Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/218

182 spacious. For in it there is abundance of wheat, and there is wine; and still the shower and flourishing dew possess it. It is excellent for feeding goats and oxen; there is every kind of wood, and there are perpetual irrigations in it. Therefore indeed, O stranger, the name of Ithaca would reach even to Troy, which they say is far from the Grecian land."

Thus he spoke; but much-enduring divine Ulysses was glad, rejoicing in his own paternal land, as Pallas Minerva, the daughter of Ægis-bearing Jove, told him. And addressing her, he spoke winged words, nor did he say what was true, but he took up discourse the contrary way, even revolving crafty design in his breast.

"I heard of Ithaca even in spacious Crete, far over the sea; but now I am myself come with these chattels: but I am flying away, having left as many things for my children, since I have slain the dear son of Idomeneus, swift-footed Orsilochus, who in spacious Crete excelled enterprising men with his swift feet: because he wished to deprive me of all my Trojan booty, on account of which I suffered griefs in my mind, both wars of men, and passing over the terrible waves, because I did not serve his father amongst the people of the Trojans, gratifying him, but I ruled over other companions. Him indeed I struck with a brazen spear, as he was coming home from the country, lying in wait for him near the road with a companion. But very dark night possessed heaven, nor did any one of men perceive us; but I escaped his notice, taking away his mind. But when I had slain him with the sharp brass, I immediately going in a ship to the illustrious Phæacians, besought them, and gave them booty gratifying their mind. Them I requested to carry me, and place me at Pylos, or to divine Elis, where the Epeans rule. But in truth the force of the wind thrust them from thence, much against their will; nor did they wish to deceive [me]. But wandering from thence we came here by night; and with exertion we rowed into the port, nor to us was there any mention of supper, although much wanting to obtain it: but all of us going out of the ship at random laid down. Here sweet sleep came upon me wearied. But they, taking my chattels out of the hollow ship, laid them down, even where I myself was lying on the