Ashespokehelashedhishorsesandtheystartedoffatfullspeedthroughthetowntowardstheopencountry。Theyswayedtheyokeupontheirnecksandtravelledthewholedaylongtillthesunsetanddarknesswasoveralltheland。ThentheyreachedPherae，whereDiocleslivedwhowassonofOrtilochus，thesonofAlpheus。
Theretheypassedthenightandweretreatedhospitably。Whenthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn，appeared，theyagainyokedtheirhorsesandtheirplacesinthechariot。Theydroveoutthroughtheinnergatewayandundertheechoinggatehouseoftheoutercourt。ThenPisistratuslashedhishorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothingloath。erelongtheycametoPylos，andthenTelemachussaid：
Pisistratus，IhopeyouwillpromisetodowhatIamgoingtoaskyou。Youknowourfatherswereoldfriendsbeforeus。moreover，wearebothofanage，andthisjourneyhasbroughtustogetherstillmoreclosely。donot，therefore，takemepastmyship，butleavemethere，forifIgotoyourfather’shousehewilltrytokeepmeinthewarmthofhisgoodwilltowardsme，andImustgohomeatonce。
Pisistratusthoughthowheshoulddoashewasasked，andintheendhedeemeditbesttoturnhishorsestowardstheship，andputMenelaus’sbeautifulpresentsofgoldandraimentinthesternofthevessel。Thenhesaid，GoonboardatonceandtellyourmentodosoalsobeforeIcanreachhometotellmyfather。Iknowhowobstinateheis，andamsurehewillnotletyougo。hewillcomedownheretofetchyou，andhewillnotgobackwithoutyou。Buthewillbeveryangry。
WiththishedrovehisgoodlysteedsbacktothecityofthePyliansandsoonreachedhishome，butTelemachuscalledthementogetherandgavehisorders。Now，mymen，saidhe，geteverythinginorderonboardtheship，andletussetouthome。
Thusdidhespeak，andtheywentonboardevenashehadsaid。ButasTelemachuswasthusbusied，prayingalsoandsacrificingtoMinervaintheship’sstern，therecametohimamanfromadistantcountry，aseer，whowasflyingfromArgosbecausehehadkilledaman。HewasdescendedfromMelampus，whousedtoliveinPylos，thelandofsheep。
hewasrichandownedagreathouse，buthewasdrivenintoexilebythegreatandpowerfulkingNeleus。Neleusseizedhisgoodsandheldthemforawholeyear，duringwhichhewasacloseprisonerinthehouseofkingPhylacus，andinmuchdistressofmindbothonaccountofthedaughterofNeleusandbecausehewashauntedbyagreatsorrowthatdreadErinyeshadlaiduponhim。Intheend，however，heescapedwithhislife，drovethecattlefromPhylacetoPylos，avengedthewrongthathadbeendonehim，andgavethedaughterofNeleustohisbrother。ThenheleftthecountryandwenttoArgos，whereitwasordainedthatheshouldreignovermuchpeople。Therehemarried，establishedhimself，andhadtwofamoussonsAntiphatesandMantius。AntiphatesbecamefatherofOicleus，andOicleusofAmphiaraus，whowasdearlylovedbothbyJoveandbyApollo，buthedidnotlivetooldage，forhewaskilledinThebesbyreasonofawoman’sgifts。HissonswereAlcmaeonandAmphilochus。Mantius，theothersonofMelampus，wasfathertoPolypheidesandCleitus。
Aurora，thronedingold，carriedoffCleitusforhisbeauty’ssake，thathemightdwellamongtheimmortals，butApollomadePolypheidesthegreatestseerinthewholeworldnowthatAmphiarauswasdead。
HequarrelledwithhisfatherandwenttoliveinHyperesia，whereheremainedandprophesiedforallmen。
Hisson，Theoclymenus，itwaswhonowcameuptoTelemachusashewasmakingdrink-offeringsandprayinginhisship。Friend’saidhe，nowthatIfindyousacrificinginthisplace，Ibeseechyoubyyoursacrificesthemselves，andbythegodtowhomyoumakethem，I
prayyoualsobyyourownheadandbythoseofyourfollowers，tellmethetruthandnothingbutthetruth。Whoandwhenceareyou？Tellmealsoofyourtownandparents。
Telemachussaid，Iwillansweryouquitetruly。IamfromIthaca，andmyfatheris’Ulysses，assurelyasthatheeverlived。Buthehascometosomemiserableend。ThereforeIhavetakenthisshipandgotmycrewtogethertoseeifIcanhearanynewsofhim，forhehasbeenawayalongtime。
Itoo，answeredTheoclymenus，amanexile，forIhavekilledamanofmyownrace。HehasmanybrothersandkinsmeninArgos，andtheyhavegreatpoweramongtheArgives。Iamflyingtoescapedeathattheirhands，andamthusdoomedtobeawandereronthefaceoftheearth。Iamyoursuppliant。takeme，therefore，onboardyourshipthattheymaynotkillme，forIknowtheyareinpursuit。
Iwillnotrefuseyou，repliedTelemachus，ifyouwishtojoinus。Come，therefore，andinIthacawewilltreatyouhospitablyaccordingtowhatwehave。
OnthishereceivedTheoclymenus’spearandlaiditdownonthedeckoftheship。Hewentonboardandsatinthestern，biddingTheoclymenussitbesidehim。thenthemenletgothehawsers。
Telemachustoldthemtocatchholdoftheropes，andtheymadeallhastetodoso。Theysetthemastinitssocketinthecrossplank，raiseditandmadeitfastwiththeforestays，andtheyhoistedtheirwhitesailswithsheetsoftwistedoxhide。Minervasentthemafairwindthatblewfreshandstrongtotaketheshiponhercourseasfastaspossible。ThusthentheypassedbyCrouniandChalcis。
Presentlythesunsetanddarknesswasoveralltheland。ThevesselmadeaquickpasssagetoPheaeandthenceontoElis，wheretheEpeansrule。Telemachusthenheadedherfortheflyingislands，wonderingwithinhimselfwhetherheshouldescapedeathorshouldbetakenprisoner。
MeanwhileUlyssesandtheswineherdwereeatingtheirsupperinthehut，andthemensuppedwiththem。Assoonastheyhadhadtoeatanddrink，Ulyssesbegantryingtoprovetheswineherdandseewhetherhewouldcontinuetotreathimkindly，andaskhimtostayonatthestationorpackhimofftothecity。sohesaid：
Eumaeus，andallofyou，to-morrowIwanttogoawayandbeginbeggingaboutthetown，soastobenomoretroubletoyouortoyourmen。Givemeyouradvicetherefore，andletmehaveagoodguidetogowithmeandshowmetheway。IwillgotheroundofthecitybeggingasIneedsmust，toseeifanyonewillgivemeadrinkandapieceofbread。IshouldlikealsotogotothehouseofUlyssesandbringnewsofherhusbandtoqueenPenelope。Icouldthengoaboutamongthesuitorsandseeifoutofalltheirabundancetheywillgivemeadinner。Ishouldsoonmakethemanexcellentservantinallsortsofways。ListenandbelievewhenItellyouthatbytheblessingofMercurywhogivesgraceandgoodnametotheworksofallmen，thereisnoonelivingwhowouldmakeamorehandyservantthanIshould-toputfreshwoodonthefire，chopfuel，carve，cook，pouroutwine，anddoallthoseservicesthatpoormenhavetodofortheirbetters。
Theswineherdwasverymuchdisturbedwhenheheardthis。Heavenhelpme，heexclaimed，whatevercanhaveputsuchanotionasthatintoyourhead？Ifyougonearthesuitorsyouwillbeundonetoacertainty，fortheirprideandinsolencereachtheveryheavens。Theywouldneverthinkoftakingamanlikeyouforaservant。Theirservantsareallyoungmen，welldressed，wearinggoodcloaksandshirts，withwelllookingfacesandtheirhairalwaystidy，thetablesarekeptquitecleanandareloadedwithbread，meat，andwine。Staywhereyouare，then。youarenotinanybody’sway。Idonotmindyourbeinghere，nomoredoanyoftheothers，andwhenTelemachuscomeshomehewillgiveyouashirtandcloakandwillsendyouwhereveryouwanttogo。
Ulyssesanswered，Ihopeyoumaybeasdeartothegodsasyouaretome，forhavingsavedmefromgoingaboutandgettingintotrouble。thereisnothingworsethanbeingalwayswaysonthetramp。
still，whenmenhaveoncegotlowdownintheworldtheywillgothroughagreatdealonbehalfoftheirmiserablebellies。SincehoweveryoupressmetostayhereandawaitthereturnofTelemachus，tellaboutUlysses’mother，andhisfatherwhomheleftonthethresholdofoldagewhenhesetoutforTroy。AretheystilllivingoraretheyalreadydeadandinthehouseofHades？
Iwilltellyouallaboutthem，repliedEumaeus，Laertesisstilllivingandpraysheaventolethimdepartpeacefullyhisownhouse，forheisterriblydistressedabouttheabsenceofhisson，andalsoaboutthedeathofhiswife，whichgrievedhimgreatlyandagedhimmorethananythingelsedid。Shecametoanunhappyendthroughsorrowforherson：maynofriendorneighbourwhohasdealtkindlybymecometosuchanendasshedid。Aslongasshewasstillliving，thoughshewasalwaysgrieving，Iusedtolikeseeingherandaskingherhowshedid，forshebroughtmeupalongwithherdaughterCtimene，theyoungestofherchildren。wewereboyandgirltogether，andshemadelittledifferencebetweenus。When，however，webothgrewup，theysentCtimenetoSameandreceivedasplendiddowryforher。Asforme，mymistressgavemeagoodshirtandcloakwithapairofsandalsformyfeet，andsentmeoffintothecountry，butshewasjustasfondofmeasever。Thisisallovernow。
