Speaker 1: The seventeenth Book of the Odyssees of Homer. This is
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Recording by phil Schemph The seventeenth Book of the Odyssees
of Homer, translated by George Chapman. The argument Telemachus returned
to town makes to his curious mother known in part
his travels, after whom Ulysses, to the court doth come
in good Eumaeus's guide, and pressed to witness of the
wooer's feast, whom, though twice ten years did bestow in
far off parts, his dog doth know. Another argument, roe
Ulysses shows through all disguise whom his dog knows, who
knowing dies. But when the heir's rosy birth the morn arose,
Telemachus did for the town dispose his early steps, and
took to his command his fair long lance, whilst sorting
with his hand, thus parting with Eumaeus. Now, my friend,
I must a town, lest too far I extend my
mother's moan for me, who till her eyes mine own
eyes witness vary tears and cries through all extremes. Do
then this charge of mine, and guide to town, this
hapless guest of thine, to beg elsewhere his further festival.
Give thee that please I cannot give to all mine
own wants. Take up for myself my pain. If it
incents him, he the worst shall gain the lovely truth
I love, and must be plain alas friends, said his father.
Nor do I desire at all your further charity tis
better beg in cities than in fields, and take the
worst a beggar's fortune yields. Nor am I apt to
stay in Swinsty's more. However, ever, the great chief before
the poor ranks must do every step of bed. But
go your man, and my command shall sway Anon yet
too by favor. When your fires have comforted the cold
heat age expires, and when the sun's flame hath besides
corrected the early air abroad, not being protected by these,
might bare weeds from the morning's frost, which if so
much ground, is to be engrossed by my poor feet,
as you report, may give too violent a charge to
the heat by which I live. This said his son,
went on with sprightly pace and to the wars studied
little grace arrived at home, he gave his javelin stay
against a lofty pillar, and bold way made further in.
When having so far gone that he transcended the fair
porch of stone. The first by far that gave his
entry eye was Nurse Eurycleia, who the embroidery of stools
there set, was giving cushions fare, who ran upon him,
and a wrapt repair, shed tears of joy about him,
gathered round the maids, his head and shoulders crowned with
kisses and embraces. From above, the queen herself came, like
the queen of love, or bright Diana, cast about her
son her kind embraces, with effusion of loving tears, kissed
both his lovely eyes, his cheeks, and forehead, and gave
all supplies with this entreaty, welcome, sweetest light. I never
had conceit to set quick sight on thee. Thus soon,
when thy loved father's fame as far as Pylos did
thy spirit inflame, and that search ventured all unknown to me.
O say by what power camest thou now to be
mine eyes? Dear object? He returned, reply, move me not
now when you might escape, descry from eminent death, to
think me fresh and trapped, the feared wound rubbing felt
before I scaped, double, not needless passion on a heart
whose joy so green is and so apt and vert.
But pure weeds, putting on ascend and makeure women with you,
that ye all may make vows of full hecatombs in
sacred fire to all the godheads, if their only sire
vouchsafe revenge of guest rights wronged, which he is to
protect as being their deity. My way shall be directed
to the hall of common concourse, that I thence may
call a stranger who from off the pillion shore came
friendly with me, whom I sent before with all my soldiers,
but in chief did charge Pyrieus with him, wishing him
to enlarge his love to him at home in best affair,
and utmost honors till mine own repair. Her son thus
spoken his words could not bear the wings too easily
through her either ear, But putting pure weeds on, made
vows and tire of perfect hecatomes and sacred fire to
all the deities, if their only sire vouchsafed revenge of
guest rights wronged, which he was to protect as being
their deity. Her son left house in his fair hand
is lance his dog's attend, and on every glance his
looks cast from them. Pallace put a grace that made
him seem of the celestial race, whom come to concourse.
Every man admired about him, thronged the wars, and desired
all good to him in tongues, but in their hearts
most deep ills threatened to his, most deserts of whose
huge route, once free, he cast glad eye on some that,
long before his infancy, were with his father, great and
gracious Grave Halathareses mentor Antipas, to whom he went, took
seat by them, and they inquired of all things since
his parting day to them. Pyrieus came and brought his
guests along the city, thither whom not least the Prince respected,
nor was long before he rose and met him. The
first word yet bore Pyrius from them, Both whose haste
besought the Prince to send his women to see, brought
the gifts from his house that Etrides gave, which his
own roughs he thought would better save. The wise prince annenswered,
I can scarce conceive the way to these works. If
the wooers reaved by private stratagem my life at home,
I rather wish Pyrieus may become the master of them
than the best of these. But if I sow in
their fields of excess, slaughter and ruin, then thy trust
employ and to me joying, bring thou those with joy.
