HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVII: THE VALOROUS FEATS OF MENELAUS; THE BATTLE FOR THE BODY OF PATROCLUS.

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVII: THE VALOROUS FEATS OF MENELAUS; THE BATTLE FOR THE BODY OF PATROCLUS.

Introduction:

Book XVII continues straight on from the end of the previous book. Patroclus, finished off by Hector, lies dead on the ground. While Hector is pursuing Automedon in his quest to capture the horses and chariot of Achilles, left behind by the dead Patroclus, a young Trojan, Euphorbus, the first to wound Patroclus, is seeking to acquire Patroclus' armour (i.e. the armour lent to him by Achilles), when he meets Menelaus, whom, inexperienced in war as he is, he unwisely attacks, because Menelaus has killed his brother Hyperenor, and thus caused immense grief to his family. Menelaus quickly adds Euphorbus to his list of victims, but Homer's treatment of the death of this insignificant young Trojan is steeped in pathos and compassion, which reflects the poet's sympathetic tendencies in relation to the victims of this war, both great men and small. The Trojans then strip Achilles' armour from the body of Patroclus, and Hector then dresses himself in it.There is then a long and furious battle over the body of Patroclus, in the course of which Menelaus sends Nestor's son, Antilochus, to Achilles to inform him of the death of his dear friend. Finally, the Achaeans do manage to salvage the body of Patroclus and bring it back to the ships, though they are hotly pursued by the Trojans.   

Ll. 1-42. Euphorbus challenges Menelaus.

It had not escaped the notice of Menelaus, dear to Ares, and the son of Atreus, that Patroclus had been overcome in battle by the Trojans. He made his way through the foremost fighters, arrayed in bronze, and bestrode his (body), as a mother (cow), having delivered her first-born, (stands) lowing over a calf, being previously inexperienced in childbirth; so did auburn-haired Menelaus stand over Patroclus. And he held his spear and round shield in front of him, eager to kill anyone who should come against him. Nor was the son of Panthous (i.e. Euphorbus), armed with his good ashen spear, neglectful of the fallen (body) of the peerless Patroclus; but he (came and) stood by him, and addressed the warlike Menelaus: "Menelaus, Zeus-nurtured son of Atreus, leader of the people, give way and leave the body, and let be the bloody spoils; for before (me) no man among the Trojans and their famous allies smote Patroclus with a spear in the fierce conflict; therefore, suffer me to win glorious renown among the Trojans, lest I smite you and take away the sweetness of your life."

Then, greatly angered, auburn-haired Menelaus spoke to him (thus): "It is not good, Father Zeus, to boast unduly. For nor is the strength of a leopard, or a lion, or a vicious wild boar, in whose breast the proudest heart revels in its might, as great as is the pride of the sons of Panthous, armed with their good ashen spears. Nor did the mighty Hyperenor (i.e. son of Panthous and brother of Euphorbus) benefit in any way from his youth, when he scorned me and awaited my (coming), and said that I was the most cowardly warrior among the Danaans; nor, I think, did he return on his own feet to gladden (the hearts of) his dear wife and his trusty parents; but, for my part, I bid you go back into the throng and not to stand and face me, ere you should suffer something evil; even a fool knows when something bad has happened."   

So he spoke, but he did not (manage to) persuade him; and he said in answer: "Now indeed, Menelaus, nurtured by Zeus, you will pay the price for my brother, whom you slew, and you speak in a boastful manner, and you have made his wife a desolate (woman) in her new bridal chamber, and you have brought unspeakable pain and sorrow upon his parents. Now, I could bring an end to the miseries of their grief, if I were to bring your head and armour and put (them) in the hands of Panthous and heavenly Phrontis. But, in truth, our struggle will not be untried or uncontested for long, whether (it leads) to  success or to flight."

Ll. 43-81. Menelaus slays Euphorbus.

So saying, he (i.e. Euphorbus) struck (him) on his round shield; the bronze (spearhead) did not break though, but its point was bent back in the stout shield; then, in turn, did Atreus' son, Menelaus, charge at (him) with his spear, making a prayer to Father Zeus; and, as he drew back, he stabbed (him) at the base of his throat, and he lent on (the spear), relying on the weight of his hand; and the point went right through the tender neck, and he fell with a crash, and his armour clattered on top of him. His hair (that was) like (the hair) of the Graces, and his tresses that were braided with gold and silver, were drenched in his blood. And, as when a man nourishes a luxuriant olive-shoot in a solitary place, where plenty of water wells up, a fine flourishing (shoot it is); and the blasts of every kind of wind shakes it and it blossoms full of white flowers; but suddenly there comes a wind together with a mighty storm, and it uproots (it) from its trench and stretches (it) out on the ground; such (was the fate of) the son of Panthous, Euphorbus of the good ashen spear, when Menelaus, son of Atreus, slew (him) and stripped off his armour. 

And, as when some mountain lion, trusting in his own strength, takes the heifer which (is) the finest from a grazing herd: first he places her neck (in the grip) of his strong jaws and breaks (it), and then, having slain (her), he gulps down the blood and all the entrails, and all around him hounds and herdsmen make a very loud noise from afar, but they have no will to come against him; for pale fear takes a tight hold of them; so the heart in the breast of anyone of them did not dare to come against glorious Menelaus. Then would the son of Atreus have easily borne away the renowned armour of the son of Panthous, if Phoebus Apollo had not begrudged him (it), and so, in the likeness of a man, (namely) Mentes, the leader of the Cicones (i.e. a Thracian tribe that was an ally of the Trojans), he stirred up Hector, the peer of swift Ares, against him; and, speaking these winged words, he addressed him: "Now, Hector, here you have been running after the horses of the warlike grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles), chasing the unattainable; for they (are) hard for any mortal men to master and drive, save Achilles, whom an immortal mother (i.e. Thetis) bore. Meanwhile, the warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, has stood over (the body of) Patroclus and slain the best of the Trojans, (namely) Euphorbus, son of Panthous, and put a stop to his fighting spirit." 

Ll. 82-105. Menelaus hesitates to stand up to Hector alone. 

So he (i.e. Apollo) spoke, and went back, a god amidst the toil of men, and dreadful pain engulfed Hector's dark heart throughout; and then he glanced through the ranks (of men) and at once he was aware of one (man) stripping off the glorious armour and the other lying on the ground; and blood was streaming from his stricken wound. Then, he (i.e. Hector) strode through the foremost fighters, wearing a helmet of flaming bronze, like the unquenchable flame of Hephaestus, and letting out a shrill cry; nor did his shrill cry escape the notice of the son of Atreus (i.e. Menelaus); but, sorely troubled, he spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Woe is me, for if I should leave behind this fine armour and (the body of) Patroclus, who is lying here for the sake of my avenging him, (I fear) lest any Danaan who may see (it) will think the worse of me. But if, through a sense of shame, I, who am alone, should fight with Hector and the Trojans, (I fear) that they will have me surrounded in some way, one (against) many; for Hector of the shining helmet is leading all the Trojans here. But why does my heart debate these (things) with me? Whenever a man is minded, against the will of heaven, to fight with a man, whom a god may honour, a great calamity swiftly rolls upon him. Therefore, no man among the Danaans, who shall see me backing away from Hector, will be ashamed of me, since he is fighting with the support of a god. But, if I could learn of the whereabouts of Ajax, good at the war-cry, then might the two of us go back and think of fighting, even though it be against the will of the gods, if perhaps we might save the corpse for Achilles, son of Peleus; for that would be the best (thing) in this bad (situation)." 

Ll. 106-139. Menelaus secures the help of Ajax.

While he pondered these (things) in his mind and in his heart, meanwhile the ranks of the Trojans came on; and Hector led (them). Then, he (i.e. Menelaus) began to draw back, and he left the corpse, ever turning around like a bearded lion, that dogs and men drive from a farmstead; and the bold heart in his chest seizes up, and he goes from the cattle-yard with reluctance; so did auburn-haired Menelaus move away from (the body of) Patroclus. But he turned about and stood firm, when he reached the mass of his companions, and he looked all around for great Ajax, son of Telamon. He very quickly caught sight of him on the left side of the whole field of battle, encouraging his comrades and urging them to fight; for a wondrous fear had Phoebus Apollo cast upon them; he set off running, and, when he came beside (him), he spoke these words at once: "Come hither, Ajax, dear friend, with regard to Patroclus, (who is) dead; we must run, if we wish to bear his corpse, naked though (it is), to Achilles; but Hector of the shining helmet has his armour." 

So he spoke, and stirred the heart of warlike Ajax; then, he and auburn-haired Menelaus ran through the front ranks together. When Hector had stripped Patroclus of his glorious armour, he sought to pull (him) away, so that he might cut the head from his shoulders with his sharp bronze (blade), and drag away the corpse and give (it) to the dogs of Troy. But Ajax came near, bearing his shield like a tower; then, Hector was forced back, and withdrew into the throng of his companions, and leapt into his chariot; and he gave the fine armour to the Trojans to carry back to the city, a great (source of) glory for him. But Ajax covered the son of Menoetius (i.e. Patroclus) with his broad shield, and he stood over his cubs like some lion, such as huntsmen have encountered in the forest as he leads his young ones; and he exults in his might, and he draws down all the skin of his brows to cover his eyes; thus did Ajax stand over the warrior Patroclus. And close by (him) stood the son of Atreus, Menelaus, dear to Ares, great sorrow surging in his breast. 

Ll. 140-182. Hector justifies his actions, when criticised by Glaucus.

Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, leader of the men from Lycia, looking askance at Hector, upbraided (him) with these hard words: "Hector, most fair in appearance (i.e. an insult previously reserved for Paris), you are sorely lacking in battle. In truth, great fame possesses you in vain, coward that you are. Now you must think how you can save your citadel and your city by yourself with those folks who were born in Ilium. For no man among the Lycians will do battle with the Danaans for the sake of the city, since there is no thanks if a man fights with the enemy's warriors on and on without respite. How will you ever save a meaner man amid the throng (of battle, you) heartless (man), since you left your guest-friend and companion Sarpedon to become prey and spoil for the Argives, (he) who, while he was alive, proved to be of much help to your city and yourself; and now you did not have the courage to keep the dogs off him. Whereas now, if anyone of the men of Lycia will listen to me, we will go home, and utter destruction will inevitably come about in the case of Troy. For, if there were now implanted among the Trojans that bold (and) dauntless courage, of the kind which comes upon men who engage in toil and strife for the sake of their country, (then) we should be hauling (the body of) Patroclus into Ilium forthwith. And, if this man were to come as a corpse to the city of King Priam, and we were to drag (him) from the battle, (then) would the Argives quickly release the fine armour of Sarpedon, and we should bring his (body) into Ilium; for the squire of such a (great) man has been slain, (he) who is by far the greatest of the Argives (whose) squires (fight) by the ships and in close combat. But you do not have the courage to stand and face great-hearted Ajax, looking (him) in the eye amid the battle-cry of the enemy, nor to do battle (with him) directly, since he is a better (man) than you." 

Then, Hector of the shining helmet, looking askance, said (these words) to him: "Glaucus, why, in truth, do you, being such (a man) as you are, speak such insulting (words)? For shame, indeed I thought you to be superior in your mind to all the others who live in very fertile Lycia; but now I blame your mind entirely for saying such (things), (you) who said that I would not stand up to mighty Ajax, I have not, let me tell you, shuddered in battle or at the clatter of chariots; but the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus (is) always the strongest, and he even drives a valiant man in flight and easily robs (him) of victory, whenever he rouses (men) to fight. But come here, my friend, and stand beside me and behold my handiwork, whether I shall be a coward all day long, as you are saying, or whether I shall stop some of the Danaans, despite their great eagerness for valour, from fighting in defence of the body of Patroclus."  

Ll. 183-208. Hector dons Achilles' armour.

So saying, he called to the Trojans with a loud shout: "(You) Trojans, and Lycians, and Dardanians, who fight in close combat, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your fighting spirit, while I don the fine armour of peerless Achilles, that I stripped from the mighty Patroclus, after I had killed (him). 

When he had thus spoken, Hector of the flashing helmet went forth from the fury of war; and he ran and quickly reached his comrades when they were not at all far off, pursuing (them) with swift footsteps, even (those) that were carrying towards the city the glorious armour of the son of Peleus. Then he halted at some distance from the tearful battlefield and changed his armour; now indeed he gave his own (armour) to the war-loving Trojans to bear to sacred Ilium, and he put on the immortal armour of Peleus' son, Achilles, that the heavenly gods had given to his father; and, in his old age, he gave (it) to his son; but his son was not to grow old in his father's armour. 

But, when Zeus the cloud-gatherer saw him from afar as he furnished himself with the armour of the godlike son of Peleus, he shook his head and murmured (these words) to his own heart: "Ah, (you) poor wretch, death is not at all in your mind, and (yet) it is now (coming) close to you; and you are donning the immortal armour of the best of men, and (one before) whom (all) others quail; his companion, both kind and valiant, you have now slain, and you have taken the armour from his head and shoulders in an improper way; but for the present I shall grant you great power, in compensation for the fact that Andromache will never receive from you that glorious armour of the son of Peleus, as you return from the fighting."  

Ll. 209-245. The Trojans and the Achaeans engage. 

So spoke the son of Cronos, and he nodded with his dark eye-brows. And he fitted the armour to Hector's body, and the fearful war-god Ares entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and might; then he (i.e. Hector) went his way among the famous allies, shouting loudly, and he appeared to all of them, glittering in the armour of the great-hearted son of Peleus. Then, going up and down, he encouraged each (man) with his words, Mesthles and Glaucus, and Medon and Thersilochus, and Asteropaeus and Deisenor, and Hippothous and Phorcys, and Chromius and Ennomus the augur; by way of encouragement, he spoke these winged words to them: "Hear (me, you) countless tribes of allies who dwell roundabout; for I was not seeking numbers, nor did I have need of (them, when) I gathered each one (of you) here from your cities, but (it was) so that, with me, you might readily protect the Trojans wives and little children from the war-loving Achaeans. With this in mind, I am exhausting (the substance of) my people with gifts and food, and in each (one of you) I am strengthening your resolve. Therefore, let every man of you now turn straight (against the foe), and be killed or survive; for that (is) the discourse of war. And whoever shall haul Patroclus, however dead though (he be), into the horse-taming Trojans, and Ajax shall give way to him, I shall award him half of the spoils, and I shall keep half myself; and his glory shall be even as great as that of my own."

So he spoke, and they charged straight at the Danaans with all their strength, holding up their spears; and their hearts were very full of hope that they would drag away the corpse from underneath Ajax, the son of Telamon - fools (that they were)! And verily did he take away the lives of many (of them) over it. Then did Ajax speak to Menelaus, good at the war-cry: "O Menelaus, my friend, fostered by Zeus, I no longer have hope that we two will get back from the battle ourselves. I am not so much afraid for the corpse of Patroclus, which will soon be glutting the dogs and the birds of the Trojans, as I fear for my head, and yours, lest some (evil) befalls (us), since that cloud of war Hector is darkening everything around (us), and utter destruction again confronts us. But come, call upon the leading men of the Danaans, if any can hear."

Ll. 246-273. The Achaeans and the Trojans fight over the body of Patroclus. 

So he spoke, and Menelaus, good at the war-cry, did not fail to obey, and, shouting out at the Danaans, he cried in a piercing voice: "My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, who drink at the public expense with the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus, and each one (of you) gives commands to his people; and honour and glory given by Zeus accompany (you). It is hard for me to pick out each one (of you) chieftains; for in such a manner does the strife of war blaze forth; but let every man go forth of his own accord with righteous indignation in your hearts that Patroclus should become a plaything for the dogs of Troy." 

So he spoke, and swift Ajax, son of Oïleus, heard (him); and (he was) the first to come running to meet (him) amid the battle, and after him (came) Idomeneus and Idomeneus' comrade, Meriones, the equal of the man-killing war-god. But who, from his own mind, could tell the names of all the others who came after (these) and aroused the fight in the Achaeans? 

Then, the Trojans burst forward in a mass; and Hector led (them). And, as when, at the mouth of a river fed by Zeus (i.e. swollen by rain), a mighty wave roars against the current (of the stream), and the headlands of the sea-shore boom all around, as the salt water disgorges itself offshore, so did the Trojans come on with a shout. But the Achaeans took their stand around the son of Menoetius with one purpose, fortified by their bronze shields (as they were); and the son of Cronos spread a thick mist over their bright helmets, for he had had no dislike of the son of Menoetius before, while he was alive and was the squire of the grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles); and he was loath that he should become prey to the dogs of his enemies, (namely those) of the Trojans; therefore he roused his comrades to defend him.   

Ll. 274-318. Ajax repels the Trojans. 

In the first place, the Trojans pushed back the sharp-eyed Achaeans; and they abandoned the body and shrank back, yet the high-spirited Trojans did not kill any one of them with their spears despite their efforts, but they began to drag away the corpse; but the Achaeans were only going to desert it for a short time; for Ajax rallied them very quickly, (he) who in his appearance and in his actions was above all the other Danaans after the peerless son of Peleus. He went straight through the foremost fighters like a wild boar in strength, (one) who easily scatters hounds and sturdy huntsmen in the mountains when it charges through the glens; so did the glorious son of illustrious Telamon easily scatter the battalions of the Trojans, as they stood around Patroclus, fully intending to drag him into their city and gain the glory.   

In fact, Hippothous, the glorious son of Pelasgian Lethus, was dragging him by the foot through the mighty conflict, having tied his shield-strap around the tendons at his ankle, so as to please Hector and the Trojans; but evil swiftly came upon him, and no one could keep it from him, however much they wished to. Then, the son of Telamon rushed at him through the throng and struck (him) at close quarters through the helmet with its cheeks of bronze. And the helmet with its horse-hair crest was rent around the spear-point, smitten by his great spear and his stout hand, and his brains spurted forth from the wound all bloody; there then his strength was loosed and he let fall from his hand the foot of great-hearted Patroclus to lie upon the ground; and he fell right there himself headlong over the corpse, far from very fertile Larissa, nor could he give back to his dear parents his thanks for his upbringing, and his life was short-lived, overcome (as he was) by the spear of great-hearted Ajax. 

Then, Hector in turn cast his shining spear at Ajax; but, looking (at him) face to face, he narrowly avoided the bronze spear; but Schedius, son of great-hearted Iphitus, by far the best of the Phocians, who used to live in a house in renowned Panopeus, and ruled over many men, him he smote below the centre of his collar-bone; and the bronze point (went) right through and came out at the base of his shoulder; and he fell with a crash and his armour clattered on top of him.  

Ll. 319-365. Aeneas counter-attacks.

Then again would the Trojans have gone back into Ilium, in their cowardice overcome by the Achaeans, and the Argives would have won glory, even beyond the dispensation of Zeus, through their courage and their strength; but Apollo, himself, in body looking like the herald Periphas, who had grown old in his service as a herald in the house of his old father (i.e. Anchises), and had kindly thoughts in his heart (towards him), urged on Aeneas; in that (man's) likeness, Apollo, the son of Zeus, spoke to him: "Aeneas, how could you ever save steep Ilium against the will of a god? So have I seen other men, trusting in their own courage and strength, and in their prowess and their numbers, defend their people undaunted; and Zeus wishes us the victory far more than (he does) the Danaans; but you yourselves have an unspeakable fear and refuse to fight."  

