Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/376

368 Leaving untenanted Ulysses' bed To be by noisome spiders webb'd around. To whom the master swine-herd in return. Not so, she, patient still as ever, dwells Beneath thy roof, but all her cheerless days Despairing wastes, and all her nights in tears. So saying, Eumæus at his hand received His brazen lance, and o'er the step of stone Enter'd Telemachus, to whom his sire Relinquish'd, soon as he appear'd, his seat, But him Telemachus forbidding, said— Guest, keep thy seat; our cottage will afford Some other, which Eumæus will provide. He ceased, and he, returning at the word, Reposed again; then good Eumæus spread Green twigs beneath, which, cover'd with a fleece, Supplied Ulysses' offspring with a seat. He, next, disposed his dishes on the board With relicts charged of yesterday; with bread, Alert, he heap'd the baskets; with rich wine His ivy cup replenish'd; and a seat Took opposite to his illustrious Lord Ulysses. They toward the plenteous feast Stretch'd forth their hands, (and hunger now and thirst Both satisfied) Telemachus, his speech Addressing to their gen'rous host, began. Whence is this guest, my father? How convey'd Came he to Ithaca? What country boast