Minerva Calls Telemachus From Lacedaemon. Telemachus Meets Theoclymenus at Pylos and Brings Him to Ithaca. On Landing, Telemachus Goes to Eumaeus’s Hut.

But Minerva went to the fair city of Lacedaemon to tell Ulysses’ son that he was to return at once. She found him and Pisistratus sleeping in the forecourt of Menelaus’s house; Pisistratus was fast asleep, but Telemachus could get no rest all night for thinking of his unhappy father, so Minerva went close up to him and said:

But Minerva went to the beautiful city of Lacedaemon to tell Ulysses’ son to return at once. She found him and Pisistratus lying in the courtyard in front of Menelaus’s house. Pisistratus was fast asleep, but Telemachus could get no rest all night, thinking about his unhappy father. So Minerva went up close to Telemachus and said:

“Telemachus, you should not remain so far away from home any longer, nor leave your property with such dangerous people in your house; they will eat up everything you have among them, and you will have been on a fool’s errand. Ask Menelaus to send you home at once if you wish to find your excellent mother still there when you get back. Her father and brothers are already urging her to marry Eurymachus, who has given her more than any of the others, and has been greatly increasing his wedding presents. I hope nothing valuable may have been taken from the house in spite of you, but you know what women are—they always want to do the best they can for the man who marries them, and never give another thought to the children of their first husband, nor to their father either when he is dead and done with. Go home, therefore, and put everything in charge of the most respectable woman servant that you have, until it shall please heaven to send you a wife of your own. Let me tell you also of another matter which you had better attend to. The chief men among the suitors are lying in wait for you in the Strait¹²⁸ between Ithaca and Samos, and they mean to kill you before you can reach home. I do not much think they will succeed; it is more likely that some of those who are now eating up your property will find a grave themselves. Sail night and day, and keep your ship well away from the islands; the god who watches over you and protects you will send you a fair wind. As soon as you get to Ithaca send your ship and men on to the town, but yourself go straight to the swineherd who has charge of your pigs; he is well disposed towards you, stay with him, therefore, for the night, and then send him to Penelope to tell her that you have got back safe from Pylos.”

“Telemachus, you should not stay away from home any longer or leave your property with such dangerous people in your house. They will use up everything you own, and your journey will have been a fool’s errand. Ask Menelaus to send you home at once if you want to find your good mother still there. Her father and brothers are already urging her to marry Eurymachus. He has given her more than any other suitor and has been greatly increasing his wedding gifts. I hope nothing valuable has been taken from the house against your wishes. But you know what women are like. They always want to do the best they can for the man they marry. They never give another thought to their first husband’s children, or to the children’s father once he is dead. So go home and put your most trustworthy female servant in charge of everything. Leave her in charge until heaven chooses to send you a wife of your own. “Let me also tell you about another matter you had better deal with. The leading men among the suitors are waiting to ambush you in the Strait¹²⁸ between Ithaca and Samos. They mean to kill you before you reach home. I do not think they are very likely to succeed. More likely, some of the men now using up your property will end up in graves themselves. Sail night and day, and keep your ship well away from the islands. The god who watches over you and protects you will send you a favorable wind. As soon as you reach Ithaca, send your ship and men on to the town. But go straight to the swineherd who looks after your pigs. He is loyal to you, so stay with him for the night. Then send him to Penelope to tell her you have returned safely from Pylos.”

Then she went back to Olympus; but Telemachus stirred Pisistratus with his heel to rouse him, and said, “Wake up Pisistratus, and yoke the horses to the chariot, for we must set off home.”¹²⁹

Then she went back to Olympus. But Telemachus nudged Pisistratus with his heel to wake him and said, “Wake up, Pisistratus. Harness the horses to the chariot, because we must head home.”¹²⁹

But Pisistratus said, “No matter what hurry we are in we cannot drive in the dark. It will be morning soon; wait till Menelaus has brought his presents and put them in the chariot for us; and let him say good bye to us in the usual way. So long as he lives a guest should never forget a host who has shown him kindness.”

But Pisistratus said, “No matter how much of a hurry we’re in, we can’t drive in the dark. Morning will come soon. Wait until Menelaus has brought his gifts and put them in the chariot for us. And let him say goodbye to us in the usual way. As long as a guest lives, he should never forget a host who has treated him kindly.”

As he spoke day began to break, and Menelaus, who had already risen, leaving Helen in bed, came towards them. When Telemachus saw him he put on his shirt as fast as he could, threw a great cloak over his shoulders, and went out to meet him. “Menelaus,” said he, “let me go back now to my own country, for I want to get home.”

As he spoke, dawn began to break. Menelaus had already gotten up, leaving Helen in bed, and came toward them. When Telemachus saw him, he put on his shirt as fast as he could. He threw a large cloak over his shoulders and went out to meet Menelaus. “Menelaus,” he said, “let me return to my own country now, because I want to get home.”

And Menelaus answered, “Telemachus, if you insist on going I will not detain you. I do not like to see a host either too fond of his guest or too rude to him. Moderation is best in all things, and not letting a man go when he wants to do so is as bad as telling him to go if he would like to stay. One should treat a guest well as long as he is in the house and speed him when he wants to leave it. Wait, then, till I can get your beautiful presents into your chariot, and till you have yourself seen them. I will tell the women to prepare a sufficient dinner for you of what there may be in the house; it will be at once more proper and cheaper for you to get your dinner before setting out on such a long journey. If, moreover, you have a fancy for making a tour in Hellas or in the Peloponnese, I will yoke my horses, and will conduct you myself through all our principal cities. No one will send us away empty handed; every one will give us something—a bronze tripod, a couple of mules, or a gold cup.”

