HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XIV: IN EUMAEUS' HUT.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XIV: IN EUMAEUS' HUT. 

Introduction:

At the end of Book XIII, the goddess Athene, having altered Odysseus' appearance to that of an old man, sends him off to meet with his swineherd, Eumaeus. Odysseus finds Eumaeus' hut and is kindly received by him, although due to his disguise Eumaeus does not recognise him (see ll. 1-80). In ll. 81-180 Odysseus learns of the arrogant behaviour of the Suitors and also of the potential risks facing his son Telemachus. When Eumaeus inquires about the circumstances of his visitor, Odysseus provides him with a false story about his identity and history, in which he portrays himself as a Cretan adventurer, who, after returning from the Trojan war, has fallen on hard times  (see ll. 181-313). Amongst the fictions in his tale is that he hears news of Odysseus while he is visiting Thesprotia (see ll. 314-359), but Eumaeus refuses to believe this, although the supposed Cretan affirms it on his life (see ll. 360-406). In the final sections of this book (ll. 407-533), they and their comrades enjoy a good supper and settle down for a comfortable night, while the Cretan adds a further tale about his experiences at Troy. In terms of the Odyssey as a whole, Book XIV is somewhat of an interlude, with no real action taking place, beyond the domestic circumstances of Eumaeus' hut. However, we do learn of Eumaeus'  abiding love for his master Odysseus and his deep grief at what he believes to be his death. Despite his lowly status as a slave, Eumaeus' loyalty to Odysseus is perhaps the most striking aspect of the Book.   

Ll. 1-47. Odysseus finds Eumaeus.

But he (i.e. Odysseus) went forth out of the harbour on a rough track through the hills to a wooded area, and (a place) where Athene had shown him (where to meet) the goodly swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus), who, of (all) the domestic servants whom he had acquired, had been the most concerned for his substance. 

Then, he found him sitting in the porch (of his house), where his lofty courtyard was built in a conspicuous spot, fine, and spacious, and circular; the swineherd himself had built it for his absent master's swine without the knowledge of his mistress (i.e. Penelope) and the old man Laertes, and he surrounded it with quarried stones and prickly shrubs; and outside (it) he drove stakes here and there into the ground; closely-packed and thickly set (they were), after he had split asunder the dark (core) of the oak-tree. And within the yard he had made twelve sties (as) sleeping quarters for the swine; and in each (one of them) fifty pigs were kept, sleeping on the ground - brood sows (they were); the boars slept outside, (but of these there were) far fewer; for the godlike suitors had lessened their (numbers by) eating (them), since the swineherd always supplied the pick of all his well-nourished fatted hogs; and there were three hundred and sixty of them. And beside (them) always slept four dogs, like wild beasts they were, which the swineherd, that chief of men, had reared. He himself was fitting sandals around his feet, cutting (them) from some well-tanned ox-hide; three others of them had gone in various directions with the pigs that had been assembled; and the fourth he sent forth to the city to bring with (it) forcibly (a boar), so that they might slay(it) and satisfy their souls with its flesh.  

Suddenly, the baying hounds caught sight of Odysseus, and rushed upon him, barking loudly; but, in his cunning, Odysseus sat down, and the staff fell from his hand. Then, he would have suffered an ignominious injury, even in his own farmstead; but the swineherd went quickly after (them) with swift steps, and darted through the gateway, and the hide fell from his hand. And he called to the dogs, and drove them in all directions with a shower of stones; then, he spoke to his master: "O old man, to be sure, the dogs would all but have torn you to shreds in a moment, and on me you would have shed your reproaches. And the gods have also given me other pains and sorrows; for (it is) for my godlike master that I abide here in grief and mourning, and rear fat swine for other (men) to eat; yet, he wanders, perhaps in want of food, over the land and cities of men who speak in strange tongues, if perchance he still lives and sees the light of the sun. But (come) follow (me), old man, and let us go to the hut, so that, after you have satisfied your heart's desire for bread and wine, you can tell (me) from where you are come, and all the many troubles you have suffered."  

Ll. 48-71. Eumaeus welcomes Odysseus.

So he spoke, and the goodly swineherd led the way to his hut, and took (him) in and sat (him) down, and he made (him) a pile of thickly-grown brushwood, and spread on top of (it) the skin of a shaggy wild goat - his own mattress (it was), large and hairy. Then, Odysseus rejoiced that he had given him such a welcome, and spoke these words of thanks (to him): "Stranger, may Zeus and the other immortal gods grant you what you most desire, since you have given me such a hearty welcome."

And now, Eumaeus the swineherd, you (it was who) said to him in reply: "Stranger, it is not right for me to slight a stranger, not even if one were to come in a worse state than you. For all strangers and beggars are (here) in the place of Zeus; for a gift from us, though small, is welcome; for it is the lot of slaves ever to be in fear that their masters would lord it over (them,) young as they (are). For, in truth, the gods have hindered the return of him who would have loved me heartily, and have bestowed acquisitions (on me), a house, and a plot of land, and a much sought-after wife, such (things) as a kindly master gives to his servant, who has worked very hard for him, and whose work a god has prospered, just as this work of mine, to which I give my attention (here), has prospered. For this, my master would have greatly rewarded me, if he had grown old here; but he has perished - as the breed of Helen should have perished, while on their knees, since she has loosened the knees of many men; for he too went off to Ilium, (the land) of fine horses, on account of the honour of Agamemnon, in order to fight the Trojans.     

Ll. 72-108. Eumaeus' hospitality. 

So saying, he (i.e. Eumaeus) quickly fastened his tunic, and went his way to the sties, where the tribes of pigs were confined. Taking two from there, he brought (them) in and slaughtered both (of them), singed (them) and chopped (them) up, and stuck (their pieces) on spits. When he had roasted all (of these) he brought (them) in and placed (them) beside Odysseus, hot on their spits; and he sprinkled white barley-meal (over them); then he mixed honey-sweet wine in an ivy-wood drinking cup, and he himself sat down facing him, and, encouraging (him) to eat, he said: "Eat now, O stranger, such (food) as may be produced by slaves, (that is, the meat) of young pigs; but the suitors eat these fatted hogs (of mine), having no thought in their hearts of (divine) vengeance, nor (showing) any pity. Now, the blessed gods love not such cruel deeds, but they do honour justice and acts of decency in men. Even our implacable enemies, who intrude on someone else's land, and to whom Zeus has granted booty, and who, having filled their ships, go on board to return home, even in their case a great (fear) of divine vengeance falls upon their hearts. But these (men) (i.e. the suitors) have certainly learned something, and they have heard some divine voice (telling) of his dreadful death, (seeing) that they are not willing to woo properly, nor to return to their own (homes), but they high-handedly devour our substance at their ease, nor are they (at all) sparing of (it). For, as many as are the nights and days (that come) from Zeus, on each they sacrifice not one victim, nor only two; and the wine, which they draw forth in an arrogant fashion, they waste. For, in truth, his livelihood was beyond telling (i.e. he was unspeakably rich); not one of the great men (had) so much (wealth), neither on the dark(-soiled) mainland, nor on Ithaca itself; nor is the wealth of twenty men joined together as great (as his); I shall show you what I mean. On the mainland, (he has) twelve herds (of cattle); as many flocks of sheep, as many droves of swine, as many scattered herds of goats, do foreign men and his own herdsmen tend. And here scattered herds of goats, eleven in all, graze on the remotest parts (of the island), and over (them) trusty men keep watch. Each one of these drives up (one of) his flock for them (i.e. the suitors) on a daily basis, that one of the fatted goats, which seems (to him to be) the best. But I tend and keep watch over those swine, and I carefully choose and send them the best of the pigs."      

Ll. 109-147. Eumaeus praises his master Odysseus. 

So he (i.e. Eumaeus) spoke, and the other (i.e. Odysseus) eagerly ate the meat and drank the wine avidly (and) in silence, and plotted trouble for the suitors. But, when he had dined and had met his appetite for food, he filled the cup, from which he had been drinking, and gave (it) to him, brim full of wine; and he (i.e. Eumaeus) took it and was glad at heart. Then, he (i.e. Odysseus) addressed him and spoke these winged words: "O friend, who (was this man who) bought you with his wealth, (a man) so very rich and powerful, as you say (he was)? Now, you say he died for the sake of Agamemnon's honour. Tell me (his name), in case I might remember who this man is. For perhaps Zeus and the other immortal gods know whether I have seen him and can bring tidings (of him); for I have wandered far and wide."  

Then, the swineherd, a leader of men, answered him: "O old man, no travelling man, that has come with news of him, has convinced his wife and his son (of its truth), but these wandering men (i.e. tramps), when they are receiving (care and) attention, tell lies, and are not concerned to speak the truth. Whoever, in his wanderings, comes to the land of Ithaca goes to my mother and tells a beguiling story; and she receives and welcomes (him) in a kindly fashion and questions (him) on every detail, and the tears fall from her eyelids as she laments, as is the custom of a woman when her husband dies in another place. And readily would you too, old man, make up a story, if someone would give you a cloak and a tunic (as) raiment. And, as for him, the spirit must have left (his body), and, by now, the dogs and the swift-flying birds of prey are likely to have torn the flesh from his bones. Or fishes have eaten him in the sea, and his bones lie (here) on the shore, deeply engulfed in the sand. So, he died there, and, in the future, grief has arisen in all his friends, and especially in me; for, wherever I go, I shall never find a master so kind (as he was), not even if I should come again to the house of my father and mother, where I was born in the first place, and they themselves reared me. But yet, I do not now mourn them as much (as him), eager though I am to behold them with my eyes and to be in my native-land; but a longing for Odysseus, who is gone, takes hold of me. Yet, O stranger, I am reluctant to speak his name, even though he is not here; for greatly did he love and care for me in his heart; but, even though he is far away, I call him my trusty (lord and brother)."  

Ll. 148-190. Odysseus assures Eumaeus that his master will return to Ithaca. 

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus spoke to him again: "O friend, since you refuse to believe (it), and you declare that he will never return, and your mind (is) always in a state of disbelief, therefore I shall not merely tell you, but (I shall say it) with an oath, that Odysseus is coming back; and let there be an immediate reward for me for bringing good news, whenever he shall come and reach his household; but before that, however sore my need, I shall accept nothing. For that (man) who, giving way to poverty, tells a deceitful (tale) is (as) hateful to me as the gates of Hades. Now, may Zeus, before (all other) gods, and this board of hospitality, and this hearth of peerless Odysseus, which I am approaching, be aware, that, in truth, all these (things) will happen as I say. Within the course of this very lunar cycle, Odysseus will be here. As one month ends and the next one begins, he will return home and take his revenge on all those who here dishonour his wife and his noble son." 

And to him did you, swineherd Eumaeus, say in reply: "O old man, I shall not have to pay that reward for good tidings, nor shall Odysseus ever come home; but drink in peace and let us turn our minds to other (things) apart from (these), and do not remind me of these (things); for, in truth, the heart in my breast grieves, whenever anyone reminds (me) of my trusty lord. But, now indeed, let us let go of your oath, but may Odysseus come (home), just as I wish him (to do), and (so does) Penelope, and the old man Laertes, and godlike Telemachus. But now I grieve unceasingly for Telemachus, the son, whom godlike Odysseus begot. When the gods made him grow like a young sapling, and I thought that he would be in no way inferior among men to his dear father, wonderful, (as he was,) in shape and form, then one of the immortals, or some man, marred the well-balanced mind within him; and he went to sacred Pylos in pursuit of news of his father; and the princely suitors will lie in wait for him as he makes his way home, so that the race of godlike Arceisius (i.e. the father of Laertes, Odysseus' father) will disappear from Ithaca without trace. But now indeed we shall let him be, whether he may be taken, or whether he may escape, if the son of Cronos should hold out his hand to give him protection. But come (now), old man, do you tell me of your own troubles, and tell me of them in reality, so that I may know full well; who (you are, and) from where among men (do you come)? Where (is) your city, and (who are) your parents? On what kind of ship did you come, and how did sailors bring you to Ithaca? Who did they profess to be? For I do not think that you came here in any way on foot?" 

