Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/271

188—219. lest afterwards he should be wroth with me: now the chidings of masters are severe. But come now, let us go: for the day is now almost gone by, but soon indeed towards evening it will be more chilly."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "I know it, I am aware of it; thou commandest these things to one who understands. But let us go: do thou then lead the way throughout. But give me, if thou by chance hast one cut, a staff to lean upon, since thou sayest that it is a slippery way."

He spoke; and around his shoulders threw an unseemly satchel, densely ragged; but there was a twisted cord to hold it. But Eumæus gave him a mind-delighting staff. They twain went along: but the dogs and herdsmen remaining behind, defended the stall: and he led his master to the city, like unto a squalid beggar and an old man, leaning on a staff: and miserable garments were put upon his body. But when now treading the rugged way they were near the city, and reached the beautiful-flowing fountain, wrought by men's hands, from whence the citizens drew water, which Ithacus and Neritus and Polyctor made: and around there was a grove of water-nurtured poplars circular on all sides, and cold water flowed down from a rock from on high; and there was an altar of the Nymphs built above it, where all travellers made offerings. There Melanthius, son of Dolius, found them, bringing those goats which surpassed all the flocks, as a supper for the suitors: and two attendants followed him. But seeing [them], he chided them, and spoke and addressed them in a violent and unseemly manner; and he roused the heart of Ulysses [by saying thus]:

"Now indeed by all means the vile leads the vile; so the deity ever brings the like to the like. Where, O unenvied