The Odyssey of Homer Part 29

They also raked the embers from the hearths Now dim, and with fresh billets piled them high, Both for illumination and for warmth.

Then yet again Melantho with rude speech Opprobrious, thus, a.s.sail'd Ulysses' ear. 80 Guest--wilt thou trouble us throughout the night Ranging the house? and linger'st thou a spy Watching the women? Hence--get thee abroad Glad of such fare as thou hast found, or soon With torches beaten we will thrust thee forth.

To whom Ulysses, frowning stern, replied.

Petulant woman! wherefore thus incensed Inveigh'st thou against me? is it because I am not sleek? because my garb is mean?

Because I beg? thanks to necessity-- 90 I would not else. But such as I appear, Such all who beg and all who wander are.

I also lived the happy owner once Of such a stately mansion, and have giv'n To num'rous wand'rers, whencesoe'er they came, All that they needed; I was also served By many, and enjoy'd all that denotes The envied owner opulent and blest.

But Jove (for so it pleas'd him) hath reduced My all to nothing. Therefore well beware 100 Thou also, mistress, lest a day arrive When all these charms by which thou shin'st among Thy sister-menials, fade; fear, too, lest her Thou should'st perchance irritate, whom thou serv'st, And lest Ulysses come, of whose return Hope yet survives; but even though the Chief Have perish'd, as ye think, and comes no more, Consider yet his son, how bright the gifts Shine of Apollo in the ill.u.s.trious Prince Telemachus; no woman, un.o.bserved 110 By him, can now commit a trespa.s.s here; His days of heedless infancy are past.

He ended, whom Penelope discrete O'erhearing, her attendant sharp rebuked.

Shameless, audacious woman! known to me Is thy great wickedness, which with thy life Thou shalt atone; for thou wast well aware, (Hearing it from myself) that I design'd To ask this stranger of my absent Lord, For whose dear sake I never cease to mourn. 120 Then to her household's governess she said.

Bring now a seat, and spread it with a fleece, Eurynome! that, undisturb'd, the guest May hear and answer all that I shall ask.

She ended. Then the matron brought in haste A polish'd seat, and spread it with a fleece, On which the toil-accustom'd Hero sat, And thus the chaste Penelope began.

Stranger! my first enquiry shall be this-- Who art thou? whence? where born? and sprung from whom? 130 Then answer thus Ulysses, wise, return'd.

O Queen! uncensurable by the lips Of mortal man! thy glory climbs the skies Unrivall'd, like the praise of some great King Who o'er a num'rous people and renown'd Presiding like a Deity, maintains Justice and truth. The earth, under his sway, Her produce yields abundantly; the trees Fruit-laden bend; the l.u.s.ty flocks bring forth; The Ocean teems with finny swarms beneath 140 His just controul, and all the land is blest.

Me therefore, question of what else thou wilt In thy own palace, but forbear to ask From whom I sprang, and of my native land, Lest thou, reminding me of those sad themes, Augment my woes; for I have much endured; Nor were it seemly, in another's house, To pa.s.s the hours in sorrow and in tears, Wearisome when indulg'd with no regard To time or place; thy train (perchance thyself) 150 Would blame me, and I should reproach incur As one tear-deluged through excess of wine.

Him answer'd then Penelope discrete.

The immortal G.o.ds, O stranger, then destroy'd My form, my grace, my beauty, when the Greeks Whom my Ulysses follow'd, sail'd to Troy.

Could he, returning, my domestic charge Himself intend, far better would my fame Be so secured, and wider far diffused.

But I am wretched now, such storms of woe 160 The G.o.ds have sent me; for as many Chiefs As hold dominion in the neighbour isles Samos, Dulichium, and the forest-crown'd Zacynthus; others, also, rulers here In pleasant Ithaca, me, loth to wed, Woo ceaseless, and my household stores consume.

I therefore, neither guest nor suppliant heed, Nor public herald more, but with regret Of my Ulysses wear my soul away.

They, meantime, press my nuptials, which by art 170 I still procrastinate. Some G.o.d the thought Suggested to me, to commence a robe Of amplest measure and of subtlest woof, Laborious task; which done, I thus address'd them.

Princes, my suitors! since the n.o.ble Chief Ulysses is no more, enforce not now My nuptials; wait till I shall finish first A fun'ral robe (lest all my threads be marr'd) Which for the ancient Hero I prepare Laertes, looking for the mournful hour 180 When fate shall s.n.a.t.c.h him to eternal rest.

Else, I the censure dread of all my s.e.x, Should he, so wealthy, want at last a shroud.

