Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/290

264 joiced, because she drew gifts from them, and soothed their mind with mild words; but his thoughts meditated other things.

But her Antinous, son of Eupithes, addressed in turn: "O prudent Penelope, daughter of Icarus, receive gifts from whoever of the Greeks chooses to bring them hither; for it is not well to refuse a present. But we will neither go to our employments, or any where else, before thou art wedded to whoever is the best of the Grecians."

Thus spoke Antinous, and his discourse pleased them: and each sent a herald to bring presents. For Antinous indeed, he brought a large, beautiful, variegated robe; and there were twelve golden clasps in all upon it, fitted with well-bent eyes. And for Eurymachus, he immediately brought a much-variegated necklace of gold set with amber, like as the sun. And two servants brought ear-rings for Eurydamus, set with triple eye-like drops, beautifully wrought, and much beauty shone from them. And the servants of Pisander, the king, son of Polyctor, brought a collar, a very beautiful ornament. And different of the Grecians brought different handsome gifts. The divine one of women then ascended to the upper rooms; and with her the handmaidens carried the very beautiful presents. But they turning themselves to the dance and lovely song were delighted; and they remained until evening came: and black evening came over them while being delighted. Immediately they placed three braziers in the palace, that they might give light: and they put dry wood around, dried some time ago, very arid, lately cleft with brass: and they mixed brands with them: and the women-servants of patient Ulysses lit them up by turns; but the noble much-planning Ulysses himself addressed them:

"Ye women-servants of Ulysses, the long-absent king, go to the house, where is the venerable queen: and near her turn the distaff; and sitting in the palace, delight her, or comb the wool with your hands. But I will give light to all these. For even if they desire to wait till beautiful-throned morn, they shall not overcome me: for I am able to endure much."

Thus he spoke; but they laughed, and looked at one another. But fair-cheeked Melantho chided him shamefully: