Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/316

280 man, but I myself also know that prudence reaches thy mind, therefore I will tell thee, and swear a great oath besides. Now let Jove, first of the gods, be witness, and the hospitable table, and the hearth of blameless Ulysses, to which I am come, Ulysses will certainly come home while thou art here; and if thou desirest, thou wilt with thine eyes behold the suitors being slain, who reign here."

But him the man, herdsman over the oxen, addressed in turn: "Would that, O stranger, the son of Saturn may bring this word to pass: thou shouldst know what my power and hands are."

In like manner Eumæus prayed to all the gods, that wise Ulysses should return to his own home.

Thus they spoke such things to one another. But the suitors were preparing death and fate for Telemachus; but a bird flew on their left hand, a high-flying eagle, and it held a timid dove. But Amphinomus harangued and addressed them:

"O friends, this plan; the death of Telemachus, will not succeed for us; but let us be mindful of the feast."

Thus spoke Amphinomus; and his words pleased them. But coming to the house of divine Ulysses, they spread cloaks upon the benches and the thrones: and they sacrificed large sheep and fat goats, and they sacrificed fatted swine and a cow from the herd: and having roasted the entrails, they distributed them: but they mixed wine in the bowls; and the swineherd distributed the cups. Then Philætius, chief of men, distributed bread to them in beautiful baskets; and Melanthius poured out wine. But they stretched forth their hands to the food lying ready before them. And Telemachus, considering what was profitable, placed Ulysses within the well-built palace, near the stone threshold, putting an unseemly seat near, and a small table; and near him he placed a share of the entrails, and poured wine in a golden cup, and addressed discourse to him:

"Sit here now, drinking wine amongst the men; but I will ward off from thee the scoffings and the hands of all the suitors; since this house is by no means public, but belonging to Ulysses: and he obtained it for me. But do ye, O suitors, restrain your mind and hands from offending, lest some strife and contention should arise."