StillithaspleasedheaventoprospermyworkinthesituationwhichInowhold。Ihaveenoughtoeatanddrink，andcanfindsomethingforanyrespectablestrangerwhocomeshere。butthereisnogettingakindwordordeedoutofmymistress，forthehousehasfallenintothehandsofwickedpeople。Servantswantsometimestoseetheirmistressandhaveatalkwithher。theyliketohavesomethingtoeatanddrinkatthehouse，andsomethingtoototakebackwiththemintothecountry。Thisiswhatwillkeepservantsinagoodhumour。
Ulyssesanswered，Thenyoumusthavebeenaverylittlefellow，Eumaeus，whenyouweretakensofarawayfromyourhomeandparents。
Tellme，andtellmetrue，wasthecityinwhichyourfatherandmotherlivedsackedandpillaged，ordidsomeenemiescarryyouoffwhenyouwerealonetendingsheeporcattle，shipyouoffhere，andsellyouforwhateveryourmastergavethem？
Stranger，repliedEumaeus，asregardsyourquestion：sitstill，makeyourselfcomfortable，drinkyourwine，andlistentome。Thenightsarenowattheirlongest。thereisplentyoftimebothforsleepingandsittinguptalkingtogether。yououghtnottogotobedtillbedtime，toomuchsleepisasbadastoolittle。ifanyoneoftheotherswishestogotobedlethimleaveusanddoso。hecanthentakemymaster’spigsoutwhenhehasdonebreakfastinthemorning。
Wetwowillsithereeatinganddrinkinginthehut，andtellingoneanotherstoriesaboutourmisfortunes。forwhenamanhassufferedmuch，andbeenbuffetedaboutintheworld，hetakespleasureinrecallingthememoryofsorrowsthathavelonggoneby。Asregardsyourquestion，then，mytaleisasfollows：
YoumayhaveheardofanislandcalledSyrathatliesoveraboveOrtygia，wherethelandbeginstoturnroundandlookinanotherdirection。Itisnotverythicklypeopled，butthesoilisgood，withmuchpasturefitforcattleandsheep，anditaboundswithwineandwheat。Dearthnevercomesthere，norarethepeopleplaguedbyanysickness，butwhentheygrowoldApollocomeswithDianaandkillsthemwithhispainlessshafts。Itcontainstwocommunities，andthewholecountryisdividedbetweenthesetwo。MyfatherCtesiussonofOrmenus，amancomparabletothegods，reignedoverboth。
NowtothisplacetherecamesomecunningtradersfromPhoeniciaforthePhoeniciansaregreatmarinersinashipwhichtheyhadfreightedwithgewgawsofallkinds。TherehappenedtobeaPhoenicianwomaninmyfather’shouse，verytallandcomely，andanexcellentservant。thesescoundrelsgotholdofheronedaywhenshewaswashingneartheirship，seducedher，andcajoledherinwaysthatnowomancanresist，nomatterhowgoodshemaybebynature。Themanwhohadseducedheraskedherwhoshewasandwhereshecamefrom，andonthisshetoldhimherfather’sname。’IcomefromSidon，’saidshe，’andamdaughtertoArybas，amanrollinginwealth。OnedayasI
wascomingintothetownfromthecountrysomeTaphianpiratesseizedmeandtookmehereoverthesea，wheretheysoldmetothemanwhoownsthishouse，andhegavethemtheirpriceforme。’
Themanwhohadseducedherthensaid，’Wouldyouliketocomealongwithustoseethehouseofyourparentsandyourparentsthemselves？Theyarebothaliveandaresaidtobewelloff。’
’Iwilldosogladly，’answeredshe，’ifyoumenwillfirstswearmeasolemnoaththatyouwilldomenoharmbytheway。’
Theyallsworeasshetoldthem，andwhentheyhadcompletedtheiroaththewomansaid，’Hush。andifanyofyourmenmeetsmeinthestreetoratthewell，donotlethimspeaktome，forfearsomeoneshouldgoandtellmymaster，inwhichcasehewouldsuspectsomething。Hewouldputmeinprison，andwouldhaveallofyoumurdered。keepyourowncounseltherefore。buyyourmerchandiseasfastasyoucan，andsendmewordwhenyouhavedoneloading。IwillbringasmuchgoldasIcanlaymyhandson，andthereissomethingelsealsothatIcandotowardspayingmyfare。Iamnursetothesonofthegoodmanofthehouse，afunnylittlefellowjustabletorunabout。Iwillcarryhimoffinyourship，andyouwillgetagreatdealofmoneyforhimifyoutakehimandsellhiminforeignparts。’
Onthisshewentbacktothehouse。ThePhoeniciansstayedawholeyeartilltheyhadloadedtheirshipwithmuchpreciousmerchandise，andthen，whentheyhadgotfreightenough，theysenttotellthewoman。Theirmessenger，averycunningfellow，cametomyfather’shousebringinganecklaceofgoldwithamberbeadsstrungamongit。andwhilemymotherandtheservantshaditintheirhandsadmiringitandbargainingaboutit，hemadeasignquietlytothewomanandthenwentbacktotheship，whereonshetookmebythehandandledmeoutofthehouse。Intheforepartofthehouseshesawthetablessetwiththecupsofguestswhohadbeenfeastingwithmyfather，asbeinginattendanceonhim。thesewerenowallgonetoameetingofthepublicassembly，soshesnatchedupthreecupsandcarriedthemoffinthebosomofherdress，whileIfollowedher，forIknewnobetter。Thesunwasnowset，anddarknesswasoveralltheland，sowehurriedonasfastaswecouldtillwereachedtheharbour，wherethePhoenicianshipwaslying。Whentheyhadgotonboardtheysailedtheirwaysoverthesea，takinguswiththem，andJovesentthenafairwind。sixdaysdidwesailbothnightandday，butontheseventhdayDianastruckthewomanandshefellheavilydownintotheship’sholdasthoughshewereaseagullalightingonthewater。sotheythrewheroverboardtothesealsandfishes，andIwasleftallsorrowfulandalone。PresentlythewindsandwavestooktheshiptoIthaca，whereLaertesgavesundryofhischattelsforme，andthusitwasthateverIcametoseteyesuponthiscountry。
Ulyssesanswered，Eumaeus，Ihaveheardthestoryofyourmisfortuneswiththemostlivelyinterestandpity，butJovehasgivenyougoodaswellasevil，forinspiteofeverythingyouhaveagoodmaster，whoseesthatyoualwayshaveenoughtoeatanddrink。andyouleadagoodlife，whereasIamstillgoingaboutbeggingmywayfromcitytocity。
Thusdidtheyconverse，andtheyhadonlyaverylittletimeleftforsleep，foritwassoondaybreak。InthemeantimeTelemachusandhiscrewwerenearingland，sotheyloosedthesails，tookdownthemast，androwedtheshipintotheharbour。Theycastouttheirmooringstonesandmadefastthehawsers。theythengotoutupontheseashore，mixedtheirwine，andgotdinnerready。AssoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrinkTelemachussaid，Taketheshipontothetown，butleavemehere，forIwanttolookaftertheherdsmenononeofmyfarms。Intheevening，whenIhaveseenallIwant，Iwillcomedowntothecity，andto-morrowmorninginreturnforyourtroubleIwillgiveyouallagooddinnerwithmeatandwine。
ThenTheoclymenussaid，’Andwhat，mydearyoungfriend，istobecomeofme？Towhosehouse，amongallyourchiefmen，amItorepair？orshallIgostraighttoyourownhouseandtoyourmother？
Atanyothertime，repliedTelemachus，Ishouldhavebiddenyougotomyownhouse，foryouwouldfindnowantofhospitality。atthepresentmoment，however，youwouldnotbecomfortablethere，forI
shallbeaway，andmymotherwillnotseeyou。shedoesnotoftenshowherselfeventothesuitors，butsitsatherloomweavinginanupperchamber，outoftheirway。butIcantellyouamanwhosehouseyoucangoto-ImeanEurymachusthesonofPolybus，whoisheldinthehighestestimationbyeveryoneinIthaca。Heismuchthebestmanandthemostpersistentwooer，ofallthosewhoarepayingcourttomymotherandtryingtotakeUlysses’place。Jove，however，inheavenaloneknowswhetherornotheywillcometoabadendbeforethemarriagetakesplace。
Ashewasspeakingabirdflewbyuponhisrighthand-ahawk，Apollo’smessenger。Itheldadoveinitstalons，andthefeathers，asittorethemoff，felltothegroundmidwaybetweenTelemachusandtheship。OnthisTheoclymenuscalledhimapartandcaughthimbythehand。Telemachus，saidhe，thatbirddidnotflyonyourrighthandwithouthavingbeensenttherebysomegod。AssoonasIsawitIknewitwasanomen。itmeansthatyouwillremainpowerfulandthattherewillbenohouseinIthacamoreroyalthanyourown。
Iwishitmayproveso，answeredTelemachus。Ifitdoes，Iwillshowyousomuchgoodwillandgiveyousomanypresentsthatallwhomeetyouwillcongratulateyou。