And Menelaus answered, “Telemachus, if you insist on leaving, I will not hold you back. I dislike hosts who are either too attached to their guests or too rude to them. Moderation is best in all things. Keeping a man who wants to leave is as bad as sending him away when he wants to stay. You should treat a guest well as long as he is in your house. When he wants to leave, you should help him on his way. So wait until I have your beautiful gifts loaded into your chariot and you have seen them yourself. I will tell the women to prepare a good dinner for you with whatever food we have in the house. Eating before you set out on such a long journey will be both more fitting and cheaper for you. “If you also feel like touring Hellas or the Peloponnese, I will harness my horses and take you myself. I will guide you through all our main cities. No one will send us away empty-handed. Everyone will give us something: a bronze tripod, a pair of mules, or a gold cup.”

“Menelaus,” replied Telemachus, “I want to go home at once, for when I came away I left my property without protection, and fear that while looking for my father I shall come to ruin myself, or find that something valuable has been stolen during my absence.”

“Menelaus,” Telemachus replied, “I want to go home right away because I left my property unprotected when I left. I fear I’ll ruin myself while searching for my father, or find something valuable stolen while I was away.”

When Menelaus heard this he immediately told his wife and servants to prepare a sufficient dinner from what there might be in the house. At this moment Eteoneus joined him, for he lived close by and had just got up; so Menelaus told him to light the fire and cook some meat, which he at once did. Then Menelaus went down into his fragrant store room,¹³⁰ not alone, but Helen went too, with Megapenthes. When he reached the place where the treasures of his house were kept, he selected a double cup, and told his son Megapenthes to bring also a silver mixing bowl. Meanwhile Helen went to the chest where she kept the lovely dresses which she had made with her own hands, and took out one that was largest and most beautifully enriched with embroidery; it glittered like a star, and lay at the very bottom of the chest. ¹³¹ Then they all came back through the house again till they got to Telemachus, and Menelaus said, “Telemachus, may Jove, the mighty husband of Juno, bring you safely home according to your desire. I will now present you with the finest and most precious piece of plate in all my house. It is a mixing bowl of pure silver, except the rim, which is inlaid with gold, and it is the work of Vulcan. Phaedimus king of the Sidonians made me a present of it in the course of a visit that I paid him while I was on my return home. I should like to give it to you.”

When Menelaus heard this, he immediately told his wife and servants to prepare enough dinner using whatever food was available. Just then Eteoneus joined him. He lived nearby and had just gotten up. So Menelaus told him to light the fire and cook some meat, and Eteoneus did so at once. Then Menelaus went down to his fragrant storeroom,¹³⁰ accompanied by Helen and Megapenthes. When he reached the place where his household treasures were kept, he chose a double cup. He told his son Megapenthes to bring a silver mixing bowl as well. Meanwhile, Helen went to the chest where she kept the lovely dresses she had made herself. She took out one that was the largest and most beautifully embroidered. It glittered like a star and lay at the very bottom of the chest. ¹³¹ Then they all went back through the house until they reached Telemachus. Menelaus said, “Telemachus, may Jove, the mighty husband of Juno, bring you safely home as you wish. I will now give you the finest and most precious piece of metal tableware in my entire house. It is a mixing bowl made of pure silver, except for its gold-inlaid rim. It was made by Vulcan. Phaedimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it to me when I visited him on my journey home. I would like to give it to you.”

With these words he placed the double cup in the hands of Telemachus, while Megapenthes brought the beautiful mixing bowl and set it before him. Hard by stood lovely Helen with the robe ready in her hand.

With these words, he placed the double cup in Telemachus’s hands. Meanwhile, Megapenthes brought the beautiful mixing bowl and set it in front of Telemachus. Lovely Helen stood nearby, holding the robe ready in her hand.

“I too, my son,” said she, “have something for you as a keepsake from the hand of Helen; it is for your bride to wear upon her wedding day. Till then, get your dear mother to keep it for you; thus may you go back rejoicing to your own country and to your home.”

“I too, my son,” she said, “have something for you as a keepsake from Helen herself. Your bride is to wear it on her wedding day. Until then, ask your dear mother to keep the gift for you. So may you return to your own country and home with joy.”

So saying she gave the robe over to him and he received it gladly. Then Pisistratus put the presents into the chariot, and admired them all as he did so. Presently Menelaus took Telemachus and Pisistratus into the house, and they both of them sat down to table. A maid servant brought them water in a beautiful golden ewer, and poured it into a silver basin for them to wash their hands, and she drew a clean table beside them; an upper servant brought them bread and offered them many good things of what there was in the house. Eteoneus carved the meat and gave them each their portions, while Megapenthes poured out the wine. Then they laid their hands upon the good things that were before them, but as soon as they had had enough to eat and drink Telemachus and Pisistratus yoked the horses, and took their places in the chariot. They drove out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer court, and Menelaus came after them with a golden goblet of wine in his right hand that they might make a drink-offering before they set out. He stood in front of the horses and pledged them, saying, “Farewell to both of you; see that you tell Nestor how I have treated you, for he was as kind to me as any father could be while we Achaeans were fighting before Troy.”

With these words, she gave him the robe, and he accepted it gladly. Then Pisistratus put the gifts into the chariot, admiring them all as he did so. Soon Menelaus led Telemachus and Pisistratus into the house, where both guests sat down to eat. A maid brought water in a beautiful golden pitcher and poured it into a silver basin for them to wash their hands. Then she pulled a clean table up beside them. A senior servant brought bread and offered them many good things from the food in the house. Eteoneus carved the meat and gave each guest his portion, while Megapenthes poured the wine. Then the guests began eating the good food before them. But as soon as Telemachus and Pisistratus had eaten and drunk enough, they harnessed the horses and climbed into the chariot. They drove through the inner gateway and beneath the echoing gatehouse of the outer courtyard. Menelaus followed with a golden cup of wine in his right hand so the travelers could make a drink-offering before leaving. He stood in front of the horses and raised the cup to them, saying, “Farewell to both of you. Be sure to tell Nestor how I have treated you. He was as kind to me as any father could be while we Achaeans were fighting outside Troy.”

“We will be sure, sir,” answered Telemachus, “to tell him everything as soon as we see him. I wish I were as certain of finding Ulysses returned when I get back to Ithaca, that I might tell him of the very great kindness you have shown me and of the many beautiful presents I am taking with me.”

“We’ll be sure to tell him everything as soon as we see him, sir,” Telemachus replied. “I wish I could be as certain of finding Ulysses back home when I return to Ithaca. Then I could tell him how very kind you’ve been to me. I could also tell him about the many beautiful gifts I’m bringing with me.”

As he was thus speaking a bird flew on his right hand—an eagle with a great white goose in its talons which it had carried off from the farm yard—and all the men and women were running after it and shouting. It came quite close up to them and flew away on their right hands in front of the horses. When they saw it they were glad, and their hearts took comfort within them, whereon Pisistratus said, “Tell me, Menelaus, has heaven sent this omen for us or for you?”

As he spoke, a bird flew to his right. It was an eagle carrying a large white goose in its talons, snatched from the farmyard. All the men and women were running after the eagle and shouting. The eagle came very close to them, then flew away to their right, in front of the horses. The sight made them happy and gave them hope. Then Pisistratus said, “Tell me, Menelaus, has heaven sent this omen for us or for you?”

Menelaus was thinking what would be the most proper answer for him to make, but Helen was too quick for him and said, “I will read this matter as heaven has put it in my heart, and as I doubt not that it will come to pass. The eagle came from the mountain where it was bred and has its nest, and in like manner Ulysses, after having travelled far and suffered much, will return to take his revenge—if indeed he is not back already and hatching mischief for the suitors.”

Menelaus was considering the best answer to give, but Helen spoke before he could. She said, “I will explain this sign as heaven has guided my heart. I have no doubt my reading will come true. The eagle came from the mountain where it was raised and has its nest. In the same way, Ulysses will return to take revenge after traveling far and suffering much. That is, if he is not already back and plotting trouble for the suitors.”

“May Jove so grant it,” replied Telemachus, “if it should prove to be so, I will make vows to you as though you were a god, even when I am at home.”

“May Jove grant it,” Telemachus replied. “If it turns out that way, I will make vows to you as if you were a god. I will do so even when I am at home.”

As he spoke he lashed his horses and they started off at full speed through the town towards the open country. They swayed the yoke upon their necks and travelled the whole day long till the sun set and darkness was over all the land. Then they reached Pherae, where Diocles lived who was son of Ortilochus, the son of Alpheus. There they passed the night and were treated hospitably. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, they again yoked their horses and their places in the chariot. They drove out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer court. Then Pisistratus lashed his horses on and they flew forward nothing loath; ere long they came to Pylos, and then Telemachus said:

As he spoke, he whipped his horses, and they raced through the town toward the open country. The horses rocked the yoke on their necks and traveled all day until sunset, when darkness covered all the land. Then the travelers reached Pherae, where Diocles lived. He was the son of Ortilochus, who was the son of Alpheus. The travelers spent the night there and were warmly welcomed. When rosy-fingered Dawn, the child of morning, appeared, they harnessed their horses again and took their places in the chariot. They drove through the inner gateway and beneath the echoing gatehouse of the outer courtyard. Then Pisistratus whipped his horses, and they eagerly raced ahead. Before long, they reached Pylos, and then Telemachus said:

“Pisistratus, I hope you will promise to do what I am going to ask you. You know our fathers were old friends before us; moreover, we are both of an age, and this journey has brought us together still more closely; do not, therefore, take me past my ship, but leave me there, for if I go to your father’s house he will try to keep me in the warmth of his good will towards me, and I must go home at once.”

“Pisistratus, I hope you’ll promise to do what I’m about to ask. You know our fathers were old friends before we were. Besides, we’re the same age, and this journey has brought us even closer. So please don’t take me past my ship. Leave me there instead. If I go to your father’s house, his warm affection for me will make him try to keep me there. But I must go home at once.”

Pisistratus thought how he should do as he was asked, and in the end he deemed it best to turn his horses towards the ship, and put Menelaus’s beautiful presents of gold and raiment in the stern of the vessel. Then he said, “Go on board at once and tell your men to do so also before I can reach home to tell my father. I know how obstinate he is, and am sure he will not let you go; he will come down here to fetch you, and he will not go back without you. But he will be very angry.”

Pisistratus considered how to do what he had been asked. In the end, he decided the best course was to turn his horses toward the ship. He put Menelaus’s beautiful gifts of gold and clothing in the stern of the ship. Then he said, “Get on board at once, and tell your men to board too. Do so before I can get home and tell my father. I know how stubborn he is, and I’m sure he won’t let you leave. He’ll come down here to fetch you, and he won’t go back without you. But he’ll be very angry.”

With this he drove his goodly steeds back to the city of the Pylians and soon reached his home, but Telemachus called the men together and gave his orders. “Now, my men,” said he, “get everything in order on board the ship, and let us set out home.”

