Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/53

58—94. consumed; for there is not present such a man as Ulysses was, to avert the calamity from the house. We are by no means such [as he was] to resist them; and besides we should be both weak, and not skilled in strength. Truly would I resist them, if strength were mine. For no longer are the deeds to be endured that have been done, and no longer does my house perish honourably. Be ye yourselves indignant, and revere other neighbouring men, who dwell around: and dread the wrath of the gods, lest they should make some change, enraged at your evil deeds. I beseech you by Olympian Jove and by Themis, who both breaks up and seats the assemblies of men, withhold, my friends, and suffer me to be afflicted alone with mournful grief, if my father the good Ulysses, being hostile, has at any time done evil to the well-greaved Grecians. Taking revenge upon me for these things, be hostile to me, and do me harm, inciting these. And it would be better for me that ye should consume my household-stuff, and my cattle. But if you should devour them, perhaps there would be a requital hereafter; for so long should we make entreaties through the city, demanding back our goods, until all shall be restored: but now you cast incurable griefs into my mind."

Thus he spoke enraged, and cast the sceptre on the earth, bursting into tears; and pity possessed all the people. Here all the others were silent, nor did anyone dare to answer Telemachus with bitter words; but Antinous alone in answer addressed him.

"Telemachus, of lofty speech, intolerable in spirit, what hast thou said, disgracing us! Thou wouldst wish in truth to attach blame [to us]. The suitors of the Grecians are not at all to blame, but thy mother, who is exceedingly skilled in craft: for it is now the third year, and the fourth is going on swiftly, since she deceives the mind of the Grecians in their breast. She makes all hope, and promises every man, sending messages; but her mind hankers after other things. For she planned this other deceit in her mind; having begun a