HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XV: THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XV: THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE.

Introduction: 

Book XV takes us back to the middle of Book IV and the visit of Telemachus to Menelaus and Helen at Sparta. Here the goddess Athena tells Telemachus that he must return to Ithaca, and advises him how to avoid the suitors' ambush. He is sent off with plenty of gifts and kind words from both Menelaus and his wife, and after he has experienced a favourable omen. He returns to Pylos together with his friend Peisistratus and there he rejoins his ship. Just before leaving, he is approached by a fugitive prophet, named Theoclymenus, who begs him to to take him aboard, which he agrees to do, and they then set off. Meanwhile, the scene reverts to Ithaca. Odysseus, in the guise of a beggar, offers to leave Eumaeus' hut, but is persuaded to remain there. When he asks about Eumaeus' parents, he is entertained by a long account of his personal background and how he came to be a slave of Laertes on Ithaca. Towards the of the Book, Telemachus arrives safely back at Ithaca, disbands his crew, and arranges for his friend Peiraeus to accommodate Theoclymenus. 

Book XV is remarkable for two long excursuses: the very detailed account of Theoclymenus' lineage, set out in ll. 222-264, and Eumaeus' life-story, delineated in ll. 380-484. 

Ll. 1-47. Athene visits Telemachus. 

Now, Pallas Athene went to spacious Lacedaemon to remind the brilliant son of great-hearted Odysseus of (the need to) return home, and to encourage his departure. She found Telemachus and the noble son of Nestor (i.e. Peisistratus) lying in the vestibule of glorious Menelaus. Now, Nestor's son  (was) overcome by soft sleep; but sweet sleep did not take hold of Telemachus, but anxious thoughts in his mind about his father kept (him) awake throughout the divine night.

And bright-eyed Athene stood near (him) and said: "Telemachus, (it is) no longer good (for you) to be wandering far from your home, and leaving behind your possessions and men of such arrogance in your house; take care lest they divide up and devour all your possessions, and you shall have gone on a fruitless journey. But urge Menelaus, good at the war-cry, to send you on your way with all speed, so that you may find your noble mother still in your house. For her father (i.e. Icarius) and her brothers are already pressing (her) to marry Eurymachus; for he surpasses all the suitors in his gifts and has greatly increased the bride-price. Now (be careful) lest she bears away some possession from your house against your will. For you know what sort of spirit (there is) in a woman's breast; she is keen to enrich the house of the man who weds (her), but she no longer remembers or asks about her previous children and the dead husband she (once) loved. But do you go yourself and entrust each of (your possessions) to whichever one of your maidservants seems to you to be the best, until the gods have granted you a worthy bride. And something else I shall tell you, and do you keep it in your mind. The suitors' ringleaders are purposefully lying in wait (for you) in the strait between Ithaca and rugged Same (i.e. today's Cephallenia). (They are) intent on murdering (you) before you reach your native-land. But I do not think this (will happen); before that, earth will cover some of the suitors who are consuming your livelihood. But do keep your well-built ship far from the islands, and sail by night as well as (by day); one of the immortals who both guards and protects you will send you a breeze from behind. But, when you have come to the first headland of Ithaca, send your ship and all your comrades to the city, but go yourself first of all to the swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus) who (is) the guardian of your swine, and is equally well-disposed towards you. Sleep there for the night, but send him into the city to tell the news to wise Penelope, that you are safe and sound, and are back from Pylos."    

So saying, she departed to high Olympus, but he (i.e. Telemachus) woke the son of Nestor out of his sweet sleep, stirring (him) with the heel of his foot, and he spoke these words to him: "Wake up, Peisistratus, son of Nestor, (and) bring up the whole-hoofed horses (and) yoke (them) beneath the chariot, so that we may go on our way."

Ll. 48-91. Menelaus offers gifts to Telemachus.   

