Homer, Odyssey

§ 14.310 But Zeus himself, though I had sorrows in my heart, put the dark-prowed ship's mast, an immensely long one, in my hands, so I'd yet escape misery. I wrapped myself around it and was borne by baneful winds. For nine days I was carried, and on the tenth dark night,

§ 14.315 a great wave rolled and brought me to the land of the Thesprotians. There the Thesprotians' king, the hero Pheidon, cared for me without payment, for his dear son came upon me, tamed by exposure and exhaustion, lifted me up by the hand, led me to his home, until he reached his father's palace,

§ 14.320 and dressed a cloak and tunic about me as clothing. I heard of Odysseus there. For Pheidon said he'd welcomed him and received him as a guest on his way to his fatherland, and he showed me all the possessions Odysseus had collected, bronze, and gold, and well-wrought iron.

§ 14.325 Surely, to the tenth generation, it would still feed another, so much of the lord's treasure lay in Pheidon's palace. He said Odysseus had gone to Dodona, to hear from the divine oak, lofty and leafy, the will of Zeus, how he should return to the rich kingdom of Ithaca,

§ 14.330 whether openly or in secret, since he'd now been gone so long. He swore an oath in my own presence and made libation in his house that a ship had been hauled down and comrades were ready to convoy Odysseus to his beloved fatherland. But he sent me off before that, since it happened that a ship

§ 14.335 of Thesprotian men was on its way to rich-in-wheat Doulichion. Then he ordered them to convoy me with kind care to king Acastus, but an evil plan about me pleased their minds, so that I'd still be brought completely to a calamity of woe. But when their seafaring ship had sailed far from land,

§ 14.340 they immediately contrived the day of slavery for me. They stripped me of my clothing, my cloak and tunic, and threw a different foul rag around me, and a tunic, the tattered ones that even you yourself see with your eyes. They reached clear Ithaca's fields in the evening.

§ 14.345 They tied me down there in the well-benched ship, tightly, with a twisted cable, then went ashore themselves and hastily took supper along the sea's shore. But the gods themselves easily undid my bonds. I wrapped a rag down about my head,

§ 14.350 climbed down the smooth lading plank, and touched the sea with my chest, then, rowing through it with both hands, I swam, and was out of it very quickly and away from them. Then I climbed up, where there was a thicket of flowering woods, sank down, and lay there. With great groaning they

§ 14.355 stalked around, but since it didn't seem to them to be profitable to search further, they went back aboard their hollow ship again. The gods themselves easily hid me, and led and brought me to the farmhouse of an understanding man, for it's still my destiny to live.

§ 14.360 Swineherd Eumaeus, you said to him in reply: “Ah, wretched stranger, yes, you've moved me heart much in speaking of each of these things, all that you suffered and wandered, but I don't think these things are in due order, and you won't persuade me by speaking of Odysseus. Why is there need for one such as you

§ 14.365 to futilely tell lies? Even I myself know well about my lord's return, how he was quite completely hated by all the gods, so they didn't at all tame him among the Trojans or in the hands of loved ones after he wound up the war. The Panachaeans would have made a grave mound for him

§ 14.370 and he'd have won great fame hereafter even for his son. But now the Snatchers [ Harpies ] have snatched him without tidings. But I stay away, beside my pigs, and don't go to the city unless prudent Penelope somehow spurs me on to go, when news comes from anywhere.

§ 14.375 Then they sit around and ask about each thing, both those who grieve for their long gone lord and those who rejoice in eating his substance without compensation. But asking and inquiring are not dear to me, since the time an Aetolian man deceived me with his story,

§ 14.380 who killed a man, wandered over much of the earth, and came to my house. I welcomed him warmly. He said he'd seen Odysseus among the Cretans, beside Idomeneus, repairing ships that windstorms shattered. He said he'd be coming back, either by summer or by fall,

§ 14.385 bringing much property, with his godlike comrades. You too, old man of many sorrows, since a divinity has brought you to me, neither try to please me nor enchant me in any way with lies, for I won't welcome you or show respect on that account, but in fear of Zeus, the god of strangers, and out of pity for you.”

