Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/85

IV. So fares Telemachus; his father strays Remote, and, in his stead, no friend hath he Who might avert the mischiefs that he feels. To whom the Hero amber-hair'd replied. Ye Gods! the offspring of indeed a friend Hath reach'd my house, of one who hath endured Arduous conflicts num'rous for my sake; And much I purpos'd, had Olympian Jove Vouchsaf'd us prosp'rous passage o'er the Deep, To have receiv'd him with such friendship here As none beside. In Argos I had then Founded a city for him, and had rais'd A palace for himself; I would have brought The Hero hither, and his son, with all His people, and with all his wealth, some town Evacuating for his sake, of those Ruled by myself, and neighb'ring close my own. Thus situate, we had often interchanged Sweet converse, nor had other cause at last Our friendship terminated or our joys, Than death's black cloud o'ershadowing him or me. But such delights could only envy move Ev'n in the Gods, who have, of all the Greeks, Amerc'd him only of his wish'd return. So saying, he kindled the desire to weep In ev'ry bosom. Argive Helen wept Abundant, Jove's own daughter; wept as fast Telemachus and Menelaus both;