This said he brought home his grief practiced. Guests were
both put off, both oiled and did invest themselves in
rich robes, washed and sate and eat. His mother in
fair chair, taking seat directly opposite her loom applied, who,
when her son and guest had satisfied their appetites with feasts, said, O,
my son, you know that ever since your sire was
one to go in Agamemnon's Guide to Troy, attempting sleep,
I never did enjoy one night's good rest, but made
my quiet bed a sea blown up with sighs, with
tears still shed, embrewed and troubled. Yet through all your
miss in your late voyage, hath been made for this
that you might know the abode your father. Maide you
shun to tell me what success you had. Now, then
before the insolent access the wooers straight will force on us,
express what you have heard, I will, said he, And
true we came to Pylos, where the studious due that
any father could afford his son. But new arrived from
some course he had run to an extreme length in
some voyage bow'd Nestor, the pastor of the people showed
to me, arrived in turrets thrust up high, where not
his brave sons were loved more than I. Yet of
the unconquer'd ever sufferer Ulysses, never he could set his
ear alive or dead from any earthy man. But to
the great Lacedaemonian Atrides, famous for his lance, he sent
with horse and chariots me to learn the event from
his relation. Where I had the view of argive Hell,
whose strong beauties drew by wills of gods, so many
Grecian states and Trojans under such laborious fates. Where Menelaus
asked me what affair to Lacedaemon rendered my repair? I
told him all the truth. Who made reply O deed
of most abhorred indecency, a sort of impotence attempt his bed,
whose strength of mind hath cities leveled as to alliance.
Then when any hind hath brought her young calves to
their rest inclined when he is ranging hills and herby
dales to make of feeders there his festivals. But turning
to his luster calves, and damn, he shows abhorred death
in his anger's flame. So should Ulysses find this rabble
housed in his free turrets, courting his espoused fouled death
would fall them. Oh, I would to jove Phoebus and
Palace that when he shall prove the broad report of
his exhausted store true, with his eyes, nerves and sinews
wore that vigor. Then that in the Lesbian towers provoked
to wrastle with the iron powers Philamalides vaunted. He approved
when Downey hurled his challenger and moved huge shouts from
all the archives then in view. If once come home
he all those forces drew about him there to work,
they all were dead, and should find bitter his attempted bed.
But what you ask, and soue for I, as far
as I have heard the true spoke, Mariner will tell directly,
nor delude your ear. He told me that an island
did in sphere in much discomfort, great Laertes son, and
that the nymph calypso overrun with his affection, kept him
inner caves, where men nor ship of power to brook
the waves were near his convoy to his country shore,
and where herself importuned evermore his quiet stay, which not
obtained by force, She kept his person from all else recourse.
This told ettriytes, which was all he knew, nor stayed
I more. But from the gods there blew a prosperous
wind that set me quickly here. This put his mother
quite from all her cheer. When Theoclymenus the augur said, O,
woman honored with ulysses, bed your son, no doubt knows
clearly nothing more hear me yet speak that can the
truth encore, nor will be curious. Jove, then witness bear
and this thy hospitable table, here, with this whole household
of your blameless lord, that at this hour his royal
feet are short on his loved country earth, and that
even here, coming or creeping, he will see the cheer
these wooers make, and in his soul's field sow seeds
that shall thrive to all their overthrow. This set a
shipboard I knew, sworded thus and cried it out to
your Telemachus. Penelope replied, would this would prove you well
should witness a most friendly love and gifts such of
me as encountering fame, should greet you with blessed Mortal's name.
This mutual speech passed. All the wooers were hurling the
stone and tossing of the spear before the palace, in
the paved court, where otherwhiles their petulant resort sat plotting injuries.
But when the hour of supper entered, and the feeding
power brought sheep from field that filled up every way
with those that used to furnish, that purvey met on
the herald, who of all the rest, pleased most the wooers,
and at every feast was ever near. Said you, whose
kind consort make the fair branches of the tree are court,
grace it within now, and your suppers take you that
for health and fair contention's sake will please your minds.