Then, Peisistratus, the son of Nestor, said to him in turn in reply: "Telemachus, it is in no way possible for us, despite our eagerness for the journey, to drive through the darkness of the night; and soon it will be dawn. But wait until the warrior son of Atreus, the famous spearman Menelaus, has brought his gifts and put (them) in our carriage, and sends us on our way with gentle words of encouragement. For a guest remembers such a man all his days, the hospitable host, who has shown (him) kindness. 

So he spoke, and at once came golden-throned Dawn. Then, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, came near to them, having risen from his bed beside Helen of the lovely tresses. And so, when the hero Telemachus, the dear son of Odysseus saw him, he hastily drew his shining tunic over his body and flung a great cloak over his sturdy shoulders and went outside, and the dear son of godlike Odysseus, came up (to Menelaus) and addressed (him, saying): "Menelaus, son of Atreus, fostered by Zeus, leader of hosts, please now send me away to my dear native-land; for my heart is now wishing to return home." 

Then, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, replied to him:" Telemachus, I shall certainly not hold you here for a long time, when you are keen to return home; I disapprove of any host who either regards (his guests) with too much affection, or who treats (them) with too much indifference; (it is) better that everything (should be) in a state of balance. It is equally wrong, let me tell you, to send on his way a guest who does not wish to go, and to detain (one), who is eager (to do so). One should be kind to a guest who is present, but let him go when he wants to.   

"But stay until I bring (you) gifts and put (them) in your carriage, and you have beheld (them) with your own eyes, and I have bid the women to make a meal in my house from the abundant stores that are within. (It is) both an honour and a glory, as well as an advantage, (for a traveller) to dine before he goes forth over the wide and boundless earth. And, if you would like to tour all through Hellas (i.e. northern Greece) and mid-Argos (i.e. southern Greece and the Peloponnese), then I, myself, will follow you, and I will harness your horses and lead you to the cities of men. Nor will anyone send us away as we are, but they will give (us) one thing at least to take (with us), either some fine bronze tripod or cauldron, or a pair of mules or a golden cup."    

Then, wise Telemachus said to him again in reply: "Menelaus, son of Atreus, fostered by Zeus, leader of hosts, now I do want to return to our (house); for, when I left, I did not leave behind (me anyone) to watch over my property; in looking for my godlike father, I do not want to die myself, nor that some valuable heirloom should go missing from my house."   

Ll. 92-129. Gifts from Menelaus and Helen.

Now, when Menelaus, good at the war-cry, heard this, the he at once told his wife and her maidservants to prepare a meal in the hall from the plentiful (supplies) that were within (his palace). Then, Eteoneus, son of Boethus, came near (to him), having (just) risen from his bed, since he lived not far from him; Menelaus, good at the war-cry, told him to light the fire and roast some meat, and he heard and did not disobey. He, himself, went down to his fragrant storeroom, not alone, for with him went Helen and Megapenthes. But, when they came (to the place) where he stored his treasures, the the son of Atreus took a two-handled goblet and told his son Megapenthes to carry a silver mixing-bowl. And Helen stood beside the chests where were her richly embroidered robes, which she herself had wrought. One of these Helen, the most divine of women, lifted out and took away, (the one) that was the fairest in its embroideries and the amplest, and it shone like a star; and it was lying beneath (all) the rest. Then, they went their way forth through the house, until thy came to Telemachus; then auburn-haired Menelaus said to him: "Telemachus, may loud-thundering Zeus, the husband of Hera, indeed bring about your homecoming, even as you desire (it) in your heart. And of the gifts that lie (as) treasures in my house, I will give (you the one) which is the fairest and the most valuable. I will give you a well-wrought mixing-bowl; and it is all (made) of silver, and the rims on (it) are gilded with gold, and it is the work of Hephaestus (i.e. the God of Craftsmanship); and the warrior Phaedimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it (to me), when his house sheltered me when I went there; and now I wish to give it to you."    

So saying, the warrior son of Atreus placed the two-handled goblet in his hand, and the sturdy Megapenthes the shining  silver mixing-bowl and set (it) before him; and Helen of the lovely cheeks stood by with the robe in her hands, and addressed these words to him by name: "I too give you this gift, dear child, a keepsake (made) by Helen's (own) hands, for your bride to wear on the day of your longed-for wedding; and until then let it lie in  your hall beside your dear mother. Now you may return, rejoicing with me, to your well-built house and your native-land." 

Ll. 130-178. Telemachus and Peisistratus leave Sparta.

So saying, she placed (it) in his hands, and he took (it) gladly. And the warrior Peisistratus took the (gifts) and put (them) in the luggage-rack, and gazed at (them) all, (marvelling) in his heart; now, the auburn-haired Menelaus led them to the house. Then, the two of them sat down on chairs and seats. And a handmaid brought water for their hands in a fine golden jug, and she poured (it) over a silver basin, so they could rinse their hands; then, she set down a polished table before (them). And the revered housewife brought some bread and set (it) down beside (them). And she set down many pieces of food, giving freely of her stores; and beside (her) the son of Boethus (i.e. Eteoneus) carved pieces of meat and served (them). And the son of glorious Menelaus (i.e. Megapenthes) poured out the wine. And they put out their hands to the good food lying ready before (them).  

But, when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, then Telemachus and the noble son of Nestor yoked the horses and mounted their inlaid chariot, and drove out of the gateway and the resounding portico. And the son of Atreus, auburn-haired Menelaus, went after them, bearing in his right hand some honey-sweet wine in a golden cup, so that they might make a drink-offering as they left. And he stood before the horses, and with a gesture of his hand, he addressed (them as follows): "Farewell, (O) young men, and give my greetings to Nestor, shepherd of the host; for, in truth, he was kind (to me) like a father, while we, the sons of the Achaeans, were fighting in (the land of) Troy."

Then again, wise Telemachus addressed him in reply: "(O) favourite of Zeus, when we arrive, we will certainly tell (him) all the (things) that you say; for if, when I return to Ithaca, I were to find Odysseus in our house, I should tell (him) that I come, having met with all that kindness at your (hands), and, furthermore, I will be bringing many valuable treasures." 

Even as he was speaking, a bird flew by on the right, an eagle, bearing in his talons a huge white goose, a tame (fowl) from the farmyard, and men and women followed shouting; but the (eagle) came near to them, and darted off to the right in front of the horses; and they rejoiced to see (it), and the hearts in the chests of all (of them) were cheered. And among them Peisistratus, son of Nestor, was the first to speak: "Consider now, Menelaus, fostered by Zeus, leader of your people, whether (it was) for us two that the god showed this portent, or for yourself."

So he spoke, and Menelaus, dear to Ares, pondered (in his mind) how the signs should be rightly interpreted by him. But Helen of the long robes, getting ahead of him, spoke these words: "Hear me, and I shall prophesy as the immortals put (it) in my heart, and as I think it will turn out. Just as the (eagle) that snatched up the goose (that was) bred in the house came from the mountain (i.e. the Taÿgetus) where are his kin and his birthplace, so shall Odysseus return to his home after having suffered many hardships and wanderings, and shall take his revenge; or (he may be) at home even now, and sowing the seeds of disaster for all the suitors."

Ll. 179-221. The Return to Pylos.

Then again wise Telemachus spoke to her in reply: "Now may Zeus, the loud-thundering husband of Hera, make it happen thus; so then I shall pray to you there, even as to a god."

He spoke, and laid his whip on the horses; and they shot very speedily through the city, striving eagerly for the plain. And all day long they shook their yoke as they sustained (it) on both sides. And the sun set and all the roads grew dark; and they came to Pherae, to the house of Diocles, son of Ortilochus, whom Alpheus begat (as) a child. And there they spent the night, and he set before them the entertainments due to guests. 

As soon as rosy-fingered early Dawn appeared, they yoked the horses and mounted their inlaid chariot, and drove out of the gateway and the resounding portico; and he flicked his whip, and the pair sped on, not against their will. And they reached the steep citadel of Pylos, and then Telemachus addressed the son of Nestor: "Son of Nestor, can you undertake something for me and fulfil my request? Now we declare that we are friends through and through, due to our fathers' friendship, and we are, moreover, of a similar age. And this journey will bring us even closer (together) in our joint frame of mind. Do not lead me past my ship, (you) favourite of Zeus, but leave (me) here, lest the old man, wishing to be kind (to me), keeps me there in his house against my will. For I must reach home more quickly (than that would permit)."

So he spoke, and the son of Nestor took thought in his heart as to whether he could properly perform such an undertaking. But, as he pondered, it seemed to be the better (course). (So,) he turned the horses to the swift ship and the shore of the sea, and he unloaded the beautiful gifts, clothing and gold, which Menelaus had given him, and (stowed them) in the stern of the ship. And, by way of encouragement, he spoke these winged words to him: "Make haste now, go on board, and tell all your comrades (to do likewise) before I reach home and report to the old man. For I know this well in my mind and in my heart: his spirit (is) so overbearing that he will not let you go, but he himself will come here to summon (you), and, I tell (you), he will not go back empty-handed; for, at all events, he will be very angry." 

So saying, he drove his horses with their beautiful manes back to the city of the Pylians, and he quickly arrived at the palace. And Telemachus urged on his companions and told (them): "Set all the gear in order in the black ship, comrades, and let us go on board ourselves, so we may embark on our journey."  

So he spoke, and they readily hearkened and obeyed, and at once they went on board and sat down on the benches. 

Ll. 222-264. Theoclymenus the seer.   

Now indeed, he was engaged on his (tasks), and was praying and offering sacrifices to Athene by the stern of the ship; then, a man from a far country drew near to him, (one who was) fleeing from Argos, (because he had) slain a man, (and he was) a seer; now by lineage he was sprung from Melampus, who had previously once lived in Pylos, the mother of flocks, a wealthy (man) dwelling in a very fine house among the Pylians; but then he came to a land of other (men), fleeing from his native-land and great-hearted Neleus, the most illustrious of living (men), who had taken control of his rich estate and kept it by force for a year. During this time he had been bound in grievous bonds in the halls of Phylace (i.e. a city in Thessaly), on account of the daughter of Neleus (i.e. Pero) and the terrible infatuation, which the frightful goddess Erinys (i.e. one of the Furies) had laid on his mind. But he escaped his fate and drove the loud-lowing cattle (i.e. the cattle of Iphiclus, king of Phylace, which Neleus had demanded as the bride-price for Pero, and which Melampus had stolen in order to win Pero for his brother Bias) to Pylos from Phylace, and took his revenge on godlike Neleus for his shameful deed (i.e. of seizing Melampus' estate in Pylos while he was imprisoned in Phylace by Iphiclus), and brought (the maiden) to his home (as) a wife for his brother. Then, he went to the land of other (men), to horse-rearing Argos; for there it was now destined for him to dwell, holding sway over many Argives, and there he married a wife and built a high-roofed mansion, and he begat two sturdy sons, Antiphates and Mantius. Now, Mantius engendered great-hearted Oïcles, and Oïcles Amphiaraus, rouser of the host, whom aegis-bearing Zeus and Apollo heartily loved with every kind of affection; but he did not reach the threshold of old-age, but died in Thebes on account of a woman's gifts (i.e. he was killed during the war of the Seven Against Thebes, in which had become involved at the instigation of his wife Eriphyle, whom Polyneices had successfully bribed by offering her the necklace of Harmonia). And Alcmaeon and Amphilochus were born as his sons. Now, Mantius begat Polypheides and Cleitus; but golden-throned Dawn carried off Cleitus, on account of his beauty, so he could be with the immortals; but Apollo made the high-spirited Polypheides by far the best seer among mortals, when Amphiaraus was dead; having quarelled with his father, he migrated to Hyperesia, where he lived and prophesied to all men. Now it was his son, Theoclymenus by name, who came and stood beside Telemachus; and (there) he found him pouring libations and praying at the side of his swift black ship, and he spoke to him, addressing (him) with these winged words: "O my friend, since I find you making burnt offerings in this place, I beg (you), by those sacrifices and the god (you are worshipping), and then by your own life and (the lives) of the companions who are following you, tell me truly what I ask and do not hide (it from me). Who (are you) among men, (and) from where (do you come)? Where (is) your city, and (who are) your parents?"

