Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/348

312 has come alive to the hearth, and he has found thee, and his son in the palace; but the suitors who treated him evilly, he has revenged himself upon all of them in his own house."

But her prudent Penelope addressed in turn: "O dear nurse, do not by any means boast greatly, exulting; for thou knowest how welcome he would appear to all in the palace, but especially to me, and to my son, to whom we gave life. But this is not a true tale, as thou tellest it; but some one of the immortals has slain the noble suitors, being indignant at their mind-grieving insolence and evil deeds: for they honoured no one of mortal men, either bad or good, whoever came to them; wherefore through their infatuation have they suffered ill: but Ulysses has lost his return, far away from Achaia, and has himself perished."

But her the dear nurse Euryclea then answered: "My child, what word has escaped thy lips? didst thou never think that thy husband, who was within at the hearth, would never come home? but thy mind is ever incredulous. But come, I will tell thee some other very plain sign, the scar, which once a boar inflicted upon him with his white tusk, this I perceived whilst washing him: and I wished to tell thee thyself; but he, taking hold of me upon the mouth with his hands, did not allow me to tell thee, through the great knowledge of his mind. But follow; and I will lay down a pledge for myself, if I deceive thee, that thou shalt kill me by a most grievous destruction."

But her prudent Penelope then answered: "Dear nurse, it is difficult for thee to know the counsels of the gods, who are for ever, although thou art very skilful; but, however, let us go to my son, that I may see the dead suitors, and him who slew them."

Thus having spoken, she went down from the upper-room; but much did her heart meditate, whether she should inquire of her dear husband afar off, or standing near him, should kiss his head, taking hold of his hands. But when she entered and passed over the stone threshold, then she sat opposite