HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVI: ODYSSEUS MEETS HIS SON TELEMACHUS.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVI: ODYSSEUS MEETS HIS SON TELEMACHUS.

Introduction:

The focal point of Book XVI is the reunion of Odysseus with his son Telemachus, and it is significant that for quite some time after this Telemachus is the only person on the island of Ithaca who knows that his father has returned. (In fact, it is not until towards the end of Book XIX that anyone else (i.e. his former nurse Eurycleia) recognises him.) After he arrives at the swineherd's hut, Telemachus sends Eumaeus off to the town to inform his mother that he has returned. In Eumaeus' absence, Odysseus is transformed by the goddess Athene into his true shape and Telemachus eventually realises that he is his father; after their emotional reunion, they begin to make plans for the destruction of the Suitors. In the meantime, a messenger from Telemachus' anchored ship meets Eumaeus on his way to Penelope, and together they give her the news that her son has returned from Pylos. The Suitors, having learned that their plan to ambush Telemachus has failed, begin to make alternative arrangements to deal with him. Penelope enters the Hall of her palace and denounces Antinous, one of the Suitors' leaders, for planning to kill her son, but another one of the Suitors, Eurymachus, then seeks to placate her. Meanwhile, the swineherd Eumaeus returns to his hut and rejoins Telemachus and Odysseus, whom Athene has now changed back into the form of a beggar again, so that Eumaeus should not recognise him. 

A particular feature of Book XVI is the attention given by Homer to the speeches made by the Suitors Antinous and Eurymachus towards the end of the Book. In a remarkably long speech (ll. 364-392) Antinous tries to gain the Suitors' support for the murder of Telemachus and the division of his property between them. After Penelope has publicly rebuked Antinous for his villainous plans, Eurymachus seeks to reassure her in a speech remarkable for its falseness, exaggeration and hypocrisy (ll. 435-447) that Telemachus has nothing to fear, while in fact he too is minded to kill him. The inclusion of these speeches at this point in the "Odyssey" can best be explained by the deaths of the two speakers in the dreadful slaughter of the Suitors in Book XXII. Perhaps Homer felt that revealing the wicked nature of these two men would help to justify the extreme punishment subsequently to be inflicted on them by his hero Odysseus. 

Ll. 1-43. Telemachus at Eumaeus' hut. 

Then, in the hut the two of them, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd, kindled a fire and were getting their breakfast ready at day-break, and they sent off the herdsmen with the pigs (they had) assembled; and the hounds were fawning around Telemachus yelping, but they did not bark as he approached. And godlike Odysseus noticed the hounds (were) fawning, and the sound of his footsteps came to (his ears). And, at once, then, he spoke these winged words to Eumaeus: "Eumaeus, surely some comrade of yours is about to arrive here, or, at least, someone well-known (to you), for the dogs are not barking but are fawning around (him); and I hear the sound of footsteps." 

Nor were these words yet fully spoken, when his dear son stood in the doorway. Then, the swineherd sprang up, full of amazement, and the vessels, with which he was engaged, as he mixed the flaming wine, fell from his hands. And he went to meet his lord, and kissed his forehead and both his sparkling eyes and his two hands; and he shed a big tear. And as a loving father greets his own dear son, coming from a far-off land in the tenth year, his darling only (son), for whom he has suffered much pain, so did the goodly swineherd then cling to godlike Telemachus and kiss (him) all over, like one who has escaped from death; and, as he wept, he addressed these winged words to (him): "You are come, Telemachus, sweet light of my eyes. I thought I should not see you any more, once you had gone in your ship to Pylos. But come now, come in, dear child, so that I may delight in my hear to see you are (here) in (my home), (having) recently (come) from somewhere else. For you do not often visit the farmstead and the herdsmen, but you stay in the town; for so it now gratifies your mind to look upon destroying that gang of suitor-men."