Ll. 265-300. Telemachus sails for home.

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "Stranger, I shall indeed tell you the full truth. I am from Ithaca by birth, and my father is Odysseus, if ever he existed; but now has he perished by a mournful death. For this reason I have now taken my comrades and this black ship, and have come to seek news of my father, (who has been) gone for so long." 

Then, godlike Theoclymenus spoke to him again: "Like you I too (have gone) from my native-country having killed a man of my own tribe; (there are) many brothers and kinsmen (of his) in horse-rearing Argos, and mighty is their power in (the land of) the Achaeans. I am fleeing to escape death and black fate at their (hands), since (it is) now my lot to wander around among men. But please take me on board your ship, since in my flight I am entreating (you) as a suppliant, lest they should slay me; for I think they are pursuing me." 

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "I shall not banish you from my shapely ship, if you wish (to come with us), but follow: for there you will be welcome to the entertainments, such as we have."

So saying, he took his bronze spear for him and laid it on the deck of his curved ship; and he himself went aboard his sea-going vessel. Then, he sat down in the stern, and he sat Theoclymenus down beside him; and the crew loosened the stern(-cables). And Telemachus urged on his men and told (them) to  fasten the ropes; and they hastily obeyed (him). And they raised the pine-wood mast and stood it inside the socket in the cross-beam, and made it fast with forestays (i.e. ropes stretching between the top of the mast and the prow), and they hoisted the white sail with well-twisted thongs of ox-hide (i.e. halyards, stretching form just below the top of the mast to a point near the stern). And bright-eyed Athene sent them a favourable wind rushing on boisterously across the sky, so that their ship might most speedily accomplish her journey over the salt water of the sea. And they sailed past Crouni and Chalcis (i.e. some springs and a stream in the western Peloponnese just south of the River Alpheus) with its beautifully flowing streams.  

Then, the  sun set and all the ways grew dark; and the (ship) made for Pheae (i.e. a cape on the coast of Southern Elis), sped on by a wind of Zeus, and on past goodly Elis (i.e. a district in the North-West of the Peloponnese) where the Epeans are the rulers. And from there he made for the Sharp Islands (location unknown), pondering (in his mind) whether he should escape death (i.e. at the hands of the suitors) or be taken.

Ll. 301-339. Odysseus plans to go to the town.

But the two of them, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus), were eating their supper; and the other men supped with them. But, when they had put from (them) the desire for food and drink, Odysseus spoke among them, testing the swineherd (to see) whether he would still entertain him in a kindly manner, and bid (him) remain there, or pack (him) off to the city: "Now, listen to me, Eumaeus, and all (you) other fellows; in the morning I am longing to go from here to the city to beg, so that I do not exhaust you and your men. But give me good advice, and, at the same time give (me) a trusty guide, who can lead me there. But I, myself, will have to wander through the city, (to see) if someone may offer (me) a cup (of water) and (a piece of) bread. And I would like to go the palace of godlike Odysseus and give my news to wise Penelope, and I would mingle with the insolent suitors, (to see) if they would give me a meal, since they have good cheer in abundance. (And while) among them, I could quickly do well whatevcr (tasks) they wanted. For I tell you, and do you give heed and listen to me! By the favour of Hermes the Messenger, who lends grace and renown to the work of all men, no other mortal can vie with me in service, in properly piling up a fire, and splitting logs, and in cutting up and roasting meat, and pouring wine, and such (tasks), as in which humbler (men) serve their betters."   

