Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/302

266 would at length escort him to his dear paternal land. But me he sent away first; for a ship of the Thesprotians happened to be coming to wheat-abounding Dulichium. And to me he showed the possessions, whatsoever Ulysses had collected; and they would support another man even to the tenth generation, so many treasures of his lie in the palace of the king. And he said that he was gone to Dodona, that he might ask the counsel of God from the lofty-tressed oak of Jove, in what way he should return to his dear paternal land, having been now a long time absent, whether openly or secretly. So he is thus safe, and will come now very near, nor any more will he for a long time be far away from his friends and paternal land; however I will plight thee an oath: now let Jove first be witness, the highest and most excellent of the gods, and the hearth of blameless Ulysses, to which I am come, all these things shall surely be brought to pass, as I relate them: Ulysses will come here in this same year, when this month wanes, and the next begins."

But him prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "Would that, O stranger, this word might be accomplished: then shouldst thou soon experience my friendship, and [receive] many gifts from me; so that any one who met thee would congratulate thee. But thus does it appear to me in my mind, even as it will be: neither will Ulysses any more come home, nor will thou obtain an escort: since there are not masters in the house, such as was Ulysses amongst men, (if ever he was) to send away and to receive venerable strangers. But wash him, handmaidens, and place a bed for him, couches and cloaks, and beautiful rugs, that being well warmed he may reach the golden-throned Morn. But very early in the morning wash and anoint him, that sitting within near Telemachus he may take care of his meal: but it shall be more sad for him, whoever of them afflicting him in mind causes him sorrow, and he shall no more effect any work here, although exceedingly enraged. For how, stranger, wilt thou know of me, whether I excel other women at all in thought, or prudent counsel, if thou feastest in the palace, squalid, ill-clad? but men are short-lived. Whoever is himself cruel, and knows what is cruel, upon him all mortals imprecate griefs hereafter when alive; but all scoff at him when dead: but whoever is him-