So said he, and Aeneas recognised Apollo the far-shooter when he looked him straight in the face, and he addressed Hector in a loud voice: "Hector and you other leaders of the Trojans and their allies, now it would be a shameful thing to go back into Ilium overcome in our cowardice by the war-loving Achaeans. But yet, one of the gods standing by my side tells me that Zeus, the most high counsellor, will be our helper in the fight; so let us go straight for the Danaans, and may they not bring the dead (body of) Patroclus back to the ships at their ease."   

So he (i.e. Aeneas) spoke, and he leapt far ahead of the foremost fighters, and (there) he stood; and they rallied and stood facing the Achaeans. Then, with his spear Aeneas stabbed Leocritus, son of Arisbas (and) the noble companion of Lycomedes. And, as he fell, Lycomedes, dear to Ares, took pity (on him) and came and stood very close (to him), and cast his shining spear and struck Hippasus' son, Apisaon, shepherd of the host, in the liver below the midriff, and instantly he loosed the knees from under (him, the man) who had come from very fertile Paeonia, and after Asteropaeus was the best at fighting. And as he fell, the warlike Asteropaeus felt pity for (him), and he too rushed forward to fight the Danaans; but he was no longer able (to do so) at all; for they were fenced in with shields on every side as they stood around Patroclus, and they held their spears before (them). For Ajax went around everyone of them, giving many instructions. He ordered that no one should give ground behind the corpse, and that no one should fight far in front of the other Achaeans, but stand just around it and fight at close quarters. Thus huge Ajax gave his instructions, and the earth was soaked in their purple blood, and the dead fell in heaps, the Trojans and their most mighty allies, and the Danaans alike; for the latter did not fight without bloodshed, but far fewer (of them) died; for they were ever mindful of protecting one another from utter destruction in the throng.    

Ll. 366-399. The Achaeans and the Trojans continue to fight over the body of Patroclus. 

So they fought like fire, nor would you have said that the sun or the moon were fixed (in the sky) any longer; for in that part of the battlefield, where the leading men stood around the dead (body) of the son of Menoetius, they were shrouded in fog. But the rest of the Trojans and the well-greaved Achaeans fought at ease under a clear sky, and the sharp brightness of the sun spread (over them), and no cloud could be seen over all of the earth and the mountains; and they fought intermittently, avoiding one another's grievous missiles (by) standing far apart (from each other). But those in the centre suffered woes in the fog and the fighting, and they were oppressed by the pitiless bronze, though they were the leading men; but two of the men, Thrasymedes and Antilochus (i.e. sons of Nestor), (both) men of renown, had not yet learned of the death of the peerless Patroclus, but they thought (he was) still alive and fighting the Trojans in the front of the throng of battle. And the two of them were watching the death and the rout of their comrades, as they did battle far apart (from them), as Nestor had so enjoined (them), when he roused (them) to battle from the black ships. But for the (others) the great strife raged all day long in painful battle; then, the knees, and the shins, and the feet beneath each man, and their hands and eyes, were ever ceaselessly soiled with the sweat of toil, as they fought around the noble squire of the swift-footed grandson of Aeacus. And, as when a man gives the hide of a great bull to his people to stretch when it is dripping with fat, and, when they have taken (it), they stand around in a circle and pull (at it), and the moisture quickly comes out and the fat sinks in; so the two (sides) dragged the body hither and thither in the narrow space; and their hearts were full of hope that they could drag (him) away, the Trojans into Ilium, and the Achaeans to their hollow ships; and all around him the battle grew fierce; not even Ares, the rouser of hosts, nor Athene, if they looked on, could have found fault with it, not even if deep anger came over them.     

Ll. 400-422. Both sides remain determined to secure Patroclus' body. 

Such a dreadful toil of men and horses did Zeus stretch over (the body of) Patroclus on that day. But the godlike Achilles knew nothing about Patroclus having been killed; for they were fighting under the wall of Troy a long way away from the swift ships. For this reason, he never supposed in his heart that he had died, but that he would come back again alive after he had reached right up to the gates, as he did not consider it possible at all that he would sack the city without him, or, indeed, with him; for many times had he been told this while listening secretly to his mother, who would tell him of the will of mighty Zeus. But this time his mother did not tell him of the great evil that had happened, that his most dearest comrade had been slain.    

But those (standing) around the corpse, holding their sharp-edged spears, pressed on unceasingly and slew one another; and thus would one of the bronze-clad Achaeans say: "My friends, indeed (there will be) no fame for us to return to the hollow ships, but (rather) let the black earth gape here for (us) all; that would then be a far better (outcome) for us, if we should abandon this (man) to the horse-taming Trojans to haul to their city and win glory."

And so, on the other side, would one of the great-hearted Trojans declare: "My friends, even if (it is) the fate of (us) all to be slain beside this man, nevertheless let no one withdraw from the battle." 

Ll. 423-455. Zeus is greatly moved by the sight of Achilles' sacred horses grieving for the loss of their charioteer Patroclus. 

Thus would one speak and arouse the might of each (one). So they fought on, and the clash of iron went up to the brazen sky through the barren air; but the horses of the grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Xanthus and Balius), being apart from the battle, were weeping, since first they learned that their charioteer had fallen in the dust beneath (the hands) of man-slaying Hector. In truth, Automedon, the valiant son of Diores, often tried striking them with the swift whip, and often he addressed them with gentle words, and often with a threat; but neither back to the ships on the broad Hellespont, nor into battle with the Achaeans were the two of them minded to go, but, as a pillar remains fixed that stands on the tomb of a dead man or woman, so they remained firmly beside the very beautiful chariot, hanging their heads to the ground; and hot tears flowed flowed down from their eyelids to the ground as they wept in longing for their charioteer; and their thick manes were soiled, (as their) tears spilled down from the collar on both sides of the yoke.  

The son of Cronos saw them and took pity on (them), and he shook his head and spoke (thus) to his own heart: "Ah, you poor wretches, why did we give the pair of you up to king Peleus, to a mortal, while the two of you are ageless and immortal? Was it so that you could share the pain together with unhappy men? For methinks there is nothing more miserable than man among all (the creatures) that breathe and move upon earth. But Hector, son of Priam, will not be conveyed by you and your well-crafted chariot; for I shall not allow (it). Is it not enough that he has the armour, and exults in that? But I shall put strength in your knees and in your heart, so that you may bring Automedon safely from the field of battle to the hollow ships; for I shall still give them (i.e. Hector and the Trojans) the glory of killing, until they come to the well-benched ships, and the sun goes down and the holy darkness comes on."

Ll. 456-490. Automedon decides to dismount to fight. 

So saying, he breathed great courage into his horses. And the two of them shook the dust from their manes to the ground, (and) they hastily bore the swift chariot among the Trojans and the Achaeans. And behind them (i.e. the horses) fought Automedon, though grieving for his comrade, darting in and out with his chariot like a vulture among (a flock of) geese; for he could easily escape from the clamour of the Trojans, and easily come charging back, forcing his way through the great throng (of men). But he killed no men when he drove in pursuit (of them); for, being alone in the sacred car, he was not able to  strike with his spear and to control the swift horses. But, at length, one of his companions caught sight of him, (namely) Alcimedon, son of Laerces, son of Haemon; and he stopped behind the chariot and said to Automedon: "Automedon, which one of the gods has now put this unprofitable counsel in your breast and taken away your good sense? - the way that you are fighting the Trojans alone in front of the throng! For your comrade has been slain, and Hector, himself, is wearing the armour of the grandson of Aeacus on his shoulders and exults (thereat)." 

Then, Automedon, son of Diores, said to him: "Alcimedon, now which other of the Achaeans could equal you in managing the control and (restraining) the spirit of these immortal steeds, except Patroclus, peer to the gods (as), a counsellor, while he was alive? But now death and fate have overtaken (him). But you take the whip and the shining reins, while I will dismount from the chariot in order to fight." 

So he spoke, and Alcimedon jumped into the car (that was) speedy in battle, and he quickly grasped the whip and the reins in his hands, and Automedon jumped down; now, glorious Hector noticed (them) and immediately spoke to Aeneas, who was nearby: "Aeneas, counsellor of the bronze-clad Trojans, I can see those horses of the swift-footed grandson of Aeacus coming into battle with second-rate charioteers. I might hope to capture them (i.e. the sacred horses), if in your heart you are ready to help, since (those men) would not have the courage to face the two of us rushing furiously at (them) and stand to fight against (us) in battle." 

Ll. 491-515. Automedon prepares to stand against the Trojans in battle. 

So he spoke, and the noble son of Anchises (i.e. Aeneas) did not fail to obey (him). And the two of them went straight forward. covering their shoulders with ox-hide shields, dried and tough; and much bronze had been driven into (them). And with them went both Chromius and godlike Aretus; and their hearts within them were full of hope of killing (the men) and driving away their horses with the high-arched necks, fools (that they were), for they (i.e. the horses) were not going to back away from Automedon without bloodshed. He (i.e. Automedon) prayed to father Zeus, and his dark heart was filled throughout with courage and strength; and he spoke forthwith to Alcimedon, his trusty comrade: "Alcimedon, do you now hold the horses not far away from me, but let them breathe right on my back; for I do not think that Hector, son of Priam, will be checked in his fury, until he has slain the two of us and has mounted the fair-maned horses of Achilles, and has put to flight the ranks of the Argive warriors, or he shall himself be captured among the foremost fighters."