With that, he drove his fine horses back to the city of the Pylians and soon reached home. But Telemachus gathered the men and gave his orders. “Now, my men,” he said, “get everything ready on board the ship, and let’s head home.”

Thus did he speak, and they went on board even as he had said. But as Telemachus was thus busied, praying also and sacrificing to Minerva in the ship’s stern, there came to him a man from a distant country, a seer, who was flying from Argos because he had killed a man. He was descended from Melampus, who used to live in Pylos, the land of sheep; he was rich and owned a great house, but he was driven into exile by the great and powerful king Neleus. Neleus seized his goods and held them for a whole year, during which he was a close prisoner in the house of king Phylacus, and in much distress of mind both on account of the daughter of Neleus and because he was haunted by a great sorrow that dread Erinys had laid upon him. In the end, however, he escaped with his life, drove the cattle from Phylace to Pylos, avenged the wrong that had been done him, and gave the daughter of Neleus to his brother. Then he left the country and went to Argos, where it was ordained that he should reign over much people. There he married, established himself, and had two famous sons Antiphates and Mantius. Antiphates became father of Oicleus, and Oicleus of Amphiaraus, who was dearly loved both by Jove and by Apollo, but he did not live to old age, for he was killed in Thebes by reason of a woman’s gifts. His sons were Alcmaeon and Amphilochus. Mantius, the other son of Melampus, was father to Polypheides and Cleitus. Aurora, throned in gold, carried off Cleitus for his beauty’s sake, that he might dwell among the immortals, but Apollo made Polypheides the greatest seer in the whole world now that Amphiaraus was dead. He quarrelled with his father and went to live in Hyperesia, where he remained and prophesied for all men.

He spoke, and they went on board just as he had told them. While Telemachus was busy praying and sacrificing to Minerva at the ship’s stern, a man from a distant country approached. He was a seer fleeing Argos because he had killed a man. The seer was descended from Melampus, who had lived in Pylos, the land of sheep. Melampus was rich and owned a large house, but the great and powerful king Neleus drove him into exile. Neleus seized his possessions and kept them for a whole year. During that year, Melampus was held under close guard in the house of king Phylacus. He was deeply troubled, both because of Neleus’s daughter and because dread Erinys had burdened him with great sorrow. In the end, however, Melampus escaped with his life and drove the cattle from Phylace to Pylos. He avenged the wrong done to him and gave Neleus’s daughter to his brother. Then he left the country and went to Argos, where he was destined to rule over many people. There he married, settled down, and had two famous sons, Antiphates and Mantius. Antiphates was the father of Oicleus, and Oicleus was the father of Amphiaraus. Both Jove and Apollo dearly loved Amphiaraus, but he did not live to old age. He was killed in Thebes because of a woman’s gifts. His sons were Alcmaeon and Amphilochus. Mantius, Melampus’s other son, was the father of Polypheides and Cleitus. Aurora, seated on a golden throne, carried off Cleitus because of his beauty, so he could live among the immortals. But now that Amphiaraus was dead, Apollo made Polypheides the greatest seer in the whole world. Polypheides quarreled with his father and went to live in Hyperesia. He stayed there and prophesied for all people.

His son, Theoclymenus, it was who now came up to Telemachus as he was making drink-offerings and praying in his ship. “Friend,” said he, “now that I find you sacrificing in this place, I beseech you by your sacrifices themselves, and by the god to whom you make them, I pray you also by your own head and by those of your followers tell me the truth and nothing but the truth. Who and whence are you? Tell me also of your town and parents.”

His son, Theoclymenus, now approached Telemachus, who was pouring drink-offerings and praying aboard his ship. “Friend,” he said, “now that I find you offering sacrifices here, I beg you by those sacrifices. I beg you by the god you offer them to, and by your own life and your followers’ lives. Tell me the truth and nothing but the truth. Who are you, and where do you come from? Tell me also about your town and your parents.”

Telemachus said, “I will answer you quite truly. I am from Ithaca, and my father is Ulysses, as surely as that he ever lived. But he has come to some miserable end. Therefore I have taken this ship and got my crew together to see if I can hear any news of him, for he has been away a long time.”

Telemachus said, “I will tell you the truth. I am from Ithaca, and Ulysses is my father, as surely as he ever lived. But he has met some terrible end. So I have taken this ship and gathered my crew to see if I can hear any news of him. He has been away a long time.”

“I too,” answered Theoclymenus, “am an exile, for I have killed a man of my own race. He has many brothers and kinsmen in Argos, and they have great power among the Argives. I am flying to escape death at their hands, and am thus doomed to be a wanderer on the face of the earth. I am your suppliant; take me, therefore, on board your ship that they may not kill me, for I know they are in pursuit.”

“I too,” answered Theoclymenus, “am an exile, because I killed a man of my own people. He has many brothers and relatives in Argos, and they have great power among the Argives. I am fleeing to escape death at their hands, and so I am doomed to wander the earth. I beg for your protection. Please take me aboard your ship so his family cannot kill me, for I know they are pursuing me.”

“I will not refuse you,” replied Telemachus, “if you wish to join us. Come, therefore, and in Ithaca we will treat you hospitably according to what we have.”

“I won’t turn you away,” Telemachus replied, “if you want to join us. So come along, and in Ithaca we’ll welcome you with whatever we have.”

On this he received Theoclymenus’ spear and laid it down on the deck of the ship. He went on board and sat in the stern, bidding Theoclymenus sit beside him; then the men let go the hawsers. Telemachus told them to catch hold of the ropes, and they made all haste to do so. They set the mast in its socket in the cross plank, raised it and made it fast with the forestays, and they hoisted their white sails with sheets of twisted ox hide. Minerva sent them a fair wind that blew fresh and strong to take the ship on her course as fast as possible. Thus then they passed by Crouni and Chalcis.

