Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/295

30—67. Thus he spoke; but the word was unwinged: and she shut the gates of the well-built palace. But Ulysses and his glorious son hastening, carried in the helmets, and embossed shields, and sharp spears: and Pallas Minerva before [them], holding a golden lamp, gave a very beautiful light. Then Telemachus quickly addressed his sire:

"O father, truly I behold this a great marvel with mine eyes: the walls of the palace, and the beautiful intercolumniations, and the fir-tree beams, and the lofty columns, shine altogether before mine eyes, as with burning fire. Certainly some god is within, [of those] who possess the wide heaven."

But him much-planning Ulysses addressed in answer: "Be silent; and restrain thy thoughts, nor make inquiries: this indeed is the right of the gods who possess Olympus. But do thou go and lie down; and I will remain here, that I may still excite the handmaidens and thy mother: but she mourning will ask me concerning every thing."

Thus he spoke; and Telemachus went through out of the palace to his chamber to lie down, (shining under the light of torches,) where he before lay down, when sweet sleep came upon him. There indeed he at that time also lay down, and waited for divine morn. But divine Ulysses was left in the palace meditating destruction for the suitors, with Minerva. And prudent Penelope came from her chamber, like unto Diana, and golden Venus: for her indeed they placed a seat near the fire, upon which she sat, turned with ivory and silver; which formerly the artificer Icmalius wrought, and under it he put a footstool for the feet, joined to it, upon which a large fleece was spread. There then prudent Penelope sat down. And white-armed handmaidens came from the palace: and they took away much bread, and the tables, and the cups, from which the over-violent men drank. And they threw the fire from the hearths upon the ground; and heaped up much other wood upon them, to be a light and to give warmth. And Melantho a second time chided Ulysses:

"O stranger, still wilt thou trouble us here, ranging through the house in the night? and wilt thou watch the women?