Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/338

302 draw nigh to the rafters, that for a long time, being alive, he may suffer severe griefs."

Thus he spoke; but they indeed heard him, and obeyed: and they went to the chamber; and they escaped the notice of him who was within. He indeed was searching for arms in the recess of the chamber: but they stood on each side remaining near to the pillars. When Melanthius, the goatherd, came over the threshold, in one hand indeed bearing a beautiful helmet, but in the other a wide shield, old, spoiled with dryness, belonging to the hero Laertes, which he had carried when a youth: at that time it lay aside, and the sewings of the thongs were loosed. But they rushing upon him seized him, and dragged him within by the hair: and they cast him down on the pavement sorrowing in his heart. And they bound his hands and feet together with a mind-grieving bond, having turned them very well entirely back, as the much-enduring son of Laertes, divine Ulysses, had commanded them. And binding a twisted rope from him, they drew him up a lofty pillar, and made him draw near to the rafters. But him thou didst with gibing address, O swineherd Eumæus:

"Now, O Melanthius, shalt thou watch during the whole night, lying down upon a soft bed, as becomes thee: nor will the mother of dawn coming upon thee in her golden throne, from the streams of the ocean, escape thee, when thou drivest goats for the suitors to the house, to get ready a feast."

Thus was he left there, stretched in a woeful bond. But they, having put on arms, and shut the shining door, went to wise, crafty Ulysses. There they stood breathing forth might; those who were upon the threshold, four in number; but those within the house, many and brave. But Minerva, daughter of Jove, came near them, likened unto Mentor both in person and voice. And Ulysses rejoiced on seeing her, and spoke thus:

"Mentor, ward off the fight, and remember me a dear companion, who have done thee good, and thou art of the same age with me."

Thus he spoke, thinking that it was Minerva, the defender of the people. But the suitors from the other side were threatening in the palace; first indeed Agelaus, son of Damastor, chided her:

"Mentor, let not Ulysses wrongly persuade thee with