So saying. he called out to the Aiantes and Menelaus: "(You) Aiantes and Menelaus, leaders of the Argives, now indeed do you entrust the dead body (to those) who (are) the bravest, to stand around it and ward off the ranks of men, and do you ward off the pitiless day (of doom) from the two of us, who are (yet) alive; for Hector and Aeneas, who are the Trojans' best (men), are bearing down upon (us) here in tearful warfare. But, in truth, these (things) lie on the knees (i.e. in the lap) of the gods; for I, too, shall cast (a spear),  and all things will be in the hands of Zeus." 

Ll. 516-542.  Automedon kills Aretus. 

So he spoke, and he took aim with his long-shafted spear and flung (it) and it struck Aretus on his all even (i.e. round) shield; but it did not check the spear, but its bronze (point) went right through, and it drove its way through his belt into the lower belly. And, as when a strong man with a sharp axe strikes an ox dwelling in the fields behind the horns, and cuts through the whole sinew, and it darts forward and falls prostrate, even so did he (i.e. Aretus) stumble forward and fall on his back; and the very sharp spear quivered in his bowels and loosed his limbs (i.e. he died). Then, Hector cast his shining spear at Automedon; but he, looking at (him) face to face, avoided the bronze spear; for he stooped forward and the long spear stuck in the ground behind (him), and the butt of the spear quivered over (it); and there (and) then did mighty Ares take away its force. And now would they have clashed with their swords in close combat, if the (two) Aiantes had not parted them (i.e. Hector and Automedon), eager (though they were), for they came through the throng at the call of heir comrade; and seized with fear of them, Hector and Aeneas went back again, and (so did) godlike Chromius, and Aretus they left behind there, life-stricken; and Automedon, the peer of swift Ares, stripped (him) of his armour, and said these words in exultation: "Now, in truth, I have eased my heart a little in its distress at the death of the son of Menoetius, though I have slain a lesser (man)."    

So saying, he took up the bloody spoils and put (them) in his chariot, and he mounted (it) himself, with his feet and hands bloody all over, like some lion that has devoured a bull. 

Ll. 543-566. Athene enters the ranks of the Achaeans. 

Then again was the mighty conflict extended over (the body of) Patroclus, painful and tearful (though it was), and Athene, coming down from heaven, urged on the strife; for far-seeing Zeus had sent (her) to spur on the Danaans; for his mind had now changed. When Zeus spreads a lurid rainbow from heaven to be a portent for mortals, whether of war or of a chilling storm, which stops men working on the land and disturbs the flocks, so she (i.e. Athene) covered herself with a lurid cloud and made her way into the mass of the Achaeans, and urged on every (single) man. The first (man, to whom) she spoke (words of) encouragement, (was) sturdy Menelaus, the son of Atreus; for he was close by her; likening herself to Phoenix (i.e. the tutor and comrade of Achilles) in form and tireless voice, (she said): "To you, Menelaus, there will be shame and censure, if the swift dogs tear asunder the trusty comrade of lordly Achilles beneath the Trojans' wall. But hold your ground valiantly, and urge on all of the host." 

Then, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, answered her: "Father Phoenix, old (and) venerable, if only Athene would give me strength, and keep away this hail of missiles - then would I be willing to stand by Patroclus and defend (him); for his death has touched me deeply at heart. But Hector has the dread fury of fire, and does not cease from cutting (men) down with bronze; for Zeus bestows glory on him."     

Ll. 567-596. Apollo encourages Hector to keep fighting the Achaeans. 

So he spoke, and the bright-eyed Athene was pleased that he had prayed to her first of all the gods (and goddesses). And she put strength in his shoulders and in his knees, and she put in his breast the daring of a mosquito, which, though constantly being driven away from a man's skin, persists in biting him, as to it a man's blood (is) pleasant; with such daring, she filled the dark heart within him (i.e. Menelaus), and he stood over Patroclus and cast his shining spear. There was among the Trojans (a man called) Podes, son of Eëtion, rich and brave (he was); and among the people Hector honoured him especially, for he was his dear comrade and boon companion at the feast; auburn-haired Menelaus smote him upon the belt, as he turned to flight, and the bronze (point) drove right through; and he crashed as he fell; then, Menelaus, son of Atreus, dragged the body (i.e. of Patroclus) away from the Trojans into the mass of his comrades. 

Then, Apollo came close to Hector and urged (him) on, (being) in the likeness of Phaenops, son of Asius, who was the dearest of all his guest-friends, and lived in a house at Abydos (n.b. Asius was the brother of Queen Hecuba, and so Phaenops was also Hector's first cousin); in that (man's) likeness, Apollo, who works from afar, spoke to him: "Hector, will any other (one) of the Achaeans still be frightened of you, seeing how you shrank from Menelaus, who (was) previously (considered) a feeble warrior? And now he has single-handedly carried a body out from the Trojan (ranks) and got away, and he has slain your trusty comrade, a good (man) among the foremost fighters, (namely) Podes, son of Eëtion."

So he spoke, and a black cloud of pain enveloped him (i.e. Hector), and he went his way through the foremost fighters, arrayed in flaming bronze. And then the son of Cronos took up the gleaming tasselled aegis and enshrouded Ida with clouds, and he sent a flash of lightning and thundered very loudly, and shook it (i.e. the aegis), and gave victory to the Trojans and put the Achaeans to flight. 

Ll. 597-625. Hector drives Idomeneus back to the ships. 

The first to begin the flight was Peneleos the Boeotian. For, ever facing towards (the foe), he was smitten with a spear on the top of his shoulder, a grazing (blow it was); and the point of the spear of Poulydamas scraped right through to his bone; for he hurled it, having come close (to him). Leïtus son of great-hearted Alectryon, did Hector again wound in close combat on his hand at the wrist, and he (i.e. Leïtus) ceased fighting; and he looked about him and shrank back, since he no longer had any hope in his heart that he might do battle with the Trojans, while holding his spear in his hand. And as Hector went after Leïtus, Idomeneus struck (him) on the corselet on his breast beside the nipple; but the long spear-shaft broke off at the socket, and the Trojans shouted aloud; and then he (i.e. Hector) cast his spear at Idomeneus, son of Deucalion, as he stood in his chariot; and he missed him by a hair's-breadth; but he (did strike) Coeranus, the squire and charioteer of Meriones, who had come with him from well-built Lyctus; for, in the first place, he came on foot, when leaving the ships that are rowed on both sides, and he would have yielded a great victory to the Trojans, if Coeranus had not driven up his swift-footed horses; and to him (i.e. Idomeneus) he came (as) a light (of deliverance) and he warded off the pitiless day (of doom), but he himself lost his life at the hands of man-slaying Hector. He smote him under his jaw and ears, and the spear dashed out his teeth at the roots, and he cut his tongue asunder through the middle. And he toppled from the chariot, and let the reins fall upon the ground. Then, Meriones bent forward and picked them up from the plain with his hands, and addressed Idomeneus: "Now, apply the whip until you get back to the swift ships; you can see for yourself that (there is) no longer any strength (left) in the Achaeans." 

So he spoke, and Idomeneus lashed the fair-maned horses back to the hollow ships; for fear had now fallen upon his heart. 

Ll. 626-655. Ajax prays to Zeus, and He listens. 

Nor had it escaped the notice of great-hearted Ajax and Menelaus that Zeus was giving a decisive victory to the Trojans. And of them, huge Telamonian Ajax was the first to speak: "Alas, now even (someone) who is a complete fool can see that Father Zeus himself is assisting the Trojans. For the missiles of all of them hit their mark, whoever discharges (them), (be he) a good or bad (marksman); and Zeus guides (them) all equally straight; whereas all of ours just fall uselessly to the ground. But come on! let us devise the best plan, whereby we may haul away the corpse, and also return home ourselves and be a source of joy to our dear companions, who must be looking this way in anguish, nor yet do they think that the fury of man-slaying Hector and his invincible hands will be withstood, but that he will fall upon the black ships. But, if only one of our companions could bear the tidings with all speed to the son of Peleus, for I do not think that he has heard the dreadful news that his dear companion is dead. But I cannot see such (a man) anywhere among the Achaeans; for they are covered in mist, themselves and their horses alike. But, Father Zeus, do you deliver the sons of the Achaeans from this mist and make the sky clear, and grant that we may see with our eyes; and do you even kill (us) in daylight, since your pleasure is thus."      

So he spoke, and the Father felt pity for him as he shed tears; and at once he dispelled the mist and drove away the gloom. And the sun shone upon (them) and the whole of the battle came into view; and then Ajax spoke to Menelaus, good at the war-cry: "Look now, Menelaus, cherished by Zeus, (to see) if you can see Antilochus, son of great-hearted Nestor, still alive, and urge (him) to go quickly to the warrior Achilles and tell (him) that the very dearest of his companions is dead."   

Ll. 656-693. Menelaus sends Antilochus to Achilles. 

So he spoke, and Menelaus, good at the war-cry, did not fail to obey (him), but went his way like some lion from a cattle-yard, when he is worn out attacking both dogs and men, who stay awake all night long and will not let (him) tear the fat from the cows, but, in his lust for flesh, he goes right in, but achieves nothing; for spears fly thickly against (him), (thrown) from bold hands, and burning fagots, which scare (him), eager though (he is); and in the morning he goes far away with a sorrowful heart; so did Menelaus, good at the war-cry, go from Patroclus much against his will; for he was greatly afraid that the Achaeans, as a result of their painful flight, might leave him (i.e. Patroclus) (as) spoil for the enemy. And many (requirements) did he lay upon Meriones and the Aiantes: "(You) Aiantes, leaders of the Argives, and (you) Meriones, now do you remember the kindness of poor Patroclus; for he was known to be gentle to everyone, while he was alive; yet now, death and fate have overtaken (him)."

