Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/318

282 the middle with a sharp spear, and thy father would have been occupied about burial here for thee instead of marriage: therefore let not any one show unseemly behaviour to me in mine house; for I now understand and know every thing, both good and bad: but before I was still a child. But, however, we have endured to see these things, when our sheep were killed, and our wine drunk, and our bread [eat]: for it is difficult for one to hinder many. But come, no more do evil things to me, being hostile to me; but if thou now desirest to slay me myself with the brass, I would even wish it, and it would be much better to die, than for ever to behold these unseemly deeds, strangers treated disgracefully, and men dragging women-servants in an unseemly way through the beautiful palace."

Thus he spoke; but they were all mute in silence. But Agelaus, son of Damastor, at length addressed them:

"My friends, no one surely, chiding with opposing words, would be angry with what has been justly spoken. Neither insult the stranger any more, nor any other of the servants, who are in the house of divine Ulysses. But I would fain speak a kind word to Telemachus and his mother, if it would please them both in their hearts. As long as our mind expected in our breasts that wise Ulysses would return to his own home, so long there was no blame for her to remain, and restrain the suitors in the house: (since this was better, if Ulysses returned, and on his return reached his house:) but this is now evident, that he is no longer able to return. But come, sitting near thy mother, tell her this, to marry whatsoever man is best, and will give her the most [bridal presents]: that thou rejoicing mayest manage all thy paternal property, eating and drinking: and she may come to the house of another."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "No, by Jove, O Agelaus, and the griefs of my father, who has either perished or is wandering some where far away from Ithaca, I do not delay the marriage of my mother; but I order her to marry whomsoever she chooses, and who gives her abundant presents. But I am ashamed to thrust her from the palace against her will with a violent word; may not God bring this to pass."

Thus spoke Telemachus; but Pallas Minerva raised in-