Then did wise Telemachus speak to him in reply: "So shall it be, father; for I came here on account of you, so that I might see you with my own eyes and hear your word as to whether my mother still abides in the palace, or whether some other man has already wedded (her), and Odysseus' bed doubtless lies covered with foul cobwebs for want of bed-clothes." 

Then did the swineherd, that leader of men, answer him:" Yes truly, she abides in your palace with a patient spirit; but the nights and days continue to pass by in sadness as she sheds tears."

So saying, he took his bronze spear from him; and he went inside and stepped over the stone threshold. And, as he entered, his father Odysseus got up from his seat; but Telemachus, from the other side (of the room), checked him and said, "Be seated, stranger; for we shall get a seat from elsewhere in our farmstead; and here (is) the man who will set (one) down." 

Ll. 46-89. Telemachus and Eumaeus discuss what arrangements should be made for the stranger.

So he spoke. And he went and sat down again; and the swineherd spread some green brushwood under him and a fleece on top. Then, Odysseus' dear son sat down there. Now the swineherd put beside them some slices of roast meat, which they had left over from their meal on the previous day, and they hurriedly heaped up bread in wicker baskets and then mixed sweet wine in a rustic wooden bowl; and he himself sat down opposite the godlike Odysseus. and they put out their hands (i.e. they helped themselves) to the food lying ready before (them). But when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, then did Telemachus address the goodly swineherd: "Father, where does this guest of yours come from? How did sailors bring him to Ithaca? Who did they claim to be? For in no way do I think that he came here on foot."

Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you said to him in reply: "Now then, everything I tell you, (will be) the truth, my child. He claims (to be) a native of the broad (island of) Crete, and says that he has roamed around as an outcast among many of the cities of mankind. For so (he said) has heaven spun the thread of his destiny. But just recently he managed to escape from a ship belonging to men of Thesprotia and came (here) to my farmstead, but I shall hand (him) over to you; you may do with him as you wish; and he claims to be your suppliant."

Then again, the wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "Eumaeus, in very truth these words you speak (are) mortifying (to me); for how then can I receive the stranger in my house? For I am young myself, and cannot yet rely on (the strength of) my hands to ward a man off, when someone older is angry (with me); the heart in my mother's breast is caught in two minds as to whether she should stay here with me and keep my house, out of respect for her husband's bed and public opinion, or whether she should go away with whichever man of the Achaeans is best at wooing her in the palace, and has offered the most wedding gifts. But I promise you, with regard to this stranger, that, since he has come to your house, I shall clothe him in fair raiment, a cloak and a tunic, and I will give (him) a two-edged sword and sandals for his feet, and I shall send him wheresoever his heart and soul tell (him to go). But, if you wish, you may keep (him here) at the farmstead and care for him, and there I shall send the clothes and all the food (for him) to eat, so he shall not exhaust you and your men. But I shall not permit him to come here and meet the suitors, for their reckless violence goes beyond all bounds; should they taunt him, that would be a terrible (source of) distress to me. It is difficult for a man to accomplish anything amongst a crowd, however strong he may be, since they are much more powerful (than he is)."  

Ll. 90-134. Odysseus expresses his opinion, and Telemachus plans to send Eumaeus to Penelope.

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus addressed him once more: "My friend, it is surely now right for me to say something too, as verily my heart was rent asunder when I heard of the reckless conduct such as you say the suitors have committed in your halls, despite you being so (fine a man). Tell me, whether you are willingly oppressed, or whether the people hate you throughout the land, because they are complying with the oracle of a god, or whether you have cause to cast some of the blame upon your brothers, in whose fighting a man should trust, even if a great strife should arise. For if (only) I in my present spirit were as young as you are, (being) either the son of blameless Odysseus, or even (Odysseus) himself, having returned from his wanderings; for (there is) still room for hope; then let some strange man cut off my head at once, if I did not prove myself the bane of (i.e. kill) them all, when I came to the palace of Laertes' son, Odysseus. But, if they should overwhelm me by their numbers, alone as I was, I would rather die, slain in my own halls, than continually behold these shameful deeds, strangers being mistreated, and (men) dragging handmaidens in a shameful manner through these fair halls, and wine being wastefully drawn, and (men) endlessly devouring my bread to no purpose in the same way, with no end to the business (in sight)."