ThenhesaidtohisfriendPiraeus，Piraeus，sonofClytius，youhavethroughoutshownyourselfthemostwillingtoservemeofallthosewhohaveaccompaniedmetoPylos。IwishyouwouldtakethisstrangertoyourownhouseandentertainhimhospitablytillIcancomeforhim。
AndPiraeusanswered，Telemachus，youmaystayawayaslongasyouplease，butIwilllookafterhimforyou，andheshallfindnolackofhospitality。
Ashespokehewentonboard，andbadetheothersdosoalsoandloosethehawsers，sotheytooktheirplacesintheship。ButTelemachusboundonhissandals，andtookalonganddoughtyspearwithaheadofsharpenedbronzefromthedeckoftheship。Thentheyloosedthehawsers，thrusttheshipofffromland，andmadeontowardsthecityastheyhadbeentoldtodo，whileTelemachusstrodeonasfastashecould，tillhereachedthehomesteadwherehiscountlessherdsofswinewerefeeding，andwheredwelttheexcellentswineherd，whowassodevotedaservanttohismaster。
BOOKXVI。
MEANWHILEUlyssesandtheswineherdhadlitafireinthehutandwereweregettingbreakfastreadyatdaybreakfortheyhadsentthemenoutwiththepigs。WhenTelemachuscameup，thedogsdidnotbark，butfawneduponhim，soUlysses，hearingthesoundoffeetandnoticingthatthedogsdidnotbark，saidtoEumaeus：
Eumaeus，Ihearfootsteps。Isupposeoneofyourmenorsomeoneofyouracquaintanceiscominghere，forthedogsarefawningurnhimandnotbarking。
Thewordswerehardlyoutofhismouthbeforehissonstoodatthedoor。Eumaeussprangtohisfeet，andthebowlsinwhichhewasmixingwinefellfromhishands，ashemadetowardshismaster。Hekissedhisheadandbothhisbeautifuleyes，andweptforjoy。Afathercouldnotbemoredelightedatthereturnofanonlyson，thechildofhisoldage，aftertenyears’absenceinaforeigncountryandafterhavinggonethroughmuchhardship。Heembracedhim，kissedhimalloverasthoughhehadcomebackfromthedead，andspokefondlytohimsaying：
Soyouarecome，Telemachus，lightofmyeyesthatyouare。WhenIheardyouhadgonetoPylosImadesureIwasnevergoingtoseeyouanymore。Comein，mydearchild，andsitdown，thatImayhaveagoodlookatyounowyouarehomeagain。itisnotveryoftenyoucomeintothecountrytoseeusherdsmen。youstickprettyclosetothetowngenerally。Isupposeyouthinkitbettertokeepaneyeonwhatthesuitorsaredoing。
Sobeit，oldfriend，answeredTelemachus，butIamcomenowbecauseIwanttoseeyou，andtolearnwhethermymotherisstillatheroldhomeorwhethersomeoneelsehasmarriedher，sothatthebedofUlyssesiswithoutbeddingandcoveredwithcobwebs。
Sheisstillatthehouse，repliedEumaeus，grievingandbreakingherheart，anddoingnothingbutweep，bothnightanddaycontinually。
AsspokehetookTelemachus’spear，whereonhecrossedthestonethresholdandcameinside。Ulyssesrosefromhisseattogivehimplaceasheentered，butTelemachuscheckedhim。Sitdown，stranger。
saidhe，Icaneasilyfindanotherseat，andthereisoneherewhowilllayitforme。
Ulysseswentbacktohisownplace，andEumaeusstrewedsomegreenbrushwoodonthefloorandthrewasheepskinontopofitforTelemachustositupon。Thentheswineherdbroughtthemplattersofcoldmeat，theremainsfromwhattheyhadeatenthedaybefore，andhefilledthebreadbasketswithbreadasfastashecould。Hemixedwinealsoinbowlsofivy-wood，andtookhisseatfacingUlysses。Thentheylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem，andassoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrinkTelemachussaidtoEumaeus，Oldfriend，wheredoesthisstrangercomefrom？HowdidhiscrewbringhimtoIthaca，andwhowerethey？-forassuredlyhedidnotcomeherebyland’
Tothisyouanswered，OswineherdEumaeus，Myson，Iwilltellyoutherealtruth。HesaysheisaCretan，andthathehasbeenagreattraveller。AtthismomentheisrunningawayfromaThesprotianship，andhasrefugeatmystation，soIwillputhimintoyourhands。Dowhateveryoulikewithhim，onlyrememberthatheisyoursuppliant。
Iamverymuchdistressed，saidTelemachus，bywhatyouhavejusttoldme。HowcanItakethisstrangerintomyhouse？Iamasyetyoung，andamnotstrongenoughtoholdmyownifanymanattacksme。Mymothercannotmakeuphermindwhethertostaywheresheisandlookafterthehouseoutofrespectforpublicopinionandthememoryofherhusband，orwhetherthetimeisnowcomeforhertotakethebestmanofthosewhoarewooingher，andtheonewhowillmakeherthemostadvantageousoffer。still，asthestrangerhascometoyourstationIwillfindhimacloakandshirtofgoodwear，withaswordandsandals，andwillsendhimwhereverhewantstogo。Orifyoulikeyoucankeephimhereatthestation，andIwillsendhimclothesandfoodthathemaybenoburdenonyouandonyourmen。
butIwillnothavehimgonearthesuitors，fortheyareveryinsolent，andaresuretoill-treathiminawaythatwouldgreatlygrieveme。nomatterhowvaliantamanmaybehecandonothingagainstnumbers，fortheywillbetoostrongforhim。
ThenUlyssessaid，Sir，itisrightthatIshouldsaysomethingmyself。Iammuchshockedaboutwhatyouhavesaidabouttheinsolentwayinwhichthesuitorsarebehavingindespiteofsuchamanasyouare。Tellme，doyousubmittosuchtreatmenttamely，orhassomegodsetyourpeopleagainstyou？Mayyounotcomplainofyourbrothers-foritistothesethatamanmaylookforsupport，howevergreathisquarrelmaybe？IwishIwereasyoungasyouareandinmypresentmind。ifIweresontoUlysses，or，indeed，Ulysseshimself，Iwouldrathersomeonecameandcutmyheadoff，butIwouldgotothehouseandbethebaneofeveryoneofthesemen。
Iftheyweretoomanyforme-Ibeingsingle-handed-Iwouldratherdiefightinginmyownhousethanseesuchdisgracefulsightsdayafterday，strangersgrosslymaltreated，andmendraggingthewomenservantsaboutthehouseinanunseemlyway，winedrawnrecklessly，andbreadwastedalltonopurposeforanendthatshallneverbeaccomplished。
AndTelemachusanswered，Iwilltellyoutrulyeverything。Thereisnoemnitybetweenmeandmypeople，norcanIcomplainofbrothers，towhomamanmaylookforsupporthowevergreathisquarrelmaybe。Jovehasmadeusaraceofonlysons。LaerteswastheonlysonofArceisius，andUlyssesonlysonofLaertes。IammyselftheonlysonofUlysseswholeftmebehindhimwhenhewentaway，sothatIhaveneverbeenofanyusetohim。Henceitcomesthatmyhouseisinthehandsofnumberlessmarauders。forthechiefsfromalltheneighbouringislands，Dulichium，Same，Zacynthus，asalsoalltheprincipalmenofIthacaitself，areeatingupmyhouseunderthepretextofpayingcourttomymother，whowillneithersaypointblankthatshewillnotmarry，noryetbringmatterstoanend，sotheyaremakinghavocofmyestate，andbeforelongwilldosowithmyselfintothebargain。Theissue，however，restswithheaven。Butdoyou，oldfriendEumaeus，goatonceandtellPenelopethatIamsafeandhavereturnedfromPylos。Tellittoherselfalone，andthencomebackherewithoutlettinganyoneelseknow，fortherearemanywhoareplottingmischiefagainstme。
Iunderstandandheedyou，repliedEumaeus。youneedinstructmenofurther，onlyIamgoingthatwaysaywhetherIhadnotbetterletpoorLaertesknowthatyouarereturned。HeusedtosuperintendtheworkonhisfarminspiteofhisbittersorrowaboutUlysses，andhewouldeatanddrinkatwillalongwithhisservants。buttheytellmethatfromthedayonwhichyousetoutforPyloshehasneithereatennordrunkasheoughttodo，nordoeshelookafterhisfarm，butsitsweepingandwastingthefleshfromoffhisbones。
More’sthepity，answeredTelemachus，Iamsorryforhim，butwemustleavehimtohimselfjustnow。Ifpeoplecouldhaveeverythingtheirownway，thefirstthingIshouldchoosewouldbethereturnofmyfather。butgo，andgiveyourmessage。thenmakehastebackagain，anddonotturnoutofyourwaytotellLaertes。Tellmymothertosendoneofherwomensecretlywiththenewsatonce，andlethimhearitfromher。
Thusdidheurgetheswineherd。Eumaeus，therefore，tookhissandals，boundthemtohisfeet，andstartedforthetown。Minervawatchedhimwelloffthestation，andthencameuptoitintheformofawoman-fair，stately，andwise。Shestoodagainstthesideoftheentry，andrevealedherselftoUlysses，butTelemachuscouldnotseeher，andknewnotthatshewasthere，forthegodsdonotletthemselvesbeseenbyeverybody。Ulyssessawher，andsodidthedogs，fortheydidnotbark，butwentscaredandwhiningofftotheothersideoftheyards。ShenoddedherheadandmotionedtoUlysseswithhereyebrows。whereonheleftthehutandstoodbeforeheroutsidethemainwalloftheyards。Thenshesaidtohim：
Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，itisnowtimeforyoutotellyourson：donotkeephiminthedarkanylonger，butlayyourplansforthedestructionofthesuitors，andthenmakeforthetown。Iwillnotbelonginjoiningyou，forItooameagerforthefray。
Asshespokeshetouchedhimwithhergoldenwand。Firstshethrewafaircleanshirtandcloakabouthisshoulders。thenshemadehimyoungerandofmoreimposingpresence。shegavehimbackhiscolour，filledouthischeeks，andlethisbeardbecomedarkagain。ThenshewentawayandUlyssescamebackinsidethehut。Hissonwasastoundedwhenhesawhim，andturnedhiseyesawayforfearhemightbelookinguponagod。
Stranger，saidhe，howsuddenlyyouhavechangedfromwhatyouwereamomentortwoago。Youaredresseddifferentlyandyourcolourisnotthesame。Areyousomeoneorotherofthegodsthatliveinheaven？Ifso，bepropitioustometillIcanmakeyouduesacrificeandofferingsofwroughtgold。Havemercyuponme。
AndUlyssessaid，Iamnogod，whyshouldyoutakemeforone？Iamyourfather，onwhoseaccountyougrieveandsuffersomuchatthehandsoflawlessmen。
Ashespokehekissedhisson，andatearfellfromhischeekontotheground，forhehadrestrainedalltearstillnow。butTelemachuscouldnotyetbelievethatitwashisfather，andsaid：
Youarenotmyfather，butsomegodisflatteringmewithvainhopesthatImaygrievethemorehereafter。nomortalmancouldofhimselfcontrivetodoasyouhavebeendoing，andmakeyourselfoldandyoungatamoment’snotice，unlessagodwerewithhim。Asecondagoyouwereoldandallinrags，andnowyouarelikesomegodcomedownfromheaven。
Ulyssesanswered，Telemachus，yououghtnottobesoimmeasurablyastonishedatmybeingreallyhere。ThereisnootherUlysseswhowillcomehereafter。SuchasIam，itisI，whoafterlongwanderingandmuchhardshiphavegothomeinthetwentiethyeartomyowncountry。
WhatyouwonderatistheworkoftheredoubtablegoddessMinerva，whodoeswithmewhatevershewill，forshecandowhatshepleases。Atonemomentshemakesmelikeabeggar，andthenextIamayoungmanwithgoodclothesonmyback。itisaneasymatterforthegodswholiveinheaventomakeanymanlookeitherrichorpoor。
Ashespokehesatdown，andTelemachusthrewhisarmsabouthisfatherandwept。Theywerebothsomuchmovedthattheycriedaloudlikeeaglesorvultureswithcrookedtalonsthathavebeenrobbedoftheirhalffledgedyoungbypeasants。Thuspiteouslydidtheyweep，andthesunwouldhavegonedownupontheirmourningifTelemachushadnotsuddenlysaid，Inwhatship，mydearfather，didyourcrewbringyoutoIthaca？Ofwhatnationdidtheydeclarethemselvestobe-
foryoucannothavecomebyland？
Iwilltellyouthetruth，myson，repliedUlysses。ItwasthePhaeacianswhobroughtmehere。Theyaregreatsailors，andareinthehabitofgivingescortstoanyonewhoreachestheircoasts。TheytookmeovertheseawhileIwasfastasleep，andlandedmeinIthaca，aftergivingmemanypresentsinbronze，gold，andraiment。Thesethingsbyheaven’smercyarelyingconcealedinacave，andIamnowcomehereonthesuggestionofMinervathatwemayconsultaboutkillingourenemies。First，therefore，givemealistofthesuitors，withtheirnumber，thatImaylearnwho，andhowmany，theyare。Icanthenturnthematteroverinmymind，andseewhetherwetwocanfightthewholebodyofthemourselves，orwhetherwemustfindotherstohelpus。
TothisTelemachusanswered，Father，Ihavealwaysheardofyourrenownbothinthefieldandincouncil，butthetaskyoutalkofisaverygreatone：Iamawedatthemerethoughtofit。twomencannotstandagainstmanyandbraveones。Therearenottensuitorsonly，nortwiceten，buttenmanytimesover。youshalllearntheirnumberatonce。Therearefifty-twochosenyouthsfromDulichium，andtheyhavesixservants。fromSametherearetwenty-four。twentyyoungAchaeansfromZacynthus，andtwelvefromIthacaitself，allofthemwellborn。TheyhavewiththemaservantMedon，abard，andtwomenwhocancarveattable。Ifwefacesuchnumbersasthis，youmayhavebittercausetorueyourcoming，andyourrevenge。Seewhetheryoucannotthinkofsomeonewhowouldbewillingtocomeandhelpus。
Listentome，repliedUlysses，andthinkwhetherMinervaandherfatherJovemayseemsufficient，orwhetherIamtotryandfindsomeoneelseaswell。
Thosewhomyouhavenamed，answeredTelemachus，areacoupleofgoodallies，forthoughtheydwellhighupamongthecloudstheyhavepoweroverbothgodsandmen。
Thesetwo，continuedUlysses，willnotkeeplongoutofthefray，whenthesuitorsandwejoinfightinmyhouse。Now，therefore，returnhomeearlyto-morrowmorning，andgoaboutamongthesuitorsasbefore。Laterontheswineherdwillbringmetothecitydisguisedasamiserableoldbeggar。Ifyouseethemill-treatingme，steelyourheartagainstmysufferings。eventhoughtheydragmefeetforemostoutofthehouse，orthrowthingsatme，lookonanddonothingbeyondgentlytryingtomakethembehavemorereasonably。buttheywillnotlistentoyou，forthedayoftheirreckoningisathand。
FurthermoreIsay，andlaymysayingtoyourheart，whenMinervashallputitinmymind，Iwillnodmyheadtoyou，andonseeingmedothisyoumustcollectallthearmourthatisinthehouseandhideitinthestrongstoreroom。Makesomeexcusewhenthesuitorsaskyouwhyyouareremovingit。saythatyouhavetakenittobeoutofthewayofthesmoke，inasmuchasitisnolongerwhatitwaswhenUlysseswentaway，buthasbecomesoiledandbegrimedwithsoot。AddtothismoreparticularlythatyouareafraidJovemaysetthemontoquarrelovertheirwine，andthattheymaydoeachothersomeharmwhichmaydisgracebothbanquetandwooing，forthesightofarmssometimestemptspeopletousethem。Butleaveaswordandaspearapieceforyourselfandme，andacoupleoxhideshieldssothatwecansnatchthemupatanymoment。JoveandMinervawillthensoonquietthesepeople。Thereisalsoanothermatter。ifyouareindeedmysonandmybloodrunsinyourveins，letnooneknowthatUlyssesiswithinthehouse-neitherLaertes，noryettheswineherd，noranyoftheservants，norevenPenelopeherself。Letyouandmeexploitthewomenalone，andletusalsomaketrialofsomeotherofthemenservants，toseewhoisonoursideandwhosehandisagainstus。
Father，repliedTelemachus，youwillcometoknowmebyandby，andwhenyoudoyouwillfindthatIcankeepyourcounsel。Idonotthink，however，theplanyouproposewillturnoutwellforeitherofus。Thinkitover。Itwilltakeusalongtimetogotheroundofthefarmsandexploitthemen，andallthetimethesuitorswillbewastingyourestatewithimpunityandwithoutcompunction。Provethewomenbyallmeans，toseewhoaredisloyalandwhoguiltless，butI
amnotinfavourofgoingroundandtryingthemen。Wecanattendtothatlateron，ifyoureallyhavesomesignfromJovethathewillsupportyou。
Thusdidtheyconverse，andmeanwhiletheshipwhichhadbroughtTelemachusandhiscrewfromPyloshadreachedthetownofIthaca。
Whentheyhadcomeinsidetheharbourtheydrewtheshipontotheland。theirservantscameandtooktheirarmourfromthem，andtheyleftallthepresentsatthehouseofClytius。ThentheysentaservanttotellPenelopethatTelemachushadgoneintothecountry，buthadsenttheshiptothetowntopreventherfrombeingalarmedandmadeunhappy。ThisservantandEumaeushappenedtomeetwhentheywerebothonthesameerrandofgoingtotellPenelope。WhentheyreachedtheHouse，theservantstoodupandsaidtothequeeninthepresenceofthewaitingwomen，Yourson，Madam，isnowreturnedfromPylos。butEumaeuswentcloseuptoPenelope，andsaidprivatelythathersonhadgivenbiddenhimtellher。Whenhehadgivenhismessageheleftthehousewithitsoutbuildingsandwentbacktohispigsagain。
Thesuitorsweresurprisedandangryatwhathadhappened，sotheywentoutsidethegreatwallthatranroundtheoutercourt，andheldacouncilnearthemainentrance。Eurymachus，sonofPolybus，wasthefirsttospeak。
Myfriends，saidhe，thisvoyageofTelemachus’sisaveryseriousmatter。wehadmadesurethatitwouldcometonothing。Now，however，letusdrawashipintothewater，andgetacrewtogethertosendaftertheothersandtellthemtocomebackasfastastheycan。
HehadhardlydonespeakingwhenAmphinomusturnedinhisplaceandsawtheshipinsidetheharbour，withthecrewloweringhersails，andputtingbytheiroars。sohelaughed，andsaidtotheothers，Weneednotsendthemanymessage，fortheyarehere。Somegodmusthavetoldthem，orelsetheysawtheshipgoby，andcouldnotovertakeher。
