Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/233

366—405. he was very much hated by all the gods, because they did not subdue him amongst the Trojans, or in the hands of his friends, when he had spun out the toil of the war. Then for him would all the Grecians have made a tomb, and he would have obtained mighty renown, even for his son hereafter. But now the Harpies have snatched him away ingloriously. But I am out of the way amongst the swine; nor do I go to the city except by chance prudent Penelope encourages me to come, when intelligence arrives from any where. But they sitting near him, inquire every thing, both those who are grieving for our long absent king, and those who rejoice, consuming his livelihood with impunity. But to me it is not pleasant to inquire and ask, from the time since an Ætolian man deceived me by his tale, who indeed having slain a man, having wandered over much land, came to my abode; and I cherished him very much. He said that he saw him with Idomeneus amongst the Cretans, repairing his ships, which the tempests had shattered: and he said that he would come, either in the summer or the autumn, bringing many possessions, with his godlike companions. And do thou, O much-sorrowing old man, since the deity has brought thee unto me, neither gratify me at all with falsehoods, nor soothe me at all. For I shall not on that account reverence or entertain thee, but [as] fearing hospitable Jove, and pitying thee."

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Surely thou hast a certain incredulous mind in thy breast, Thee alone, having made an oath, I have not brought over, nor do I persuade thee. But come now, we will make a covenant; but let the gods also, who possess Olympus, be witnesses unto both [of us]. If thy master shall return to this house, having put a cloak and tunic as garments upon me, send me to go to Dulichium, where it is pleasing to my mind [that I should go]: but if thy master shall not come, as I tell thee, having charged thy servants, cast me down a great rock, that another beggar also may avoid to flatter [with false hopes]."

But him the divine swineherd answering addressed: "O stranger, thus indeed for me there would be glory and excellence amongst men, both immediately, and for the future, if I, when I had brought thee into my tent, and bestowed hospitality on thee, I should afterwards slay thee, and take away