Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/48

12 whose glory is far spread through Greece and the middle of Argos."

Her prudent Telemachus addressed in turn: "My mother, why dost thou grudge the agreeable bard to delight in what way his mind incites him; the bards are not the cause, but Jove is sometimes the cause, who suggests to ingenious men, as he chooses to each. There is no blame for him to sing the evil fate of the Grecians. For men celebrate that song most, which is newest to the hearers. But let thy heart and mind endure to hear it. For Ulysses was not the only one who, at Troy, lost his return; but many other men likewise perished. Go then into thy chamber, and attend to thine own employments, the web and the distaff, and bid thy servants hasten their work; but conversation shall be a care to all men, and especially to me; for the authority within the house is mine." She indeed astonished went again within the house; for she revolved in her mind the prudent words of her son. And going to the upper room with her women attendants, she then wept for her dear husband Ulysses, until blue-eyed Minerva shed sweet sleep over her eyelids. But the suitors were rioting within the shaded dwellings, and all longed to recline on a couch with her.

But prudent Telemachus began to address them: "Suitors of my mother, who are possessed of overbearing insolence, now let us delight ourselves feasting, nor let there be any clamour; since this is an honourable thing, to hear such a bard as he is, like unto the gods in his voice. But in the morning let us all go and sit down in assembly, that I may confidently declare this message to you, that you are to go out of this dwelling; and prepare other feasts, consuming your own possessions, taking turns at each other's houses. But if this seems to you more proper and better, to destroy with impunity the livelihood of one man, waste it; but I will call upon the immortal gods; If Jupiter shall grant that deeds shall meet with retribution, then shall ye perish unrevenged within the house."

Thus he spoke; but they all biting their lips marvelled at Telemachus, that he harangued so boldly.