At this, he took Theoclymenus’ spear and laid it on the ship’s deck. He boarded the ship and sat in the stern, asking Theoclymenus to sit beside him. Then the men untied the mooring ropes. Telemachus told the men to take hold of the ropes, and they hurried to do so. They fitted the mast into its socket in the cross plank, raised it, and secured it with the forward supports. Then they hoisted the white sails with ropes of twisted ox hide. Minerva sent them a favorable wind, blowing fresh and strong to carry the ship along its course as fast as possible. So they sailed past Crouni and Chalcis.

Presently the sun set and darkness was over all the land. The vessel made a quick passage to Pheae and thence on to Elis, where the Epeans rule. Telemachus then headed her for the flying islands,¹³² wondering within himself whether he should escape death or should be taken prisoner.

Soon the sun set, and darkness covered all the land. The ship sailed quickly to Pheae and then on to Elis, where the Epeans rule. Telemachus then steered the ship toward the flying islands,¹³² wondering whether he would escape death or be taken prisoner.

Meanwhile Ulysses and the swineherd were eating their supper in the hut, and the men supped with them. As soon as they had had to eat and drink, Ulysses began trying to prove the swineherd and see whether he would continue to treat him kindly, and ask him to stay on at the station or pack him off to the city; so he said:

Meanwhile, Ulysses and the swineherd were eating supper in the hut, and the men ate with them. Once everyone had eaten and drunk, Ulysses began to test the swineherd to see whether his kindness would continue. Would the swineherd invite him to stay at the farm or send him off to the city? So Ulysses said:

“Eumaeus, and all of you, to-morrow I want to go away and begin begging about the town, so as to be no more trouble to you or to your men. Give me your advice therefore, and let me have a good guide to go with me and show me the way. I will go the round of the city begging as I needs must, to see if any one will give me a drink and a piece of bread. I should like also to go to the house of Ulysses and bring news of her husband to Queen Penelope. I could then go about among the suitors and see if out of all their abundance they will give me a dinner. I should soon make them an excellent servant in all sorts of ways. Listen and believe when I tell you that by the blessing of Mercury who gives grace and good name to the works of all men, there is no one living who would make a more handy servant than I should—to put fresh wood on the fire, chop fuel, carve, cook, pour out wine, and do all those services that poor men have to do for their betters.”

“Eumaeus, and all of you, tomorrow I want to leave and start begging around town. That way, I will no longer be a burden to you or your men. So give me your advice, and send a good guide with me to show me the way. I will go around the city begging, as I must. I will see if anyone will give me a drink and a piece of bread. I would also like to visit the house of Ulysses and bring Queen Penelope news of her husband. Then I could go among the suitors and see if they will give me dinner from their abundant supplies. I would soon prove an excellent servant to them in all sorts of ways. Listen and believe what I tell you. Mercury blesses me, and he gives skill and a good reputation to the work of all men. With his blessing, no one alive could be a more useful servant than I would be. I can add fresh wood to the fire, chop firewood, carve meat, cook, and pour wine. I can do all the tasks that poor men must do for those above them.”

The swineherd was very much disturbed when he heard this. “Heaven help me,” he exclaimed, “what ever can have put such a notion as that into your head? If you go near the suitors you will be undone to a certainty, for their pride and insolence reach the very heavens. They would never think of taking a man like you for a servant. Their servants are all young men, well dressed, wearing good cloaks and shirts, with well looking faces and their hair always tidy, the tables are kept quite clean and are loaded with bread, meat, and wine. Stay where you are, then; you are not in anybody’s way; I do not mind your being here, no more do any of the others, and when Telemachus comes home he will give you a shirt and cloak and will send you wherever you want to go.”

The swineherd was deeply troubled when he heard this. “Heaven help me,” he exclaimed, “whatever put such an idea into your head? If you go near the suitors, you will certainly be ruined, because their arrogance and disrespect reach the heavens. They would never consider hiring a man like you as a servant. Their servants are all young men, well dressed in fine cloaks and shirts, with handsome faces and neatly kept hair. The tables are kept spotless and loaded with bread, meat, and wine. So stay where you are. You are not in anyone’s way. I don’t mind having you here, and neither does anyone else. When Telemachus comes home, he will give you a shirt and cloak and send you wherever you want to go.”

Ulysses answered, “I hope you may be as dear to the gods as you are to me, for having saved me from going about and getting into trouble; there is nothing worse than being always on the tramp; still, when men have once got low down in the world they will go through a great deal on behalf of their miserable bellies. Since, however, you press me to stay here and await the return of Telemachus, tell me about Ulysses’ mother, and his father whom he left on the threshold of old age when he set out for Troy. Are they still living or are they already dead and in the house of Hades?”

Ulysses answered, “I hope you may be as dear to the gods as you are to me. You have saved me from wandering around and getting into trouble. Nothing is worse than always being on the move. Still, once men have fallen on hard times, they will endure a great deal for their miserable bellies. But since you urge me to stay here and wait for Telemachus to return, tell me about Ulysses’ mother. Tell me about his father too, who was nearing old age when Ulysses left for Troy. Are his parents still alive, or are they already dead and in the house of Hades?”

