirds through and the stars had shifted their places, I nudged Ulysses who was close to me with my elbow, and he at once gave me his ear.

Night came, stormy and very dark, because there was no moon. Rain poured without stopping, and a strong wind blew from the West, bringing wet weather. Eumaeus had been taking excellent care of Ulysses, so Ulysses decided to test his kindness. Would Eumaeus take off his own cloak and give it to him, or make one of his men provide one? “Listen to me,” he said, “Eumaeus and all the rest of you. After I say a prayer, I will tell you something. The wine makes me talk like this. Wine can make even a wise man start singing. It can make him chuckle and dance, and say many things he would be better off leaving unsaid. Still, since I have started, I will go on. I wish I were still as young and strong as when we set up an ambush outside Troy. Menelaus and Ulysses led us, but I was also in command because the other two insisted on it. When we reached the city wall, we crouched beneath our armour. We lay hidden among the reeds and thick brush growing around the swamp. The weather turned freezing, with a North wind blowing. Snow fell in tiny, fine flakes like frost, and our shields grew thick with frost. All the others had cloaks and shirts. They slept comfortably enough with their shields covering their shoulders. But I had carelessly left my cloak behind, not thinking I would get too cold. I had set out wearing only my shirt and shield. When two-thirds of the night had passed and the stars had shifted, I nudged Ulysses beside me with my elbow. He immediately turned his attention to me.

“‘Ulysses,’ said I, ‘this cold will be the death of me, for I have no cloak; some god fooled me into setting off with nothing on but my shirt, and I do not know what to do.’

“‘Ulysses,’ I said, ‘this cold will kill me because I have no cloak. Some god fooled me into setting off wearing nothing but my shirt, and I don’t know what to do.’

“Ulysses, who was as crafty as he was valiant, hit upon the following plan:

“Ulysses, who was as clever as he was brave, came up with the following plan:

“‘Keep still,’ said he in a low voice, ‘or the others will hear you.’ Then he raised his head on his elbow.

“‘Be quiet,’ he said softly, ‘or the others will hear you.’ Then he lifted his head, propping himself up on his elbow.

“‘My friends,’ said he, ‘I have had a dream from heaven in my sleep. We are a long way from the ships; I wish some one would go down and tell Agamemnon to send us up more men at once.’

“‘My friends,’ he said, ‘I had a dream from heaven while I slept. We are a long way from the ships. I wish someone would go down and tell Agamemnon to send us more men right away.’

“On this Thoas son of Andraemon threw off his cloak and set out running to the ships, whereon I took the cloak and lay in it comfortably enough till morning. Would that I were still young and strong as I was in those days, for then some one of you swineherds would give me a cloak both out of good will and for the respect due to a brave soldier; but now people look down upon me because my clothes are shabby.”

“At this, Thoas son of Andraemon threw off his cloak and ran to the ships. Then I took the cloak and lay wrapped in it, comfortable enough until morning. I wish I were still as young and strong as I was in those days. Then one of you swineherds would give me a cloak, both out of kindness and respect for a brave soldier. But now people look down on me because my clothes are shabby.”

And Eumaeus answered, “Old man, you have told us an excellent story, and have said nothing so far but what is quite satisfactory; for the present, therefore, you shall want neither clothing nor anything else that a stranger in distress may reasonably expect, but to-morrow morning you have to shake your own old rags about your body again, for we have not many spare cloaks nor shirts up here, but every man has only one. When Ulysses’ son comes home again he will give you both cloak and shirt, and send you wherever you may want to go.”

And Eumaeus answered, “Old man, you have told us an excellent story. Everything you have said so far has been quite satisfactory. So for now, you shall have clothing and anything else a stranger in distress may reasonably expect. But tomorrow morning you must wrap yourself in your own old rags again. We have few spare cloaks or shirts here, because each man has only one of each. When Ulysses’ son comes home again, he will give you both a cloak and a shirt. He will also send you wherever you want to go.”

With this he got up and made a bed for Ulysses by throwing some goatskins and sheepskins on the ground in front of the fire. Here Ulysses lay down, and Eumaeus covered him over with a great heavy cloak that he kept for a change in case of extraordinarily bad weather.

With that, he got up and made a bed for Ulysses. He spread some goatskins and sheepskins on the ground in front of the fire. Ulysses lay down there, and Eumaeus covered him with a large, heavy cloak. Eumaeus kept the cloak as a spare for unusually bad weather.

Thus did Ulysses sleep, and the young men slept beside him. But the swineherd did not like sleeping away from his pigs, so he got ready to go outside, and Ulysses was glad to see that he looked after his property during his master’s absence. First he slung his sword over his brawny shoulders and put on a thick cloak to keep out the wind. He also took the skin of a large and well fed goat, and a javelin in case of attack from men or dogs. Thus equipped he went to his rest where the pigs were camping under an overhanging rock that gave them shelter from the North wind.

Ulysses slept, and the young men slept beside him. But the swineherd did not like sleeping away from his pigs, so he got ready to go outside. Ulysses was glad to see the swineherd looking after his master’s property while his master was away. First, the swineherd slung his sword over his muscular shoulders and put on a thick cloak to block the wind. He also took the skin of a large, well-fed goat and a javelin in case men or dogs attacked. With this gear, he went to sleep where the pigs were gathered under an overhanging rock. The rock sheltered them from the north wind.