So, having thus spoken, auburn-haired Menelaus departed, glancing around (him) on every side, like an eagle, which (men) say has the sharpest sight of all winged (creatures) under the heavens, whose notice, though he is on high, the swift-footed hare does not escape, as he crouches down beneath a leafy bush, but he swoops upon him and quickly grabs him and takes away his life. So then, Menelaus, cherished by Zeus, did your bright eyes spin around in all directions over the body of your many companions, (to see) if the son of Nestor might be seen anywhere  still alive. Him he very quickly noticed on the left-hand side of the whole battlefield, encouraging his comrades and urging (them) on to fight, and, coming near (to him), auburn-haired Menelaus spoke to (him as follows): "Come here now, Antilochus, cherished by Zeus, so that you may learn the terrible news that never ought to have happened. I think you already know it (from what) you have seen, that a god is rolling ruin upon the Danaans. And victory (belongs) to the Trojans; and the best of the Achaeans has been slain, (namely) Patroclus, and a great longing (for him) has arisen among the Danaans. But do you run speedily to the ships of the Achaeans and tell Achilles, (to see) if he may quickly bring back the naked corpse to the ships; but Hector of the shining helmet has got hold of his armour."   

Ll. 694-734. Patroclus' body is carried from the field.

So he (i.e. Menelaus) spoke, and Antilochus was horrified when he heard these words, and for a long time speechlessness took hold of him, and both his eyes filled with tears, and his sturdy voice was stifled. But not even so was he neglectful of the bidding of Menelaus, and he set off at a run and gave his armour to his peerless comrade Laodocus, who was wheeling his single-hooved horses nearby (him).

His feet bore him from the battle, shedding tears, in order to bring the bad news to Achilles, son of Peleus. Nor, Menelaus, cherished by Zeus, was your heart inclined to give help to his hard-pressed comrades, from whom Antilochus had departed, and a great longing (for him) came over the men of Pylos; but he sent forth godlike Thrasymedes (i.e. Antilochus' younger brother) to (lead) them, and he himself went back to the hero Patroclus, and he ran and stood beside the Aiantes and addressed (them) forthwith: "Yonder man I have sent to the swift ships, to go to swift-footed Achilles; but I do not think that he will come out right now, despite his great anger at godlike Hector; for, being without armour, (there is) no way he could fight against the Trojans. But let us ourselves devise the best plan, as to how we may haul away the corpse, and ourselves escape death and destruction amid the clamour of the Trojans."

Then, mighty Telamonian Ajax answered him: "All (these things) you have spoken aright, O most glorious Menelaus; but do you and Meriones bend down most quickly beneath the corpse and raise (him) up and bear (him) from the scene of battle; and behind you the two of us will fight off the Trojans and godlike Hector, having equal courage and the same name, we who have stood firm in fierce battle and remained at one another's side."    

So he spoke, and they lifted the dead (man) up on high from the ground in their arms with a very great heave, and behind (them) the Trojan host shouted aloud at (this), when they beheld the Achaeans raising the corpse. Then, they charged straight at (them), like hounds that dart at a wounded wild boar ahead of the young hunters, for they rush at (him) for a while, wanting to tear (him) apart, but, whenever he turns on (them), trusting in his own might, then they go back again, fleeing in all directions, some here, some there. So, for a time the Trojans constantly pursued (them) in a throng, thrusting at (them) with their swords and their double-pointed spears. But, whenever the (two) Aiantes would wheel around and stand against them, then would their colour change, and no one would dare to spring forward and fight for the body.    

Ll. 735-761. The Trojans continue to drive the Achaeans back to the ships. 

So, in eager haste, they carried the body out of the battle to the hollow ships; and the conflict was then stretched around them violent as a fire which falls upon a city of men and it suddenly breaks into flames, and houses collapse amid the huge blaze, and the force of the wind causes (it) to roar. So, the ceaseless din of the horses and spearmen came over them as they went; like mules applying their great strength to haul a beam or a great ship's timber down from a mountain along a rocky path; and the hearts within (them) are distressed by toil and sweat alike, as they press on; so, in eager haste, they carried the body. And behind (them) the (two) Aiantes held (the foe) in check, as a wooded ridge that happens to lie across a plain holds back (a flood of) water, and it even holds off the dread streams of powerful rivers, and, diverting (them,) it assigns all their flow straight out over the plain; nor do their currents break it asunder; so did the (two) Aiantes ever hold off the attack of the Trojans behind (them); but they (i.e. the Trojans) continued to follow after (them), especially two among them, Aeneas, the son of Anchises, and glorious Hector. And, as a cloud of starlings or jackdaws goes screeching dreadfully, when they see a hawk coming (at them), the (one) that brings death to little birds, so the young Achaeans went before Aeneas and Hector screaming incessantly, and their fighting spirit was forgotten. And much fine armour fell round and about the trench as the Danaans fled; and there was no rest from the fighting.  

   

    

   

  

   

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVII: ODYSSEUS GOES TO THE CITY

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVII: ODYSSEUS GOES TO THE CITY. 

Introduction:

Book XVII sees the commencement of the 38th day of action in the story of the Odyssey, when the three main protagonists, Odysseus, Telemachus and Penelope, first come together. Telemachus sets out from the farmstead to the city, followed by Eumaeus and Odysseus, once more disguised by Athene in the form of a beggar. Telemachus is welcomed home by his mother, to whom he gives an account of his journey to Pylos and Sparta. He brings Theoclymenus to the palace, and the latter prophesies that Odysseus has already reached Ithaca. While the suitors continue to entertain themselves in the palace, Eumaeus arrives in the city together with the disguised Odysseus, whom the goatherd Melanthius mocks and kicks. Eumaeus enters the palace, and Odysseus eventually follows him, and Telemachus encourages him to go among the suitors begging for food. Antinous, one of the leaders of the suitors, criticises Eumaeus for bringing a beggar with him into the city, and, when Odysseus presses him for alms, he flings a stool at him and hits him on the shoulder. Penelope then prays for Antinous' death. When she sends for Odysseus to see if he has any news of her husband, he postpones his meeting with her until the others have left. At the end of the Book, Eumaeus goes back to the farmstead.

A particularly moving incident, for which Book XVII is well-known, concerns the death of Odysseus' foxhound, Argus, after he has wagged his tail and dropped his ears when he recognises his master after an absence of twenty years (see ll. 290-327). It is important to remember at this point that no one else, apart from Telemachus, has managed to recognise Odysseus, but his dog does. No wonder Odysseus sheds a tear!   

Ll. 1-44. Telemachus goes to the palace. 

As soon as the early-born rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, then did Telemachus, the dear son of divine Odysseus, bind his fair sandals beneath his feet and take up his mighty spear that fitted (so well) in the palm of his hand, and, as he set out for the city, he said to his swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus): "Now, old boy, I am definitely going to the city, so that my mother shall see me; for I do not think that she will ever stop her terrible lamentation and her tearful wailing, until she sees me in the flesh; but to you I give these instructions. Take this unfortunate stranger to the city, so that he may beg for meals there; (anyone) who wants to will give him a loaf and a cup (of water); but as for me, in no way can I burden myself with (the needs of) all men, when I still have (so many) troubles on my mind; and, if the stranger is very annoyed by this, it will be the worse for him; for to me indeed (it is) important to tell the truth."    

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, spoke to him in response: "My friend, let me tell you, I myself have no wish to be left behind; it is better for a beggar to beg for food in a city than in the countryside; there (he,) who wishes to, will give (it) to me. For I am no longer of an age to abide on a farmstead, so as to obey in every way the instructions of an overseer. But go your way; and this man, whom you have instructed, will bring me (along), just as soon as I have been made hot from the fire and the sun's warmth has arrived. For I am wearing these terribly thin garments; (and I am afraid) that the morning hoar-frost might overcome me; and you have said that the city is far away."  

So she spoke, and Telemachus went through the farmstead, moving rapidly on his feet, and planting evil (seeds) for the suitors. But, when he came to the stately house, he stood his spear (in its place), propping (it) against a tall pillar, and he himself went straight inside and stepped over the stone threshold. 

And the nurse Eurycleia (was) by far the first (to) see him, as she was spreading fleeces on the richly-wrought chairs, and then, bursting into tears, she came straight (towards him); and the other maids of stout-hearted Odysseus gathered round and kissed his head and shoulders with great affection.  

Then, from her bed-chamber came the wise Penelope, like Artemis or golden Aphrodite, and, bursting into tears, she flung her arms around her beloved son, and kissed his head and both his lovely eyes, and, as he wept, she spoke these winged words to (him): "You have come, Telemachus, sweet light (of my eyes). I thought I should never see you more, when you went secretly in that ship to Pylos, against my wishes, to hear about your dear father. But, come (now), tell me, whether you gained a sight of him." 

Ll. 45-83. Telemachus meets Piraeus and Theoclymenus.

Then, the thoughtful Telemachus said to her in reply: "Mother of mine, do not make me cry, nor arouse the heart in my breast, when I have just escaped utter destruction; but go to your room upstairs with your handmaidens, and bathe yourself and take clean raiment for your body, and vow to all the gods that you will offer (them) complete hecatombs (i.e. sacrifices of a hundred oxen), in the hope that Zeus would perform deeds of reckoning. But I will go to the place of assembly, so that I may summon a stranger, one that accompanied me from that place when I returned here (i.e. Theoclymenus). I sent him ahead (of me) with my godlike companions, and I bid Peiraeus to take him to his home and treat him with kindness and respect until I came."   