Onthistheyroseandwenttothewaterside。Thecrewthendrewtheshiponshore。theirservantstooktheirarmourfromthem，andtheywentupinabodytotheplaceofassembly，buttheywouldnotletanyoneoldoryoungsitalongwiththem，andAntinous，sonofEupeithes，spokefirst。
Goodheavens，saidhe，seehowthegodshavesavedthismanfromdestruction。Wekeptasuccessionofscoutsupontheheadlandsalldaylong，andwhenthesunwasdownweneverwentonshoretosleep，butwaitedintheshipallnighttillmorninginthehopeofcapturingandkillinghim。butsomegodhasconveyedhimhomeinspiteofus。Letusconsiderhowwecanmakeanendofhim。Hemustnotescapeus。ouraffairisneverlikelytocomeoffwhileisalive，forheisveryshrewd，andpublicfeelingisbynomeansallonourside。WemustmakehastebeforehecancalltheAchaeansinassembly。hewilllosenotimeindoingso，forhewillbefuriouswithus，andwilltellalltheworldhowweplottedtokillhim，butfailedtotakehim。Thepeoplewillnotlikethiswhentheycometoknowofit。wemustseethattheydousnohurt，nordriveusfromourowncountryintoexile。Letustryandlayholdofhimeitheronhisfarmawayfromthetown，orontheroadhither。Thenwecandivideuphispropertyamongstus，andlethismotherandthemanwhomarriesherhavethehouse。Ifthisdoesnotpleaseyou，andyouwishTelemachustoliveonandholdhisfather’sproperty，thenwemustnotgatherhereandeatuphisgoodsinthisway，butmustmakeourofferstoPenelopeeachfromhisownhouse，andshecanmarrythemanwhowillgivethemostforher，andwhoselotitistowinher。
TheyallheldtheirpeaceuntilAmphinomusrosetospeak。HewasthesonofNisus，whowassontokingAretias，andhewasforemostamongallthesuitorsfromthewheat-growingandwellgrassedislandofDulichium。hisconversation，moreover，wasmoreagreeabletoPenelopethanthatofanyoftheotherforhewasamanofgoodnaturaldisposition。Myfriends，saidhe，speakingtothemplainlyandinallhonestly，IamnotinfavourofkillingTelemachus。Itisaheinousthingtokillonewhoisofnobleblood。Letusfirsttakecounselofthegods，andiftheoraclesofJoveadviseit，Iwillbothhelptokillhimmyself，andwillurgeeveryoneelsetodoso。
butiftheydissuadeus，Iwouldhaveyouholdyourhands。
Thusdidhespeak，andhiswordspleasedthemwell，sotheyroseforthwithandwenttothehouseofUlysseswheretheytooktheiraccustomedseats。
ThenPeneloperesolvedthatshewouldshowherselftothesuitors。
SheknewoftheplotagainstTelemachus，fortheservantMedonhadoverheardtheircounselsandhadtoldher。shewentdownthereforetothecourtattendedbyhermaidens，andwhenshereachedthesuitorsshestoodbyoneofthebearing-postssupportingtheroofofthecloisterholdingaveilbeforeherface，andrebukedAntinoussaying：
Antinous，insolentandwickedschemer，theysayyouarethebestspeakerandcounsellorofanymanyourownageinIthaca，butyouarenothingofthekind。Madman，whyshouldyoutrytocompassthedeathofTelemachus，andtakenoheedofsuppliants，whosewitnessisJovehimself？Itisnotrightforyoutoplotthusagainstoneanother。Doyounotrememberhowyourfatherfledtothishouseinfearofthepeople，whowereenragedagainsthimforhavinggonewithsomeTaphianpiratesandplunderedtheThesprotianswhowereatpeacewithus？Theywantedtotearhiminpiecesandeatupeverythinghehad，butUlyssesstayedtheirhandsalthoughtheywereinfuriated，andnowyoudevourhispropertywithoutpayingforit，andbreakmyheartbyhiswooinghiswifeandtryingtokillhisson。
Leaveoffdoingso，andstoptheothersalso。
TothisEurymachussonofPolybusanswered，Takeheart，QueenPenelopedaughterofIcarius，anddonottroubleyourselfaboutthesematters。Themanisnotyetborn，norneverwillbe，whoshalllayhandsuponyoursonTelemachus，whileIyetlivetolookuponthefaceoftheearth。Isay-anditshallsurelybe-thatmyspearshallbereddenedwithhisblood。formanyatimehasUlyssestakenmeonhisknees，heldwineuptomylipstodrink，andputpiecesofmeatintomyhands。ThereforeTelemachusismuchthedearestfriendIhave，andhasnothingtofearfromthehandsofussuitors。Ofcourse，ifdeathcomestohimfromthegods，hecannotescapeit。Hesaidthistoquiether，butinrealityhewasplottingagainstTelemachus。
ThenPenelopewentupstairsagainandmournedherhusbandtillMinervashedsleepoverhereyes。IntheeveningEumaeusgotbacktoUlyssesandhisson，whohadjustsacrificedayoungpigofayearoldandwereready。helpingoneanothertogetsupperready。MinervathereforecameuptoUlysses，turnedhimintoanoldmanwithastrokeofherwand，andcladhiminhisoldclothesagain，forfearthattheswineherdmightrecognizehimandnotkeepthesecret，butgoandtellPenelope。
Telemachuswasthefirsttospeak。Soyouhavegotback，Eumaeus，saidhe。Whatisthenewsofthetown？Havethesuitorsreturned，oraretheystillwaitingoveryonder，totakemeonmywayhome？
Ididnotthinkofaskingaboutthat，repliedEumaeus，whenIwasinthetown。IthoughtIwouldgivemymessageandcomebackassoonasIcould。ImetamansentbythosewhohadgonewithyoutoPylos，andhewasthefirsttotellthenewyourmother，butIcansaywhatIsawwithmyowneyes。IhadjustgotontothecrestofthehillofMercuryabovethetownwhenIsawashipcomingintoharbourwithanumberofmeninher。Theyhadmanyshieldsandspears，andI
thoughtitwasthesuitors，butIcannotbesure。
OnhearingthisTelemachussmiledtohisfather，butsothatEumaeuscouldnotseehim。
Then，whentheyhadfinishedtheirworkandthemealwasready，theyateit，andeverymanhadhisfullsharesothatallweresatisfied。
Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，theylaiddowntorestandenjoyedtheboonofsleep。
BOOKXVII。
WHENthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn，appeared，Telemachusboundonhissandalsandtookastrongspearthatsuitedhishands，forhewantedtogointothecity。Oldfriend，saidhetotheswineherd，Iwillnowgotothetownandshowmyselftomymother，forshewillneverleaveoffgrievingtillshehasseenme。Asforthisunfortunatestranger，takehimtothetownandlethimbegthereofanyonewhowillgivehimadrinkandapieceofbread。I
havetroubleenoughofmyown，andcannotbeburdenedwithotherpeople。Ifthismakeshimangrysomuchtheworseforhim，butI
liketosaywhatImean。
ThenUlyssessaid，Sir，Idonotwanttostayhere。abeggarcanalwaysdobetterintownthancountry，foranyonewholikescangivehimsomething。Iamtoooldtocareaboutremaininghereatthebeckandcallofamaster。Thereforeletthismandoasyouhavejusttoldhim，andtakemetothetownassoonasIhavehadawarmbythefire，andthedayhasgotalittleheatinit。Myclothesarewretchedlythin，andthisfrostymorningIshallbeperishedwithcold，foryousaythecityissomewayoff。
OnthisTelemachusstrodeoffthroughtheyards，broodinghisrevengeupontheWhenhereachedhomehestoodhisspearagainstabearing-postofthecloister，crossedthestonefloorofthecloisteritself，andwentinside。
NurseEurycleasawhimlongbeforeanyoneelsedid。Shewasputtingthefleecesontotheseats，andsheburstoutcryingassheranuptohim。alltheothermaidscameuptoo，andcoveredhisheadandshoulderswiththeirkisses。PenelopecameoutofherroomlookinglikeDianaorVenus，andweptassheflungherarmsaboutherson。Shekissedhisforeheadandbothhisbeautifuleyes，Lightofmyeyes，
shecriedasshespokefondlytohim，soyouarecomehomeagain。I
madesureIwasnevergoingtoseeyouanymore。TothinkofyourhavinggoneofftoPyloswithoutsayinganythingaboutitorobtainingmyconsent。Butcome，tellmewhatyousaw。
Donotscoldme，mother，’answeredTelemachus，norvexme，seeingwhatanarrowescapeIhavehad，butwashyourface，changeyourdress，goupstairswithyourmaids，andpromisefullandsufficienthecatombstoallthegodsifJovewillonlygrantusourrevengeuponthesuitors。ImustnowgototheplaceofassemblytoinviteastrangerwhohascomebackwithmefromPylos。Isenthimonwithmycrew，andtoldPiraeustotakehimhomeandlookafterhimtillIcouldcomeforhimmyself。
Sheheededherson’swords，washedherface，changedherdress，andvowedfullandsufficienthecatombstoallthegodsiftheywouldonlyvouchsafeherrevengeuponthesuitors。
Telemachuswentthrough，andoutof，thecloistersspearinhand-
