Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/14

x This man persuaded Melesigenes to close his school, and accompany him on his travels. He promised to defray all the expenses, and give him a certain stipend, telling him that, while he was young, it was imperative on him to see with his own eyes the countries and cities of which he might thereafter have occasion to speak. These reasonings prevailed, I think, the more easily, as he had some idea, at that time, of devoting himself to the study of poetry, [which would be facilitated by travel, as his innate prejudices would thereby be stifled.] He quitted his school, and embarking with Mentes, examined all the curiosities of the countries which they visited, and informed himself of every thing by interrogating every one he met. We may also suppose, that he recorded in writing all the information he thought worthy of preservation.

After having traveled in Tyrrhenia and Iberia, they arrived at the island of Ithaca. Melesigenes, who had already suffered pains in his eyes, now became much worse. Mentes, obliged to go to Leucadia, his native country, on business, left him at Ithaca in the care of a particular friend of his, called Mentor, the son of Alcimus. He promised Melesigenes to return to him, that they might continue their voyages. Mentor's assistance was given to Melesigenes most zealously. He was rich, and was reputed a just and hospitable man. It was here, and during this period, that Melesigenes acquired a knowledge of all the legends respecting Odysseus. The inhabitants of Ithaca assert "that Melesigenes became blind in their island." I myself incline to the opinion, that he was cured of his disease, or that it was alleviated, and that afterwards, when at Colophon, he permanently lost his sight. And so think the Colophonians.

Mentes, having sailed from Leucadia, arrived at Ithaca. Finding Melesigenes cured, he took him on board,