So he spoke, but in her case speech stayed unwinged (i.e. she made no response). Then, she bathed herself and took clean raiment for her body, and vowed to all the gods that she would offer (them) complete hecatombs, in the hope that Zeus would perform deeds of reckoning.  

Then, Telemachus strode out through the hall, holding his spear; and two swift-footed dogs followed after him. And Athene shed a wondrous grace upon him; and all people gazed at him as he went by. The haughty suitors gathered around him, speaking kind (words), but plotting evil (things) in the depths of their hearts. Now, he then avoided the dense throng of these (men), but went and sat down at the place where Mentor, and Antiphus, and Halitherses were sitting, those who were friends of his father from of old; then, Peiraeus, the famous spearman, came near, leading his guest (i.e. Theoclymenus) through the city to the place of assembly, and Telemachus did not turn away from his guest at all, but stood at his side. But Peiraeus (was) the first (to) speak, and said to him: "Telemachus, do send some women to my house straightaway, so that I may send you the gifts that Menelaus gave you."

Then, the cautious Telemachus said to him in reply: "(No,) Peiraeus, because we do not know what are those things that are going to happen. If the haughty suitors shall slay me secretly in my hall, and divide all my father's goods among themselves, I would wish that you yourself should keep and enjoy (them), rather than one of them; but, if, in their case, I shall sow the seeds of death and fate, then gladly bring (them) to my house, and I shall rejoice." 

Ll. 84-119. Telemachus tells his mother about his trip to Pylos and Sparta. 

So saying, he led his long-suffering guest to the house. Now, when they came to the stately palace, they put down their cloaks on the couches and chairs and stepped into the well-polished bath-tubs. And so, when the maidservants had bathed them and anointed (them) with oil, and they cast their fleecy cloaks and tunics around (them), they got out of the bath-tubs and sat on the couches. Then, a handmaid brought water in a fine golden jug and poured (it) out over a silver basin, so they could rinse their hands; and  she drew up a polished table beside (them). Then, the venerable housekeeper brought bread and set (it) before (them), and she put down much meat, giving freely of the stores she had available. And his mother sat opposite (them) by the door-post of the hall, reclining on a couch, while spinning the delicate wool on her distaff. And they put forth their hands (i.e. they helped themselves) to the well-prepared food lying in front of (them), and, when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, wise Penelope began speaking to them: "Telemachus, I certainly am going upstairs and I shall lie on my bed, which has become for me a place of sorrow, ever wetted by my tears, from (the time) when Odysseus went to Ilium with the sons of Atreus; but you did not take it upon yourself, before the haughty suitors came into this house, to tell me plainly of your father's return, if perhaps you have heard of it." 

Then, thoughtful Telemachus said to her in reply: "Well then, mother, I shall tell you the (whole) truth. We went to Pylos and to Nestor, shepherd of the people; and he received me in his lofty house and welcomed (me) in a kindly manner, as if (he were) a father (and I were) his son, just now returned from another place after a long absence; so he took care of me in a kindly manner, together with his renowned sons (i.e. Thrasymedes and Peisistratus). But of stout-hearted Odysseus, (whether) alive or dead, he said nothing at all; but he sent me on my way to the famous spearman Menelaus, son of Atreus, with horses and a close-fitting chariot. There I saw Helen of Argos, for whose sake the Argives and the Trojans suffered (so) much by the will of the gods. 

Ll. 120-165. Theoclymenus prophesies Odysseus' presence.

And then all at once Menelaus, good at the war-cry, asked (me) for what reasons had I come to lovely Lacedaemon; so I told him the whole truth; and then in answer he spoke to me in these words: 'For shame, so they want to go to sleep in the brave man's bed, the cowards that they are. And, as when a deer has put to sleep her (two) newly-born milk-sucking fawns in the lair of a mighty lion, and has gone to examine the slopes and grassy dales for pasture, and then back he (i.e. the lion) comes to his bed, and a grisly fate will be inflicted on them both, so Odysseus will let loose a grisly fate on those (men). For, (O) Father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that he were such (a man) as once in well-built Lesbos stood up to Philomeleides in wrestling-match, and brought (him) down with a mighty throw, and all the Achaeans were delighted, would there be such a man (as) Odysseus to meet with the suitors; then there would be an early destruction and a bitter marriage for all (of them). But of those (things) which you ask and beseech of me, I shall not turn aside from these and speak of other (things), nor shall I deceive (you), but those (things) that the unerring old man of the sea said to me, I will not hide or conceal (one) word of these from you. He said that he had seen him on an island in great distress in the palace of the nymph Calypso, who keeps him (there) by force; and he cannot reach his own native-land. For (he has) no ships with oars and crewmen, who can escort him over the broad back of the sea.'  

"So spoke Menelaus, son of Atreus, the famous spearman. When I had brought this discussion to an end, I set out for home; and the immortals gave me a favourable wind and brought me quickly back to my beloved native-land." 

So he spoke, and stirred the heart in her breast. Then, the godlike Theoclymenus joined in their conversation: "O honoured wife of Laertes' son, Odysseus, he (i.e. Menelaus) certainly does not know the truth, but do you take heed of my words: for I will prophesy to you truthfully, nor will I conceal (anything); now let Zeus before all other gods, and this board of hospitality and the hearth of peerless Odysseus, to which I have come, be my witnesses that Odysseus (is) actually already (here) in his native-land, (either) sitting or on the move, and he is learning of these evil deeds and sowing the seeds of destruction for all the suitors. Such a bird of omen did I observe as I sat on our well-benched ship and proclaim to Telemachus." 

Then, wise Penelope said to him: "Stranger, may this word (of yours) be fulfilled; then you would soon become aware of many kindnesses and gifts from me, so that anyone who meets you would call you blessed."    

Ll. 166-203. Odysseus sets out for the city. 

So they spoke such (words) as these to one another, and the suitors were enjoying themselves throwing quoits and javelins on the levelled terrace in front of the palace of Odysseus, where they had previously displayed their arrogance. But, when it was the time for eating dinner, and the flocks came in from the fields on all sides, and those who (had) previously (done) so led (them in), then Medon spoke to them (thus); for of (all) the heralds he was most to their liking, and he was present at all their feasts: "Young men, since you have all been gladdened at heart by these sporting contests, come to the house, in order that we may prepare a feast; for (it is) no bad thing to take one's meal at the right time." 

So he spoke, and they arose and went their way, and they obeyed his words. And, when they came to the stately house, they put down their cloaks on the couches and chairs, and, in preparing for a banquet, they slaughtered some large rams and fat goats, and they slaughtered some fatted hogs and a heifer belonging to the herd. Now, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd were hastening to come from the country to the city. And the swineherd, that master of men, was the first to speak: "Stranger, since you are still eager to go to the city today, as my master (i.e. Telemachus) has commanded - (though) in truth I would rather have left you here to protect the farmstead; but him I respect and fear, lest he should scold me afterwards; for rebukes from one's master can be most painful - but come now, let us go; for the day is far gone, and in your case it will probably become colder towards evening."

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "I understand, I agree; you are giving these instructions to someone who knows. But (come), let us go, and then you must lead all the way. But do give me a staff to lean on, if perhaps you have one cut, since you certainly said that the path was a very slippery (one)."  

So he spoke, and he threw his unseemly knapsack around his shoulders, closely-packed (and) ragged (it was); and it had a twisted strap; and then Eumaeus gave him a staff to his liking. The two (of them) set forth, and the dogs and the herdsmen stayed behind to guard the farmstead; and he led his master to the city in the likeness of a sad old beggar, leaning on a staff; and miserable (was) the raiment (that) he wore around his body. 

Ll. 204-246. Melanthius taunts Odysseus. 

But, when, as they walked along the rugged path, they were near to the city, and they came to a well-made fair-flowing fountain, from where the citizens drew their water, which Ithacus, and Neritus and Polyctor had made; and around (it) there was a grove of poplars, that grow by the waters, encircling (it) on all sides, and cold water flowed down from the rock above, and on top of (it) was built an altar to the nymphs, where all those going by made offerings; there Melanthius, son of Dolius, came upon them, as he was driving his she-goats, that were the best in all the herds, (to be) a meal for the suitors; and two herdsmen followed after (him). And, when he saw them, he spoke and addressed them, and he taunted them with rude and abusive words; and he stirred the heart of Odysseus:  

"So, now in very truth, the vile wholly leads the vile, (and,) as ever, heaven is bringing like to like (together). Where, then, are you leading this greedy pig, you wretched swineherd, this nauseating beggar who will bring trouble to our feasts? (He is the sort of man) who will stand and rub his shoulders on many doorposts, begging for scraps (of food), not swords or cauldrons (i.e. the sort of gifts that a respectable visitor might expect to  receive); if you would give him to me to be a guard of my farmstead, and to be a cleaner of the stables, and to carry shoots to the kids on a regular basis, then, (by) drinking whey, he might put big muscles on his thighs, But, since he has learned evil deeds, he does not wish to look for work, but he would rather (go) grovelling around the land begging for (something) to feed his gluttonous belly. But this I shall say to you, and it will also come to pass, that, if he comes to the palace of the divine Odysseus, a shower of footstools (shied) about his head from the hands of men will be broken on his ribs as he is pelted through the house."

