Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/394

386 Then foremost him Telemachus address'd. Noble Eumæus! thou art come; what news Bring'st from the city? Have the warrior band Of suitors, hopeless of their ambush, reach'd The port again, or wait they still for me? To whom Eumæus, thou didst thus reply. No time for such enquiry, nor to range, Curious, the streets had I, but anxious wish'd To make my message known, and to return. But, as it chanced, a nimble herald sent From thy companions, met me on the way, Who reach'd thy mother first. Yet this I know, For this I saw. Passing above the town Where they have piled a way-side hill of stones To Mercury, I beheld a gallant bark Ent'ring the port; a bark she was of ours, The crew were num'rous, and I mark'd her deep Laden with shields and spears of double edge. Theirs I conjectured her, and could no more. He spake, and by Eumæus unperceived, Telemachus his father eyed and smiled. Their task accomplish'd, and the table spread, They ate, nor any his due portion miss'd, And hunger, now, and thirst both sated, all To rest repair'd, and took the gift of sleep.