Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/242

206 As he was thus speaking a bird flew on his right hand, an eagle, bearing a large white goose in its talons, tame, from the court: and men and women followed shouting: and it, coming near to them, rushed on their right hand before the horses, and they beholding it rejoiced, and the mind of all was delighted in their breasts. But to them Pisistratus, son of Nestor, began the discourse: "Now tell me, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, chieftain of the people, if God has shown this as a sign to us, or to thee thyself."

Thus he spoke: but Mars-beloved Menelaus meditated, reflecting in what way he should answer him rightly. But long-robed Helen spoke, anticipating him: "Listen to me, and I will prophesy, as the immortals put it in my mind, and as I think it will be accomplished. As this [eagle] coming from the mountain, where is its race and birth, snatched away the goose, which had been nurtured delicately in the house; so Ulysses, having suffered many ills, and having wandered much, will return home and be revenged; or is already at home, and devises evil for all the suitors."

But her prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "May Jove, the loud-sounding husband of Juno, so bring it to pass, then would I, even there, make vows to thee, as to a god."

He spoke, and threw the scourge upon the horses: and they very quickly rushed to the plain from the city, eager. And they all the day, having the yoke around [their necks], shook it: and the sun set, and all the ways were overshadowed. And they came to Pheræ, to the house of Diocles, son of Orsilochus, whom Alphëus begot as his son. And there they slept during the night; and he set before them hospitable gifts. But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, they yoked the horses, and mounted the variegated chariot: and they drove out of the vestibule and resounding portico. And he scourged them that they should go on; and they not unwilling flew. And they quickly came to the lofty citadel of Pylos: and then Telemachus addressed the son of Nestor:

"O son of Nestor, how, having promised what I ask, wouldst thou perform it? throughout we profess ourselves to be acquaintances from the friendship of our fathers; but we are also of equal age; and this journey will more confirm us in unity of mind. Do not take me beyond out of the way of