Then (O) swineherd Eumaeus, (you were) very indignant and said to him, "O my, stranger, why has such a thought come into your mind? In truth, you must be utterly longing to perish there on the spot, if you really wish to join the throng of wooers, whose wantonness and violence reach the iron heaven. Their serving men are not (of a kind) such as you (are), but (those) who serve them (are) young (men), well clad in cloaks and tunics, and their hair and their handsome faces (are) always gleaming with oil; and their well-polished tables are laden with bread and meat and wine. But stay (here); for no one is distressed by your presence, not I, nor any of the other men who are with me. Moreover, whenever the dear son of Odysseus comes, he will clothe you in a cloak and tunic, and he will send (you) wherever your heart and spirit bids you (go)."  

Ll. 340-379. Eumaeus tells of Odysseus' parents.

And then the much-enduring noble Odysseus answered him: "Would that you, Eumaeus, might be as dear to father Zeus as (you are) to me, in that you have stopped me from wandering and from (suffering) grievous hardship. Nothing else is more evil for mortals than roaming; but, for the sake of their accursed stomach, men bear evil woes, when wandering and sorrow and pain come upon them. But now, since you are holding (me) back,and are bidding me await that man's (i.e. Telemachus') arrival, come tell me about the mother of godlike Odysseus, and of the father, whom he left behind on the threshold of old age, when he went. Perhaps they are still living beneath the rays of the sun, or maybe they are already dead and and are in the house of Hades."  

Then, the swineherd, that leader of men, answered him again: "Well then, my guest, I will tell you (it all) most exactly. Laertes still lives, but he prays all the time to Zeus that his spirit may waste away from his limbs within his halls; for he grieves terribly for his son who is gone, and for his wise wedded wife (i.e. Anticleia), whose death caused him the greatest grief and brought (him) to an untimely old age. She died of grief for her glorious son, a miserable death, such as no man should die, who dwells here, and is my friend and does kind (things for me). So, as long as she was living, despite all her grief, it was always something pleasant for me to ask and inquire (of her), because she had brought me up, together with her comely daughter, Ctimene of the flowing robes, whom she bore (as) the youngest of her children; I was reared together with her, and she honoured me (only) a little less. But, when we both reached the much-loved prime of youth, then they gave her in marriage to (someone on) Same, and they gained countless (wedding gifts), but me she clad in a cloak and tunic, right goodly raiment, and she gave me sandals for my feet, and sent me off into the field; but in her heart she loved me right well. Yet now I am in want of such (things); but for my own (part), the blessed gods foster the work on which I depend (for my livelihood); of these (things) I have eaten and drunk and given to the deserving. But from my mistress (i.e. Penelope) I hear nothing that is kind, either in word or deed in any way, since overweening men have fallen upon her house (like) a plague; yet, greatly do servants long to speak before their mistress and learn about everything (that is going on), and to eat and drink and take away something to the fields as well, such (things) as always warm a servant's heart.   

Ll. 380-414. Eumaeus begins to tell his own tale.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "But surely now, when you were young, swineherd Eumaeus, you were taken far away from your homeland and your parents. But come now, tell me this, and tell (it to me) truly, was it sacked, that broad-streeted city of men, in which your father and your queenly mother dwelt, or (was it) when you were alone with your sheep or with your cattle (that) hostile men took you in their ships and exported you to the house of this here man (i.e. Laertes), and he gave (them) a worthy price (for you)?" 

Then, the swineherd, that leader of men, addressed him again: "My friend, since you are asking and questioning me about these (matters), now do you listen in silence, and enjoy yourself and drink your wine, as you sit (here). And these nights are wonderfully long; now there is time for sleep and there is time to listen to those who enjoy (telling a story); nor is there any need for you to lie down early; for too much sleep is a (source of) annoyance. As for the others, (if a man's) heart and spirit bids (him do) it, let him go to sleep. And when dawn comes, let him eat and follow his master's swine. But we two will drink and feast in the hut, and have joy as we learn of each other's grievous afflictions. For, thereafter, any man who has suffered a great deal and has wandered around a lot finds joy even in woes. But I will tell you what (it is) that you are asking and inquiring of me.   