Such was my speech; they, unsuspicious all, With my request complied. Thenceforth, all day I wove the ample web, and, by the aid Of torches, ravell'd it again at night.

Three years by artifice I thus their suit Eluded safe; but when the fourth arrived, And the same season after many moons 190 And fleeting days return'd, pa.s.sing my train Who had neglected to release the dogs, They came, surprized and reprimanded me.

Thus, through necessity, not choice, at last I have perform'd it, in my own despight.

But no escape from marriage now remains, Nor other subterfuge for me; meantime My parents urge my nuptials, and my son (Of age to note it) with disgust observes His wealth consumed; for he is now become 200 Adult, and abler than myself to rule The house, a Prince distinguish'd by the G.o.ds, Yet, stranger, after all, speak thy descent; Say whence thou art; for not of fabulous birth Art thou, nor from the oak, nor from the rock.

Her answer'd then Ulysses, ever-wise.

O spouse revered of Laertiades!

Resolv'st thou still to learn from whom I sprang?

Learn then; but know that thou shalt much augment My present grief, natural to a man 210 Who hath, like me, long exiled from his home Through various cities of the sons of men Wander'd remote, and num'rous woes endured.

Yet, though it pain me, I will tell thee all.

There is a land amid the sable flood Call'd Crete; fair, fruitful, circled by the sea.

Num'rous are her inhabitants, a race Not to be summ'd, and ninety towns she boasts.

Diverse their language is; Achaians some, And some indigenous are; Cydonians there, 220 Crest-shaking Dorians, and Pelasgians dwell.

One city in extent the rest exceeds, Cnossus; the city in which Minos reign'd, Who, ever at a nine years' close, conferr'd With Jove himself; from him my father sprang The brave Deucalion; for Deucalion's sons Were two, myself and King Idomeneus.

To Ilium he, on board his gallant barks, Follow'd the Atridae. I, the youngest-born, By my ill.u.s.trious name, aethon, am known, 230 But he ranks foremost both in worth and years.

There I beheld Ulysses, and within My walls receiv'd him; for a violent wind Had driv'n him from Malea (while he sought The sh.o.r.es of Troy) to Crete. The storm his barks Bore into the Amnisus, for the cave Of Ilythia known, a dang'rous port, And which with difficulty he attain'd.

He, landing, instant to the city went, Seeking Idomeneus; his friend of old, 240 As he affirm'd, and one whom much he lov'd.

But _he_ was far remote, ten days advanced, Perhaps eleven, on his course to Troy.

Him, therefore, I conducted to my home, Where hospitably, and with kindest care I entertain'd him, (for I wanted nought) And for himself procured and for his band,-- By public contribution, corn, and wine, And beeves for food, that all might be sufficed.

Twelve days his n.o.ble Greecians there abode, 250 Port-lock'd by Boreas blowing with a force Resistless even on the land, some G.o.d So roused his fury; but the thirteenth day The wind all fell, and they embark'd again.

With many a fiction specious, as he sat, He thus her ear amused; she at the sound Melting, with fluent tears her cheeks bedew'd; And as the snow by Zephyrus diffused, Melts on the mountain tops, when Eurus breathes, And fills the channels of the running streams, 260 So melted she, and down her lovely cheeks Pour'd fast the tears, him mourning as remote Who sat beside her. Soft compa.s.sion touch'd Ulysses of his consort's silent woe; His eyes as they had been of steel or horn, Moved not, yet artful, he suppress'd his tears, And she, at length with overflowing grief Satiate, replied, and thus enquired again.

Now, stranger, I shall prove thee, as I judge, If thou, indeed, hast entertain'd in Crete 270 My spouse and his brave followers, as thou say'st.

Describe his raiment and himself; his own Appearance, and the appearance of his friends.

Then her Ulysses answer'd, ever-wise.

Hard is the task, O Queen! (so long a time Hath since elaps'd) to tell thee. Twenty years Have pa.s.s'd since he forsook my native isle, Yet, from my best remembrance, I will give A likeness of him, such as now I may.

A double cloak, thick-piled, Monian dyed, 280 The n.o.ble Chief had on; two fast'nings held The golden clasp, and it display'd in front A well-wrought pattern with much art design'd.

An hound between his fore-feet holding fast A dappled fawn, gaped eager on his prey.

All wonder'd, seeing, how in lifeless gold Express'd, the dog with open mouth her throat Attempted still, and how the fawn with hoofs Thrust trembling forward, struggled to escape.

That glorious mantle much I noticed, soft 290 To touch, as the dried garlick's glossy film; Such was the smoothness of it, and it shone Sun-bright; full many a maiden, trust me, view'd The splendid texture with admiring eyes.