No bodies must have meat plays worse than idleness in
times to eat. This said, all left came in cast
by on thrones and chairs. Their garments. Their provisions were sheep, swine, goats,
the chief great and fat, besides an ox that from
the herd they gat and now the king and herdsman
from the field in good way were to town, TwixT
whom was held some walking conference, which thus began the
good Eumaeus, guest, your will was won, because the prince
commanded to make way up to the city. Though I
wished your stay and to have made you guardian of
my stall, but I, in care and fear of what
might fall in after anger of the prince forebore the
checks of princes touched their subjects sore. But make we haste.
The day is nearly ended, and cold airs still are
in the even extended. I know it, said he. Consider
all your charge is given to one that understands at large. Haste.
Then hereafter you shall lead the way. Afford your staff too,
if it fit your stay, that I may use it,
since you say our pass is less friend to a
weak foot than it was. Thus cast he on his neck,
his nasty scrip all patched and torn a cord that
would not slip, for knots and bracks about the mouth
of it, made serve the turn, and then his swain
did fit his forestate with a staff. Then plied they
hard their way to town. Their cottage left and guard
to swains and dogs. And now Eumaeus led the king
along his garments to a thread all bare and burned,
and he himself hard bore upon his staff at all parts,
like a poor and sad old beggar. But when now
they got the rough highway, their voyage wanted not much
of the city, where a fount they reached from. Whence
the town their choicest water fetched that ever overflowed, and
curious art was shown about it, in which three had
part whose names Neritus and Polycter were, and famous Ithacus.
It had a sphere of poplar that ran round about
the wall and into a lofty rock let fall, continual
supply of cool clear stream, on whose top to the
nymphs that were supreme in those part's loves. A stately
altar rose, where every traveler did still impose devoted sacrifice.
At this fount found these silly travelers a man renown'd
for guard of goats, which now he had in guide,
whose huge stored herd two herdsmen kept beside for all herds.
It excell'd and breta feed for wooers only. He was
Dlius's seed, and called Melantheos, who casting eye on these
two there he hit them terribly, and so past mean
that even the wretched fate now on ulysses. He did
irritate his fume to this effect. He did pursue, why
so tis now at all parts passing through that ill
leads ill good? Evermore doth train with like his like?
Why thou unenvied swain, whither dost thou lead this same
victless leaguer, this bane of banquets, this most nasty beggar,
who sighted make one sad. It's saabhorrs, who, with his
standing in so many doors, hath broke his back, and
in his beggary tends to beg base crusts, but to
no manly ends, as asking swords or with activity to
get a cauldron. Wouldst thou give him me to farm
my stable, or to sweep my yard and bring brows
to my kids, And that preferred he should be at
my keeping for his pains, to drink as much whey
as his thirsty veins would still be swilling way made
all his fees. His monstrous belly would oppress his knees.
But he hath learned to lead a base life about,
and will not work but crouch among the route for
broken meat to cram his burst and gut. Yet the
south say, and he will find it. Put in sure
effect that if he enters where Ulysses roofs cast shade
the stools, will thereabout his ears fly all the house
will throw and rub his ragged sides with cuffs an
owl past these reviles. His manless rudeness burn'd divine Ulysses,
who at no part turned his face from him, but
had his spirit fed with these two thoughts. If he
should strike him dead with his bestowed staff or at
his feet, make his direct head and pavement meet. But
he bore all and entertained a breast that in the
strife of all extremes did rest Eumaeus, frowning on him,
chit him. Yet, and lifting up his hands to heaven,
he set this bitter curse at him. O you that
bear fair name to be the race of Jupiter, nymphs
of these fountains. If Ulysses ever burned thighs to you
that hid in fat, did never fail your acceptance or
of lamb or kid, Grant this grace to me. Let
this man thus hid shine through his dark fate. Make
some god his guide that to thee goatherd this same
pallet's pride, Thou drivest afford thee, He may come and
make the scatterings of the earth and overtake thy wrongs,
with forcing thee to ever err about the city, hunted
by his fear, and in the mean space by some
slothful swains let lousy sickness gnaw thy cattle's veins. O gods,
replied Melanthius, What a curse hath this dog barked out?
