Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/280

244 of Ulysses, dwelling in Crete, where is the race of Minos. He now indeed came hither from thence, suffering harm, rolling onwards from place to place; and he persists in (saying) that he heard of Ulysses being alive, in a rich people near the Thesprotians; and he brings many treasures home."

But him prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "Come, call him hither, that he himself may speak in my presence. But let these, either sitting at the doors, or here in the house, delight themselves; since their mind is glad. For their possessions lie uninjured in their houses, bread and sweet wine, these their servants eat: but they, frequenting our house all their days, sacrificing oxen and sheep, and fat goats, are feasting and drinking dark wine vainly: and many things are consumed; for there is no man present, such as Ulysses was, to ward off hostility from the house. But if Ulysses should come and reach his paternal land, soon would he with his son be revenged upon the violence of men."

Thus she spoke, but Telemachus sneezed loudly, and the house resounded violently around: but Penelope laughed, and quickly to Eumæus addressed winged words:

"Come, call the stranger hither to my presence. Dost thou not see, that my son has sneezed to all my words? Therefore may there be no imperfect death to all the suitors, nor may any one escape death and the Fates. But I tell thee something else, and do thou lay it up in thy mind, if I know that he speaks all things true, I will put a cloak on him, and a tunic, beautiful garments."

Thus she spoke; and the swineherd went, when he heard her discourse: and standing near him, addressed winged words:

"O father stranger, prudent Penelope, the mother of Telemachus, calls thee; her mind exhorts her to make some inquiries concerning her husband, although she suffers griefs. But if she knows that thou speakest all things true, she will put a cloak on thee, and a tunic, of which thou art most in need; and begging bread throughout the people, thou wilt feed thy belly; and whoever chooses will give to thee."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "O Eumæus, soon will I tell all things true to prudent Penelope, daughter of Icarus. For I know well concerning him,