Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/70

34 the fourth day when the companions of horse-subduing Diomede, the son of Tydeus, stopped their equal ships in Argos: but I kept towards Pylos; nor did the wind ever drop, after the god first sent it forth to blow. Thus I arrived, my dear child, without any knowledge, nor have I learnt any thing of them, who of the Greeks were saved and who perished. But whatever things I have heard whilst sitting in my palace, as far as is right, thou shalt know, nor will I conceal them from thee. They say that the spear-living Myrmidons returned well, whom the glorious son of magnanimous Achilles led; and Philoctetes [returned] well, the famous son of Pæas; and Idomeneus led all his companions to Crete, who had escaped from the war, and the sea took away no one from him; but you yourselves, although at a distance, hear of the son of Atreus, both how he came, and how Ægisthus devised sad death for him. But he indeed very miserably paid the forfeit: so good a thing is it that a son of a murdered man should be left, since he avenged himself upon the murderer of his father, crafty Ægisthus, who slew his illustrious sire. And do thou, my friend, for I see that thou art noble and great, be brave, that any one even of posterity may speak well of thee."

But him prudent Telemachus addressed in turn: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Grecians, he did indeed revenge him greatly, and the Greeks will bring to him renown far and wide, and for those who shall be hereafter to learn. Would that the gods would give me so much power to be revenged on the suitors for their troublesome overbearing, who insulting me devise impious things. But the gods have not destined such happiness for my father and me; and now it is necessary to endure it.

But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "O friend, since thou hast put me in mind of, and hast spoken these things, they say that many suitors on account of thy mother devise evil things in thy palace, against thy will; tell me, whether art thou overcome willingly, or do the people hate thee publicly, following the voice of God? But who knows whether he himself shall some time or other come, and