Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/239

46—83. tratus, son of Nestor, leading the solid-hoofed steeds, yoke them under the chariot, that we may perform our journey."

But him Pisistratus, the son of Nestor, answered in turn: "O Telemachus, it is not possible for us, although hastening on our journey, to drive through the gloomy night: but it will soon be morning. But remain, until the spear-renowned hero Atrides, Menelaus, bringing presents, shall place them in our chariot, and addressing us with kindly words, shall send us away. For a guest all his days is mindful of that hospitable man who affords entertainment."

Thus he spoke; and immediately the golden-throned morning came; and Menelaus, gallant in battle, came near them, rising from his bed, from fair-haired Helen. But when the dear son of Ulysses perceived him, the hero hastening put a shining tunic about his body, and threw a large robe over his sturdy shoulders: and he went out of the door, and Telemachus, the dear son of divine Ulysses, standing near addressed him: "O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, now then send me away to my dear paternal land; for now my mind desires to reach home."

But him Menelaus, gallant in battle, answered: "O Telemachus, I will not detain thee here for much time, since thou art anxious for thy return: I should also be indignant at any other man who receives guests, who should love one very much, or hate one very much; but all things that are proper are best. He is an equal evil, both he who urges a guest who is not willing to return, and he who detains one hastening [to depart]. [It is fit to receive a guest kindly when present, and to send him away willingly. ] But remain, until I bring beautiful gifts and place them on the chariot, and thou mayest behold them with thine eyes; and I will tell the women to prepare a banquet in the palace, enough of the things that are within. It is both a glory, and honour, and an advantage, [for men] to set out over a long, boundless tract, having feasted. But if thou dost wish to turn your course through Hellas, and the middle of Argos, then I will myself attend thee, and will yoke my horses, and will show thee the cities of men; nor will any one send us away in vain, but will give