And can yet do worse? This man shall I have
given into my hands, when in a well built ship
to far off lands, I shall transport him, that should
I want here, my sale of him may find me
victuals there. And for Ulysses would to heaven his joy
the silver bearing bow God would destroy this day within
his house, as sure as he the day of his return,
shall never see. This said. He left them going silent on.
But he outwent them and took straight upon the Palace Royal,
which he entered straight, sat with the wars and his
trencher's freight. The carvers gave him of the flesh there vented,
but bred the reverend Butlerus presented. He took against Eurymicus
his place, who most of all the wars gave him grace.
And now Ulysses and his swain got near, when round
about them visited their ear the hollow harp's delicious stricken string,
to which did Peneus near the wooers sing. Then by
the hand, Ulysses took his swain and said, Eumaeus, one
may here see plain in many a grace that Laertiades
built here these turrets, and amongst others these his whole court,
armed with such a goodly wall, the corners and the
cope majestico, his double gates and turrets built too strong
for force or virtue ever to expume. I know the
feasters in it now abound, their cates cast such a saber,
and the sound the harp gives argues an accomplished feast.
The gods made music. Banquet's dearest guest, these things, said he.
Your skill may tell with ease, since you are graced
with greater knowledges. But now consult we how these works
shall sort. If you will first approach this praisen court
and see these wars I remaining here, or I shall
enter and yourself forbear. But be not too tedious in
your stay lest thrust ye be and buffeted away. Brain
hath no fence for blows. Look to it. I pray
you speak to one that comprehends, said he go you
before and here adventure me. I have of old been
used to cuffs and blows. My mind is harden'd, and
have borne the throes of many a sour event in
waves and wars, where knocks and buffets are no foreigners.
And this same belly, by no mean the greatest abstinence
can ever ween. Men suffer much bamee by the belly's rage,
for whose sake, ships and all their equipage are armed
and set out to the untame seas, their bulks full
fraught with ills to enemies. Such speech they changed when
in the yard there lay a dog called Argus, which
before his way assumed for ilion ulysses bread, yet stood
his pleasure. Then in little stead, as being too young
but growing to his grace, young men made choice of
him for every chase, or of their wild goats, of
their hairs or hearts. But his king gone, and he
now passed his parts lay all abjectly on the stable
store before the oxtall and the mule's stable door to
keep the clothes cast from the peasants hands while they
laid compass on ulysses lands. The dog with Tickson looked
too overgrown. But by this dog no sooner seen but
known was wise Ulysses, who knew entered there. Up went
his dog's laid ears, and coming near up he himself rose,
fawned and wagged his stern, couched close his ears, and
lay so nor discern could evermore his dear loved Lord. Again,
Ulysses sought nor had power to abstain from shedding tears,
which far off, seeing his swain, he dried from his
sight clean to whom he thus his grief dissembled. Tis
miraculous that such a dog as this should have his
lair on such a dunghill. For his form is fair.
And yet I know not if there were in him
good pace or parts for all his goodly limb, or
he lived empty of those inward things, as are those
trencher beagles tending kings, whom for their pleasures or their
glory's sake, or fashion they into their favorite. Take this
dog said he was servant to one dead a huge
time since. But if he bore his head for form
and quality of such a height as when Ulysses bound
for the Ilian fight, or quickly after left him. Your
rapt eyes would then admire to see him use his
thighs in strength and swiftness. He would nothing fly, nor
anything let escape. If once his eyes seized any wild beast,
he knew straight his scent go where he would away
with him he went. Nor was there ever any savage
stood amongst the thickets of the deepest wood a long
time before him, But he pulled him down as well
by that true hunting to be shown in such vast coverts,
as for speed of pace in any open lawn. For
in deep chase he was a passing, wise and well
nosed hound. And yet is all this good in him
uncrown'd with any grace here now, nor he more fed
than any errant cur His king is dead far from
his country, and his servants are so negligent they lend
his houn no care where masters rule not, but let
men alone. You never there see honest service done. That
man's half virtue. Jove takes quite away that once his
sun burnt with the servile day. This said, he entered
the well builded towers up, bearing right upon the glorious woers,
and left poor Argus dead. His lord's first sight since
that time twenty years bereft his light. Telemachus did far
the first behold Eumas enter and made signs he should
come up to him. He, noting, came and took on
earth his seat, and then the master cook served in
more banquet, of which party set before the wooers part
the prince did get, who sate alone his table placed
aside to which the herald did the bread divide. After
Eumaeus entered straight, the king, like to a poor and
heavy aged thing, bore hard upon his staff, and was
so glad as would have made his mere beholder sad.