“I will tell you all about them,” replied Eumaeus, “Laertes is still living and prays heaven to let him depart peacefully in his own house, for he is terribly distressed about the absence of his son, and also about the death of his wife, which grieved him greatly and aged him more than anything else did. She came to an unhappy end¹³³ through sorrow for her son: may no friend or neighbour who has dealt kindly by me come to such an end as she did. As long as she was still living, though she was always grieving, I used to like seeing her and asking her how she did, for she brought me up along with her daughter Ctimene, the youngest of her children; we were boy and girl together, and she made little difference between us. When, however, we both grew up, they sent Ctimene to Same and received a splendid dowry for her. As for me, my mistress gave me a good shirt and cloak with a pair of sandals for my feet, and sent me off into the country, but she was just as fond of me as ever. This is all over now. Still it has pleased heaven to prosper my work in the situation which I now hold. I have enough to eat and drink, and can find something for any respectable stranger who comes here; but there is no getting a kind word or deed out of my mistress, for the house has fallen into the hands of wicked people. Servants want sometimes to see their mistress and have a talk with her; they like to have something to eat and drink at the house, and something too to take back with them into the country. This is what will keep servants in a good humour.”

“I’ll tell you all about them,” Eumaeus replied. “Laertes is still alive and prays to heaven to let him die peacefully in his own house. He is terribly distressed by his son’s absence and by his wife’s death. Her death grieved him deeply and aged him more than anything else. She died an unhappy death¹³³ from grief for her son. May no friend or neighbor who has treated me kindly ever meet her fate. “As long as she was alive, I enjoyed seeing her and asking how she was, though she was always grieving. She brought me up alongside her daughter Ctimene, the youngest of her children. We grew up together, a boy and a girl, and she treated us almost alike. But when we were both grown, they sent Ctimene to Same and received a splendid dowry for her. My mistress gave me a good shirt and cloak, along with a pair of sandals, and sent me to the countryside. But she remained just as fond of me as ever. “All that is over now. Still, heaven has been pleased to make my work prosper in the position I now hold. I have enough to eat and drink, and something to offer any respectable stranger who comes here. But I cannot get a kind word or deed from my mistress, because wicked people have taken over the house. Servants sometimes want to see their mistress and talk with her. They like to have something to eat and drink at the house, and something to take back to the countryside. Such things keep servants in good spirits.”

Ulysses answered, “Then you must have been a very little fellow, Eumaeus, when you were taken so far away from your home and parents. Tell me, and tell me true, was the city in which your father and mother lived sacked and pillaged, or did some enemies carry you off when you were alone tending sheep or cattle, ship you off here, and sell you for whatever your master gave them?”

Ulysses answered, “Then you must have been very young, Eumaeus, when you were taken so far from home and your parents. Tell me the truth. Was the city where your father and mother lived attacked and looted? Or did some enemies capture you while you were alone tending sheep or cattle? Did those enemies bring you here by ship and sell you for whatever your master paid them?”

“Stranger,” replied Eumaeus, “as regards your question: sit still, make yourself comfortable, drink your wine, and listen to me. The nights are now at their longest; there is plenty of time both for sleeping and sitting up talking together; you ought not to go to bed till bed time, too much sleep is as bad as too little; if any one of the others wishes to go to bed let him leave us and do so; he can then take my master’s pigs out when he has done breakfast in the morning. We too will sit here eating and drinking in the hut, and telling one another stories about our misfortunes; for when a man has suffered much, and been buffeted about in the world, he takes pleasure in recalling the memory of sorrows that have long gone by. As regards your question, then, my tale is as follows:

“Stranger,” Eumaeus replied, “to answer your question, sit back, get comfortable, drink your wine, and listen to me. The nights are now at their longest. There is plenty of time both to sleep and to stay up talking together. You should not go to bed before bedtime. Too much sleep is as bad as too little. If anyone else wants to go to bed, let him leave us and do so. Then he can take my master’s pigs out after breakfast in the morning. The two of us will sit here in the hut, eating, drinking, and sharing stories of our misfortunes. For when a man has suffered greatly and been tossed about by life, he enjoys remembering sorrows long past. So, to answer your question, here is my story:

“You may have heard of an island called Syra that lies over above Ortygia,¹³⁴ where the land begins to turn round and look in another direction.¹³⁵ It is not very thickly peopled, but the soil is good, with much pasture fit for cattle and sheep, and it abounds with wine and wheat. Dearth never comes there, nor are the people plagued by any sickness, but when they grow old Apollo comes with Diana and kills them with his painless shafts. It contains two communities, and the whole country is divided between these two. My father Ctesius son of Ormenus, a man comparable to the gods, reigned over both.

“You may have heard of an island called Syra, which lies up beyond Ortygia,¹³⁴ where the land turns to face another direction.¹³⁵ The island has few people, but its soil is good, with plenty of pasture for cattle and sheep. Wine and wheat are plentiful. Food shortages never occur there, nor do the people suffer from any sickness. But when the people grow old, Apollo comes with Diana and kills them with his painless arrows. The island has two communities, and the whole country is divided between them. My father Ctesius, son of Ormenus, ruled over both communities. He was a man comparable to the gods.

“Now to this place there came some cunning traders from Phoenicia (for the Phoenicians are great mariners) in a ship which they had freighted with gewgaws of all kinds. There happened to be a Phoenician woman in my father’s house, very tall and comely, and an excellent servant; these scoundrels got hold of her one day when she was washing near their ship, seduced her, and cajoled her in ways that no woman can resist, no matter how good she may be by nature. The man who had seduced her asked her who she was and where she came from, and on this she told him her father’s name. ‘I come from Sidon,’ said she, ‘and am daughter to Arybas, a man rolling in wealth. One day as I was coming into the town from the country, some Taphian pirates seized me and took me here over the sea, where they sold me to the man who owns this house, and he gave them their price for me.’