notalone，forhistwofleetdogswentwithhim。Minervaendowedhimwithapresenceofsuchdivinecomelinessthatallmarvelledathimashewentby，andthesuitorsgatheredroundhimwithfairwordsintheirmouthsandmaliceintheirhearts。butheavoidedthem，andwenttositwithMentor，Antiphus，andHalitherses，oldfriendsofhisfather’shouse，andtheymadehimtellthemallthathadhappenedtohim。ThenPiraeuscameupwithTheoclymenus，whomhehadescortedthroughthetowntotheplaceofassembly，whereonTelemachusatoncejoinedthem。Piraeuswasfirsttospeak：Telemachus，saidhe，IwishyouwouldsendsomeofyourwomentomyhousetotakeawathepresentsMenelausgaveyou。
Wedonotknow，Piraeus，answeredTelemachus，whatmayhappen。Ifthesuitorskillmeinmyownhouseanddividemypropertyamongthem，Iwouldratheryouhadthepresentsthanthatanyofthosepeopleshouldgetholdofthem。IfontheotherhandImanagetokillthem，I
shallbemuchobligedifyouwillkindlybringmemypresents。
WiththesewordshetookTheoclymenustohisownhouse。Whentheygottheretheylaidtheircloaksonthebenchesandseats，wentintothebaths，andwashedthemselves。Whenthemaidshadwashedandanointedthem，andhadgiventhemcloaksandshirts，theytooktheirseatsattable。Amaidservantthenbroughtthemwaterinabeautifulgoldenewer，andpoureditintoasilverbasinforthemtowashtheirhands。andshedrewacleantablebesidethem。Anupperservantbroughtthembreadandofferedthemmanygoodthingsofwhattherewasinthehouse。OppositethemsatPenelope，recliningonacouchbyoneofthebearing-postsofthecloister，andspinning。
Thentheylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem，andassoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrinkPenelopesaid：
Telemachus，Ishallgoupstairsandliedownonthatsadcouch，whichIhavenotceasedtowaterwithmytears，fromthedayUlyssessetoutforTroywiththesonsofAtreus。Youfailed，however，tomakeitcleartomebeforethesuitorscamebacktothehouse，whetherornoyouhadbeenabletohearanythingaboutthereturnofyourfather。
Iwilltellyouthentruth，repliedherson。WewenttoPylosandsawNestor，whotookmetohishouseandtreatedmeashospitablyasthoughIwereasonofhisownwhohadjustreturnedafteralongabsence。soalsodidhissons。buthesaidhehadnotheardawordfromanyhumanbeingaboutUlysses，whetherhewasaliveordead。Hesentme，therefore，withachariotandhorsestoMenelaus。ThereIsawHelen，forwhosesakesomany，bothArgivesandTrojans，wereinheaven’swisdomdoomedtosuffer。MenelausaskedmewhatitwasthathadbroughtmetoLacedaemon，andItoldhimthewholetruth，whereonhesaid，’So，then，thesecowardswouldusurpabraveman’sbed？Ahindmightaswelllayhernew-bornyounginthelairofalion，andthengoofftofeedintheforestorinsomegrassydell。
Thelion，whenhecomesbacktohislair，willmakeshortworkwiththepairofthem，andsowillUlysseswiththesesuitors。ByfatherJove，Minerva，andApollo，ifUlyssesisstillthemanthathewaswhenhewrestledwithPhilomeleidesinLesbos，andthrewhimsoheavilythatalltheGreekscheeredhim-ifheisstillsuch，andweretocomenearthesesuitors，theywouldhaveashortshriftandasorrywedding。Asregardsyourquestion，however，Iwillnotprevaricatenordeceiveyou，butwhattheoldmanoftheseatoldme，somuchwillI
tellyouinfull。HesaidhecouldseeUlyssesonanislandsorrowingbitterlyinthehouseofthenymphCalypso，whowaskeepinghimprisoner，andhecouldnotreachhishome，forhehadnoshipsnorsailorstotakehimoverthesea。’ThiswaswhatMenelaustoldme，andwhenIhadheardhisstoryIcameaway。thegodsthengavemeafairwindandsoonbroughtmesafehomeagain。
WiththesewordshemovedtheheartofPenelope。ThenTheoclymenussaidtoher：
Madam，wifeofUlysses，Telemachusdoesnotunderstandthesethings。listenthereforetome，forIcandivinethemsurely，andwillhidenothingfromyou。MayJovethekingofheavenbemywitness，andtheritesofhospitality，withthathearthofUlyssestowhichI
nowcome，thatUlysseshimselfisevennowinIthaca，and，eithergoingaboutthecountryorstayinginoneplace，isenquiringintoalltheseevildeedsandpreparingadayofreckoningforthesuitors。I
sawanomenwhenIwasontheshipwhichmeantthis，andItoldTelemachusaboutit。
Mayitbeevenso，answeredPenelope。ifyourwordscometrue，youshallhavesuchgiftsandsuchgoodwillfrommethatallwhoseeyoushallcongratulateyou。
Thusdidtheyconverse。Meanwhilethesuitorswerethrowingdiscs，oraimingwithspearsatamarkonthelevelledgroundinfrontofthehouse，andbehavingwithalltheiroldinsolence。Butwhenitwasnowtimefordinner，andtheflockofsheepandgoatshadcomeintothetownfromallthecountryround，withtheirshepherdsasusual，thenMedon，whowastheirfavouriteservant，andwhowaiteduponthemattable，said，Nowthen，myyoungmasters，youhavehadenoughsport，socomeinsidethatwemaygetdinnerready。Dinnerisnotabadthing，atdinnertime。
Theylefttheirsportsashetoldthem，andwhentheywerewithinthehouse，theylaidtheircloaksonthebenchesandseatsinside，andthensacrificedsomesheep，goats，pigs，andaheifer，allofthemfatandwellgrown。Thustheymadereadyfortheirmeal。InthemeantimeUlyssesandtheswineherdwereaboutstartingforthetown，andtheswineherdsaid，Stranger，Isupposeyoustillwanttogototownto-day，asmymastersaidyouweretodo。formyownpartIshouldhavelikedyoutostayhereasastationhand，butImustdoasmymastertellsme，orhewillscoldmelateron，andascoldingfromone’smasterisaveryseriousthing。Letusthenbeoff，foritisnowbroadday。itwillbenightagaindirectlyandthenyouwillfinditcolder。
Iknow，andunderstandyou，repliedUlysses。youneedsaynomore。Letusbegoing，butifyouhaveastickreadycut，letmehaveittowalkwith，foryousaytheroadisaveryroughone。
Ashespokehethrewhisshabbyoldtatteredwalletoverhisshoulders，bythecordfromwhichithung，andEumaeusgavehimasticktohisliking。Thetwothenstarted，leavingthestationinchargeofthedogsandherdsmenwhoremainedbehind。theswineherdledthewayandhismasterfollowedafter，lookinglikesomebroken-downoldtrampasheleaneduponhisstaff，andhisclotheswereallinrags。Whentheyhadgotovertheroughsteepgroundandwerenearingthecity，theyreachedthefountainfromwhichthecitizensdrewtheirwater。ThishadbeenmadebyIthacus，Neritus，andPolyctor。Therewasagroveofwater-lovingpoplarsplantedinacircleallroundit，andtheclearcoldwatercamedowntoitfromarockhighup，whileabovethefountaintherewasanaltartothenymphs，atwhichallwayfarersusedtosacrifice。HereMelanthiussonofDoliusovertookthemashewasdrivingdownsomegoats，thebestinhisflock，forthesuitors’dinner，andthereweretwoshepherdswithhim。WhenhesawEumaeusandUlysseshereviledthemwithoutrageousandunseemlylanguage，whichmadeUlyssesveryangry。
Thereyougo，criedhe，andapreciouspairyouare。Seehowheavenbringsbirdsofthesamefeathertooneanother。Where，pray，masterswineherd，areyoutakingthispoormiserableobject？Itwouldmakeanyonesicktoseesuchacreatureattable。Afellowlikethisneverwonaprizeforanythinginhislife，butwillgoaboutrubbinghisshouldersagainsteveryman’sdoorpost，andbegging，notforswordsandcauldronslikeaman，butonlyforafewscrapsnotworthbeggingfor。Ifyouwouldgivehimtomeforahandonmystation，hemightdotocleanoutthefolds，orbringabitofsweetfeedtothekids，andhecouldfattenhisthighsasmuchashepleasedonwhey。buthehastakentobadwaysandwillnotgoaboutanykindofwork。hewilldonothingbutbegvictualsallthetownover，tofeedhisinsatiablebelly。Isay，thereforeanditshallsurelybe-ifhegoesnearUlysses’househewillgethisheadbrokenbythestoolstheywillflingathim，tilltheyturnhimout。
Onthis，ashepassed，hegaveUlyssesakickonthehipoutofpurewantonness，butUlyssesstoodfirm，anddidnotbudgefromthepath。
ForamomenthedoubtedwhetherornotoflyatMelanthiusandkillhimwithhisstaff，orflinghimtothegroundandbeathisbrainsout。heresolved，however，toendureitandkeephimselfincheck，buttheswineherdlookedstraightatMelanthiusandrebukedhim，liftinguphishandsandprayingtoheavenashedidso。
Fountainnymphs，hecried，childrenofJove，ifeverUlyssesburnedyouthighbonescoveredwithfatwhetheroflambsorkids，grantmyprayerthatheavenmaysendhimhome。Hewouldsoonputanendtotheswaggeringthreatswithwhichsuchmenasyougoaboutinsultingpeople-gaddingalloverthetownwhileyourflocksaregoingtoruinthroughbadshepherding。