§ 14.390 Adroit Odysseus said to him in reply: “Yes, you have some really unbelieving heart in your chest, seeing that even with an oath I neither won you nor persuade you. But come now, let's make an agreement, then for both of us the gods who hold Olympus will be witnesses hereafter.

§ 14.395 If your lord returns to this house, you'll dress me in a cloak and tunic as clothing, and send me to Doulichion, where is my heart's desire. If your lord does not come as I say, set your slaves against me, and throw me down from a great rock,

§ 14.400 so another beggar will avoid deceiving you.” The divine swineherd said to him in reply: “Stranger, in this way I'd have good repute and virtue among men, both right now and hereafter, I who, after I brought you into my hut and gave you hospitality,

§ 14.405 then killed you and took away your dear life. I'd earnestly entreat Zeus Cronion thereafter. Now it's time for supper. May my comrades very soon be inside, so we can prepare a tasty supper in my hut.” So while they said such things to each other,

§ 14.410 the pigs and the swineherd men came near. They penned the pigs, to sleep in their accustomed places, and an indescribable clamor rose from the pigs penned in the yard. The divine swineherd then called out to his comrades: “Bring the best one of the pigs, so I can slaughter it for the stranger

§ 14.415 from a faraway land. We ourselves will profit besides, who have misery and suffer a long time for the sake of white-toothed pigs, while others eat our labor without compensation.” So saying, he split wood with ruthless bronze and they brought in to him a very fat boar, five years old,

§ 14.420 then set him by the hearth. Nor did the swineherd forget the immortals, for he was endowed with a good mind. So he cut hairs from the head of the white-toothed pig, cast them in the fire, and prayed to all the gods that ingenious Odysseus would return to his home.

§ 14.425 He raised up and struck him with a chunk of oak he'd left when splitting, and his soul left him. They cut his throat and singed him, then immediately dismembered him. The swineherd took first offerings from all the limbs, placed the raw slices in the rich fat, sprinkled barley meal on them, and threw them in the fire.

§ 14.430 They cut up the rest, pierced them with spits on both sides, roasted them very carefully, then pulled them all off, and threw them all together on platters. The swineherd stood to carve them, for he knew in his mind what was fair, and he divided it and he cut it into seven portions.

§ 14.435 With a prayer, he set one piece aside for the nymphs and for Hermes, Maia's son, then served the rest to each man, He honored Odysseus with slices cut the whole length of the back of the white-toothed pig, and gladdened his lord's heart with glory. And, voicing winged words, adroit Odysseus said to him:

§ 14.440 “Would it be so, Eumaeus, that you become as dear to father Zeus as you are to me, that, such as I am, you honor me with good things!” Swineherd Eumaeus, you said to him in reply: “Eat, possessed stranger, and enjoy these things, such as they are here. God will give one thing, and let another be,

§ 14.445 as he wishes in his heart, for he can do anything and everything.” He spoke, and offered the first parts to the everlasting gods, made libation of the sparkling wine, placed the cup in the hands of city-sacking Odysseus, and sat beside his portion. Mesaulius served them bread, he whom the swineherd

§ 14.450 himself had acquired on his own while his lord was away, without help from his mistress and old man Laertes. He'd bought him with his own possessions from Taphians. They threw their hands on the good things laid ready before them. Then after they'd dispatched desire for food and drink,

§ 14.455 Mesaulius took the food away for them, and they, satisfied with bread and meat, hastened to bed. An evil night came on, at the dark part of the month. Zeus rained all night and great West Wind blew, always bringing rain. Odysseus spoke among them, testing the swineherd,

§ 14.460 if he'd somehow take off his cloak and give it to him or urge some other of his comrades to, since he cared for him so much. “Hear me now, Eumaeus, and all your other comrades, as I speak of something boastfully, for the wine bids me, intoxicating wine, that sets even a very discreet man to singing

§ 14.465 and laughing softly, and gets him up to dance, and tosses out some word, one that's really better left unspoken. But after I've once spoken out, I won't conceal it. If only I were in my prime and had my strength intact, as when we readied and led an ambush under Troy.

§ 14.470 Odysseus and Atreides Menelaus were the leaders, and I led third with them, for they'd ordered it themselves. But when we reached the city and its sheer wall, while we lay around the city, down in dense underbrush, in reeds and marsh, crouched under our armor,

§ 14.475 night came on, a foul one, after North Wind fell, a freezing one. Then snow came from above, like frost, cold snow, and ice crystals formed around our shields. All the others there had cloaks and tunics, and they slept at ease, wrapping their shoulders in their shields.

