Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/263

375—415. bring agreeable things to us. But come, before he collects the Greeks together to a meeting; (for I do not think that he will leave off, but he will be wrath with us, and rising up, he will tell amongst all, that we planned violent death for him, and did not reach him. But they, hearing [our] evil deeds, will not approve;) for fear they should do evil, and drive us out of our own land, and we should come to another people. But let us anticipate him, destroying [him] in the country at a distance from the city, or on the way: and let us ourselves have his property and possessions, dividing them amongst us by shares, and afterwards we may give the house to his mother to possess, and to whomsoever weds her. But if this advice displeases you, and you wish both that he should live, and possess all his ancestral property, then let not us, here assembled, consume his mind-delighting property to excess; but let each out of the palace woo her, seeking her with dowries: and she then may marry whoever gives her most [gifts], and comes destined [for her husband]."

Thus he spoke, but they all became mute in silence. And Amphinomus harangued and addressed them, the illustrious son of Nisus, son of king Aretias, who led the suitors from wheat-abounding, grassy Dulichium; and he especially pleased Penelope by his words; for he possessed an excellent mind. Who being well-disposed, harangued and addressed them:

"O friends, I indeed should not wish to slay Telemachus: it is a terrible thing to slay one of royal race: but first let us ask the counsel of the gods; and if the oracles of mighty Jove advise it, I myself will slay him, and will encourage all the rest; but if the gods turn us away from it, I exhort you to cease."

Thus spoke Amphinomus; and his discourse pleased them: immediately then rising up, they went to the house of Ulysses, and when they came they sat down upon polished thrones. But prudent Penelope thought of something new, to appear to the suitors who possess extravagant insolence; for she heard in the palace of the [threatened] destruction of her son; for the herald Medon, who heard their counsels, told her. And she went to the palace, with her women attendants: but when the divine one of women had come to the suitors, she then stood near the pillar of the firmly-made roof, holding up