So he (i.e. Melanthius) spoke, and, as he passed, in his folly he kicked him (i.e. Odysseus) on the hip with his foot; yet he did not drive him off the path, but he remained steadfast; and Odysseus pondered whether he should leap at (him) and take away his life with his staff, or lift (him) up by the middle and dash his head on the ground. But he managed to control himself, and he kept his instincts under check; but the swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus) looked him in the face, and, lifting up his hands, he prayed aloud: "(O) nymphs of the fountain, daughters of Zeus, if ever Odysseus burnt (as an offering) on your altar the thigh-bones of lambs or kid-goats, wrapped up in their rich fat, grant me this wish: that that man may come back, and that some god may guide him; then he would disperse all your vain practices, which, in your insolence, you have now picked up, ever since you have wandered around the town; meanwhile, incompetent herdsmen are destroying your flocks."

Ll. 247-289. Odysseus reaches the palace. 

Then, Melanthius the goatherd answered him: "For shame, how speaks the cur, full of mischief (as he is); one day I will take him on a well-benched ship far from Ithaca, so that he make make me much money. If only Apollo of the silver bow would smite Telemachus today in the halls, or he might be slain by the suitors, as surely as for Odysseus the day of his return from a far land has been lost."

Thus speaking, he left them there as they walked gently on, but he went on his way, and quite quickly came to the king's palace. At once, he went inside, and sat down amongst the suitors opposite Eurymachus; for he (i.e. Eurymachus) had quite a liking for him (i.e. Melanthius). (Those) who served placed a helping of meat beside him, and the trusty housekeeper brought some bread to eat and set it down before (him). As they drew near, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd came to a halt, and about them rang the sound of the hollow lyre; for Phemius was preparing to sing to them; then, taking the swineherd by the arm, he (i.e. Odysseus) said to (him): "Now in very truth, Eumaeus, this is the beautiful house of Odysseus; it is easy to recognise and to pick out among many (dwellings). One (building) leads to another, and the courtyard has been built with a wall and coping (stones), and its gates are well-protected; no one man could storm it. And I know that many men are preparing feasts within it, since the odour of meat mounts up, and the lyre sounds within (it), and the gods made it a companion of banquets."   

And to him, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "You found (it) easily, since you are not without understanding of all these (things). But come now, let us consider how these deeds (of ours) will happen. Either you go into the stately palace first, and join the suitors, and I shall stay here; or, if you prefer, you wait here, and I will go in before (you); but do not linger for long, lest someone should see you from outside and throw (something at you) and drive (you) away; and I bid you think about this."

And then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus answered him: "I understand, I agree; now indeed you are giving instructions to one who knows. But you go in first, while I shall remain here. For I am not at all unused to knocks and blows; staunch (is) my heart, since I have suffered many bad (things) on the waves and in war; let these (woes) also be added to those; for it is not possible to hide away a ravenous belly, a curse that brings many troubles upon men, and, on account of it too, well-benched ships are launched on the barren sea to bring evil (things) to their enemies."  

Ll. 290-335. The death of Argus. 

Thus did they speak these (things) to each other; and the hound raised his head and (pricked up) his ears; Argus (it was), belonging to stout-hearted Odysseus, whom he himself had once reared, nor did he cease to care for (him), before he went to holy Ilium. And in those days, young men used to take him to (hunt) wild goats, and deer, and hares. But now he lay, abandoned, his master having gone away, on the piles of dung from the mules and oxen which lay in front of his gates, (waiting) until Odysseus' servants should take (it) away (as) manure for his great estate. There lay the hound Argus, full of ticks. Yet even now, when he realised that Odysseus was (standing) nearby, he wagged his tail and dropped both his ears, but he no longer had the strength to come nearer to his master; then he (i.e. his master Odysseus) looked aside and wiped away a tear, easily escaping Eumaeus' notice, and, straightway, asked him this question: "(It is) certainly very strange, Eumaeus, that this hound should be lying in dung. His body is a fine (one), but this I do not clearly know, whether he had the speed to match this fine appearance, or whether (he was) of the kind that men's table dogs are; and their masters look after them on account of their handsome appearance."   

To him, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "This (is) very much the hound of a man who died in a distant land. If he had the body and the vigour, such as he (had) when Odysseus left (him) to go to Troy, you would immediately be full of admiration, when you saw his speed and his strength. For no creature whichever (one) he chased, could ever escape (him) in the depths of a thick forest; for he also excelled in tracking (i.e. hunting by scent). But now he is in an evil plight, and his master has perished in a place other than his native-land, and the thoughtless women do not look after him. Now, servants, when their masters are no longer in a position to order (them) around, are thenceforth no longer minded to work properly; for far-seeing Zeus takes away half of a man's goodness, whenever the day of servitude takes hold of him."  

So saying, he (i.e. Eumaeus) entered the stately palace and made his way straight to the hall to join the illustrious suitors. But as for Argus, the fate of black death took hold of him, at the moment when he saw Odysseus after twenty years. 

Now, the godlike Telemachus was by far the first to see him, as the swineherd came through the chamber, and then he quickly called (him) to his (side) with a nod; then, having looked around (him), he (i.e. Eumaeus) picked up a stool that had been placed there, where the carver used to sit when he carved many (helpings) of meat for the suitors in the hall as they feasted; this he took and placed at Telemachus' table opposite (him), and there he sat down on (it) himself; then, a herald took a portion (of meat) and set it before (him), and served (him) bread from a basket.  

Ll. 336-379. In his disguise as an old beggar, Odysseus goes among the suitors.  

Odysseus went into the palace right after him, in the form of a woeful and aged beggar supported by a stick; and wretched was the raiment on his body. And he sat down on the ashen threshold inside the doorway, leaning on a pillar of cypress-wood, which a carpenter had once skilfully planed, and made straight by a plumb-line. Then, Telemachus called the swineherd to his (side) and taking a whole loaf  from the beautiful basket (of bread), and as much meat, as his hands in their encumbered (state) could hold, he said to (him): "Take this (food) and give (it) to the stranger, and bid (him) go to every single one of the suitors to beg; for (it is) not good for a needy man to be diffident."

So he spoke, and, when he heard these words, the swineherd went and came up close (to him) and spoke these winged words: "Telemachus gives you this (food), stranger, and tells you to go to everyone one of the suitors and beg; and he says it is not a good (thing) for a man (who is) asking for gifts (to be) diffident." 

And the quick-witted Odysseus said to him in response: "Lord Zeus, I pray that Telemachus may be blessed among men, and that all (the things) he desires in his heart may happen to him. So he spoke, and took the (food) in both (hands) and put (it) down on his shabby leather bag somewhere in front of his feet, and he ate (his meal) while the minstrel sang in the hall; when he had eaten (his meal), and the divine bard was coming to the end of his song, then the suitors caused an uproar in the hall. But Athene came up close to the side of Laertes' son Odysseus, (and) urged (him) to go among the suitors collecting food, and (so) he would learn which of them were decent and which (of them were) rotten; but this did not mean that she would save anyone of them from destruction. And he went his way from left to right, begging each man (as he went), stretching out his hands, as if he had long been a beggar. And they gave out of pity, and marvelled at the man, and they asked one another who he was and from where he came.  

Then, among them spoke Melanthius, the herder of goats: "Hear me, (you) wooers of our famous queen, with regard to this stranger; for I have certainly seen him before. In truth, (it was) the swineherd (who) led him here, but of (the man) himself I really do not know where he claims he was born."

So he spoke, and Antinous rebuked the swineherd in these words: "O (you) notorious swineherd, why did you bring this man into the city? Do we not have plenty of vagabonds and other troublesome beggars to mar our feasts? Surely you are (sufficiently) fed up (with the fact) that (men) gather here and devour your master's livelihood, without you also having invited this man in as well?"     

Ll. 380-423. Odysseus presses Antinous to be generous to him. 

To him, then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "You do not speak fair (words), Antinous, noble though you are; for who of his own accord ever approaches and calls upon some stranger from abroad, unless he is one of those public workers, a seer, or a healer of ills (i.e. a physician), or a builder in timber (i.e. a carpenter), or even a divine minstrel, who can give delight when he sings? For such men are welcomed all over the world; but, of all the suitors, you are always the most harsh to Odysseus' servants, and especially to me in particular; but I care not, so long as Penelope, thoughtful (as she is) to me, and godlike Telemachus are living in the palace."

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in response: "Be quiet, do not, I bid you, exchange many words with this (man); for Antinous is ever wont to rouse (men) to anger in an evil manner with harsh words, and he stirs up the others too." 

So then he also spoke these winged words to Antinous: "Antinous, truly did you care well for me, like a father for his son, when you ordered the stranger to be driven from the palace with forceful words; may the god never allow that to happen. Take and give him (something yourself); I do not grudge you (that); indeed I urge (you to do it); so do not fear offending my mother in that respect, or any other of the servants, who are in the household of divine Odysseus. But you have no such thought in your mind; for you are far more inclined to eat yourself than to give to another."

Then, Antinous said to him in reply: "Telemachus, (you) braggart, with an irrepressible spirit, what a (thing) you have said. If all the wooers would hand him as much (as I have), then this house would keep him at a distance for three months." 

So he spoke, and he seized the footstool, on which he extended his shiny feet as he feasted, and drew it from under the table where it lay; but the rest (of them) all gave (gifts) and filled the leather bag with bread and bits of meat; now Odysseus was just about to go back to the threshold and to have made trial of the Achaeans without cost; but he paused beside Antinous, and said these words to him: "Give (me something), my friend; you do not seem to me to be the basest of the Achaeans, but the best (of them), since you look like a king. Therefore, it is also meet that you should give a better (portion) of food than the others; and I shall make you famous throughout the boundless earth. For I too once lived in a house among men, a rich (man) in a wealthy (house), and I often used to give to a vagrant such as myself, whoever he might be, and with whatever needs he might come. And I had slaves past counting, and many other (things), on account of which (men) live well and are reputed (to be) wealthy.   