Ll. 191-233. Odysseus pretends to be a Cretan.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "Well then, I shall tell you everything exactly. Would that we two might now have both food and sweet wine for some time, while we remain inside the hut, so as to feast in quiet, as others go about their work; then, I might easily spend a whole year without completing my account of the sorrows of my heart, such as all those (hardships) I have endured by the will of the gods.

"I profess (to be) of the stock of broad Crete, the son of a wealthy man; and many other sons were also born and reared in his hall, the legitimate (sons) of a (lawful) wife; but the mother (that) bore me was bought (as) a concubine; yet, Castor, son of Hylax, honoured me (as) an equal to his lawfully begotten (children). I claim to be the son of a (man) who was, at that time, honoured as a god among Cretans for his prosperous estate, and his wealth and his splendid sons. But, in truth, the fates of death came (and) bore him off to the house of Hades; then, let me tell you, his high-handed sons divided up his property among themselves and cast lots for (it), but to me they gave a very small (portion), and assigned (me) a dwelling. But I won myself a wife from some people rich in land, on account of my valour, for I was neither idle nor cowardly; but now all that (strength) has already left (me), but I think that, when you see the stubble, you will know (what the harvest was) like; for, in truth, great misery takes a very tight hold of me. For, at that time, Ares and Athene had certainly endowed me with courage and the might to break through the ranks of men; whenever I were to pick the best men for an ambush, sowing dark seeds for my foes, never did my manly spirit foresee my death, but I would be by far the first to leap out and slay with my spear the enemy warriors, who had given way to me by foot. Such (a man) was I in war; but labour (in the fields) was not welcome to me, nor (was) that household management which leads to the upbringing of splendid children, but ships with oars were always dear to me, as were wars, and polished spears, and arrows, (things) of woe, which are wont to make others shudder. But those (things) were dear to me, I suppose, which a god had put into my heart; for one man finds delight in the work of others. For, before the sons of the Achaeans had set foot on (the land of) Troy, I had led warriors and swift-faring ships against foreign men, and much loot came into my hands. Of these (things), I took out what was pleasing (to me), and, afterwards I obtained much (more) by lot; my house soon grew rich, and then I became feared and honoured among the Cretans.   

Ll. 235-284. Odysseus tells of the Cretan's adventures in Egypt. 

"But when the far-seeing Zeus devised that hateful journey, which loosened the knees of (so) many warriors, they (i.e. the Cretans) kept on urging me and glorious Idomeneus to lead their ships to Ilium; nor was there any means of refusing, for the people's voice bore down hard (on us). There, we, sons of the Achaeans, fought for nine years, and in the tenth, having sacked the city of Priam, we set out for home with our ships, but a god scattered the Achaeans. But for me, wretched (man that I was,) Zeus, the counsellor, contrived evil (things); I stayed (at home) for a month only, delighting in my children and my wedded wife, and my possessions; but then did my spirit urge me to sail to Egypt (i.e. to the River Nile) with my godlike companions, when I had carefully fitted out my ships, and an army was speedily assembled. Then did my trusty companions feast for six days; and I gave (them) many victims, to sacrifice to the gods and in order to prepare a feast for themselves. And on the seventh day we embarked and set sail from broad Crete, with a fair North Wind blowing readily at its height, and as if (we were going) downstream; nor did any of my ships come to harm, but we sat (there) unscathed and free from sickness, and the wind and the helmsmen directed them. 