“Now some cunning traders from Phoenicia came to this place (for the Phoenicians are great sailors). Their ship was loaded with cheap trinkets of all kinds. A Phoenician woman happened to live in my father’s house. She was very tall and beautiful, and an excellent servant. One day, these scoundrels approached her as she washed clothes near their ship. They seduced her and coaxed her in ways no woman can resist, however good she may be by nature. The man who had seduced her asked who she was and where she came from. In reply, she told him her father’s name. ‘I come from Sidon,’ she said, ‘and am the daughter of Arybas, a very wealthy man. One day, as I was coming into town from the countryside, some Taphian pirates seized me. They brought me here across the sea and sold me to the man who owns this house. He paid them the price they asked for me.’

“The man who had seduced her then said, ‘Would you like to come along with us to see the house of your parents and your parents themselves? They are both alive and are said to be well off.’

“The man who had seduced her then said, ‘Would you like to come with us to see your parents’ home and your parents themselves? Both your parents are alive and are said to be well off.’

“‘I will do so gladly,’ answered she, ‘if you men will first swear me a solemn oath that you will do me no harm by the way.’

“‘I’ll gladly do so,’ she said, ‘if you men first swear a solemn oath not to harm me along the way.’

“They all swore as she told them, and when they had completed their oath the woman said, ‘Hush; and if any of your men meets me in the street or at the well, do not let him speak to me, for fear some one should go and tell my master, in which case he would suspect something. He would put me in prison, and would have all of you murdered; keep your own counsel therefore; buy your merchandise as fast as you can, and send me word when you have done loading. I will bring as much gold as I can lay my hands on, and there is something else also that I can do towards paying my fare. I am nurse to the son of the good man of the house, a funny little fellow just able to run about. I will carry him off in your ship, and you will get a great deal of money for him if you take him and sell him in foreign parts.’

“They all swore as she told them. When they had finished their oath, the woman said, ‘Keep quiet. If any of your men meets me in the street or at the well, do not let him speak to me. Someone might tell my master, and then he would suspect something. He would put me in prison and have all of you murdered. So keep this secret. Buy your goods as quickly as you can, and send me word when you have finished loading. I will bring as much gold as I can get my hands on. There is something else I can do to help pay for my passage. I am nurse to the son of the good man who owns the house. The boy is a funny little fellow, just old enough to run around. I will carry him off aboard your ship. You will get a great deal of money for him if you take him and sell him in foreign lands.’

“On this she went back to the house. The Phoenicians stayed a whole year till they had loaded their ship with much precious merchandise, and then, when they had got freight enough, they sent to tell the woman. Their messenger, a very cunning fellow, came to my father’s house bringing a necklace of gold with amber beads strung among it; and while my mother and the servants had it in their hands admiring it and bargaining about it, he made a sign quietly to the woman and then went back to the ship, whereon she took me by the hand and led me out of the house. In the fore part of the house she saw the tables set with the cups of guests who had been feasting with my father, as being in attendance on him; these were now all gone to a meeting of the public assembly, so she snatched up three cups and carried them off in the bosom of her dress, while I followed her, for I knew no better. The sun was now set, and darkness was over all the land, so we hurried on as fast as we could till we reached the harbour, where the Phoenician ship was lying. When they had got on board they sailed their ways over the sea, taking us with them, and Jove sent then a fair wind; six days did we sail both night and day, but on the seventh day Diana struck the woman and she fell heavily down into the ship’s hold as though she were a sea gull alighting on the water; so they threw her overboard to the seals and fishes, and I was left all sorrowful and alone. Presently the winds and waves took the ship to Ithaca, where Laertes gave sundry of his chattels for me, and thus it was that ever I came to set eyes upon this country.”

“After this, she went back to the house. The Phoenicians stayed a whole year, until they had loaded their ship with many valuable goods. Then, when they had enough cargo, they sent a messenger to tell the woman. The messenger was a very cunning man. He came to my father’s house with a gold necklace strung with amber beads. My mother and the servants held the necklace, admiring it and bargaining over its price. Meanwhile, he quietly signaled to the woman and then returned to the ship. She then took me by the hand and led me out of the house. In the front of the house, she saw tables set with cups belonging to my father’s guests. These men had been feasting with my father as his attendants. All of them had now gone to a meeting of the public assembly. So she grabbed three cups and hid them in the front of her dress. I followed her because I knew no better. The sun had set, and darkness covered all the land. So we hurried as fast as we could to the harbor, where the Phoenician ship lay. Once we were aboard, the Phoenicians sailed out to sea, taking us with them. Jove sent them a favorable wind. We sailed for six days, both night and day. But on the seventh day, Diana struck the woman. She fell heavily into the ship’s hold, like a seagull landing on the water. So the Phoenicians threw her overboard to the seals and fish, leaving me grieving and alone. Before long, the winds and waves carried the ship to Ithaca. There, Laertes traded various possessions for me. And that was how I first came to see this country.”

Ulysses answered, “Eumaeus, I have heard the story of your misfortunes with the most lively interest and pity, but Jove has given you good as well as evil, for in spite of everything you have a good master, who sees that you always have enough to eat and drink; and you lead a good life, whereas I am still going about begging my way from city to city.”

Ulysses answered, “Eumaeus, I have listened to the story of your misfortunes with great interest and sympathy. But Jove has given you good as well as bad. Despite everything, you have a good master who makes sure you always have enough to eat and drink. And you lead a good life, while I still wander from city to city, begging my way along.”