Ll. 424-461. Antinous becomes angry. 

"But Zeus, son of Cronos, ruined my life - for he surely willed (it) - for he made me go to Epypt together with roving pirates (on) a long journey, so that I might be destroyed. And in the river of Egypt (i.e. the Nile) I moored my ships with their banks of oars on both sides. Then, in truth, I ordered my trusty comrades to remain there by the ships, and defend the ships, and I sent scouts to go in search of watch-towers. But they, giving way to wanton violence, and led on by their own vigour, began almost at once to ravage the very beautiful fields of the men of Egypt, and they carried off the women and little children, and slew the men; and their cry came quickly to the city. And, when they heard the shouting, the (people) came forth at the same time as dawn appeared; then the whole plain was filled with foot-soldiers and chariots and the flashing of bronze; and Zeus, who delights in thunder, threw my comrades into abject headlong flight, and no one had the courage to stand his ground against the foe; for threats surrounded (us) on every side. Then, they slew many of us with sharp bronze, and some they led inland alive, to work for them by compulsion. But me they gave to a friend to take to Cyprus, (namely) Dmetor, son of Iasus, who ruled Cyprus by force; and from there I have now come here in this (state), suffering much distress." 

Then, Antinous addressed him once more in reply: "What god has brought this pest here to spoil our dinner? Stand there in the middle far away from my table, lest you soon come to a sad kind of Egypt and Cyprus; what a bold and shameless beggar you are! You pester all (of us) in turn; and they give you (food) without thought, for no one (has) any restraint or scruple what it comes to giving freely of another man's (substance), since beside each man (there is) plenty."

Then, Odysseus, (the man) of many wiles, drew back and said to him: "Oh dear, it does not seem that your brains match your looks; you would not even give (a pinch of) salt from your larder to a retainer of yours, (you) who now sits at another man's (table) and cannot bring yourself to take a piece of his bread and give (it) to me; and yet there is plenty of it."

So he spoke, and Antinous waxed with anger right heartily, and, glancing (at him) from beneath (his brow), he spoke these winged words to him: "Now I do not think that you will go back and forth through this hall any longer in one piece, when you speak so critically."

Ll. 462-504. Odysseus is struck on the shoulder by a stool flung by Antinous. 

So he spoke, and, seizing the footstool, he flung (it at him and struck him on) the right shoulder, very low down near the back; but he stood firm just like a rock, nor did Antinous' missile make him reel, but he shook his head in silence, pondering evil (thoughts) in the depths of his mind. Then, he went back to the threshold and sat down, and he put down his well-filled leather bag, and spoke among the suitors (as follows): "Listen to me, (you) suitors of the illustrious queen, so that I may say what the heart in my breast bids (me). Verily, there is no pain of heart nor any grief, when a man is smitten fighting for his own property, whether for his oxen or his white sheep: but Antinous struck me for the sake of my wretched belly, that accursed (thing) that brings many evils upon men. But, if perhaps there are gods and (avenging) Furies for beggars, may the event of death come upon Antinous before his marriage."

Then, Antinous, the son of Eupeithes, addressed him again: "Sit still and eat, stranger, or go elsewhere, lest the young men shall drag you through the house by hand or foot and tear all (your skin) to ribbons, (because) you say such (things)."

So he spoke, but they were all filled with deep indignation; and so spoke one of the proud young men: "Antinous, (you did) not (do) well to strike that wretched vagrant, (and) accursed you would (surely) be, if perhaps he is some heavenly god. And gods in the guise of strangers from a foreign land do come in all kinds (of shapes) and visit the cities, observing both the wanton violence and the good order of men."    

So the suitors addressed (him), but he paid no attention to their words. And Telemachus nursed great grief in his heart at the smiting, but no tears fell to the ground from his eyelids, but he shook his head in silence, pondering evil (thoughts) in the depths of his mind. 

And so, when the very thoughtful Penelope heard of him being smitten in the hall, she spoke among her handmaids (as follows): "Would that Apollo the famous archer would smite you in the same manner as (you struck) him!" And again the housekeeper Eurynome said these words to her: "If only fulfilment might follow our prayers; not one of these (men) would reach Dawn on her beautiful throne." 

Then, the very thoughtful Penelope spoke to her again: "Enemies (are they) all, (dear) nurse, since they are hatching evil (plots); but Antinous especially is like black fate. Some wretched stranger roams through the house, begging men for alms; for want compels (him); there all the others filled his bag and gave (him gifts), but he (flung) a stool (and) struck (him) at the bottom of his right shoulder."   

Ll. 505-559. Penelope summons the stranger. 

So she spoke among her maidservants while sitting in her chamber; and the godlike Odysseus ate his meal; then, she called the goodly swineherd to her, and said: "Go, goodly Eumaeus, and tell the stranger to come hither, so that I may in some way greet him warmly and ask (him) whether he has perhaps heard of stout-hearted Odysseus or has seen him with his eyes; for he seems like (a man) who has wandered far."

To her then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in answer: "If only, (O) queen, the Achaeans would keep their silence; such (stories) does he tell as (indeed) would charm your very heart. For I had him for three nights, and for three days I kept (him) in my hut; for he came to me first, when he had escaped from his ship; but he had not yet brought to an end (the tale of) the sufferings of which he was speaking. And, as when a minstrel looks at a man, who sings lovely words taught to mortals by the gods, and they ceaselessly yearn to hear him, whenever he should sing; thus did he charm me as he sat in my hall. And he says that he is an old family friend of Odysseus, and that he lives in Crete, where is the race of Minos. From there he now comes here on this (journey), (ever) suffering woes as he wanders on and on; and he insists that he has heard of Odysseus close at hand and alive in the rich land of the men of Thesprotia; and he is bringing countless treasures to his home."

Then, wise Penelope said to him: "Go (and) call (him) here, so that he himself may tell (me) to my face. But let these (men) amuse themselves as they sit in my doorway or here in my house, since their hearts (are) merry. For their own possessions lie untouched in their homes, bread and sweet wine (that is); now their servants eat these (things), and they wander about in our (house) every day, sacrificing our oxen, and sheep and fat goats, and they recklessly revel in, and drink, the sweet wine; and this abundance is being exhausted. For (there is) no man such as Odysseus set up to stave off ruin from the house. But, if Odysseus were to return and come to his native-land, straightway would he, together with his son, take their vengeance on these men for their violent deeds."

As she finished speaking, Telemachus let out a loud sneeze, and it reverberated fearfully around the house; and Penelope laughed and immediately said these winged words to Eumaeus: "Go and call the stranger to me here face to face. Did you not notice that my son sneezed over all my words? So may endless death come upon the wooers, absolutely all (of them), nor shall any (of them) escape death and the fates. And another (thing) will I tell you, and do you keep (it) in your heart: if I should find that he is speaking all things truthfully, I shall clad him in the fine raiment of a cloak and tunic."

So she spoke, and the swineherd went his way when he heard these words; and coming up close (to him), he spoke these winged words: "Dear friend, Telemachus' mother, wise Penelope, summons you; her heart bids her ask (you) some (questions) about her husband, stricken with sorrows as she is. And, if she should find that you speak all (things) truthfully, she will clothe you in a cloak and tunic, the things of which you are most in need; and, as for food, you will feed your belly (by) begging (for it) in the town; and whoever wishes (to do so) will give (it) to you."

Ll. 560-606. Odysseus postpones his meeting with Penelope.

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus said to him: "Eumaeus, soon I shall tell all the truth to the daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope; for well do I know about this (man) and the common affliction we have borne. But I am afraid of this throng of harsh suitors, whose insolence and violence reach the iron sky. For even now, when, as I was going through the hall doing no one any harm, this man struck me and caused (me) pain, neither Telemachus nor anyone else was able to do anything to prevent it. So now ask Penelope, eager though (she is) to see me, to wait in the halls till sunset; and then let her ask me about the day of her husband's return, as she sits me closer to the fire; for, look, the raiment (that) I wear (is) mean; now, this you know yourself, since I previously approached you as a suppliant."

So he spoke, and the swineherd went back, when he heard these words. And, as he went over the threshold, Penelope said to him: "You do not bring (him), Eumaeus; what did the vagabond mean by this? Is he excessively afraid of someone, perhaps, or does he feel shame in the house for some other reason (than fear)? But  a bad (thing it is) for a vagabond (to be) shame-faced."  

To her, then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "He says quite rightly such (things) as any other (man) wishing to avoid the wanton violence of these most insolent men would think. But he bids you wait till the setting of the sun. For you yourself, O queen, it is so much better to speak to the stranger and to hear his words alone." Then, the wise Penelope answered him: "The stranger (is) not without wisdom; he foresees how it may turn out; for, in my view, (there are) no (other) mortal men who devise such evil (schemes) as these insolent men (do) here."

So she spoke, and the goodly swineherd went his way into the throng of the suitors, when he had told (her) everything. And at once he spoke these winged words to Telemachus, holding his head close (to his), so that the others might not hear (what they were saying): "O friend, I am going forth to guard the swine and the (things) that are there (on the farm), your livelihood and mine; but do you take charge of everything here. Keep yourself safe first of all, and beware lest some (ill) should befall (you); for many of the Achaeans are devising evil (schemes), and may Zeus utterly destroy them before any harm can come to us."

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "So shall it be, old boy; go your way when you have supped;  and come in the morning and bring some fine victims; but everything here is of concern to me and the immortals."

So he spoke, and the (swineherd) sat down again on the well-polished bench, and, when he had satisfied his desire for food and drink, he went on his way back to the pigs, and left the courts and the hall full of guests; and they were enjoying their dancing and singing, for the evening of the day had already come upon (them).