Upon the ashen floor, his limbs he spread, and against
a cypress threshold stayed his head. The tree wrought smooth
and in a line direct, tried by the plum and
by the architect. The prince then bade the herdsman give
him bread the finest there, and see that prostrated at
all parts plight of his given all the cheer his
hands could turn to take, said he, and bear these
cats to him, and bid him beg of all these
woos here and to their festival, bear up with all
the impudence he can. Bashful behavior fits no needy man.
He heard, and did his will hold guests, said he
Telemachus commends these cats to thee, bids thee bear up,
And all these wooers implore, wit must make impudent whom
fate makes poor. O Jove said he do my poor
prayers the grace to make him blessed of the mortal race,
And every thought now in his generous heart to deeds
that further my desires convert. Thus took he in with
both hands his store, and in the uncouth scrip that
lay before his ill shod feet, reposed it. Whence he
fed all time the music to the feetsters played both jointly, ending.
Then began the woers to put in oldak their tumultuous powers.
When Pallas, standing close, did prompter friend to prove how
far the bounties would extend of those proud woos, so
to let him try who most, who least, had learned humanity. However,
no thought touched Minerva's mind that anyone should escape his wreak.
Designed he handsomely became all crept about to every war
held a forced hand out, and all his work did
in so like a way as he had practiced begging
many a day, And though they knew all beggars could
do this, yet they admired it as no deed of his,
though far from thought of other used expense and pity
to him who he was. And whence, inquiring mutually, Melanthius,
then hear me, ye wooers of the far famed queen,
about this beggar. I have seen before this face of his,
and know for sir more, that this swain brought him
hither what he is, and of whence he came. Flies
me reply to this antinous maid, and mocked Eumius. Thus
o thou, renowned herdsman, Why to us brought'st thou this beggar?
It serves not our hands that other land leapers and cormorands,
profane poor knaves lie on us unconducted. But you must
bring them so amiss, instructed art thou in course of thrift,
as not to know thy Lord's goods racked in this
their overflow, which think'st thou nothing thou call'st in these?
Eumaeus answered, though you may be wise, you speak not wisely.
Who calls in a guest that is a guest himself.
None call to feast other than men that are of
public use, prophets or poets whom the gods produce, physicians
for men's ills, or architects. Such men the boundless earth
afford's respects bounded in honor, and may call them well.
But poor men who calls, who doth so excel in
other's good, to do himself an ill. But all ulysses
servants have been still eye sores in your way, more
than all that woo. And chiefly I, but what care
I for you? As long as these roughs hold as
thralls to none. The wise Penelope in her godlike son forbear,
said he, And leave this tongue's bowld ill, and tinous
uses to be crossing still, and give sharp words his
blood that humor bears to set men still together by
the ears. But turning then to Antinous, oh, said he,
you entertain a father's care of me. To turn these
eating guests out tis advice of needful use for my
poor faculties. But God doth not allow this. There must
be some care of poor men in humanity. What you yourselves take,
give I not envy, but give command that hospitality be
given all strangers. Nor shall my powers fear if this
mood in me reach my mother's ear, much less the
servants that are here to see Ulysses house kept in
his old degree. But you bear no such mind, your
wits more caste to fill yourself than let another taste.
And tenous, answered him, brave spoken man, whose minds free
fire seek check no virtue can if all we woers
here would give as much as my mind serves, his
largesse should be such as would for three months serve
his far off way from troubling your house with more
cause of stay. This said, He took a stool up
that did rest beneath the board, his spangled feet at feast,
and offered at him. But the rest gave all and
filled his fulsome script with festival, and so Ulysses for
the present was and for the future furnished, and his
past bent to the door to eat. Yet could not
leave antinous. So but said, do you too give, loved Lord.