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "Well then, stranger, I will tell you (everything) totally in accordance with the truth. The people as a whole do not hate me, or bear (me) a grudge, nor have I any reason to blame my brothers, in whose fighting a man may trust, even if great strife should arise. For thus has the son of Cronos made single birth (the rule) in our (family): Arceisius (i.e. son of Zeus) begat Laertes (as) his only son, and, again, did his father begat Odysseus (as) his only (son), and Odysseus begot me (as) his only (son) and left (me) in these halls and had no joy (of me). So foes beyond counting are now in the house. For all the chieftains who hold sway over the islands, Dulichium, and Same and wooded Zacynthus, and those who lord (it) over rocky Ithaca, all these woo my mother and lay waste my house. And she neither rejects a hateful marriage, nor can she make an end (of it); and in their feasting they consume my property; and me myself they will soon bring to ruin also. But, in truth, these (things) lie on the knees (i.e. in the lap) of the gods; but do you go quickly, father (i.e. Eumaeus), and tell the prudent Penelope that she has me safe and sound, and that I have returned from Pylos. But I shall remain here, and do you come back here when you have told (her) alone; and no one of the other Achaeans can learn of (it); for (there are) many (who) are planning evil (things) for me."  

Ll. 135-185. Athene restores to Odysseus his proper appearance. 

Then, swineherd Eumaeus, you said to him in reply: "I see, I understand; you are saying these (things) to a thoughtful (man). But come, tell me this and declare (it) truly, should I go on the same journey (as) a messenger to Laertes also, that unlucky (man), who, in his great grief for Odysseus, used for a while to keep an eye on his farm and eat and drink with the farmhands in his house, when the spirit in his breast moved him; but now, ever since you went on a ship to Pylos, they say that he no longer eats and drinks as before, nor does he keep watch on the farm, but, with groaning and wailing, he sits in sorrow and the flesh withers around his bones."

Then, the wise Telemachus said to him again in reply: "(That's) too bad, but, despite our regrets, we must let him be; for, if it were possible for all (things) to be left to the choice of (us) mortals, we should choose first (of all) the day of my father's return. But do you come (straight) back after you have delivered your message, and do not go wandering across the fields in search of him; but ask my mother to send her busy housekeeper to (him) in secret as quickly as possible; for she might tell the old man." 

So he spoke, and he aroused the swineherd; and he took his sandals in his hands and bound (them) beneath his feet, and went to the city. Nor did it escape the notice of Athene that the swineherd Eumaeus had gone, but she drew near; and she came forth in the shape of a woman, tall and beautiful, and skilled in glorious accomplishments. And she stood just opposite the door of the hut, having made herself visible to Odysseus; but Telemachus neither saw (her) in front of him, nor became aware of her presence, for the gods appear in bodily shape to by no means all (men), but Odysseus and the dogs saw (her), and the (latter) did not bark but they retreated to the other side of the farmstead. Then, she signalled with her eyebrows; and godlike Odysseus noticed (this) and went out of the hall past the great wall of the courtyard and stood before her; then Athene addressed him: "Zeus-sprung son of Laertes, ever-resourceful Odysseus, now tell your story to your son and do not conceal (it), so that, when you have planned together the death and destruction of the suitors, you may go into the renowned city; nor will I myself be away from you for long, eager (as I am) for the battle."

