Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/240

204 us some one thing at least to carry away, either some one of brazen tripods, or cauldrons, or two mules, or a golden cup."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, I would rather now return to my own home: (for on setting out I did not leave behind a guard over my possessions,) lest seeking for my godlike sire, I myself should perish, or some excellent treasure should be lost to me from the palace."

But when Menelaus, gallant in battle, heard this, he immediately commanded his wife and maid-servants to prepare a feast in the palace, enough of the things that were within. And Eteoneus, son of Boëtheus, came near him, rising from his bed, since he did not dwell far off from him: him, Menelaus, gallant in battle, ordered to light a fire, and to roast meat: and he, having heard, did not disobey him. But he himself descended to his fragrant chamber, not alone, [for] Helen and Megapenthes went with him. But when they came there, where lay his treasures, the son of Atreus then took a round cup, and ordered his son Megapenthes to carry a silver bowl; and Helen stood near the chests, where were her all-variegated garments, which she herself wrought. Helen, divine one of women, having taken one of these, brought it, which was the most beautiful in its embroidery and the largest: and it shone like a star, and lay lowest of all. And they set out to go onward through the house, until they came to Telemachus; but him auburn-haired Menelaus [thus] addressed:

"O Telemachus, may Jove, the loud-sounding husband of Juno, so accomplish thy return, as thou desirest in thy mind. But of the presents, whatever treasures lie in my house, I will give thee that which is most beautiful and precious. I will give thee a wrought bowl: but it is all silver, and the lips are bound with gold; it is the work of Vulcan: but the hero Phædimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it [to me], when his house sheltered me, as I was returning from thence; but I wish to give this to thee."

Thus having spoken, the hero Atrides placed the round cup in his hands; but strong Megapenthes bringing the shining silver bowl, placed it before him: and fair-cheeked Helen