§ 14.480 But I'd left my cloak behind when I came with my comrades, in carelessness, since I didn't think I'd be cold in any case, but I came with only my shield and shiny loincloth. But when it was the third part of the night, and stars had gone down, right then I spoke to Odysseus, who was close by,

§ 14.485 nudging him with my elbow, and he listened readily:' Zeus -born Laertiades, resourceful Odysseus, surely I'll no longer be among the living, since the winter weather tames me, for I don't have a cloak. A divinity tricked me to be dressed only in a tunic. Now there's no longer a way out.'

§ 14.490 So said I, then he held this thought in his heart, such was that one in battle and in counsel. Speaking in a low voice, he said to me:'Be quiet now, lest any other Achaean hear you.' He spoke, and held his head upon his elbow, and said:

§ 14.495'Listen, friends. In the night a divine dream came to me, for we've come much too far from the ships. So, might there be someone to tell men's shepherd, Atreides Agamemnon, in hope he'll rouse more to come from beside the ships?' So said he, and then Thoas, Andraemon's son,

§ 14.500 got up quickly, took off his purple cloak, and went running to the ships. I lay with welcome in his clothes, and golden-throned Dawn appeared. Would I were now so in my prime and had my strength intact, that some swineherd in the farmhouse would give me a cloak,

§ 14.505 out of both friendship and respect for a good man. Now they take me lightly, since I've foul raiment for my flesh.” Swineherd Eumaeus, you said to him in reply: “Old man, it's indeed a noble tale you've recounted, and you've told it in no way unduly or unprofitably.

§ 14.510 Therefore, you'll lack neither clothing nor anything else that is fitting for one who comes as a long-suffering suppliant, now, but this morning, at least, you'll knock about in your rags, since there aren't many cloaks and tunics to be worn as changes here, only one for each man.

§ 14.515 But when the dear son of Odysseus comes, he himself will give you clothing, both a cloak and tunic, and send you wherever your heart and spirit bid you.” So saying, he got up, put a bed close to the fire for Odysseus, and threw on it the skins of sheep and goats.

§ 14.520 Odysseus lay down there, and he threw a cloak on him, a thick and big one, that was kept as a change for him, to be worn when some violent winter weather would arise. So Odysseus slept there, and the young men slept beside him. But a bed right there, sleeping

§ 14.525 away from the pigs, didn't please the swineherd, so he got ready to go outside. Odysseus rejoiced that he was so concerned about his substance while he was away. First Eumaeus threw a sharp sword around his well-knit shoulders, then put on a cloak, a very thick one, to keep off the wind.

§ 14.530 He picked up the fleece of a well-fed goat, a big one, grabbed a sharp javelin as protection against dogs and men, and made his way to rest where the white-toothed pigs slept, beneath a hollow rock, under shelter from North Wind.

§ 15.1 BOOK 15 Pallas Athena arrived in spacious Lacedaemon to remind the son of great-hearted Odysseus of his return home and to spur on his returning. She found Telemachus and Nestor's splendid son

§ 15.5 sleeping on the porch of gloried Menelaus, with Nestorides truly tamed by soft sleep, but sweet sleep did not hold Telemachus, instead, in his heart through the ambrosial night anxiety for his father kept him awake. Bright-eyed Athena stood close and said to him:

§ 15.10 “ Telemachus, it's no longer fine for you to wander far from home, and left behind in your house your possessions and such haughty men, lest they divide and devour all your possessions and you make a fruitless journey. But very quickly urge battle-cry-brave Menelaus

§ 15.15 to send you, so you can find your noble mother still at home. For her father and brothers are already bidding her to marry Eurymachus, since he surpasses all the suitors in his gifts and has increased the bride price immensely. Don't let any property be carried from your home against your will.