As she spoke, she touched (him) (i.e. Odysseus) with a golden wand. First of all, she placed a well-washed cloak and tunic about his breast, and increased his stature and his youthful bloom. And again he grew dark in colour, and his jaws filled out (lit. stretched) and the beard grew dark around his chin. And, when she had done these things, she went away again; but Odysseus went into the hut; and his son marvelled at him, and, struck with fear, he turned his eyes aside, lest it should be a god, and he spoke to him and addressed (him) with these winged words: "Stranger, you seem to me (to be a person) other than (the one that you were) just a moment ago. In truth, you are a god, one (of those) who hold broad heaven; but be gracious, so that we may give you acceptable offerings and golden gifts, finely wrought; but (please) spare us."  

Ll. 186-224. Odysseus reveals his true identity to Telemachus. 

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus said to him: "To be sure, I am not a god; why (then) do you liken me to the immortals? But I am your father, on whose account you have suffered many sorrows that have made you groan, and you have had to put up with men's violence."

So saying, he kissed his son, and tears ran down his cheeks to the ground; before that, he had always kept his feelings constantly under control.  Then, Telemachus, for he did not yet believe that it was his father, addressed him once more and said these words: "You are not my father Odysseus, but some demon is playing a trick on me, so that I may weep and wail still more. For no mortal man could possibly arrange these (things) through his own mentality, unless a god were to come (to him) himself, readily wanting to make (him) young or old. For just now, to be sure, you were an old man and you were wearing shabby (clothes); but now you are like the gods, who hold broad heaven."

Then, Odysseus, the man of many wiles, said to him in reply: "Telemachus, it is not right that you should be in any way surprised, or so exceedingly taken aback, that your father is inside (the house); for you can be sure that no other Odysseus will ever come here, but I, the man such as you see, after suffering misfortunes and much wanderings, have come in the twentieth year to my native land. But this, let me tell you, (is) the work of Athene, driver of the spoil, and she is accustomed to make me just as she pleases, for she has the power (to do so), at one moment like a beggar and then at another, (like) a young man and (one) wearing fine clothes around his body. And easy (it is) for the gods, who hold broad heaven, both to glorify a mortal man and to debase (him)."   

So saying, down he sat, and Telemachus, having embraced his noble father, cried out and shed tears, and in both of their (hearts) there arose a longing for lamentation; and they wailed aloud more vehemently than birds of prey, vultures or sea-eagles with crooked talons, whose chicks countryfolk have taken from (their nests) before they were fully fledged; thus did they let tears fall piteously from beneath their brows. And now would the light of the sun have gone down upon their weeping, if Telemachus had not suddenly said to his father: "But in what kind of ship, dear father, have sailors now brought you here to Ithaca? (And) who did they say they were? For in no way do I think that you came here on foot."    

Ll. 225-265. Odysseus and Telemachus make plans.

And the much-enduring godlike Odysseus answered him once more: "Well then, I shall tell you the truth. The Phaeacians brought me (here), those renowned sailors, who also send other men on their way, whoever lands on their (coasts). They brought me, even while I was asleep, across the sea in their swift ship and landed (me) on Ithaca, and they gave me splendid gifts, heaps of bronze and gold, and woven garments. And, by the grace of the gods, these (gifts) are lying in caves; now I have come here at the bidding of Athene, so that we could plan the destruction of our enemies. But come now, count up the suitors, and list (them) for me, so that I may know how many, and what kind of men, they are, and so that I may ponder thoughtfully in my noble heart whether we two will be strong enough to take them on alone without others, or whether we shall need to look for others also."

Then, wise Telemachus addressed him in reply: "O Father, I have always heard of your great fame, that you are strong in arm and sage in counsel; but (what) you have said (is) too great; amazement takes hold of me: it cannot be that two men could fight so many (men) and such strong (ones); and of the suitors (there are) not exactly ten or twice that number, but many more: you shall quickly know their number here and now. From Dulichium (there are) fifty-two selected young men, and six working men accompany (them); and from Same there are twenty-four young men, and from Zacynthus there are twenty Achaean youths, and from Ithaca itself there are twelve, all its best, and with them there is Medon, the herald and divine minstrel, and two attendants skilled in carving meat. If we shall encounter all of these within (the halls, take care), lest bitter and dire will be the consequences when you come to take revenge on their violence. But, see if you can think of any helper, who could assist the two of us with a ready heart."

