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).