§ 15.20 For you know what kind of heart is in a woman's chest. She prefers to increase the house of him who weds her, but of her children from before and her dear wedded husband she no longer thinks or asks about them once he's dead. But you yourself go and entrust every thing

§ 15.25 to whatever slave woman seems to be the best, until the gods show you your gloried wife. I'll tell you something else, and you must heed it in your heart. The best of the suitors, on purpose, wait in ambush for you in the strait between Ithaca and rugged Samos,

§ 15.30 eager to kill you before you reach your fatherland, but I don't expect that at all. Rather, the earth will cover some of the suitor men who devour your substance. But keep you well-built ship far from islands and sail by night as well. Whatever immortal watches over

§ 15.35 and protects you will send a fair wind behind you. Then after you reach the first shore of Ithaca, urge your ship and all your comrades to the city, then, first of all, you yourself go to the swineherd who's the guardian of your pigs, and thinks so kindly of you.

§ 15.40 Stay the night there, then urge him to the city to speak a message to prudent Penelope, that, in fact, she has you safe and come from Pylos.” So saying, she departed toward lofty Olympus, then he woke Nestorides from sweet sleep,

§ 15.45 by moving his foot with his foot, and said to him: “Wake up, Peisistratus Nestorides. Bring our solid-hoofed horses and yoke them under the chariot, so we can make our way.” Then Peisistratus Nestorides said back to him in turn: “ Telemachus, though we're eager for our journey, there's no way

§ 15.50 we can drive through the dark night. It will soon be dawn. But wait, until the hero Atreides, spear-famed Menelaus, can bring gifts and put them in the chariot and send us off with gentle words of consolation. For a guest remembers all his days

§ 15.55 that man, the host who furnished him with friendship.” So said he, and golden-throned Dawn came immediately. Battle-cry-brave Menelaus came close to them, after he got up from bed beside the fair-haired Helen. As soon as the dear son of Odysseus saw him,

§ 15.60 he hastily donned a bright tunic about his flesh and threw a great cloak on his well-knit shoulders, then the hero went out the door, and divine Odysseus' dear son, Telemachus, stood next to Menelaus and said to him: “ Zeus -nurtured Atreides Menelaus, leader of men,

§ 15.65 send me off at last now to my beloved fatherland, for my heart now wishes to go homeward.” Then battle-cry-brave Menelaus answered him: “ Telemachus, I won't at all detain you here a long time since you're eager for return. I'd also resent

§ 15.70 another man, a host who'd love in excess or who'd hate in excess. All things are better in due measure. Indeed, it's equally bad, when one urges on a guest who doesn't wish to go, and when one detains one in a hurry to be gone. One should welcome a guest who's present but send him when he wishes.

§ 15.75 But wait, until I can bring fine gifts and put them in your chariot, and you see them with your eyes, and I tell the women to make a meal in the palace from the plenty that's inside. On both sides it's a glory and a splendor and an advantage that they have dined who go a long way on the boundless earth.

§ 15.80 If you'd like to turn up through Hellas and the middle of Argos, so I myself go with you, I'll yoke horses for you and guide you to men's cities. And no one will send us away as we came, but will give us at least some one thing to carry, either one of his cauldrons or tripods of well-wrought bronze,

§ 15.85 or two mules, or a golden chalice.” Astute Telemachus said back to him in turn: “ Zeus -nurtured Atreides Menelaus, leader of men, I'd rather go now to what's mine, for when I left I didn't leave a watcher behind, over my possessions.

§ 15.90 Let me not perish searching for my godlike father or have any good treasure in my palace lost to me.” Then after battle-cry-brave Menelaus heard this, he immediately bid his wife and slave women to make a meal in the palace from the plenty there inside.

§ 15.95 Eteoneus Boethoides came close to him, after he got up from bed, since he lived not far away from him. Battle-cry-brave Menelaus bid him light a fire and roast meats. He heard and didn't disobey. He himself went down into a fragrant chamber,

§ 15.100 not alone, but Helen and Megapenthes went with him. Then when they reached the place where treasures lay, Atreides then took a double-handled goblet and bid his son Megapenthes bring a mixing bowl of silver. Helen stood beside the chests

§ 15.105 where she had robes, embroidered all over, that she'd made herself. Helen, the woman divine, picked one of them up and brought it, the one that was the biggest and most beautiful in embroidery, and shone like a star, and lay underneath all the rest. They made their way forward through the house until they reached

§ 15.110 Telemachus, then blond Menelaus said to him: “ Telemachus, yes, indeed, may Zeus, the loud-thundering husband of Hera, make your journey happen for you, as you so eagerly desire it in your mind. Of all the gifts that lie as treasures in my house, I'll give the one that's most beautiful and honored.