Then, the much enduring godlike Odysseus replied to him once more: "Well then, I will tell (you), and do you take heed and hearken to my (words); now consider whether Athene with her father Zeus can protect the two of us, or whether I should have another helper in mind."

Then, wise Telemachus spoke to him again in reply: "Good indeed (are) those two helpers, of whom you speak, though high in the clouds do they sit; and they rule over all other men and the immortal gods alike."

Ll. 266-307. Odysseus gives Telemachus his orders. 

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus answered him: "For sure, it will not be a long time (before) those two are in the thick of the battle, whenever the warlike spirit is put to the test in my halls between the suitors and ourselves. But, as soon as dawn appears, do you now go to your home and join the company of the haughty suitors. But the swineherd will lead me to the city later on, in the likeness of a wretched old beggar. And, if they should insult me in your house, let the heart in your breast endure me being mistreated, even if they drag (me) by the feet through the house to the door, or throw missiles (at me). But you shall indeed bid (them) cease their folly, seeking to dissuade (them) with soothing words; but in no way will they listen to you; for their fateful day is at hand. And another (thing) will I tell you, and do you lay (it) in your heart: when Athene, rich in counsel, shall put (it) in my mind, I shall nod to you with my head, and, when you see (this), do you take up absolutely all of these war implements that lie in your halls and stow (them) in a corner of the upstairs store-room; but you must reassure the suitors with placatory words, when they shall miss (them) and question you; (You can say:) 'I have rescued (them) from the smoke, since they are no longer like those that Odysseus once left behind when he went to Troy, but they have been badly damaged, inasmuch as the breath of the fire has reached (them). And, furthermore, the son of Cronos has even put this greater (fear) in my heart, that, in a drunken state, you might perhaps start a quarrel among yourselves, and wound one another, and (so) put to shame your feasts and your wooing; for iron itself lures men on.' But for us two alone you must leave behind two swords and two spears, and two ox-hide shields for us to grasp in our hands, so that we may rush upon (them) and seize (them); and then Pallas Athene and Zeus the counsellor will beguile (them). And another (thing) will I tell you, and do you lay (it) in your heart: if indeed you are my (son) and of our blood, then let no one hear that Odysseus is at home, and so neither let Laertes know it, nor the swineherd, nor any of the household, nor Penelope herself, but you and I, by ourselves, will learn the attitude of the women (servants); let us also make trial of any of the serving men (that are) still (here), (to see) whether anyone of them honours us and fears (us) at heart, and who has no concern for us, and has no respect for you, such as you are."       

Ll. 308-350. Telemachus' ship makes harbour. 

Then, his noble son answered him and said: "You will surely come to know of my spirit by and by, I think; for thoughtlessness does not possess me in any way; but I do not think that this (plan) of yours will be to the benefit of us both; so, I bid you reconsider. For you will vainly go about for a long time, making trial of each man as you visit the farms; but in your halls those (men) are blithely devouring your substance in a wanton manner, and with (them) there is no sparing. But, of the women, I do indeed bid you learn both (those) who dishonour you, and (those) who are guiltless; yet, of the men in the farmsteads, I do not want us to make trial (of them), but to deal with these (things) later on, if you really do know of some portent of Zeus, who bears the aegis." 

Thus they spoke to each other about the situation, and then the well-built ship that brought Telemachus and all his companions from Pylos began to come in to land at Ithaca. And, when they came into its very deep harbour, they hauled the black ship on to the land, and proud squires carried away their gear, and straightway they brought the very beautiful gifts to (the house) of Clytius (i.e. the father of Peiraeus, the friend of Telemachus). Then, they sent out a herald to the house of Odysseus to bring a message to the prudent Penelope, that Telemachus (was) in the country, and had commanded the ship to sail on to the city, lest the noble queen might grow anxious in her heart, and let gentle tears drop down, and the two of them, the herald and the goodly swineherd, met face to face, while they were bearing the same message to the lady. But, when they reached the palace of the godlike king, the herald spoke out in the midst of the handmaids: "Now, let me tell you, my queen, your son has come back."    