ThenMelanthiusthegoatherdanswered，Youill-conditionedcur，whatareyoutalkingabout？SomedayorotherIwillputyouonboardshipandtakeyoutoaforeigncountry，whereIcansellyouandpocketthemoneyyouwillfetch。IwishIwereassurethatApollowouldstrikeTelemachusdeadthisveryday，orthatthesuitorswouldkillhim，asIamthatUlysseswillnevercomehomeagain。
Withthisheleftthemtocomeonattheirleisure，whilehewentquicklyforwardandsoonreachedthehouseofhismaster。WhenhegottherehewentinandtookhisseatamongthesuitorsoppositeEurymachus，wholikedhimbetterthananyoftheothers。Theservantsbroughthimaportionofmeat，andanupperwomanservantsetbreadbeforehimthathemighteat。PresentlyUlyssesandtheswineherdcameuptothehouseandstoodbyit，amidasoundofmusic，forPhemiuswasjustbeginningtosingtothesuitors。ThenUlyssestookholdoftheswineherd’shand，andsaid：
Eumaeus，thishouseofUlyssesisaveryfineplace。Nomatterhowfaryougoyouwillfindfewlikeit。Onebuildingkeepsfollowingonafteranother。Theoutercourthasawallwithbattlementsallroundit。thedoorsaredoublefolding，andofgoodworkmanship。itwouldbeahardmattertotakeitbyforceofarms。Iperceive，too，thattherearemanypeoplebanquetingwithinit，forthereisasmellofroastmeat，andIhearasoundofmusic，whichthegodshavemadetogoalongwithfeasting。
ThenEumaeussaid，Youhaveperceivedaright，asindeedyougenerallydo。butletusthinkwhatwillbeourbestcourse。Willyougoinsidefirstandjointhesuitors，leavingmeherebehindyou，orwillyouwaithereandletmegoinfirst？Butdonotwaitlong，orsomeonemayyouloiteringaboutoutside，andthrowsomethingatyou。ConsiderthismatterIprayyou。
AndUlyssesanswered，Iunderstandandheed。GoinfirstandleavemeherewhereIam。Iamquiteusedtobeingbeatenandhavingthingsthrownatme。IhavebeensomuchbuffetedaboutinwarandbyseathatIamcase-hardened，andthistoomaygowiththerest。Butamancannothideawaythecravingsofahungrybelly。thisisanenemywhichgivesmuchtroubletoallmen。itisbecauseofthisthatshipsarefittedouttosailtheseas，andtomakewaruponotherpeople。
Astheywerethustalking，adogthathadbeenlyingasleepraisedhisheadandprickeduphisears。ThiswasArgos，whomUlysseshadbredbeforesettingoutforTroy，buthehadneverhadanyworkoutofhim。Intheolddaysheusedtobetakenoutbytheyoungmenwhentheywenthuntingwildgoats，ordeer，orhares，butnowthathismasterwasgonehewaslyingneglectedontheheapsofmuleandcowdungthatlayinfrontofthestabledoorstillthemenshouldcomeanddrawitawaytomanurethegreatclose。andhewasfulloffleas。AssoonashesawUlyssesstandingthere，hedroppedhisearsandwaggedhistail，buthecouldnotgetcloseuptohismaster。WhenUlyssessawthedogontheothersideoftheyard，dashedatearfromhiseyeswithoutEumaeusseeingit，andsaid：
Eumaeus，whatanoblehoundthatisoveryonderonthemanureheap：
hisbuildissplendid。isheasfineafellowashelooks，orisheonlyoneofthosedogsthatcomebeggingaboutatable，andarekeptmerelyforshow？
Thishound，answeredEumaeus，belongedtohimwhohasdiedinafarcountry。IfhewerewhathewaswhenUlyssesleftforTroy，hewouldsoonshowyouwhathecoulddo。Therewasnotawildbeastintheforestthatcouldgetawayfromhimwhenhewasonceonitstracks。Butnowhehasfallenoneviltimes，forhismasterisdeadandgone，andthewomentakenocareofhim。Servantsneverdotheirworkwhentheirmaster’shandisnolongeroverthem，forJovetakeshalfthegoodnessoutofamanwhenhemakesaslaveofhim。
Ashespokehewentinsidethebuildingstothecloisterwherethesuitorswere，butArgosdiedassoonashehadrecognizedhismaster。
TelemachussawEumaeuslongbeforeanyoneelsedid，andbeckonedhimtocomeandsitbesidehim。sohelookedaboutandsawaseatlyingnearwherethecarversatservingouttheirportionstothesuitors。hepickeditup，broughtittoTelemachus’stable，andsatdownoppositehim。Thentheservantbroughthimhisportion，andgavehimbreadfromthebread-basket。
ImmediatelyafterwardsUlyssescameinside，lookinglikeapoormiserableoldbeggar，leaningonhisstaffandwithhisclothesallinrags。Hesatdownuponthethresholdofash-woodjustinsidethedoorsleadingfromtheoutertotheinnercourt，andagainstabearing-postofcypress-woodwhichthecarpenterhadskillfullyplaned，andhadmadetojointrulywithruleandline。Telemachustookawholeloaffromthebread-basket，withasmuchmeatashecouldholdinhistwohands，andsaidtoEumaeus，Takethistothestranger，andtellhimtogotheroundofthesuitors，andbegfromthem。abeggarmustnotbeshamefaced。
SoEumaeuswentuptohimandsaid，Stranger，Telemachussendsyouthis，andsaysyouaretogotheroundofthesuitorsbegging，forbeggarsmustnotbeshamefaced。
Ulyssesanswered，MayKingJovegrantallhappinesstoTelemachus，andfulfilthedesireofhisheart。
ThenwithbothhandshetookwhatTelemachushadsenthim，andlaiditonthedirtyoldwalletathisfeet。Hewentoneatingitwhilethebardwassinging，andhadjustfinishedhisdinnerasheleftoff。Thesuitorsapplaudedthebard，whereonMinervawentuptoUlyssesandpromptedhimtobegpiecesofbreadfromeachoneofthesuitors，thathemightseewhatkindofpeopletheywere，andtellthegoodfromthebad。butcomewhatmightshewasnotgoingtosaveasingleoneofthem。Ulysses，therefore，wentonhisround，goingfromlefttoright，andstretchedouthishandstobegasthoughhewerearealbeggar。Someofthempitiedhim，andwerecuriousabouthim，askingoneanotherwhohewasandwherehecamefrom。whereonthegoatherdMelanthiussaid，Suitorsofmynoblemistress，Icantellyousomethingabouthim，forIhaveseenhimbefore。Theswineherdbroughthimhere，butIknownothingaboutthemanhimself，norwherehecomesfrom。
OnthisAntinousbegantoabusetheswineherd。Youpreciousidiot，
hecried，whathaveyoubroughtthismantotownfor？Havewenottrampsandbeggarsenoughalreadytopesterusaswesitatmeat？Doyouthinkitasmallthingthatsuchpeoplegatherheretowasteyourmaster’spropertyandmustyouneedsbringthismanaswell？
AndEumaeusanswered，Antinous，yourbirthisgoodbutyourwordsevil。Itwasnodoingofminethathecamehere。Whoislikelytoinviteastrangerfromaforeigncountry，unlessitbeoneofthosewhocandopublicserviceasaseer，ahealerofhurts，acarpenter，orabardwhocancharmuswithhisSuchmenarewelcomealltheworldover，butnooneislikelytoaskabeggarwhowillonlyworryhim。
YouarealwaysharderonUlysses’servantsthananyoftheothersuitorsare，andaboveallonme，butIdonotcaresolongasTelemachusandPenelopearealiveandhere。
ButTelemachussaid，Hush，donotanswerhim。Antinoushasthebitteresttongueofallthesuitors，andhemakestheothersworse。
ThenturningtoAntinoushesaid，Antinous，youtakeasmuchcareofmyinterestsasthoughIwereyourson。Whyshouldyouwanttoseethisstrangerturnedoutofthehouse？Heavenforbid。take’
somethingandgiveithimyourself。Idonotgrudgeit。Ibidyoutakeit。Nevermindmymother，noranyoftheotherservantsinthehouse。butIknowyouwillnotdowhatIsay，foryouaremorefondofeatingthingsyourselfthanofgivingthemtootherpeople。
Whatdoyoumean，Telemachus，repliedAntinous，bythisswaggeringtalk？IfallthesuitorsweretogivehimasmuchasI
will，hewouldnotcomehereagainforanotherthreemonths。
Ashespokehedrewthestoolonwhichherestedhisdaintyfeetfromunderthetable，andmadeasthoughhewouldthrowitatUlysses，buttheothersuitorsallgavehimsomething，andfilledhiswalletwithbreadandmeat。hewasabout，therefore，togobacktothethresholdandeatwhatthesuitorshadgivenhim，buthefirstwentuptoAntinousandsaid：
Sir，givemesomething。youarenot，surely，thepoorestmanhere。youseemtobeachief，foremostamongthemall。thereforeyoushouldbethebettergiver，andIwilltellfarandwideofyourbounty。Itoowasarichmanonce，andhadafinehouseofmyown。
inthosedaysIgavetomanyatrampsuchasInowam，nomatterwhohemightbenorwhathewanted。Ihadanynumberofservants，andalltheotherthingswhichpeoplehavewholivewellandareaccountedwealthy，butitpleasedJovetotakeallawayfromme。HesentmewithabandofrovingrobberstoEgypt。itwasalongvoyageandIwasundonebyit。IstationedmybadeshipsintheriverAegyptus，andbademymenstaybythemandkeepguardoverthem，whilesentoutscoutstoreconnoitrefromeverypointofvantage。
