Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/347

13—54. changed a vain-minded person to prudence; they have hurt even thee; but before thou wast right in thy understanding. Why dost thou taunt me, who have a much-sorrowing mind, speaking these out of the way things? and why hast thou upraised me from pleasant sleep, which bound me, covering around my dear eyelids? For never have I slept such a sleep, since Ulysses went to see Ill-Troy, not to be named. But come, descend now, and go back to the palace. For if any one else of the women, whom I have, had come telling me these things, and had raised me up from sleep, then would I soon have sent her back severely, to return again within the palace; but in this thy old age will profit thee."

But her the dear nurse Euryclea addressed in turn: "I do not taunt thee, dear child; but Ulysses truly is come, and has reached home, as I say, the stranger, whom all dishonoured in the palace; but Telemachus some time since knew him, being within, but by his prudence he concealed his knowledge of his father, that he might be revenged on the violence of haughty men."

Thus she spoke; but she rejoiced, and leaping from her bed, embraced the old woman, and from her eyelids sent forth a tear; and addressing her, she spoke winged words:

"Come, dear nurse, tell me truly, if he indeed has reached home, as thou sayest, how did he lay hands upon the shameless suitors, being alone, whilst they always remained together within."

But her the dear nurse Euryclea addressed in turn: "I did not see, nor did I inquire, but I heard only the groaning of them being slain; but we, affrighted, sat in the recess of the well-built chambers, and the well-fitted doors held fast; before that thy son Telemachus called me from the palace: for his father sent him on to call me. Then I found Ulysses standing amongst the slain corses; but they around him possessing the stone-paved ground, lay upon one another: thou wouldst have rejoiced in thy mind, beholding him [bedaubed with blood and gore, like a lion]. Now indeed they are all together at the court gates: but he is fumigating the most beautiful house, having kindled a great fire: but he sent me on to call thee. But follow, that both of you may obtain delight in your dear hearts; since ye have suffered many evils. But now at length this long hope is accomplished. He himself