But the swineherd came close to Penelope and told (her) everything that her son had told him to say. But, when he had said all (the things) that he had been told to say, he went his way among the pigs, and left both the courtyard and the hall.  

But the suitors were dismayed and downcast in spirit, and out of the hall they came past the great wall of the courtyard, and there they sat down before the gates. Then, Eurymachus, son of Polybus, began to speak to them: "My friends, surely a great deed has arrogantly been performed by Telemachus in this journey (of his); we did not think it could be achieved by him. But come (now), let us launch a black ship, the best one (we have), and let us gather seamen as rowers, that they may send word most quickly to those (men who are out there) to return home soon."

Ll. 351-392. Antinous suggests to the suitors that they should kill Telemachus. 

He had not yet said everything, when Amphinomus, turning around in his place, saw a ship in the very deep harbour, and men taking in the sail, and holding their oars in their hands. Then, with a burst of merry laughter, he addressed his comrades: "Let us not send a message any more; for they (are) back home. Either one of the gods told them of this, or they themselves saw the ship going past, but they could not catch her." 

So he spoke, and they arose and went to the shore of the sea, and they quickly dragged the black ship on land, and the high-spirited squires carried off their gear; then, they themselves went as a body to the place of assembly, and no one else would they allow to sit with them, either young (men) or old (ones).  Then, Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spoke among them: "What a shame it is that the gods have saved that man from destruction. All day long watchmen sat on the windswept mountain peaks one after another in a line; and, whenever the sun went down, we never slept ashore at night, but, sailing on the sea in our swift ship we awaited the bright dawn, lying in wait for Telemachus, so that we might catch and kill (the man) himself; and, in the meantime, some god has brought him home, but here and now let us devise a woeful death for him, Telemachus (that is), and let him not escape us; for, while that man lives, I do not think this business of ours will be accomplished. For (he) himself (is) shrewd both in council and in scheming, and the people no longer speak of us with any favour at all. But come (now), before he calls the Achaeans together to the place of assembly - for I do not think that he will let things go at all, but he will be full of wrath and will rise up among (them) all and tell how we planned his utter destruction, but did not catch (him); and, when they hear of our misdeeds, they will not approve of (them); there is a risk that they will do us some harm and drive us away from our native-land, and we shall come to the land of strangers; but let us act first and seize (him) in the country far from the city, or on the road; and we should keep his livelihood and his property, dividing (it) properly between us, but the house we should give back to his mother to hold, and (to the man) whom she should marry. But, if this suggestion is displeasing to you, and you want him to live and to keep all his father's (possessions), then let us not continue to gather together there in that house and consume his store of pleasant goods, but let each one of us seek to woo (her) from his own hall with his bridal gifts; and she would then wed the one who shall offer the most and (who) comes appointed by fate."  

Ll. 393-433. Penelope rebukes the Suitors. 

So he spoke and they all became hushed in silence. And Amphinomus sat in debate with them and spoke to (them); (he was) the splendid son of lord Nisus, son of Aretias, and he led the suitors from grassy Dulichium, rich in wheat, and he especially pleased Penelope with his words; for he was endowed with a kind disposition; he addressed (them) with good intent and spoke (these words) to them: "My friends, I surely would not wish to kill Telemachus; a dreadful (thing) it is to slay (one) born of royal blood; but first let us seek to know the will of the gods. If the oracles of almighty Zeus should acquiesce (in it), I myself will slay (him) and bid all the others (do so); but if the gods should turn away from (this), I bid you desist."  

So spoke Amphinomus, and his words were pleasing to them. Then they rose at once, and went to the house of Odysseus, and, going in, they sat down on the polished seats. 

