Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/87

287—326. upon his mouth with his strong hands, and saved all the Grecians: he held him so long until Pallas Minerva led thee far away.]"

But him prudent Telemachus addressed in turn: "O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, it is more grievous; for these things did in no wise avert sad death from him, not even if his heart was of steel within. But come, send us to bed, that we may now be delighted with sweet sleep, being laid down to rest."

Thus he spoke; and Argive Helen ordered the maid-servants to place couches under the portico, and to throw on them beautiful purple rugs, and to strew tapestry on the top, and to place on them woollen cloaks to cover them above. But they went from the palace, holding a torch in their hands: and they strewed the couches; and the herald led out the guests. They indeed, the hero Telemachus and the illustrious son of Nestor, lay there in the vestibule of the house; but the son of Atreus slept in the recess of the lofty house, and near him lay long-robed Helen, a divine one amongst women. But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, Menelaus, gallant in the din of battle, arose from his bed, having put on his garments; and around his shoulder he girded a sharp sword, and beneath his shining feet he bound beautiful sandals; and hastened from the chamber like unto a god to behold, and he sat near Telemachus, and spoke, and called him by name:

"What necessity brought thee hither, O hero Telemachus, to divine Lacedæmon, over the wide back of the sea? Public or private? tell me this truly."

But him prudent Telemachus answered in turn: "O Menelaus, Jove-nurtured son of Atreus, chieftain of the people, I am come [to see] if perchance thou couldst tell me any report concerning my father. My house is being consumed, and rich tillages are perishing. And my house is full of hostile men, who are constantly slaying my tender sheep, and my curve-footed, crooked-horned oxen, suitors of my mother, possessing over-bearing insolence. Wherefore I come to thy knees, if thou art willing to tell of his mournful death, if thou hast any where beheld it with thine eyes, or hast heard the tale of any one else wandering: for his mother brought him forth exceedingly calamitous. Nor by any means reverencing me,