"Then, on the fifth day, we came to the fair-flowing Nile, and (there) in the River of Egypt 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, hearing 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; but Zeus, who delights in thunder, threw my comrades into an 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 the sharp bronze, and some they led inland alive to work for them by compulsion (i.e. as slaves). But Zeus himself put this thought into my mind - though I should have died and met my fate there in Egypt; for sorrow was still now (waiting to) receive me -  straightway, I took the well-made helmet from my head, and the shield from my shoulders, and let the spear fall from my hands; then I went towards their king's chariot, and clasped and kissed his knees; and he took pity on me and rescued (me), and he sat me in his chariot and took me, shedding tears, to his home. In truth, a great many (of them) rushed at me with their ashen spears, longing to kill (me) - for they were extremely angry - , but he kept (them) off, and had regard for the wrath of Zeus, (the god) of strangers, who shows particular displeasure at evil deeds.   

Ll. 285-320. Odysseus tells how the Cretan came to Thesprotia. 

"There on that spot I stayed for seven years (n.b. this timescale coincides with the seven years spent by Odysseus himself on Calypso's island of Ogygia), and I gathered much wealth from the men of Egypt; for they all used to give (me things). But, when the approaching eighth year actually arrived, then there came to me a Phoenician man, who knew wily tricks, a petty swindler, who had already done many evil (things) to men; prevailing upon me by his cunning, he took me (with him), until we reached Phoenicia, where lay his house and his possessions. There I stayed with him for a full year. But, when the months and the years were fulfilled and the year came round again and the seasons passed, he put me on board a sea-faring ship bound for Libya, telling me the lie that I should convey a cargo with him, but, when (we got) there, he thought he might sell me and get a very good price. (So,) I followed him forcibly on to the ship, despite foreseeing (the worst). And she was running in the midst (of the sea) above Crete with a fair North Wind blowing strongly; but Zeus had devised their destruction. For, when we had gone past Crete and no other land appeared, but (only) sky and sea, then did the son of Cronos place a black cloud above the hollow ship, and the sea grew dark beneath it. And at the same time Zeus thundered and hurled a bolt of lightning against the ship; and the whole (ship) shook, struck, (as it was,) by Zeus's thunderbolt, and it was filled with (the smell of) sulphur; and all (the members of the crew) fell from the ship. And they were borne on the waves around the black ship like sea-crows; and the god put an end to their homecoming. But as for me, despite my heart being seized with woe, Zeus himself put into my hands the very long mast of the dark-prowed ship, so I might still escape from disaster. Entwined around this, I was borne by the deadly winds. For nine days I was borne (along), but on the tenth black night a huge rolling wave brought me to the coast of the land of the Thesprotians (i.e. a district of north-western Greece, on the coast of Epirus). There, the lord Pheidon, king of the Thesprotians, provided for me without payment; for his dear son came upon (me), overcome, (as I was,) with exposure and exhaustion, and he raised (me) by the hand and led (me) to his home, until he came to his father's palace; then, he clothed me in a cloak and tunic (as) raiment. 

Ll. 321-359. Odysseus goes on to tell of the Cretan's experiences in Thesprotia. 