But mark me now; deep treasure in thy mind This word. I know not if Ulysses wore That cloak at home, or whether of his train Some warrior gave it to him on his way, Or else some host of his; for many loved Ulysses, and with him might few compare. 300 I gave to him, myself, a brazen sword, A purple cloak magnificent, and vest Of royal length, and when he sought his bark, With princely pomp dismiss'd him from the sh.o.r.e.

An herald also waited on the Chief, Somewhat his Senior; him I next describe.

His back was bunch'd, his visage swarthy, curl'd His poll, and he was named Eurybates; A man whom most of all his followers far Ulysses honour'd, for their minds were one. 310 He ceased; she recognising all the proofs Distinctly by Ulysses named, was moved Still more to weep, till with o'erflowing grief Satiate, at length she answer'd him again.

Henceforth, O stranger, thou who hadst before My pity, shalt my rev'rence share and love, I folded for him (with these hands) the cloak Which thou describ'st, produced it when he went, And gave it to him; I that splendid clasp Attach'd to it myself, more to adorn 320 My honour'd Lord, whom to his native land Return'd secure I shall receive no more.

In such an evil hour Ulysses went To that bad city never to be named.

To whom Ulysses, ever-wise, replied.

Consort revered of Laertiades!

No longer let anxiety impair Thy beauteous form, nor any grief consume Thy spirits more for thy Ulysses' sake.

And yet I blame thee not; a wife deprived 330 Of her first mate to whom she had produced Fair fruit of mutual love, would mourn his loss, Although he were inferior far to thine, Whom fame affirms the semblance of the G.o.ds.

But cease to mourn. Hear me. I will relate A faithful tale, nor will from thee withhold Such tidings of Ulysses living still, And of his safe return, as I have heard Lately, in yon neighb'ring opulent land Of the Thesprotians. He returns enrich'd 340 With many precious stores from those obtain'd Whom he hath visited; but he hath lost, Departing from Thrinacia's isle, his bark And all his lov'd companions in the Deep, For Jove was adverse to him, and the Sun, Whose beeves his followers slew. They perish'd all Amid the billowy flood; but Him, the keel Bestriding of his bark, the waves at length Cast forth on the Phaeacian's land, a race Allied to heav'n, who rev'renced like a G.o.d 350 Thy husband, honour'd him with num'rous gifts, And willing were to have convey'd him home.

Ulysses, therefore, had attained long since His native sh.o.r.e, but that he deem'd it best To travel far, that he might still ama.s.s More wealth; so much Ulysses all mankind Excels in policy, and hath no peer.

This information from Thesprotia's King I gain'd, from Phidon; to myself he swore, Libation off'ring under his own roof, 360 That both the bark was launch'd, and the stout crew Prepared, that should conduct him to his home.

But me he first dismiss'd; for, as it chanced, A ship lay there of the Thesprotians, bound To corn-enrich'd Dulichium. All the wealth He shew'd me by the Chief ama.s.s'd, a store To feed the house of yet another Prince To the tenth generation; so immense His treasures were within that palace lodg'd.

Himself he said was to Dodona gone, 370 Counsel to ask from the oracular oaks Sublime of Jove, how safest he might seek, After long exile thence, his native land, If openly were best, or in disguise.

Thus, therefore, he is safe, and at his home Well-nigh arrived, nor shall his country long Want him. I swear it with a solemn oath.

First Jove be witness, King and Lord of all!

Next these domestic G.o.ds of the renown'd Ulysses, in whose royal house I sit, 380 That thou shalt see my saying all fulfill'd.

Ulysses shall this self-same year return, This self-same month, ere yet the next begin.

Him answer'd then Penelope discrete.

Grant heav'n, my guest, that this good word of thine Fail not! then, soon shalt thou such bounty share And friendship at my hands, that, at first sight, Whoe'er shall meet thee shall p.r.o.nounce thee blest.

But ah! my soul forebodes how it will prove; Neither Ulysses will return, nor thou 390 Receive safe conduct hence; for we have here None, such as once Ulysses was, to rule His household with authority, and to send With honourable convoy to his home The worthy guest, or to regale him here.

Give him the bath, my maidens; spread his couch With linen soft, with fleecy gaberdines[82]

And rugs of splendid hue, that he may lie Waiting, well-warm'd, the golden morn's return.

Attend him also at the peep of day 400 With bath and unction, that, his seat resumed Here in the palace, he may be prepared For breakfast with Telemachus; and woe To him who shall presume to incommode Or cause him pain; that man shall be cashier'd Hence instant, burn his anger as it may.