Butthemendisobeyedmyorders，tooktotheirowndevices，andravagedthelandoftheEgyptians，killingthemen，andtakingtheirwivesandchildrencaptives。Thealarmwassooncarriedtothecity，andwhentheyheardthewar-cry，thepeoplecameoutatdaybreaktilltheplainwasfilledwithsoldiershorseandfoot，andwiththegleamofarmour。ThenJovespreadpanicamongmymen，andtheywouldnolongerfacetheenemy，fortheyfoundthemselvessurrounded。TheEgyptianskilledmanyofus，andtooktherestalivetodoforcedlabourforthem。asformyself，theygavemetoafriendwhometthem，totaketoCyprus，Dmetorbyname，sonofIasus，whowasagreatmaninCyprus。ThenceIamcomehitherinastateofgreatmisery。
ThenAntinoussaid，Whatgodcanhavesentsuchapestilencetoplagueusduringourdinner？Getout，intotheopenpartofthecourt，orIwillgiveyouEgyptandCyprusoveragainforyourinsolenceandimportunity。youhavebeggedofalltheothers，andtheyhavegivenyoulavishly，fortheyhaveabundanceroundthem，anditiseasytobefreewithotherpeople’spropertywhenthereisplentyofit。
OnthisUlyssesbegantomoveoff，andsaid，Yourlooks，myfinesir，arebetterthanyourbreeding。ifyouwereinyourownhouseyouwouldnotspareapoormansomuchasapinchofsalt，forthoughyouareinanotherman’s，andsurroundedwithabundance，youcannotfinditinyoutogivehimevenapieceofbread。
ThismadeAntinousveryangry，andhescowledathimsaying，Youshallpayforthisbeforeyougetclearofthecourt。Withthesewordshethrewafootstoolathim，andhithimontherightshoulder-bladenearthetopofhisback。Ulyssesstoodfirmasarockandtheblowdidnotevenstaggerhim，butheshookhisheadinsilenceashebroodedonhisrevenge。Thenhewentbacktothethresholdandsatdownthere，layinghiswell-filledwalletathisfeet。
Listentome，hecried，yousuitorsofQueenPenelope，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded。Amanknowsneitherachenorpainifhegetshitwhilefightingforhismoney，orforhissheeporhiscattle。
andevensoAntinoushashitmewhileintheserviceofmymiserablebelly，whichisalwaysgettingpeopleintotrouble。Still，ifthepoorhavegodsandavengingdeitiesatall，IpraythemthatAntinousmaycometoabadendbeforehismarriage。
Sitwhereyouare，andeatyourvictualsinsilence，orbeoffelsewhere，shoutedAntinous。IfyousaymoreIwillhaveyoudraggedhandandfootthroughthecourts，andtheservantsshallflayyoualive。
Theothersuitorsweremuchdispleasedatthis，andoneoftheyoungmensaid，Antinous，youdidillinstrikingthatpoorwretchofatramp：itwillbeworseforyouifheshouldturnouttobesomegod-andweknowthegodsgoaboutdisguisedinallsortsofwaysaspeoplefromforeigncountries，andtravelabouttheworldtoseewhodoamissandwhorighteously。
Thussaidthesuitors，butAntinouspaidthemnoheed。MeanwhileTelemachuswasfuriousabouttheblowthathadbeengiventohisfather，andthoughnotearfellfromhim，heshookhisheadinsilenceandbroodedonhisrevenge。
NowwhenPenelopeheardthatthebeggarhadbeenstruckinthebanqueting-cloister，shesaidbeforehermaids，WouldthatApollowouldsostrikeyou，Antinous，andherwaitingwomanEurynomeanswered，Ifourprayerswereanswerednotoneofthesuitorswouldeveragainseethesunrise。ThenPenelopesaid，Nurse，Ihateeverysingleoneofthem，fortheymeannothingbutmischief，butIhateAntinouslikethedarknessofdeathitself。Apoorunfortunatetramphascomebeggingaboutthehouseforsheerwant。Everyoneelsehasgivenhimsomethingtoputinhiswallet，butAntinoushashithimontherightshoulder-bladewithafootstool。
Thusdidshetalkwithhermaidsasshesatinherownroom，andinthemeantimeUlysseswasgettinghisdinner。Thenshecalledfortheswineherdandsaid，Eumaeus，goandtellthestrangertocomehere，Iwanttoseehimandaskhimsomequestions。Heseemstohavetravelledmuch，andhemayhaveseenorheardsomethingofmyunhappyhusband。
Tothisyouanswered，OswineherdEumaeus，IftheseAchaeans，Madam，wouldonlykeepquiet，youwouldbecharmedwiththehistoryofhisadventures。Ihadhimthreedaysandthreenightswithmeinmyhut，whichwasthefirstplacehereachedafterrunningawayfromhisship，andhehasnotyetcompletedthestoryofhismisfortunes。
Ifhehadbeenthemostheaven-taughtminstrelinthewholeworld，onwhoselipsallhearershangentranced，IcouldnothavebeenmorecharmedasIsatinmyhutandlistenedtohim。HesaysthereisanoldfriendshipbetweenhishouseandthatofUlysses，andthathecomesfromCretewherethedescendantsofMinoslive，afterhavingbeendrivenhitherandthitherbyeverykindofmisfortune。healsodeclaresthathehasheardofUlyssesasbeingaliveandnearathandamongtheThesprotians，andthatheisbringinggreatwealthhomewithhim。
Callhimhere，then，saidPenelope，thatItoomayhearhisstory。Asforthesuitors，letthemtaketheirpleasureindoorsoroutastheywill，fortheyhavenothingtofretabout。Theircornandwineremainunwastedintheirhouseswithnonebutservantstoconsumethem，whiletheykeephangingaboutourhousedayafterdaysacrificingouroxen，sheep，andfatgoatsfortheirbanquets，andnevergivingsomuchasathoughttothequantityofwinetheydrink。Noestatecanstandsuchrecklessness，forwehavenownoUlyssestoprotectus。Ifheweretocomeagain，heandhissonwouldsoonhavetheirrevenge。
AsshespokeTelemachussneezedsoloudlythatthewholehouseresoundedwithit。Penelopelaughedwhensheheardthis，andsaidtoEumaeus，Goandcallthestranger。didyounothearhowmysonsneezedjustasIwasspeaking？Thiscanonlymeanthatallthesuitorsaregoingtobekilled，andthatnotoneofthemshallescape。
FurthermoreIsay，andlaymysayingtoyourheart：ifIamsatisfiedthatthestrangerisspeakingthetruthIshallgivehimashirtandcloakofgoodwear。
WhenEumaeusheardthishewentstraighttoUlyssesandsaid，Fatherstranger，mymistressPenelope，motherofTelemachus，hassentforyou。sheisingreatgrief，butshewishestohearanythingyoucantellheraboutherhusband，andifsheissatisfiedthatyouarespeakingthetruth，shewillgiveyouashirtandcloak，whicharetheverythingsthatyouaremostinwantof。Asforbread，youcangetenoughofthattofillyourbelly，bybeggingaboutthetown，andlettingthosegivethatwill。
IwilltellPenelope，answeredUlysses，nothingbutwhatisstrictlytrue。Iknowallaboutherhusband，andhavebeenpartnerwithhiminaffliction，butIamafraidofpassing。throughthiscrowdofcruelsuitors，fortheirprideandinsolencereachheaven。Justnow，moreover，asIwasgoingaboutthehousewithoutdoinganyharm，amangavemeablowthathurtmeverymuch，butneitherTelemachusnoranyoneelsedefendedme。TellPenelope，therefore，tobepatientandwaittillsundown。Lethergivemeaseatcloseuptothefire，formyclothesarewornverythin-youknowtheyare，foryouhaveseenthemeversinceIfirstaskedyoutohelpme-shecanthenaskmeaboutthereturnofherhusband。
Theswineherdwentbackwhenheheardthis，andPenelopesaidasshesawhimcrossthethreshold，Whydoyounotbringhimhere，Eumaeus？Isheafraidthatsomeonewillill-treathim，orisheshyofcominginsidethehouseatall？Beggarsshouldnotbeshamefaced。
Tothisyouanswered，OswineherdEumaeus，Thestrangerisquitereasonable。Heisavoidingthesuitors，andisonlydoingwhatanyoneelsewoulddo。Heasksyoutowaittillsundown，anditwillbemuchbetter，madam，thatyoushouldhavehimalltoyourself，whenyoucanhearhimandtalktohimasyouwill。
Themanisnofool，answeredPenelope，itwouldverylikelybeashesays，fortherearenosuchabominablepeopleinthewholeworldasthesemenare。
WhenshehaddonespeakingEumaeuswentbacktothesuitors，forhehadexplainedeverything。ThenhewentuptoTelemachusandsaidinhisearsothatnonecouldoverhearhim，Mydearsir，Iwillnowgobacktothepigs，toseeafteryourpropertyandmyownbusiness。
Youwilllooktowhatisgoingonhere，butaboveallbecarefultokeepoutofdanger，fortherearemanywhobearyouillwill。MayJovebringthemtoabadendbeforetheydousamischief。
Verywell，repliedTelemachus，gohomewhenyouhavehadyourdinner，andinthemorningcomeherewiththevictimswearetosacrificefortheday。Leavetheresttoheavenandme。
OnthisEumaeustookhisseatagain，andwhenhehadfinishedhisdinnerheleftthecourtsandthecloisterwiththemenattable，andwentbacktohispigs。Asforthesuitors，theypresentlybegantoamusethemselveswithsinginganddancing，foritwasnowgettingontowardsevening。