"(It was) there (that) I learned of Odysseus; for he said he had received (him) and entertained (him) as he was going on his way to his native-land, and he showed me all the goods which Odysseus had gathered, bronze, and gold, and iron that is wrought with much toil. And now would it feed (a man and) then others down to the tenth generation; such great treasure is lying (ready) for him in the halls of that king. But he said that he (i.e. Odysseus) had gone to Dodona (i.e. a town in Thesprotia, which housed the most ancient oracle of Zeus, whose responses were delivered by the rustling of oak-trees in its sacred grove), to hear the will of Zeus from the lofty foliage of the god's oak-tree, as to how he should return, whether openly or in disguise, to the rich land of Ithaca, having now been away for so long. And he swore in my presence, as he poured the libations of wine in his house, that the ship had been launched and the crewmen were ready, who were to convey him to his native-land. But me he sent off first; for a ship of the men of Thesprotia happened to be setting out for Dulichium, rich in corn (i.e. an island off the western coast of Greece, near Ithaca). There, he bade (them) convey me in a friendly fashion to Acastus, its king; but an evil thought brought pleasure to their minds, that I might yet be brought into the misery of total disaster. So, when the sea-faring ship had sailed far from land, they at once contrived in their cunning (to bring about) the day of slavery for me. They stripped me of my garments, cloak and tunic, and they threw another tattered garment and a filthy tunic around me, the (very) rags which you yourself can now see before your eyes; and by evening they reached the tilled lands of far-seen Ithaca; and there they bound me firmly with a well-twisted rope in the well-benched ship, and they themselves disembarked and hastily took their supper on the shore of the sea. But, in my case, the gods themselves readily undid my bonds; and, wrapping the tattered cloak around my head, I slid down the smooth lading plank and brought my breast to the sea, and then I struck out swimming with both hands, and very soon I was out of (the water) and beyond their (reach). Then, I went up (to a place) where there was a thicket of flowering woodland, (and there) I lay low. And they went backwards and forwards, shouting loudly; but, as there seemed to be no benefit to them in searching (for me) any further, so they went back again on board their hollow ship; and the gods themselves hid me easily, and took (me) and led me to the farmstead of a knowledgeable man; for (it is) now still my lot to be alive." 

Ll. 360-400. Eumaeus doubts the truth of what the Cretan has told him about Odysseus. 

And you, Eumaeus the swineherd, said to him in reply: "Ah, my poor friend, you have certainly stirred my heart deeply (by) telling (me) each of those (things) which you have suffered and (the places) where you have wandered. But (you have) not, I think, (spoken) aright when you said things about Odysseus, nor will you persuade me; but why should you lie for no reason when you are in such a situation as this? I myself also well know (with regard to) the return of my master, which was utterly hateful to all of the gods, that they did not let him fall among the Trojans or in the arms of his friends, when he had wound up the long thread of war. In such circumstances, all of the Achaean nations would have made him a tomb, and for his son too he would have won great glory, but now the whirlwinds have snatched him up and carried him off without fame. But I live apart (from men) with my pigs; nor do I go to the city, unless perhaps wise Penelope bids (me) go to it when news comes (to her) from somewhere. Then, on each of these (occasions), men sit around and ask questions, both (those) who are grieving for their lord, who has been away for so long, and (those) who delight in devouring his livelihood without compensation; but to me it is not desirable to ask and inquire, since the time when a man from Aetolia deceived me with his story that he had killed a man, and, after wandering over the wide earth, he came to my house; and I greeted him warmly. And he said that he had seen him (i.e. Odysseus) among the Cretans at the house of Idomeneus, repairing ships which the storms had shattered; and he said that he would come either during the summer or at the time of the fruit-picking, bringing much treasure (with him), along with his godlike comrades. And you too, old man of many sorrows, since a god brought you to me, do not seek to win my favour by telling me any lies, or by trying to charm (me) in any way; for (it is) not for this reason that I shall show you respect and be kind (to you), but through fear of Zeus, the god of strangers, and pity for yourself."        

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, spoke to him in reply: "For, in very truth, (there is) an unbelieving heart in your breast, seeing that for this reason I could not win you over, even with an oath, or persuade you. But come now, let us make a verbal agreement; and (may) the gods who hold Olympus (be) witnesses to (us) both. If your master should come back to this house, (then) you shall clothe me in a cloak and tunic (as) raiment, and send me on my way to Dulichium, where it is the desire of my heart to go; but, if he does not come as I say (he will), tell your slaves to hurl (me) down from a great cliff, so that another beggar may avoid cheating (me)."