§ 15.115 I'll give you a well-crafted mixing bowl. The whole thing's silver, and the rim is finished with gold, a work of Hephaestus. The hero Phaedimus, the Sidonian king, gave it to me, when his house sheltered me there on my return, and I want to send it with you.”

§ 15.120 So saying, the hero Atreides placed the double-handled goblet in his hands. Mighty Megapenthes brought the shiny silver mixing bowl and placed it before him. Fair-haired Helen stood beside him, holding the robe in her hands, called out his name, and said:

§ 15.125 “Dear child, I too give this gift to you, a remembrance of Helen's hands, for the time of much-desired marriage, for your wife to wear. Meanwhile, lay it at the side of your dear mother in your palace, and may you rejoice in my gift and reach your well-built house and your fatherland.”

§ 15.130 So saying, she put it in his hands and he received it gladly. And hero Peisistratus accepted them and put them in the chariot's basket, and gazed at all of it with wonder in his heart. Blond-headed Menelaus led them to his home, then the two sat down on chairs and couches.

§ 15.135 A handmaid brought water for washing in a fine golden pitcher and poured it above a silver basin so they could wash, then pulled a polished table beside them. A venerable housekeeper brought bread and set it before them placing many foods on it, pleasing them from her stores.

§ 15.140 Beside them, Boethoides divided the meat and served portions, and the son of gloried Menelaus poured the wine. They threw their hands on the good things laid ready before them. Then after they'd dispatched desire for food and drink, right then Telemachus and Nestor's splendid son

§ 15.145 yoked the horses and climbed into the ornamented chariot, then drove out of the gateway and the echoing portico. Atreides, blond Menelaus, went after them, holding honey-hearted wine in his right hand, in a golden goblet, so they could pour libation as they went.

§ 15.150 He stood in front of the horses and as a toast said to them: “Farewell, boys, and speak to Nestor, the shepherd of people, for me, for he was as kind as a father to me when we sons of the Achaeans warred in Troy.” Astute Telemachus said back to him in turn:

§ 15.155 “Truly, Zeus -nurtured one, we'll recount to him all these things, when we get there, as you say. For I so wish that when I return to Ithaca I'd see Odysseus in his house and could tell him how, obtaining total friendship from you, I come and bring treasures good and many.”

§ 15.160 As he spoke, a bird flew toward him on the right, an eagle, carrying a huge white goose in his talons, a tame one from the courtyard. Men and women followed it, shouting. As it came near them, it darted to the right, in front of the horses. The people rejoiced

§ 15.165 as they saw it, and the spirit in all their hearts was warmed. Peisistratus Nestorides was the first of them to speak: “Tell now, Zeus -nurtured Menelaus, leader of men, whether a god made this sign appear for us two or for you.” So said he, and Ares -loved Menelaus pondered,

§ 15.170 thinking how he might duly interpret it for him. Anticipating him, long-robed Helen said: “Hear me. I'll prophesy now, as the immortals put it in my heart and as I think that it will happen. As this one seized a goose raised in the house,

§ 15.175 coming from the mountain where he had his birth and birthplace, so Odysseus, though he's suffered much and wandered far, will return home and take revenge. Or, he's even home already, and plants evil for all the suitors.” Astute Telemachus said back to her in turn:

§ 15.180 “Would Hera's loud-thundering husband Zeus now make it so, I'd pray to you then, even there, as to a goddess!” He spoke, and threw the whip at the horses. They very quickly darted through the city, eagerly toward the plain. Now all day long they shook the yoke as they held it on both sides.

