Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/344

308 for they respected no one of mortal men, either wicked or good, whoever came to them; therefore through their infatuation they have drawn on an unseemly fate. But come, do thou enumerate tome the women in the palace, both who dishonour me, and who are innocent."

But him the dear nurse Euryclea addressed in turn: "Therefore, my child, will I tell thee the truth. Thou hast fifty women-servants in the palace, which we have taught to work works, to card fleeces, and to endure servitude: of these twelve have trod the path of shamelessness, neither respecting me nor Penelope herself. But Telemachus has but lately grown up, nor did his mother suffer him to give directions to the women-servants. But come, ascending to the beautiful upper-room, I will tell thy wife, upon whom some god has brought on sleep."

But her much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Do not yet rouse her up; but do thou bid the women come hither, who have before devised disgraceful deeds."

Thus he spoke; and the old woman went through the palace to tell the women, and to incite them to return. But he, calling Telemachus and the herdsman and swineherd to him, spoke winged words:

"Now begin to carry away the dead, and bid the women [do so]; and then clean the very beautiful thrones and tables with water and much-perforated sponges. But when ye have arranged all things in the house, taking the handmaidens out of the well-reared palace, strike them with long-pointed swords between the dome and the spotless court of the hall, until ye have taken away the lives of all of them, and they have forgotten Venus, whom they enjoyed with the suitors, and were mingled secretly [in love]."

Thus he spoke; and the women came all together, lamenting sadly, shedding the warm tear. First indeed then they carried away the dead corses, and they placed them under the portico of the well-enclosed court, resting against each other: and Ulysses himself gave directions, hastening them: and they carried them out even by compulsion. But when they had cleansed the very beautiful thrones and tables, with water, and much perforated sponges. But Telemachus and the herds-