Your presence makes a show to me as you no
worst were of the company, but best, and so much
that you seem the king. And therefore you should give
some better thing than bread, like others. I will spread
your praise through all the wide world, that have in
my days kept house myself and trod the wealthy ways
of other men, even to the title blessed. And often
have I given an erring guest. How meansoever, to the
utmost gain of what he wanted, kept hold troops of men,
and had all other comings in with which men lived
so well and gain the fame of rich. Yet Jove
consum'd all he would have it, so to which his
mean was this, He made me go far off for Egypt,
in the rude consort of always wandering pirates, where in
Port I bade my loved men draw their ships ashore
and dwell amongst them, sent out some to explore up
to the mountains, who, in temperate and their inflamed bloods
bent to satiate, forged the rich fields. Hailed the women
thence and unweaned children with foul expense, both of their
fames and bloods. The cry then flew straight to the city,
and the great fields grew with horse and foot, and
flamed with iron arms. When Jove that breaks the thunder
in alarms an ill flight cast amongst my men, not
one inspir'd with spirit to stand and turn upon the
fierce pursuing foe, and therefore stood their ill fate thick
about them, some in blood and some in bondage, toils
led by constraint fastening upon them. Me along they sent
to Cyprus with a stranger prince. They met Demeter Aasades,
who the imperial seat of that sweet island swayed in
strong command. And thus feel I here needs contemied hand.
And what God sent said he this suffering baine to
vex our banquet, stand off nor profane my board. So
boldly lest I show thee here Cypress in Egypt made
more sour than there are, a saucy set face to
fagabond about with all you go. And they, beyond discretion
give thee, since they find not here the least proportions
set down to their cheer. But every fountain hath his
under floods. It is no bounty to give others goods.
O God's replied, Ulysses, I see now you bear no
soul in this your goodly show. Beggars at your board,
I perceive, should get scarce salt from your hands if
themselves brought meat, Since sitting where another's board is spread
that flows with feast. Not to the broken bread, will
your allowance reach? Nay, then said he, and looked austerely.
If so saucy be your suffered language, I suppose that
clear you shall not escape without some broken cheer. Thus
wrapped he up a stool with which he smit the
king's right shoulder TwixT his neck and it he stood
him like a rock, and Tenous's dart nor stirred Ulysses,
who in his great heart deep ills projected, which for
time yet close he bound in silence, shook his head
and went out to the entry, where he then gave
vent to his full scrip, sat on the earth and eat,
and talked still to the wars. Hear me, yet, ye
wooers of the Queen, It never grieves a man to
take blows. Where for sheep or beaves, or other main
possessions a man fights, but for his harmful belly. This
man smites, whose love to many a man breeds many
a woe. And if the poor have gods and furies too,
before Antinous wear his nuptial wreath, he shall be worn
upon the dart of death. Harsh guests, said, he sits
silent at your meat, or seek your desperate plight some
safer seat, lest by the hands or heels youth, drag
your years, and rend your rotten rags about your ears.
This made the rest as highly hate as folly, as
he had violated something whole. When one, even of the
proudest thus began, Thou dost not nobly thus to play
the man on such an errant wretch, o ill disposed.
Perhaps some sacred godhead goes unclothed even in his abject outside.
For the gods have often visited these rich abodes like
such poor stranger pilgrims, since their powers, being always shapeful,
glide through towns and towers, observing as they passed still
who they be? That piety love? And who impiety? This
all men said, But he held sayings cheap, And all
this time Telemachus did heap sorrow on sorrow on his
beating heart to see his father stricken. Yet let part
no tear to earth, but shook his head and thought
as deep as those ills that were after wrought. The queen, now,
hearing of her poor guest, stroke said to her maid,
as to her wore she spoke, I wish the famous
for his beau the sun would strike thy art, so
her wish thus begun her lady fair Eurynymy pursued her execration,
and did thus conclude. So may our bows call down
from heaven his end, and let no one life of
the rest extend his life till morning. O Eurynomy replied
the queen, May all the gods speak in thee For
all the wars we should rate his foes, since all
their wheels they place in other's woes. But this antinous
we passed all should hate as one resembling black and
cruel fate. A poor, strange wretch begged here, compelled by need,
asked all, and every one gave in his deed, filled
his sad scrip, and eased his heavy once. Only this
man bestowed on manly taunts, and with a cruel blow
his force let fly TwixT neck and shoulders, showed his charity.
These minds above she and her maids did show. While
at his scrip, Ulysses sat below, in which she Eumaeus
called and said, go good Eumius, and see soon conveyed
the stranger to me, bid him come and take my
salutations for his welcome's sake and my desired serve. If
he hath not heard or seen distressed Ulysses, who hath
erred like such a man, And therefore chance may fall.
He hath by him been met and spoke with all.