"There is a certain island called Syria - perhaps you may have heard of it - beyond Ortygia, where (there are) the turning places of the sun; (it is) not so very thickly populated, but (it is) a good (land), rich in herds, rich in flocks, abounding in wine and full of wheat. Famine never comes to this land, nor does any other hateful sickness fall upon wretched mortals; but, when the tribes of men grow old across the city, Apollo of the silver bow comes with Artemis and assails them with his gentle shafts and slays (them). There (there are) two cities, and the whole (island) is divided in two between them; and my father, Ctesius, son of Ormenus, like to the immortals, was king of both of them.  

Ll. 415-453. Eumaeus continues his story. 

Thither came Phoenicians, men famed for their ships, greedy knaves, bringing countless trinkets in their black ship. Now, there was a Phoenician woman in my father's house, beautiful and tall (she was) and skilled in glorious handicraft, but the wily Phoenicians deceived her. Firstly, one of them came upon her, as she was washing (clothes), and lay in love (with her) down by the hollow ship, and such (things) beguile the minds of tender women, even (one) who is virtuous. Then, he asked (her) who she was and from where she came; and straightway she pointed to my father's high-roofed house, (and said,) "I declare I come from Sidon, rich in bronze, and I am the daughter of Arybas, a man of abundant wealth; but men of plunder seized me as I was coming from the fields and brought me here to the house of yonder man; and he paid (them) a worthy price (for me)."  

Then, the man who had lain (with her) in secret spoke to her: "So do you now wish to go back with us to your home, so you may see the high-roofed house of your father and mother, and them (as well)? For they are still living and are called wealthy." 

Then, the woman spoke to him again, and answered in these words: "This may well be the case, if you sailors will swear an oath to me to bring me home unharmed."

So she spoke, and then they all swore an oath as she had bid (them). But, when they had sworn and completed that oath, the woman again spoke among them and answered in these words: "Be silent now and do not let any one of your companions accost me with words, if he should meet me in the street, or perhaps at the well, lest someone should go to the palace and tell the old (king), and, if he suspects, he will bind me in tight bonds, and contrive your destruction. But keep my words in your minds, and speed up the buying of your wares. But, when your ship becomes filled with goods, then let a message come to me swiftly at the palace: for I will bring some gold, whatever comes into my hand; and I will also pay you another fare. For in the house I am tending a child of my noble master, (a child) so cute that he runs around outside with me; and I shall bring him on board the ship, and he will fetch you a high price, wherever you may take (him) for sale among men of strange tongues."    

Ll. 454-492. Eumaeus completes his story.

Thus speaking, she went back to our fine palace, and they stayed there beside us for a whole year, and loaded much cargo in their hollow ship. But, when their hollow ship was laden for them to depart, then they sent a messenger to bring the news to the woman. The cunning fellow came to my father's house, bearing a golden necklace, and it was strung with amber (beads) between (the golden parts). In the hall the handmaids and my queenly mother were fondling it with their hands and fixing their eyes on (it), while promising (to pay) the price (for it); and he nodded to her in silence. Now in truth, after he had nodded (to her), he went his way to the hollow ship, and she took me by the hand and led me out of the house. Now, in the vestibule she found both the tables and the cups of the banqueting men, who paid attention to my father. They had gone to a session (of the council) and to a parley of the people, but she hastily hid three goblets in her bosom and bore (them) off, and I, in my childish innocence, followed (her). Then, the sun set and all the ways grew dark; but we went quickly and came to the well-known harbour, where the swift sea-going ship was (lying). Then, they embarked, and, putting both of us on board (as well), they sailed over the watery ways; and Zeus sent forth a fair wind. For six days we sailed, night and day alike; but, when Zeus, the son of Cronos, brought the seventh day upon (us), then, Artemis, who delights in arrows, smote the woman, and she fell with a crash into the hold, like a sea-gull plunges (into the sea). And they cast her (body) overboard to be prey for the seals and the fishes; but I was left sore at heart; now, the wind and the current bore (them) along and drove them to Ithaca, where Laertes bought me with his wealth. Thus (it was that) I beheld this land with my eyes." 

