Page:Modern Eloquence - Volume 1.djvu/26

Rh upon the custom itself which is not always considered as belonging to it. A poet who knew something of human nature makes a wise counsellor and skilled orator dispose his hearers to attentive listening by removing the distractions of hunger and thirst, and inspiring the sentiments of good fellowship and unanimity which follow good cheer.

A similar scene occurs when the embassy which Nestor had nominated reaches Achilles. Among the many cautions which he conveyed to the ambassadors, it is not known whether he included the suggestion not to deliver their message until after the refreshment which the hospitable chief was sure to provide. Certain it is, however, that they did not declare their errand, curious as Achilles evidently was as to its purport, until he had ordered wine served and flesh roasted, and the abundant viands were consumed and the meal concluded. An hour or two must have passed in general conversation, avoiding war topics, before the crafty Ulysses, pledging his host, began to speak with a compliment to the princely provision with which they had been received, and made his transition to the main point by adding, "Matter, however, more grave than feasts now claims our attention."

It was a noble display of appeal and rejoinder and of as sober and fateful speech as should ever cross a table. And although the purpose of the embassy failed, every favoring precaution had been taken which according to the opinion and custom of the time would contribute to its successful issue. Of these provisions the banquet and the speech are chief.

The value of these in connection with the present topic is representative. In a book which more than any other was the reflection of a remote past and a model for succeeding literature incidents like the above count for much in estimating the prevalence of a custom. If, moreover, it is found under unfavorable conditions in camps it is not unnatural to look for its prevalence in courts. Accordingly, it is instructive to turn from the epic of War to that of the Wandering, from the Iliad to the Odyssey.

It is to be expected that the character of the speech will change with the fortunes of the principal speaker. Ulysses is no longer the ambassador from a king to an offended general, but a pilgrim wandering far from his home, seeing