For how, my honour'd inmate! shalt thou learn That I in wisdom conomic aught Pa.s.s other women, if unbathed, unoiled, Ill-clad, thou sojourn here? man's life is short, 410 Whoso is cruel, and to cruel arts Addict, on him all men, while yet he lives, Call plagues and curses down, and after death Scorn and proverbial mock'ries hunt his name.

But men, humane themselves, and giv'n by choice To offices humane, from land to land Are rumour'd honourably by their guests, And ev'ry tongue is busy in their praise.

Her answer'd then, Ulysses, ever-wise.

Consort revered of Laertiades! 420 Warm gaberdines and rugs of splendid hue To me have odious been, since first the sight Of Crete's snow-mantled mountain-tops I lost, Sweeping the billows with extended oars.

No; I will pa.s.s, as I am wont to pa.s.s The sleepless night; for on a sordid couch Outstretch'd, full many a night have I reposed Till golden-charioted Aurora dawn'd.

Nor me the foot-bath pleases more; my foot Shall none of all thy ministring maidens touch, 430 Unless there be some ancient matron grave Among them, who hath pangs of heart endured Num'rous, and keen as I have felt myself; Her I refuse not. She may touch my feet.

Him answer'd then prudent Penelope.

Dear guest! for of all trav'llers here arrived From distant regions, I have none received Discrete as thou, or whom I more have lov'd, So just thy matter is, and with such grace Express'd. I have an ancient maiden grave, 440 The nurse who at my hapless husband's birth Receiv'd him in her arms, and with kind care Maternal rear'd him; she shall wash thy feet, Although decrepid. Euryclea, rise!

Wash one coeval with thy Lord; for such The feet and hands, it may be, are become Of my Ulysses now; since man beset With sorrow once, soon wrinkled grows and old.

She said, then Euryclea with both hands Cov'ring her face, in tepid tears profuse 450 Dissolved, and thus in mournful strains began.

Alas! my son, trouble for thy dear sake Distracts me. Jove surely of all mankind Thee hated most, though ever in thy heart Devoutly giv'n; for never mortal man So many thighs of fatted victims burn'd, And chosen hecatombs produced as thou To Jove the Thund'rer, him entreating still That he would grant thee a serene old age, And to instruct, thyself, thy glorious son. 460 Yet thus the G.o.d requites thee, cutting off All hope of thy return--oh ancient sir!

Him too, perchance, where'er he sits a guest Beneath some foreign roof, the women taunt, As all these shameless ones have taunted thee, Fearing whose mock'ry thou forbidd'st their hands This office, which Icarius' daughter wise To me enjoins, and which I, glad perform.

Yes, I will wash thy feet; both for her sake And for thy own,--for sight of thee hath raised 470 A tempest in my mind. Hear now the cause!

Full many a guest forlorn we entertain, But never any have I seen, whose size, The fashion of whose foot and pitch of voice, Such likeness of Ulysses show'd, as thine.

To whom Ulysses, ever-shrewd, replied.

Such close similitude, O ancient dame!

As thou observ'st between thy Lord and me, All, who have seen us both, have ever found.

He said; then taking the resplendent vase 480 Allotted always to that use, she first Infused cold water largely, then, the warm.

Ulysses (for beside the hearth he sat) Turn'd quick his face into the shade, alarm'd Lest, handling him, she should at once remark His scar, and all his stratagem unveil.

She then, approaching, minister'd the bath To her own King, and at first touch discern'd That token, by a bright-tusk'd boar of old Impress'd, what time he to Parna.s.sus went 490 To visit there Autolycus and his sons, His mother's n.o.ble sire, who all mankind In furtive arts and fraudful oaths excell'd.[83]

For such endowments he by gift receiv'd From Hermes' self, to whom the thighs of kids He offer'd and of lambs, and, in return, The watchful Hermes never left his side.

Autolycus arriving in the isle Of pleasant Ithaca, the new-born son Of his own daughter found, whom on his knees 500 At close of supper Euryclea placed, And thus the royal visitant address'd.

Thyself, Autolycus! devise a name For thy own daughter's son, by num'rous pray'rs Of thine and fervent, from the G.o.ds obtained.

Then answer thus Autolycus return'd.

My daughter and my daughter's spouse! the name Which I shall give your boy, that let him bear.

Since after provocation and offence To numbers giv'n of either s.e.x, I come, 510 Call him Ulysses;[84] and when, grown mature, He shall Parna.s.sus visit, the abode Magnificent in which his mother dwelt, And where my treasures lie, from my own stores I will enrich and send him joyful home.