Then, Zeus-born Odysseus replied to him once more in these words: "Eumaeus, now in very truth you have stirred the heart in my breast by recounting all these miseries which you have suffered in your heart. But, in truth, Zeus has given you some good (luck) side by side with bad, since, after many toils, you came to the house of a kindly man, who has provided you with food and drink in a generous fashion, and you live a good life, whereas I have come here, after wandering through many cities of men."

Ll. 493-524. Telemachus arrives back on Ithaca. 

So they said such (things) to one another, and then they went to sleep, not for a long time, but for a short space of time; for fair-throned Dawn came soon. Now, Telemachus (came) near to the shore, and his shipmates furled the sail and quickly took down the mast, and rowed the (ship) forward to her anchorage with their oars; then, they cast out the mooring-stones, and made fast the stern-cables; and they themselves stepped out on to the shore of the sea, and they prepared a meal and mixed the sparkling wine. But, when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, then was wise Telemachus the first to speak among them: "Now you row the black ship to the city, but I shall visit the fields and herdsmen; and in the evening, when I have looked over my tilled lands, I will come down to the city. And, in the morning, I shall set before you, (as) the wages for your travels, a goodly feast of meat and sweet wine."  

Then, godlike Theoclymenus addressed him once more: "So where am I to go, dear child? Of the men who rule over rocky Ithaca, to whose house am I to go? Or shall I go straight to the house of your mother and yourself?" 

And wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "In other (circumstances) I should also bid you go to our (house); but at present there is no desire to entertain guests; but for yourself (it would be even) worse, since I shall be away from you, and my mother will not see you; for she does not often show herself to the suitors in the house, but she weaves at her loom in the upper part of the (palace). But I tell you of another man, to whom you may go, Eurymachus, the splendid son of wise Polybus, whom the people of Ithaca now look upon as though (he were) a god; for (he is) by far the best man, and is most eager to marry my mother and to gain the honour of Odysseus. But, with regard to these particular (things), Olympian Zeus, who dwells in the sky, knows whether before the marriage he will fulfil the evil day.    

Ll. 525-557. Peiraeus agrees to take Theoclymenus into his home. 

Then, even as he spoke, a bird flew by on his right, a hawk (it was), the swift messenger of Apollo; and it was holding a dove in its talons, and plucking (her), and her feathers were dropping down to the ground midway between the ship and Telemachus himself. Then, Theoclymenus beckoned him away from his men, and clung tightly to his hand, and spoke these words and addressed (him) by name: "Telemachus, surely this bird has not flown past on our right without the aid of a god, for I knew as I looked straight at him that he was a bird of omen. No other stock in the land of Ithaca is more regal than yours, and indeed you will always (be) in power."   

Then wise Telemachus spoke to him again in reply: "Ah, my friend, may this word (of yours) be fulfilled; then, at once you would be aware of my friendship and many gifts from me, so that anyone who meets you would call (you) blessed."  

Then, he spoke to his faithful companion Peiraeus and said: "Peiraeus, son of Clytius, of all of my companions who went with me to Pylos, you were the most ready to comply with my (wishes); and now, I (bid you), take this stranger into your house, and welcome (him) in a kindly manner, and show (him) honour, until I come (back)."

Then, Peiraeus, the famous spearman, said to him in reply: "Telemachus, even if you wish to remain there for a long time, I will entertain this (man), and, in his case, there will not be any lack of hospitality."  

So he spoke and went on board the ship and ordered his comrades to embark themselves and to let loose the stern cables. Then, they embarked at once and sat down upon the benches. But Telemachus fastened his fine sandals beneath his feet, and took his mighty spear, tipped with sharp bronze, from the deck of the ship; then, they loosened the stern cables. Thrusting off, they sailed to the city, as Telemachus, the dear son of godlike Odysseus, had ordered (them); and as he strode swiftly forward, his feet bore him (on), until he reached the farmyard, where were his very numerous swine, and among them he who was the goodly swineherd was accustomed to sleep, (the man who) knew (what things were) helpful to his masters.