Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/57

194—223. self will above all suggest to Telemachus [thus]. Let him command his mother to return to her father's; but they will make a marriage for her, and will prepare a very large dowry, such as ought to accompany a beloved daughter. For I do not think that the sons of the Grecians will rest from their troublesome suit before [this]; since we fear no one at all, not even Telemachus, although he is a man of many words. Nor do we regard the oracle, which thou, old man, speakest in vain, and thou art still more hated. But his property will be again evilly consumed, nor will it ever [again] be equal [to what it was], as long as she puts off the Grecians with respect to her marriage: but we, waiting all our days, contend on account of her excellence, nor do we go after others, whom it is proper for each to marry."

But him did the prudent Telemachus answer in turn: "Eurymachus, and others, as many as [are] illustrious suitors, I no longer beseech of you, nor speak these things: for now the gods and all the Grecians know them. But come, give me a swift ship and twenty companions, who may make way with me to different places. For I am going to Sparta and to sandy Pylos, to make inquiries of the return of my long-absent father, if any one of mortals could tell me, or I may hear some report from Jove, which especially brings notice to men. If I should hear of the life and return of my father, then, although afflicted, I would still endure for a year. But if I should hear that he is dead and no longer existing, then indeed, returning to my dear paternal land, I will build a sepulchre for him, and will perform very many funeral rites,