Thus did they converse, and they had only a very little time left for sleep, for it was soon daybreak. In the mean time Telemachus and his crew were nearing land, so they loosed the sails, took down the mast, and rowed the ship into the harbour.¹³⁶ They cast out their mooring stones and made fast the hawsers; they then got out upon the sea shore, mixed their wine, and got dinner ready. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink Telemachus said, “Take the ship on to the town, but leave me here, for I want to look after the herdsmen on one of my farms. In the evening, when I have seen all I want, I will come down to the city, and to-morrow morning in return for your trouble I will give you all a good dinner with meat and wine.” ¹³⁷

They talked like this, with very little time left to sleep, because dawn was near. Meanwhile, Telemachus and his crew were approaching land. So they lowered the sails, took down the mast, and rowed the ship into the harbor.¹³⁶ They dropped their mooring stones and secured the ropes. Then they went ashore, mixed their wine, and prepared dinner. Once everyone had eaten and drunk enough, Telemachus said, “Take the ship to town, but leave me here. I want to check on the herdsmen at one of my farms. This evening, when I have seen everything I want to see, I will come down to the city. Tomorrow morning, to thank you for your trouble, I will give you all a good dinner with meat and wine.” ¹³⁷

Then Theoclymenus said, “And what, my dear young friend, is to become of me? To whose house, among all your chief men, am I to repair? or shall I go straight to your own house and to your mother?”

Then Theoclymenus said, “And what will happen to me, my dear young friend? Which of all your leading men should I go and stay with? Or should I go straight to your house and your mother?”

“At any other time,” replied Telemachus, “I should have bidden you go to my own house, for you would find no want of hospitality; at the present moment, however, you would not be comfortable there, for I shall be away, and my mother will not see you; she does not often show herself even to the suitors, but sits at her loom weaving in an upper chamber, out of their way; but I can tell you a man whose house you can go to—I mean Eurymachus the son of Polybus, who is held in the highest estimation by every one in Ithaca. He is much the best man and the most persistent wooer, of all those who are paying court to my mother and trying to take Ulysses’ place. Jove, however, in heaven alone knows whether or no they will come to a bad end before the marriage takes place.”

“At any other time,” Telemachus replied, “I would have invited you to my own house, where you would be warmly welcomed. But right now you would not be comfortable there, because I will be away, and my mother will not see you. She rarely appears even before the suitors. Instead, she stays out of their way, weaving at her loom in an upstairs room. But I can tell you whose house you can visit: Eurymachus, the son of Polybus. Everyone in Ithaca holds him in the highest regard. Of all the men courting my mother and trying to take Ulysses’ place, he is by far the best. He is also the most persistent suitor. But only Jove in heaven knows whether the suitors will meet a bad end before the marriage takes place.”

As he was speaking a bird flew by upon his right hand—a hawk, Apollo’s messenger. It held a dove in its talons, and the feathers, as it tore them off,¹³⁸ fell to the ground midway between Telemachus and the ship. On this Theoclymenus called him apart and caught him by the hand. “Telemachus,” said he, “that bird did not fly on your right hand without having been sent there by some god. As soon as I saw it I knew it was an omen; it means that you will remain powerful and that there will be no house in Ithaca more royal than your own.”

As he spoke, a bird flew past on his right. It was a hawk, Apollo’s messenger, carrying a dove in its talons. As the hawk tore off the dove’s feathers,¹³⁸ they fell to the ground halfway between Telemachus and the ship. At this, Theoclymenus called Telemachus aside and took him by the hand. “Telemachus,” he said, “that bird flew past on your right because some god sent it there. As soon as I saw the bird, I knew it was an omen. The omen means you will remain powerful, and no house in Ithaca will be more royal than your own.”

“I wish it may prove so,” answered Telemachus. “If it does, I will show you so much good will and give you so many presents that all who meet you will congratulate you.”

“I hope so,” Telemachus replied. “If it does, I will treat you so kindly and give you so many gifts that everyone you meet will congratulate you.”

Then he said to his friend Piraeus, “Piraeus, son of Clytius, you have throughout shown yourself the most willing to serve me of all those who have accompanied me to Pylos; I wish you would take this stranger to your own house and entertain him hospitably till I can come for him.”

Then he said to his friend Piraeus, “Piraeus, son of Clytius, you have always been the most willing to help me. That is true of all those who came with me to Pylos. Please take this stranger to your house and welcome him as your guest until I can come for him.”

And Piraeus answered, “Telemachus, you may stay away as long as you please, but I will look after him for you, and he shall find no lack of hospitality.”

And Piraeus replied, “Telemachus, you can stay away as long as you like. But I’ll look after him for you, and he’ll have all the hospitality he needs.”

As he spoke he went on board, and bade the others do so also and loose the hawsers, so they took their places in the ship. But Telemachus bound on his sandals, and took a long and doughty spear with a head of sharpened bronze from the deck of the ship. Then they loosed the hawsers, thrust the ship off from land, and made on towards the city as they had been told to do, while Telemachus strode on as fast as he could, till he reached the homestead where his countless herds of swine were feeding, and where dwelt the excellent swineherd, who was so devoted a servant to his master.

As he spoke, he went aboard and told the others to join him and untie the mooring ropes. So they took their places in the ship. But Telemachus strapped on his sandals and picked up a long, sturdy spear from the deck. The spear had a sharpened bronze head. Then the crew untied the mooring ropes, pushed the ship away from shore, and headed toward the city as instructed. Meanwhile, Telemachus walked as fast as he could until he reached the farm where his countless herds of pigs fed. The excellent swineherd lived there, a servant deeply devoted to his master.