Ll. 401-445. Eumaeus prepares the fatted hog for their dinner. 

Then, the goodly swineherd addressed him in reply: "(Oh yes), stranger, for on that basis I should (certainly) win both fame and fortune among men both now and hereafter, if I, who brought you to my hut and gave you entertainment, should then slay (you) and take away your dear life; then should I readily pray to Zeus, son of Cronos. But now (it is) time for supper; may my comrades soon be inside, so we can enjoy a tasty meal in the hut."    

So they said such (things) to one another, and the swine and the swineherds came near. Then, they shut up the (sows) in their accustomed places to sleep, and an amazing sound came from the pigs as they were penned. Then, the goodly swineherd called out to his comrades, (saying): "Bring out the best of the boars, so that I may sacrifice (it) to the stranger from afar; and we ourselves shall also profit (from it), yes (we) who have long borne suffering and toil on account of these white-tusked boars, while others devour (the fruits of) our labour without recompense." 

Thus speaking, he split some firewood with his sharp bronze (axe), and they brought in a very fat five-year-old hog. Then, they placed him by the hearth; nor did the swineherd forget the immortals; for he was possessed of a kindly disposition; but he began (the ritual) by throwing (a tuft of) hair from the head of the white-tusked boar into the fire, and he prayed to all the gods that wise Odysseus might return to his own home. And then he raised himself up and struck (the animal) with a piece of oak, which he had left unsplit; and his life left him; and the swineherd placed raw pieces from all his limbs in the rich fat, as the first offerings, and these he cast into the fire, after he had sprinkled (them) with barley meal, and the rest they cut up and stuck on spits, and they roasted (it) carefully, and drew (it) all (off the spits), and cast (it) in heaps on to platters; then did the swineherd get up to carve; for in his heart he understood better (than the others) what (portions) were fair. And he cut it and divided (it) all into seven portions; one (share) he set aside, with a prayer, for the nymphs and for Hermes, Maia's son, and the others he distributed to each (person); and Odysseus he honoured with the long chine (i.e. back-bone) of the white-tusked boar, and he gladdened the heart of his master; and Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, spoke to him and said: "Would that you may be as dear to father Zeus, Eumaeus, as (you are) to me, in that you honour me with a good (portion), despite me being in such a (plight)."  

To him, then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "Eat up, unhappy (soul) among strangers, and enjoy such (food) as is here; (it is) the god (that) will give one thing and withhold another, whatever he wishes in his heart; for he can do everything."

Ll. 446-493. Odysseus' Cretan tells a story about his time at Troy. 

He spoke, and then he offered the pieces he had set aside (i.e. for the nymphs and Hermes) as a burnt offering to the eternal gods, and, when he had poured a libation of sparkling wine, he placed (a cup) in the hands of Odysseus, sacker of cities; then, he sat down beside his own portion. Then, Mesaulius (i.e. 'Yardman') served them bread, (he) whom the swineherd himself had acquired alone, in the absence of his master, and without the knowledge of his mistress and of old man Laertes; and he bought him from the Taphians (n.b. the exact location of Taphos is unknown, but it must have been a place on, or near to, the coast of the mainland of western Greece) with his own resources. Then, they put out their hands to the good food set in front of (them). But, when they had satisfied their desire for meat and drink, Mesaulius took away their food, and, full of food and meat, they were ready for bed. 

