Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/368

332 they thought would no more return. And now may it happen thus: obey me, according as I advise; let us not go, lest by chance some one should meet with an evil drawn upon himself."

Thus he spoke; but they rushed out with a great shout, more than half of them; but the rest remained there together. For what he said did not please them in their mind, but they obeyed Eupithes: and quickly then they rushed to arms. But when they had put the shining brass around their bodies, they were assembled together before the wide-wayed city. But Eupithes led them in their folly: and he said that he would revenge the murder of his son; nor was he destined to return back, but to draw on his fate there. But Minerva addressed Jupiter, the son of Saturn:

"O father mine, thou son of Saturn, highest of kings, tell me, asking, what does thy mind now conceal within it? whether wilt thou first cause evil war and terrible strife? or hast thou made friendship on both sides?"

But her cloud-compelling Jove answering addressed: "My child, why dost thou ask and inquire of me these things? For hast not thou thyself devised this plan, that Ulysses having returned should be revenged upon them? Do as thou wilt: but I tell thee how it is fitting. Since divine Ulysses has been revenged on the suitors, making faithful oaths, let him always reign, but let us make oblivion of the deaths of their sons and brothers; and let them love one another as before; and let there be wealth and peace in abundance."

Thus having spoken, he incited Minerva, who was before eager, and she went rushing down from the tops of Olympus. But when they had taken away the desire of sweet food, much-enduring divine Ulysses began speaking to them: "Let some one, going out, see whether they are coming near."

Thus he spoke; but a son of Dolius went out, as he desired; and going he stood on the threshold, and he saw all of them near at hand: and immediately he addressed to Ulysses winged words:

"They are now near, but let us arm ourselves quickly." Thus he spoke; but they rose up, and were clad in their arms, the four with Ulysses, and the six sons of Dolius; and with them Laertes and Dolius put on their arms, although they were hoary, warriors through necessity. But when they had