Then, the wise Penelope had another thought, to show herself to the suitors in (all) their arrogant pride. For she had learned of the (intended) destruction of her son in their halls; for the herald Medon, who had heard of the plot, told her (about it). So she went on her way to the hall with her attendant women. But, when that most divine of women came to the wooers, she stood by the pillar of the strongly-built roof, and, having put her glistening veil before her cheeks, she addressed Antinous by name, and reproved (him) in these words: "Antinous, you (are) a pride-bearing schemer of evil, and yet (men) say that you are foremost among your contemporaries in the land of Ithaca in counsel and in speech; but (now we know that) you were not such (a man) after all. (You) madman, why do you plot the death and destruction of Telemachus, yet you show no care for the suppliants, for whom Zeus (is) witness? For (it is) a sacrilege for one (suppliant) to plot evil (things) against another. Or do you not know (of the time) when your father (i.e. Eupeithes) came to this house as a fugitive, in terror of the people? For, at that time, they were very angry with (him), because he had accompanied the Taphian pirates in harrying the Thesprotians; for the (latter) were in league with us; so, they wanted to slay him and deprive (him) of his life, and to devour his great and pleasant livelihood; but Odysseus held (them) back and protected (him), despite their eagerness. Now you are consuming his household without charge, and you are wooing his wife and seeking to slay his son, and you are causing me great distress; but (now) I am commanding you to stop (all this) and to tell the others (to stop as well)." 

Ll. 434-481. Eurymachus makes a treacherous speech; Eumaeus brings Telemachus the latest news about the Suitors' ship. 

Then did Eurymachus, son of Polybus, say to her in reply: "Daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope, keep your courage up; indeed, do not let these (things) cause your mind anxiety. The man does not exist, nor will he exist, nor will he (ever) be born, who shall lay his hands upon your son Telemachus, while I live (and breathe) and see (the light of day) upon the earth. For so I assure you, and it will surely come to pass: his black blood will soon be gushing around my spear, since Odysseus, the sacker of cities, often used to set me on his knees and put roasted meat in my fingers and offer (me) red wine. So, Telemachus is the dearest of all (men) to me, and I bid him have no fear of death at all, at least with regard to the suitors; but from the gods there is no escape." 

Thus he spoke to encourage (her), but he himself was plotting his death. So then, she went up to her glittering upper chamber, and, then, she wept for her beloved husband, until bright-eyed Athene cast sweet sleep upon her eyelids. 

In the evening the goodly swineherd returned to Odysseus and his son; now, they were busily preparing supper, having killed a yearling pig. Then, Athene came close to Laertes' son, Odysseus, and smote (him) with her wand and made (him) an old man once more, and she put dirty clothes around his body, lest the swineherd might recognise him if he saw (him) face to face, and go to prudent Penelope with the news, and not keep it secret in his mind. Now, Telemachus spoke to him first: "You have come, goodly Eumaeus. What, then, is the news in the town? Are those heroic suitors already back at home from that ambush, or are they still out there watching for me on my way home?"

Then, Eumaeus the swineherd, you said to him in reply: "I was not inclined to go down to the town, asking and inquiring about these (things); my heart bade me come back here, as soon as I had delivered my message. And a swift messenger from your companions accompanied me, a herald who was the first to give the news to your mother. And I know something else, let me tell you; for I saw it with my own eyes. As I was going on my way, I was now high above the city, where the hill of Hermes is, when I saw a swift ship coming into our harbour; and there were many men in her, and she was laden with shields and double-pointed spears; and I thought it was those very (men), but I do not know for sure."

So he spoke, and the supernaturally strong Telemachus smiled as he glanced with his eyes at his father, but he avoided (the eyes of) the swineherd. 

Now, when they had ceased from their labour and had prepared the meal, they feasted, nor did their hearts stand in any need of an equal feast. But, when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, they thought of rest and took the gift of sleep.