Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/366

330 the knees of many of them in the palace, and thou shouldst have rejoiced in thy mind within thee."

Thus they spoke to one another. But they, when they had ceased from their labour, and prepared the feast, sat down in order on benches and thrones: then they laid their hands on the meal: and the old man Dolius came near them, and with him the sons of the old man, labouring from their toils, for the mother, the Sicilian old woman, who nourished them, went and called them: and she diligently took care of the old man, since old age had seized upon him. But they, when they beheld Ulysses, and considered him in their mind, stood astonished in the palace; but Ulysses reproving them with gentle words, addressed them:

"O old man, sit down to the meal, and do ye forget astonishment: for we remain in the palace for a long time, eager to lay our hands upon the viands, still expecting you."

Thus he spoke; and Dolius went straight to him, stretching out both his hands; and taking the hand of Ulysses, he kissed it at the wrist, and addressing him spoke winged words:

"O dear one; since thou hast returned to us wishing [for thee], but not expecting thee, but the gods have brought thee, hail! and rejoice greatly, and may the gods give thee prosperity. And tell me this truly, that I may know it well, whether does prudent Penelope already know that thou hast returned hither, or shall we urge on a messenger?"

And him much-counselling Ulysses answering addressed: "Old man, she already knows it, what need is there for thee to care about these matters?"

Thus he spoke; and he again sat down upon the well-polished seat. In like manner the sons of Dolius saluted illustrious Ulysses with words, and took hold of his hands; and they sat down in order near Dolius their father. Thus then they prepared a meal in the palace.

Now a report swiftly went as a messenger every where through the city, telling of the hateful death and Fate of the suitors. But they, as soon as they heard it, went one one way, one another, with murmuring and groaning before the house of Ulysses: and they carried the dead bodies out of the house, and each buried them. But those from other cities they sent to fishermen to take each [to his own] home, placing them in their swift ships: and they went together to the