§ 15.185 And the sun went down, and all the ways were dark. They came to Pherae, to the house of Diocles, the son of Ortilochus, whom Alpheius fathered as his son. They rested there for the night, and he showed them hospitality. When early-born rose-fingered Dawn appeared,

§ 15.190 they yoked the horses and climbed into the ornamented chariot, drove out of the gateway and the echoing portico, and Peisistratus whipped them to drive them, and the two flew, not unwilling. Soon after they reached the steep citadel of Pylos. Right then Telemachus said to Nestor's son:

§ 15.195 “ Nestorides, could you possibly promise me to do what I say? We claim to be guest-friends through and through, from our fathers' friendship, and we're even the same age, and this journey will even more imbue us with like-mindedness. Don't lead me past my ship, Zeus -nurtured one, but leave me right here,

§ 15.200 lest the old man, eager to welcome me, keep me in his house against my will. There's need for me to get home quickly.” So said he, and Nestorides took counsel with his heart, how he might duly promise and do it. This way seemed better to him as he thought about it.

§ 15.205 He turned the horses toward the swift ship and sea's shore, unloaded the beautiful gifts on the ship's stern, the clothing and the gold that Menelaus had given, and in encouragement spoke winged words to him: “Get aboard in haste now, and bid all your comrades to,

§ 15.210 before I get home and report to the old man. For I know this well in my mind and in my heart, how his temper is so overbearing. He won't let you go, but he'll come here and summon you himself, and I don't think he'll go back empty-handed. For, at any rate, he will be very angry.”

§ 15.215 So saying, he drove his fair-maned horses back to the Pylians' city, then quickly reached his home. Telemachus urged his comrades on and bid them: “Set all the black ship's gear in order, comrades, and let's get aboard ourselves, so we can make our way.”

§ 15.220 So said he, and they listened to him carefully and obeyed, then went aboard at once and sat down at the oarlocks. While he was busy doing this, and prayed and offered to Athena beside the ship's stern, a man came near him, from a far country, fleeing from Argos because he'd killed a man.

§ 15.225 He was a seer, but sprung from the line of Melampus, who once upon a time had lived in Pylos, mother of sheep, a wealthy one who lived in a great preeminent house in Pylos. Eventually he went to a kingdom of other men, fleeing his fatherland and great-hearted Neleus, most illustrious of living men,

§ 15.230 who for a full year had kept much wealth from him by violence. Meanwhile Melampus, in the palace of Phylacus, was bound in grievous bonds and suffered mighty sorrows because of Neleus' daughter and the deep infatuation that a goddess, the house-wrecker Erinys, laid upon his mind.

§ 15.235 But he escaped doom, and drove loud-bellowing cattle from Phylace to Pylos, and made godlike Neleus pay for his shameful deed, then led the woman to his home for his brother, but Melampus went to the kingdom of other men, to horse-grazing Argos, for it was now fated for him there

§ 15.240 that he live as ruler over many Argives. There he married a woman and built a high-roofed house, then fathered Antiphates and Mantius, two mighty sons. Antiphates fathered great-hearted Oicles; then Oicles, the rouser of men Amphiaraus,

§ 15.245 whom Aegis-bearer Zeus loved exceedingly in his heart and Apollo loved with all kinds of affection. But he didn't reach old age's threshold, but perished in Thebes because of a gifts made to a woman. His sons were Alcmaeon and Amphilochus. Mantius in turn fathered Polypheides and Cleitus.

§ 15.250 But, yes, indeed, golden-throned Dawn snatched Cleitus because of his beauty, so he might be among immortals, then Apollo made a seer of high-spirited Polypheides, best by far of mortals, after Amphiaraus died. In anger at his father, he moved away to Hyperesia.

§ 15.255 There he lived and to all mortals prophesied. This one's son came, and Theoclymenus was his name, the one who then stood near Telemachus. He found him as he made libation and prayed beside his swift black ship, and, voicing winged words, said to him:

§ 15.260 “Friend, since I meet you making offering in this place, I entreat you, by your offerings and the divinity, then after that by your own head and that of your comrades who follow you, tell me what I ask infallibly, and don't conceal it: What man and from where are you? Where are your city and parents?”

§ 15.265 Astute Telemachus said back to him in turn: “Therefore, stranger, I'll speak to you very exactly. I'm from Ithaca by race, and my father is Odysseus, if there ever was one, but he's perished by now in wretched destruction. For that reason, I now took my black ship and comrades

§ 15.270 and went to find out about my long gone father.” Godlike Theoclymenus said back to him: “So I too am out of my fatherland, since I killed a man of my clan, and there are many brothers and kinsmen of his throughout horse-grazing Argos and they hold great power over Achaeans.