O Queen said he, I wish to heaven your ear
were quit of this unreverend noise you hear from these
rude wars. When I bring the guest, such words your
ear would let into your breast, as would delight it
to your very heart. Three nights and days I did
my rough impart to his fruition, For he came to
me the first of all men, since he fled the sea,
and yet he had not given a perfect end to
his relation. Of what woes did spend the spite of
fate on him. But as you see a singer breathing
out of deity love kindling lines, when all men seated
near are wrapped with endless thirst. To ever hear, so
sweetened he my bosom at my meat, affirming that Ulysses
was in crete, where first the memories of Minos were
a guest to him, their dwelling then as dear as
his true father, And from thence came he tired on
with sorrows, tossed from sea to sea, to cast himself
in dust and tumble here at wooer's feet for blows
and broken cheer. But of Ulysses, where the thespots dwell
a wealthy people fame, he said, did tell the still
survival who his native light was bound. For now with
treasure infinite call him, said she, that he himself may
say this over to me, we shall soon have wig
given by the wooers. They as well at gate, as
set within doors used to recreate their high fed spirits.
As their humors lead, they follow, and may well. For
still they tread uncharged ways here, their own wealth lying
unwaisted in poor capt houses. Only something tasted their bread
and wine is by their household swain. But they themselves
let loose continual rains to our expenses, making slaughter still
of sheep, goats, oxen, feeding past their fill, and vainly
lavishing our richest wine, all these extending past the sacred line.
For here lives no man like Ulysses now to curb
these rains. But should he once show his country light
his presence, he and his would soon revenge these war's injuries.
This said about the house, and echoes round her son's
strange knezings made a horrid sound, at which the Queen
yet laughed, and said, go call the stranger to me.
Hurtst thou not to all my words? Last uttered, What
a kneazing break from my Telemachus? From whence I make
this sure conclusion that the death and fate of every
war here is near his date? Call then the guest,
and if he tell is true what I shall ask him, coat, cloak,
all things new, these hands shall yield him. This said.
Down he went and told youlysses, that the Queen had
sent to call him to her, that she might inquire
about her husband what her sad desire urge her to ask.
And if she found him true, both coat and cassock,
which he needed, knew her hands would put on him,
and that the bread which now he begged amongst the
common tread, should freely feed his hunger. Now from her,
who all he wished would to his once prefer His
answer was, I will with fit speed tell the whole
truth to the Queen for passing well. I know her lord,
since he and I have shared in equal sorrows. But
I am much scared with this rude multitude of wooers
here the rage of whose pride smites Heaven's brazen sphere,
of whose route when one struck me for no fault,
Telemachus nor none else turned the assault from my poor shoulders. Therefore,
though she haste beseech the queen, her patience will see
past the day's broad light. And then may she inquire,
tis but my closer pressing to the fire in the
evening cold, because my weeds, you know, are passing thin.
For I made bold to show their bracks to you,
and prayed your kind supply. He heard, and hasted, and
met instantly the Queen upon the pavement in his way,
who asked, what bring'st thou not? What cause of stay?
Find his austere supposes takes he fear of the unjust woors,
or thus hard doth bear on any other doubt. The
house objects he does me wrong and gives two nice
respects to his feared safety. He is right, said he,
and what he fears should move the policy of any
wise one, taking care to shun the violent wars. He
bids bide till sun hath hid his broad light. And
believe it, Queen, twill make your best course, since you, too, unseen,
may pass the encounter you to speak more free, and
he your ear gain less distractively. The guest is wise,
said she, and well doth give the right thought. Use
of all the men that live life serves none such
as these proud woos are to give a good man
cause to use his care. Thus all agreed amongst the wooers,
goes Eumias to the prince, and, whispering close, said, now,
my love, my charge, shall take up me your goods
and mine. What here is you must see in fit protection,
but in chief regard your own dear safeguard, whose states
study hard, unless sufferance seize you many a wicked thought
conceal these wars whom just jove see brought to ut
a ruin. Ere it toucheth us so chance it, friend,
replied Telemachus, your beaver taken, go in first of day,
Come and bring sacrifice the best you may to me
and to the immortals. Be the care or whatsoever here
the safeties are. This said he sat in his elaborate throne.
Eumeius fed to satisfaction to his charge, left both the
court and walls full of secure and fatal festivals, in
which the wooer's pleasures still would sway and now begun
the even's near ending day, end of the seventeenth book