Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/330

322 Holds still an elder brother's part in me. Him answer'd, then, the Hero toil-inured. My friend! since his return, in thy account, Is an event impossible, and thy mind Always incredulous that hope rejects, I shall not slightly speak, but with an oath— Ulysses comes again; and I demand No more, than that the boon such news deserves, Be giv'n me soon as he shall reach his home. Then give me vest and mantle fit to wear, Which, ere that hour, much as I need them both, I neither ask, nor will accept from thee. For him whom poverty can force aside From truth—I hate him as the gates of hell. Be Jove, of all in heav'n, my witness first, Then, this thy hospitable board, and, last, The household Gods of the illustrious Chief Himself, Ulysses, to whose gates I go, That all my words shall surely be fulfill'd. In this same year Ulysses shall arrive, Ere, this month closed, another month succeed, He shall return, and punish all who dare Insult his consort and his noble son. To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. Old friend! that boon thou wilt ne'er earn from me; Ulysses comes no more. But thou thy wine Drink quietly, and let us find, at length, Some other theme; recall not this again