Then, night came on, dark (and) stormy, and Zeus rained all night long, and the West Wind, ever full of rain, blew strongly. Then, Odysseus (i.e. still in the guise of the Cretan stranger) spoke among them, testing the swineherd, (to see) if he would strip off his cloak and give (it to him), or urge another one of his comrades (to do so), since he cared for him so much: "Listen (to me) now, Eumaeus and (you) all the rest of his comrades, as I wish to tell (you) a story, for that distracting wine bids (me do so), (that wine) which enjoins (a man), even though he be very wise, to singing and laughing stupidly, and it is making me (stand up and) dance, and blurt out some words (that were) really better (left) unspoken. But, since I have now opened my mouth in the first place, I shall not hide (anything). Would that I were (still) in the flower of my youth and my strength was firm, as (it was) when we contrived an ambush and led (it) beneath (the walls of) Troy. Odysseus and Atreus' son, Menelaus, led the way, and with them I was third in command; for they themselves had (so) ordered (it). But, when we came to the city and its steep wall, we lay, crouching under our armour, in thick brushwood among the thickets of reeds and the marshes around the town. And night came on, foul and icy-cold, the North Wind having dropped; and snow came down (on us) like a hoar-frost, (and it was) bitterly cold, and ice formed solidly on our shields. Now, everyone else had cloaks and tunics, and slept in peace, covering their shoulders with their shields. But I, when I set out, had, in my folly, left my cloak with my comrades, as I did not think it would be at all cold, and I had come only with my shield and my gleaming waistband. But, when it was the third watch of the night, and the stars had passed their zenith, then I nudged Odysseus, who was nearby, with my elbow, and spoke to (him); and he listened at once (to what I said): '(O) son of Laertes, sprung from Zeus, ever-resourceful Odysseus, in truth, I shall no longer be among the living, but the cold is killing me; for I have no cloak; some god misled me into being lightly clad; and now there is no longer any way of escape (from the frost).' 

"So I spoke, and he then devised this plan in his heart, (as) he was the kind of (man both) to plan and to fight; and, speaking in a low voice, he said these words to me: 'Be silent now, lest another one of the Achaeans should hear you.' 

Ll. 494-533. When Odysseus' Cretan finishes his story, Eumaeus ensures he can go to sleep in comfortable circumstances.  

"Then, he raised his head on his elbow and spoke these words: 'Listen (to me), my friends; a dream from the gods has come to me. The fact is that we have come very far from the ships; so may someone go  and speak to Atreus' son, Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, (to see) if he might arrange for reinforcements to come to us from the ships.'

"So he spoke, and Thoas, son of Andraemon, immediately sprang up, and threw off his purple cloak, and made his way to the ships; then I gladly lay in his garment, and golden-throned Dawn appeared. Would that I were now as young as I was then, and my strength was (as) firm; (then) would one of the swineherds in the farmstead give (me) a cloak, both from kindness and from respect for a brave mortal; but now they despise me, as I have foul raiment around my body."

Then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you speak to him in reply: "O old man, let me tell you that the story, which you have recited, (is) an excellent (one), nor have you said a word (that is) at all out of place (or) superfluous; therefore, you shall want neither clothing, nor anything else which a sorely tried suppliant may expect at the time when he meets (it); but in the morning you will knock about in those tattered garments of yours. For here (there are) not many cloaks or changeable tunics to put on, and (there is) only one for each man. But, when the dear son of Odysseus (i.e. Telemachus) shall come, he himself will give you a cloak and tunic (as) raiment, and will send you wherever your heart and spirit bid (you go). 

So saying, he (i.e. Eumaeus) leapt up, and then placed a bed for him near the fire, and he flung upon (it) skins of sheep and goats. There Odysseus lay down; and he threw over him a cloak, great and thick, which he kept beside him (as) a change of clothing, to wear whenever some terrible cold spell should arise. 

So there did Odysseus sleep, and the young men slept beside him; but a bed at that spot, (and) to go to sleep away from his boars, did not please the swineherd, but he made arrangements to go outside; and Odysseus was glad that he was so concerned for his property, while he was so far away. Firstly, he (i.e. Eumaeus) slung his sharp sword over his sturdy shoulders, then he put a cloak about (him) to keep out the wind, very thick (it was), and he took up the fleece of a large well-fed goat, and seized hold of a sharp javelin to ward off dogs and men. Then, he went on his way to lie down (at a place) where the white-tusked boars slept beneath a hollow rock under shelter from the North Wind.