Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/69

III. The sun is sunk, and it becomes us not Long to protract a banquet to the Gods Devote, but in fit season to depart. So spake Jove's daughter; they obedient heard. The heralds, then, pour'd water on their hands, And the attendant youths, filling the cups, Served them from left to right. Next all the tongues They cast into the fire, and ev'ry guest Arising, pour'd libation to the Gods. Libation made, and all with wine sufficed, Godlike Telemachus and Pallas both Would have return'd, incontinent, on board, But Nestor urged them still to be his guests. Forbid it, Jove, and all the Pow'rs of heav'n! That ye should leave me to repair on board Your vessel, as I were some needy wretch Cloakless and destitute of fleecy stores Wherewith to spread the couch soft for myself, Or for my guests. No. I have garments warm An ample store, and rugs of richest dye; And never shall Ulysses' son belov'd, My friend's own son, sleep on a galley's plank While I draw vital air; grant also, heav'n, That, dying, I may leave behind me sons Glad to accommodate whatever guest! Him answer'd then Pallas cærulean-eyed. Old Chief! thou hast well said, and reason bids Telemachus thy kind commands obey.